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pagesfromthevoid · 2 years

Note

I was daydreaming about Bridgerton, and ending up daydreaming about your story as if it was canon lmao

Whatever the Poets Say | b.b. | 10

Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Word Count: 2.1k

Warnings: Drug use lol

Author’s Note: Yesss my goal is to always be considered canon haha

Series Masterlist | Talk to Me!

Dearest readers,

Walks in the park should be romantic and carefree. But today’s walk did not seem to be nearly as carefree as one Miss Everly would have preferred. She was seen earlier today returning home without her father or fiance, but instead with Miss Eloise Bridgerton. Though Miss Eloise did not seem certain as to why she was being pulled like a dog on a leash.

Miss Everly and Mr. Bridgerton were seen speaking with Lady Cowper and Miss Cressida Cowper. And this author and the ton know well what those two are like. Perhaps there was a squabble between the four of them.

Whatever the reason, it was overshadowed by the Viscount Bridgerton falling into the lake shortly after Miss Everly’s departure. While I am sure Lord Bridgerton was less than thrilled with the experience, rest assured that all the ladies of the ton were very interested in the view. Perhaps he should get thicker shirts from his tailor. Or perhaps not –if we are lucky, he will fall in the lake more often.

Yours Truly,

Lady Whistledown

Taking a walk in the park certainly should not have been such an overwhelming experience. All she had to do was enjoy the sun, make small talk, show off her engagement ring, and whisper about how ridiculous it all was with Benedict. It should have been a simple outing with their families, enjoying each other’s company.

What it turned out to be was an absolute nightmare. Everyone had questions about Lady Everly’s death. They all asked how she was faring, and how she could be so happy even with her mother’s tragic passing. It was not a slew of congratulations or simple hellos. No, instead it was a bombardment of overwhelming questions, guilt tripping, and reminders that her mother was, in fact, gone. Benedict steered conversations away from the topic as well as he could, but meddling mothers and gossipy women of the ton did not seem to care. They were all curious and eager to rip off the bandages that were holding her together.

They were given a bit of reprieve from people when the Everly’s, Sharma’s, and Bridgerton’s set up their spot in the grass. Lady Danbury, as well as Lord Everly, Lady Mary and Lady Bridgerton took to whispering amongst each other as Gregory and Hyacinth took off chasing one another. Eloise sat in the grass with her book as Collin stepped away to greet Penelope who was making her way over. Edwina and Anthony, along with Kate, walked off towards the docks. Which left her and Benedict, lounging in the grass together.

She crossed her ankles, resting her hands in her lap as she looked out over to the lake. “Today certainly isn’t going how I expected it to.”

“And how did you expect it to go?” Benedict asked sincerely, laying down now in the grass and looking up at the sky.

She glanced over at him, smiling softly at how handsome he was in the sun. “I knew people would be curious about how I was faring since my mother passed, but I did not think that was all they would talk about.” Benedict hummed in response, nodding in agreement as she continued speaking. “Or, at the very least, they would not be making me feel so bad about becoming engaged. As if it was wrong of me to do so.”

Benedict tapped her arm, and she glanced down at him with her brow furrowed. “Join me.”

He motioned for her to lay back, and she shook her head. “Benedict, do you want to get us into trouble?”

“Always,” he teased, tugging gently on the ribbon that was tied around her waist. “What do they think will happen? That I’ll ravage you in the middle of the park with our families around?”

She covered her mouth with her hand, laughing from the sheer shock that he’d say something so devilish within earshot of anyone. Finally, she laid down beside him in the grass. Eloise was watching from the corner of her eye, grinning to herself as Benedict pointed up into the sky.

“What do you see in the clouds?”

She glanced at him, brow raised. “What do you mean, what do I see? They’re just clouds.”

“Have you never looked to the clouds and found shapes in them?” He asked, genuinely surprised.

“Mother didn’t think it was appropriate for ladies to lay on their backs in the dirt, Benedict,” she reminded him.

“And yet you’ve done so several times –”

“Benedict,” she hissed, smacking his chest as he laughed.

He pointed to the sky again, drawing her attention back to the clouds. “Look closely, and tell me what you see.”

She stared at the clouds for a long time, unable to to see much else besides the pillowy fluff of the clouds. There wasn’t anything to specifically see, and she strained her eyes trying to pick anything out. Perhaps she wasn’t as observant as she liked to think; she couldn’t find anything in the clouds.

“That one,” Benedict interrupted her thoughts, pointing right above her, “Looks like a rabbit, a bit.”

Her brow furrowed as she followed his finger, frowning some. “How do you figure?”

He traced his finger through the air. “There’s the ears, and if you follow those down…there’s the tail.” Benedict reached for her hand, lifting it to follow the tracing he was making in the sky. “Do you see it yet?” She nodded, smiling now as he guided her hand through the air. He moved her hand over to the next, tracing out another shape in the sky. “If you follow that one down and up, it looks like the wing of a bird. And there’s the beak.”

“Do you do this often?” She asked, looking at him with a soft smile.

“Only when I’m trying to make someone I love feel better,” he offered, smiling back at her.

The urge to kiss him overcame her, and she had to fight back the temptation that was clawing its way through her body.

“Well aren’t you two simply lovely together?”

Benedict pulled his hand away, sitting up at the sound of Lady Cowper’s shrill voice. Miss Everly sat up too, huffing at the ruined moment. He stood, extending his hand to her to help her out of the grass. She dusted off her skirts before smiling politely at Lady Cowper and Cressida. She didn’t interact with them frequently –she found both of them a bit rude truthfully–but they both smiled politely back.

“Thank you, Lady Cowper,” she said with a small bow of her head.

“It truly is a shame your mother cannot be here to witness such a lovely match,” Cressida continued, putting her hand over her heart. “She was such a lovely woman. We really thought she was faking her illness, you know.”

“Oh, yes. The last gala the Everly family hosted ended in such a scandal. We were certain she was just anxious about it happening again,” Lady Cowper explained, though she was smiling insincerely now.

Miss Everly simply stared at the two, a bit helpless. She wasn’t aware of any scandal happening in her family home –none that were public at least. Benedict straightened up some, frowning now as Cressida continued to speak.

“Mother told me all about it, you know. Even before Lady Whistledown, the news spread very quickly. After all, your mother and father had to marry rather quickly after it happened.”

“Now, now, Cressida. There is no need to speak ill of the dead. Lady Everly was a lovely woman. Even if she could not keep her hands to herself. So it seems the apple does not fall far from the tree, though. And so soon after her death, too.”

“I beg your pardon, Lady Cowper,” Benedict finally snapped. Lady Cowper looked taken aback. “There is certainly no need for you to speak to my fiance so poorly.”

“Lady Cowper!” Lord Everly exclaimed suddenly, making his way over with a bright smile. “How have you been?”

“Just fine, thank you,” she responded curtly, motioning for Cressida to follow as she walked away.

Lord Everly watched them leave before turning to his daughter and Benedict. “Are you alright, darling? You look upset –”

“I’d like to go home,” she announced, looking away from Benedict and her father. “Perhaps Miss Eloise could escort me back to the house.��

“Are you sure you want to go alone?” Benedict asked, reaching for her hand. But she pulled it away.

“We’ll be fine, I’m certain.”

Having heard her name, Eloise had stood and made her way over. Without much of a chance to argue, she linked arms with Eloise and took off down the pathway.

Benedict stood helplessly as Lord Everly put a hand on his shoulder gently.

“I suppose Cowper did what she does best, then?” He asked, looking at Benedict now.

He simply nodded.

*****

“You are very upset about something and I would love to help you through it, but you have to at least tell me what it is,” Eloise insisted, pushing open the door to the Bridgerton home.

She didn’t know what to say, exactly. Was she upset because she found out her mother and father were only married because they were caught in a compromising position? Or was she upset because she and Benedict found themselves in the almost exact same position –right before and right after her mother’s death? Or perhaps she was upset because she hadn’t been upset since her mother passed. Her emotions were overwhelmed, and she didn’t know if she wanted to cry or scream.

Eloise led her into the sitting room, motioning for one of the maids to put tea on, and sat her down. “You have to tell me what I can do.”

“I just…I feel so bad,” she finally admitted, covering her face with her hands as she started to cry. “I should not feel so awful about marrying someone I love but I do.”

“Because of Lady Cowper and her wretched daughter?” Eloise inquired, frowning deeply as she rubbed her future sister’s back gently.

She shook her head, wiping her eyes on her gloves. “Not just them –though, good God, they are truly awful people, aren’t they? They were certainly the straw that broke my back though.”

“Why do you feel bad about marrying Benedict, then?”

“I just…I…” But there weren’t words, exactly, for why she felt bad. None that made sense, at least. “My mother died and instead of mourning her death, I simply moved on and got engaged to a lovely man, and she’s not even here to enjoy that with me. Here I am, galivanting around London, as if my mother did not just die two weeks ago. But I do not want to cry, or mourn, or grieve because I should be happy that I am in love and engaged and I do not want Benedict to think otherwise and regret proposing and I do not –”

“Slow down,” Eloise interrupted, patting her back gently. The maid left the tea on the table, hurrying out so as to not interrupt further. “You need…you need to relax, that’s what you need to do. And I know something that will help. Collin brought it home from his travels.”

Eloise stood and ran out of the sitting room, leaving her there to watch the door in confusion. After a few minutes, Eloise ran back in with a little pouch tucked into her hand. She looked it over curiously as Eloise handed it over, opening it.

“What exactly is this?” She asked, looking at the fine powder with a small frown.

“I am not quite sure, but Collin says it does wonders for relaxing. But just a pinch; Benedict put half the pouch into his tea and I swear, he was out of his mind the entire dinner.”

“Benedict’s taken this?” She asked again, watching as Eloise poured the tea then sprinkled the powder –a bit more than a pinch, truthfully –into the cup and stirred it.

“Just once, I think. Though I can’t be certain –before you came around, he was always at the academy with his artist friends.” Eloise poured herself a cup of tea, adding in her own pinch with a playful wink, then held up her cup. “To relaxing –and taking a moment to yourself.”

The two clinked their tea cups together, and then drank their tea with grimaces on their faces.

“Oh, that is…awful,” Eloise groaned, setting her cup down.

“I do hope it feels better than it tastes.”

———

Taglist: @queensgirl718

#benedict bridgerton imagine #benedict bridgerton x reader #benedict Bridgerton #Bridgerton #Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

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lavellenchanted · 5 months

Text

one diamond to another

Written for @edwinaweek, Day 1: Diamond

Edwina is sat beside her mother and trying to untangle a knot that’s appeared in her embroidery thread when Lady Danbury’s butler appears in the doorway of the drawing room, though she’s so engrossed in what she’s doing that she doesn’t notice until he clears his throat.

Lady Danbury glances up quizzically from the book she’s reading. “Yes, Wilson?”

“There’s a visitor for Miss Sharma, my lady,” Wilson says.

A surprised silence falls over the room, as all three women take this in. Mary turns questioningly to her daughter, but Edwina is as baffled as she is - it is long past calling hours, and she is not expecting anyone. It cannot be Kate; she usually sends a note before she calls and if she did turn up without warning, Wilson would show her straight in rather than announcing her.

“A gentleman visitor . . .?” Lady Danbury asks, with rather too much optimism in Edwina’s opinion. She has not had a suitor all Season.

(Well, not a proper one. There were the overtures that Sir Marcus Haverley had made but it hadn’t taken long realise they were only because he had been encouraged by Anthony Bridgerton so Edwina had quickly put a stop to that.)

Still, for one, wild moment Edwina’s mind goes to golden hair and blue eyes and she wonders, if maybe - maybe . . .

“No, my lady,” Wilson’s reply cuts off that thought before she can fully form it. She tells herself that she never expected otherwise, and that it would be foolish to feel disappointed, but she’s not quite sure she believes it. “It is Lady Elizabeth Spencer.”

That brings Edwina back to the present and she blinks, not feeling any more enlightened. Lady Elizabeth is the daughter of the Marquess of Wycombe, and last month was named the Diamond of the 1815 Season. Edwina has also never spoken more than two words to her in her life, so why she’s here - and at such an unexpected hour - she really couldn’t say.

“Indeed?” Lady Danbury’s eyebrows stretch upwards, but that is the only sign of her own bemusement. “Very well, show her in.”

Wilson bows and steps out of the room, returning a few moments later to announce the young lady properly.

“Good afternoon, Lady Elizabeth.” Lady Danbury and the Sharmas all murmur their greetings, dipping into polite curtsies (Lady Danbury’s being rather shallower than the Sharmas’, since she outranks Lady Elizabeth and they do not).

“Good afternoon Lady Danbury, Mrs Sharma, Miss Sharma.” Lady Elizabeth smiles at them all in turn before curtsying herself. She is a delicate looking thing, with high cheekbones and wide blue eyes, everything about the way she holds herself announcing that she is a refined, aristocratic young lady.

In a strange way, it’s like looking in a mirror; as different as their colouring might be, Edwina sees her own, tense posture in the way Lady Elizabeth stands, her shoulders pulled back a touch more than is natural, her head held high in a way that suggests more that she wants to appear confident more than that she is - like she is trying to compensate for a great weight placed upon on her.

Edwina is beginning to suspect she knows why her visitor might be here.

“Miss Sharma,” Lady Elizabeth looks towards her. “I hope you will forgive my calling in this unexpected manner. I was wondering if I might speak with you.” Her eyes dart nervously towards Mary and Lady Danbury and then back again. “Perhaps in private?”

“Of course.” Edwina deliberately does not look at her mother or their host, quite sure they will be burning with curiosity - but they can hardly insist that Lady Elizabeth take them into her confidence and it is not as if Edwina speaking privately to another young lady would be considered inappropriate. “It is still light, we could take a turn about the gardens?”

Lady Elizabeth’s shoulders visibly relax and she smiles. “That sounds perfect.”

There’s a small gazebo at the far end of the gardens - as far away from the windows and prying ears as it is possible to be - built of wooden trellis, with roses climbing its sides and a stone bench beneath it. Edwina talks lightly of the flowers around them and what’s in bloom as she leads Elizabeth to it, and waits until they are both seated before asking,

“So, what is it I can do for you?”

Elizabeth sighs a little and brushes some invisible piece of lint from her skirts before answering. “It is only - well, I wished to ask if you -”

She pauses, but seems to be trying to find the right words rather than cutting off, so Edwina waits patiently for her to continue.

“It is only … there is so much pressure,” Elizabeth finally says, closing her eyes for a moment. “Everyone expects me to be perfect, all the time, and I feel as if I am walking a tightrope. One wrong move . . .”

“And you will go crashing down,” Edwina finishes for her.

“Yes. So you felt that way, too?”

It is a question asked in all sincerity, and yet it gives Edwina the strangest urge to laugh. Privately she cannot help but wonder if a year ago she looked that innocent and uncertain, that unprepared. She rather thinks the answer is yes, and it makes everything that happened to her seem that much more cruel.

“I did,” she says, sympathetically. “I wanted to prove the Queen had been right to choose me above everyone else. And I wanted to make my family proud. I knew they were counting on me making a good match.”

For all she had not known the extent of their troubles, she had known that much. How could she not? It was made clear they were only travelling from India for one reason, that being finding Edwina a husband. She couldn’t fail them, and make the entire journey - not to mention all the years of work Kate and her mother had put in teaching her and making sure she was ready to marry - worthless. It was the only thing Edwina had ever been able to do for them; to make sure she was perfect, shining, everything they wanted her to be.

Elizabeth is nodding eagerly. “Yes, exactly - I’ve tried talking to my friends about this, but they don’t understand. They envy me, think it’s wonderful that so many gentlemen wish to call on me. But I find it all so - so overwhelming. My parents and my brothers, even the Queen all have an opinion on who would be the best match.”

“I don’t really know that I can advise you there,” Edwina remarks lightly, but it takes enormous effort to keep her voice soft. “I was resoundingly mistaken on that front.”

Mistaken. What a nice, blameless word.

Deceived would be more accurate, but that would sound bitter and Edwina has worked very hard not to let anyone think her still resentful or angry.

(She is, but she is not ready to examine those emotions yet. Another day.)

“I’m not really expecting advice,” Elizabeth says. “I shall have to make up my own mind eventually, I suppose. I only wished to talk to someone who might understand.”

Edwina smiles. “One Diamond to another.”

“Precisely.” There is a beat and then - “I thought you were very brave, you know.”

“Pardon me?”

Elizabeth blushes. “I was there. At your wedding. And when you ran I - I was shocked. But I thought how brave you were, too. Almost everyone I know would simply have gone through with it rather than deal that sort of scandal. I never imagined you could walk away from your own wedding.”

Now that is a surprise. Edwina’s infamous flight from the altar has been described many ways by many people, but she doesn’t think she’s ever heard it called brave before by anyone.

Very suddenly, she feels a wave of protectiveness towards the young woman next to her. They can’t be more than a year or so apart in age, but she feels so much older and jaded and she decides there and then in that moment that if there’s anything she can do to make sure Elizabeth keeps her innocence then she will.

“It was . . . a difficult choice,” she admits ruefully. “I said I couldn’t offer you advice, but I suppose I can offer you this: whatever choice you make, remember it is you who will have to live with it. And you who will be looking back one day and possibly regretting it. I called off my wedding because I knew I would regret going through it more than I would ever regret the fallout, no matter how hard that might be. If you pick a suitor, do so because he is right for you, not for anyone else.”

“Do you?” Elizabeth asks. “Regret the fallout?”

“Sometimes. It has . . . not been easy, on me, or on those who still call themselves my friends. And I know I have the Queen to thank for saving me from it being worse. But I know I made the right choice, and that sustains me.”

To her surprise, Elizabeth reaches out and takes her hand, squeezing it lightly. “I still think you are very brave. And I thank you, for the advice. There is a gentleman . . . he is not the highest ranking of my suitors, but he is the kindest and I do - I do think I like him.”

A faint flush creeps into her face as she says it, and Edwina is left with the impression that Elizabeth rather more than likes this man, whoever he is.

“Then I am very pleased for you.”

“Perhaps I might introduce him to you? Will you be at the Fairfield Ball?”

Smile dimming a little, Edwina shakes her head. “No, I do not believe I received an invitation.”

Elizabeth looks surprised, then embarrassed, then annoyed, all in quick succession. “Well, you will. Lady Fairfield is a close friend of my mother, I’ll speak to her tomorrow.”

“Oh, you do not have to do that -”

“I know I don’t. But I wish to. We Diamonds should stick together, should we not?”

She smiles so brightly that it is impossible not to return it - and for the first time it what feels like a long time, Edwina feels a blossoming of something hopeful unfurl inside her.

“Yes,” she agrees. “Yes, I think we should.”

#bridgerton #edwina sharma #edwina week #edwinaweek #will I get something up every day this week? almost certainly not #am I gonna try? absolutely #my fic

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suitsusboth · 10 months

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Loved the new chapter! Could we maybe get a snippet of Anthony pov when he saw Edwina was back? From Kate's perspective it looked like he didn't care about her comments or her opinion, but I'm sure he was seething

Ohhh, I love that you've asked this!

I think we all know, Anthony can throw on that Viscount™️ mask when needed. Which he knew he had to here, where emotions were already running so high.

Lady Danbury's butler had opened the door with a grim expression. So grim, in fact, Anthony was worried for a moment something terrible had happened. But when the man did not say anything, and simply led the way to the sitting room as he had done every morning these last nine days, Anthony thought little of it. Perhaps it was a personal matter or something with another servant. Either way, he cared not. He had only one thing on his mind— Kate.

Kate, whom had looked so beautiful yesterday in the garden, who had been brave enough to show him the vulnerable parts of herself and her worries and doubts with him. As much as it had pained him that she worried she was not good enough, there was a certain satisfaction that she trust him enough to tell him that. He could tell it took a lot for her to do that, and he would not take that for granted.

Then she had turned around, and this confident vixen had taken her place, and absolutely floored him. He should have known Kate wouldn't have been the meek maiden most unmarried girls were. It had taken everything in him not to fall to his knees and tell her she can have him any way she wanted. He should be glad he had such restraint as his eleven year old sister would have far too much if he hadn't.

This whole not-being-married-yet thing was becoming very inconvenient. Luckily for him though, one day from now they would be.

One more day.

It felt almost unreal. What man gets everything he wants?

He ached for her. Not just in a carnal way, but for her mere presence. Just to be near her, to see her, to smell her, to hear her voice—

The butler opened the door to the sitting room, announcing his arrival, and Anthony barely stopped himself from bowling right past the man, far too eager to see Kate.

Like he was a compass and she was true north, Anthony's eyes instantly found Kate, who was sitting on the settee in her lovely lilac day dress. He couldn't wait to tell her just how lovely she looked, when she looked at him, and Anthony instantly came to a halt.

Something was wrong.

He looked around the room, Lady Danbury and Lady Mary also sat in the room with tense expressions, and then he noticed two others seated across from Kate. A nervous looking, scruffy man and none other than Edwina Sharma herself, who was looking at Anthony with adject horror.

"Miss Edwina,” he said at evenly and politely as possible, “Nice of you to return. You had us worried.”

You had your mother and sister beside themselves with worry. Kate had a panic attack and I do not think either of them had slept properly since.

While his blood simmered with anger, he knew it wasn't his feelings on the matter that were important. No, right now, all he cared about was Kate. He looked for her again, her expression strained as he silently asked if she was all right. She seemed to understand by how she gave him a quick nod. She looked all right, but he knew better. Those eyes told him everything she needed to know.

He itched to go sit next to her, and hold her hand.

Edwina must have realized why he was here, and began protesting in earnest that this couldn't be true.

Anthony had expected some discontent from Edwina once she found out about the engagement. He had half-hoped this would all happen after the actual wedding, but apparently not.

Edwina stood (as well as the gangly gentleman next to her, the man Anthony presumed Edwina had run off with) and got in between him and Kate as if to keep them forcibly apart. Like he was some danger to her.

His hand curled into a fist.

“Didi, please,” Edwina pleaded, “Tell me you are joking. ”

Kate sighed, looking entirely uncomfortable as she gently pried her sister's fingers from her arm. “Bon…”

“You cannot marry a man like him. Not after everything he has done!”

He understood the jab, and in way it was deserved. But he and Kate had come to a peace, a peace he would not let Edwina unravel.

Edwina flashed Anthony a glare, and her gentleman (husband, he corrected mentally once he spied the wedding ring on Edwina's finger.) moved in between them, twitching nervously, as he was not quite sure what to do.

“I do not know what to tell you, Edwina,” Kate said, moving away from her and closer to Anthony. He resisted the urge to reach out and pull her tightly against him.

“Him, Kate?” Edwina's eyes flashed with anguish. “Anyone else would be fine. But him?”

Mary stood, coming in between the two pairs. “Edwina, please—”

Edwina’s expression turned worried then, like she had had a thought. “Is it blackmail? Is he forcing—?”

That was enough.

“Come now,” Anthony said, trying to make light of the situation instead saying something biting and nasty. Instead he let his fingernails bite into his palm. Losing his temper would not help anyone in this moment, and Kate's expression was growing more upset. Those big, brown eyes were going to kill him. “You’re starting to hurt my feelings.”

“What feelings?” Edwina hissed back, “I wasn’t aware you were capable of them!”

That stung, but he didn't let her see that. It was to be expected though. He was the viscount. Cold, exacting, always in control of the situation. It's what he would have everyone believe. He's sure his family feel the same as Edwina did. It was perhaps they never held back with their jabs.

It was fine. He would rather take them than let them see how they affected him.

“Edwina, that is enough!”

Anthony's eyes widened in surprise momentarily at the outburst from Kate. Her eyes her alight with, and her expression unyielding as she looked at her sister as if to dare to say another word.

He heart clenched a little bit, relishing the feeling for once someone was on his side.

#love came back to me #asks #bridgerton

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sukibenders · 7 months

Note

Sharma Family prompt suggestion

A Sharma family holiday fic with husbands and children, the sisters doting on each other’s babies and Mary as the matriarch… just some family fuzzy feels

Thank you xoxo

Thank you so much for the prompt! Now since you mentioned babies, I was toying between having Edwina be with Friedrich in this (as I ship them together) or having Mary, while holding Edmund, imagining Edwina having kids of her own, and I think I can fit both storylines. I know that you said holiday, but I changed it to Mary's birthday so I hope that's all right. I'm super nervous, as this is my first time writing for an ask, but I hope you like it!

The Bridgerton family's ancestral home of Aubrey Hall held an atmosphere of joyous momentum, lightened spirits and warm hearts flooding the halls as the members of the household flocked every corner. It was the Viscountess Bridgerton's dear mother's, Mary Sharma, birthday and had been a long awaited event of celebration for the family. Though Mary had been very adamant on not wanting to trouble anyone even with the special day, her daughters had been most insistent and had dragged many of the other Bridgertons into it. Anthony had proclaimed very vocally that they were family following a few years after he and Kate were wed, and hoping to clear out any doubt of belonging with the Bridgerton family from Mary's and, when the awkwardness between them had settled, Edwina's minds.

They were family, and deserved to be celebrated on special days such as birthdays.

Violet was ever most excited for the celebration, having come to find herself considering Mary as one of her closest friends during their time together, spending hours upon hours talking away over tea from the lives of their children, their desire for more grandchildren to spoil, to the gossip of the Ton (though amongst anyone but themselves or Lady Danbury, they would pretend to hold little interest). Practically attached to Kate's hip, the pair were an unstoppable force as they had set plans for the event in motion long before they had even reached Aubrey Hall.

Mary could only laugh sweetly as she watched those she had come to view as family and taken into her heart hurried around to prepare final details, all for a celebration just for her. She could recall birthdays, her own, being one of little joyful experiences given the nature of her parents. Always so serious, hardly ever allowing for her to have a moment to feel any sort of excitement towards her special day. It wasn't until she met her love, the most wonderful man to ever grace the Earth, that she began to change her views toward her birthday. And that new view fell onto their daughters, who would only know happiness and love on their birthdays and never anything else. Mary nearly felt like bursting into tears then and there as she watched Kate, from her hidden spot as to avoid spoiling any surprises, discuss adamantly with the staff on the arrangement of flowers that she knew her mother would love most so.

While there would forever be moments of hurt and sadness that had left Mary clinging to her eldest daughter, to lift the great burden from her shoulders that she was never meant to carry, there would be moments of endless delight and amity as she and Kate were now closer than ever, and growing more and more as the years went by. When she had discovered that Kate was with a child, her first, Mary could not help but be elated. However, upon seeing the hesitant look in Kate's eyes, she swallowed her own feelings and sought to provide comfort that her daughter had so desperately needed. When Kate had asked for her to be by her side during the delivery, Mary simply smiled warmly as she held every intention of being there for her daughter.

A small whine drew Mary's attention to the toddler in her arms, the product of Kate's and Anthony's love and the newest piece within Mary's heart. Edmund was only three and yet had Mary wishing that she could slow time, and keep him small forever. He had once held a ball of energy earlier in the day, only growing more and more when Friedrich appeared and swept him under his arms. The boy had been most fond of his uncle, and the pair had nearly toured the whole gardens before returning inside with, surprisingly, little stains from their adventure (Kate had Friedrich to thank, as the idea of having to bathe her energetic son was the last thing on her list).

Though Edmund's childish glee quickly became bashful when he tucked himself into his aunt's arms, peering up at Edwina with such innocent eyes that it nearly had the latter swooning. Kate had commented that she had a hunch that, once Edmund had been born, he would be spoiled rotten by just Edwina alone to which the princess had smiled cheerily and blew a series of wet kisses onto her nephew's round cheeks. With Friedrich in the picture, Mary had mentioned, the level of presents that her grandson had regularly received would double.

Whispering softly into her grandson's ears, she rocked him gently and watched as his long lashes flutter before he fell into a slumber against her chest. Anthony had offered to take the young boy from her, worrying that his boundless energy may tire her, but Mary had shook her head. "I had to raise Kate and Edwina, trust me, Edmund is a piece of cake compared to the two of them, especially when they started scheming with one another."

Anthony shook his head fondly. "Believe me, I've come to find that out. Those two are bound to come up with something if you leave them alone long enough."

"Is that so?" Came a voice. Anthony blanched but Mary could merely chuckle as Kate moved over to the pair, placing a loving kiss of her son's hairline and smiling warmly at her mother before regarding her husband with a raised brow. "You were saying dear husband?"

As Mary stared down at the sleeping boy as his parents playfully jested with one another, but couldn't help but trail her eyes toward her youngest, Edwina. Her sweet girl, who overcame such a challenging period in her life during her first season and those following, a period in which Mary had feared her daughter would never escape. But Edwina was always strong, both her girls were. And when Edwina had caught the eyes of a prince who, at first had left Mary on the fence as, even with his charm and respectful demeanor, her protective instincts kicked in and left her seeking nothing more than to hide Edwina from the world. It wasn't until she had witnessed Friedrich so fiercely defend Edwina from cruelty that she had a change of heart. Mary told him this at the wedding, and Friedrich had simply kissed her cheek and promised to protect and defend Edwina with everything he had, as well as love her as she deserved. It was second nature, he had said, like breathing.

When she looked at Edwina, carrying a sense of peace within herself that she had nearly lost, sharing such loving graces and glances with Friedrich, Mary could only wish that her own love was there to see how happy their daughters were. Hugging Edmund closer to her chest, Mary sighed fondly as she imagined another little pair of feet following after him, whether a boy or girl she could care less, but Mary hoped that they would have Edwina's sweet smile and doe eyes, as well as their father's head of curls and freckled cheeks. Such a cute baby the pair would have, Mary was sure but held small uncertainty with bringing up the fact with her youngest, who had found herself struggling with conceiving. She could remember how a downcast expression had been a more common sight on a usually more cheerful Edwina and it left Mary wanting nothing more than to wash it away.

"If I had to wish for something most dear," Mary had thought, "then it would to be for Edwina and Friedrich to be blessed with a gift such as I have had, all those years ago."

She could wish.

Mary furrowed slightly as she watched her youngest and son-in-law in question as they moved to a secluded corner, attempting to move away from any curious eyes. She had noticed how Friedrich had, after greeting all in attendance and charmingly waving off her protest at all the gifts he had brought with a simple kiss to her cheek and boyish wink, remained ever close to Edwina's side for most of the day save when she was beside Kate, who studied her sister with a curious eye. It wasn't necessarily unlike the prince to be so close with his dear princess, but Mary held a suspicion when she noticed Edwina only nibbled on small foods and drank tea with a subtle hint of ginger.

A small flutter of hope birthed in Mary's chest, and as she watched Friedrich gently place his palm over Edwina's stomach, eyes alight with a similar look that Mary's love had held when he had found out she was carrying, tears of pride and happiness bore from Mary's eyes even as she tried to swiftly hide them, for even though this was the best present that she could ask for, she would wait until Edwina was ready to share.

Her parents made her despise her birthdays. Her husband made her find joy in them. And her daughters, her beautiful and precious daughters, made her feel intense love that she would cherish to the end of her days.

"Mama," a series of hands grabbed her shoulders and Mary snapped out her daze to see her two girls sitting on either side of her, worry painting their expressions as they brushed crestfallen tears from their mother's face. Anthony and Friedrich stood before her, boh wearing looks of worry as Kate asked. "Are you all right?"

"Are you feeling ill?" Edwina nurturingly placed her hand against her mother's forehead, only to frown. "You don't feel warm."

Friedrich stepped forward, ducking his head slightly. "Would you like for Anthony and I to bring you something, ma'am?" At that, Anthony looked nearly ready to bolt for the nearest horse and ride to find the closest doctor when Mary had quickly waved them off, trying to smother their worry.

"Please, please, don't fret," she sent Friedrich a stern but soft look. "I thought I told you to call me mama?"

Friedrich only smiled at her words, forgetting in his concern for her, bowing his head in apology. "Forgive me. But, are you well?"

Mary reached to grab both her daughters' hands, all while still holding a sleeping Edmund, leaning to rest her head on Edwina's shoulder. "I am the happiest that I could ever be, and then some."

Kate and Edwina shared a knowing look, quickly reassuring their husbands that there was nothing to be concerned about before leaning into their mother's side.

#bridgerton #edwina sharma #kate sharma #mary sharma #the sharma family #sharma family prompts #anonymous #forgive any mistakes or grammatical errors as grammarly took a break 🙄

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sea-owl · 1 year

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Oh my gosh how did I not see it before. Portia is the perfect candidate to have someone isekai as! Might have to steal this idea later though lol. As for Michael and Simon I have a thought on that. With Portia making a name for herself as a business woman, no doubt Agatha Danbury would take notice and invite the baroness for tea with Mary Sharma where Kate and Simon meet and become quick friends which leads to Simon meeting the others. At some point this also leads to little Gareth joining the group.Philip meets Michael when he’s 12 at Eton and brings him home one summer and ever since he’s been apart of the family. Plus it lead to Portia gaining a business partner in Michaels mother and aunt. Now villain stories.

Simon: a man abused by his father leads him to grow cold and unfeeling despite being a rake. Not the biggest villain in the series, but Anthony seduces his mistress Sienna away from him, he decides to get revenge on him by seducing Daphne but refuses to marry her after they are caught kissing in the garden leading to Anthony killing him in a duel (though it was often debated in forums that Simon purposefully lost and was suicidal).

Michael: After his fathers death, his mother dealt with her grief by staying at his cousins house and doting on her nephew while frequently comparing her son to the future earl and having him fall short. As a result, Michael doesn’t tell his mother when one of maids starts touching him inappropriately when he’s 13 and later forces herself on the younger boy. All this leads to Michael being obsessed with his cousin John, viewing him as the perfect person, while trying to find comfort in the arms of many, many women. When he meets Francesca Bridgerton he falls in love at first but seeing her married to John causes him to go mad but rather than hurt either John or Francesca, he commits suicide instead.

Gareth: Another boy who was abused by their father and thus turned to a life of debauchery. Felicity hires him to seduce and ruin Hyacinth but along the way he falls in love with her and decides to kidnap her to Gretna Green only to be killed by her love later on. After befriending Agatha (well more like business frenemies) she casually mentions how one of her acquaintances heard about Gareth’s father drunkenly bragging about how he treats his young son. Cue Lady Danbury removing Gareth from that house and Simon taking him under his wing.

Lucy: Abused by her uncle and his friend, engaged to her gay friend who turns a blind eye towards how her uncle and his father touch his betrothed, her only light seems to be her best friend Hermione. Hermione doesn’t care that Lucy isn’t a pure maiden and takes her under her wing. Actually Hermione is the real villainess, with Lucy as her minion. Hermione, jealous of how Gregory Bridgerton has moved on from her, has Lucy try to seduce Gregory away from his lady love. But seeing his kindness towards her, Lucy warns the girl Gregory loves of Hermione’s plan and takes her place, resulting in her dying in a carriage accident. Of course, Hermione then lies to Lucy’s brother that Gregory Bridgerton planned his sisters death and the two scheme their revenge. Yeah Portia couldn’t care about Hermione much, but she will be damned if she doesn’t save Lucy! It’s actually quite easy, all Portia had to do was prevent the accident set up by Lucy’s uncle to kill her parents and her uncle is tossed in jail while Lucy grows up in a loving home and Lucy instead befriends Felicity and Gareth.

Will this work for how it ties in?

I should be fair to the others and give them an in with Portia's wayward home for villains. Original post here.

The first post will have Kate, Sophie, Phillip, and Penelope’s book villain backstories.

(Also I love seeing people create their own versions of my aus or adding on their own head canons. If anyone feels inspired please feel free to write or draw or whatever medium you want to use. Then tag me! I want to see it!)

Ok so here are my interpretations for their backstories/How they were as villains in book order:

Simon: Simon Basset is the first villain in the series. Being deemed useless since his birth his father basically had him locked away and isolated. This took a massive toll on his psyche and made him paranoid. It did not bode well when Simon’s father realized he could torture him more by throwing him in school where he would never be alone. Simon traded one prison to another, only this had horrible neighbors. The worst of these neighbors was Anthony Bridgerton. Anthony and Simon never got along, while Anthony acted as a teen boy would Simon was jumpy and was constantly stuck in survival mode. The final straw for Simon was a prank gone wrong and had broken the one thing Simon was able to smuggle from his mom. Fine, if Anthony did not care for other’s precious things, then Simon would destroy what was precious to Anthony. One ruined sister could ruin them all. Doesn’t Daphne debut in a year or two?

...

Michael: Michael Stirling is the villain in the 6th book in the series. Much like Kate Michael turned cold after being constantly found lesser compared to his cousin John, but unlike Kate he wanted that warmth back. Michael first thought that he had to be perfect like his cousin. When that did not work, Michael had tried to get it back through losing himself to debauchery. But then he met Francesca Bridgerton. Francesca, John’s fiancé, brought back the warmth that Michael craved so dearly, but she was engaged to John. John didn’t need this warmth like Michael did though, John had others that gave him warmth like Michael’s own mother. Michael needed that warmth, Michael needed Francesca. The night before John and Francesca were to wed Michael objected and stole the bride

...

Gareth: Gareth St. Clair is the co-villain of the 7th book in the series. The second, illegitimate, son of Baron St. Clair, his adopted father had seen it fit to neglect him to the point where he was living in poverty and starving. Despite Baron St. Clair’s attempt to kill him Gareth somehow miraculously survived. Desperately wanting the life of his much-loved older half-brother, Gareth had made a deal with devil. Felicity Featherington was back and wanted revenge for the execution for the only family member she loved and loved her. She thought a sister for a sister was fair. She seduced Gareth with the promise of the missing Whistledown money and the title if he helped her kill Hyacinth Bridgerton.

...

Lucy: The final villain in the series is Lucy Abernathy in the 8th book. A fan of the Featheringtons’ work she modeled her killings after by exposing her victims scandals and carving them into their bodies. If they just so happen to be suitors Hermione rejected and if people looking for a connection led to her, well no skin off Lucy’s back. Hermione shouldn’t have used her just to fuck with Lucy’s scum brother. Lucy supposed she hasn’t always been this way, but after the death of her parents she had become numb. It didn’t help that her uncle kept selling her to the highest bidder. The challenge of the hunt was the only thing to give Lucy a thrill, and she just set her sights on her biggest challenge yet, Gregory Bridgerton.

Now let me see how we can add the others in:

Simon: Simon was back in London for five minutes before his beloved godmother pushed him into her carriage and set out for the countryside.

“Aunt Agatha where are we going?” Simon asked her.

“There have been some rumors whispering about and I want to see if they are true,” Lady Danbury said, almost cryptically.

Simon knew he wasn’t getting anything more out of her so he just settled in and waited to see where they ended up.

Simon didn’t know what he was expecting when they pulled up to a country estate but what greeted him and Lady Danbury was nothing he could have imagined. The only way he could really describe it was chaos.

There were two girls practicing shooting with shotguns, they looked to be the oldest and youngest of them.

Three girls, two red heads, and a blonde, all about the same age, sat in a circle with different art supplies and they seemed to be drawing a boy who sat in the middle of the circle wearing nothing but a kilt.

The last group seemed to be the calmest as they were only reading until Simon listened in and heard that they were acting out different death scenarios for some sort of story they were creating as they went along. The book they had was on different poisonous plants.

Sitting under a tent with a pitcher of lemonade between were two women who Simon was guessing were the mothers to at least some of this brood.

“Lady Featherington,” Lady Danbury called.

The red head of the two women looked up, surprise on her face. “Lady Danbury, this is a surprise.”

Of course, his aunt didn’t even tell the host they were coming. She did love her dramatics.

“Simon, go introduce yourself to the other children. You need more friends,” Lady Danbury said with a wave.

Simon sighed, but then tensed up. He feels like he’s being sized up. Turning around he could see all the groups stopped what they were doing and were openly staring at him.

The one wearing a kilt came up to him and began to lead him to the others. “So we hear you need more friends.”

...

Michael: 13 year old Phillip had done half a year at Eton before deciding absolutely the fuck not. He would get a better education at home, and it was cleaner, and in the countryside. He takes his crazy ass best friend and his pseudo sisters before dealing with these animals again. The only saving grace about this place was his new friend the 16 year old Michael, and Phillip was about to pull a Penelope and drag Michael home with him. Phillip wrote to Portia that he was coming home and bringing a guest.

During the next break Michael had indeed gone home with Phillip, but that was more to do with the fact if he went back to Scotland he would have to listen to his mother and aunt dote on John again. Michael loves his cousin, honestly, but dear god could it get annoying. Besides Phillip’s home sounded interesting, he said he was a ward, and that he was the only boy in the house.

So Michael went to visit, and then never left. Phillip was right, there was a better education to be had here, and he quite enjoyed the shenanigans he got into with Phillip and the girls. Portia did force him to write home and visit once in in a while, but now that he wasn’t constantly around his family all the time Michael found his relationships with his family improved greatly.

...

Gareth: Upon the return to London Felicity is feeling lonely. Which is understandable, Kate, Sophie, and Prudence were all just launched into society, Philippa is getting ready to for her own debut next year, Phillip is getting ready to go to University, and Penelope and Edwina are looking at possibly starting to make business transactions under their mothers' guidance. It also didn't help that Felicity was the youngest at the age of 7 while the next two closest in age to her were 14.

One day Felicity comes across a ten year old boy in the park trying to read. Felicity was confused, she was only 7 but she could read better than him. For over an hour she sat with him and helped him get through a few chapters. When Felicity asked why he was struggling so much the boy told her that his father never taught him nor let anyone else teach him. Felicity gasped, education was important in the Featherington household, and then immediately took him to Portia.

"Mama this boy-" Felicity stopped herself and turned back to the boy. "What is your name?"

"Gareth St. Clair," the boy answered.

Felicity nodded and then turned back to Portia. "Mama this boy's father refuses to teach him how to read!"

Portia recognizes the name and immediately began scanning the boy over for any injuries. He was too skinny, she could see his ribs through his clothes, and his skin looked pale. The boy honestly looked like a stray wind could blow him over. No wonder Felicity dragged him to her so easily.

The next time Portia saw Lady Danbury she mentioned that her daughter had met Gareth, but the boy didn't seem to be in good health. That sent Lady Danbury after St. Clair where she immediately removed Gareth from the household and into her's. She and Simon began to try to play catch up for all the things Gareth was neglected for his health and education. Gareth went over to the Featherington household a few times a week to get some reading lessons from his new friend Felicity.

...

Lucy: Like Gareth Felicity had discovered Lucy. Portia could tell Felicity was getting bored at home now that Gareth was at Eton, so she signed her up for a watercolor class. There she had met Lucy and Hermione. Over the course of three months the girls had grown close. Close enough that Lucy felt comfortable enough to ask an important question.

“Felicity, do you know how old your sisters were when they first got their monthlies?” Lucy asked in a hushed whisper.

Felicity thought about it. The only one she could really remember when they got their first first monthly was Penelope and she had been about 13? Yeah, that sounds about right. “About thirteen.”

Lucy looked surprised, and disappointed. “Oh.”

Felicity’s new sibling senses kicked in. “Why do you ask?”

Hermione answered, “Lucy’s uncle said when she had her first monthly she would be ready for Haselby.”

“Hermione!” Lucy exclaimed.

Hermione’s answer didn’t sound right to Felicity, who had gone home and repeated it to Portia. Portia marched down to the Abernathy household and left with a new ward that same day. No one’s quite sure how she did it. They did know however that Richard could visit his sister, but should their uncle step a single foot on their property Portia will let Felicity use him as target practice for her shotgun.

...

For those that need a quick flow chart here’s the official order everyone joined the family and their ages. If they weren’t there in the first part when they probably should have been after this we’re just gonna ignore it and pretend they were:

Phillip became a ward when Penelope dragged him home when she was 8 and he was 10.

Michael comes to visit and just never leaves when he is 16, Phillip is 13, and Penelope is 11.

Sophie is taken in as a ward at 16. Penelope is 12, Phillip is 14, and Michael is 17.

Kate is 19 when they meet the Featherington. Penelope is 13, Phillip is 15, Michael is 18, and Sophie is 17.

Simon meets everyone about six months after Kate was introduced. He is 25 and everyone else is roughly the same age.

The year everyone returns to London Simon is 26, Kate is 20, Michael is 19 Sophie is 18, Phillip is 16, and Penelope is 14. Michael went traveling to India based on Kate’s stories, and Simon is busy with running Clyvedon. They were there for the first ball though.

Gareth also gets introduced the first year back in London. He is ten when Felicity finds him and she is 7.

Finally Lucy is 10 when Felicity, also 10 befriends her. Simon is 29, Kate is 23, Michael is 22, Sophie is 21, Phillip is 19, Penelope is 17, and Gareth is 13.

The year the Bridgerton boys ask the girls to dance Simon is 31, Kate is 25, Michael is 24, Sophie is 23, Phillip is 21, Penelope is 19, Gareth is 15, and Lucy is 13.

#if you haven't guess yet kate sophie and lucy get aged up a little bit and gareth gets aged down #this is just to make it a little bit easier for me to try to move them around the plot if i age pair them with a bridgerton #also portia being reborn in bridgerton even before her memories come back does have some dominion affect #villianess isekai au #bridgerton spouses #villian spouses #simon basset #michael stirling #gareth st clair #lucy abernathy #i think i went a little bit overboard again

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scwescola · 2 years

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Kanthony x Arshi

So I've been missing from this account for months but then I watched Bridgerton (I know I'm extremely late) only beacuse I have been so intrigued with Kate and Anthony for months but have only found the time to be obsessed now. So after binging all of season 2 in one day, I was a mess. And after analysing and rewatching I realized how similar they are to Arnav and Khushi.

THEIR INITIALS???? A+K

Enemies/rivals to lovers despite being enthralled with each other since their very first meeting

THEY LITERALLY MAKE EACH OTHER HAPPIER THAN ANYONE ELSE CAN AND WILL

THE SEXUAL TENSION AND CHEMISTRY

THEY FLIRT LIKE THEY'RE COMPLETELY UNHINGED IN FRONT OF PEOPLE MIGHT I ADD

PTSD Y'ALL (also why did I just realise that you can hear their heartbeats, aka dhak dhak, in the scene above???)

Kate's backstory and how she feels she owes her life to her mother and sister because Mary is her stepmother vs how Khushi feels she owes everything to her Amma (who is her Massi) and her family and they believe they don't deserve love (I'm trying not to cry here)

Arnav and Anthony have their respective family's responsibility solely on their shoulders

Arnav and Anthony never really got over their trauma and so suffer from PTSD after losing a parent and so stop believing in love go from children pulling jokes to broody arrogant idiots (I don't think I can stop the tears any longer).

So do Kate and Khushi but Kate's is not touched upon enough in the show

This often makes them lose their mind if they think they're close to losing the one they love.

PLEASEEE Both Kate and Khushi suffered from extreme head injuries from a fall and both Anthony and Arnav see blood on their hands and ultimately save their lives

HANDSSSSS

BANGLES

Long looks of YEARNING

DANCING

Arnav and Anthony both propose marriage to the one they are courting/dating literally the day after almost kisses with Khushi and Kate respectively (I STAN THE BIGGEST IDIOTS)

Somehow it's always the siblings tying them together lol

Daphne = Anjali.

STANDING UP TO THE FAMILIES FOR THEM

The banter and competitiveness is unmatched

Literally all of them are so sexy

Nani = Violet and Lady Danbury

Haldi being applied to Kate and Khushi despite it not being their weddings to signify soulmatism

Y'all these peeps deserve to go to HORNY JAIL

Probably so many more I'm missing

#khushi kumari gupta singh raizada #arnav singh raizada #arshi #arnav and khushi #kathony #kate sharma #anthony bridgerton #Bridgerton #ippknd #THESE TWO COUPLES HAVE ME ON A CHOKEHOLD #it's 3 in the morning #what am i even doing

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apinchofm · 1 year

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Dinner and Diatribes

Marina, Eloise and an evening at Brigderton House

@spitefularmand @alrightsnaps @lucasbarr @viscountessevie @hptriviachamp @jeanvanjer @dollypopup

Marina stroked Eloise's hair as she read from a book by a French author. She was always wanting to improve her French, given Marina was fluent and she liked understanding her terms of endearment.

They were sitting on a blanket in the garden, at peace, whilst the twins were napping. At three years old, they seemed incredibly energetic and wished to babble endlessly, which Marina adored and surprisingly, so did Eloise.

"We should encourage Amanda early. Her brother is born in an inherent position of power by virtue of his sex; society has already silenced her." Eloise once said, holding Amanda, who was telling her 'El' about her slice of cake.

Marina adored having Eloise here. But she often worried, especially knowing Lord Bridgerton was not fond of her.

"I spend time with a Baroness. How much more respectable can one get? Even Lady Cowper has tried to be your friend."

"You are the only young lady who does not care for her position, El."

Eloise opened her eyes, looking up at her, amused, "I like this position; it's rather comfortable." She heard Marina's gentle laugh before she shut her eyes again, content to lie here.

"Oh, I forgot to ask. Are you doing anything next Wednesday evening?"

"Not particularly. Are you finally to accompany me to the opera?" She asked hopefully.

Eloise snorted, "No. Kate is hosting a dinner. Her first big one as Lady Bridgerton, I suppose, and she and mama said I could invite someone. The young men there will be there for Frannie and Edwina."

"You want me to come to your house? For dinner?" Marina asked, surprised. Eloise sat up and looked at her, seeing the worry in her face.

"Kate said I should invite a friend. And well, you are my closest friend." Eloise reasoned.

Well, 'friend' was putting it lightly. Eloise spent more time at Crane House and Romney Hall than she did at her own house.

"El-" Marina began, "You are aware of your brother's opinion of me? What of Colin? Penelope? Portia?" She knew as neighbours, the Bridgertons would invite them

"What about them?" Eloise shrugged, "I can point out Anthony's hypocrisy and Colin is practically courting Penelope."

"Truly? Finally." Marina muttered.

"Come to dinner. Please?" Eloise whispered, leaning on her shoulder

Marina sighed, "You are accompanying me to the opera."

…

"You want to invite who?"

Anthony was not particularly pleased when he heard his mother and Eloise speaking of the dinner party, and Eloise said that Marina was coming.

"Marina Crane. Mama and Kate said it was fine." Anthony looked at his mother, betrayed.

Eloise rolled her eyes, "Brother, you are the last man to speak of scandal, or do you forget that you nearly married your wife's sister and ruined her reputation?" He bristled at being reminded of his own failures.

"I think she has been a good friend to your sister." Violet said, with a slight shrug, "It has kept her out of Bloomsbury and her hunt for Whistledown."

"You forget that she was going to trap Colin into marriage."

"You mean a marriage Colin told me himself he would have entered into, even if he knew?" Violet said and Anthony looked at her, surprised, "He told me. He has made his peace with her and she is a friend of Mary's. It is hard being a young widow. You should not hold grudges, dear. It is unbecoming."

…

Wednesday evening came, and Marina decided on a deep yellow silk dress embroidered with white lace flowers and white netted gloves.

She had moved past caring about what the Ton thought. She was here for her children. And besides, she had made friends with Kate's mother, Lady Mary, who was her neighbour due to living with Lady Danbury and her daughters.

"Lady Bridgerton." She greeted her happily when she arrived at Bridgerton House.

"Lady Crane, how lovely you look." Kate complimented, "I am glad you came. I have sat you with Eloise, more to temper her. She and Anthony had one of their tiffs when I invited you."

"I do hate causing strife between the two of them," Marina said, but Kate merely waved away the concern.

"Anthony is a stubborn, obtuse man, and I love him for it. He will come around." Kate winked.

Eloise rushed towards her, hearing she had arrived, Benedict behind her, amused. Eloise had decided on a deep blue gown.

She noticed Lord Bridgerton watching her throughout the dinner. She supposed Anthony had little cause to trust her, but she was far too happy speaking with Edwina, Francesca, Coln and John Stirling near her.

"Did you finish the gardening?" Lady Danbury asked, "I found it surprising that you did your garden yourself."

"I did." Marina said, "We had to import a few violet and lilies, however. I cannot wait for them to bloom. We finished planting them yesterday afternoon."

"You plant your own flowers?" Anthony piped up, surprised.

"My late husband adored plants." Marina said, "As did my late mother. She always believed one should grow their own flowers. That way, you can only hold yourself accountable for when they go wrong."

"Accountability. Hear that, El?" Anthony said.

"Do you, brother dear?" Eloise returned.

"May we come see them when they bloom?" Edwina cut in, ever the peacekeeper, "Kate and I adore lilies, especially waterlilies."

"I should like that very much," Kate said.

"As would I." Marina agreed. She caught Anthony's annoyance in the corner of her eye again. Eloise smiled smugly at her brother.

"Can we see the twins?" Hyacinth asked excitedly. She too, liked seeing twins and playing with them. Marina chuckled fondly and agreed.

"How is Sophie settling in?" Benedict asked, trying to sound disinterested, but his eyes were just the opposite.

"Who is Sophie?" Penelope asked, curious. Eloise glared at her, not knowing why she wished to know. She did not even come to visit Marina ever! She would not do anything to jeopardise Benedict or Sophie.

"Very well. Though I do think she prefers the country, as do I." Marina said, "But, it is my duty to be here, and I take that seriously. She and I have been enjoying London."

"Is Sophie a companion?" Penelope asked, curious.

"Sophie is a good friend," Elosie piped up.

"My lady's maid and a trusted friend," Marina added, eating as if it was nothing. But she knew some of the nobles were confused. Of course, they were.

"Well," Daphne piped up, "I think it is good my sister has some good influences in her life." She always had an inkling about her sister and when Simon helped her understand the nature of relations and sex, she begun to realise that Eloise and Marina were more than mere friends.

After dinner, Marina went to the parlour with everyone when Mary kindly pulled her aside.

"It is hard. When you become a widow and all of a sudden." Mary said sympathetically, "I am glad you came."

"They do not teach us what to do when your husband dies." Marina agreed, "We just try. I may not have loved my husband, but he was a good friend, and we cared for each other. He loved the twins so much." She would never speak ill of Philip. He had taken care of her and the twins and ensured she kept her position of Lady Crane in his will and that the title would go to his first son, as was the familial tradition.

Mary nodded with a small smile, "I am lucky to have my girls. I think, frankly, I would have died without them after..." She sighed, her face pulling into a frown as memories of despair and numbness came to mind. She looked over to Kate, who was standing with Edwina and Daphne, the trio laughing about something. There was no need to dwell on awful thoughts from the past.

"I understand," Marina whispered, thinking of the despair after discovering George was dead. But somehow, having Eloise made it all better. Her light in the darkness.

"I am going to leave. Thank you for a loving evening, Lady Bridgerton. Lady Bridgerton." She said to Kate and Violet.

"Thank you for coming, and I cannot wait to see your garden," Violet said, "Especially if Eloise has been part of it."

"As will I." Eloise said, popping up next to her, "I fear Mr Hudson will start speaking of the details of sheep rearing."

"You are to return to Crane House?" Violet asked.

"I promised Amanda I would read to her," Eloise told her mother, and she ignored how Anthony choked on his drink in surprise, hearing that whilst Kate bit her lip, rubbing her husband's back.

"Oh." Violet returned, looking between the two, "How lovely." She smiled gently at them. She did not quite understand the nature of their relationship, but there was something so warm about it.

"Why don't you read to Auggie?" Daphne asked cheekily.

"Call on me when he starts speaking, and I shall be interested," Eloise told her sister, who rolled her eyes fondly.

When they returned home, Eloise went straight to the nursery, whilst Marina went to the Baroness' room, deciding she was rather tired to call for a bath that evening, instead washing her face, changing into her nightgown and brushed out her hair.

Eloise joined her half an hour later, doing the same and took her hair down.

"Three stories before she fell asleep." Eloise told her, practically collapsing on the bed, next to her, "Oliver made it through the first one and a half. I fear he prefers the Times to Le Petit Chaperon rouge."

Marina was smiling at her and Elosie tilted her head, trying to decipher it, "What?" She asked.

"Nothing. Just you." Marina said, "I had a wonderful evening. It si nice to know your mother does not hate me."

"Oh?" Eloise smirked, "May I have a reward for enduring polite conversation? Just so we could affirm my mother does not hate you?"

"I do not get a reward?" Marina teased as she climbed on top of her, her legs either side of her lap. She gently stroked her waist, shutting her eyes and sighing as Eloise kissed her. Her hands moved to the hem of her nightdress, pulling it upwards.

They were both adequately rewarded for their good behaviour, it seems.

#marina x eloise #bridgerton #bridgerton fic #bridgerton femslash #femslash febuarary #mary sharma #kate sharma #violet bridgerton #tw: discussions of grief #meloise #eloise x marina #one shot fic #regency lesbians #historical romance #fluff #lgbridgerton #femslash feb 2023

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unfortunate-arrow · 1 year

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Hyacinth and Gareth’s Children

Lord and Lady St. Clair have two children: George and Isabella. As the eldest, George had the most scandalous reputation of the dowager viscountess Bridgerton’s grandsons. While there was nothing close to the rumors associated with his father and uncles, George had the most rakish nature. He wore his hair longer than most other men and was often seen entering and exiting places of ill-repute. However, he was still considered to be one of the dowager viscountess’s most eligible grandsons. And, like many of his cousins, George shocked the ton when he announced his engagement to a known bluestocking and wallflower. Meanwhile, his younger sister, Isabella, was generally a magnet for chaos and trouble. She’s a fascinating and slightly terrifying combination of her mother and great-grandmother, with a nose for trouble. But she has a secret romantic side, that doesn’t often come out. Isabella made one of the more acceptable matches out of the next generation of Bridgerton relatives, as she married an Irish lord.

George Anthony St. Clair

Born in 1826, George spent his teenage and young adult years attempting to rebel against his future. Hyacinth and Gareth gave their son a lot of latitude, both agreeing that George didn’t need to learn everything yet. Plus, their son was a quick learner and so, they let George use those years to discover himself, especially because he wasn’t getting into too much trouble. Plus, he had his cousin, Thomas, to balance him out and be a voice of reason.

George’s godfather is Gregory and his godmother is Felicity Featherington.

George is very close with his cousin, Thomas Bridgerton. Thomas is much more level-headed than George, so they balance each other out very well. They’re almost inseparable when they’re away at school. For about two years, it’s just the two of them at school, so they always have one another’s back.

As previously mentioned, George is the most rakish of Violet Bridgerton’s grandsons. That doesn’t mean much, though, because George’s cousins have pretty spotless reputations in regards to that. And, anyways, George is nowhere near as bad as his father or uncles were reputed to be.

George likes to keep his hair a little longer than fashionable. It’s slightly shorter than his father’s hair was when he was around George’s age.

George falls in love with a young woman named Lilliana Steele. Lilliana is not the type of woman that people imagined George falling for. She’s a wallflower and bluestocking, who is close friends with George’s cousin, Mary Bridgerton. Lilliana was also quite skeptical of George’s intentions when he first attempted to court her (which was made worse by one of George’s so-called friends treating the courtship as a joke).

However, because of her friendship with Lilliana, his cousin, Mary, threatens to kick his ass if he hurts Lilliana. It would have been funny, if Mary didn’t have such a vicious death glare.

George married Lilliana in 1855, when he was twenty-nine and she was twenty-five.

George and Lilliana have two children together. Their eldest is a daughter named Daisy Hyacinth St. Clair and their youngest is a son named Lewis Thomas St. Clair. There is a three year age gap between Daisy and Lewis.

Isabella Violet St. Clair

Born in 1828, Isabella is a fascinating and slightly terrifying combination of her mother, Hyacinth, and great-grandmother, Agatha Danbury. She’s very good at making trouble and she’s good at getting out of it. She has a very distinctive laugh that tells her family when she’s up to no good.

Isabella’s godfather is Anthony and her godmother is Sophie.

Isabella’s middle name was almost Agatha after Lady Danbury, but Hyacinth and Gareth decided that they didn’t like the way that “Isabella Agatha” sounded. Instead, they went with Violet as they couldn’t find a way to fit Agatha. Lady Danbury pretended to be offended when she was told about it, but she was very pleased to meet her great-granddaughter.

Isabella is very close with her cousins, Katharine Bridgerton and Jane Bridgerton. She’s a bit closer to Jane than Katharine, but that’s because Jane lives closer. She drags Katharine and Jane into trouble a lot, luckily Katharine and Jane are good at balancing and redirecting Isabella.

Isabella was a daddy’s girl. She absolutely adored Gareth and as a toddler, she was often his shadow. In addition, Isabella looks more like Gareth than Hyacinth.

In 1850, Isabella is involved in an horse-riding accident and suffers from a case of temporary amnesia. She is rescued by an Irish lord named Patrick O’Donovan. He has a small estate in County Wicklow, Ireland, and he’s very fair, treating all of his tenants the same. He’s very chivalrous and kind and brings her to his house because he doesn’t know where else to take her, as Isabella was alone. Throughout her stay and recovery, Isabella begins falling for Patrick, even as she begins to piece herself back together.

Isabella married Patrick in 1850, when she was twenty-two and he was twenty-six.

Isabella and Patrick have one child, a son named Quinn Patrick Gareth O’Donovan.

Anthony & Kate’s Children • Benedict & Sophie’s Children • Colin & Penelope’s Children • Daphne & Simon’s Children • Eloise & Phillip’s Children • Francesca & Michael’s Children • Gregory & Lucy’s Children

#george st clair #isabella st clair #bridgerton next generation #bridgerton next gen #hyareth #hyacinth x gareth #bridgerton #hyacinth & gareth really have their hands full with george & isabella #like they’ve got two troublemakers on their hands #at least george & isabella have someone to balance them out via thomas & katharine and jane #and somehow neither george nor isabella cause a major scandal #like yes george marrying lilliana causes confusion but she’s not scandalous… she’s the daughter of an earl #& there’s a little side-eye to isabella and patrick but hey no one besides hyacinth & gareth knew about her being in pat’s bachelor home #(well isabella tells jane & katharine after she and patrick are engaged and on the way to being married)

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kanthonyficrecs · 1 year

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Masterlist: Canon Divergence (T-Z)

updated 12/6/23

Take My Breath Away by plinkleplop Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: After Kate and Anthony are abandoned by the pall-mall group for bickering, they are left to put away the equipment and are locked in the shed without any immediate hope for rescue.

Tatta by ronandhermy Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: Kate’s mother had a name, and a secret. Kate’s mother was not so unconnected as the Sheffields supposed, and Kate receives the surprise of her life when a mysterious stranger arrives in London.

tell me that's warm enough here for you by peepsinthechilipot Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: The morning after the Hearts and Flowers Ball, Kate goes for a ride, hoping to clear her mind and put aside all thoughts of the Viscount’s breath against the side of her cheek, his whispers caressing her ear…until she encounters the man himself on a morning ride. Dark clouds are on the horizon; can they weather the storm together?

Ten Minutes Closer by WaterlilyRose Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: Anthony brings Kate back to Bridgerton House after her fall, claims her as his intended and watches the Ton lose their minds.

The Alpha Who Loved Me by RoxieRox29 Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: Because a Venn diagram of Bridgerton S2 and Regency Era A/B/O is actually a circle. With the edition of some rare omegaverse dynamics, ABO becomes a perfect lens for retelling Kanthony’s love story.

The Bee and the Butterfly by RosesAtDawn Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: ‘I have spent every moment of my life since my father died tutoring my sister to be the perfect dancer, perfect linguist, perfect debutante so she has her pick of partners, so she can choose with her heart. She will receive a proposal from her true love match long before you are able to secure a match for your sister, of that I am absolutely certain.’

The Best Gift by AsharaDay Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: Show Canon till S2E7. What if Kate's injury when she fell off from the horse was more serious? What if Anthony gets a second chance? AU with a bit of fantasy in the beginning

The Blacksmith by xtenn Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: Kate leaves London, heartbroken, when Anthony refuses to return home ... but once there, she falls off her horse and breaks her leg. Panic ensues when the horse returns to Aubrey Hall with no rider. A messenger is sent to London, but Lord Bridgerton similarly cannot be found. Who will find her?

The Bridgerton Beneath by maisiec33 Rating: NR Status: Complete Summary: When Kate is made to accompany Mary, Edwina, and Lady Danbury on a week-long excursion to Aubrey Hall, she prepares herself for seven days of torment courtesy of the intolerable Viscount. Things quickly change, however, when she realises that perhaps there is more to Anthony Bridgerton than she first anticipated.

The Dutiful Son by CherriesOnTheCake Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: The one where Edmund lives but Anthony’s life is still the same.

The Ghost of You by pepperwood Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: Every night, Anthony Bridgerton dreams of Kate.

The Harsh Light of Day by BurnerrAccount Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: Or, Kate visits Anthony the night before their wedding

The Honeymoon by dalovelover Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: Before the wedding, Anthony made it clear that their union will not be about love. As they embark on their honeymoon, how will their relationship shift as they become more and more intimate, emotionally and physically - no matter how much they try to convince themselves that they can restrict their marriage to nothing but friendship and sex?

The Husband Who Loved Me by scintilla10 Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: When the Sharmas first came to England, Kate Sharma had vowed to do anything in her power to help her family. Which was how she found herself standing in front of a crowd of strangers, about to marry the most irritating man in London.

the inevitability of stars by antematter Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: “Some people are born with stars in their blood,” his father tells him. “That’s Kate. And the stars are homing beacons that constantly pull them home. To their soulmate - that’s you.” A linear Time Traveler’s Wife AU.

The mission to make Anthony Bridgerton's life hell by ZDK Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: A short reimagining of Kate and Anthony's story following the bee sting, in which Kate is not so submissive and vows to make Anthony's life a living hell for marrying her. Needless to say, she doesn't honor that vow.

The Morning After by no_net_ensnares_me Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: After spending the night in the gazebo, Kate is still home when Anthony arrives at Danbury House the next morning. She gets a little bit distracted when she sees him soaking wet, and her jumbled thoughts lead to an unexpected answer to his question.

The One Where Kate Accepts Anthony's First Proposal by LoveIsStrong Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: A reimagining of Anthony's first proposal to Kate. What would have happened if they actually communicated?

The One where they couldn't stop kissing by LoveIsStrong Rating: NR Status: Complete Summary: Anthony knew she was the one, after their first kiss. Once Anthony knew, he wouldn’t let go. He wouldn't just go back home to mope and pine. He would go get his girl.

The Painful Truth by LiveOncePure Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: Kate takes exception to Edwina's rebuke at the chapel the day her sister was to wed the Viscount. She escapes to pursue her own future with the assistance of an unlikely ally. Anthony comes to realize that death is not the only precursor to pain.

The Return by dalovelover Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: When Lord Anthony Bridgerton and the new Lady Kate Bridgerton (nee Sharma) return to London from their honeymoon, their new life together begins under the watchful eye of the ton. Despite attempting to keep their relationship free of emotion, Anthony finds himself falling in love with his wife, but too afraid to do anything about it.

The Silent Hour by RosesAtDawn Rating: NR Status: Complete Summary: What if during their very first race in the park, Kate had not quite made that jump. Falling into her coma before she and Anthony have even spoken a word to each other, how will Lord Bridgerton cope with a sleeping beauty in his house.

The Thief by RosesAtDawn Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: Kate Sharma will do anything to protect her family, even give up her own future and happiness. When an English Baron, looking for a marriage of convenience, brings her to England with the promise to save her and her family from the brink of ruin, it seems she will finally be able to fulfill her duty. That is until a chance meeting with a viscount threatens everything.

The Things I Could Teach You by MidtownKitten Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: "A wicked kind of smile crossed the Viscount’s face. “The things I could teach you,” he said, his lips ghosting across hers, eliciting a low chuckle when she turned her face to his, clearly seeking his kiss. He obliged her, kissing her deeply, while the hand that moved between her thighs unfurled so that his warm fingers finally met soft flesh."

The Viscount Who Courted Me by theladyrainbow Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: What if Anthony had set his sights on Kate from the very beginning? How would their courtship go about?

The Viscount's Proposal to the Wrong Sister by ClosetObsession Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: Canon Divergence Post S2E4. Following the viscount's proposal to Miss Edwina, he tells her that she should expect a marriage of friendship, but never love. As Miss Edwina takes time to consider if this is a life she can accept, she begins to see something blossoming between Lord Bridgerton and her sister. Was this a new development, or had she been blind to it all this time?

Time is Not a Thing That's Ours to Lose by somethingclearandtrue Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: The bangle didn't fall. The vows were said. Kate returned to India. Fifteen years pass. They live with their choices. To his astonishment, Anthony Bridgerton sailed through his 38th year alive, married to Lady Edwina with another child on the way. But when fate strikes their family in the cruelest way, Kate returns to Aubrey Hall once more, to face the man who broke her heart and the future she that was never hers

Time waits for no man by ronandhermy Rating: T Status: WIP Summary: Season 1 AU: Kate debuts the same Season that Daphne does and Anthony finds himself very distracted indeed.

To Be Cast Aside, Again and Again by TheRewriterX Rating: T Status: WIP Summary: "The thorn easily removed from the blossoming flower of our lives." Takes place during 2x6 - Kate goes back to explain herself further to Edwina and overhears Anthony that she shall have no place in their lives.

To Be Thought A Fool by TeaBrigadier Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: Mr. Brookes decides to meddle with Lord Anthony Bridgerton and Miss Kate Sharma.

To Keep From Drowning by thanksmilla Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: What if Kate didn't run away at the end of Episode 7? After their evening in the gazebo, Kate and Anthony have an honest conversation. Together they make the decision to continue doing something just for themselves: to court publicly. Can they endure the scandal and the opinions of their families?

To Know You, To Adore You by nevertothethird Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: Not only does the young lady Anthony raced in the park wholly misunderstand both his words and his character, she refuses to listen to his (perfectly rational) explanation, or even allow him the opportunity to offer a defense.

today was a fairytale? by baneandobject Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: QC doesn't believe her true-love match is in fact a true-love match

Tolerate it by JustSighhh Rating: NR Status: WIP Summary: What could have happened if Daphne had more to say after catching Kate and Anthony alone the night of the Hearts and Flowers Ball

Two ports in the storm by Kendal_Lynne Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: “If you go back to bed now, restless as you are, you’ll surely wake your sister” he tells her. “Then what do you suggest?” she asks. Her voice is agitated, but her eyes betray her tone, flitting down to Anthony’s mouth. It’s a quick gesture, but one not lost on him.

Two Words by RosesAtDawn Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: After Anthony says no to Kate when she asks him to continue with the wedding, she refuses to see him again. Will time and distance temper their love or will they both find each other again.

Underestimated by kateandanthonyaremyparents Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: What if at the start of the season Kate realized she was allowed to go after her own happiness? What if from the beginning Edwina was clear about her wanting to be independent and told Kate this in her own, troubled way? Kate goes after Lord Bridgerton, Edwina wants his attention too… It's clear who would win, but what happens in the meantime?

Unexpected Happiness by ALoveforJaneAusten Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: After Aubrey Hall, Kate fears that her feelings towards Lord Bridgerton will stand in the way of her sister’s happiness, so she decides to leave London and spend some time with an old friend and his wife. Only on arrival to find out that her friend is now called the Duke of Hastings, and before her marriage, his wife was called Daphne Bridgerton.

Votive Deposits by TheSelfishGiant Rating: G, T Status: Complete Summary: Votive Deposits explores what happens if: a. There is no triangle involving beloved sisters b. There is no third party to witness the bee sting c. There’s more of the Bridgersibs

We are family by HarnitBee Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: What if the Sheffields weren’t horrible and agreed to the marriage and got Kate's father a post in England?

we are the dancers, we create the dreams. by Anonymous Rating: T Status: WIP Summary: Anthony and Kate meet earlier at Lady Danbury’s ball before he has time to say something he regrets. Their whole story changes.

We Meet Again by ALoveforJaneAusten Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: Anthony goes looking for the mystery woman he met in the park.

Wedlock by SarahRoseSerena Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: Kate never shows up to the final ball, instead embarks back to India, and Anthony never gets the chance to tell her he loves her.

White Lilies and Purple Silk by RosesAtDawn Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: After Daphne convinces Anthony not to propose to Edwina when she finds him and Kate in a compromising position, Anthony swears off the marriage mart. Can more chance meetings with Kate and meddling siblings convince him otherwise?

Wild Horses by ronandhermy Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: The Kate says “fuck this” after the half-sister comment and does something for herself. Or, Anthony realizes that there is going to be a scandal so he might as well get what he wants aka Kate: Or the Kate and Anthony run off to Gretna Green story that nobody asked for.

Words, Those Thorn'd Barbs by Natasja Rating: NR Status: Complete Summary: "You have kept so much from me! Go! Anywhere else, Kate!" And so Kate did. She was still trying to find passage back to India, but Admiral Croft and his wife, who had conveyed them to England on his retirement voyage, had extended an open invitation to visit, and would perhaps have suggestions on a trustworthy captain who might be able to assist her.'

Would it truly be, so unthinkable a fate? by LoveIsStrong Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: What if Kate fell into the lake with Anthony (and Thomas)? Would Anthony have a similar reaction to the bee-sting, only now it would play out in front of the entire ton? What if Anthony heard Edwina’s half-sister remark? Would he come to Kate’s defense just like he did at the Sheffield dinner? Would these twists of fate make them reconsider what they deemed unthinkable?

You and I are Written in the Stars by TheLadyBridgerton Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: The night before Anthony and Edwina’s wedding, a very drunk Anthony tries to sabotage his nuptials with an impromptu meeting with Kate under the stars.

You Broke Me First by TheLadyBridgerton Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: After being discovered with Kate in the library, Anthony's conversation with Daphne goes a little differently. An AU exploring what might have happened if Anthony had proposed to Kate instead of Edwina

you deserve love too by lovelyangelite Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: What if Anthony didn't immediately agree to Kate's plea to marry Edwina? What if he gave her a chance to reconsider? What if Kate took it?

you drew stars around my scars by IzzieBee Rating: T Status: WIP Summary: Kate and Simon are childhood penpals, and this changes the Sharma's first season.

#masterlist #canon divergence #canon divergence t-z

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aspoonfuloffiction · 2 years

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Mary favoring Edwina over Kate is a take I don’t get when there were more Mary and Kate scenes than Mary and Edwina scenes by a count of 2.5 to 0.

Mary isn’t a character enough to favor anyone. You could replace Mary with a potted plant in 98% of her scenes and nothing changes. Mary Sharma doesn’t exist for most of this season. In fact a real argument could be made that Queen Charlotte is more of a mother to Edwina and Lady Danbury is more of a mother to Kate than Mary is a mother to either.

But this fanon interpretation of Mary as some evil stepmother in my opinion just doesn’t track with the writing in the show. Largely because there is no writing for Mary in the show.

#A Mary Edwina scene would’ve really worked in episode 6 but instead they literally have Mary leave Edwina?#her family is falling apart-she’s got one daughter on the brink of ruin the other she just found out was about to sacrifice her shot at love #and the writers were like Mary definitely went out to take a lap in the fresh air #bridgerton #mary sharma

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livingonfanficseyra · 2 years

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Sorry to all the amazing female characters and people out there!

I sometimes place the blame on the female characters for a particular situation which was the result of 2 people's actions, sometimes judge them far severely than their male counterparts. In case of Bridgerton S2, I don't know why it felt convenient to blame 18 year old Show!Edwina for not knowing her sister's feelings or not caring about her sister rather than call out on the 30 year old man who played with an 18 year old and a 26 year old women's feelings.

There are also instances when I would rather place the blame on the side female characters than the male characters, like it feels easier to blame Violet for being an awful mother or Mary for being absent or Lady Danbury or even Daphne for not revealing anything rather than call out poor, traumatized Anthony (not undermining his trauma) in the show.

It is astounding how we as women, knowingly or unknowingly place double standards on other women, whether it be in stories or real life.

I am not saying that it's entirely our fault. With respect to the show, I would say that the writing messed up the story and the characters and most importantly, our perception more than we realized.

Our minds have been systematically trained to be harsh on ourselves and other women by the society, including the media we consume.

Looking at everything from both sides is easier said than done, but it is imperative that we do, especially in this day and age.

I know I always say -take the best and ignore the worst. But I would be lying if I said that, deep inside my mind I used to not judge Edwina or Mary or any of the other female characters harshly.

Sorry to all the women who I've judged and treated harshly in my mind. I'll definitely try to do better.

Thanks to @missfairygodmother and the anon who sent this ask about female leads getting the hate. 🤗 She has explained it very elegantly and it was a real eye opener for me. This post is inspired from her post!💖

#edwina sharma #mary sharma #bridgerton #netflix bridgerton #the viscount who loved me #bridgerton season 2 #female characters #kate sharma #anthony bridgerton

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queen-of-reptiles · 2 years

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BRIDGERTON RANT INCOMING:

Edwina had every right to be upset about the situation with Kate and Anthony but she was a fucking BRAT and Kate deserves far more than she was ever given.

Even Lady Danbury was cruel to her, and Lady Mary was never a mother, she never cared for Kate the way she should have and her taking responsibility at the end was cruel and almost gaslighting Kate into believing she was a good mother.

Fucking ridiculous.

Edwina was kind but she was also willingly naïve and her words were SO cruel to Kate and ungrateful after everything Kate had done.

I’ve finished now.

Promise :) x

#bridgerton #brigdertonseason2 #kate sharma #edwina sheffield #anthony bridgerton #daphne bridgerton #eloise bridgerton #colin bridgerton #penelope featherington #lady whistledown #hottake #my opinion #please don’t get offended #i am just speaking my mind #i have no self control #kate sharma deserves the world

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music-is-love-90 · 2 years

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Summary: A delay in the ballroom means Kate doesn't hear Anthony lay out his list of requirements for a wife. In turn, he doesn't ruin his chances with her. Even the best laid plans can fall apart when love interferes.

A/N:

Hi! Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated! I'm only mostly dead.

Anyway, I am currently in the midst of the move from hell as I try to clean out my grandmother's house, which has 50 years worth of stuff in it. It's been a thing. To that end, for the moment, I am going to back off to only updating on Saturday's. Right now, I just have no time to write and I would rather produce one good chapter a week than push myself to write to substandard chapters a week.

Hope you all understand!

Ch. 28

Kate was barely off her horse before Anthony had her in his arms, spinning her around.

“Put me down!” she ordered, laughing brightly.

He spun her once more for good measure before putting her back on her feet but not letting her go.

“I couldn’t sleep.” He told her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Nor could I.” she replied, smiling softly for a moment, but it quickly faded. “Edwina was distraught last night. I have requested to speak with Mary and Lady Danbury after breakfast so I might tell them our news. There was no doing it last night.”

“Understandable.” He agreed, taking her hand, and leading her to the log to sit. “How is your sister?”

“Fearful.” Kate replied with a sigh. “She keeps saying she wants me to fix it, but I am at a loss as to how to do that. Even if the Sheffields could be convinced to reinstate their offer of a dowry, Mary would rather die than accept it, which I can’t really blame her for. But, without it, I doubt Lord Morrison will continue the engagement. If he jilts her, she’ll be ruined. I cannot allow that to happen, Anthony.”

“I know, my darling.” He comforted her. “If he ends the engagement, we will ensure Edwina is not blamed, you have my word. Hopefully it will not come to that. Perhaps he cares enough for her to continue the engagement.”

“Perhaps.” Kate agreed, doubt clear on her face.

“Even if his feelings are not engaged, the honorable thing would be to go forward.” Anthony continued. “He might bow to that argument.”

“I am not sure I want him to continue the engagement, as awful as that would be.” She admitted, taking his hand in hers. “It didn’t even seem to occur to him to defend Edwina’s family. I cannot help but compare his conduct to yours and find him lacking.”

“I don’t know.” Anthony sighed. “If I hadn’t involved myself, your sister might still have her dowry.”

“I would trade any amount of money to ensure Mary never had to face such abuse ever again.” Kate said angrily. “Knowing that you were willing to defend her, defend us, is worth more to me than anything.”

“I will always defend you, defend our family.” He assured her. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Anthony leaned in, kissing her softly.

“If the worst happens, your sister can try again next year.” He told her a little while later. “She will not be the Diamond, of course, but she will still be the sister of the Viscountess Bridgerton. We will of course support her.”

Kate wrapped her arms around him, snuggling into his side as he dropped a kiss to the top of her head. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just holding each other.

“Despite our differences lately, it pains me to see how upset she is by this.” Kate whispered. “She is my little sister. I hate seeing her hurt.”

“I know.” Anthony sighed, holding her closer. “Perhaps it will all work out. We’ll just have to see.” Kate nodded and he pulled away slightly to look down at her. “I would like to discuss when we will tell everyone our news. I have told my mother and you will tell yours and Lady Danbury this morning, but I believe we should also tell Benedict and Daphne as soon as possible. If we do not, her Grace will be offended, and Benedict will simply pout.”

“I have no issue with telling either of them.” She replied. “And, once Edwina’s fate has been decided, we can decide how best to tell everyone else.”

“It is too bad we don’t know who Lady Whistledown is.” Anthony lamented dryly. “We could just let her disseminate the news. It would be the most efficient method.”

“I am sure she will report it the moment we begin telling people.” Kate replied. “As soon as Edwina is settled, for good or ill, we will tell everyone.”

“I look forward to it.”

“Is that all you are looking forward to?”

They didn’t speak much after that, and Kate was quite late to breakfast.

~.~

Breakfast was a subdued affair. Edwina remained upstairs, refusing to come down. Meanwhile, Kate grew more nervous as the meal continued as it suddenly occurred to her that the other women would want to know when the proposal occurred, and she did not have a good answer for them. All she could do was hope that they would allow her to breeze by it and not dig too deep.

“Now,” Lady Danbury said as the last plate was cleared away, “you wished to speak with us, Miss Sharma.”

“Yes.” Kate swallowed and took a deep breath. “Lord Bridgerton has asked for my hand, and I have accepted him. We are to be married.”

Mary clapped her hands together, smiling brightly, while Lady Danbury just sat back, looking satisfied.

“When is the announcement be published?” she asked.

“As soon as we know what Edwina’s situation is settled and we can plan accordingly.” Kate replied. “I am hoping no longer than a week, but we wanted to inform our families first.”

“Very good.” The matron agreed before her gaze turned shrewd. “When exactly did this proposal take place?”

Kate winced and Mary sighed.

“Never mind.” Lady Danbury told her with a glare. “I assume your fiancé will be calling this morning. We can tell everyone it happened then.”

“Fiancé?”

The women all turned to see Edwina in the doorway.

“Bon – “

“He ruined everything last night and you are going to marry him this morning?” her sister said over her, her voice taking on a hysterical edge. “After everything?! I cannot believe you!”

“He didn’t ruin anything!” Kate shot back, becoming angry almost immediately. “He defended our family!”

“The Sheffields are our family!”

Kate scoffed.

“They are not my family.” She told her. “You and Mary are my family. And Anthony stood up for us while your Lord Morrison did nothing! He just sat there and let those people attack not only Mary, but Appa and my Amma as well. Anthony defended his fiancé’s family, as a gentleman should!”

“You just cannot stand that I found a match without you, a match better than you ever could have dreamed, can you?” Edwina spat. “You cannot stand that I was going to have a dowry and become a countess, so you let him ruin it! You can’t stand that I don’t need you, Kate.”

Kate’s jaw dropped.

“You don’t need me?” she repeated, anger infusing every word. “Who has shielded you your whole life? You do not remember when Appa died, when the world fell out from beneath us. I gave up everything, decided I would not consider myself until you and Mama were taken care of. I gave what I had without regret and I would do it again, but I will not give him up. Not for you, not for anyone.” She sighed, rubbing her temple. “Edwina, you are my sister, but – “

“Half-sister.”

The room went deathly silent.

“I am your half-sister, a fact that has become readily apparent recently.” She continued. “I never asked you to give up anything for me. You made that choice on your own, so you do not get to blame me for it. I am not yours to control.”

“I have never tried to control you.” Kate snapped.

“Oh, no.” Edwina shot back with a sarcastic laugh. “Just my choice of husband, my behavior, my life. You tried to mold me into your idea of the perfect lady and now are upset I might have a thought of my own!”

“That is enough.” Mary interrupted, glaring at Edwina. “Your sister has done nothing to deserve your cruelty, Edwina.”

“Mama!”

“No.” her mother said strictly. “I know you are hurting, but you are not going to take it out on Kate. Let us all take a moment to calm ourselves, shall we? Perhaps you should return to your room for the moment, Edwina, until you have collected yourself.”

“You cannot send me to my room like I am a errant child!”

“I can when you behave as one.” Her mother shot back. “Go. Now, Edwina.”

Edwina’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times before glaring at them, spinning on her heel and storming out of the room.

“My apologies, Lady Danbury.” Mary said with a sigh. “It seems our family dramas continue to play out in your dining room.”

“It is what it is.” Lady Danbury replied, waving away the apology. “I suppose we now know how Miss Edwina will react to not getting her way, which is useful information to have, but she cannot be allowed to behave that way in public. No matter how the situation with Lord Morrison plays out, she must be made to understand that she must support Miss Sharma’s match in public at least. If she will not for the sake of familial harmony, then for her own sake. If the worst should happen, she will need to support of the Bridgertons.”

“Do you believe he will jilt her?” Kate asked softly.

“I believe Lord Bridgerton is capable of getting the best intelligence.” She replied. “If he says Lord Morrison needs a dowry, I am inclined to believe him.”

“But if he loves her – “

“Lord Bridgerton took the first opportunity to leap to the defense of the woman he loves.” The matron interrupted. “Lord Morrison sat back and did nothing. You may draw your own conclusions from that.”

The other women were quiet.

“All we can do is wait and see which ways the winds blow.” Lady Danbury said finally. “Come. I am sure your betrothed will be here as soon as acceptable, and you must be ready to receive him.”

She rose from the table, leaving Kate and Mary to follow as she left the room.

~.~

Anthony took a chance that Morrison was the type to take breakfast at the club and was rewarded to find Morrison sipping a brandy at a corner table of White’s.

“Well, if it isn’t the hero of the Sharma family.” He said sarcastically as Anthony sat across from him. “What can I do for you, Bridgerton?”

“You can tell me you are planning on keeping your engagement to Miss Edwina.” He replied bluntly.

“What do you care? You’ve made it clear that you don’t care about the older sister’s lack of dowry or connections, surely as sister’s scandal wouldn’t deter you.”

“No, but it would pain Miss Sharma and that I cannot abide.” Anthony replied.

“Well, I am afraid I must disappoint you.” Morrison told him. “Miss Edwina is a pleasant girl, but without a dowry…My estate needs the influx of capital. I cannot marry without it. I will, of course, allow her to say she cried off. She will recover.”

“What if I were to provide the dowry?”

Morrison studied Anthony curiously.

“You must really love her, to dower her sister before you are even wed.” he said slowly. “Or maybe you’re just that desperate to get her into bed?”

Anthony glared at the other man.

“You will never imply something like that about Miss Sharma again, am I understood?” he growled, and Morrison held up a hand in defeat, taking another sip of his brandy. “15,000 pounds, same as my sisters, under the condition that the dowry is not revealed until after Miss Sharma and I are married.”

“I suppose I have no choice but to accept.” The other man agreed, leaning back in his chair. “You know, I am surprised that you chose to chase the older sister, rather than the Diamond like the rest of us. She seems more…willful than I would like. A wife should obey her husband, don’t you think?”

“Do not concern yourself with what I think a wife should do.” Anthony told him. “Only concern yourself with how you treat Miss Edwina. You seem to have convinced her that you will take care of her, of your family, but I have seen no evidence of that so far.”

“Because I didn’t make a scene like you last night?” Morrison scoffed. “You did a fine job of mucking things up all on your own. I wasn’t about to risk my ticket by making a fuss.”

“Just be aware that Miss Edwina is not without protection. I am not an enemy you want, Morrison.”

“Neither am I, Bridgerton.”

Anthony nodded and stood.

“I suppose I will see you at Danbury House later.”

“I suppose you will.” Morrison agreed.

Anthony gave a shallow bow and took his leave.

~.~

Lady Danbury stared pointedly at the clock as Anthony lounged in the chair across from her, grinning. He was well aware that it was barely an acceptable hour to call, but he could not bring himself to care.

“What exactly does your mother do when you begin behaving like this?” she asked him dryly.

“She gave up trying to modulate my behavior ages ago.” He replied. “I believe she found it easier on her health.”

“I do not doubt it.”

The door to the parlor opened and Anthony leapt to his feet, grinning brightly, as Kate entered with Mary. He quickly made his way over, pausing only to greet Mary briefly before taking Kate’s hand and pressing a kiss to it.

“Good morning, Miss Sharma.”

“Good morning, Lord Bridgerton.” She replied, smiling just as brightly.

“Yes, yes, you are both very happy to see each other.” Lady Danbury interrupted. “We have important things to discuss, so stop gazing into each other’s eyes and sit down.”

Kate shook her head but took Anthony’s arm and led him to the couch.

“Now, I will not be asking when tis proposal took place, but if anyone outside of the families asks, it happened this morning, properly chaperoned. Am I understood?” The couple nodded their agreement. “I understand we are to wait until the situation with Miss Edwina is settled. We will still need to begin planning. There is not only the wedding, but the trousseau, the engagement ball, the wedding dress…”

“Daphne has said she would like to host the ball.” Kate told her. “We plan on telling her Grace and Benedict next.”

“That would be easiest, as she has already begun planning her ball.” Lady Danbury agreed. “I will send a note to her Grace tomorrow to join us for tea the next day. I will also invite Lady Bridgerton so we may hit the ground running. Have you considered where you would like to be married from? I assume there is no need for a special license, given your willingness to delay the announcement.”

“No.” Anthony replied as Kate blushed. “But I was hoping Miss Sharma would consent to be married from the parish near Aubrey Hall.”

Kate nodded, smiling at him softly.

“Very well.” The matron said. “Once we know how Miss Edwina’s situation will turn out, you will have the banns called, Lord Bridgerton. You were baptized in the Church of England, Miss Sharma?”

“When Appa married Mary.” She confirmed. “I practiced Hindu in India, but I understand that this will be a Christian ceremony.”

“Does it have to be only a Christian one?” Anthony asked. “Surely we can include both traditions.”

“I am sure that can be arranged, if that is your wish.” Mary told him, smiling brightly.

“It is.” He confirmed as Kate squeezed his hand. “Now, I do have meetings I must attend later this morning, but I was hoping I could accompany Miss Sharma on a walk in the gardens?”

“I suppose that is acceptable.” Lady Danbury agreed. “But you will be chaperoned. I fear we have given you two too much freedom as it is.”

Anthony nodded and stood, helping Kate to her feet. They quickly made their way outside, Mary following at an appropriate distance.

“Is your sister any better?” he asked softly, and Kate shook her head.

“I am afraid I may have made things worse this morning.” She replied with a sigh. “She walked into the room as I was telling Mary and Lady Danbury. She did not react well, and I am afraid I got angry.”

“I am sure it wasn’t that bad.” She was quiet. “Kate?”

“She called me her half-sister.” She whispered. “We have never made that distinction. Never.”

“I am sure she was just upset.” Anthony assured her. “I am sure she didn’t mean it.”

Kate shrugged and they walked in silence for a moment.

“I spoke with Morrison this morning.”

Kate looked at him in surprise and he smiled slightly.

“He will be calling to assure your sister that he plans on continuing their engagement.”

“But…the dowry!” she stammered, stunned.

“I told him I would supply the dowry.” He told her, stopping her dead in her tracks. “I gave the condition that he would not reveal I had provided it until after we are married, but he will marry her, and I made sure he knew she will fall under my protection. She and her reputation are safe.”

Kate felt a tear slip down her cheek as they turned and started walking again.

“I can never properly repay you for the kindness you have shown Edwina.” She told him softly.

“Yes, you can.” He replied with a grin. “Become my wife and all will be square.” Kate laughed, leaning into him. “I want this wedding to be everything you ever dreamed it might be.” He continued seriously. “Anything you need or want, no matter the cost.”

“Anthony…”

“Kathani. I am serious.” He stopped them again so he could face her. “I know we have to have the wedding the ton expects, but I want that to include as much of your home as we can. The ton can expect all they want, but this wedding is for us, and I want it to be the one you want.”

Kate threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly.

“I love you.” He said softly, holding her just as tightly. “All I want in this world is for you to be happy.”

“You are all I need to be happy.”

“That is good to know.” He said, pulling back to grin at her. “I shall remind you of that when you are vexed with me.”

She smacked his chest and he laughed, letting her go as they resumed their walk.

“My mother is expecting you for tea today.”

“I will be there.” Kate confirmed.

“Good.”

They completed their circuit of the garden and found themselves arriving in the parlor at the same time Lord Morrison was being announced.

“Bridgerton.” He said, nodding to the other man. “Miss Sharma. I’ve come to speak with your sister.”

Kate nodded and Lady Danbury sent a footman to fetch Edwina. They waited a few minutes until a petulant looking Edwina arrived. Her face turned thunderous as she spotted Anthony but cleared when she saw Lord Morrison.

“My Lord, wha-?”

“I was afraid you might have misconstrued my quick exit last night.” He told her as the others moved away to give the illusion of privacy. “I admit I needed time to consider things, but I do not want you to doubt that I intend to continue our engagement…as long as that is still your wish?”

“Of course!” Edwina said quickly. “I want nothing more than to be your countess!”

“I am glad.” Morrison said, smiling. “Shall we go for a walk in the garden?”

Edwina nodded eagerly and Kate hid a smirk as Mary sighed, preparing for another walk in the garden.

“I have to go.” Anthony said softly as the other couple left. “I will try to come home for lunch, if you think you might join us.”

“I believe that is up to your mother.” She said dryly. “If she invites me, I will be happy to stay.”

“Excellent.” He said, ignoring Lady Danbury clearing her throat as he leaned into kiss Kate’s cheek. “I will see you at lunch.”

Kate just shook her head fondly as he left.

“I have serious doubts that you two will make it through a long engagement.” The matron told her, to which Kate had no answer.

After all, she was pretty sure she was right.

~.~

Kate walked up the steps of Bridgerton House to where Lady Bridgerton waited to welcome her.

“Welcome home, my dear.” She said softly, pulling her into a hug. “I am so happy you will be joining our family.”

“Thank you, Lady Bridgerton.” Kate said, trying to keep her emotions in check as she hugged the other woman back.

“Oh, none of that.” She said, letting go to cup her face. “You will call me Violet. Would you prefer Kate or Kathani?”

“Kate is fine.” She assured her as Violet turned to lead her inside.

“Kate it is, then. Anthony told me last night and I was so thrilled. I know you have experience running your family’s household, but I know a Viscountess’s duties can be daunting. I certainly thought so! But I want you to know that I am here to support you, to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

Violet led her into the parlor where Kate was surprised to find everything she would need to prepare a proper cup of chai.

“My son informed me that you prefer your tea in the India style.” She continued. “I was hoping you might be willing to teach me to prepare it.”

“I would be honored.” Kate told her, both women ignoring the catch in her voice as they sat.

Kate looked over the supplies on the low table. All the spices seemed appropriate, there was milk, and a pot of what smelled like strong black tea.

“We will need sugar.” She told her and Violet motioned to a footman, who slipped away as Kate prepared the spices. “The making of chai is almost a ritual back home. My Amma taught me as soon as I was old enough to hold the pot with help.”

“Amma.” Violet repeated the word. “That’s…mother?” Kate nodded. “What was she like? I know you lost her when you were very young.”

“Her name was Nisha.” Kate said softly, continuing the steps without much thought to what she was doing. “I was seven when she caught a fever. It was not the easiest of deaths.”

“I am so sorry, my dear.” Violet said kindly. “I am sure Anthony has told you, but his father’s death was not easy either. I would not wish that upon anyone.”

“Nor would I.” she agreed. “She was very beautiful and kind and losing her felt like losing the sun, but then Appa came here and brought Mary home with him and the light returned. I love her very much if for no other reason then the fact that she never tried to replace my Amma. In fact, the very first thing she did when she arrived in India was to take me to the river where we had spread Amma’s ashes. She wanted to assure her that she would always take care of me, that she would love me as a daughter, and she has kept her word. I could not have asked for a better mama than Mary.”

“I am sure she could not have asked for a better daughter.” Violet assured her. “I know I am so very thankful for your presence in my life.”

“You are too kind.” Kate demurred, but Violet would have none of it.

“I owe you a debt of gratitude, my dear.” She insisted. “You returned my son to me. He had become so lost in the Viscount Bridgerton that I feared Anthony was gone for good, and then he met you. Suddenly he was smiling again. Laughing! I had not heard his laughter since the day his father died, and it nearly moved me to tears to hear it once more in Lady Danbury’s parlor. To watch my son who had so thoroughly hardened his heart fall in love was a privilege I will never be able to properly thank you for.”

“I did nothing special.” Kate told her. “I could not have avoided falling in love with him anymore than I could stop the monsoons from coming.”

“That is as it should be, my dear.” Violet said, smiling. “Now, I received a note from Lady Danbury that she shall be hosting a tea for us to discuss the planning of the wedding, but I wanted to speak of any thoughts you might have on the matter. And I hope you will join me for lunch, for I would like to show you the house, if you have the time.”

“I would be honored, my Lady.” Kate replied happily.

“Violet.” The other woman corrected kindly. “Have you any thoughts on where you would like the wedding to take place?”

“Anthony has suggested the parish near Aubrey Hall.” She told her. “It sounds quite lovely to me.”

“It is.” The dowager Viscountess told her. “If it is to be in Kent, though, it will probably be best to hold it after the Season. I think you will like it then. Kent is beautiful in the fall. The delay also allows us plenty of time to get you familiarized with your new duties before you have them thrust upon you.”

“I do admit that I am a little nervous to take charge of such a large and prominent family.” She said with a sigh.

“I have found over the years that it is best to just accept that you will never truly be in control and just learn to mitigate the disasters as they come.” Violet told her with a laugh. “I will, of course, be available should you need help, but I have every faith that you will be absolutely fine.”

“Thank you.” Kate told her sincerely. “I want to make Anthony proud.”

“I doubt there is very little you could do that would ever disappoint my son.” His mother told her, smiling. “I have rarely ever seen a man so in love.”

Kate blushed.

“Here.” she said, handing over a cup of chai. “Try this. And feel free to sweeten it to your taste.”

Violet took a sip before adding a small amount of sugar and taking another sip.

“This is delicious!” she exclaimed, taking another sip. “You must show me exactly what you did.”

Kate grinned and started to explain each step to an enraptured audience.

~.~

The day after the fight between the sisters found Edwina perfectly happy to pretend said fight had never happened now that Lord Morrison had returned, which left Kate feeling off kilter.

“I know I should just let it go.” She said as she and Anthony walked through the park. “I just cannot seem to do so. I am still so angry with her!”

“I know, my darling.” He said, squeezing her hand. “And you know I will support you, no matter what you choose to do.”

“You think I should forgive her.” She accused him, frowning.

“I think she hurt you.” He replied easily, not rising to her bait. “You know how I feel about anyone who hurts you, but she is still your sister, and you love her. I think you should allow yourself to be angry but remain open to reconciliation.”

“I suppose.” She agreed with a sigh.

They were currently unchaperoned, but only because they were in a public place and on their way to meet Daphne, Simon, and Auggie for a picnic. Benedict was currently unavailable, busy at the academy, and so they were taking the opportunity to inform the Duke and Duchess of their engagement.

They rounded the path and found Daphne sitting on a blanket as she fondly watched Simon play in the grass nearby with their son.

“There you are!” she called, waving at them. “We thought we might have to send out a search party.”

“As if we would forgo a chance to visit with my favorite nephew.” Anthony said, separating from Kate to catch Auggie and throw him in the air.

“If you damage my son, I shall never forgive you.” Daphne said as she stood to greet Kate with a kiss to the cheek. “And he’s your only nephew.”

“Details.” Her brother replied, tossing his laughing nephew into the air once more.

Daphne sneered at her brother as she and Kate sat back down on the blanket.

“Now,” she said, handing her a cup of tea, “what was it you wanted to tell us?”

Kate glanced at Anthony, who simply smiled.

“W are not announcing it just yet,” she cautioned, “but I have agreed to be your brother’s wife.”

“Finally.” Anthony added playfully, making her stick her tongue out at him.

“I told you so!” the Duchess exclaimed, pointing at her husband. “You owe me a pound!”

“Thank you for your warm congratulations, sister dear.” Anthony drawled as Simon clapped him on the shoulder. “Your happiness is infectious.”

“Oh, hush.” She told him, grabbing Kate in a hug. “I am so happy for you, and you know that. We have so much planning to do! Oh, is that what the invitation to Danbury House is about? I will be hosting your engagement ball; I do not care what Lady Danbury has to say on the subject!”

“I already informed Lady Danbury.” Kate told her with a laugh. “And it is what the invitation to tea is about, if you are able to join us.”

“Of course, I will be there.” Daphne said primly. “I wish to be as much help to my brother as he was during my wedding.”

“I would remind you that you actually like Miss Sharma.” Her husband said dryly. “My congratulations, you two. Miss Sharma, welcome to the family.”

“Thank you, your Grace.” She replied, smiling. “I hope I can still count on your support against the insanity?”

“Of course.” He agreed easily as Daphne sneered at them. “I would never abandon my ally to the heathens.”

“Are they allowed to gang up on us like this?” the Duchess asked her brother.

“I do not believe we can stop them.” The Viscount replied.

The two non Bridgertons just laughed.

~.~

The engagement ball for Miss Edwina Sharma and Lord Percival Morrison was well attended and, of course, a complete success, as Lady Danbury would allow nothing less, but Kate found herself wishing for just a moment of quiet. Edwina stood across the room from her at Lord Morrison’s side, soaking in the well wishes of the ton, while Kate stood next to Anthony, wishing they could be alone in the quiet of the garden below.

“You know, we could just sneak away.” Anthony whispered in her ear, making her smile. “No one would notice.”

“If you think Lady Danbury wouldn’t catch us the moment we even headed for a door, you are delusional, my love.” She shot back.

“I am officially requesting you only ever call me that.” He told her, his voice dropping even lower. “Or I suppose I could settle for lover.”

“Which you are not yet, my Lord.” She said, with a wicked grin as she pushed him back a step.

“Which is why I think we should revisit my plan to sneak away, my Lady.”

“You are a menace.”

“I am your menace. No going back.”

“God help me.”

Anthony just grinned. Kate shook her head, glancing around the ballroom and catching her sister’s cool gaze on them.

“I know she is your sister and that you love her, but I hope you will forgive me when I tell you that her attitude is beginning to irk me.” Anthony said as he also caught Edwina’s gaze.

Kate sighed, but she couldn’t find it in her to blame him as Edwina’s behavior was more than irking her. While her sister was perfectly happy to pretend that she and Kate had not fought and everything was fine, the same could not be said for Anthony. She observed only the barest of civilities, responding to his greetings and direct statements, but she ignored him when she could. She clearly blamed him for the Sheffield dinner and would not listen to reason from Kate, Mary, or Lady Danbury.

She opened her mouth to reply but was distracted by Benedict’s approach.

“I have come to claim my dance.” He announced with a grin.

“Hmm.” Kate made a production of looking at her dance card. “I do not see your name, Mr. Bridgerton. Perhaps you are remembering another young lady? If there is one who has caught your eye, I will be happy to facilitate an introduction!”

“Give me that.” He said, taking her card from her hand and pulling it towards him while still attached to her arm.

He began writing and, after a moment, Kate sighed.

“You cannot write you name for every dance, Benedict.” She told him dryly.

Anthony snatched the card from his brother, who simply smirked.

“I believe this is our dance.” He told her without an ounce of shame.

Kate just sighed and took his outstretched hand, shaking her head fondly. The dance was a waltz, which suited her just fine since she and Benedict needed to talk.

“I need to tell you something and you must promise to control your reactions.” She told him strictly as the music began.

“Are you going to tell me you’ve come to your senses and are prepared to jilt my boring older brother and come live a lovely life of art in the countryside with me?” he asked with a charming smile. “If so, I make no promises.”

“No.” she said, lowering her voice to a whisper. “I am going to tell you that your brother has proposed, and I have accepted. You and I are to be brother and sister.”

Before she could stop him, he picked her and spun her around, sending a wave of whispers through the other guests.

“Benedict!” she hissed, but her angry tone was softened by the smile on her face. “I will not be responsible for my actions if you do not put me down right this instance!”

He set her back on her feet and quickly led them back into the rhythm of the dance.

“I suppose expecting you to control yourself as an adult was too much to ask?” she asked dryly.

“It was. When will you announce it?”

“Next week.”

“And when did this blessed event occur?”

“Four days ago.”

“And I am just hear of it?” he exclaimed as she hushed him.

“You have been locked in your studio!” she defended herself. “This is the first we’ve seen of you all week!”

“Yes, well, you could have sent a note.” He told her petulantly, making Kate giggle.

“My deepest apologies, Mr. Bridgerton.”

“See that it doesn’t happen again.”

“Of course.” She replied with mock seriousness. “You have my word, should I ever accept a proposal of marriage from one of your brothers in the future, I will tell you about it post haste.”

“I am glad we understand each other, then.” He replied with a laugh.

The music ended and she took his arm as he led her back to Anthony.

“I am so very happy for you both.” He told his brother softly as he released Kate back to him.

“Thank you, brother.” Anthony replied seriously, shaking Benedict’s hand.

With one last smile, the second-born Bridgerton disappeared into the crowd. Anthony watched fondly as Kate fingered the chain he knew held his ring.

“I cannot wait to see that ring on your finger.” He told her softly.

Kate blushed and snatched her hand away, but smiled, nonetheless.

“Soon.” She reassured him. “Very soon.”

“Dance with me?” he asked, starting to pull her to the floor.

“I don’t know.” She said, studying her dance card once more as she went with him willingly. “I believe your brother has claimed all my dances for the next three balls.”

“Remind me to disown him.”

Kate just laughed as they began to dance.

~.~

“Well, I hope you’re happy.”

Kate felt a pamphlet hit her in the face and opened her eyes to watch Edwina stalk out of her room.

“I really need to start locking that door.” She muttered to herself as she picked up the latest from Lady Whistledown and quickly located the latest writings that had upset her sister.

…and I know I was not the only one to be shocked by takes of Mr. Benedict Bridgerton quite literally spinning Miss Kate Sharma around the dance floor at her sister’s engagement ball, but this writer can finally divulge the reason for such and exuberant display.

Dearest reader, it seems the Viscount and the Ruby are finally engaged to be married!

It is the firm belief of this writer that theirs is a true love match, the likes of which is so rarely seen amongst the ton! This wedding will surely be the even of the Season, only rivaled by the Diamond herself’s wedding.

I am sure we all wish the future Viscount and Viscountess Bridgerton all the happiness in the world…

Kate smiled and tucked the pamphlet under her pillow.

She was very happy indeed.

#Bridgerton #Bridgerton Season 2 #Anthony Bridgerton #Kate Sharma #Kathani Sharma #Anthony x Kate #Kate x Anthony #Kanthony #Fanfiction #Best Laid Plans

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