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hopepaigeturner · 2 years

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Sophie Beckett & Female Power: Untapped Potential

That's right here we go, buckle up and in.

So, this is going to be a bit of a mix between creative ideas/character analysis mixing both Bridgerton the show and An Offer From A Gentleman. (AOFAG)

Currently, in the show, we have roughly seen two types of femininity (if I were to generalise). We have Lady Violet and Daphne exhibiting a more maternal take on femininity, and then we have Kate and Eloise (even Penelope) with a more ‘girl-boss’ femininity.

But I think in the character of Sophie Beckett, JQ laid the foundations for a different type of femininity, another facet of female power, which can be explored further in the show...

I argue that the show could emphasise how Sophie Beckett’s female power comes from her kindness and empathy, which enables her to create strong, female relationships. It is this female power that enables her to save herself and orchestrate her own emancipation.

Background: Cinderella & Female Power

Now, due to AOFAG being a Cinderella retelling, I can see how some people might assume the opposite from Sophie. I have already touched upon this in my other comment on @bridgertonbabe’s post concerning Posy’s role and some of those ideas shall be repeated here. Concerning ‘background’, I shall refer primarily to ideas/debates surrounding the 1950s Disney Cinderella, as I believe that is most prevalent in people’s minds when we talk about this topic.

As I said in that other post, many people critique Cinderella as an ‘anti-feminist’ figure, a ‘weak role model’ for young girls. Many argue that Cinderella does not have agency because events happen to her, she does not initiate them; it is her father’s death that leads to her servitude; the fairy godmother steps in and enables her to go to the ball, and the prince steps in and marries her.

However, when people brand this character as a portrayal of ‘weak’ femininity, I do not think they are considering that Cinderella is an abuse victim. While yes, some abuse victims can find their own ways out of abusive situations, it is very common that abuse victims need some type of intervention.

AND THAT DOES NOT MAKE THEM WEAK. NEEDING HELP IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS. NEEDING INTERVENTION DOES NOT MEAN YOU LACK AGENCY; IT DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE ‘LESS’ OF A WOMAN.

I believe it is the opposite. Cinderella shows amazing strength, because she is in this abusive situation BUT SHE STILL GETS UP. Cinderella still puts one foot in front of another, she has hope even in the face of great unkindness, Cinderella is still kind in the face of great unkindness.

Cinderella’s story might not teach girls how to stand up to the patriarchy, but it does teach young girls that sometimes, the strongest and most rebellious thing you can do, in the face of a situation where you can’t fight or scream, is to put one foot in front of another and hope. And I think that is such an important lesson not only for girls but for humanity. The world is confusing, the world can be bleak but hope and kindness can create a little light among the chaos.

So yes, events do happen to Cinderella. And yes, she does marry the prince. And in some parts of the film, she does not have as much agency as other Disney princesses. However, that does not mean she does not show female power, it is just that her female power is a little more subtle than Elsa’s.

Sophie Beckett and Agency: A little good, a little meh–but a lot of potential

Now I think, due to genre restrictions, time of publication, and perhaps the writer herself, that JQ does not give Sophie as much agency as possible.

Don’t get me wrong there are moments when Sophie does have agency. (There’s a really funny post from @sophiamariabeckett here, linking once again with @murielstacy and @bridgertonbabe)

As I mentioned in my Posy comment, Sophie’s kindness and empathy to Posy creates a bond strong enough that Posy is willing to defy her abusive mother and free Sophie. In this way, Sophie’s kindness saves her. It also shows that Sophie saves herself and does so by establishing female friendships.

However, I feel that with a couple of little tweaks, the show could take this idea from the books and expand it.

So, let’s take a look at events where Sophie is ‘saved’ or is ‘enabled’. And I’m either going to advocate how these events signify Sophie’s agency or I am going to give them a little tweak. Here’s the list I’m working from:

The servants push Sophie to attend the ball where she meets her Prince Charming AKA Benedict Bridgerton.

2. Benedict saves Sophie from her would-be-rapists.

3.a Posy Reiling swoops in and unlocks the door for Sophie’s freedom-> twice.

3.b The Bridgertons save Sophie from jail. (Particularly Benedict and Violet)

1)The servants push Sophie to attend the ball where she meets her Prince Charming AKA Benedict Bridgerton.

Now, JQ does not make it explicit, but she does mention that Sophie has a good bond with the servants throughout her childhood, often seen helping in the kitchen. However, JQ also writes that as she grew up, the servants distanced themselves.

So, on the one hand, Sophie’s own actions and bond with the servants set up their motivation to get Sophie to the ball... Once again, her kindness and her ability to form friendships, enable her to step closer to freedom. However, I feel the motivation for Sophie to attend the ball could be stronger. So…

CHANGE: Sophie Beckett goes to the ball, because of her friendship with Genevieve Delacroix.

Firstly, I think that Sophie needs more characters to interact with and Genevieve Delacroix is a character that could easily be orchestrated with.

So, according to this change, Sophie Beckett and Genevieve Delacroix are good friends, and Sophie Beckett’s infamous silver dress—is one of Genevieve Delacroix’s designs.

Now, my book lovers. We can still have the servants and housekeeper Mrs Gibbons help Sophie to the ball. But I want the main reason Sophie goes to the ball, not because she deserves one night to ‘be who she was meant to be’, but because Genevieve asks her to.

Picture the scene. Genevieve and Sophie have been friends ever since Sophie was relegated to servitude. Over the years, the pair have gained a deep friendship through sharing dreams, pasts and storms of life. So, Sophie obviously knows of Genevieve’s talents as a designer. One night there is a masquerade ball, the biggest party of the season, and Genevieve turns up in the servant’s quarters of Penwood Place with a silver dress in hand. She’s finally ready to show her design to the ton but she needs someone to model it, someone who has the right accent, the right upbringing… someone like Sophie.

Now, Sophie is hesitant; by going to the ball Sophie would be risking the wrath of her abuser—Araminta. I can only imagine that this would create great anxiety for Sophie. But after a moment of hesitation, Sophie looks at her best friend who is ever so close to attaining her lifelong dream. So, Sophie accepts the silver dress. Sophie’s choice to put her friendship with Genevieve over the toxic & abusive relationship with Araminta enables Sophie to meet her Prince Charming.

Personally, I feel this is a greater motivation for Sophie to go to the ball than in the book. Also, if the show does not want to do a ‘fancy dress’ masquerade but a normal one, then Genevieve’s dress can facilitate this.

2)Benedict saves Sophie from her would-be-rapists.

The problem I have with this scene is that, (like the trope in general), it draws focus away from the woman and onto the man. Scenes like this are commonly used to show how good the guy/romantic lead is, rather than anything about the situation the woman is in.

Due to the show, we already know that Benedict would never dream of conducting himself like Philip Cavender. Further, in prior seasons we see Benedict's respect for working-class women (another post I could do). So, this scene is kinda redundant, but it can easily be adapted for a more modern audience.

CHANGE: Sophie is the one who frees herself.

The scene goes as normal, Sophie is running away and gets caught. Benedict is exiting the party and comes up to Cavender’s crew. But instead of intimidating Cavender into letting Sophie go, he merely distracts Cavender (with the intention to free Sophie). Sophie uses Benedict’s distraction to punch her way out of the men’s clutches and runoff. (Benedict standing for a couple of seconds utterly stunned at this very pretty woman who just felled three men in one swoop).

We still get a Benedict and Sophie reunification and Benedict still aids Sophie, but I feel this tweak gives a bit more power into Sophie’s hands. Once again, Sophie saves herself—a little more obvious than her other times.

3.a) Posy Reiling swoops in and unlocks the door for Sophie’s freedom-> twice.

The first incident I refer to occurs at the beginning of the book when Posy unlocks the cupboard door that Araminta locked Sophie in, thus allowing Sophie to escape. The second is her dramatic entrance into the jail at the climax of the book with the will that enables Sophie to be freed from her cell.

These events should stay the same. Because Posy is awesome, and Sophie is awesome.

As I mentioned before (and in a previous post), Posy is the main piece of evidence highlighting Sophie orchestrating her own emancipation.

Sophie did not have to be kind to Posy. I think it is reasonable that Sophie could have grown to resent Posy. Perhaps, due to Posy’s silence, Sophie could have seen Posy as an enabler of her abuse. (Especially because Sophie was a child and so, would have had a child-like mentality).

NOW. DON’T GO HATING POSY. I DO NOT STAND FOR POSY SLANDER IN THIS HOUSE.

It is not Posy’s fault that she did not stand up to her mother. Posy WAS A CHILD. A child should not be expected or responsible for standing up against abuse, let alone responsible for standing up against a narcissistic, let alone standing up to her mother. Think about your own relationship with your parents. As a child, were you confident in pointing out when your parents did something wrong?

And I am not blaming Posy, I am saying that it was a possibility that Sophie would perceive Posy like this. Or at best, distance herself from Posy due to Posy’s association with Araminta.

But Sophie doesn’t. JQ makes a point in the prologue of AOFAG to show that Sophie goes out of her way to help Posy and be kind to Posy.

It is because of Sophie's kindness towards Posy that establishes a bond between the girls. A bond that enables Posy to be incredibly brave and go against her abusive mother by unlocking the door for Sophie not once–but twice. Through being kind and empathetic, Sophie enabled herself to escape that jail cell.

3.b)The Bridgertons save Sophie from jail. (Particularly Benedict and Violet).

Now the only reason Benedict Bridgerton is in that jail is because he has fallen in love with Sophie. Once again, by establishing a relationship, Benedict is willing to propose and get her out of jail.

But more importantly, (or what I wish to stress more), is the presence of Violet Bridgerton. Violet Bridgerton is the one to threaten Araminta; Violet Bridgerton is the one who manipulates Araminta into instating Sophie’s legitimacy and removing herself from Sophie’s life and future. Now, in this case, it seems that Sophie does not save herself, Violet does.

But why does Violet do this? Sophie is merely a maid, a hardworking maid, yes; a maid with a suspicious past, yes. But still a maid.

Violet is a Dowager Viscountess, many levels of nobility above Sophie the maid, levels above Sophie the ‘ward’ of Penwood, and levels above Sophie the illegitimate child of an Earl. So why does Violet bother?

Because Sophie and Violet have established a relationship—a friendship.

Once again it is Sophie’s ability to create a female relationship that helps her gain freedom.

But then again…

CHANGE: The show should show more of Violet and Sophie’s relationship.

I feel in the book Violet does the most work in establishing the bond between her and Sophie. Further, JQ presents Violet's motivations to be mainly ones of intrigue concerning Sophie’s identity rather than friendship.

Now, this can stay the same, Violet initially invites Sophie to tea because she is intrigued by the plot holes in Sophie’s backstory. However, due to Sophie's interactions with her daughters and her kindness—that is how the bond is established.

Due to the longer ‘content time’ the show has than a romance novel, I think the show can expand on the nice interactions JQ gave us concerning Sophie and the Bridgerton women. Instead of telling us how Sophie has fit into the family, the tv series could show us.

PS. I actually have the idea that there should be one scene/instance when Sophie connects with each Bridgerton female. Concerning Violet, this is a very sweet conversation about motherhood concerning Eloise. (I am still manifesting the fan theory that Sophie will end up as Eloise’s maid and I also might have that whole storyline planned out. Woopsie).

Apologies. Back to the main show.

Through establishing a female relationship Sophie enabled herself, and even Posy, to be freed from their abuser. Through her own actions, Sophie set up the potential for her own rescue. She is not passive; she is active in her emancipation.

So after all that let’s do a whistle-stop summary of points so far:

Sophie does have agency in AOFAG, however, with a few little tweaks, this could be expanded upon.

The show could have Sophie being active from the very beginning of her story and in other places with a few little tweaks.

Primarily, Sophie’s agency is manifested through her kindness/empathy, which establishes relationships, particularly those with women.

Okay, ok Hope you’ve babbled on long enough—what’s your point??

Well, with my little tweaks, the three people who ‘save’ Sophie would be:

1) Genevieve who gives Sophie the opportunity to go to the ball and meet Benedict

2) Violet Bridgerton, who helps blackmail Araminta into establishing Sophie's legitimacy, further legitimising her marriage to Benedict.

3) Posy

What do all these people have in common?

These three characters experience Sophie’s kindness.

These three characters have a friendship with Sophie.

These three characters are all women.

So, S4 could use Sophie to show that kindness and hope have real power in changing a woman’s circumstances, (while presenting a complex female character with agency to boot). But S4 could also show the power of female friendships.

Now, Benedict and Sophie’s relationship should be the centre of the series, I am not disputing that. And while Benedict does ‘help’ Sophie in the prison, I think Benedict’s role is to help Sophie emotionally break free. By loving Sophie, showing her how worthy she is to him, and giving her the opportunity to experience a life of love without Araminta’s shadow, Benedict ‘saves’ Sophie. (Although once again it is Sophie’s choice to eventually accept this, and it is Sophie’s actions that made Benedict fall in love with her).

But alongside this, I think the show should emphasise the idea of female friendships being able to instigate change in regency society, particularly because these women already had limitations on their agency.

Yes, these women do not topple the patriarchal pressures they were under, but they instigate change and freedom by supporting each other. And I think that is such an awesome lesson, such a wonderful story of female power to show on screen and is easily applicable to the 21st century.

And in the centre of this story is a woman whose strength isn’t in her fiery opinions or her vocal battle against the patriarchy; but a woman who saves herself through the bonds she establishes. What an amazing (and rarely told) example of a female character.

Sophie is not the antithesis of the typical ‘girl-bosses’ seen in Eloise Bridgerton or Kate Sharma but nor is she necessarily the maternal femininity seen in Daphne and Violet. Instead, she is a different kind of woman, her story showcasing yet another remarkable complexity of womanhood.

CONGRATULATIONS!! You made it to the end. Go grab a cuppa and a biscuit.

Thank you so much for reading the piece and I hope it was worth your time.

Let me know your thoughts on whether you are in an agreement or not. Anything you want expansion on? Anything else you want to hear my over-analytical brain interrogate?

Honestly, while I really didn’t like AOFAG as a book, (that’s for another post) there is so much potential to update it for S4–and not necessarily throw away the original story.

Most importantly, I want to give a shout out to the wonderful @murielstacy who proof-read this post and gave me some great ideas. Please, please go follow her. She has such a cool run of posts about Modern Bridgertons and royal fashion and so many other things (I know, sounds interesting, right? Go check it out!).

Thanks once again.

Hope xx

#bridgerton #an offer from a gentleman #benophie #sophie beckett #benedict bridgerton #female power #female representation #cinderella #character analysis #They better do my girl justice #the potential is just 🤌#oh my word this was long #like super long #ah well i did a benedict so i had to do a Sophie post

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sparks-muse · 11 months

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Does Shonda Rhimes even read the Bridgerton series??? Right now, I don't think I have high expectations about this series adaptation anymore. Plot skip and ruining the characters' personality is such a crime. They did Edwina so dirty in season 2 and now they're stalling Benedict in meeting the love of his life. And personally, I think the QCABS is kinda over-rated and doesn't makes sense. Why are there so many sex scenes? I mean, the ending was great, but the first 3 episodes felt like the storyline is too forced and a bit rush.

Just saying.

#bridgerton #bridgerton netflix #benedict bridgerton #sophie beckett #benophie #anthony bridgerton #kate sharma #kanthony #edwina sharma #fuck shonda rhimes #justice for benophie #GIMME SOPHIE BECKETT NOW OR IMMA GO FERAL

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historylaura · 2 years

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Reaction to S3 announcement

So like a lot of people I was disappointed that it is Polin for S3. The announcement came on my 30th birthday and to wake up to that, I was frustrated but I came to terms with it. It was the end of a wonderful but emotional holiday. (I will post stuff about the House Party at some point. I took way too many photos) These are my thoughts about how they could set up Benedict for S4.

I have said, WAY too many times on the Ton Discord server that I think to set Benedict up for S4, we need the masquerade in the first two episodes. Ideally for me Episode One. It would fit with Francesca coming out and potentially meeting John, Kate's possible pregnancy announcement, and a way to start Polin on their way too.

If it did start with the masquerade, my idea is that we only see Benedict's bit from his point of view. Not Sophie's. It would give the actress some more anonymity and they could switch actors easily if we don't see her full face. It could end up with Masked Lady on IMDB. The person who plays her in S3 doesn't have to be our Sophie. She could disappear at the end of the night and then Benedict would spend the rest of the season looking for her.

He would vent to Colin and Anthony about the frustration of finding her. At the same time, Anthony is being protective of his little brother. Colin is reminding him that it was one night.

Maybe visit the missing glove house. (It doesn't have to be named as Araminta's.) Just a random house like we see with the named extras like the Gorings etc... He can ask Gen in passing. Maybe he starts interacting with the other debutantes just to see if any of them is her.

He could be seen looking at Anthony with baby Edmund and wanting that for himself.

Like in the books he starts to sketch again but secretly and not openly as all he has is this image of his Lady in Silver. All of his work is his lady in silver in different guises.

Towards the end of the season, he gets invited to the Cavendars. Maybe we meet Philip Cavendar in S3. That is the setup for S4. He can leave town and head for the Cavendars ready to rescue Sophie.

I do not want to see My Cottage until Sophie sees it for the first time. It can be mentioned but since I think they will move the location anyway, due to it needing to be near Romney Hall, he could escape there to be in his pit.

The wait for Benedict is frustrating but I know it will be worth it. Some of us have been waiting nearly half their life for his story to be told on screen.

There is a separation between books and TV show and I am going to continue that. There always has been.

I will be writing more Benophie fics. I will not edit the ones I am currently working on as they were started before the S3 announcement. We'll Meet Again is not affected anyway since that is all three of the couples in one go.

Trying to get some ready for Benophie Week. We need to make it as big as possible so while we wait, we can enjoy all of this wonderful content.

No one should receive hate for the way they have done the show. The execs know what they are doing and for me, if it means we get a better S4 then that is great. It will be worth it.

#benophie #benedict bridgerton #bridgerton #sophie beckett #bridgerton s3 thoughts #they had better do benedict and sophie justice #bridgerton s3 announcement #briderton show vs books

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thekatebridgerton · 1 year

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Baby Bridgerton meet cute au

Today on another episode of Bridgerton fics I really want to read. But can't write because I lack both the time and the creativity to do them justice

Baby Bridgerton meet Cute au

Saphne:

Young stuttering Eton aged Simon Basset meeting Anthony's little sister on a visit to the Bridgerton home and immediately being pulled into a game of house by Anthony's tallest little sister. Who forces him to play husband and she will be the wife and all her siblings now are their kids so they must listen to her of course. Because she's the mom. And him the dad. Simon stutters the whole time but leaves little Daphne with the most organized pretend household he can manage before running off to find Anthony to ask to come over more often

Kanthony:

Young 10 yo Anthony finding a scared toddler Kate afraid of storms, asking him to help her find her papa and pretty Miss Mary in Hyde Park. Because she can't find them and its started to rain and she's scared. And Anthony being the gallant kid he is, shelters the little girl from the rain with his coat under a tree, and returns her to her father as soon as he hears voices looking for her. The day after he meets her, he finds out that the little girl Kate, is the daughter of the man who just ran off with the season's diamond. He wonders if he'll ever see her again

Benophie:

Benedict met Sophie in the theater when Sophie was four, since her mother was an actress and Sophie would have been trained to appear on stage. Benedict saw little Sophie play a little Christmas angel in a opera and immediately asked his father if they could meet the actors, just so he could give the little angel girl a flower and tell her she was pretty. Sadly Sophie's mother died not soon after and rather than see the little girl starve, grandmother left her at the doorstep of the Earl of Gunningworth. But she never forgot the dream of the nice boy in the theater who once called her pretty

Polin

The first time Colin met newborn Penelope with her red hair and Rosy cheeks, he wanted to take her home with him and share with her his favorite cake and biscuits. Penelope would cry if Colin was too far from her cradle and Colin declared to all sundry that baby Penelope was "his Pen" for almost all the time it took Penelope to learn how to talk and say it back. Even if adults tried to convince him that Penelope wasn't "one of his" thinking he was confused about his many siblings growing in number. Colin remained insistent for most of Penelope's early years, that Penelope was 'his' Pen the way he was 'my Colin' for her. they only outgrew the habit after he left for school and made more friends his age. Still Penelope never forgot that he was 'her Colin'. Even if Colin did as they grew older. (or maybe he's always been sure she's 'his' Pen too)

Philoise

Their first time meeting was on one of young Phillip's visits to London with his father. Little Eloise had snuck out behind her parents back to a particularly busy bookshop and happened to see an older boy, buy the exact same book that little Eloise had been eying for ages. So of course like any Viscount baby sis...She threw a tantrum. Phillip was terrified of the crying girl who kept accusing him of stealing her book, but he wanted to keep the book, so he just, found something else to give her, shaved ice? did she want shaved ice? he got it for her, maybe a toy, yes, little girls liked toys, here's a toy, just don't cry, don't cry. By the time Edmund found Eloise again, she was grinning, sitting atop of veritable mountain of trinkets, eating shaved ice, with a devoted young boy profusely apologizing to her. Phillip went home with his book and every time he read it, he remembered fondly the cute little tantrum thrower who warped him around his finger that day in Mayfair. While Eloise never quite forgot that moment either.

---

guys you should write this, I want to read it!!

#baby bridgerton au #kanthony #saphne #polin #benophie #philoise #anthony bridgerton #benedict bridgerton #daphne bridgerton #colin bridgerton #kate sharma #simon basset #penelope featherington #sophie beckett #phillip crane

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wasahothouseflower · 3 months

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ABOUT ME

sim. 21. she/they. bisexual. desi. autistic. fl. swiftie. multifandom mess. hopeless romantic. lover of pretty people and fictional characters <3

other places you can find me: storygraph | spotify | pinterest | airbuds

CURRENTLY

reading: i’m glad my mom died by jennette mccurdy

watching: dynasty

listening: the tortured poets department: the anthology

FAVES

shows: supernatural, one tree hill, bridgerton, dawson’s creek, ted lasso, friends, young justice, the owl house, atla

movies: tangled, titanic, pride & prejudice, descendants trilogy, hannah montana the movie, scream franchise, legally blonde, the batman, star wars franchise, early barbie movies

video games: fnaf franchise, gotham knights, animal crossing, disney dreamlight valley

blorbos: benedict bridgerton, sophie beckett, daisy calloway, suki (atla), jamie tartt, dick grayson, jason todd, harley quinn, monica geller, rapunzel, eugene fitzherbert, hexside squad (toh), peter parker

ships: ryke/daisy, benedict/sophie, dick/barbara, rapunzel/eugene, roy/keeley/jamie, harley/ivy, sokka/suki, hunter/willow, monica/chandler, haley/nathan

people: taylor swift, jensen ackles, sabrina carpenter, gracie abrams, maisie peters, reneé rapp, olivia rodrigo, whoever my white boy of the month is

#pinned

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shameonmeeguiltypleasure · 2 years

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Saw a post about how Game Night at the Bridgertons would be a war zone while their spouses are trying to deescalate the situation to just eating popcorn and enjoying the show- so what might happen when Gareth and Lucy are invited (meaning no one has learned that Game Night is a bad no good idea).

My guess is that Lucy had long since been exposed to the Bridgerton bloodthirst, so she has it covered. Gareth? No clue. He may have heard the rumors and just a bit morbidly curious.

So this or Game Of Thrones AU (Bridgertons are the Starks or Tyrells?)

Challenge accepted: I’m drunk so please ignore the spelling mistakes. I think I met the brief. Lmao. I do like your Game of Thrones au idea, but I think sober me will do it more justice if ever she has the time. So this is Gareth’s first time at ‘GAME NIGHT’ with the Bridgertons.

Gareth wasn’t sure what to expect. In truth, he’d not been at all worried until Lucy – oddly calm, incredibly patient LUCY, of all people – lowly whispered by his side a very ominous “And so it begins…..”

“So what begins?” Gareth couldn’t help but ask.

But his question was left ignored in favour of the very serious and stern opening speech Anthony felt the need to give.

“Ahem, now that we are all present, I do believe the first game of the night is to be…..”

Gareth was startled by the sudden drumroll Colin gave from his place beside his wife Penelope. He watched with slow creeping trepidation as Anthony fished through a hat and picked out a folded piece of paper. Gareth had turned to Hyacinth, intending to make a joke about the intensity of the entire gathering only to jump at her sudden war cry.

“CHEATER!!” Hyacinth was already screaming.

Kate, Anthony’s wife, let out a loud snort before waving her hand dismissively.

“I’m sure you’re right, but at least let him name the game before we start the accusations.” She said.

Anthony glared at his wife with exaggerated insult and huffed.

“Have you already forgotten that we are supposed to be a team, dearest?” Anthony scowled.

“What!? When was this decided!? In fact, who on earth agreed to that!?” Eloise shouted from where she’d been lazily lounging with her husband Phillip. Phillip was far more interested in the book in his lap titled ‘Gathering Moss’ looking utterly absent in mind to the ongoings around him.

“I would never,” Daphne piped from where she sipped at her juice by her bleary-looking Husband, Simon Hastings. In fact, Gareth thought the couple looked rather flushed – both incredibly red in the face and out of sorts – almost dazed.

“Oh, gods, who among us is responsible for spiking the juice!!” Eloise exclaimed.

It was no secret that Daphne was a lightweight, and her siblings – so long as it benefitted them – were never ashamed to take advantage of it from time to time. Simon, on the other hand, always made it a point to pre-game with a mighty amount of drinks before Bridgerton game night.

“Suspicious isn’t it, the fact that you are the one making accusations after the sabotage you organised last time…..” Colin casually shrugged. The third-born Bridgerton had yet to forgive the fifth-born for spiking his beloved wife Penelope’s pudding with extreme amounts of rum. It had been a memorable night for sure, which resulted in the birth of their second child, but still…. The sabotage was unforgettable.

Eloise turned to her charmer of a brother with a glare but was saved from speaking a word with Benedict’s aiding hand.

“If we are casting suspicions then what is to stop us from suspecting you, brother? Did you not swap the dice for a rigged set two years before?” Benedict hummed as he lazily twirled a finger around a lock of his wife – who was happily snacking on freshly popped popcorn with a grin – Sophie’s hair.

“Is no one going to let Anthony name the game so we may start?” Francesca sighed.

“Oh, hush you, as if any of us are blind to the fact Michael suspiciously disappeared earlier during dinner only to return 15 minutes later,” Kate directed.

“I went to the bathroom, dessert was rather disagreeable with me, unfortunately, “ Michael piped with an innocent shrug.

“And are we to take your word for it?” Penelope added with a sickly sweet grin that did nothing to hide the sharply pointed tone of her words.

“My God, are we not going to start!?” Gregory whined with a sulky huff.

“So eager to lose, little brother,” Benedict couldn’t help but mock.

“HAH! I have Lucy this year, of course, we’re guaranteed to win. Unlike the rest of you, we have the advantage, right babe?” Gregory boasted with a self-assured grin before quickly pressing a kiss to Lucy’s head. To Lucy’s credit, she only sighed at his antics and motioned for Sophie to share her popcorn. Sophie snickered as she did so with eager relish.

“Is this….. normal for all of you?” Gareth warily inquired.

But the Bridgerton siblings were far too busy accusing one another – using past schemes and manipulations as justifiable reasons for their suspicions – to even hear Gareth’s wary question.

He was surprised by the heavy hand that clapped his shoulder, and the sudden comforting weight of another’s arm looping through his own.

“Hyacinth wouldn’t have brought you tonight if she didn’t think you could survive their nonsense,” Simon roughly grumbled.

Gareth tried not to crinkle his nose at the wafting smell of whiskey on his breath.

“The only reason blood is never shed is that Violet would have all eight of their heads displayed in a rather gory exhibition….. all done with love, I assure you,” Sophie teasingly whispered by his side.

Gareth very suddenly felt a cold shiver scramble down his spine, but he couldn’t be sure if it was out of dread or something else.

“You grow used to it of course, for some, it takes years and others well…..” Penelope helpfully added.

“For some the saying ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ comes to mind......” Phillips distractedly added.

Gareth looked across the room to where Kate remained behind her husband while he passionately argued with his siblings. He couldn’t help but liken her to a lioness or something feline enjoying the chaos playing out before her. Or perhaps something like an Egyptian Goddess entertained by the insanity of her followers.

“We’d be liars if we claimed not to be curious as to which category you might fall under…..” Michael snickered.

Gareth swallowed and cast a hasty glance towards the passionately riled Hyacinth accusing Gregory of something he couldn’t be sure of. He could feel the assessing eyes of the Bridgerton’s significant others on his person, so full of curiosity. This truly was madness.

Gareth had never considered himself the romantic sort, but that’s exactly what Hyacinth inspired in him. For her, there was nothing he wasn’t willing to face or accomplish. There were no challenges he’d refuse, no overwhelming insanity he wouldn’t suffer so long as she could be happy. He loved her just as fiercely as the sun loved the moon to spend eternity in a chase, never guaranteeing their next meeting – never promising forever, yet attempting it anyway.

He loved her, more than he’s ever loved anything in his life and so…… for her, he could brave this.

For Hyacinth, he would ensure her victory.

Gareth snapped out of his musings due to the loudly given groan from across the room and the despairing sighs that followed.

“Damn it, he’s committed!” Anthony suddenly exclaimed.

What?

Gareth suddenly found his arms full of a very excited Hyacinth who dragged him into a passionate kiss before all her siblings and their spouses.

“Hyacinth!” Anthony snarled with a warning only to be hushed by a pointed kick to his shin delivered by his wife.

“I knew you’d win them over!!” Hyacinth exclaimed as she pulled away.

What?

Hyacinth then turned to her siblings looking smug and obnoxiously pleased.

“Now pay up, all of you!!” Hyacinth expectantly ordered.

The Bridgertons erupted into another round of nonsensical squabbling, but Gareth was too busy trying to make sense of what exactly had just happened. The return of a heavy hand on his shoulder jolted him from his thoughts and he turned to find Phillip by his side looking sympathetic and understanding.

“Don’t take insult to it, it’s just how they are….. at least you weren’t forced to battle all four brothers in the ring,” Phillips sighed before going back to his seat and returning to his book.

What?

Sophie snorted and threw some popcorn in the air and expertly catching it with her mouth.

“To be fair, I met them while in jail.”

What?

“Fran was married to my cousin,” Michael shrugged.

As if she could read the chaotic state of his mind, Lucy – oddly calm, incredibly patient Lucy – warmly patted his arm with a reassuring smile.

“You’re ok,” she said.

Gareth hadn’t realised until that moment the complicated whirl of emotions he was feeling. He could barely make sense of where his mind lingered or more specifically his temper. In some ways, he felt he was made a fool – invited to a ‘game night’ only to be tested for his devotion to Hyacinth – But…..

Hyacinth was laughing, a grin permanently painted on her lips as she wrestled with Gregory for a piece from a game box. She was beaming with complete joy, alive in so many ways he craved to be touched by.

“I’m ok,” he repeated out loud, and it was true.

The Bridgerton’s were viscously competitive, and incredibly sore losers to the point of sabotage and murder, but….. Gareth could survive it all so long as it meant Hyacinth would remain his.

He loved her.

He chose her.

But most importantly….. out of everyone in the world….. Hyacinth Bridgerton chose him.

And that was the greatest victory of all.

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sea-owl · 1 year

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Spring's Rebirth Chapter 5

Penelope sat in the library as she watched King Colin and Lady Francesca gather scroll after scroll.

"What is all this for?" Penelope asked.

"If you are to be queen you must know the workings of your kingdom," King Colin said, half in jest. "Fran will help advise you until you get the hang of it."

Lady Francesca nodded. "After that we can start searching for your own right-hand advisor."

"I haven't agreed to be queen," Penelope reminded them.

"Yet," King Colin and Lady Francesca said together.

Penelope looked at the mountain of scrolls that was now taller than her. She has never honestly seen so many scrolls in one place, Lord Odysseus' archives being the exception. Well, it will give her something to do until she figures out how she's going to convince King Colin that he made a mistake.

Unrolling the first scroll Penelope began to read.

The job of the Underworld is to have a place for souls after their mortal bodies can no longer contain them. A system was set in place determining how a soul may spend the rest of their eternity based on how they lived their mortal life.

If a soul is judged to be good or heroic they are sent to Elysium where they can rest in a blissful life. If the soul has committed crimes against man or gods, they are sent to the Fields of Punishment where justice may serve that was not given in their mortal life. If a soul is neither good or bad, if it was ordinary then to the Asphodel Meadows it went where it may rest until it is ready to reincarnate.

Penelope blinked. "There's a meadow down here?"

Portia was exhausted. She has spent many nights looking for her third daughter. At first when Felicity told her that Penelope was not with Phillip Portia thought Penelope had just wandered too far. It was not the first time her curiosity had led to her sleeping overnight away from home. Portia could handle that. All she had to do was distract herself with her other daughters and hang a lamp outside the door incase Penelope wandered in at night. When Penelope did not come home after the second night is when Portia started her search.

She checked with Penelope's few friends. She rechecked with Phillip incase he saw her in the time passing. With Mary and Kate. With the wine god, Michael. With the demigods, Sophie and Gareth. Even Penelope's acquaintance, the recluse forge god, Simon. All of them had not seen her.

It was now the mandatory monthly meeting for the Court of Earth which Portia was taking to her full advantage of in her search for her daughter.

"Lord Odysseus," Portia said, approaching the god of history. "Have you seen my daughter? I know sometimes she likes to listen to the stories you pick up."

Lord Odysseus was a younger minor god. His physical appearance put him around King Benedict's age. Brown hair pulled back at the nape of his neck, and scruff on his face. He was a collector of past events and the stories they told.

"I'm sorry Lady Portia, but no I have not seen Lady Penelope since the Solstice Gathering," Lord Odysseus answered.

Portia sighed. It was the same answer she had gotten from all the others. She knows other immortals did not care to notice her daughter but do they truly think so little of her that no one would think it strange for her to be wandering around days away from home?

"Thank you Lord Odysseus," Portia bowed. "If you see her please let her know I am looking for her."

Lord Odysseus bowed back. "Of course Lady Portia."

Portia looked around, who else could she ask?

"Have you still heard nothing about Penelope?"

Portia turned to see Phillip. "Phillip, I'm surprised to see you here, usually they have drag you to these."

"I was hoping to hear something about Penelope as well," Phillip said. "Have you spoken to King Benedict or Lady Eloise yet?"

Portia snorted. "We both know the Bridgertons don't pay enough attention to know anything."

"It doesn't hurt to try," Phillip urged.

No it doesn't Portia agreed. She was running out of options either way. No one she's spoken to has seen Penelope and Portia can't leave until this forsaken meeting was over with. Might as well make sure she checks every box she can.

Portia bowed to King Benedict and Lady Eloise when she reached the throne. "My king, Lady Eloise."

"Lady Portia." King Benedict nodded. "Is there anything you need? Are the crops not doing well?"

"No my king," Portia said. "I actually wish to ask you if you have knowledge on the whereabouts of my daughter Lady Penelope. She has not been home in many nights."

At first King Benedict said nothing, as if he thinking over his answer. Portia finds herself leaning closer. Does he have some information? Is she close to finding her daughter?

Finally King Benedict shook his head. "I'm sorry Lady Portia but I have not seen Lady Penelope since the Solstice Gathering."

Portia wanted to scream. How has no one in this blasted court have any knowledge where her daughter could be? Is her search too narrow? Portia could find no reason why Penelope would travel to the Court of Heaven or the Court of the Underworld. Despite her curiosity, Penelope has always stayed within the Court of Earth.

"Th-thank you your highness," Portia, her voice cracking.

Court was officially called to order, and Portia took her seat next to Phillip. Taking deep breathes she missed the way Phillip's eyes narrowed on Lady Eloise.

Phillip watched Lady Eloise the whole time court was in session. The goddess of the hunt and knowledge was a known talker, but her lips had not once moved since Portia asked about Penelope. Add in when they were asked King Benedict's brown eyes remained calm while there was a flash of something in Lady Eloise's gray eyes.

She knows something, Phillip was sure of it. He was tempted to tell Lady Portia, but the poor mother was stressed enough without false hope. No best if Phillip figured out what she knew first.

With the death of King Edmund and his domains being split among his three older sons the Underworld could no longer support any form of mortal life . . .

Penelope rubbed her temples; her eyes had started to blur out the words between support and life. The potion, while very affective and long lasting, was wearing off. Her head pounded with her headache coming back with vengeance. She really needed to get a hold of some feverfew.

"Are you alright?" King Colin asked her.

"Lady Francesca's potion is wearing off," Penelope answered. She put her head down and covered her eyed with her arms to block the limited light. "I need to get a hold of some feverfew and ginger."

Lady Francesca tapped her chin. "We shall ask Lord Phillip to bring some next time he brings a new batch of souls. In the meantime, I believe Uncle Nicholas has said that salmon is good headaches. We could have some smoked for dinner. I can also work on making another batch of potions."

King Colin nodded. "Sounds perfect. I'll have Dunwoody tell Cook."

Penelope peaked up at them, her eyes narrowed and one eyebrow raised. She couldn't eat that. One should never eat food from another court unless they planned to stay there permanently.

King Colin noticed Penelope's glare. "Relax Pen. I meant what I said when I promised you that the crown would not be placed on your head until you asked. The salmon we have is imported, all our food and drink are."

Penelope placed her head back down. Imported salmon. Imported was good. Imported food went under many spells shipping out and in to be able to be eaten by other courts. Her mother blanketed those spells onto her fields dedicated to trade. She can work with imported salmon until Phillip came down with new souls and she could ask him for-

Wait a minute. . .

Penelope peaked her head back up. "Why is Phillip bringing souls down to the Underworld?"

#spring's rebirth #hades and persephone au #polin #bridgerton #penelope featherington #colin bridgerton #francesca bridgerton #portia featherington #phillip crane

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crymeariveronceagain · 2 years

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Each KOTLC kid as a Shakespeare play that they could star in

Sophie Foster: Much Ado About Nothing. Beatrice. I love this idea. Like, she'd just have so much fun with her role and do so much with it. From the glint in her eyes as she argues with Benedict, to the smug toss of her hair, to the declarations of love and hatred. It's perfect.

Keefe Sencen: Romeo and Juliet. This kid would be a perfect Romeo. Like, he'd nail it. Effortlessly. There are real tears in his eyes as he cries over the body of Juliet, a tremble to his hands that cannot be faked as he drinks the poison, a look of sheer, ungodly horror when he sees her wake up, a choked last breath, and a silence as his foolish love is ruined by his own impatience and over-dramatic behavior.

Fitz Vacker: Henry V. There's just something so simple and glorious about the character of Henry, in that play. He's understandable, relatable. A young king who declares war, must rouse an army and head into battle? It's too authentic, watching Fitz portray the character.

Biana Vacker: King Lear. I've never seen another fictional character so suited for the role of Cordelia. Literally. Never in my life have my interpretations of two completely different characters hit so similarly. I can't cope.

Tam Song: Hamlet. He'd love everything about it. It's such a dark and dramatic story, it's exactly what he'd want to do with his acting career. Like, from the skulls to the murder to the intrigue, it would just be so much fun for him.

Linh Song: The Tempest. She would be an amazing daughter of the sorcerer Prospero. Just. She'd nail it.

Marella Redek: The Merchant of Venice. Marella could play Portia so well. Like, uhm, yeah. All those speeches about justice? Honor? Mercy? The role was made for her.

Dex Dizznee: Julius Caesar. Dex would play Marc Antony. I can see him giving that speech about "My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, and I must pause til it come back to me" so effortlessly and purely, I can feel the tears in my own eyes.

Stina Heks: The Taming Of The Shrew. Miss girl would fricking change the game when it comes to people watching this play. She's the pure embodiment of Katherine, and I think she would endear the audience a lot more to the character and her portrayal.

Maruca Chebota: Macbeth. She'd be an amazing Lady Macbeth. Legit. Think about her, hallucinating on stage, trying to wipe blood off her hands, trying to escape her own tortured mind. Imagine her character convincing her husband to murder for power, of turning the king's blood to her power at the command of a witch. I just. I love it.

Wylie Endal: Midsummer Night's Dream. He would be an amazing King Oberon. The stern, but creative king, seeking revenge on the wife he loves in a fluctuating, eternal fashion, content to play a prank on her that definitely leaves everyone but him embarrassed. Wylie would be such a good Oberon.

#kotlc #kotlc headcanons #kotlc characters #kotlc headcanon #sophie foster #keefe sencen #fitz vacker #biana vacker #tam song #linh song #marella redek #dex dizznee #stina heks #maruca chebota #wylie endal #shakespeare #william shakespeare

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silverhallow · 1 year

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I've been watching Kaleidoscope on Netflix and it's made me think more about the Bridgerton 11 AU...

The Bridgerton's are a well respected and well known family and no one suspects their criminal(ish) behaviour.

they don't ever do anything unless it is for a good cause... Robin Hood Esque... righting wrongs so to speak, the wrongs that the justice system aren't able to right...

Anthony being the planner, he's the one who organises everything but he's not the one who gets the jobs... he is also a Lawyer in his own right, like his father was before him.

Simon is the money man and fence. he comes into the family organisation much to Anthony's unhappiness when he gets involved with Daphne... and she can't help but let him in. He is an accountant in his normal life

Kate is a bit of muscle and the main brains behind everything (think Rusty in Ocean's 11) like Anthony she is a Lawyer and she's only involved after she hired the group to help sort out an issue with her step-mother's family who were hiding their inheritance and after arguing with Anthony they end up together...

Daphne is the fence and source of things, she's got a knack of befriending people and getting information from some people, she's able to meddle her way into situations and get information. she gets involved less once she starts having babies and is a "stay at home mum" and she's the one who sets up the adverts and monitors for the requests for help

Benedict artist/forger/master thief/Scout... he is able to make almost perfect recreations of art work, even down to the strokes of the brushes so any insurance and curator wouldn't be able to tell the difference... its a skill he learned from his Grandmother. he is a photographer and artist in his own right.

Eloise hacker... she gets information from places that Anthony doesn't want to know about. she's able to get through firewalls' and is a tech genius... until Hyacinth outshines her and locks her out of her own computers at the age of 16 and Eloise finally relents and agrees that Hyacinth's skills out shine hers but Eloise is still a better information source from people and she's GREAT at creating a diversion and a fast driver...

Fran Fran is the least criminally minded of the family but like Daphne she has people skills, she's able to blend into a background or simper and smile her way into getting information... she is a great fence as she's got a contact in India... She is able to blend in and often changes her appearance to help the family out on jobs...

Colin works as a fence, he gets goods in and out of the country on his travels, he is the person who goes to the meets to do the exchanges and on the occasions they have to negotiate, he is often sent in due to his charm, though after he gets scammed himself, they stop asking him to do the negations so much... Colin is learning to be a bit more of a thief, picking locks and the likes (think Matt Damon's character Linus... he wants to do more and is eager but often makes a mess of it)

Greg mechanics expert, he loves building things as a kid so tinkering with cars and making electronics becomes second nature...

Hyacinth becomes a tech expert and lets be honest... the explosives expert. she can make controlled ones that leave no trace and ones that cause diversions... she scares Anthony a little with her abilities...

Sophie after the team help her out with the Silver Swans painting... and she starts going out with Benedict she becomes part of the team, she has the ability to change her appearance like Fran and become a face in the crowd, her life as a "maid" allows her to be blend in but because she so little and light, and has a gymnastic background, she's their acrobat and grease woman... she can crawl through the smallest of spaces...

VIOLET: Is basically like M. she oversees it all, she ensures that there is a good cover for her children and in-laws when they are working jobs and because of her connections (i.e the Rokesby's) they are never suspected or caught...

#bridgerton 11 au #bridgerton #bridgerton siblings #benedict bridgerton #anthony bridgerton #Kate sharma #Sophie beckett #simon basset #daphne bridgerton #violet bridgerton

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fayes-fics · 1 year

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Requesting a Fic

Updated April 21, 2024

Requests: REOPENING MAY 4th

This post contains details about how to make a fic request.

I am currently an 'x reader' fanfiction writer.

I occasionally write canon character fanfiction (e.g. Benophie - Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett), but I don't take requests for that at this time.

Please also note, I do not roleplay.

Who I write for: Benedict Bridgerton, Anthony Bridgerton.

What I will write: smut, fluff, humour/crack, angst. I appear to specialise in smut lol.

What I won't write: underage, non-con, incest, and a few more extreme kinks. I will let you know if your request is something I feel unable to write if that is the case.

How to submit a fic request: Just go ahead and use my ask box. You can do so on anon if you prefer. If you have a preferred time period (Regency, modern AU etc) please remember to include that. I tend to write Regency unless specified otherwise.

Turnaround time: Please allow a few months. Sorry! I wish I was a faster writer with more time!

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to refuse a request for any reason. I may not be able to do your idea justice or inspiration may not strike. This is not a value judgment on your request at all, just my ability to fulfill it for you. Thanks in advance for your understanding around that.

Please note: I do not reply to fic request asks immediately; I keep them in my inbox as a queuing system until I have written the fic. I also add the request to my WIPs page. If you do not see your request on that page, you are welcome to reach out for confirmation I have received your ask, if you wish. Please also note I may reach out via DM if I have any questions before I start writing. If anon, I might post a clarifying question publically.

If you have any questions about the above, send me an ask :)

Dividers by @/firefly-graphics [x]

#fic request guidelines #fic request

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it-me-sannore · 10 months

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I'm putting it out into the universe that I'd like some real time, parallel story telling for the next couple of stories. If it's anything like the books, I want Sophie to get introduced before Benedict's Netflix season and we see them meet, fall in love and part ways (c'monnn, masquerade). And then all of us Benophie fans LIVE IN PAIN FOR REST OF THE SEASON/S until it's their turn.

Benedict's subplot will be full of red herrings as he searches for her and finds no trace. Each Netflix season that passes will be the actual time jumps of their relationship. Take your time to build up their story arc, slowly and by delectable layers. I'll happily wait multiple seasons, as long as you give me a pay off i.e. please don't cancelled the show. Also tbh, if Benedict's story is season 4, you're going to resolve the best part of the show for me and I'll have no incentive to keep watching :)

So give me more seasons, you get a loyal fanbase with $$, Benophie's story is done with justice and we all enjoy the juicy slow burn with a HEA. It's a win-win-win-win.

#bridgerton #benedict bridgerton #sophie beckett #benophie #give me that slow burn #let me bask in my pain #please give this show more than 4 seasons so my dreams can come true #bridgerton season 3 #bridgerton season 3 wish list #win win win win

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hopepaigeturner · 7 months

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An Offer from An Avid Reader: Eloise's Storyline

So, I’ve touched upon this before, but Eloise will be another significant storyline within S4. Primarily because she can push along bigger plot points, but also because I think S5 will be her season.

I’ve touched upon my hopes for Eloise, her character development and her season here and here—go check them out if you want. But this post is going to be delving into the specifics of Eloise’s character arc in S4.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From talking to doing.

This season I wish for Eloise to do something. Now, whether this is taking up Whistledown from Penelope (which I’m not 100% about) or starting her own column—that is up to the S3 writers. But I would like her to do something.

My idea is that she starts doing a column, a little more political than Whistledown, but along those lines. Why? Because it works. Penelope showed that it was a successful model to grab people’s attention—so why wouldn’t Eloise be able to achieve the same thing? Surely Penelope showed that this is the only successful way to get your voice heard?

Expect that Eloise is not Penelope, so while Whistledown was very popular, Eloise’s will be less so. It’s not a complete failure but everyone compares it to Whistledown in the negative.

And ofcourse it is not as good as Penelope’s! Opinion columns were the best way for Penelope to express herself and her talent. Eloise is not Penelope; she needs to find her own writing form.

Consequently, throughout the season we get Eloise running around Bloomsbury with a very faithful footman and her slightly exasperated ladies’ maid—Sophie.

Links with other storylines:

Eloise will be in a prime position to be the one who publishes the servant scandal that Whistledown did in the book.

The trios hijinks around London can set up the scene where Sophie almost gets spotted by Araminta…which leads to her panic attack…which leads to Benedict helping her…which lead to that sofa scene.

By the end of the season Eloise has matured in her writing, realising that she should do what she wants to do, not what everyone else does. And this leads her to submit the manuscript of her novel to a certain publishing house that is run by a plant-loving herbologist…

Feminist Education:

In this season Eloise will learn the true plight of working-class women and how they have even less power than herself.

She will also come to understand a fundamental truth of all justice seeking movements; justice movements should be constructed based upon what the oppressed want, not what their more privileged counterparts assume they wish for. As Sophie shall say;

“You have passion, you have the mind…you just need the heart, Eloise.”

Scenes/Plot:

The Lady in the Black Veil scenes

Sophie talking back/truth talking to Eloise

Episode 4: Eloise becomes a maid for the day and learns about needing empathy.

Eloise publishing the servant scandal.

Link with other storylines:

Sets up/teaches her skills for empathy, ready for Phillip in her season. More here.

A key avenue to Eloise's softening this season.

Gradually eroding self-esteem and isolation.

This is the season where Eloise starts feeling ‘left behind’, isolated and useless. I like how in past seasons we have seen flickers of how, yes, Eloise has distaste for the ton—but she still feels an overwhelming pressure to succeed in it.

All her sisters have been a success in the marriage mart, a force compounded in this season by Francesca’s love-match to an Earl. Her mother continually misunderstands her, (even though she tries quite hard) and even heightens Eloise’s shame and insecurities. And the pressure increases because Francesca has a love-match so there is only Eloise and Benedict left. I think we can all guess who Violet would focus on more…

Further, Eloise no longer has Pen.

Penelope is off living a life full of love and adventure with Colin (as she should be). And if she returns it is no longer Eloise who is her favourite Bridgerton. It is not Eloise who Penelope wishes to sit next to. It is not Eloise who Penelope will share her hopes, fears, and jokes. In Eloise’s eyes, Colin has replaced her.

And other than Penelope, Eloise doesn’t really have any friends. She’s socially awkward at the best of times and combative at the worst. She does not care for dancing or dresses or suitors like most of the ton, so conversation is bound to be stilted. And she really struggles to put on a façade with anyone. What you see is what you get with Eloise Bridgerton and that is refreshing for the audience but at the same time, in a culture where pretence is a necessity, very jarring.

Consequently:

Eloise is more likely to wish for a friend, and latch onto Sophie throughout the season.

Secondly, it will set her up to be in a position where she stands at the beginning of TSPWL. A place where she is a little desperate…and desperately lonely.

For ofcourse, all her friends have chosen another Bridgerton over her. And ofcourse, her greatest allies shall be married and living far away from Bridgerton House—this being Benedict and Sophie.

She shall be the disappointment of the family, the spinster who sits unnoticed in the corner as her baby-filled, love-gushing family swirl around. Now pushed further on the fringes, her voice maturing but also quieting…

Overall, while Eloise grows as a writer and feminist in season 4 she shall have growing isolation, and lack of self-worth.

Why, a marriage of convenience might be a very intriguing concept…especially as at the end of the season when Eloise has her pen pal.

Just think: desperation +rashness+ lovely garden-adoring botanist, (who happens to own a publishing house) = just enough motivation for a little trip to the countryside…

*~*~*~*~*

I’d love to hear your ideas/corrections/opinions and always open to chat or requests. So...

Check out the list here, for more of my ideas.

Check out the general arcs of my prospective S4 here.

Thanks for reading--go grab yourself a cup of tea!

#an offer from an avid reader #eloise bridgerton #sophie beckett #give me complex female characters!#s4 speculation #the friendship we need #an offer from a gentleman #bridgerton #eloise being a whirlwind #sophie and john chasing after her

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bridgertonbabe · 1 year

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JUSTICE FOR COLLIN THE CAT

like isn't cannon in the book & no one (expect you) talks about him?????

Ah, Colin the cat might just be my favourite lil creation in my own personal Bridgerton headcanon. In fact I'm pretty sure the first drabble I ever posted on here was about Colin the cat and human Colin discovering that the stray feline that roamed about My Cottage had been named after him.

Benedict would jokingly say that he had never been prouder of his sons than the day his boys named the cat after their uncle. The family had been sat at the breakfast table when the feline hopped through the open window to scrounge for food, meanwhile Benedict read aloud the letter he had just received from his globetrotting brother as Colin regaled them with his adventures abroad. After finishing the letter he and Sophie watched on fondly as Charlie and Alex giggled at the cat's presence and dropped bits of their breakfast on the floor for him to eat up. The feline had gradually become a regular visitor over the last few months and it was only then that Benedict asked his boys if their feline friend had a name. Alex, who was two and a half informed his father that the cat hadn't told them his name and Benedict had to admit he had a point and shared an amused smile with his wife. He then suggested to his sons that they could give the cat a name instead if he didn't have one. It was Charlie to gasped excitedly and named the greedy little tabby Colin. As soon as the name left his mouth Benedict snorted on his tea and after exchanging a smirk with Sophie he told his son that calling the cat Colin was a wonderful idea. He and Sophie couldn't wait to write to their family to inform them of the newly named cat of My Cottage, but purposefully left out his brother Colin and asked the family not to mention anything to him. No, Benedict wanted to see the look on his brother's face for himself when he learnt that he shared a moniker with a stray cat.

#asks #colin the cat

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bluerosejuliet · 1 year

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Bridgerton Superhero AU

I thought of this while working on some asks and had to post it. Imagine the modern day Bridgertons are a family of popular superheroes (haven't come up with their powers quite yet but am open to ideas). They are very popular in the media and at least one of them is sure to make the news daily. The people adore them and they are a myriad of admirers. However, their civilian identities are more lowkey and not quite as popular.

When he's not saving damsels in distress and seducing the many women of London, Anthony Bridgerton works as an attorney who fights for justice. Because of this, he often works closely with detective Kathani Sharma, a woman who exudes confidence and doesn't take anyones bullshit. It doesn't help that she absolutely gorgeous (lord knows how often Anthony dreamed about those long legs of hers wrapped around him) and one of the few people who can challenge Anthony. And yet Anthony still hasn't plucked up the courage to ask the woman on a date.

Benedict Bridgerton works as an art therapist, mainly working with children coming from tough home situations. He also volunteers to the local retirement home to teach painting classes every other weekend. He does paint in his free time but doesn't have the confidence to share his work with other people. In between saving people every week, Benedict also faces another problem: he's in love with two women. One, a beautiful masked woman that he kissed at a New Years Eve party. All he remembers about her is the lovely silver dress she wore and how wonderful it felt to have her pressed against him. The other is Sophie Beckett, a beautiful social worker that he's collaborated with a few times. She has to be the sweetest woman he's ever met and she genuinely cares for all her charges. If only he could forget his mystery woman and just ask out Sophie his life would be so much easier.

Colin works at a large newspaper, reviewing various restaurants but longs to travel to other countries. However, he does love bringing focus to local restaurants that may not be as fancy as others but have amazing food and also amazing background stories. Is it any surprise then that he has a crush on Penelope Featherington, the owner of his favorite bakery and one his best friends? Not only does Penelope make the best muffins and is one of the nicest people he knows, she's also witty and very pretty. If only he could get out of the friendzone with her.

Daphne works as a wedding planner and is known for creating the most beautiful weddings no matter the budget. She's always prepared no matter what the situation and he assistants are left in awe of her cool head. The only time she seems to lose a bit of her cool is around Simon Basset, her brother Anthony's best friend and the most handsome man Daphne's ever seen. Not only is the man a firefighter (as if he wasn't hot enough!) he also works at the gym Daphne goes to and teaches self defense classes.

Eloise is currently working as an associate attorney Lady Danbury's law firm. Whereas Anthony specializes in criminal law, Eloise aims to be a civil rights attorney. As a bonus, her best friends bakery is right down the street but it is also next to a flower shop run by the quiet but handsome Phillip Crane. He's also a frequent customer of Penelope's and the two have gotten into quite a few debates. Eloise is not one to swoon and will kill anyone who says otherwise, but something about the quiet but intelligent flower shop owner draws her in.

Francesca is a music teacher at the local elementary school and also teaches piano lessons on the side. Like many secret superheroes, Francesca has a bit of a tragic backstory. She lost her best friend John, the only person outside her family to know her secret, to a horrible accident. John had asthma and during a hostage situation had an asthma attack and died because he didn't have his inhaler. Francesca blamed herself because John had snuck out that night to help her with something. What's worse is John was her first love and admitted his feelings for her with his dying breath. Since then, she's put up a wall around her heart and it took awhile for her to even think about joining the family business once more. Things are going smoothly, until Michael Stirling waltzes back into town to open his own bar after being discharged from the army. Michael used to be one of her good friends as well but after John's death, they grew apart. It also doesn't help that he's no longer the charming boy boy she knew in high school but a dangerously handsome man who seems to see right through her.

Gregory works on designing video games and is viewed by many people as a bit of a nerd given how he loves comic books and video games and is very smart. If he would just wear better clothes, tame his hair, and ditch the glasses, he'd be pretty handsome. He's not the best with talking to girls but finds the local librarian Lucy Abernathy very easy to talk to. Lucy's very organized and seems extremely prim and proper but can debate marvel vs. DC like no other and is an expert when it comes to Lord of the Rings. Even better, the woman makes her own cosplay outfits and Gregory had to stop himself from double liking her instagram photo of her as Galadriel. But how can an ordinary guy like Gregory hope to win over Lucy?

Hyacinth is currently working as a barista in a local cafe as she finishes up university. However, she is still unsure about what she wants to do after college. All her other siblings seemed to have figured out what they wanted from life but Hyacinth is still struggling. At least she gets to chat with Gareth St. Clair each day. He works in part time as a bartender while completing his business degree. He plans on opening his own auto shop one day and has a job lined up after he graduates to work as a mechanic for a bit to gain some experience. With his various piercings, tattoos, and the fact that he owns a motorcycle, he looks exactly like the kind of guy Anthony always warned her to stay away from. Yet, Hyacinth can't help but get a little weak in the knees each time he smiles at her.

So what is the conflict you may ask?

Is it that the Bridgerton spouses are secretly supervillains?

(No, they are normal civilians thank you very much).

Are the spouses seeing someone else?

(Nope, all of them are single).

The problem is, that the spouses seem highly unimpressed whenever the Bridgertons rescue them.

Anthony doesn't understand how the Kate who sometimes brings him his favorite coffee and teases him, instead acts like he's more of an annoyance whenever his hero persona interacts with her.

Or how Lucy doesn't seem impressed by Gregory saving her and instead points out all the disorder he caused but is so patient and warm to him even when he accidentally knocks over a shelf of books as a civilian.

In short, the Bridgertons are trying to win over their spouses as their hero selves (as this seems to be the version everyone prefers) while their spouses are in love with the Bridgertons civilian identities.

Meanwhile, Violet is sipping her tea, wondering when her children will realize that their spouses love their true selves, just as she loved the sweet Edmund Bridgerton who stuttered out an apology after accidentally causing her to spill her coffee all over her dress rather than the handsome and suave hero who saved her from some thugs.

If you would like to see more of this AU or have any ideas for superpowers, please let me know!

#Bridgerton #Bridgerton Superhero AU #the bridgertons share one brain cell #obvious Bridgertons

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