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#Anthony bridgerton x reader fluff
imthebadguyyy · 1 year
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enchanted.
pairing • anthony bridgerton x reader
fandom • bridgerton
synopsis • you and anthony don't need words to converse.
an • mildly inspired by my coke studio binging because they're bloody amazing.
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maybe it was a gift. or a lucky connection. whatever it was, you were glad it existed.
being married to a viscount meant that society had expectations. graceful, poised, calm, beautiful, intelligent. and sometimes, just sometimes, thinks could get a little overwhelming. it was perhaps your hundredth ball this season. you had decided to assist anthony in his quest to marry daphne off to someone he deemed proper enough to marry his sister. of course, it took some severe looks from you for him to reluctantly agree to let daphne actually dance with interested suitors.
having managed to convince your husband to come away for a dance (something the dowager viscountess had been most grateful for, for it meant her eldest son was away while daphne continued her quest to find a husband)
but of course it would never be that simple.
anthony bridgerton was a very, very attractive man, and every single lady in the ton new it. you'd think that his marriage to another woman would have stopped the batting eyelashes and sultry gazes, but much to your chagrin, they didn't.
if anything, they increased. hushed voices greeted you at every turn, mamas looking at you with contempt and disfavour. you were the woman who had deprived their daughters of the title of viscountess.
you could feel their gazes burning holes in the silky material of your blue dress, matching anthony's waist coat and cravat. his hands rested lightly on your waist, and interlaced with your fingers. he couldnt believe he was married to a woman like you, a woman so sweet and kind and loving and smart.
oblivious to the vicious whispers, he leaned in close to press a kiss to your forehead, watching the way you tensed and your eyebrow creased.
"is everything alright my darling?" he asked, gently squeezing your waist.
a few feet away, lady cowper leaned around to whisper something into another lady's ears, a contemptuous smile playing on her lips, cruel eyes boring into yours.
anthony caught the way your eyes looked down after meeting lady cowper's, and the first glimmer of tears in your eyes.
he hated it.
he hated how even thought he was married to the woman he loved, the ton thought it acceptable to gossip and chatter about his marriage and make his beloved feel like she was worthless.
he was well aware of how much the comments and whispers hurt you, and that in turn hurt him.
gently, he reached up to caress your cheek, looking into your eyes.
your soft gaze met his warm, familiar one. it was safe, familial and homely.
i love you, he said, with the gentle touch of his hands. i adore you, he said, with the soft caress of your cheek. i need you, he said, with the burning passion in his eyes. i care for you, he said, with the grip on the blue silk that adorned your body.
i am yours, he said, when his lips descended upon your temple, tracing up to your forehead and then down to your nose, before pressing against the corner of your lips.
a public display of affection was a rarity for anyone, especially if it was a viscount. but anthony didn't care.
he was yours and you were his.
and if it took kissing you (something he enjoyed very much) to convince the vile ladies that he was truly enamoured with his amore, then he would gladly do it.
and so he pressed his lips to yours, sweet and plump, ignoring the sharp intake of breath from the old couple next to the both of you.
relaxing, you leaned into his touch ever so slightly before pulling back.
thank you, you said to him with the glimmer in your eyes. i love you, you said to him with the gentle pattern you were tracing on his cufflinks.
you didn't need to tell anthony what was troubling you.
he always knew.
*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧
HI OMG IM SO SORRY FOR NOT WRITING FOR SO LONG SO HERES JUST A TEENSY TINY LITTLE SNEAK PEAK OF A FIC IM GONNA POST SOON THAT ALSO WORKS AS A BLURB and I'm so sorry for being MIA for so long 😭
any feedback, comments, reblogs and likes are appreciated ♥️ much love and happy reading!!
TAGS -:
bridgerton - @freyathehuntress
everything - @roslastyles420
to be added to the taglist send me an ask or a dm 🥰
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The Plot Part 3 (Anthony Bridgerton x Fem!Reader)
anthony bridgerton x fem!reader
third part in a series where his entire family plots to get you two together by the end of the season
warnings: father who is blatantly sexist; she/her pronouns
author: sj
masterlist
part one / part two / part four
part three coming soon :)
taglist: @lafy-taffy​ @fictional-hooman @navs-bhat​ @littleunstable2022​ 
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You knew you were utterly screwed. The eldest Bridgerton had always had your heart and yet, you knew he would never return your feelings in the same way. The way he had danced with you at the last ball had been enough to know that you would do anything for him. The hold he had over you was overbearing. 
It had been a few days since that fateful ball and you could not get the Viscount from your mind. And little did you know that he had trouble getting you out of his mind as well. 
At first, he thought he was simply concerned for you. He had known you for what felt like forever so he only assumed it was normal for the idea of you and another man to consume his every waking and dreaming thought. However, it was not normal how much rage seemed to fill his body when he thought of your father not caring about what happened to you in the long run. How could he not even take a second to consider your happiness? The sweet girl from across the street who looked, walked, and talked like a living angel? 
Okay, maybe he shouldn’t be thinking of his younger sister’s best friend in that way, comparing her to an angel seemed a bit on the riskier side of that territory. But he would be lying to himself if he did not admit that he thought of you not in a little sister way, but a romantic way. In fact, he thought of you that way many, many times. 
You were currently sitting in your day room as a suitor was droning on and on and on about something to do with his estates. He had not asked you one question yet, only talking to you about himself. You didn’t know how much more you could take of this. As if your mind was read, the door to the day room opened and Benedict came strolling in. 
“Mr. Bridgerton.” You said, standing up from the couch, trying not to sound too relived and excited to see a friendly face. He nodded to you, giving you a small, playful smile and then walked towards your mother. 
“Lady Y/l/n, may I ask Miss Y/l/n to promenade with me and my family?” Your mother looked at you and your eyes practically were pleading with her to say yes. 
“Of course Mr. Bridgerton.” She replied, winking at you. You knew your mother was not happy with what your father was trying to do, but she couldn’t do a thing about it. They had never had a good relationship like Violet and her late husband, in fact, they were one of the only examples of a healthy relationship that you had ever witnessed. 
That is how you found yourself with your arm linked around Benedict’s in the park, strolling leisurely to the lake, towards the boats. The whole Bridgerton clan had decided to come for the stroll, giving you a chance to see them again since you were quite busy with this season’s suitors. 
“So Y/n, how is your suitor hunt going?” Ben asked you. You let out a laugh that sounded more like a sigh. 
“Not very well, if I’m honest. It is just filled with such dreary men. They either are a rake, terrifying, or have the personality of a broom stick.” You responded. Benedict laughed and swatted his arm that your other arm was wrapped around. “That was not very gentleman like of you.”
“Have you ever known me to be a gentleman?” He lowered his eyes towards you. You laughed in response, quickly covering your mouth, and continuing to joke around with each other. 
Anthony watched you two from behind, his eyebrows furrowing at the sound of your shared laughter, wondering what you two could be possibly saying that was so funny. 
“Well don’t you look like you have your pants on a little too tight brother.” Colin said. 
“Whatever are you talking about Colin?” Anthony remarked, not taking his eyes off of you and Ben in front of him.
“Hmmm. I don’t know, maybe the way that you are practically staring holes in the back of Y/n’s head. Why don’t you just court her already instead of pretending that you aren’t interested in her. She would make a great Viscountess and we already love her, which is half the battle in itself.” Colin remarked. Anthony looked to his brother and nodded tightly. 
“I couldn’t give her what she wanted, which is a love match. That would require her actually loving me.” Anthony spoke with a pained face, squinting from the sun. 
“I thought you were smarter brother. If you haven’t seen how she has looked at you since she was young, then I am not sure what to tell you. She adores you. You just have to look.” Colin said, patting him on the back and walking towards Eloise who was waving him over. 
“Benedict!” Violet called from her little huddle of the youngest two children. Ben looked up and made sure it was okay with you before he walked away. Anthony watched as Lord Grayson, who was standing nearby, spotted you alone and started towards you. Again, Anthony’s feet seemed to move on their own as he quickly came over to you. 
“Miss Y/l/n.” They both said at once, looking from you to each other, Anthony’s jaw clenched. You looked to both of them staring at each other. 
Lord Grayson was probably one of the only men that you had encountered that you could tolerate for longer than one dance. He had come to court you this week and you had a nice chat with him. He would make a great friend, but if you wanted a love match, you were going to need more. 
“Miss Y/l/n, I was wondering if you would join me on a small boat ride.” Anthony asked, making eye contact with you. 
“I would love to. Lord Grayson, did you need something?” You looked to the Lord standing before you. 
“Never mind. I see I have arrived a little too late.” He said, dipping his head as he left. You grabbed Anthony’s arm as he led you to the edge of the water where there was a boat waiting. 
Once you were both in, Anthony started rowing and conversation started to flow. 
“So, have you found anyone you wish to court? I know your mother told me that you were looking to marry this season.” You said, mentally chastising yourself, not sure if you could handle if he said that he had found someone of interest. 
“Not really. I find that if I am to find a wife, my demeanor will probably have to change. At least that is what my mother said, something about that I am too harsh with those around me.” 
“Harsh? You are not harsh Anthony, you have only ever been patient, helpful and kind to me.” You told him earnestly, slightly avoiding his eyes.
“Well, thats different. With you, it is easy to be... well... gentler and more understanding.” You looked up to his and he watched how your eyes shone. They held a look in them that he hasn’t seen in a while, not since he last saw Daphne looking at Simon or his mother looking at his father. 
And that is when Anthony Bridgerton knew he wished to marry you. He knew he was utterly screwed. 
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asmutwriter · 1 year
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A True Lady (Part 1)
This was originally a Benedict fic but I changed it to Anthony. So apologies if she seems flirty towards both of them, its likely because I missed it when I reread it to change the names.
Anthony x Reader
WORD COUNT: 4182
Next / Master List
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WARNINGS: mentions of prostitution, time period sexism, swearing, talk of sex, kissing, drunk kissing
DISCLAIMERS
-   This is fiction. Please always talk to your partner before doing anything and make sure they are ok with what you are doing beforehand
It was your 19th birthday. You were helping one of your roommates get in the washing. You lived in a small house, able to afford a room but having to share with a few other people. You were helping out the girl that lived in the same room as you when a knock at the door distracted you. You saw a very well dressed man look at you “Excuse me ma’am, is Miss-” he reads the letter he has “-Smith living here?” you nod slightly
“That is me. How can I help you?” he hands you a letter.
“From your father”
“I’m sorry there must be a mistake” he shakes his head “No, you see I got told my father died years ago” he shakes his head again
“M’lady. Your father died a few days ago. This is his will” he motions his eyes at the letter “I’d recommend you read it” he clears his throat “we will come and collect you in a few days” and with that he bows and walks to his carriage. You go to speak again but get called by the other women. You quickly take the letter and place it into your corset. 
“Who was that?”
“A lord of sorts I believe. I think he lost his way” you smile at her as she nods “I completely forgot, I was meant to be doing a work thing today. So I’m going to go” you excuse yourself and go to work. 
It doesn’t pay much, but working in a factory defiantly gets you enough money for food on your plate. When you get there you meet with two of your friends, both on the same level of factory work as you. You pull out the will from your bodice whilst explaining what had happened. “But I thought your dad had died before you were born?”
“So did I” you open the letter and read it out loud
‘My dearly beloved family, if you are reading this I am afraid it is because I have succumbed to my illness and died. I want you all to know I love you with all my heart but I-” your eyes widen at the next line, your friends getting closer to you with anticipation “I feel like you are all like vultures and trying to get close to me. I know I was never the best father in the world, but for you all to try and get close to me as I lie dying, well it’s embarrassing for you all. So for each of you I leave a penny. Apart for my bastard child, Emily Smith, to which I leave the rest of my fortune and my entire estate. My dear, I hope my footman has managed to deliver this letter to you and I hope you are reading this. I am sorry we never met and I’m sorry you will be suddenly thrown into the limelight but as of receiving this letter you will no longer be known as Miss Emily Smith, but instead as Lady Emily Garcia. My footmen will pick you up in a few days after you receive this letter so you may have enough time to pack your belongings and make your way to your new life” You feel tears start to swell
“You’re going to be rich”
“Ooh a real lady” your friends joke with you and hug you as you stand in shock. You hear the boss call out your names. Yelling at you to either leave with no pay or get back to work. The three of you decide on the latter, you’re friend whispering to you before you separate on the work floor.
“When you become rich, don’t forget about us” you shake your head as you smile at them
“I would never forget my best friends”
-
A few months had passed since getting the letter. You said farewell to your home. Leaving behind the small room and your roommates behind. Thankfully you could write them letters to stay in touch but you’d only lived with them for a short while so hadn’t grown a strong bond with them. Not strong enough to bring them with you to your new life. So although you were sad in leaving them you were happy to move on with your life. You also didn’t tell them it was your father that had left a fortune as you were a bit worried they might try and steal it from you, knowing how light fingered a few of them were.
But none the less, here you were sitting at the head of your table, trying to remember which spoon was for which meal. The meal in question sat in front of you and your handmaiden awaiting eagerly for you to pick the correct utensils. You point to one of the forks and she shakes her head sadly and points to the correct fork. You grunt in annoyance “Why must I know the details of all the cutlery? No one shall see me eat anything anyway”
“It is only proper for you to know which one is which for if you go to a party, or for when you finally have a party”
“Or I could just not eat whenever that happens and drink a lot of whatever is on offer so I feel full” you smile at her to which she chuckles slightly “When am I able to throw a party?” you query
“When you have been considered part of high society. No one is aware of your father’s death apart from his family, and we are planning on keeping it that way until it gets out on its own. Or in a month or two” you nod
“Do we have any animals?” she shakes her head
“But if you would like any you would be able to afford them. Horses and dogs are always love-”
“I want chickens. Ooh and possibly some pigs!”
“Excuse me?”
“You said we could afford them...? Or did you mean we could only afford one set of animals, like a singular dog or something? Sorry, I both keep forgetting that we have money but that also think we have unlimited money” she shakes her head and laughs slightly
“No miss, when people tend to say they want animals they tend to say more... domesticated creatures like a dog, or even a cat” you nod
“But if we had more farm animals then we could sell things like eggs and milk, we could also give it to those less fortunate in order to keep our charisma up amongst the people. I’d be happy to look after them all as well, I know not everyone is happy to clean animals out or anything” she nods and smiles at you
“I think getting some animals would be a marvellous idea. We have enough money to afford paddocks for them and enough land as well” you smile as you both talk about the animals you could have and where they could be placed on your land.
-
This is how you met the duke. Turns out your father had close ties to him and when you mentioned animals to your servants they introduced you to him, who was happy to guide you to the best farmers around. You grew a close friendship with him, which you enjoyed. He also understood what it was like to be seen down on by some members of society so you already had that in common. You thought you knew him fully, until you met his wife. Daphne. He’d said to you a few times that he would never get married so when he came to you with his newly wed wife you were shocked. But this only lasted a few moments as you grew a friendship with her as well, welcoming her to stay with you at any time if she wanted to get away from her duchess duties, or even her wifely duties, to which she was more than happy to stay with you a few times over the course of their early marriage. Then you got word of her pregnancy which also shocked you, but you were glad your close friends were happy and in love. 
This is when you got a letter from her one morning. It asked if she could possibly come to see you and get away from prying eyes when she was in the latter half of her pregnancy. You happily agreed, asking if she’d come to visit next week to which she accepted.
So when the day arrived, you heard her carriage pull up and you ran outside to great your friend. You brought her into a hug “It has been so long! I can’t believe you managed to get knocked up” she looks slightly shocked at your words, when you hear a cough from behind you. A man with dark eyes meets your gaze
“You weren’t wrong sister” you shoot a curious look at him then back at her. She places her hands on your shoulders and smile at you
“So I mentioned coming here to my mother and she said that it’d be lovely for her to come and join me, just to keep an eye. And the next thing I knew all of them had said they wanted to join” you see three young children jump out of a different carriage and run up the length of the garden to the house entrance, followed by a young lady shouting after them. You look inside the carriage Daphne had been in and saw a woman and 2 men. You bow slightly at them and then furrow your brows
“I thought you were one of eight, but I only count seven”
“Yes Colin couldn’t join us as he’s on his travels” you nod and smile at them all as they exit and look around. You link arms with your friend, and lean towards her
“I still can’t believe you got knocked up” you whisper to which she chuckles and playfully hits your arm “to be fair, with how you talked about your antics beforehand I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner”
“Emily!” you laugh at her sudden embarrassment and head inside. 
It had come to dinner time and you were helping your maids serve food for you and your guests. Although you knew it is improper for the lady of the house to help you found yourself feeling to mean to let them do it on their own and it really didn’t bother you. But as you went and gathered everyone to sit down you found yourself at the head of the table, Daphne one side of you, her mother the other, the variety of siblings down the length of the table with the viscount at the other end. You all begin eating, a few minutes in the mother speaks up. “Are we not to be joined by the lord of the house?”
“Oh there is no lord” she looks confused “I’m not married” you smile at her. She nods and looks at your hand
“But your ring...?”
“Oh, I wear it to trick certain men into thinking I’m a wed woman so they don’t try and flirt with me. I actually just found it amongst some of my father’s belongings when I moved in”
“Does that not deter you from men who want to marry you” you laugh 
“Men don’t want to marry me. They tend to find me strange and to independent. So I try not to attract them if I can help it” you look at the sister as she looks at you in awe
“So you don’t ever want to marry?” you shrug “isn’t that against everything in your title? And your gender?” you nod
“Yes it is. My title and my gender implies that I should get married and bare children but I’ve seen far too many women suffer greatly from pregnancy and child birth. Plus the heartbreak they often have. I think I’ll pass on it all” You smile and carry on with your meal as some of the table looks at you with amusement, the others with a slight disgust. Violet clears her throat and moves on the conversation. You see the eldest son exchange a few words with his brother but they are too far away for you to hear. At the end of the meal you go up to the eldest brother “I have a few men coming round for work purposes tomorrow and I wondered if you would like to meet them? All businessmen and lords and so on. I think it might be good from a business point of view for you” he nods
“That would be very nice, I’d like to meet them indeed” he smiles as you all part ways for the night. 
The next morning you are awake early, dressed in your finest dress as you great various lords. You have them all go into a room “I will go get Lord Bridgeton for you shortly” you smile and leave the room, shutting the door behind you before placing your ears to the door. You feel a touch on your shoulder which makes you jump. You meet Benedict’s blue eyes and you cover his mouth before he goes to say something. You whisper to him “I’m eavesdropping to see what they say about me to see if they deserve tea and biscuits or not” he chuckles and places his ear next to the door with you as you both listen in on the conversation. Anthony also walks up to which you shush him as well and explain. He rolls his eyes but waits patiently as the two of you stand by the door.
“Goodness how long does it take her to bring him?”
“I mean, I’d also be straining given how big her breasts are. They must be heavy things”
“Oh yes but my god they look good on her” you hold back a slight laugh, finding it amusing how awful some men can be.
“I’d quite like to see her undressed though”
“Have you not heard the rumours? She apparently only managed to get this place because she was screwing the Lord himself”
“Goodness I bet she puts out for everyone”
“I’ve heard that she is great with her mouth”
“I guess we’ll see later wont we gentlemen”
“She won’t do anything whilst the Bridgeton’s are here, she may be great in bed but she wouldn’t want to ruin her relations with them”
“I don’t know, if she keeps giving me those sex eyes I might have to have my way with her” you move away from the door and take a deep breath. You feel both brothers’ eyes on you as you try not to cry out in annoyance. You finally lift your head up and look at the oldest one
“Shall we go in?” your voice cracks slightly. He shakes his head 
“I do not wish to be near such awful people” you shrug
“That is your choice, but I cannot be put down by what men think of me” You half smile at him, but he notices it does not meet your eyes. “Don’t let on that we heard them, please?” he nods slightly and you see him look behind you at his other brother to which you turn around. “Or you?” to which he also nods. You shake your hands in a fashion to get yourself ready then flatten your dress “God sometimes I hate having tits...” you whisper under your breath as you open the door and greet your guests with a fake smile “Gentlemen, viscount Anthony Bridgeton. I shall leave you all alone to query your ideas. If you need me I will be tending to my animals” you smile and exit, shutting the door behind you. Benedict reaches out a hand towards you as a sign of comfort but you shake your head “I’m ok... thank you...” you give him a sad but genuine smile as you leave, going up to your library in hopes that some fictional world can help you forget about the real world even if only for 5 minutes. 
Half an hour or so must’ve passed until you hear a knock on the door “come in” as you look up to see the eldest brother walk in.
“I thought I would come and check you were ok” you nod
“I am fine. I’m used to such words, the problems of being a women completely independent from a man I suppose” you place your book down as he steps in more and pushes the door to, but not shutting it completely. “I hope you didn’t tarnish any propositions they gave you just because of the words they said about me?” he shakes his head
“They didn’t have anything I wanted anyway. Either too expensive to invest in or not bringing in enough money for my sake” you nod as you watch him come behind your chair and angle you to look into the mirror that is in the room. He smiles at you in the reflection as he leans down to your height “I want you to be able to see that you are a kind and genuine person that is doing an amazing job at running a house. You are beautiful both inside and out and none of those men deserve you” you smile at his words and turn to face him, only mere inches away from him 
“Thank you... I needed that” you smile at him and gently kiss his forehead before leaning back in your chair. He looks slightly shocked by the affection but stands up straight and coughs slightly
“I shall leave you to it, and probably see you at dinner” you nod and wave at him as he exits. You then get back to your reading. 
Hours pass and it is dinner, you all sit and eat together. You come to realise that the brothers don’t seem to have told anyone about what they heard.
 A couple more days pass. You had gotten close to all the Bridgeton family. The youngest being sweet and kind. Violet helping you with proper etiquette. Daphne being your good friend. Eloise and Benedict helping you broaden your horizons when it came to arts such as drawing and reading. Lastly Anthony giving you good trade offers and other tradesmen that you could work with. You’d gotten the closest with him, spending most of your time together as you talked business.
As another night falls upon your house you find yourself outside lying on the grass looking at the sky. You have had difficulty sleeping due to the stress of going to be public and attending your first ball in a weeks’ time and you found the night sky incredibly relaxing. Apparently you are not the only one either as you hear someone sit next to you. You turn your head to see Anthony looking up at the sky. You half smile and look back up. Only a few minutes pass before he breaks the silence “You know, a lady shouldn’t be out here on her own with a strange man” you chuckle slightly
“You aren’t a strange man. A man yes, strange no” he chuckles
“A stranger then” you nod 
“True. I suppose I’m not one for formalities though” he nods and it is silent again. You sit up, pulling out a flask and offering it to him, to which he agrees taking a sip. You smile as you also drink from it after him 
“God that is strong” he coughs slightly as you chuckle 
“I’m still learning the basics of brewing it. This is the 3rd batch I’ve made” he chuckles slightly and nods, watching as you take another sip
“This may be an incredibly personal question but what did you do before you lived here?”
“You don’t know?” he shakes his head and murmurs
“No. I know you inherited this place from your father when he died but that’s all I know” you nod and look down, fiddling with the bow on the front of your nightdress
“I was born into a poor family. My mother did her best to look after me but she died when I was young. So I knew from a young age I had to make my own living. But I didn’t know how so I started stealing. Just small things. Food mainly. But I stole from this woman when I must’ve been about eleven. She caught me, but noticed I was starving so looked after me. Gave me a home and a job in a factory. I worked there for eight years until I received the letter from my father” you chuckle slightly “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bombard you with so much stuff...” he shakes his head as he watches you lie down. You offer him the drink again to which he takes a sip from.
“I wanted to know” you hear him take in a sharp breath. Not sure if it’s from the alcohol or the cold air “I would like to apologise again for those men from a few days ago”
“That wasn’t your fault in any way so no need to be sorry. I’m just sorry that you had to hear such horrific things. I promise I don’t put out as they said” he takes another sip before handing it to you
“I’m sure you don’t”
“I mean I’ve defiantly kissed people but that’s an affection thing rather than a sexual thing” he chuckles as you giggle slightly. The alcohol had definitely settled in now. You could tell that much from the way you both were acting. Although neither of you had had much of it, it was very strong so only a few sips seemed to affect you both. This is also when you remembered that you were always maybe a little too open and friendly towards people when intoxicated
“When was your first kiss then?” you shyly shrug, trying to ignore the heat rising to your face.
“Probably about two years ago” He nods. You see his eyes dart to look at your lips as he leans down closer to you, lying next to you so you’re only mere inches away. He looks back at your eyes as he gently strokes your cheek “Yeah. It was a night similar to this. We were drinking and I confessed that I’d never kissed anyone and he said I couldn’t live my life not having kissed anyone. So we then had a kiss. It wasn’t very long and there wasn’t any tongue or anything but it was good” you realise that whilst you were speaking he was looking at you. You couldn’t quite tell how he was feeling. Amused, excited and something else. You smile up at him as he smiles down at you. His pupils dilated from the effects of the alcohol.
“So you enjoy kissing then?” you nod and feel your cheeks go red. You feel his thumb move from your cheek to brush over your lips.
“Goodness” you feel yourself getting redder as you continue to make eye contact so you break it. You feel his finger gently move your head back to look at him again and he smiles sweetly at you. He gently strokes the other side of your cheek with his thumb
“When did you last kiss someone?”
“I-I don’t remember. Probably over a year ago”
“Do you want to change that?” you swallow deeply as your breath hitches with those words. Letting out a small nod he smiles and gets closer to you, noses barely touching. “May I?” you nod again and without hesitation he presses his lips to yours. Your wrap both your arms around his neck, one getting caught in his hair and the other in the back of his shirt. He takes it slow and as a few minutes pass he breaks the kiss, looking down at you to see how you’d react. You let out a small whine and your eyes dart back down to his lips then back to his eyes. He smirks as he kisses you once again, moving so he is between your legs, his forearm on the floor next to your head and the other placed gently in your hair. You keep kissing intensely, only breaking apart for a few seconds for air. Before you can catch your breath he’s kissing your jaw line. Letting you catch your breath before he comes back up to kiss you. You run a hand through his hair. Pulling him into you as your tongues dance around each other. After a few minutes he pulls away. Admiring your kiss swollen lips. “We should leave before a servant sees us” you nod slightly as he places a quick kiss to your lips as he sits up properly. Standing up and pulling you with him. You feel light headed from the kissing and a new sensation forming between your legs so he helps you back to your bedroom, before he makes his way to his. 
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merlieve · 2 years
Note
would you be up for an Anthony Bridgerton x wife!reader imagine where he keeps tossing and turning on the bed and he can’t sleep and he’s afraid that the reader would wake up because of him so he goes to his study and tries to sleep there. but the reader then wakes up and finds anthony sweating because of a nightmare in the couch of the study room so she cuddles him to sleep and when anthony wakes up, he sees the reader falls asleep spooning him, he realizes that he finds comfort in the touch and breathing her scent.
bitter sweet symphony :: anthony bridgerton x reader
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𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞�� 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐬𝐡𝐞/𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐝 & 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫
𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟 / 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 | 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠/𝐬: Mentions of Death.
𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞, 𝐬𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭!
𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭
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[ Note: I LOVE this request, one of my favorites, so far! ] | WORD COUNT: 1, 088
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Anthony felt overwhelmed, as he tossed and turned on the queen bed he shared with his wife, [Name]. He felt overwhelmed after all of the work he did during the day, his hand feeling numb from all the writing and it didn't help that tomorrow would be a... special day. Anthony looked on the right side, where his lovely spouse lay, peacefully sleeping, she may deny it but Anthony found [Name] precious whenever she would doze, he took note that her nose would scrunch if she was dreaming, like now, Anthony questioned himself what she may be dreaming of. Nonetheless, Anthony was jealous that [Name] could sleep effortlessly and he can't. He would always have these constant thoughts in his mind whether it'd be about the future or his darling.
Due to her husband's continuous movements, [Name] turned to the other side, causing Anthony to worry that he was going to wake up his wife at such a time. He considered that going to another room would satisfy both him and [Name], so she could sleep calmly. Anthony gradually pulled the blanket away from him, and slowly stood up, trying not to wake [Name], as he tiptoed to the other side of the room. Once Anthony finally reached the door, he slowly opened it, cringing as it caused a creaking sound, he looked over to his wife, hoping it didn't awaken her from her slumber, but when he found out she was still asleep, he exhaled a breath he didn't know he was holding and left their bedroom.
Anthony never knew it was difficult to find a satisfying sleeping area in his house until he had to find one. He tried the drawing room, but then he recalled that the housekeepers prepare it in the morning, and due to the fact it was so late at night, he wouldn't be able to wake up before they come in, and the kitchen wasn't his second alternative. It may be the last thing he could ever dream of sleeping, since he already spends his days there why would he rest there, too? But he was running out of options, and time. Once Anthony reached his study, he looked for the large blue sofa [Name] would sit on whenever she would visit him, and when he saw the sofa, all he wanted to do was sleep.
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[Name] woke up in the middle of the night, due to the loud bang of thunder. Tiredly, she tossed to left side, hoping to seek warmth from her husband but it was unexpectedly chilly on Anthony's side of the bed, only to find out that Anthony was nowhere to be seen. Alarmed, [Name] got up and set out to find her husband, calling out his name to get his attention. When she arrived at his study, she was greeted with a sight: Anthony was perspiring, shivering, and the more he tossed and turned the closer he was to falling off the couch.
This caused [Name] to worry for Anthony, quietly walking over to his aid, she debated waking him up but realised comforting him was better than trying to go back to sleep again. She knew Anthony had problems with sleeping nowadays with all the work he’s been doing, if she woke him up, he’d never go back to sleep. She made up a compromise, to comfort him instead of waking him.
[Name] calmly strolled to the sofa where her spouse lay, trembling and perspiring, as his breath hastened, causing [Name] to be concerned for her husband's being. Carefully, she laid beside Anthony without making a racket, and quietly coddled him from behind. She sighed when Anthony's breathing began slowing down, indicating that he was calming down. Her heart swelled when Anthony nuzzled onto her, like a puppy, finding solace in the sudden warmth, as they drift into a deep slumber.
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It was daytime, hoards of birds flying in groups while the sun glistens through the window. Anthony woke up due to the brightness of the morning sun, the storm from last night compels the plants from the gardens to give a particular scent Anthony cherished. It wasn't long before Anthony remembered his nightmare from last night: It was about his father, today was the day he died, and Anthony's mind was plagued with the sight of his mother holding his father's corpse. He hoped he woke up on his restful bed with his wife, instead he woke up in his office... with his wife?
Anthony glanced to see what the sudden weight behind him was, anticipating that one of the cushions fell on him, only to find his spouse, snuggling him. He wondered why she was there, but he didn't want to disturb her since she looked surreal. [Name] was dreaming, again, as her nose wrinkled up, gaining a chuckle from Anthony. He arose from his side of the couch, quickly but gently, looking over to his right, where his wife was in a deep slumber. Anthony caressed [Name]'s cheek, giving her forehead a kiss as he did so.
Anthony's recent actions caused [Name] to rouse from her sleep, yawning while her eyes began to get used to the sudden light. [Name]'s eyes lingered on her husband's shirtless figure, “Now, this is a sight I would love to wake up every morning,” Admitted [Name], smirking at Anthony, to which Anthony grinned. “Good morning to you, too, sweetheart,” Greeted Anthony, leaning towards the armrest of the couch.
“What were you doing here?” Questioned Anthony, making [Name] sit up from her spot. “I should be asking you that question, I found you tossing and turning, you almost fell off the couch,” Brought up [Name], looking at her lovely husband with worry. “It's personal, I would rather not talk about it,” Muttered Anthony, looking away from [Name], standing up and walking towards the fireplace, above it held a painting of Edmund Bridgerton, Anthony's father. Anthony felt tears welling up, he may seem cold and distant from the outside but he was vulnerable on the inside.
Anthony remained like that for a few minutes, until he sensed his wife's comforting embrace around his torso as she hugged him from behind. "That's alright with me, darling, I shall always be near when you need me," Proposed [Name], smiling even if no one can see. He has heard of those words before, but since they came from [Name] it felt even more soothing. It was one of these moments that he treasured, an escape from his hectic life.
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leossmoonn · 2 years
Text
bridgerton masterlist
note - hi! i’m sara and this is my bridgerton masterlist. here are my other masterlists if you wanna see ‘em! 
taglist form
KEY
f = fluff
a = angst
s = smut (must be 16+ older for read)
————
All coming soon!
anthony bridgerton
simon basset
benedict bridgerton
colin bridgerton
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ithebookhoarder · 6 months
Text
Truth or Dare (Anthony Bridgerton x Wife!Reader)
Summary: Married only a few months, you are very much one of the Bridgerton brood - something that often drives your poor husband mad, especially when you happen to be every bit as chaotic and unruly as his siblings... Also known as, you, Benedict and Eloise take a game of ‘truth or dare’ a bit too far. 
A/N: What can I say? It’s well and truly fluff-tober over here on my blog 😅
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Warnings: Alcohol, mild smut, swearing, Anthony losing his mind, typical Bridgerton sibling shenanigans 
Masterlist
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There weren’t many nights Anthony spent away from your side.
They were few and far between, but that didn’t lessen how irksome you found them when the odd occasion called for him to leave you over night. You didn’t know what it was exactly, but you never truly slept well without your husband there to hold you.
Of course, it had to be one of those nights that you truly found yourself in a spot of mischief. Though, in fairness, it had all started rather innocently.
Un-beknowst to you at the time, it was Benedict that had been first outside on the garden swing, sipping from a stolen bottle of whiskey he’d pilfered from the kitchens. He’d been sat there perhaps ten minutes by himself, staring at the stars and lamenting about some problem or other.
Then Eloise had come along.
As was her habit - you later discovered - she had been swift to follow her brother’s example, sneaking out of the house in her nightgown for a reprieve in the night air… and a cigarette or two. Apparently her second-eldest brother was something of a soft touch when it came to her, not that you could blame him for it. You doted on Eloise too.
Then, finally, completing the eclectic cast of characters, there had been you.
Now, in your defence, you hadn’t intended on going out into the garden that night, but had found no other alternative suitable given the blasted summer heat. It was worse tonight that it had been all week, and without Anthony in bed beside you, you saw little point in enduring with the effort of trying to get any rest.
So, you’d decided to make your way quietly through the house and sit outside a while, and pray for a breeze. You hadn’t, however, expected to find both Bridgerton siblings already sat there, having had a similar idea.
“My, what do we have here? Another night owl?”
It was Benedict who spoke first, smiling warmly at the sight of you appearing out of the darkness. He was quick to rise, offering you his swing as a perch to rest upon, beside Eloise.
You were about to protest that it wasn’t necessary and that you could find somewhere else to sit, but a warning glare from Eloise was enough to silence you.
She was all too eager to pat the seat next to her in invitation, looking remarkably pleased to have another addition to their little party.
“Come. Sit,” she ordered. “We were simply discussing how tedious Lady Tremaine’s luncheon will be tomorrow and how we could possibly avoid the whole thing. Now that you’re here, you can help us plot our escape. Benedict’s only suggestion thus far has been some kind of contagious summer cold.”
“I think I actually said that I would use such an excuse, sister,” Benedict corrected with a teasing grin. “Not that we would share it.”
“Traitor.”
“Hardly. It is every man - or woman - for themselves. Right, Y/N?”
“Alas, I think your mother would be rather suspicious at all three of us suddenly being absent,” you sighed by way of explanation as both their eyes turned to you. “Besides, I only came outside because of this heat, not to join some conspiracy.”
“Hardly,” Eloise chuckled. “We simply had the same idea, but I am rather glad you came to join us. Perhaps we should form some secret kind of club - Bridgertons against boredom?”
“And do what? Constantly find excuses not to attend social events we deem too tedious or odious to be dragged along to?”
“Sounds like a marvellous idea to me.”
“It would, sister dear,” Benedict teased. “You always have a talent for causing chaos and anarchy. You’d suit the cause perfectly, even if we both know our mother would never stand for it. She somehow sees through even our best efforts.”
“In which case, it’s time I take a leaf out of your book, Benedict. After all, you always say social events become far more bearable after a good drink or two,” Eloise smirked, gesturing towards the bottle of whiskey Benedict had been steadily nursing. “Perhaps I should follow my brothers  example and learn to hold a drink, maybe then things will be more fun.”
“Oh no.” Benedict was quick to shut down that idea, holding the bottle possessively to his chest and shaking his head. “No. I am not allowing you to start drinking. Mother would have my head if she caught you, not to mention Anthony would have all ours heads on a platter in no time.”
The thought of it made you laugh. Your husband was hardly a tyrant, even if he’d been known to have a temper but he was easy enough to handle. A few soft words in his ear or a kiss on the cheek and he was putty in your hands, helplessly and completely in love with you. Just as you were in love with him.
“Don’t tell me you’re scared of Anthony, Benedict?” you giggled, causing Eloise to join you. “I assure you, he’s more a kitten than a lion and he’d probably prefer you to allow Eloise to sample alcohol here, under your supervision, than when she inevitably decides to rebel and has her first drink later on, in the middle of some public ball…”
The warning was clear and you all knew very likely true. Still, Eloise was beaming in victory as Benedict cursed to himself, muttering about Bridgerton women and the likely death he’d receive should Anthony ever find out he had allowed Eloise to sample whiskey. “Just a few sips, El. I mean it.”
“Oh hush,” she snorted, taking the bottle before he could change his mind. She was quick to throw back her head and down a rather brave mouthful, causing you to laugh even harder as she scrunched her face up in disgust. “Oh! That is revolting.”
“I told you.”
“Now you, Y/N,” Eloise grinned, turning and offering the offending item towards you. “Go on. Join us trouble makers - I won’t say a word about it if you don’t.”
“Oh, for goodness sake… Give me that then,” you sighed, earning a cheer from them both, knowing it was better to simply surrender rather than try and fight their mischievous whims. It only increased as you took an ambitious swig from the bottle, wincing at the acrid burning sensation it left in your throat.
If only Anthony could have seen you. He’d have probably had some kind of seizure - especially as you took another quick swig before handing the bottle back.
“There. Your turn again, brother dearest.”
“My my. You really are quite surprising,” Benedict sniggered, before winking up at you in admiration. “Who knew it? You can hold your drink better than Colin. He seems cursed to choke any time he drinks anything stronger than a brandy.”
“Well, it is your sex that falsely deemed us the weaker,” Eloise quipped. “It’s not our fault you were ignorant.”
“I’d like to remind you I wasn’t part of that decision and you also looked ready to choke a moment ago, El.”
“Doesn’t matter, you’re still one of the enemy,” she giggled, earning another raucous laugh from you. Oh, you loved her. If you’d ever been so blessed to have had a sister, you hoped she’d have been just like her. “Now, it is your turn again, brother.”
“Oh … joy.”
“Else we shall have to have some kind of forfeit.”
“A forfeit?” you scoffed, finding the idea absurd. “Like what?”
“How about… truth or dare?”
Benedict froze. “Oh no. Not again. Pall Mall is one thing but we swore we would never play that game in this family again-“
“But Benedict-“
“What’s truth or dare?”
Your innocent question ceased their bickering instantly. Their eyes widened as they turned to you, a knowing and nervous look passing between them. Somehow, you knew this evening was about to get wildly out of hand.
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Sometime later, you’d been fully apprised of the rules of ‘truth or dare’. In fact, you’d been something of a natural at it, even if you knew the copious amounts of whiskey you’d all consumed was more than likely the responsible culprit. Else, you’d probably have known better and snuck back off inside before you could make a fool of yourself.
By the end of the night, Benedict had climbed a tree, confessed to being oddly scared of spiders, and been forced to sing the national anthem in French.
Eloise had also made an admirable effort, despite her obviously lower tolerance for drink. She still permitted Benedict to try and arrange her hair, before daring to steal a sock from Colin’s room whilst he’d slept. Then she’d loosened a leg on a dining chair. (Alas, none of you could remember which one but that somehow made it even funnier - even if it would not be come morning when you were forced to sit at the table for breakfast in some kind of roulette.)
You could only pray you didn’t choose said seat.
You could also only pray neither of your conspirators shared your contributions with your husband. You weren’t exactly sure how Anthony would feel at the fact you gone for a midnight paddle in the pond, nor that you’d mixed up the papers on his desk, all before finishing the night with a final dare that involved stealing several cakes from the kitchens… you still swore Mrs Reynolds would notice, come morning, that there were no longer twelve perfect cakes.
That, and Benedict had somehow knocked flour all over the counter, causing you all to erupt in drunken laughter as you’d bolted back outside.  
Needless to say, you all looked a sorry sight as you lay in the grass together, staring at the approaching dawn. Had you not been so tired, or drunk, you may have suggested retiring back to your rooms before the house awoke shortly.
“Now that… was fun.”
“Fun? That was more than fun. I haven’t laughed like that in ages.”
“Told you it was a good idea.”
You hummed in agreement with your sister in law.
“I can see why you all favoured this game so much,” you sniggered, winking at Eloise as she sat in the grass beside you. “I can also see why you all agreed to stop playing it… I don’t know what Anthony would say if he saw what we’d been up to.”
“Something sensible and disapproving most likely,” Benedict sniggered. “Our brother, and your husband, can be a right prig, no offence.”
“Oh hush. At least I didn’t let my sister dress me up in her petticoat when she was five.”
Benedict’s jaw dropped.
“Who told you about that?” he demanded indignantly.
“I have my sources.”
Benedict’s eyes narrowed as he turned his head to glare at his younger sister. “Well, you can tell your source that she’s going to have to find someone else to fetch her lemonade at the Cowper’s ball tomorrow night unless she apologises. You can also tell her that I’ll accept either a verbal or a written apology as long as it’s suitably abject. And that means very, very abject,” he added darkly.
“Tell me, Benedict, was it a lacy petticoat?”
With a wordless grunt of annoyance, Benedict groaned, but it was hard to hear over the laughter echoing from you and Eloise. You resembled more a pack of hyenas than two noble ladies - you probably looked just as feral after your night of mischief.
And of course, as was always your luck, that was exactly how your husband found you mere seconds later.
How Anthony had arrived without any of you hearing a carriage pulling up to the house at this time of the night - morning? You couldn’t be sure - was a mystery. Yet, there he was, hands on hips and looking thunderous as he stormed towards the three of you with all the fury of an exasperated headmaster.  
“What in God’s name are you all playing at?”
You all froze.
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It was as if someone had poured a bucket of ice water over you as your eyes widened, and you all turned to stare sheepishly at him.
“Oh, darling. You’re home?”
“Don’t ‘oh darling’ me,” Anthony sighed, attempting to scold you but without much success. His attempt at seriousness was somewhat undermined by his brother’s heckling, singing ‘here comes mother’ and that ‘someone’s in trouble’. That, and with the way you were lying, he was upside down. “What are you doing up at this god forsaken hour? And why are you … is that flour? And why are you soaking wet?”
“I went for a swim.”
“A - you went for a -“
“And Benedict did my hair,” Eloise interjected suddenly, waving her arms about as she gestured to the tangle of hair upon her head. “Isn’t it marvellous?”
Anthony’s expression very much said that he did not think it was marvellous. Nor did he find any of this vaguely amusing.
In fact, by the way he took a long deep breath, you knew he was doing his best not to lose his temper and wake the entirety of the household. His brow always creased like that when he was faced with dealing with his family, but the expression only made him seem more adorable and handsome to you, rather than authoritative. However, you’d never told him so, knowing it would hardly be deemed a compliment in his eyes.
You also doubted he’d appreciate your usual response right now, which was normally to kiss said brow until it eased back into its relaxed form.
“We were just playing a game to escape the heat, darling,” you soothed. “We couldn’t sleep and all had the same idea to seek refuge outdoors… we simply got carried away passing the time.”
“What game?”
“Pardon?”
“I said, what was the game you were all playing?” Anthony suddenly quipped, the warning clear in his tone. That, and his eyes landed squarely on his two siblings, who at least had the decency to look sheepish… and afraid. “Because there is but one game I can think of that would result in a mess like this one, and I’m confused, because I know for a fact that we banned that game under this roof, and any other roof that houses the Bridgertons.”
No one moved.
No one even breathed.
It was as if you were all too scared to risk answering Anthony, even if the empty bottle of whiskey did most of the talking by itself.
“I don’t recall the name,” you blinked. “Right, Benedict?”
“Oh, uh… we… we were just- Eloise?”
Eloise froze, the guilt written all too clearly on her face for her to even try and salvage the situation - though that could also be down to the whisky she had consumed… it was honestly hard to be sure at this point.
“Well, dear brother,” she began, only to trail off as Anthony lifted his hand.
The silence was instantaneous. 
No one dared to say another word, let alone move. 
You’d never seen Eloise or Benedict so still in your entire life. Hell, you weren’t even sure they were breathing - probably out of fear Anthony would decide to inform their mother about their mischievous exploits. 
If Anthony Bridgerton was scary when vexed, then Violet Bridgerton was a nightmare brought to life in human form. After all, as the matriarch of a family of eight children, she had learned a long time ago how to keep her unruly children in line - a harrowing experience you had only had occasion to witness once or twice since your marriage into the Bridgerton family. Once had been when Colin and Gregory had broken a priceless vase when racing around the house, despite being explicitly banned from doing so. The other had been when she had caught Eloise and Benedict smoking outside on the terrace one night. 
It was easy to say where your husband had inherited it from. 
“Not. Another. Word,” your husband growled, bending down and sweeping you up into his arms in a move that made you squeal in surprise. “Right now, I am taking my wife to bed and I suggest you two do the same - after you clean up your mess. I’ll deal with the lot of you in the morning.” 
A laugh escaped you as you tried not to look like you were enjoying the sudden turn of events too much. After all, you doubted he’d be too happy once you were more sober and he discovered the true extent of your nightly activities. 
It was why you were only too happy to let him put you to bed, grumbling all the while about letting his siblings run wild. He really was most handsome when he was flushed - a fact you were reminded of as he hastily changed for bed, flashing you a tempting glimpse of his bare torso in the process. 
You could tell without asking he was tired from his journey home, as well as fighting the urge to rip his hair out over the chaos he had found upon his return. 
Thankfully, his need to be in your arms outweighed the need to scold you over letting yourself be drawn into his siblings’ schemes. All it took was you pulling him down onto the mattress, and climbing into his lap to turn him into a needy, lovestruck puddle. 
You’d equally missed having him in your arms, but you’d be lying if you said that your sudden forwardness wasn't also due to a mixture of the whiskey you’d drunk, and the residual giddiness from a night of mischief. A confidence radiated from you as you began to run your hands over his bare chest, taking care to graze the areas you knew made him groan. 
“You’re lucky I love you so much,” he teased breathlessly, visibly unable to refuse your advances. 
“Is that so?”
Anthony chuckled, nodding as he surged his lips towards yours. “Yes, so come here, my delinquent drunken wife, and let me kiss you before you and those doe-eyes of yours drive me insane. Now.”
Your laughter and surrender was immediate. “As you wish.” 
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Alas, for poor Anthony, that was not the end of the ordeal. 
In fact, it was the next morning as you made your way into breakfast that you faced the final consequences of your delinquency. 
Despite wishing to remain abed for the entire day, you’d been granted no such reprieve as your maid had entered your room at the usual appointed time and proceeded to open the curtains with no regard for the fact that you had slept a mere handful of hours. Whereas you would normally greet the day with a reluctant smile, you were in no state to manage much more than a groan as you were harshly ripped from your slumber.
If you had somehow not yet come to the conclusion that last night had been a bad idea, then the sudden flare of pain in your head at the bright intrusion was all the proof you needed. That, and the sudden churning in your stomach. 
You would never let Benedict or Eloise coax you into drinking with them again. 
You had not realised, despite how the idiom went, that what went up was sure to come down again - and you had come crashing down. 
Hard.
“If you’re ready to dress, my lady, then breakfast will be served shortly,” your maid chirped, a dress already picked out for you to wear. She either couldn't detect your fragile state, or didn't seem to care as she continued speaking at a painfully loud volume. “My Lord sent me to wake you as he is finishing business in the study. He was up frightfully early, I could scarce believe it went the housemaids told me they’d already found him awake when they went to start the fires this morning. Gave young Samantha a right fright he did, scribbling away at his desk.” 
“Oh?” you croaked. 
You hadn’t even noticed the empty space in the bed bedside you until then. 
Clearly Anthony had risen early, if he’d even gone to sleep at all. Why were you not surprised? Your husband was perpetually in motion, always claiming there was something or someone that needed his urgent attention as the head of the Bridgerton clan. It was just one of the things that made you love him so much.
“Is he still there?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” the young girl continued, breezing about your room. “And that’s not the only strange incident this morning. It will tickle you rotten when I tell you the latest drama, but you see, Mrs Reynolds was ranting and raving about how she swore she had made three trays of fruit tarts last night, yet this morning, there were only two. The youngest kitchen maid, Betsy, is convinced it must be a ghost but my money is on Carter - the groom’s boy - he’s always snooping about the kitchen...” 
You winced. Ah. Maybe you hadn't been as stealthy last night as you’d hoped after all...
With as much enthusiasm as you could muster, you began to peel yourself from the mattress, trying to appear as if you were listening to your maid’s theories as she dressed you for the day. It then took all your resolve to make it downstairs and to the breakfast table without tripping over your own feet, or emptying the non-existent contents of your stomach. 
To your relief, only Eloise and Benedict had so far taken a seat at the breakfast table - and both looked about as miserable as you felt.  
“Good morning,” you mumbled, taking your usual chair next to the head of the table. You were quick to accept the steaming cup of coffee Benedict handed you, shooting him a thankful look. “Dare I ask how we feel?” 
“I think better than you and my dear sister here,” Benedict chirped, gesturing at a miserable looking Eloise. She had her head in her hands and was desperately trying to look at the plate of food in front of her with something other than repulsion. “Then again, I must admit I am somewhat more experienced in the art of late-night mischief than you both. I also did not have to deal with my brother before going to bed - thank you, again, for that noble sacrifice.”
“Your welcome,” you chuckled, a faint heat rising in your cheeks as you remembered the exact events after you and Anthony had gone to bed. “I just feel bad that you both got left to clean up the mess.” 
“Don’t be. I think we got it all.”
“You say that but I can’t remember anything after you started singing in French,” Eloise groaned, massaging her forehead once more. “I have the oddest feeling we may have forgotten something.”
You paused. You could only hope for your sake she was wrong. 
However, you were saved from such discussion by the arrival of the rest of the Bridgerton bunch. All conversation about your night-time escapades were quickly forgotten as Colin, Hyacinth and Gregory entered the room, bickering about something you couldn’t quite make out. They were swiftly followed by Violet and Francesca, who both looked unfairly cheerful for so early in the morning. 
You could only wish to look so fresh and composed before your first cup of whatever caffeinated beverage you could get your hands on. 
Then, finally, came your husband. Entering the room last, he turned and shot you a warm smile. Clearly, your shenanigans had been forgotten - for now - replaced instead by the memory of your other activities, much to the relief of you and your co-conspirators. 
In fact, you swore you saw Eloise exhale a breath of relief when Anthony didn't immediately launch into one of his lectures. Instead, he chose to join the rest of his family in helping himself to the awaiting breakfast spread, laid out on the sideboard for them, listening to some ongoing debate between his mother and youngest brother. 
“-but you said we could visit the park this afternoon.”
“I know, sweetheart, but I have to take Francesca and Eloise for their final fittings at the modiste. We shouldn’t be too long, and we can go after? Unless, perhaps your brothers will take you. Colin? Benedict? Anthony?”
Benedict looked physically pained at the idea of an afternoon at the park, what with his current delicate constitution and all. You honestly couldn't blame him. “Well, I uh - have a drawing class, this afternoon. Very last minute. Sorry.” 
“And I... um, have a meeting at the club?” Colin stammered hastily. “Anthony?” 
“Please, Anthony?” Gregory begged, all but pouting at his older brother as the pair made their way to the table. “I promise I’ll do all my lessons this week without complaining if you say yes. I’ll even let you have my pudding tonight.”
“As you asked so nicely, brother, I don’t see how an hour or so at the park could do any harm -” Anthony began, pulling out the chair next to you and lowering himself onto the seat in a moment that felt like it lasted forever as a horrifying sensation swept over you. 
You remembered what you’d forgotten. 
The chair.
“Anthony, wait-!”
The sudden crash was startling, as was the sight of your husband being sent flying backwards as the chair collapsed beneath him. 
No one moved. 
No one said a word. 
Benedict looked across at you and Eloise, the horror clear in his eyes as he choked the word you felt on the tip of your tongue: “Run!”
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leviathanspain · 2 months
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not without him
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anthony bridgerton x reader
synopsis: you knew birth would be no easy feat, but you knew you wouldn’t be able to do it without him
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
you clutched onto the white bedsheets, they were drenched with blood, and you were writhing on the bed as the doctor shouted orders at the nurses.
one had a cloth to your forehead, dabbing away your sweat and your tears. you couldn’t stop crying, it was an unbearable pain, that only got worse as the night went on.
violet had tried to prepare you, coming to her for advice on how to birth a bridgerton child. she had her most difficult birth with hyacinth, and just hearing her story sent chills down your spine.
anthony had been away in london when you went into labor. you knew he shouldn’t have left aubrey hall so close to the end of your pregnancy, but being the viscount meant there were things that required him present. you had hoped that your child would have some decency and arrive after the father, but the urge to push only became greater.
you feared that anthony wouldn’t make it, he was supposed to be here an hour ago, having rushed from london upon hearing the news.
the nurse looked down at you, “you have to push, my lady.” her voice quivered, as if she could feel your emotion. you teared up more, “no please- we have to wait for the viscount.” you felt weak, and you faintly heard the doctor shout that you were losing blood.
the nurse looked down again, and seemed firm, “you have to push, there is no time to spare if we wait for the viscount.” she dabbed your forehead again, “you and this baby will die if you don’t push now.”
you cried harder, “i need him here. i can’t do it without him.” you were scared, frightened by all these unfamiliar people. yes they were there to help you give birth to your first child, but you didn’t care, it wasn’t your husband dabbing your forehead or encouraging you.
your vision went fuzzy around the edges and your head fell back into the mounds of pillows that held you up. you could still hear the door push open, shouts being echoed into the room and finally, “let me through-“ his voice.
you heard a clatter of gear hit the wooden floor and you felt relief as he rushed to your side. anthony, still cold with the winter air, brushed the hair from your face, kissing your cheek. he saw how weak you looked, and could see the doctor’s expression.
“you can do it.” he whispered sweetly, “i’m here, you can do it.” he grabbed your hand, clutching it tightly and with his encouragement, you did the one thing you had been putting off.
the nurse over you seemed overjoyed that you were finally listening, there was fear among the doctor and staff that you would bleed out before anthony got there.
you grunted, weak from the blood loss. “push, my lady, push!” the nurse above you shouted, and you grunted loudly, doing as she said.
there was a brief moment of pause, relief that washed over you as you heard a newborn’s cry. you blinked away the sweat, feeling the damp cloth across your skin as you looked over at anthony, who hadn’t taken his eyes off of you. he was smiling brightly, but tears brimmed in his eyes, “you did it.” he whispered, “my lady….” he brushed the side of your face with a hand, and you closed your eyes, exhaustion washing over you.
you could see the light creeping through the curtains. it had been kept dark for you, candles burning just as you liked, even wearing your favorite nightgown. you could feel the pain, that ache that reminded you of what had happened.
you called out to your handmaid, watching as the door opened and instead, in stepped anthony holding the baby in his arms. your eyes softened, and you cooed, “my love.” you beckoned him to the bed, and anthony sat down carefully, the newborn in his arms was peacefully sleeping.
“good morning.” he kissed your forehead, “you have no idea how much i love you. i-“ he faltered, looking down at the baby to compose himself before he continued, “i almost lost you. please,” he looked at you, “please don’t ever scare me like that again. i beg you.” he whispered. he was happy at the birth of your son, but he wouldn’t have been if you had lost your life.
you looked at him, nodding. you didn’t want to say anything, instead looking down at the baby and resting your head on anthony’s shoulder, “have you thought of a name?” you noticed the baby’s fell head of hair and smirked, “looks like he got my hair.” you looked at the baby’s nose, “and your nose.” you laughed slightly, and anthony shrugged, “everyone says he looks like you more.”
his siblings must’ve arrived in from london. you smiled, but anthony knew what that smile was, “you must rest. the doctor said you lost a lot of blood, that you shouldn’t even think to lift a finger today.”
you sighed, “i won’t protest, i am feeling exhausted..” you didn’t know how to feel, your heart had never felt so much love all at once, “my boys.” you cooed, touching the baby’s hair as anthony kissed your forehead again.
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Text
NOT FOR HIM — BENEDICT BRIDGERTON
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masterlist
pairing: benedict bridgerton x reader [plus platonic anthony x reader where he’s being a matchmaker/shitstirrer]
description: you may not have been the season’s diamond, but your debut had caused quite the stir in many a man’s heart — your childhood best friend benedict bridgerton included. however, given that the viscount had decided that he would marry this season, benedict cannot see why you would choose him over his brother.
warnings: kinda tiny bit of angst (if you squint) into tooth-rotting fluff !!! tiny bit of suggestive benedict at the very end but it’s not much !
author’s note: this is basically like a reverse to the anthony one i wrote because i have a big ol’ soft spot for benedict too after my latest rewatch. enjoy !!! [edited, but not thoroughly — will be returning to do so asap]
“You look astonishing, Y/N,” Benedict’s eyes were wide when he saw you, “Absolutely astonishing.”
You blushed crimson under the intensity of his gaze, “You don’t look too bad yourself this evening, Lord Bridgerton.”
You never called him that — you’d known him far too long to consistently comply with formalities — but considering that it was one of your very first balls of your very first season, you had to be the picture of manners.
“It is so strange to hear you call me Lord Bridgerton,” Benedict screwed his face up, “Even if it does give me some small hope that you might consider me too as one of your many suitors.”
You shook your head gently with a laugh, “Oh, Benedict, as if you would wish to court me.”
Before he had a chance to retaliate with stern disagreement at your idea that it was such a preposterous notion, your eyes snapped up to see his brother entering the ballroom.
“Ah,” you grinned, noticing that he had spotted you both immediately and was on his way over to you, “It appears your brother has finally arrived!”
You didn’t look at Benedict for long enough to see the frown on his face at your apparent excitement.
For years, everyone around you had speculated about the closeness of your relationship with Benedict.
Granted, you were close with the whole family, but the tenderness with which Benedict treated you had always teetered on blatant romance even if neither of you had seen it before.
Of course he was aware of it now — he’d realised he was in love with you long ago as silly young teenagers, and now that you were finally out in society (emphasis on finally, as you had delayed doing so as much as possible) he had hoped to make that clear.
But of course your eyes were fixed on his brother, the Viscount, who had finally decided he wished to marry and therefore seemingly snatched all of your attention away from him.
“Good evening, my lord,” you curtsied, and Anthony laughed, “Such formality! How are you enjoying your first ball, Y/N? I trust my brother has not let you leave his side?”
You giggled, and as much as Benedict adored the sound of your laughter he couldn’t help the clenching of his jaw at his brother’s remark and your evident amusement.
“He has taken great care of me, undoubtedly,” you smiled, hands resting on Benedict’s upper arm for a moment as you leaned into him, “How do you feel about your first ball on the hunt for a wife?”
Anthony scoffed, “Consumed with dread, as expected,” he joked, “Brother, would you mind if I stole Y/N away for one dance? Only so that I might enjoy one last moment of vague freedom before I endure the onslaught of mamas I see staring me down?”
Benedict swallowed thickly, because yes he very much did mind you being stolen away to dance with a man who could provide for you so much better than he could.
He had always been second best to his brother, but never with you.
And now he felt rather ridiculous as he nodded meekly and watched you saunter away at the side of his own brother, who would never love you like he did nor treat you as more than a friend and a commodity necessary to the life of an important man.
“Of course.”
You smiled shyly over at Benedict as you followed Anthony away, and made a mental note to confront him about the sad look gracing his features as you did so.
“My brother is staring daggers into my skull already,” Anthony chuckled as you took your positions to dance, “I rather wonder why he was not dancing with you if he is so bothered by my doing so.”
You bit your lip, “We have danced together twice already, Anthony. In fact, I’ve danced only with him so far tonight. I feel… safe with Benedict. This is all so terrifying.”
As Anthony beamed down at you knowingly, you realised quite what he had initially said, “Whatever do you mean by him staring daggers? Why would he be doing that?”
“Oh, my dear Y/N, you must see that my poor fool of a brother is overcome with jealousy at our interaction,” he laughed as though it was the most obvious thing in the world, “Particularly now that I plan to marry. He quite clearly thinks that it is you I wish to do so with.”
You looked down at your feet for a moment, suddenly feeling shy.
When you remembered that you were talking to a man you knew like he was part of your own family, however, your head snapped back up — a smirk gracing your face.
“Oh, am I not to become Viscountess? I so had my hopes up!” you feigned a gasp, “In all seriousness, Anthony, why on earth would Benedict think we might marry and more so why on earth would he care so much?”
Anthony heaved out a deep sigh at that as you danced, almost irritated by your blatant ignorance to what was so clear.
“I don’t believe I should tell you the answer to that if you are somehow quite unaware of it yourself,” he shook his head, briefly meeting the eyes of his brother as he spun you, and smiled almost teasingly at him, “I hope that after stealing you from him for this dance he might finally discuss it with you himself.”
You rolled your eyes, “You jest, Anthony, because if you are trying to imply that he has affections towards me I’m sure you are sorely mistaken.”
Anthony stopped abruptly, quirking his eyebrow at you, “You truly are oblivious?”
You looked at him curiously, doe eyed and inquisitive as you waited for him to continue — or to resume dancing so you didn’t continue to feel all eyes on your frozen frames.
“Right, very well. I am going to walk away now, all smiles,” he informed you, plastering a smile on his face and nodding at the onlookers as he kissed the back of your hand to show no ill-will had halted your dance, “I would suggest that you get some fresh air, perhaps? My brother might… Come to check on you.”
You forced a smile as he silently moved away from you and towards the buffet table at the other side of the hall.
With a sharp breath you took his advice, despite your confusion, and lifted your skirt a little to busy your hands as you traipsed out of the ballroom and onto the balcony.
Like clockwork, Benedict Bridgerton found himself at your side in mere moments.
“Are you waiting here for my brother?”
The tension in the air was palpable, his voice low as he failed to hide the disappointment at his suspicions.
“Not for him, no.”
“Then for another?”
“I suppose so.”
“Apologies, then. I’ll leave you to it.”
You spun on your heel now as he turned to leave, touching his shoulder, “No, Benedict, I was waiting— for you.”
“For me?”
The incredulous smile on his face made your heart swell with hope — perhaps Anthony was right.
Maybe what you had spent all these years perceiving as friendship truly was reciprocated love all this time.
“Anthony claimed he believed you jealous, and that you thought we were attached,” you giggled, and he swore his heart melted at the sound of your gentle laughter, “And I was utterly unsure as to why you would believe that, let alone be jealous of it. But then he told me to get some fresh air and that you might find me here and I became hopeful.”
“Hopeful?”
“Yes. Hopeful that perhaps the feelings that have steadily grown on my part throughout the time I have known you might be returned. That perhaps you were not joking when you said you hoped I might consider you a suitor this season,” you blushed crimson as you served him your honest feelings on a silver platter.
He cocked his head to the side curiously, not quite believing you entirely though you were evidently being sincere, “Do you not wish to marry my brother?”
You scoffed, quickly covering your mouth with your hand at the outburst, but then sighed as you looked deeply into his eyes, “Of course not, Benedict.”
“But he is a Viscount — he could offer you so much more than I, and he seemed taken with you.”
“He was taken with making you jealous enough to confront me, my dear Benedict. He spent our dance essentially telling me to wise up and talk to you,” you bit your lip nervously, “Because he knows that I have long loved you, and believes that you feel the same.”
The curious smile on his face grew now into a beaming grin, his hands flying to take yours within them and bring them to his lips for a gentle kiss.
“I—, Y/N, I cannot— I cannot even begin to express the joy that those words have brought me,” the words tumbled from his lips like he couldn’t think fast enough to convey his feelings, “I have been in love with you for as long as I can remember. I settled for cherishing mere friendship because I feared I would not be… I would not be the man for you beyond that.”
You shook your head, “Benedict, surely you know how dear you are to me? I— at the very least in my heart, you are the man for me. I’ve been certain of it for so long and that is why I feared entering society so much. I didn’t want to marry for the sake of marriage and have to have the man I truly love as a mere friend. You are more than enough for me, Benedict, I feel safe with you — you are home to me.”
“And you are home to me, Y/N,” he was trying so very hard not to kiss you, his words soft and delicate as his breath fanned over your face due to your newfound close proximity, “If you would allow me to… I would like to court you. In fact, I would propose to you now if I was to allow my selfishness to take control. But I want you to be sure it is me you want, even if it hurts to see you dance and converse with others.”
“You’re all I could ever want, Benedict,” you spoke like it was utterly obvious, “And when you do propose, you can be certain of my acceptance. For now I am happy to share every dance with you and pretend we need to get to know each other to form an engagement. We have all of the time in the world.”
“We do.”
You were both breathing heavily, eyes glossy with the sheer emotion of the confessions you had just shared.
“I wish so badly that I could kiss you right now, but I fear I may not be able to control myself in future once I do,” his voice was barely above a whisper as you licked your lips, swallowing thickly.
“I wish— I wish you might kiss me too,” your reply was hardly even coherent, too love drunk to properly formulate your words, “More than anything.”
He was still holding onto your hands, and so he brought them up to ghost another kiss over them again, settling for this as he fought his urge to press his lips to yours instead.
“As you said, my love, we have all the time in the world,” there was a subtle undertone of what you might describe as lust in his tone now, intertwined with the love struck lilt he had been speaking with.
Your breath hitched in your throat as his lips ghosted up your forearm briefly before he brought them back down to your hands.
“And I cannot wait.”
———
horny benedict at the end to satiate my own need for that despite the intention for this to just be fluffy hahaha. hope you enjoyed !!!
feel free to keep requesting — and in the mean time here is my masterlist.
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writtenfangirl · 17 days
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Madness
I wrote this so long ago and then abandoned it because I didn’t know if the ending was satisfactory or not. I thought it would have a greater plot as well but when I couldn’t find it, I was dissatisfied until I reread it and realized the prose was too good not to publish.
Fluff but also a little bit of angst if you squint hard enough.
In which Benedict Bridgerton finally reveals the truth.
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She was beautiful. Too beautiful, if Benedict was being perfectly honest with himself. Not the kind of beauty that had him picking up a paint brush and painstakingly striking an easel with lovely swirls of color but the kind of beauty that distracted him, made him brood in a dim corner of the room, watching the little twists of her mouth and the subtle way she arched a brow. Beauty to the point of distraction, like spending hours watching shooting stars dash across the night sky, not realizing as dawn approached on the horizon.
It was utterly maddening.
She was utterly maddening.
How was he meant to live, to exist and breathe, to witness such great beauty and yet have none of the capacity, the right, to keep it?
Just a glance from her, a single curve of her lips, and Benedict could feel his faith in God strengthening as easily as he could deny the Lord’s existence. Only a benevolent God could create such ecstatic beauty and yet no benevolent God could exist in this world if Benedict had to bear the cruelty of Y/N’s indifference.
Maddening.
He sighed, the sound bereft as he continued to watch her charm the eligible men of the ton. She had a veritable cabal of men gathered around her and if any other debutant had been in her position, they surely would have been overwhelmed by now.
But not Y/N.
Never Y/N.
With her head held high and her smile demure, she directed the men as easily as if she was holding court. A slight clearing of the throat and already, someone had a glass of lemonade in their hand while a flap of her hand would have the men falling over themselves in an attempt to get her a chair.
A queen holding court, indeed.
Benedict rolled his eyes at the man to her right, who practically shoved at the man on his left in order to catch Y/N’s attention. Not that it really mattered though, especially not when Y/N’s attention was focused on Benedict.
Even from across the room, the tension between them felt palpable. Exhilarating. It always had been with Y/N. Thick and smooth, the connection between them as tangible as their own beating hearts. Just a shared look between them and the world fell silent, the edges of his vision practically darkening at the edges until he saw only her.
Beautiful. Even as her face contorted with hurt for the briefest of seconds, her eyes pulling away from him and returning to the crowd of men that surrounded her.
Benedict gritted his teeth, the only sign of annoyance he let himself show.
“I see you are not quite so enamored with our diamond.”
Benedict’s head whipped to the left, finding Lady Danbury watching him with those shrewd eyes of hers. The old crone had her cane gripped tightly in her hands and Benedict fought his grimace at the phantom pain that shot up from his ankles. The dowager countess had a terrible habit of whacking gentlemen she didn’t like with that sturdy cane of hers and Benedict had felt the brunt of that pain far too many times for his liking.
Still, as a gentleman, he couldn’t very well ignore the woman. It would have been terribly rude of him to and it went against every fiber of the etiquette that had been drilled to him as a child.
He spared Y/N another glance before he spoke. “You think all those men enamored with her?”
“I think they think themselves enamored by her,” Lady Danbury said. “She is quite a beauty and accomplished too, I hear. Are you acquainted with the young lady?”
He had been, when he was young. As recently as a few months ago, Benedict had counted Y/N as one of his dearest friends but with everything that transpired between them…
“We are familiar with one another.”
Lady Danbury arched a brow, directing her attention back to Y/N. She was animatedly speaking with Anthony and Colin, the only time the entire evening where her smile didn’t seem a little bit forced. “Your brothers seem friendly with her. Why aren’t you?”
Because he was a stupid, bloody, idiot who didn’t know how to keep his damn mouth shut, that’s why.
But his pride would never let him say that, especially not in front of Lady Danbury. “We are familiar with each other.” He repeated, voice tight.
Lady Danbury’s eyes flickered. “I seem to recall your mother telling me about how you and the Lady Y/N were thick as thieves not so long ago.”
Bloody hell, the old crone was relentless. He didn’t want to talk about his and Y/N’s falling out, especially not with her.
He suddenly whirled, cocking his head to the side. “Oh, I believe I hear someone calling me.”
No one was calling him but not even his impeccable manners could make him stay.
Lady Danbury harrumphed. “I may be old, boy, but I am not deaf.”
“Definitely hear someone calling me.” Benedict even cupped a hand, placing it on the side of his mouth before he yelled a quick, “I’ll be right there!” He turned back to Lady Danbury, who was looking at him as if she knew his claims were a lie. “Lady Danbury, if you’ll excuse me.”
The dowager countess simply gave Benedict a knowing look yet let him go.
He ducked into the crowd towards… bloody hell he couldn’t find anyone he would rather talk to. His brothers were still off speaking with Y/N and he didn’t feel like speaking with his mother, who would likely hound him about his fight with Y/N. Which left the last person of their party, Eloise. A quick scan of the room revealed his sister in the other side of the room, conspiratorially whispering to her best friend, Penelope Featherington.
He zoomed towards them, turning his back on Y/N and Lady Danbury.
Eloise caught his eye as he approached and her lips pursed in displeasure. “Why do you look as if you’re expecting me to bail you out of a horrible situation.”
“Can’t I see my favorite sister with joy in my face without being suspected of ill intent?”Benedict said with a grin before bowing to Penelope, who returned the gesture with her own curtsy.
Penelope ducked her head to suppress a giggle.
Eloise rolled her eyes at him. “What do you want?”
“To ask you why you’re sulking in a corner instead of dancing despite—“ he pulled at the dance card in her wrist, every single line filled with names that were unfamiliar to him. “Did you put fake names in your dance card?”
Eloise snatched her wrist back. “Yes. I thought that with Y/N grabbing the attention of so many of the gentlemen, I would be spared the embarrassment of having to entertain any gentlemen tonight. Unfortunately, I was wrong.”
Benedict turned to Penelope. “How many approached her?”
“Six,” Penelope smirked, “and those six quickly turned right back around.”
“Well with a full dance card, I’m not at all surprised.”
Eloise rolled her eyes in annoyance. “Spare me the lecture, brother. I’m sure I’ll hear enough from mother tonight.”
“She caught you?”
“After Eloise turned down the sixth one, Lady Violet began to suspect,” Penelope explained.
Benedict grinned. “When have you known me to lecture you?”
She gave him a saccharine smile, the kind that Benedict always knew would end with her barbed words. “Aren’t you meant to be fawning over Y/N? You’d done it most of our life.”
He bristled at her words.
Penelope shot them a curious look. “You never told me you were acquainted with the lady?”
“Hadn’t I?” Eloise frowned. “Lady Y/L/N’s family and ours have been acquainted for ages. Of course, she rarely ever came to London and if it hadn’t been for her father’s recent passing she wouldn’t have had a season at all. Mama had held hope that perhaps one of my dear brothers would begin to take some responsibility and marry her.” She lowered her voice in a conspiratorial whisper that was so loud, it still reached Benedict’s ears. “Personally, I always thought Benedict would offer. He and Y/N had a special bond growing up. Even Daphne thinks so.”
Benedict had never hit a woman before but perhaps, just this once, excuses could be made for one’s sisters.
“So, well acquainted then,” Penelope said with a slight smile.
“I do recall Benedict pining after Y/N for years,” Eloise mused, uncaring as Benedict’s mood soured. “You never did tell me why it is you suddenly became estranged”
“Not that it’s any of your business.” He grumbled.
Eloise batted eyes innocently. “Irritable today, aren’t you, brother? Could it possibly be because of the cadre of men that hound every one of Y/N’s footsteps?”
“I have changed my mind. Francesca is now my favorite sister.”
“I love you too, Benedict,” she all but grinned.
He turned his attention back to Y/N, who, to his surprise, had taken her leave.
“She’s in the garden, if you wish to speak to her,” Eloise said, noting his wandering eyes and nodding towards the open veranda at the side.
“What gave you the impression that I would like to speak to her?”
Eloise simply rolled her eyes before tugging Penelope’s arm. “With Y/N taking her respite, I imagine there will be a sudden influx of gentlemen who would like to dance. Let us make ourselves scarce.” And she pulled Penelope along, the red head offering Benedict an apologetic look.
He glanced at the crowd once again before letting his feet carry him through the veranda and out towards the garden. There were still many people milling about outside that granted them protection from scandal but it was much more intimate than the loud din of the ballroom.
The night was cool, the spring air serene compared to the humidity of the ballroom.
He spied Y/N, her back turned against the door. Upon hearing his approach, she sighed. “Good sir, if you did not understand me, I wish to be al—“ she turned and her words died at her lips at the sight of him. “Oh. It’s you.”
She looked even lovelier up close. She always did. Whether dressed in a simple frock with her long hair flowing down her back or dressed ornately with jewels adorning her, she always looked lovelier up close.
“What do you want, Benedict,” Y/N said, dropping that societal mask she employed inside.
“To apologize.”
She shook her head. “There is nothing to apologize for. You asked for my hand under false pretenses, I rejected you. End of story.“
“Under false pretenses?” He echoed, his own tone turning sharp. “You think my proposal to be insincere? Is that why you rejected me?”
“I did not think it insincere, I knew it to be insincere. I heard you and the Lady Violet discussing me. I heard when you declared your intention to ask for my hand in marriage simply because she had asked you to.”
Oh.
Oh.
He remembered then, the conversation he had with his mother right before he proposed.
“Propose to her,” Violet had urged just as breakfast had been served, with only Benedict and Violet dining.
“I am not even courting her, mama,” he replied exasperatedly. It had been far too early in the morning to entertain his mother’s insistence on seeing him wed to Y/N. She’d pestered him about it in one form or another even before the Y/L/Ns had come to visit the Bridgertons and Benedict knew she would not stop until he and Y/N were formally engaged.
But Y/N had just ended her mourning period for her father. And though societal mandates dictated that it was perfectly reasonable for Benedict to ask for her hand in marriage, he knew how deeply she mourned the man, especially since his death had placed her in such a precarious position. The late patriarch of the Y/L/N family had been fond of his only child, even if she had been born a girl. And Y/N had loved him, even if his death left her and her mother saddled with financial debt despite coming from the longest line of barony in England.
“What does it matter that you are not courting?” Violet demanded. “You have known her since you were both children. You’ve been courting her all your life.”
“Mama, please leave it well enough alone.”
“What is it that you do not like about her?” She insisted. “She is beautiful and accomplished and you have known each other your whole lives. Any young man would be fortunate to be bound to her in marriage.”
“I never said anything that would imply otherwise.”
“Then why do you refuse to ask her for her hand in marriage? Doing so would spare her a season in London and limit their financial troubles.” And then she had gasped in indignation. “Or is their financial troubles the very reason why you refuse? I never raised you to be avaricious!”
Bloody hell. “I am not avaricious, mother. I do not care about her dowry or lack thereof!”
“Then what is it? Do not tell me it is because you do not love her. I have seen the way you look at her.”
Benedict had eyed his fork, had wondered if perhaps, it would be a better to shove it in his ears than listen to his mother’s hullabaloo.
Instead he took a scone, spreading a generous layer of clotted cream and jam so his hands had something to do rather than maim himself.
“And how is it I look at her, mother?” He drawled.
“The same way your father used to look at me.”
At that he had paused, scone half-raised to his mouth. He hadn’t known what to say anymore. Mentions of his own father had always been capable of silencing his mind.
Finally, he had decided on telling her the truth, that his mother may finally stop pestering him.
“Asking Y/N for her hand in marriage had always been the plan, mother,” Benedict relented. “I was simply waiting for the perfect moment.”
Violet smiled at her son kindly. “There are no such thing as perfect moments, dearest. Only moments that can be made perfect. And whether you ask her later or tomorrow or next week, that moment will be perfect by virtue of you asking.”
She was right, of course. Violet Bridgerton was so rarely incorrect especially in matters of the heart and love.
Benedict had given her a smile, and said, voice dripping in sarcasm. “Well, since you so graciously asked me to, I shall propose to the Lady Y/N, if only to make you happy.”
That must have been what Y/N heard. Not the whole story but the end, when Benedict had teased his mother.
Now he was convinced that God existed and that he must be cruel. Only the machinations of a cruel God could have lined up the timing perfectly.
Y/N’s eyes flickered as she regarded him. “I do not wish to bind you in marriage with someone you do not hold any affection for. You have fulfilled your promise to your mother and have asked for my hand. I rejected you. We no longer have any obligations with one another. Good night.” She made a move to pass him, to walk back to the ballroom to her gaggle of men but Benedict’s hand shot up, gripping her arm and keeping her to him.
His hands were gloved and even Y/N’s arms were sheathed in silk. And though he had never felt gloves to be particularly offensive, he wished to burn the ones that covered their hands. If only so he could feel her smooth skin beneath his fingers.
The heady scent of her perfume wafted through his senses. She smelled divine, like walking through a garden of roses under the cover of moonlight as the stars twinkled above his head. Utterly mouthwatering, and capable of driving even the sanest of men into insanity. The scent of distraction.
Always so distracting.
Benedict forced his mouth to speak before his brain could forget the words he needed to say. “Do you think so little of me? Capable of such cruelty especially when it comes to you.”
Y/N’s brows met, a flash of pain in her eyes and then it was gone. “It is the opposite, really. I think the world of you, Benedict. Only a gentleman would offer to marry a girl he has no obligations to simply because of her precarious position in life. You are an honorable man and any woman would be lucky to call you their husband. It is why I cannot accept your proposal, not when you do not love me. Not when there is no one on this world more deserving of love than you.”
Benedict frowned at her. “Why do you continue to insist that I do not love you?”
“Because you do not!” She pulled away from him, wrenching her hand from his grasp. Her eyes were pure anguish as she looked at him and the very sight of her pain had him staggering back. “If you truly held any affection for me, I would know. I have studied you all our lives, Benedict. And in all the time we shared together, you had never shown any affection for me beyond that of a friend. Your proposal hurt, Benedict. I have loved you in every way a man could be loved for so long and for you to ask for my hand in marriage out of pity—“ She choked, eyes widening as if she didn’t mean to say the things she’d said.
“You love me?” He echoed, heart beating quickly in his chest. He wondered, briefly, if his fast beating heart marks the day he really lived. If Y/N’s confession had been the reason he truly felt alive for the first time in his life.
Her face crumpled in pain as she stepped back. “Forgive me, I shouldn’t have said those things. Please take your leave, Benedict. That I may salvage whatever scraps of my dignity is left.”
But Benedict did no such thing.
Instead he took her hands and lowered himself into a kneel, setting his eyes upon her. The arching light of the manor spilled over the veranda casted her in a soft glow that took his very breath away.
Y/N’s eyes widened in alarm and whatever pain she held there was washed away by her surprise. “Benedict, what are you doing?”
“Begging you for forgiveness.”
“What? Benedict, get up.”
But he held firm, his determination cementing his knees to the ground. “Forgive me, Y/N, for my grave transgressions against you. That you had ever lived your life doubting my affections for you, or wondering if I cared for you as more than a friend are sins I will carry with me to my last breath. It will be my great shame that I had not made it abundantly clear that I love you. Because I do love you. Most ardently.”
“Benedict, get up. This is madness—“
“You are right. It is madness. The way I feel for you would drive the sanest of people into lunacy. But if loving you is madness then I don’t ever wish to be sane.”
Her eyes gleamed silver with unshed tears that threatened to fall from her pretty eyes. “B-But that morning, the day you proposed—“
“I did not propose to you out of pity for you, I did it out of pity for me. I needed to put myself out of my misery and finally marry the only girl I ever had the privilege of falling in love with rather than continue pining after you in secret.”
She let out a a laugh through her tears, the sound like bells chiming during a storm. Light and beautiful despite the pouring rain that threatened to drown it out. “Ask me again.”
His heart leapt to his throat, pounding so quickly he struggled to get the words out. But they came nonetheless, the words clear and betraying none of his anxiety. “Y/N, will you marry me?”
“Yes.”
560 notes · View notes
lydiimae · 22 days
Text
Gentle
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Pairing: Anthony Bridgerton x fem!reader
Warnings: Mentions of alcohol, panic attack, fluff hehe, Anthony being the sweet husband ik he is
A.N: Hello my loves and hello dearest anon ^-^/! This one is a bit on the shorter side (2.5k words) but I had a lot of fun writing this and I hope I gave you what you wanted Nonnie. I imagine Anthony (I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE SEASON 3 MARRIED ANT AND KATE) as a protective and loving husband, who is also extremely gentle when he wants to be. Also, Infatuation pt two is in the works, for those that are eager (thank you btw <3 T-T) it should be out by next week at the latest. P.S I am planning on uploading at least twice a week hehe! Enjoy my dears! <3
Req found here <3
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Marrying a Viscount was always going to be stressful, it came with responsibility. As well as a certain necessity to be perfect, at least that is the thought that nagged you. It was only a matter of time before the stress of being Anthony Bridgerton's wife caught up to you.
You had honeymooned in Edinburgh and Bath, all of the usual quiet places. He wished to make it just that, quiet and peaceful as both of you knew that would be one of the only times you would live in that blissful silence. Without worry of gossip, or rumors, or responsibilities.
Anthony also knew that you had a tendency to be anxious. Whether it be a result of how many people were present at a ball, or the rumors that tended to linger in your mind even after they slowly washed away from others. He wanted to show you the sights, and the gorgeous nature that was present in both of the cities that he had selected.
He also wished to show you the city of Bath. Take you to one of the large Roman baths, parade you around town, and wander the hills for hours on end. All lovely things that had taken your mind away from the lingering anxieties of being the new Viscountess.
It had worked marvelously, you had been the happiest he had seen you ever since you had met. You were completely in your element, especially when you were outside. It was a very loving, and freeing six months away.
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Your leg jiggles as you fiddle with your gloves, looking out the window of the carriage as it rolls down the road to Aubery Hall. As soon as you had gotten back to England, your anxieties flooded back into your mind. You were already dreading what was going to happen. You and Anthony were already planning to attend a ball tomorrow, the first one of your marriage.
You hated it, you knew that people would talk, the women would glare and whisper, perhaps even confront you. You did not want to deal with it. You wished to be back in Bath, having a picnic with your husband, far away from the gossip.
You feel a hand on your knee and turn. "You have been antsy for four whole hours, my love. What is it?" He asks, moving his hand to yours and giving it a squeeze. You chew on your bottom lip and settle for resting your head on his shoulder. "I am only nervous for the ball tomorrow." You whisper.
"The ball, or the people?" He returns, pressing a kiss to the top of your head before tilting your chin up so he can look at you. You frown slightly and he gives a comforting grin. "They will talk, you know that, but none of it will matter. It is just that, talk." He murmurs before pressing a quick kiss to your lips.
"But what if... you leave and then I am alone and one of them tries to-" You begin, but he cuts you off swiftly with another kiss. A longer one, but still as sweet as before. You sigh and rest your forehead against his. "You are so much more capable than you know, Y/N. You are the perfect Viscountess and the perfect Bridgerton. None of them shall ever be able to take either of those two things away from you." He whispers.
You smile as your cheeks heat up from his speech. "You are mine, mine to protect and mine to love. I take that duty very seriously." He finishes, cupping your cheek. You lean into his touch and smile. "I love you." You whisper back and he grins. "And I love you." He returns.
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Tomorrow comes all too quick, and soon you are in the large closet in your master bedroom, your maids pulling on the strings of your corset to get it to your liking. Anthony, however, waits downstairs in his study already dressed up fully for the occasion.
You had promised to try and be quick, and he knows you tried to keep that promise. He also knew that you wanted to look perfect, so he did not mind being a bit late to the ball. He wished for you to be as comfortable as you could be. After about thirty minutes of waiting, he had sent his family ahead, promising to meet them there.
He would be lying if tonight was a relaxed night for him. He was a ball of nerves, but he knew how to hide them well. He was not nervous for him, no, he was nervous for you.
He knew that you were perfect, and all of the much older and married members of the ton did as well. It was the cruel debutantes he worried about. He knew that many of them would be bitter, even if they were not interested in him. It was many women's third or fourth social season, many women would take that out on any kind soul they could find, and you were the kindest.
He downs his glass of scotch and adjusts his cravat before standing up and going to the bottom of the staircase. He wanted to see you now, and he would not wait another second. Just as he is about to call out, you appear at the top of the steps, dressed in the infamous Bridgerton blues.
The gown is a gorgeous navy blue, and you have paired it with long, white, silk gloves. Your hair is pulled back in his favorite way, an elegant pin holding it up in an elaborate bun. To tie it all together, you are wearing the diamond necklace and earrings he bought you in Edinburgh. So simple, yet so incredibly beautiful. So you.
You smile at him as you walk down the stairs and he just about dies right there. "My God, you look ethereal." He whispers as he offers you his arm. You gladly take it and he grins, pressing a kiss to your forehead before leading you to the carriage.
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The driver opens the door of the carriage once the two of you arrive at Lady Danbury's grand estate. You look out at the many other women and men filing out of their carriages and feel a familiar sense of dread, causing you to gnaw on the skin on the inside of your cheek.
"Darling?" He asks after a moment and you look up, your cheeks flushing in embarrassment once you realize he has probably been holding his hand out for you for some time. "Sorry." You mumble, before taking his hand and allowing him to pull you to your feet and help you out of the carriage.
The two of you walk hand in hand into the ballroom, which is bustling with activity. However, when the Viscount and his new bride enter, all of the chattering halts. The eery silence makes you wrap your arms around one of his, the sense of dread looming over your head only getting more intense.
He notices and moves down, kissing you softly on the lips. Part of it is for show, of course, but part of it is also because he knows that it will calm your nerves down to a point where you can manage them. He just knows, always.
He pulls away. "Come on, we are going to make this boring night a good one, hm?" He murmurs. You smile gently and nod, walking deeper into the ball. You hear the whispers, the cruel words from the other women, but choose to ignore them for now.
The two of you arrive at the space on the floor where his family stands. He lets go of your arm with a kiss on your cheek and enters a conversation with Colin. You walk to Eloise, of course, and begin to speak to her about your newest literary obsession.
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Anthony eventually finds himself surrounded by his friends, leaving you and Eloise to your own devices. "It is quite an interesting story, I am surprised I only found just found it." You hum as she grins. She had recommended the book Frankenstein after you had said you wished to read more of the classics. "I am surprised as well, you always struck me as a horror type of woman." She teases, bumping your shoulder. You laugh lightly as she does.
"Well, now I know that I am only to come to you for book recommendations as my husband is quite lacking in that department." You return, your eyes filled with playful affection. "Well, I could have told you that, Y/N. My brother, it seems, only likes books in the historical genre." She sighs and looks at her glass of lemonade. "I shall be right back, I am going to get more lemonade." She says and is off before you can protest.
You frown and look around for someone else to talk to, to hide behind really, as you wait. Before you can you are approached by none other than Cressida Cowper, an absolute addict to gossip. "Y/N L/N, I am surprised to see you alone. Has he grown bored of you already?" She says, tilting her head.
You wince and sigh. You knew it was coming, Cressida always had a knack for finding you when you were alone and vulnerable. Often times her insults insist on picking on your nervous demeanor, or even your kindness. The use of your maiden name, however, stung uniquely. A sign that she thought your marriage insignificant, and who knows how many others did. You can feel your breathing pick up already.
"Cressida. It is lovely to see you." You say softly, turning to face her head on. She rolls her eyes at your blatant disregard for her question. "Indeed. It is always a pleasure seeing how... dull you look. I am surprised the Viscount has not already taken a mistress, I mean, he would do well to." She sneers. "I-" You begin but she cuts you off.
"You know I am right. You are dull, Y/N. You always have been. It was a miracle you got as much attention as you did when you debuted and an even bigger miracle that you got married to Anthony. He will grow bored of you, just as everyone has." She scoffs before sauntering off to her next target.
You feel the heat of tears in your eyes and the familiar feeling of tightening in your chest. You know Cressida can be cruel, but what if she got those words from another? What if she was right? Perhaps Anthony will grow bored, perhaps he already has. The thoughts have you going into a spiral, your breathing picking up until you realize you cannot breathe anymore.
Eloise, upon noticing that Cressida had made her way over to you, rushes back. "Oh God, that woman is nothing but a jealous old spinster, Y/N." She whispers, putting her glass down and reaching out before she realizes that you are already too far gone. She takes your hand and begins to walk in search of her brother, "Hold on, Y/N. He has to be near. It will be alright." She says softly, though it does nothing to stop the state of panic you are already in.
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She finds him about two minutes later, and you are already in tears. She drags you to him and spins him around. "Cressida." She whispers before leaving the two of you together. He immediately wraps his arms around you and leads you out of the ballroom to one of the balconies, whispering sweet nothings into your ear the entire way.
"Alright. Look at me, my love." He murmurs once you are outside, grabbing your hands in his and pressing them to his chest so you can feel his heartbeat. "Ready?" He whispers when your tear-filled eyes meet his and you nod.
"Alright, in..." He breathes in and you do the same, your breathing stuttering as you try your best to follow. "And out..." He whispers, exhaling with you. The two of you have gone through this many times. He had helped you when you were courting, when you were engaged, and he will help you until the end of time.
After a few moments of him guiding you, your breathing calms and you wrap your arms around his neck, pressing your face into the fabric of his cravat. "What did she say, darling?" He murmurs, rubbing your back gently.
You hesitate, and he senses your apprehension. "I will not get angry with you over words that such an insignificant woman spoke, I will not cause a scene. I promise. I only wish to know before I take you back home, hm?" He whispers, gently cupping your cheeks so he can look at you.
You wait for a moment before taking a deep breath and nodding. "She said that you would grow tired of me, just like everyone else. That you would take a mistress. She said I was dull." You whisper back, your grip on his shirt tightening.
His face darkens for a moment before he pulls you back into his embrace. "She knows nothing, my love. If you were dull, I would not want to spend every waking moment of my life with you. I would not have married you if you were not perfect for me in every single way." He whispers, pressing a kiss to the crown of your head.
"But I... I do this so often. I get so... so anxious. I am hardly a Viscounte-" You start but he cuts you off. "You are the perfect Viscountess. Y/N," He begins, pulling back a bit so he can look at you. "I do not say that lightly. I know that it has only been a short six months since we were wed, but I am more secure in my belief that you will be the perfect Viscountess. The perfect mother, the perfect head of my house. You are the perfect woman for me and for my family. Do not doubt that ever. Especially over some silly statement a foolish, sad woman made." He says, caressing your cheeks.
Your eyes burn at his speech, and your heart flutters. You lean in and press a lingering kiss to his lips before pulling away. "I love you so very much, Anthony." You whisper.
He grins, and you swear you see the faintest of pinks spread over his cheeks. "And I love you, Viscountess Bridgerton." He whispers, pressing another kiss to your lips. "Let us go home. Lady Danbury will not miss our company I'm sure." He hums as he parts, making you nod in response.
That is just what the two of you do. After saying goodbye to his family, and to Lady Danbury, the two of you make your way to the carriage.
The rest of the night is spent in bed, speaking of the future, whispering love confessions in each other's ears, and loads of kisses. Who knew that a man who seems so brutish could be so gentle just for you?
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The Plot Part 2 (Anthony Bridgerton x Fem!Reader)
anthony bridgerton x fem!reader 
second part in what looks to be a several part series where his entire family plots to get you two together by the end of the season
warnings: potential creepy man; awful father who is sexist; she/her pronouns
author: sj
masterlist 
part one / part three / part four
there will be a part three coming soon:)
tags: @lafy-taffy​
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It was the first ball of the season and you were positively terrified. This wasn’t even your first season out but the fact that you were to marry at the end of this one made the stakes so much higher. Currently, your arm was wrapped around Eloise’s as you watched from the wall. You had already danced with a few gentlemen and none of them were memorable. But Eloise’s eyes seemed to be rolling towards her brain more times than you could count which was enough to keep you entertained.
The trio of Bridgerton brothers currently could be found a few feet away from you and Eloise. They were deep in discussion of who knows what when Benedict noticed a gentleman approaching you and Eloise. He seemed to be interested in you and was currently filling his name in on your dance card. He gave a little bow with his hand outstretched and you hesitantly placed yours in his as you let go of Eloise and gave her a tight smile.
As you walked away, Eloise joined the boys and sighed. “Poor Y/n, she hasn’t even been acting like herself. Her smile is gone and all I can think about is what if it never comes back if she’s forced to marry someone she doesn’t like. I mean look at her.” They all glanced to you on the dance floor and watched your tight smile twist into a grimace as the man you were dancing with stepped on your foot.
“I’ll take next dance and give her a break before she's cornered by another man who decides to break her toes.” Benedict said. He walked away towards the dance floor where you were curtsying towards the man in front of you.
“May I have next dance Miss Y/l/n?” Benedict asked extending his hand. Your eyes found his and you give him the first real smile of the night. He grabbed your hand and got ready for the next dance.
“Thank you Benny.” You whispered. “But if you ever call me Miss Y/l/n again I’ll hide all your brushes.” You threatened.
Anthony observed your face brightening as his brother started to dance with you. He couldn’t help but be a little tiny bit jealous that his brother was who caused that reaction and not himself.
“Perhaps Benedict could court her. They look good together. Maybe they could marry for friendship instead of love.” Eloise stated, glancing towards Colin and Anthony who were watching the pair dancing. She noticed that Anthony tensed at her words. Had she missed something? Was her eldest brother secretly harboring feelings for her friend? This. Is. Perfect.
After the dance you and Benedict made your way back towards the small group and reconvened. Just as you joined the group a hand grabbed your elbow, turning you around.
“Y/n.” Your father. You took a breath as he grabbed you towards him and away from the group. The small Bridgerton group closely observed as the man pulled you away.
“This is Mr. Berclay. He will have your next dance.” You tried to control your face as you looked to the man next to your father. You normally don’t judge people completely based on looks, but the man your father was clearly trying to set you up with was definitely too old for you. And judging by the way he was leering at you, you could assume that intentions were not great and you already felt uncomfortable in his presence. You nodded and curtsied at the terrifying man and lowered your eyes to try to keep the tears in.
Anthony couldn’t believe it. It was like watching a nightmare come to life (and he didn’t know if it was his nightmare or yours...or both). The man your father told you, not asked you, to dance with was looking at you like he was going to eat you alive and he simply could not handle the terror in your eyes. The pure rage towards your father drove him to act without thinking, making his feet carry him towards you and stepping in between you and the man that was making you uncomfortable.
You felt a hand intercept yours that was reaching out towards Mr. Berclay’s outstretched hand and sparks shot through you. You looked up to find none other than the Viscount’s eyes softly looking at you.
“So sorry to interrupt Mr. Y/l/n, but Miss Y/l/n promised me her next dance and it’s about to start.” If you weren’t so tense, your jaw would have dropped to the floor right off your face. Dancing always made you think of Anthony and that first time you really saw him as the man you know now. And to think that you were going to dance with him in public... you could practically hear your younger self squealing with joy.
Your father’s jaw clenched, “Of course Viscount, take her.” Granted, if Anthony would have not had the title of Viscount, you were sure your father would have dismissed him. He waved his hand and Anthony pulled you briskly away by the hand. Once you got a distance away from your father you finally spoke.
“Thank you so much.”
“Don’t thank me. He shouldn’t be doing this to you.” Anthony said gently to you as you both got in position for the next dance.
You took a breath before the dance started, you were getting nervous to dance with Anthony, he was very talented on the floor and you wanted him to see how good you’ve gotten since you first learned.
“You’ve become quite the dancer.” Anthony remarked to you after a minute of dancing. You preened. 
“Thank you. I find it quite easy now, unlike when I was first learning.” You smiled. A grin cracked on his face.
“I do remember those days. I distinctly remember you falling backwards over the couch in the day room once dancing with Benedict.” His grin grew as he recalled the memory. Your cheeks flushed and a nervous giggle came out of your mouth as you looked away from his eyes towards the others on the dance floor.
“If Ben hadn’t made me laugh so hard, I wouldn’t have stumbled back and hit the couch in the first place. Not my finest moment.” You grinned, looking back at him to see him staring right back at you. 
“Well, thats why I stepped in to teach you. I am a much more effective teacher.” Your cheeks warmed as the shared look between you both seemed to grow more intense. You looked away and attempted to clear your head. You could not be getting your hopes up like this.
After a moment of silence, Anthony continued recalling memories and you tried your best to keep your laughter inside, or at least quiet.
“Look at them,” Colin observed. “You’d think he’d hung the stars the way she’s looking at him.”
“I think it’s most telling how Anthony is looking at her.” Violet Bridgerton said, walking up behind the group just in time to hear his comment. She rested her gloved hands onto the backs of Ben and Colin. “I haven’t seen him smile like that since… well, I’m not that sure. They are both glowing.”
“It’s simple really. They are meant to be.” Benedict stated.
541 notes · View notes
asmutwriter · 1 year
Text
A True Lady (Part 2)
Anthony x Reader
WORD COUNT: 5054
From beginning / Previous / Next / Master List
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WARNINGS: time period sexism, mentions of sex, swearing, implied SA, drinking
DISCLAIMERS
-   This is fiction. Please always talk to your partner before doing anything and make sure they are ok with what you are doing beforehand
The next morning you awaken, the memories of the night before a haze due to your intoxicated state. Thinking you’d dreamt most if not all of it, you stood up and pulled your night dress off of yourself. You let out a small sigh as you get dressed. You head to the dining room for breakfast and sit down. Benedict, Daphne and Eloise all having their food. You join them in their conversations when you hear the chair opposite yours move. You look to see Anthony sit opposite you. You make eye contact for mere seconds but you go red and have to break it immediately. It may have been a dream but you can’t help feel flustered. He smiles softly and also joins in the small talk. A cough from the front of the room catches all of your attentions. You look to see one of your servants looking a little concerned. Yoji stand up, worst fears going through your mind. “You have some guests. They are in the hallway” you nod and excuse yourself and make your way to the entrance of the house. All four of them follow you though, intrigued by this guest.
“Fucking hell! Who do I have to screw to get a house like this?” you see your two best friends at the door. You squeal from excitement and run over to them and embrace them both. They both hug you in return “We kept getting your letters and we thought we’d come visit you and see if it was as good as you were describing”
“It is by the looks of it” you nod and pull away from the hug. You turn and see the four Bridgeton’s looking in confusion. You smile
“Umm, these are some of my best friends. Lily and Ivy. Guys, these are the Bridgeton’s. Daphne who’s married to Simon, Anthony and Benedict, her older brothers. Then Eloise her younger sister” Daphne smiles
“How do you know Emily then?”
“Us three used to work together. Before she came here that is” Lily looks at you and admires your dress “gosh you look like a posh prick. No offence you guys” she motions with her hands for you to twirl, which you oblige. “Shit you look hot in that”
“Thanks love” you see her admire the fitting of the body “Honestly you are so talented. Assuming you made it yourself?” You nod as you hear Ivy starts a conversation with the other three. Ivy talking to Daphne, Eloise and Benedict as Anthony joins you and Lily. You smile at him before avoiding eye contact as you feel your cheeks start to flush. Lily smiles at him, introducing herself. He takes her hand and kisses the back of it
“It’s an honour to meet you. I’ve heard some wonderful things about you” She giggles and looks away from him, giving you a look as she proceeds to point at your female friend
“Ivy has just got a deal at work”
“Really?” she nods and smiles
“Going to go in for a high up job in the fashion industry. Certainly pays more than in the factory”
“Oh that’s amazing news!”
“Do you also make clothes?” Anthony asks. Lily shales her head
“No. Ivy is the talented one. I tried making clothes before but I have about as much talent as a pile of shit” you roll your eyes as he looks startled at her language
“I apologise for the improper speech my friend has”
“Wasn’t that in itself improper speech?” he chuckles and makes eye contact witty you briefly before looking back at her
“Its ok ma’am” he smiles at her
“Aren’t there more of them?” your friend queries you as you nod
“A lot of them are outside feeding the ducks”
“Tell me you have a pond”
“I don’t just have a pond. I have a lake”
“You are a lucky bastard you now that right? God” she gasps and clutches your arm in excitement “I’m going to go swimming. You’re going to join me” she grins at you. Anthony laughing at your discomfort. Lily looks at him and smiles evilly “I don’t know why you look so smug. Your also joining us” she grabs his hand “Where is the lake?” she looks at you expectantly “And if you don’t tell me I will annoy you until you do” you sigh and lead her into the garden, telling Ivy where you were heading.
As soon as Lily sees the lake she squeals in excitement. She quickly disrobes down to her undergarments then runs and jumps into the water. You pick up her dress fold it slightly. “Come on in its lovely in here” you go to undo your dress get your hair caught in the top part.
“Ow, ow ow. Umm. Can… can you help me?” you look at Anthony who looks slightly uncomfortable at the situation but he comes over to help you anyway, carefully untangling your hair for you and undoing the top clasp, his fingers brush against the back of your neck and you feel your heartbeat quicken at the slightest touch. You quickly pull away, trying to hide your flushed face as you undo the rest of your dress and strip to your corset and underwear. You turn to face him, noticing his face starting to go pink as he moves his gaze away from you. “You coming?”
“Excuse me?”
“Are you coming in?” you motion at the water. He shakes his head slightly and watches you run and jump in with your friend. You friend swims over to you
"So do you have a crush on him?” she whispers to you
“Excuse me?” she raises an eyebrow
“I saw how you looked at him”
“I-I may have had a dream about him last night which has me a bit flustered tonight” she nods knowingly. You watch as the four others leave the house and come over to join the one on the bank. Eloise looking like she wants to join you but Daphne saying something to her
“I think that they think I’m an improper lady”
“You are” you hit her “I’m sorry you’re in your underwear in water that probably has so much fish and duck shit in. You aren’t a lady” she smiles and nudges you “but who cares. You have so much money and because of that power to do whatever the fuck you want” you nod slightly
“I suppose so. Anyway, how’s your life been? Anything new been happening?” Before she can answer you then hear a splash and notice Eloise managed to convince her elder siblings to let her join you. You smile at her as she approaches
“What are you talking about?”
“I just asked my friend how life was”
“I can’t complain about it. I’ve had better days but I’ve had worse” she half smiles at you, obviously not wanting to go into too much details about her personal life around the girl she’s only just met.
“Shall we head back to land?” you ask as your friend nods and you all swim back over. You get out and give both girls a hand up. Then finding a nice bit of grass and lie down, letting the sun dry you before placing your clothes back on. Your friend sits next to you and Eloise nervously lies next to you. Your friend turns towards you
“When are you having a ball? If you say you’ve already had one and I wasn’t invited then it’s the end of our friendship” you chuckle
“I’ve not yet had a ball. They think I should host one next week but I’m shit at hosting things” You hear Daphne cough above you and give you a look “Sorry. I meant I’m not very good at hosting”
“Oh come on. We used to have great parties”
“Yeah, the ones we used to get invited to. We didn’t host them”
“Yeah but they were great fun”
“If you do any of that stuff at my ball I will throw you out”
“God you’re no fun”
“No, I just like it the idea of you not giving one of the party goers a bad spine”
“It’s not my fault he was shit in bed” you hit her leg “Sorry, I meant to say was he wasn’t the best man I’ve ever had”
“Not better to clarify”
“How can a man be good in bed?”
“It means if they snore or not. If they don’t snore then they are good in bed” you hear slight chuckling behind you, tilting your head you see that the three older Bridgeton’s and Ivy were sat behind you, Benedict snickering to himself at your comment. “It’s true. I don’t know what else it would mean, unless you want to elaborate” he shakes his head
“Certainly not”
“Exactly” you turn to your friend “But I don’t know, I think it’ll be bad. Just get a tonne of alcohol and hope everyone drinks loads so none of them remember” you hear Ivy laugh behind you
“Yeah cause that always works and it’s never just you getting intoxicated”
“Shut up. What do people even do at posh parties?” you turn to look at your four higher class friends. Eloise snickers
“Try not to let guys tread on your toes as they all attempt to dance”
“Shit do I need to dance?”
“Umm, yes?”
“Shit. I don’t think I know any dances”
“Yeah you do”
“Not suitable ones. Shit”
“A lady really shouldn’t use such vulgar language” you hear Daphne say
“Yeah I know” you pat down your body and feel its dry so stand up. “Right, dresses on then time to learn some dances” you brush the grass off of the back of your legs and walk over to the dress you hung up. Slipping it back over your body and doing it up, you place one hand out in front of you to where you think a man’s shoulder would be and then proceed to look confused “where does my other hand go?” Ivy stands up and takes one hand in hers and places the other hand on her shoulder
“Like this” she places a hand on your waist “Now a simple dance is back one foot then forward the other, but you need to remember to do a little bit of something with your hips. Especially as you are a woman, hips are the thing you want to show off. They are one of the more attractive features to a man subconsciously as it shows how good you are at bearing children. So I’d put one foot back then do a hip thing whilst lifting your foot, then go back forward”
“I can’t see what you mean” she sighs and motions at Anthony plus Lily.
“Lily come here. Can you lead her and just copy what I do so she can copy what Lily does?” She says to the eldest brother who nods and stands, offering his hand to you which you take in yours
“So hold my hand, put that one on your shoulder and then this one goes on your hip” you turn to face Lily and try to copy how she moves, accidently treading on his toes several times and apologising for it every time. You let go of him after a while and shake your head
“I’m just going to give up. You guys can all dance so nicely and I just look like a ferret” Ivy laughs. Lily clasps her hands together in excitement
“Does that mean I’m actually better at something then a Lady? Oh look at me. I’m a right posh one I am” she laughs then covers her mouth in embarrassment “I’m sure you guys don’t talk or act like that...” you laugh and sit on the floor and hug your knees.
“Is it lunch time yet. I’m starved”
“Do we get to eat posh food?” you nod and smile
“Well, I still cook most of it but it’s in multiple pans rather than just the one”
“Very, very posh indeed then” you help Eloise put her dress back on, seeing your friend is able to put hers on on her own.
After lunch you sit once again in the library, reading a book. A knock on the door brings you out of the story “Come in”, expecting it to be one of your friends. Anthony walks in. You smile at him “Hi, I wasn’t expecting it to be you” he nods and shuts the door.
“I just thought I’d come and see how you were, your friend with the colourful language is having a bath and your other friend is talking to Daphne I believe” you nod and pat the sofa next to you. He comes over and sits down “your friends are very... intense”
“Yeah, Lily doesn’t really have any social boundaries and Ivy is quite shy. But I love them both and couldn’t picture my life without them” he nods and leans back into the corner of the sofa, eyes watching you. You feel your cheeks go a slight pink under his gaze but shake it off as nothing. “Why did you come in here?”
“I wanted to chat. Just us two. Away from prying eyes” you nod “I-I can’t remember much from last night. I remember us talking but that’s about it”
“Wait we talked last night?” he nods slowly
“Do you not remember?” you shake your head
“I thought I dreamt it all to be honest” you chuckle nervously “I think I need to make less strong drinks in the future” he chuckle and nods. He leans forward and moves a strand of hair behind your ear. You try to control your breathing as he gets closer to you. “Sorry that was... wrong” he moves his hand away but you shake your head. “I respect you a lot and I don’t want to do anything to make you uncomfortable” he says in a stricter tone. More to himself then you. You turn to look at him again. Eyes fixated on his lips. He smiles slightly.
“I respect you too” you whisper out as he nods.
“I’ll see you at dinner m’lady” he gives you a small smile before he stands up, exiting the room.
-
Over the next few days you all get along nicely, but when you mention a ball the Bridgeton’s say they will help you plan one. So after about a week of planning, arranging and sending out invites it finally comes to the day of your ball. You nervously pace around your room. Daphne comes in and gently places her hand on your shoulder “You will be fine. Mama will help you as much as you need as she is an expert with parties such as this” you nod
“Do I look ok?”
“You look beautiful”
“I think I might vomit”
“Don’t do that. You’ll ruin your lovely dress” you nod and wave your hand in front of your eyes to try and hold back tears. She smiles kindly at you and holds her arm out for you to take which you do. She leads you down the stairs, your guests waiting for you in the hallway of your house. Lily is the first to speak
“You look amazing Emily”
“Thank you my love”
“Honestly, that dress makes your tits look amazing” you roll your eyes at her as you now feel every pair of eyes subconsciously look at your chest and then back at your face.
“God I may pass out”
“Don’t do that” Daphne calms you by your side, gently patting your arm “Anthony can you help her please” he comes over and offers his arm in replacement to which you take.
“I don’t understand why I need a man with me. I’ve seen some of the people coming, I’m not going to run off with any of them I can tell you that” you flatten the front of your dress. Anthony leans in to you slightly
“Don’t mess with the dress, you look perfect” you nod and tighten your grip on him
“I feel like a high class prostitute” he looks astonished by what you said but lets out a small smile
“You look like a lady” you smile at him as the first guests arrive.
After about 20 minutes the majority of guests have arrived. Due to your upbringing, you have guests of all classes and backgrounds there. You did not want to discriminate against anyone just because of their family. Benedict and Eloise come over to join you and Anthony (him having not left your side as a form of comfort) as you notice a specific man come in. The arm holding onto Anthony’s tightens “What is wrong?”
“He... why is he here?” you whisper. You feel the brothers exchange a look. Although you remain linked with his arms you feel Anthony gently take your hand in his, holding onto it for comfort. You shake your head and look at the eldest brother pleading for him to help.
“I cannot ask him to leave. It is improper of me. I am sorry” you look at the younger siblings
“You can ask him to leave. We cannot as it is not our house. But it is your house”
“Why don’t you like him?” Eloise questions
“Hess not a nice man... is that his wife? Jesus how did he manage to get such a pretty wife. She looks about 10 though” you take in a breath “Maybe he’s changed. I doubt it but who knows. Maybe he’s no longer a high class wanker”. That’s when what you dreaded might happen starts to happen. He sees you and brings himself and his wife over to you. You break eye contact with him and stare at the hand holding yours.
“Hello my dear. It’s been so long! What, must’ve been about 3 years?” you nod as you feel tears in your eyes. That dreaded night coming back to you
“3 years and 2 months I believe, to be exact” you mentally shake yourself and motion at the Bridgeton siblings surrounding you “Eloise, Benedict and Anthony Bridgerton” they all nod at each other, Anthony lets go of your hand as he puts it out towards the man to greet him
“This is my wife” you smile at her “where is your husband then?” you shake your head
“No I’m not married”
“Why not?”
“If I marry then all my fortune that I’ve earned has to go under his name even though I was the one who earned it in the first place”
“I never even thought about that!” you hear Eloise exclaim
“Hmm” the gentlemen says “I would’ve though with the amount of men at least one of them would want to marry you. I suppose men like undamaged flowers though don’t they” you tense up at his words “I mean seriously. How could a man want to marry you with your dress being so short? Practically just begging for it. That dress is...” he eyes you up and down “well you look like a common whore. Just like your mother” you grit your teeth as the two Bridgerton men go to say something put you put a hand up to silence them
"I am not a whore”
“You could’ve fooled me” You finally make eye contact with him. Hate filling your eyes “I bet you are. How else would you be able to get a house like this? Probably doing sinful things with the real man of the house. Wanting you to dress up like one of his play things”
“I am NOT a whore. I am a NOT some sort of plaything for you or anyone for that matter. I am a woman. No. I am a lady. And you. You are just a boy. I will dress how I want because this is MY house” you let go of the brothers arm and bend down to the hem of your dress, ripping it at the side continuingly up until your whole leg is on show “Now, I want you to leave MY house before I take whatever little manhood you have between your legs and shove it up your own ass” he looks flabbergasted at your words. His wife also looking shocked
“You cannot-”
“Oh but I just did” you take a step closer to him “get the fuck out” you see him and his wife hurriedly walk out of your house. You turn to look at the three who are looking awestruck at you. Eloise is the first to speak
“That was amazing!” you smile at her
“God that was liberating”
“He must’ve done something really bad to you for you to act like that” you nod
“He wasn’t a very nice man” you take her hands “if a man ever tries to tell you to do something and you don’t want to, no matter what, tell him no. You owe men nothing. Do whatever makes you happy. And if he doesn’t take no for an answer, tell him to go fuck himself” you smile at her and hug her. Benedict coughs slightly
“Eloise shall we go and dance?” she nods and takes his arm, leaving you and Anthony by the side of the room
“I am sorry”
“Why?”
“Because he-”
“You are not him so you do not need to apologise” he nods as you look down at your dress “I liked this outfit” he chuckles
“I think that speech and action was worth ruining your dress though, don’t you agree?” you nod and smile up at him. He offers you his hand “I’d like to see how much you remembered from our dance lesson a few days ago”
“Oh... I remember nothing about that and I value your, well, everything to be seen dancing with someone who will likely make a fool of you” he chuckles and takes your hand anyway, leading you to the dance floor. You place a hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand “this is correct, yes?” he nods and places his hand on your waist. You dance around the room, managing to not step on his toes at all. You finish and clap with excitement “I did that perfectly” he chuckles “now I want to get-” you think for a second “I don’t know how to word it in a ladylike manner so excuse me. But I want to get shitfaced” he smiles slightly as you pull him over to the drinks you had for people. Picking up a glass for him, you hear Violet come over to you and give you a smile
“My dear, your dress is ripped” you nod
“Yeah, I think it adds to my look”
“People are looking though”
“And? It’s just a leg. We all own them”
“It’s just. It’s not proper” you roll your eyes
“Should I get dressed?” she nods and smiles at a couple of people who walk past, giving you a disgusted look “wow. Who knew so many people would get offended by a leg” you hold your hand out to Anthony “come with me?”
“Oh my dear he-”
“I’m sorry I either get dressed with him as my escort or I stay down here with my legs on show” you smile at her kindly as you head upstairs with him. You go into your room “Leave the door open. Looks less like a scandal if it’s open” he nods and admires the art around the room as you take your dress off and search your wardrobe for a new and acceptable dress.
“This painting is very good” You look over at him and the picture he is admiring
“Thanks. I painted it”
“Really?” you nod and pull the dress on over you head.
“I painted that one and that one in this room. I modelled for that one” you point at various paintings
“That’s you?” you nod
“Ivy painted me and I fancied it so much I asked her if I could buy it from her. She told me not to be so stupid and gave it to me as a present. She only requests now that if people ask who painted it I say her so that people may buy her art” he nods
“Surely it’d be better in a more public room so more people can see to admire it though?”
“I already feel very big headed having a picture of myself hanging in my house. I don’t need it on display for everyone to see how big headed I am” he laughs slightly
“No I suppose you’re right” he takes a sip of his drink and holds his arm out to you again. You smile and take it, heading downstairs. Lily runs over to you as soon as you once again reach the party, taking your hands in her own.
“Benedict told me that he turned up again. My love are you ok?” she strokes your cheeks and looks into your eyes. She was expecting to see sadness or fear but instead she saw a warmth. Happiness. She furrows her brows as she looks at you then at Anthony. “I am glad you are ok” she kisses you on the forehead as a sign of affection. “You are loved and if he ever shows his face again I will kick him so hard in his dick he’ll see stars” you laugh slightly
“Thank you. I am ok now. I told him to fuck off”
“She did. It was a weirdly amazing scene to watch play out” you hear the oldest brother say behind you. Daphne comes over to you three
“Brother. Mama said we are leaving tonight. She said that it only seems right that we leave Lady Garcia a good night’s rest before we wear her out”
“Don’t be silly. I am happy for you all to stay longer” she shakes her head
“I must also get back to tend to some duchess duties. I fear I may have left my husband for too long. But we shall come and visit you again once I have had our child if that is ok?”
“You are welcome back anytime Daphne. You and the whole family are kind and good people and I’ve had the greatest honour of being in your company” she smiles at you and bows slightly before leaving. Lily smiles at you
“M’lady. Would you let me have the honour of getting drunk with you” she asks as you smile and take her arm.
“I’d be honoured m’lady” looking at the eldest son “would you care to join?” He shakes his head
“I am going to go and join my family” he bows to you both slightly before walking away. You both smile as you go over and pour yourselves a glass of whiskey. Both starting to intake a large quantity of alcohol, Eloise comes over to join you
“What are you drinking?”
“Whiskey. Would you like some?” your friend offers
“Yes. Yes. My brothers never let me have drinks” you hand a glass before Anthony comes over once again
“Thank you” he says as he takes the glass from her hand and sips it
“Let the poor girl have a drink” he shakes his head
“Mother would kill me if she knew I’d let her drink”
“Meanie” you exclaim, pouring another drink for yourself “try some my love” you offer her your glass “if you enjoy it I shall pour you your own one and I’ll threaten to beat your brother if he tries to stop you” he laughs at your words as Eloise takes a sip and grimaces at the taste
“That is foul” you nod and take a sip
“So I take it you don’t want one?” she coughs but look at all three of you then nods
“Give me a glass” the brother goes to object but you simply cover his mouth as you pour a fresh glass with one hand. His eyes soften when you meet his gaze
“It is a party. Let the girl have a drink” you move your hand away “Also, if you guys are leaving today then I don’t have to have the responsibility of looking after her tomorrow morning” you drink the rest of your drink and place down the cup. Daphne walks over to you
“Why is she holding a glass?”
“Because it is my party and I want her to enjoy herself” you look at her “she is old enough to marry then she is old enough to get drunk. Oh I want some food”
“It looks like our sister isn’t the only one who can’t take here alcohol” you hear the oldest say. You glare at him as you get very close to him
“I can hold my alcohol. I am just hungry” he nods
“Ok. Touch your nose” you roll your eyes at him, not playing his stupid little game. He leans slightly closer to you “I’m sorry, did you not hear me. I said touch your nose. Prove to me you are not drunk” you subconsciously press your legs together at his domineering voice, now you are glad you changed dresses as no one can see your legs. You lift your finger up and place it on the end of your nose with ease.
“See? And I can touch yours” you touch the end of his nose “and everyone else’s. The world is my oyster of nose touching” you laugh and link arms with him as you watch his sister down the drink you gave her, gagging afterwards. You wince for her “Yeah it’s a strong drink. Sorry my love. Oops sorry for calling you my love” you smile as you watch her recover from her drink, coughing into her hand.
A couple more hours pass and all the guests start to leave. The Bridgerton’s (apart from your two friends) are the last to go. “It has been wonderful to meet you all!” you smile at each of them as they all make their way to their carriages. You go over and kiss Daphne’s forehead “thank you for coming. Do write to me when you have the child as I’d love to see him” you smile and wave goodbye as they leave your now very empty house.
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merlieve · 2 years
Note
can i request an anthony bridgerton x reader fic where he thought he absolutely despises her without any clear reasons but it was actually him denying his feelings for the reader? anthony become super clingy to the reader and he always misses her at night 🥺
pay your way in pain :: anthony bridgerton x reader
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𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐞/𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 | 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠/𝐬: 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.
𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞, 𝐬𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭!
𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭
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[ Note: I ♥️ THIS ASK! I wanted to change the title to Starboy (like The Weeknd song) because the lyrics were heavily inspired by it, so I recommend listening to it while reading, but I liked this title more ]
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It was clear to anyone walking by that the Viscount fancied [Name] [Last Name]… well, everyone but Miss [Last Name]. Anthony was terrified when he started taking an interest in the woman, especially when his family needed him the most. And because of this, Anthony began to dislike [Name]! Not only distracting him but making him feel selfish.
[Name] was nothing but good-natured to Anthony, she didn’t know what nerve she struck to make him ignore her, and spread all these nasty rumours about her at the club (mostly to let suitors know your his and only his), not only destroying their bond but also destroying her reputation. Her mother wasn’t too pleased with this and started a feud between the Bridgertons and the [family name]’s. Anthony felt terrible, yes, but this toxic mindset of his was thinking of the wrong things.
It was a busy night for Anthony, with piles of paperwork plastered on his desk, but Anthony’s mind was clouded with other things… [Name]. He tried focusing on his work, but he only thought of her. Anthony was overwhelmed with this feeling that he couldn’t control, he should be furious at [Name], but why? Other than disrupting his time, why did he hate her? Why did he hate the woman he loved? Violet would be mad at her son’s stupidity if she knew about this. But it was too late to make things right, or he thought it was.
Like Anthony, [Name] questioned why he loathed her, after everything she’s done for him and she didn’t like his sudden coldness toward her. She’d tried to regain his interest every day, only to be met by his hand. Because of this [Name] started to contemplate their love-hate connection. Back then, Anthony and [Name] were inseparable, but now Anthony avoids her to the point he can’t even glimpse at her like she was Medusa! She figured Anthony was being childish, she didn't deserve his treatment and he didn’t deserve hers either.
This occurred more constantly than Anthony would assume, he just hadn't connected the dots, yet. Anthony 'hated' [Name], so why does he wish the woman he wakes up to every morning, was her? What would life be like if he wasn't a coward, suppressing his own feelings from himself? Why was he not doing anything about it? All these questions had been pushed to the back of his brain, he was too preoccupied with handling the family's finance, and connections.
What he didn't know was why there was this longing to be with [Name] when she enters the room. It was embarrassing to acknowledge, but Anthony kept the napkin she gave him when they were still friends. He sniffs it every night whenever he misses her, the faint scent of her fragrance comforting him, a way for him to sleep.
Anthony opened one of the cabinets in his desk drawer, revealing a purple-ish napkin, the one that never fails to cure his insomnia. He let his fingers linger over the item in his hands, craving for [Name]'s touch. The thought of the woman of his dreams made his chest feel warm, remembering their strained relationship and the mess he got them in. Anthony felt horrible, thinking of ways to rekindle their lost connection, he thought of ways to make it up to her, yes, but he never ended up doing it, another one of his wasted chances.
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whispersoftheton · 11 months
Note
This idea has been on my mind for a while… Anthony seeing you in the bridgerton blues for the first time, can either be smut or fluff :) thanks
Ahhhh I love this so much, thank you for sending it in! :)
Anthony Bridgerton x Fem!Reader
Warnings: kissing, fluff, smut, p in v
Word Count: 1.2K
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The family gathered around the room on another sweltering summer day. Hyacinth and Gregory bickered over yet another sworn tie in their endless chess matches while Eloise quietly read her book in the opposite corner. Anthony sat between his brothers, Benedict telling him of his endless tales from class among the unspoken soirees he discreetly attended from time to time and Colin of his many travels. Anthony found himself growing bored, awaiting your arrival. You were to accompany him and the rest of the Bridgertons to the races this afternoon, as it would be your first outing as a family since your marriage to the Viscount. And he could not bear to listen to another one of Benedict's tales for one more second; he needed to see you.
"Mother." Anthony stood hurriedly from the gold-trimmed sofa to approach Lady Bridgerton as she entered the room. "Where is she?"
"Now, calm down, Anthony; she is nearly ready." Lady Birdgerton assured him while straightening out his neckline to perfection. She knew Anthony's antics well enough by now to understand his growing impatience was only a product of his theatrics.
"I feel as though I have been waiting an eternity. Surely she must-" Anthony made his way past his mother and into the hallway, his words stammered as soon as his eyes landed on you. You'd been making your way to the main room when he appeared in your path, a smile gracing both your lips. There was no word in the English language to describe how beautiful you looked. The most impeccable dress draped over every curve in a more delicate shade of blue than he wore but complimented his outerwear perfectly. Warmth blossomed in Anthony’s chest at the sight of you in that color. His color. He never thought he'd see the day when the one he loved, the one his heart eternally yearned for, would wear the color that meant so much to him and his family. He would never tire of how easily you overpowered him whenever he was in your presence.
"Do I look alright?" You nervously patted your skirt, ensuring everything was as it should be. Hesitation apparent in your tone as you approached him.
"Alright?" Anthony's eyes widened as he took your hands in his. He couldn't believe you would use a modest word such as 'alright' to describe how exquisite you looked right now. "My love, you look…absolutely stunning. Beyond words, truly." Heat filled your face, and your stomach fluttered at his flattery. Anthony had a way of making you feel as though you two were the only person on the face of the earth, easily melting under his gaze. It was an exquisite feeling you wished to relish in forever. Anthony glanced around and took advantage of the privacy to steal a kiss. His lips were warm and soft against your own. They parted slightly, allowing you to move more passionately as your hunger for one another became apparent in mere seconds. It shouldn't be surprising, seeing as you and your husband could hardly keep your hands off each other since your wedding night. The moment grew heated with every swipe of his tongue, hands caressing the soft flesh of your waist and hips hidden beneath the restricting fabric of your dress.
"Mother!" Anthony reluctantly pulled away, panting, and shouted. "Go ahead without us. We will join you shortly, as promised." Without so much as a second thought or a response from anyone, he whisked you away toward a nearby closet in a closed-off hallway he was sure no one wandered by.
"Anthony, what are you doing? The races are starting soon." You protested before he cut you off with another chaste kiss and shut the door behind him.
"We will join them in a moment. I must have you right now." The passion flowed through his words, making you squeeze your thighs together in anticipation and a chuckle escape you. He pulled you close, continuing his ministrations. His lips scattered kisses along your neckline and down to your chest as your hands tangled in his hair. His hands worked tirelessly to remove as many barriers between your bodies as quickly as possible as he gently guided you to lean on the wall behind you. Your dress was bunched up toward you as Anthony hastily removed his trousers just to his upper thigh. You panted under him, his lips never leaving your skin, leaving a trail of marks and bruises as a reminder of his love for you.
"Seeing you in our family color," Anthony spoke between kisses. "You are so beautiful." He was rambling as he often did when he was this worked up. The way you looked, how your body responded to his every touch. Every beautiful sound he was able to pull from you, it drove him mad. He couldn't take it anymore; he had to have you now. Anthony abruptly lifted and pressed you against the wall, your fingers tugging at his hair and desperately nipping at his lower lip, pulling an animalistic groan from his chest.
"Anthony, please." You practically whimpered when you felt his cock prod at your entrance, clenching around nothing as the tip slid over your sensitive clit. He lined himself up and pressed his lips against yours to swallow any sounds you made as he gently pushed inside you. You moaned into each other in unison, and he waited, letting you settle as you nodded for him to move. Anthony began to plunge into you, easily slipping through your folds, feeling your warm cunt swallow him whole. He cupped your breast over the fabric of your dress, kneading it in his hands while breathing heavily as he bottomed out inside of you, holding you there for a moment, reveling in how impossibly soft and warm you felt around him as low whimpers escaped you.
A low grunt rumbled from his chest when he felt you fluttering around him. His hand outlined from the swell of your breasts all the way down beneath your hips, memorizing every curve, feeling the way your chest was rising and falling with every breath of pleasure that surged through you; even the way your hips instinctively moved to meet his own drove him insane. Anthony craved and wanted nothing more than to be close to you; even being inside you now, it was never close enough for him. He began to stroke your clit, already aching for attention. Your bodies rocked in sync with one another, desperate for relief. Anthony felt you whine quietly as your orgasm crashed into you. Waves of heat overwhelmed your body as you pulsed on his cock, pulling Anthony to spill himself inside of you.
Anthony pulled away from you after a moment of stolen kisses and delicate touches. He made sure you were settled on the ground and took the time to adjust himself. Moving quickly to assist you in fixing your dress and ensuring everything else was in order before opening the door to confirm no one was outside and stepping out of the closet. You may have missed the race's first leg, but with the knowing smirks and blissed-out looks on both your faces, it was well worth it.
Tag List: @bugnug @queenofmean14 (let me know if you would like to added here or dm me if you’d like to be removed)
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fiction-is-life · 11 months
Text
Calling Out to You
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Summary: You reconnect with an old friend during the Season, but the young Viscount is not the same as the boy you grew up with.  Requested by @junevoidzombie​
Warnings: Description of injuries, minor character death, period misogyny, Anthony being difficult
~
“Help!” you called, starting to panic as the evening air grew cooler and the forest grew dimmer.  You sniffled and wiped your nose on the sleeve of your dress; your mama was going to be so angry, but the dress was ruined now anyways.  “Is anybody out here?” you cried.
You heard a twig snapping in the distance, and your head snapped up.  You let out a pitiful hiccup, but you finally stopped your incessant blubbering.  You waited a few more moments, hoping the sound would come closer, but it didn’t.  It must have been an animal, you thought.  
“Who’s there?” a voice called.  It didn’t sound particularly friendly, but any help was better than staying out here.  
“My name is (Y/N)!” you called back.  “I tripped and now I fear I have sprained my ankle.”
“Hold on.  I shall be there in a moment, miss,” the voice called back, this time slightly closer.  
In less than a minute, a figure started to take form in the growing darkness.  As he grew closer, you realized that he was younger than you were expecting - perhaps only three years older than yourself.  He had the most beautiful dark hair and eyes, though, and you became conscious of the horrible disarray you were currently in. 
He knelt beside you.  “I know you said your ankle is injured; is there any way you think you can stand on it, with my assistance?”
You shook your head.  “I have already tried, sir.”
“Anthony,” he interrupted.  He cleared his throat.  “You must call me Anthony, miss.”
Your face lit up with a smile.  “Then you must call me (Y/N), Anthony.  My family just moved here from Hertfordshire.  We now live at Turring Manor, and I was exploring the country when I fell.”
He smiled back shyly.  “Well, it would most likely be easier to carry you to my family’s home.  It is much closer than Turring Manor, and the sun is already setting.”
“That would be most appreciated, Anthony.  Thank you!” you replied eagerly.  
The next thing you knew, Anthony was lifting you off of the ground, being extra careful to not jostle your hurt leg too much.  Once you were off of the ground, however, Anthony looked at you while a blush crept across his cheeks.  “Um, it might be easier to walk if you put your arms around me as well.  I wouldn’t want your leg to pain you more than necessary,” he mumbled, clearly embarrassed.  
“Very well,” you whispered.  You couldn’t help your own blush as you did as he asked you.  Once that was done, he set off in the direction he had come from.
~
“Anthony, there you are darling!  Wherever have you been?”  A very beautiful woman came down the steps as you approached the very impressive home.  It must be Anthony’s mother; the resemblance was uncanny.  
“I am sorry I am late, mother, but our new neighbor fell in our woods and could not walk home,” Anthony explained. 
The lady’s eyes finally fell on you and concern filled them.  “Oh, you poor thing,” she cried.  “Anthony, bring her up to the yellow bedchamber.  I shall have the maids draw a bath and bring her something to eat.”  
Anthony’s mother sprung into action, and before you knew it, you were being laid upon a soft bed and Anthony was being shooed out of the room.  After a luxurious bath, you were given a silk nightgown borrowed from one of Anthony’s sisters.  
Said sisters (at least two of them - you had heard there was at least one more) came to keep you company before it was time to go to bed.  You could tell you all would become fast friends although the two girls were as different as could be.  Daphne was content to stay and practice piano while Eloise was always ready for an adventure.  Life would certainly not be dull living so close to Aubrey Hall.
“So Anthony really carried you all the way from the woods because you fell?” Daphne questioned as you explained what had happened that day.
“Yes, he did.  I couldn’t be more grateful; my parents would have been worried sick if they had not heard from me,” you said.
Daphne sighed, a dreamy look taking over her features.  “That is so romantic.  Like a knight rescuing the princess in the stories papa tells us.  Right, Eloise?” Daphne gushed.
Eloise rolled her eyes at her older sister’s antics.  “Anthony is hardly a knight in shining armor, Daphne.  You are being silly,” Eloise retorted.
Seeing how a fight was about to break out, you said, “He may not be a knight of olde but he certainly rescued me today.”
Eloise and Daphne looked at each other, slow smiles growing on each of their faces, making you nervous.  “Do you love our brother, (Y/N)?” they squealed in unison.
“What?  Of course not!  We just met!” you protested, but the butterflies flying in your stomach told a different story.
~
“Anthony!  You and Benedict - and Colin if he can behave himself and not eat all the biscuits - must come to my tea party this afternoon,” Daphne decreed at the breakfast table.  Her proclamation was met with several groans and one small protest of “Hey!”
Anthony scowled at his younger sister.  “Tea parties are for girls, Daphne.  Besides, I have a shooting lesson this afternoon,” he said.
Daphne beamed despite the implied insult.  “No you don’t!  I already asked papa, and he has rescheduled your lesson.  He hopes to join us for a bit after his meeting with Lord Aberly,” she said primly.  Her eyes glimmered with a spark of mischief.  “(Y/N) shall also be there,” she added in a sing-song voice.
“Fine, we shall attend your tea party.”
“Oh, come on, Anthony!  Why did you have to accept for the both of us?”
~
“Are you excited for the new baby, Ant?” you asked as you strolled in Aubrey Hall’s garden.  
He shrugged, making his broadening shoulders fill his jacket even more.  He had changed so much in the year he had been away at university, but he was still the same Anthony, thank goodness.  “I suppose.  It is always nice to welcome a new sibling, but the novelty has worn off.  Each baby is just like the last,” he chuckled.
You slapped his arm playfully, giggling as well.  “How could you say that, Anthony?” you scolded.  “Are you going to think that of your own children as well?”
You thought you saw his eyes flicker over your form with a strange expression in them, but it must have been a trick of the light for when his eyes returned to yours they were his normal welcoming brown.  
“No, I shall probably become as tender-hearted as my father when each babe is welcomed.  And dote on my wife for bringing such a miracle into the world,” he replied, that funny trick of the light occurring again and making your stomach inexplicably flip.
~
His father knelt to gather flowers for his mother, prompting Anthony to do the same.  “I shall gather some for (Y/N).  She was just admiring these daffodils the other day,” he spoke as he used his pocket knife to cut the loveliest blooms.  “I believe I will do as you suggested and ask her -”  
A thump behind him interrupted him.  
“Father?  Father!”
~
“Papa has inherited a piece of land in Scotland.  We are leaving within the week to go there.”  You stood in the door of what was now Anthony’s study.  He looked so small and lost sitting there, his late father’s portrait above him.
He nodded his head briefly before looking back down at the papers before him that required his attention.  “I shall see you when you return then.  Safe travels,” he spoke in a clipped tone.
“You don’t understand.  We are renting out Turring Manor and moving to Scotland.”
His head snapped up at this, but his eyes were distant and cold, his jaw set.  There was a pregnant pause before he spoke, “Then I wish you all the best, Miss (Y/L/N).  May God be with you.”
His terse farewell cut you like a knife.  You swallowed the lump in your throat.  “And with you, Lord Bridgerton.”
  You fled the house before anyone could see your tears fall.
~
Anthony was in the middle of his set with Miss Sherwood when there was a commotion at the entrance to the ballroom.  He looked to see a family enter, but they were blocked from his seeing their faces.  Accepting defeat, he tipped the corners of his lips up in what Miss Sherwood would know as a fond smile as he resumed their dance, forgetting the interruption entirely as the dance came to an end. 
“Brother!  How was your dance with the lovely Miss Sherwood?” Benedict clapped him on the back and handed him a glass of punch as he joined him near the terrace doors.  
He sighed, letting his austere Viscount visage fade just enough for Benedict to see how tired his brother was.  “She is well-spoken and graceful.”  He looked away from his brother and out towards the crowd.  “She shall make a wonderful Viscountess.”
Benedict’s eyes softened but Anthony refused to look at him.  “Will that be enough for you, Brother?  A wife and a mother to your children?”
Anthony fixed a glare on Benedict that would have made a lesser man shrink back and admit defeat.  “Isn’t that the point of the institution?  I shall gain an heir and somebody to take care of my households while I provide her with a name and protection from material poverty.”
“Some might add love into that mission statement,” Benedict said with a hint of sarcasm.
Anthony paused, but his mind was more made up than ever.  “I gave that notion up a long time ago, Brother.  Love brings nothing but heartache,” he spoke, his voice devoid of any emotion.
The brother’s staring contest was broken by a familiar voice.  “Lord Bridgerton, Mr. Bridgerton.”
The tall, dark haired men bowed.  “Lady Danbury, how do you do?”  Benedict took on the lion’s share of the social niceties as Anthony still had that far off look in his eyes.  He was not attending to the conversation at all, but Lady Danbury did not grow offended at his slight.
“Very well, Mr. Bridgerton.  I wanted to introduce you both to someone.  Her family has just moved back from Scotland - just in time for the season,” Lady Danbury continued, bringing you forward.
“(Y/N)!” Benedict cried, grabbing your hand to place a kiss onto your glove.
Lady Danbury raised an eyebrow in surprise, but her eyes were calculating.  “So you two know each other?”
“Miss (Y/L/N)’s family used to be our neighbors.  We spent many a day together before they moved away,” Benedict explained.  You were glad for it as your tongue was tied.  
“That is wonderful.  Then you two can help me introduce Miss (Y/L/N) to some other members of the Ton,” Lady Danbury smiled but fixed her eagle gaze on Anthony who had broken out of his stupor enough to gaze open-mouthed at you.  “Her family would like to see her settled.”
Benedict’s easy smile flashed.  “That will not be so hard a task for one as lovely as you, Miss (Y/L/N).”
You smiled wryly.  “It may become a little more challenging when people hear this is by no means my first season out,” you spoke, with that familiar teasing lilt to your voice.
“Nonsense.”  Your head snapped up at the almost angry outburst from the Viscount.  He cleared his throat.  “Many men will find you to be all the more acceptable for your age,” he said.
You smiled and Anthony made the mistake of looking at you - really looking at you - this time.  “You are right, my lord.  Many bachelors will be looking to find a wife before they themselves enter their dotage,” you teased, making Benedict laugh.
Anthony could not recover himself fast enough  - perhaps tell you that were more beautiful than the day you left - before Benedict was offering you his hand and leading you towards the dance floor.
~
“Miss (Y/L/N), may I have your next set?” Anthony intercepted you the moment Benedict led you off the dance floor.  He was spinning his signet ring on his pinkie finger.
“Of course, my lord,” you spoke even as he was already grasping your hand and leading you back onto the floor.
You spent half of the set in silence.  You could tell even after all these years when Anthony needed time to think.  You focused on the steps of the waltz and actively tried to ignore how it felt to be in his arms.
“How was Scotland?” Anthony finally broke the silence.
You blinked, startled.  “It is a most beautiful country, my lord,” you replied.
He nodded.  “Were there no eligible gentlemen there?”
Your brow furrowed.  “Of course there were many,” you sputtered.
“Why did you not wed then?”  The interrogation continued.
Your nostrils flared with your temper.  “I do not believe that is any of your business, my lord,” you stated, a hint of anger behind your words.  “I could say the same for you.”
“Yes, but I am a man; it is different.”
You scoffed, drawing the attention of some onlookers.  “Yes, I suppose it is.  I am but a woman.  Therefore my only purpose is to wed and have babies.”  You stopped dancing and broke out of his grasp.  You stood with your fists clenched at your sides.  “I heard you when you were near the terrace, my lord.  I cannot countenance how much you have changed.”
He watched in equal parts anger and despair as you walked away from him and out the doors.
~
“Mama, what are these?”  You fingered the petals of the daffodils that had been arranged in a beautiful bouquet.
“They must be from a potential suitor who saw how gracefully you danced with Benedict last night,” she replied, still not daring to mention the scene you had caused when you had stormed away from Anthony.  “There is most likely a card in them, peach.”
There was indeed.  You opened it to find a familiar neat hand.
I remembered these were your favourites, is all it read.
You closed the card and slipped it into your pocket.  “They are just from Lord Bridgerton.  An apology for our row.”
You purposely did not meet your mother’s eye so as not to see the look of disappointment that overtook her features.
~
“Who is that walking with Lady Danbury?”
“That is Miss (Y/L/N),” Benedict quickly informed the fair-haired earl he and Anthony had been walking with along with Miss Sherwood.  “Would you like me to introduce you both?  She is an old friend of our family.”
“Oh, yes, Mr. Bridgerton, that would be delightful!” Miss Sherwood cried.  “Wouldn’t it be, Lord Bridgerton?”
Anthony nodded, his lips pressed in a thin line.  “Most delightful.”
You and Lady Danbury had already come upon the group, and you paused.  “Miss (Y/L/N), you must allow me to introduce my good friend Lord James Thatcher, the Earl of Wembey and Miss Sherwood of Bath.”
You curtsied politely to the both of them.  “It is a pleasure to meet you both,” you said smoothly, years of good breeding taking over as your mind reeled.  So this was the Miss Sherwood that he had spoken of.  
“Miss (Y/L/N), would you care to join me on a small boat ride on the lake?  It is the perfect weather for it,” Lord Wembey addressed you directly, startling you.  You could feel Lady Danbury’s gaze on you.
“That would be most lovely, my lord,” you spoke as you took his proffered arm.
~
“Lord Wembey has invited us to attend the theater tonight with him in his box.  Is that not lovely, my dear?” your mama crowed.  This would not be the first time the handsome earl had singled you out in his attentions.  They had become quite marked indeed.
“That is wonderful, mama,” you replied, not looking up from your needlework.  “Shall I wear the yellow silk, do you think?”  And the conversation turned back to fashion plates and fripperies.
~
The pall mall ball soared into the air - straight into the woods and definitely nowhere near the intended target.  You were never good at pall mall, but what you lacked in talent you made up for in enthusiasm.  And the annual tournament was no exception - especially since it was your first after returning.
“I suppose (Y/N) must return to the woods,” Eloise teased.  “Hopefully you do not need to rescue her this time, Anthony.”
“Rescue her?  Whatever do you mean, Miss Bridgerton?” Miss Sherwood asked.  
You and Anthony both opened your mouths to explain, but Benedict beat you to it.  “Many years ago, Miss (Y/L/N) was walking in our woods when she injured herself.  Luckily for her, though, Anthony was there to help her home.”
“Oh, how wonderful!  It was like fate brought you together,” Miss Sherwood gushed, just as Daphne had all those years ago.
Anthony cleared his throat and brushed his free hand down his pant leg, trying to dislodge an imaginary piece of lint.  “Yes, well, it was a very long time ago, and I am sure the memory has been distorted until it seems much loftier than it is,” he spoke, more harshly than he meant in his flustered state.  “Shall we play on?  I believe it was your turn, Miss Sherwood.”
~
“I have noticed Lord Wembey and (Y/N) are spending a great deal of time together, Brother,” Daphne spoke as she entered Anthony’s study.  
“Have they?  I have not really noticed,” Anthony spoke with a clenched jaw, his pen arrested in mid air where it dropped a rogue dot of ink on the otherwise pristine page.
Daphne tilted her head and pursed her lips - a look she had perfected from childhood.  “I find that hard to believe, Brother.  Everyone expects him to propose - perhaps even tonight at mama’s ball,” she said.  She huffed lightly as Anthony still did not look up from his work.  “And people are also wondering why you have not proposed to Miss Sherwood yet.”
Anthony finally set down his pen and looked at her.  “How are those two connected, Sister?” he ground out.
Daphne did not break eye contact.  “Some people are saying that you have not proposed to Miss Sherwood because you hold a tendre for (Y/N),” she explained.
“Why would I care about the words of gossips?”  Anthony growled.
Daphne leaned forward, her face set just as hard as his.  “You may not care, but if you do not fix this, you could inadvertently tarnish (Y/N)’s reputation and ruin her chances at an excellent match.”  
Daphne made her way back towards the corridor.  “Maybe think about that, Brother,” she said before she shut the door behind her.
~
You rode fast and hard, uncaring of anything but getting away.  You did not even care that the skies looked as if they would open up at any second and flood the ground beneath you.  It would only be too fitting for your mood.
Another one.
You had rejected another perfectly suitable gentleman.  
What was wrong with you?  Lord Wembey was everything you were looking for in a husband.  He was young, titled, wealthy beyond measure, kind hearted, well-read.  He could do with some darker hair, but that was beyond his control.
You drew your horse up short at that thought.  Were you seriously comparing Lord Wembey to Anthony - yes, for he was still Anthony in your thoughts - and finding Lord Wembey wanting?
You breathed heavily as that thought washed over you, and you wanted to scream.
As if your thoughts had summoned him, Anthony appeared on horseback.  He cut an even more impressive figure than he used to, but that was no wonder.  His eyes locked on you, and he turned his horse to meet yours.
And you fled.
You could feel him following you, his better knowledge of the ground and larger steed allowing him to gain ground rapidly.  You could feel the promised rain start to pummel your back, but you pushed your horse faster.  Eating up ground faster than you could see it as your vision was blurred with rain and tears.  
“(Y/N), watch out!” were the last words you heard before your body slammed into the ground.
~
You opened your eyes to see it was already light in your bedroom.  Your mother sat beside you.  “Mama?” you rasped, wincing at how it made your head ache.
The lines on your mother’s face smoothed as she looked at you, before promptly starting to sob.  “Oh, you are awake!  We thought we had lost you forever!”
You scrunched your forehead as you tried to sit up.  You were immediately assisted by two maids.  “What happened, mama?”
“Oh, you would have been lost without him!  Going out for a ride in horrific weather, what were you thinking?” your mother was working up into one of her fits of hysteria.
“Mama!” you broke her off.  “Lost without whom?”
“Oh, Anthony, of course!  He saw you get thrown from your horse, and he carried you all the way back on his.  He personally saw that the doctor was fetched, too, wonderful boy,” she gushed.
You fiddled with the comforter, unsure of what to say.  
There was a knock on the door. You turned your head to see Anthony standing there, fidgeting with his signet ring just as he did in the days immediately following his father’s death.
“I shall leave you two to have a moment of privacy,” your mother whispered as she stood.
You attempted to reach out to her, stop her, but she was too quick.  She beckoned the two maids to follow her but left the door open for propriety’s sake.  
Anthony did not move from his position near the door even after your mother vacated the room.  The air felt heavy, and you were finding it hard to breathe.  You smoothed the bedcovers although they were practically perfect.
“I am so relieved you are awake,” Anthony croaked, his voice raspy with disuse.
You steadfastly continued your study of the linens.  “I am told I have you to thank for that, my lord.”  You congratulated yourself on keeping your tone even.
“Will you stop that?” Anthony’s tone was sharp, and you finally looked at him fully.  His face was drawn, and it was clear he had not shaved in a few days.
“Stop what, my lord?” you asked, genuinely confused.
He walked towards your bed, his face red.  “Calling me that,” he practically spat.  
You scoffed, not believing he was truly acting so childish.  “Well, it is your title.  It would be improper for me not to -”
“Marry me, then.”
You must have hit your head harder than you thought for you were certainly hearing things.  “What?” you breathed.
Anthony knelt at your side and took your hand tenderly in his.  “Marry me, (Y/N), please,” he implored.  He shook his head.  “I should have asked you ten years ago, but I thought I could prevent my heart from breaking by not letting it be touched.”  His gaze fell on your joined hands.  He cleared his throat.  “I was a fool.  I disregarded the fact that it had already been stolen from me.”
His warm brown orbs found yours, and you felt your heart climb into your throat.  You took a rattling breath as your eyes stung with tears.
“Anthony…” you breathed.
No further words were needed as your lips joined in the kiss you had always been waiting for.
~
My Masterlist
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leviathanspain · 1 year
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Can you write a Benedict Bridgerton fluff oneshot where Colin is best friends with the reader’s twin brother (and she with Daphne and Eloise) and Colin let’s it slip that he’s accidentally seen the reader in her nightgown amongst his and Anthony’s teasing of Benedict’s long-standing feelings for her and the reader happens to overhear?
little things
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benedict bridgerton x reader
synopsis: the brothers teasing has finally made its mark, and benedict can’t hold himself back anymore
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
colin, anthony and benedict greeted you and your twin brother as you arrived to the bridgerton household. the bridgerton sisters followed, daphne and eloise smiling brightly at you as you returned their smile.
your twin brother, ernest, was swept up by the bridgerton boys. you turned back to raise an eyebrow at him, “be back soon! and nothing out of the sorts, i mean it, bridgertons!” you tried to use your best, stern voice as your brother was shoved out the door, most likely going to the local gentlemen’s club.
your brother was usually sent home in a carriage, practically spilling out the door with how drunk he was. it was funny the first few times, but now it was anything but.
daphne and eloise took you by the arms, leading you to their library for some discussion on the latest novel you have all been reading. “don’t worry about ernest, he’s a good boy, and colin will take him home as always.” daphne tried to comfort you, but thinking about it, it didn’t make it any better.
a few drinks in, and ernest excused himself. the three brothers watched him walk steadily out to find the bathroom before turning to each other.
“he’s a delight.” anthony remarked with a smile before downing his drink.
colin laughed, “i’ll say. his sister is turning out to be an even better one!” he swung his rum around in his glass, taking a sip while he turned a coy eye to anthony.
anthony picked up what colin was putting down and nodded firmly, “yes. a good set of childbearing hips, and she has a good set of lungs on her.” he raised his eyebrows at benedict, who knew exactly what his brothers were doing.
“i’ll have you two know, that lady y/n is a very intelligent woman. a good set of brains on her.” he nodded, happy with his answer as he swung a drink down.
“a good set of something for sure.” colin pursed his lips, “the modiste didn’t use too much fabric on her nightgown. i could practically see everything.” he nudged anthony who nearly spat out his drink.
benedict stopped moving completely, “what?”
colin shrugged, “her hips, every curve, every nook, every cranny. she’s gorgeous, brother. i understand why you fancy her so.” anthony quieted the conversation just as ernest walked back into the room, “listen boys, let’s call it a night shall we?”
you rushed down the steps of the bridgerton house as you heard the carriage pull up. you bid your farewell to the sisters as you walked out into the fresh london air.
the door to the carriage opened and out fell the three bridgerton brothers. anthony greeted you first, bidding you a quick goodbye as he strolled inside. colin did the same, avoiding your eyes, strangely, he booked it inside.
benedict took slow steps as you approached the carriage, his hands in his pocket as you stopped before him.
“my, my, sir bridgerton. i see that the night has served us both well.” you smiled, and benedict returned the smile, “only has it gotten better that you illuminate it once more with your smile.” he complimented you, “have a good night, lady y/n.” he grabbed your hand, gently placing a kiss on it before strolling inside.
as you hopped into the carriage, you saw your brother, slightly less drunk than previous times, still smiling widely though as he greeted you.
“sister- didn’t you have a coat on when we arrived?” he blinked once before throwing his head back, closing his eyes with a groan.
you looked down and realized he was right. you were wearing a long sleeved dress, and didn’t even realize you had forgotten your cost. good thing the carriage hadn’t pulled off yet!
you stepped down, and ran back up the steps to the bridgerton house. a maid let you in, and you ran back to the library to get your coat.
you found it sitting in the chair that you had been in, and you shucked it on.
you tiptoed out of the library and past anthony’s study, which had the door cracked open. as you approached, you heard loud voices echoing off the walls. it was the brothers, and whatever it was about, was clearly heating them up.
“-you can’t just say things like that, colin! you know how he feels about her!” one voice said, and you deciphered it to be anthony.
colin, you assumed, cleared his throat, matching the volume level, “i am drunk! and it’s about time he admits he loves her, im tired of trying to make him jealous enough to do it! i might as well marry her if that’s what it’ll take!” it was clearly about a girl, and it seemed like it was about benedict too.
benedict, the last one to say anything was sighing deeply, “you are so lucky i didn’t punch you out right there. how could you admit to seeing her in her nightgown?! she was indecent, and yet you joke about it like it’s something funny? y/n is a lady, her twin brother is our best friend!” benedict shouted back at colin, and you realized with a pang, that it was you they were talking about.
“fine, im sorry benedict. but you need to admit things to yourself. this isn’t just some childhood crush, she’s debuting next season, make sure y/n becomes your wife.” colin exited the room first, and as the door opened, your shocked face on the other side of it, it was like his face was lit on fire.
“y/n- lady y/n! i thought you left?” colin pushed the door open and his brothers stood up to meet him at the door.
you looked at him and raised an eyebrow, “i left my coat behind.” you looked at the three brothers and nodded firmly, “very well. i shall depart now.” you gave colin a glare before you started to walk away.
as you walked, you heard them whispering amongst themselves, and as you reached the door, a slap echoed into the hall and you stopped for a moment until you continued on.
as you walked down the steps to the carriage, a shout had you turning around.
“y/n!” all formalities had been thrown out as benedict stepped down to meet you, he panted slightly and caught his breath, “my brothers-“ he laughed, “are horrible.” he finished, “i apologize for what you heard, if you did hear anything but,” he reached down and grabbed your hands in his, taking you by surprise, “i suppose i needed this.” he chuckled slightly, “in order to do this.”
leaning forward, his lips met yours in a kiss, taking you in his arms, you kissed him back roughly. suddenly, it dawned on you where you were, and you inhaled sharply, pulling back.
“mr. bridgerton.” you couldn’t help but smile as you fiddled with the buttons of his shirt. his hand lifted your chin slightly and you stared for the first time in those big bright eyes, “i suppose you’ll see me tomorrow morning.” he let you go now, and you smiled, “i suppose so.”
he turned and watched you walk to your carriage, your brothers drunk slurs floating up to benedict’s ears as he carried himself back inside, his brothers already cheering from the doorway.
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