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a-lone-heart-in-the-wild · 2 years

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what keeps us standing

Basically, all I want is a fic in which Anthony notices how Colin and Marina’s engagement is tearing Penelope apart and he sympathizes with her. Their situations are mirrors to each other - the ones that feel responsible for their families, the ones that try to keep everything together.

Everything proceeds mostly as in canon up until the s1 finale. But- Anthony and Pen have started developing a friendship because Penelope recognizes a fellow heartbroken soul and she can be the support system his family can’t be.

Eloise at first is jealous, but she comes around to the friendship once she realizes it could mean that Penelope would marry into the family.

In the meantime, Anthony and Penelope aren’t even thinking about marriage, because they both still need some time to get over Sienna and Colin respectively.

And then we come into s2 territory, and the Sharmas remain in India (sorry Kate, Edwina, Newton and Mary, no way you wouldn’t have derailed the hell out of this, we’ll miss you) and Colin is still not back from his travels.

And this is where things start changing - Anthony is not in search of a viscountess (or so he thinks lol). Eloise makes her debut in society, which means that she and Pen can spend much more time together at social events.

Which means that Anthony and Penelope start spending much more time together in front of the ton. Their interactions are always super proper and respectable on the surface, but they can read each other pretty well by that point, because they’ve written to each other for the whole off-season (PORTIA FEATHERINGTON AGGRESSIVELY DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE CORRESPONDENCE IF IT MEANS A MARRIAGE TO A VISCOUNT), which means that they don’t need words to communicate.

(Cressida Cowper is dying of jealousy, because what the fuck did Penelope Featherington do to make Anthony Bridgerton pay attention to her?)

The ton at large mostly assumes that Anthony dances with Penelope because of either 1) Eloise or 2) Violet but nope. He just wants to dance with her because she told him she loves to, and it’s not like it’s an imposition to dance with her.

Violet has decided to keep her mouth shut, because she fears Anthony will shut everything down if he gets even a hint of the fact that he’s basically low-key courting Penelope, and she’d like her as a daugher in law, thank you very much.

Anyways. Weeks go by, Penelope’s dance card is steadily full (she’s dancing with a viscount, it makes eligible bachelors notice her), she is invited promenading with Eloise (even if she spends an awful lot of that time talking with Anthony) and really, this is just so much better than last year.

And then she makes a mistake - she writes one of the comments she made about someone into a Lady Whistledown column. Anthony isn’t dumb and he connects the dots: Penelope is Lady Whistledown.

Which means... which means that she almost ruined her own family for Colin. Colin, his idiot brother who had never noticed the yearning glances Penelope sent his way, who needed to grow up a lot more before he could be worthy of someone as amazing as Penelope.

That evening he gets drunk, seriously drunk, for the first time since after Sienna refused his marriage proposal.

He has no idea what to do- someone else will connect the clues, sooner or later, and Pen will be exposed to the ridicule of the whole ton. She’s more clever and witty than most people he knows, but she’s a woman, and one that does not fit the standards of beauty at that. They will tear her apart and enjoy the process.

And it’s three sheets to the wind that Anthony gets the best idea ever. If she marries into the Bridgertons she’d be protected from a lot of the backlash. The idea of marrying Penelope is almost... nice.

The next day he’s hungover and irritable. It’s not even anyone’s fault - he just took a look at his and Penelope’s friendship and realized he’d already been low-key courting her.

Meanwhile Penelope’s getting over Colin because well. she’s falling for his older brother and damn if he isn’t even more unobtainable than Colin. He’s a viscount, he’s charming, he’s beautiful and there is no way he’d ever look in her direction when he’ll decide to settle down.

Sure, they’re friends (or as much friends as they can be when they’re both unmarried and there is no understandings between their families) but she’s well. She’s the third daughter of a baron, she does not fit into the ton’s beauty standards and she’s keeping a big secret from everyone.

No way she’ll end up married to any Bridgerton, let alone Anthony Bridgerton.

[insert weeks of Anthony trying to make clear to Penelope he wants to court her and her being super oblivious, until she finally gets it]

And basically. Penelope and Anthony get married, Colin gets a weird pang in his chest for the first six months he’s around them bc well. sure. Penelope is an amazing sister in law, but he thought their friendship would never change.

Eloise is ecstatic bc now she and Pen are really sisters! Violet had wanted to adopt her basically five minutes after meeting her and now she’s her daughter-in-law!

Lady Whistledown stops publishing a season after Pen and Anthony marry (she reveals her secret after they return from the honeymoon and he goes ‘Oh, I already know’ and she is gobsmacked bc she expected a big argument) and they live happily ever after.

#penthony #penelope x anthony #anthony x penelope #bridgerton #bridgerton au #bridgerton fanfiction #brigerton fanfic #rarepair #mini fic #if anyone wants to expand pls dm me!

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sea-owl · 1 year

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Wait the Gothic Featheringtons and ABO? Please, tell me more.

P.S: There's no way in any ABO AU that Penelope was walking out of that carriage without Colin's bite on her neck.

The carriage? Honey, they might not make it out of the Featherington drawing room without Colin biting Penelope's neck with how into that kiss he was. Lmao. To be honest though they might have not made it back to the Featherington house in the ABO universe until much later. Alpha Colin bites her in the carriage possibly goes into a rut and then tells the driver to take them back to his home in Bloomsbury. He's going into a rut, his omega is going into a heat, and now he has to make sure she is in his bed and surrounded by him. I will accept an almost bite in the carriage in exchange for the bite mark to happend during the stay/mirror scene.

Anyway onto Gothic Featheringtons in an ABO universe.

Archibald, Prudence, and Philippa are betas while Portia, Penelope, and Felicity are omegas.

In that universe, omegas without an alpha family member to protect them are considered highly vulnerable. They are usually hidden as betas, sent away to a trusted alpha to protect them, or in rare cases, the trusted alpha is brought to the family home. The last one is rare because of the power struggle it could potentially cause between the pack leader and the alpha.

Of course, this tradition confuses Portia as her family back in Spain didn't have this problem. Unmated members were protected by every mated member in the Addams pack. Even if they didn't have the brute strength of the alphas, the betas and omegas had their tricks, too.

When Penelope started showing signs of being an omega, Lord Featherington mentioned possibly sending her to a cousin in the country, who was an alpha and also had an omega daughter. Portia told him that if he ever had that thought again, she would finally kill him.

"Our unmated daughter's protection is up to us. Not some random cousin I have never met before."

Portia did ask Penelope, though, if she wished to mask her scent for a few years. It is rather unfair that just because she presented a year early she has to debut a year early. Penelope said yes, much rather focus on her passions of writing than finding a mate.

So Penelope debuted wearing a perfume that masked her scent so she would be left alone. She didn't take suppressants, though, and she still wore the choker that all omegas wore to protect their mating gland. By all means, Penelope was still very much an omega living her life, but she just didn't advertise it.

Though without the scent, others assumed she was a beta, and the choker was just another weird fashion choice made by the creepy Featheringtons. That family is so weird. Why even bother asking?

Well, until one season, when Penelope was about 19. During a ball, a light rain had started coming down.

Portia stood by an open terrace watching the rain. Giddy as a child.

"Oh, if only we had more balls during the rain," Portia sighed. "It's such a romantic thing. Especially if you get to dance in it."

"Portia, then you would be all wet," Violet said, with Mary agreeing.

"Yes!" Portia nodded. "Your clothes sticking to you, but your passions igniting as you try harder to hold onto your partner."

Their discussion stopped with the arrival of Lady Cowper. Violet and Mary hid their frowns while Portia was too busy watching the rain.

"Lady Bridgerton, Lady Sharma . . . Lady Featherington," Lady Cowper greeted.

Violet and Mary said back their greetings. Portia just continued watching the rain.

Lady Cowper ignored Portia's eccentricities. "Such a lovely ball. I had seen Miss Eloise and Miss Edwina on the dancefloor. My Cressida has her dance card full of course. Though I don't think I've seen any of your daughters on the dance floor Lady Featherington."

Portia rolled her eyes, finally being forced to look away from the rain. "If any of my daughters had any sense, they be dancing in the rain rather than on a dance floor."

Before anymore could be said an omega scent of pomegranate and lotus drifted into the air.

"Mama, it is such a lovely night. You must join us!"

Penelope stood at the entrance to the terrace, her clothes soaked, and her hair dripping.

Portia laughed. "Oh Penelope, you look like you're having fun. We'll have to reapply your perfume later, though."

"Penelope is an omega?"

Mother and daughter wore marching confused expressions.

"Yes, my daughter is an omega? How did you not know?" Portia questioned. "It's not like I have her on suppressants, and she wears the choker your English alphas seem to obsess over."

Lady Cowper began to stutter and Portia found herself getting annoyed.

Portia turned to Penelope. "Darling, go find your sisters. I'm sure Felicity would like a dance partner at home, and this ball is getting as repetitive as the others."

Penelope nodded and ran back towards the rain.

Portia quickly said her goodbyes and then walked out into the rain herself.

#bridgerton #gothic abo featheringtons #gothic featheringtons #portia featherington #penelope featherington #alpha/beta/omega au #abo dynamics #alpha beta omega

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thekatebridgerton · 2 years

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The evil part of me that wishes that Penelope gets a handsome suitor and Colin is like 😡😡 while Anthony and Benedict are like 🥲🥲 watching him struggle.

Oh that's not evil, that's completely normal and the whole fandom supports Penelope dating before marrying Colin.

Anthony and Benedict trolling Colin will always be my favorite form of karma and I cannot lie.

The thing is that I'm pretty sure Penelope was marked as a Bridgerton practically since her first season. I mean. It's cannon in the books that Penelope is not ugly. Or without a dowry (in the books at least). You mean to tell me that in 8 years not one suitor ever looked at the cute redhead who happened to be the only nice Featherington and wanted to marry her?.

It's just too much of a coincidence that Penelope started hanging out with the Bridgertons at a very young age and suddenly there were no suitors to be found.

I'm pretty sure this is Anthony and Benedict's doing. They Ship Polin.

They knew Colin would eventually end up with Penelope so in a half ass attempt at being wingman, anytime someone came around sniffing about Penelope, they were like 'Ahh nope, she's practically our sister anyway, begone pest' and people just took it as a done deal that Penelope was going to marry into the Bridgerton family.

I imagine people speculating about which Bridgerton brother she had an understanding with, until Kate and Sophie came along and the ton just took it as a done deal that Penelope was waiting for Colin to officially propose. Which is probably why Cressida made fun of her too.

Wouldn't it be funny if in Penelope's eyes she thought people felt pity for her because she was chubby and had cero suitors but in reality it was because all society thought she'd been waiting 8 years to make things official with Colin Bridgerton and the guy was always off traveling and flaunting his rakeish ways like an insensitive cad. I mean poor sweet girl. But at least his family has made it clear that Penelope was one of them, so nobody gets the wrong idea about Colin's honor (everyone has the wrong idea about Colin's honor).

I mean look at lady Danbury she keeps calling Colin 'your Bridgerton' to Penelope's face. Penelope might deny it but seriously, she's been joined at the hip with his sister since her first season, she's practically the only unmarried young lady who consistently has tea with his family in their home every week, for 8 years and either he or his brothers dance with her at least once in every ball.

and you mean to tell me that NOBODY got the wrong idea??

I can imagine some suitor asking around 'hey and what about her, the cute shy redhead' and people around him immediately shaking their heads 'Oh that one is taken already by one of the Bridgerton boys, you can attempt to ask her to dance if you want, but trust me, either the Viscount or one of his siblings will stop you, that family is very protective' and the suitor just giving up right there after seeing Penelope surrounded by Bridgertons.

I personally think that Penelope's lack of handsome suitors was a side effect of hanging out so much with the Bridgertons. People kept getting the wrong idea and the Bridgertons did not correct them. I mean Colin might have said he's not marrying Penelope in private with his brothers, but I highly doubt he'd ever dare to say that in public. Likewise the rest of the siblings would never outright say that Penelope is not marrying Colin. So without an outright denial from the Bridgertons, even if Penelope did deny it, people would have thought that she indeed had an understanding with Colin and was just letting him sow his wild oats before they got married.

one of my biggest conspiracy theories in this fandom is that Anthony wanted Penelope to be happy and also to see Colin suffer with Portia as a mother in law, so he intentionally kept Penelope's suitors at bay to give Colin a chance to realize his own feelings. And the rest of his siblings and their spouses followed his lead because they liked Penelope. (Except Eloise. Eloise just intentionally spooked Penelope's suitors because nobody was good enough, it had nothing to do with Colin.)

Colin and Penelope are so observant, but if there is a Bridgerton couple who would not noticing that people think they've been unofficially engaged for 8 years. It would probably be them.

#penelope x colin #polin #everyone ships polin #bridgerton #colin bridgerton #anthony bridgerton #penelope featherington

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dear-gentle-reader · 2 years

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*group laughs*

Colin: Penelope Featherington?

Fife: The way you were dancing with her looked rather... interesting. Are you courting the girl, Bridgerton?

Colin: Ah, are you mad? I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington. Not in your wildest fantasies, Fife.

- Watching the scene back, they include a shot while they're dancing of the boys making oop faces after Colin calls Penelope by name and says she's special to him and she returns the favor

- The boys seem to be making fun of Colin for his mixed signals (him publicly being publicly affectionate towards her on the dance floor, enough to make Cressida Cowper scowl blurrily in the background)

- Maybe there's more to the scene than meets the eye, like why they were laughing at the start?

- But the boys clearly noticed a difference between his dance with Cressida and his dance with Penelope if they were going to make mention of it

- And if Colin TRULY had no consideration of dating Penelope, why wouldn't he say the obvious? She's a family friend, Fife. She's like a sister to me, Fife. I would no more court her than I would Eloise, Fife. She's a beautiful lady, Fife, but I have grown up with her under foot and merely want to make sure she's taken care of, nothing more.

- No instead he says "What? Me? Courting? Lol don't be ridiculous couldn't be me, but I bet YOU have fantasies about it Fife. I don't, though. None. Zero. Lol"

- If the truth was that he saw her as a sister then he could easily have just said the truth. The fact that he ridicules it so much, tries to deflect it... it seems like, at this point, it already wouldn't be fully honest for him to say he still views Pen as he did before.

- An interesting choice to have this happen with these boys instead of his married brothers. To acknowledge, in universe, the chemistry between these two. To show Colin's mixed signals of "You are special to me" and "I will always protect you" to him scorning her publicly to other eligible men.

- He may not be intentionally sabotaging her courtship prospects as he sabotaged the rubies, but it would leave her unattached, always available to share her time and affection with him. And until she heard that, she probably would have regardless. But now, unfortunately for Colin, for the foreseeable future he won't just simply dream about courting Penelope, he will also dream of the time when she did trust him, when she wouldn't forsake him, when she believed in him.

- After all, what do you do when you betray the trust of the one person who always believed and supported you, always noticed you and your dreams, always took the time to get to know you not just those of import around you, always SAW you?

- I guess we'll see in the upcoming seasons.

- I, for one, will dream of Penelope being courted with all the bold affection she deserves while Colin watches dumbstruck and in vain.

#polin #bridgerton #colin x penelope #bridgerton season two #bridgerton spoilers #bridgerton s2 #THAT scene #overanalyzing a 30 second scene #SERIOUSLY GOING OUT OF YOUR WAY TO RIDICULE THE ONLY PERSON WHO ACTUALLY SUPPORTS YOUR INTERESTS #idiot #i want him to see what he missed #i want him to flinch at being called Mr. Bridgerton #i want him to grind his teeth when Penelope dances with another man #i want him to travel like a chicken with its head cut off #constantly running around to different places without a thought or purpose #but when he's away he feels her absence from his letters #and when he's home he notices she isn't there either #he feels an ache an itch a loneliness like he's never felt before #and when he sees her in person #and she's no longer sharing her personality with him #she's closed off to him #he'll realize what he's lost #and go absolutely feral trying to reclaim it #I'm a sucker for a slow burn #and the years it will take to see this pairing come to fruition goes so far beyond my expectations #i love it

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bridgertonbabe · 2 years

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Yikes, if Jack is the true mastermind and blackmails Pen to marry him, imagine him mocking Pen how they both fooled the Ton with their personas. Sweet and quiet wallflower Pen is the notorious Lady Whistledown and good old and charitable Jack is more sinister than anyone could have thought. Him telling her, it’s a match made from heaven. Colin better beat him up if it’s the case.

And Pen would be horrified by the real Jack behind the facade she had fallen for all of those years. She would realise that Colin had been right all along not to trust him and now she finds herself trapped with no other choice but to marry him.

But what if the twist was that Cressida still announced she was Lady Whistledown?

Jack had intended to announce his (forced) engagement to Penelope that night but all anyone can talk about is Cressida's claim she is the famous writer. He had never liked Cressida and now he hated her even more for providing a loophole for Penelope to get out of marrying him. He marches off in search of his yet-to-be-announced fiancee, determined to still have their prospective marriage be known to all, and finds her with Lady Danbury, surrounded by guests as she rejects Cressida's allegation, all the while holding hands with a clearly besotted Colin Bridgerton. Though enraged that Penelope is holding hands with Bridgerton for anyone to see, he is relieved that she is rebuking Cressida's announcement; clearly Miss Featherington still took pride in her work enough to not want the likes of Cressida taking responsibility for it.

He's all politeness and smiles when he requires a word with Penelope away from the gathering she is a part of, and she has no choice but to go with him. He takes her out onto the terrace and informs her he still intends to announce their engagement that night -

"I beg your pardon?!" an incredulous Colin expostulates, having followed them out there, not wanting Penelope's honour to be encroached upon by the man he's never trusted.

Jack smugly informs Colin that Penelope has agreed to marry him and watches as Bridgerton's face falls.

"No. That can't be. She wouldn't. You wouldn't, Pen." Colin gasps for air and his sad eyes look to her.

Penelope can't speak, her throat has tightened, and she is powerless to give him an answer.

In that moment Jack decides he doesn't need to announce the engagement tonight; after all, the only man who would contest the news is about to break down in front of him. Perhaps they could wait to announce the news tomorrow, once all the excitement from Cressida's announcement has died down.

Colin manages to find his voice, suggesting to Penelope that she go find Eloise inside while he has a word with Jack. Still unable to speak up, Penelope follows his suggestion and leaves the men out on the terrace.

"I don't know what you've said or what you've done," Colin swallows, "but Penelope doesn't want to marry you and I'm not going to let you force her hand on the matter. She deserves to marry for love - and not whatever it is you've cornered her into."

"Poor Colin Bridgerton." Jack shakes his head and lets his charming facade fall - even if the man before him ran off to tell everyone what he was really like, nobody would believe him. "I should hate to be a man of such little thought that I only want what I cannot have."

"That is not true." Colin snarls.

"Are you sure?" Jack pokes. "After all, you have had about twelve years to ask Miss Featherington for her hand. I'd say you had more than enough time to beat me to it."

"Why are you doing this?" Colin croaks. "Why are you marrying her?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Jack shrugs back with a dark smile. "She's an intelligent young woman, nice on the eyes, she'd make for a wonderful wife." He watches as Colin's eyes dance with regret and Jack laps up the defeat he can see on his face. "And of course; I'll finally be able to have my way with her in our bed."

His goading works as temper flares in Colin's eyes.

"Don't you dare talk about Penelope like that!" he shouts.

"Why not? I'm only stating the very same sentiment that I sense you've been lusting over, Bridgerton." Jack smirks. "For once a man of your surname has lost out - at the very least, you could be a gracious loser towards the man who gets to touch Penelope in the most intimate of places,"

Colin sockets his fist into Jack's face.

"You will not marry her!" Colin rages and punches him again. "Over my dead body will you ever,"

But suddenly someone yells out Colin's name and the Viscount Bridgerton and Duke of Hastings have joined them out on the terrace, pulling the young man off of Jack. The masks falls back on and Jack acts shocked and confused by Colin's fury. Anthony and Simon fall for it, with the former marching his brother off and reprimanding him, whilst Simon extends his apologies to Jack on behalf of the family.

Once they're gone Jack smiles to himself in victory. Tomorrow, while Colin Bridgerton licks his wounds, he would announce Penelope is to become his wife, thus securing her Whistledown fortune.

(But little did he know that after a turn of events which involved Colin following Penelope taking a hired hack to a church and the pair sharing a carriage ride back, that an entirely different engagement would be announced instead, and Jack's plan would be scuppered once again...)

#asks #my ramblings #bridgerton drabble #s4 speculation #polin #penelope featherington #colin bridgerton #i would tag jack but he doesn't have a last name yet lol #evil!jack

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ficninja · 3 years

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A Beautiful Night Indeed

So I did a thing...

I wrote a Penelope and Colin fic! I haven't written anything in so long that I seriously surprised myself. I just couldn't help it, I've become so obsessed with them. I wanted to post it here for anyone interested in reading. It's an extended scene I guess, a wish fulfillment if you will, of what I wanted to happen after their dance at the Vauxhall Ball in episode 01 "Diamond of the first water."

Pairing: Colin Bridgerton/Penelope Featherington Summary: Colin is protective of Penelope after Cressida spills her drink on her. Colin doesn't want to let go of Penelope's hand after their dance. Colin is confused about his feelings and Anthony calls him out on it. Colin wants more than anything for Penelope to trust him

A Beautiful Night Indeed

It was a beautiful night. Penelope had arrived to the Vauxhall ball a half an hour early with her Father and sisters. They were just in time to see the lighting of all the torches surrounding the expansive gardens right as the Sun began to hang low in the ever darkening sky…

Standing near the orchestra dining area, watching the dancing begin, Penelope looked around avoiding being spotted by one of her sisters. She was surprised when she heard Colin say her pet name.

“Pen…” Colin approached Penelope. He never had trouble finding her in a crowd. He was constantly captivated by her stunning red hair. Her hair beckoned him like a glowing fire, his eyes always drawn to the beauty of the permanent sunset. She was standing alone expectantly, he surmised she was looking for someone.

“Colin…” Penelope sighed adorably which made him smile to himself. She had the cutest voice, he had always thought so.

“I did not know you would be here.” Penelope was pleasantly surprised to see him. His height towering as he walked closer, making her feel small and delicate by comparison.

“Sorry to disappoint.” Colin teased, causing her to smile. She was never able to resist this pull he had on her.

“Have you seen Miss Thompson?” He inquired. Miss Thompson had many suitors and Colin supposed he should try to get to know Penelope’s cousin a bit more, lest his interest wane.

“She is ill.” Penelope informed him, a bit dispassionately, her smile faltering. “My mamá had to stay home with her.” She continued. “Papá had to chaperone.”

Colin looked over his shoulder to see Mr. Featherington enjoying a refreshment and in an animated discussion, completely unobservant of his youngest daughter.

Colin turned back to Penelope giving her his complete attention, the inquiry into her cousin’s whereabouts fleeting. He did not like that she was vulnerable without her Father’s gaze on her.

“I’m quite enjoying the fact that he is here.” Penelope’s smile picked back up and Colin recalled that she enjoyed spending time with her father… away from her neglectful mother.

Mrs. Featherington should be there as well, Colin thought to himself. This was Penelope’s debut season. What mother, wouldn’t accompany a daughter as sweet and innocent as Penelope everywhere?

“Mamá would never allow me to wear a dress like this.” Penelope’s smile brightened the darkened garden even more. “Not yellow enough, I think.” She giggled self-deprecatingly.

Colin had taken note of how especially lovely Penelope looked that night. Although it was hard for Penelope to look bad, given her cute face and enchanting hair, her mother seemed to be trying to detract from her looks with every yellow frock she forced on her. He would acknowledge that according to Eloise having a nice face and pleasant hair should not be considered an accomplishment. But given the lack of genteel stock in Penelope’s lineage, it was indeed a glowing accomplishment in contrast to her older sisters, at least according to Colin’s preferences.

Before Colin could genuinely compliment Penelope’s dress, Cressida Cowper appeared and interrupted their conversation. Accompanied by her entourage of ninnies, they pushed between he and Penelope.

“Mr. Bridgerton...” Cressida’s voice really grated on Colin’s nerves. “I believe you owe me a dance this evening. And I only have one more space remaining on my card at present.”

“How convenient.” Penelope observed, her words so softly spoken that Colin almost… almost didn’t hear her. But her tremulous voice carried over to Colin. It was like a melody… a song only for him in contrast to Cressida’s.

Cressida thrust her dance card out to her side and simultaneously spilled her drink on the front of Penelope’s dress. “Penelope, I did not see you there!” Cressida feigned shock.

Penelope gasped in sheer mortification, turning away from them as the blast of cold liquid slid down her chest. She looked down to check her dress, thanking heaven that the drink was clear and would not stain. Penelope felt heat color her cheeks and her eyes began to water. She was so proud of the way she looked that night and to have this happen to her at Cressida’s hands and in the presence of Colin no less, she thought she would pass out from the humiliation.

Colin glared at Cressida. How dare she attempt to injure Penelope’s person with that drink and right in front of him. He thought to himself, if Cressida was not a Lady and barely one at that… His anger peaked at the mental image of what he would do. His nostrils flared at her before he turned his attention back to Penelope.

“I’m afraid I cannot offer you that dance, Miss Cowper.” Colin’s voice barely remained courteous. “I am to escort Miss Featherington, to the floor.” His decided rejection of Cressida caused Penelope to turn around, astonished.

Penelope’s blue eyes, glossy with embarrassment, met his. Colin had a fierce look on his face. Determined he was, not to allow anyone to mistreat her in his presence. He reached for Penelope's gloved hand, slipping her tiny feminine satin-clad fingers through his larger masculine ones, as he glared once again at Cressida before escorting Penelope away and onto the dance floor.

Colin spun Penelope into position just as the spirited dance started. His fingers glided across the brocade material along her upper back. Her soft tresses skimmed across the back of his hand… This was one of Colin’s favorite dances and he smiled down at her excitedly. Penelope was an amazing partner. The embarrassment caused by Cressida eased from her eyes and she matched his enthusiam for the dance. The eager smile on her face as he spun her around caused an ache to invade inside his chest. The protectiveness he felt moments ago seemed to increase ten fold and everything inside of him wanted that smile to remain on her face for the rest of her life.

When the dance ended, Colin found himself irrationally thinking of a reason to keep Penelope's hand in his. An illogical impulse, given it would be improper since he was not officially courting her. The reminder to himself, that he was not in fact courting Penelope Featherington, but had expressed an interest in her distant cousin caused him to be inexplicably confused and annoyed with himself. The annoyance he felt was upsetting to him and he clenched his jaw in vexation. Just as he was about to convince himself to let her go, the announcement began…

“Ladies and Gentleman, a most extraordinary event is about to take place.

Right this way!

Come! Come!”

Colin looked down at Penelope just as she gazed her startled blue eyes up at him. Just looking in her eyes soothed away his baffling aggravation. He smiled at her mischievously as he pulled her along side him continuing to hold her hand. Definitely not letting go of her now.

Penelope was delighted that Colin wanted to continue their time together at the ball. The way he looked at her during their dance… she knew it was just a result of his protective nature. She believed he was genuinely outraged by Cressida’s behavior toward her. But his continued attention made her heart soar, even more than usual, just from being around him. A sort of magic seemed to envelop them, almost as if Colin was finally seeing her as a woman and not like a little sister. Penelope worried that the let down from reality settling around her again would break her heart irreparably.

“Come along, Pen. We must not miss this most extraordinary event!” Colin continued to grin at her as he pulled Penelope along.

Colin spotted an open section near the edge of the crowd and stopped there. It was a bit darker there, secluded away from the torches, and he couldn’t make out everyone around them. He tugged Penelope a bit closer in front of him as more people surrounded them.

He noticed that she trembled a bit, so he leaned down near her ear. “Are you ok, Pen?”

Penelope was looking forward to the show, whatever this would be, but she had never been quite comfortable with the dark or with surprises.

Penelope felt Colin squeeze her hand and she looked up at him. His blue eyes warm with concern. “Yes, I’m ok. It is just a bit scary is all.”

Colin smiled at her then and her heart skipped a beat. “Everything will be ok. I’m right here. I would not let anything bad happen to you.” And she knew, she could feel that Colin meant it.

“Do you trust me, Pen?” He asked, holding her gaze fervently.

Looking into his eyes so close to hers was intoxicating and Penelope began to feel a little unsteady on her feet. She swayed a little as she answered him. “Y- Yes, o-of course I trust you, Colin.”

Colin noticed that she stuttered a bit, but she seemed to get her bearings.

“Good.” Penelope’s assurance that she trusted him, did something to his insides and Colin felt unbalanced.

The announcement picked up again…

“It is with great privilege I present Vauxhall’s newest spectacle of illumination. Feast your eyes above and allow all that is radiant to overwhelm you!”

Penelope squeezed Colin’s hand just as the lights illuminated all at once above them. They were surrounded by the glass bulbs! The brilliance was magnificent. The sudden amazement caused Penelope to step back into Colin. His chest cradled her head and his other hand, that wasn’t holding hers, grabbed her waist to steady her.

The MC continued,

“Wonderful Light! Thank you!”

“Its alright.” Colin murmured softly into her hair. She smelled like orange blossoms. Colin could not keep himself from breathing her in. He wondered if it was just her hair or if she smelled of the fragrant flower all over her body. The hand holding her waist moved unconsciously to the ends of her rosy hair, his fingers delicately caressed the softness of her strawberry locks. Colin’s mind was muddled, he closed his eyes in contentment, memorizing the texture of her hair. He couldn’t think straight. He had to stop himself from dropping a kiss to the top of her head, the need to be a comfort to her began to outweigh his reason.

Penelope thought she imagined Colin’s fingers in her hair. The closeness of his body to hers was heady… She closed her eyes briefly, relishing in the warmth of him behind her. She inhaled at the pleasure of her current situation. She’d never been this close to Colin. The electrifying heat of his body pressed against hers was causing her to be incoherent. She began to breathe in shallow pants, her breaths coming quickly. Unsettled by her reaction to him, she moved away from him, letting go of his hand.

Colin felt the immediate loss of the warmth radiating from Penelope’s body pressed along his front. When she dropped his hand and moved away from him, he felt the grimace on his face and heard the growl in his throat. Desperate to have Penelope near again, he grabbed her hand and turned her to face him.

“Pen…” Colin spoke her name, not knowing what else to say, but also needing to stop her retreat from him.

Penelope looked down at her hand grasped in Colin’s, realizing that her glove had slipped off. “Oh…” was all she could say. The moment felt unmistakably intimate, him holding her hand again, this time bare.

“I’m sorry.” Colin apologized when he realized he’d unintentionally removed Penelope’s satin glove. “Allow me…” He bent down and retrieved her glove from the grass, her bare hand remained cradled in his the entire time.

His expression mischievous again, as he rose to his full height. “I guess I’m to keep it as a favour now.” Colin teased Penelope. He needed to take away the self-consciousness he saw in her eyes.

“Are you going off to battle then?” Penelope teased Colin back, unable to resist his ever present charm. She could think of no other time a lady’s favour was given.

“Well, there seems to be a fight for refreshments. And as a Gentleman, I will gladly enter the fray to procure something to drink for you, Pen.” Colin folded Penelope’s glove and slipped it into his inside jacket pocket finally letting her hand go reluctantly.

Colin looked down at Penelope adoringly. He couldn’t help himself, stepping closer to her, he whispered. “Wish me luck in battle?”

Penelope knew Colin was teasing her again, but he made her breathless. “Good luck.” She smiled and then she bit her bottom lip. “Promise me that you will return it me?” She looked pointedly to his chest where her glove rested inside his pocket.

Colin could only focus on the lushness of her mouth as she bit her full bottom lip, he was beginning to feel dizzy like he was spinning… spinning out of control. “You trust me, don’t you, Penelope?”

“Of course, Colin.” Penelope didn’t recognize her own voice. The huskiness of it, she couldn’t control as Colin inched even closer to her.

Colin bent down, next to her ear and whispered. “Good girl. Stay right here for me. I’ll be back.” He leaned in close enough that he smelled her intoxicating hair once more before he pulled himself away from Penelope and then walked toward the refreshments.

As Penelope watched as Colin walked away, his tall regal form a feast for her eyes, she noticed his brother Anthony walk up to him.

Colin was taking deep breaths to regain his composure as he walked away from Penelope. He felt a hand on his arm and turned to find Anthony with a stern expression on his face. He followed Anthony’s gaze to Penelope.

“She’s so young Colin… you need to try harder to conceal your… baser interests. Stop touching her so much. Don’t forget yourself. Penelope is a proper lady.” Anthony scolded Colin.

“I was not… I did not… for you to imply…” Colin couldn’t even form a sentence in his defense as twisted as his insides felt by his brother’s insinuations.

“Imply?” Anthony continued. “I saw. Your hand on her waist, apart from dancing. Your hand in her hair. The caress of her bare hand… and this could have been in the view of half the Ton. It is a wonder her father did not come looking for her and witness these improprieties or I would be making arrangements for you to court Penelope Featherington properly!" Anthony’s eyebrows raised in admonishment. “… and not expressing interest in her distant cousin.” The distorted expression on Anthony’s face spoke to how he felt about Colin’s fleeting interest in Miss Thompson.

“It will be a miracle if this is not in Whistledown tomorrow and I am not forced to have to make an offer on your behalf myself.” Anthony continued to reprimand Colin.

“Anthony, I would never do anything to scandalize Penelope!” Colin declared passionately. He could not even conceive of hurting her that way. He found that the thought of Anthony having to make an offer for Penelope’s hand on his behalf did not scare him and that lack of apprehension caused him uncertainty.

“I know that you would not, Colin. And I am not suggesting that you are. I am saying that your feelings... unacknowledged... for Penelope are maybe getting in the way of your… sensibilities where she is concerned.” Anthony pointed out.

“My feelings… for Penelope?” Colin was so confused. Penelope was his friend. He had not meant to be improper with her in any way. But he had begun to acknowledge in his mind and body that Penelope was becoming a woman… in every way. His reactions to her may very well be putting her in danger from him.

“Yes, Colin. I have eyes. I see you clear as day. You may not be ready to admit to or are even aware of how you feel about her. You do have feelings for her, not just emotionally, but now physically as well and you need to think about what you really want long term. Penelope has… developed a lush womanly form. Her curves are tempting to you, I see. Miss Thompson may be more mature and more able to handle your… physical interests right now, where as you would have to wait a while for Penelope to be ready for that.”

“Stop! Stop right now, Anthony. Speaking about Penelope in this way is improper and I will not engage with you any further on this.” Colin found his fists were balled up and his anger, at his brother was a tangible thing in his mouth… a vileness that he could taste. Anthony’s criticism of how he had handled Penelope and even more his comments on how her body had developed the curves of a woman, the kind of woman that Colin realized he was irresistibly drawn to, would be his undoing.

“See, you did not even mention Miss Thompson. Your irascible temper with regard to any perceived slight of Penelope…” Anthony spoke to Colin’s unexpressed feelings for Penelope, again. “All of that emotion… that is about Penelope Featherington.”

Colin clenched his jaw tightly and rolled his eyes at the truth of his brother’s perceptions. He balled his fists against his side as well.

“I am not telling you what to do, so do not look at me like that. I am merely pointing out that if you keep carrying on like this over Penelope and you keep finding yourself behaving in the manner in which you have tonight, you will not be in a position to make a decision. It will have been made for you. Does she not deserve for you to truly choose her? And loathe that I am of a match between you and Miss Thompson, I do not want you to have to contend with hurting her either.”

Colin took a deep breath before addressing his brother again. “Penelope is dear to me… so dear that I - I treasure her and our friendship. I would never hurt her intentionally, brother. That is all I’m willing to say on the matter. I do not wish to discuss Penelope with you any further here like she is the topic of some common gossip. I shall escort her back to her father, after the fireworks are over. Colin declared and then walked off, feeling immensely frustrated.

“See that you do, Colin.” Anthony called after him as Colin disappeared.

Colin turned from the refreshment table and spotted Penelope immediately again. His eyes seeking her siren hair. She had remained just as he had asked her to. A good girl for him she was indeed.

When Colin finally returned to her with refreshments, Penelope’s bright expectant blue eyes found his troubled ones.

“Is everything ok, Colin?” Penelope asked softly. “I saw you speaking with your brother…”

Colin smiled at her slightly as she drank her lemonade. He could not help it. She was so sweet, the most kind-hearted person he had ever known aside from his mother. Her concern mollified him. His anxiousness over his conversation with Anthony slipped away easily in her presence.

“Penelope, your dress is lovely tonight. I wanted to tell you that before Cressida showed up.” Colin could not help it, even after being cautioned by Anthony of being improper with her, he inched closer to her and took her bare hand in his again.

“Thank you, Colin.” Penelope sighed. The warmth of his hand surrounding hers made her breathless again. It felt almost as if Colin did not realize what he was doing.

“May I ask, how it came to be this rather fetching shade of pink and not yellow?” Colin teased her again. His eyes sparkling at her. They now looked the exact opposite of when he arrived with their drinks.

“Well, I was allowed to choose the color for myself, rather than mamá.” Penelope admitted. Her cheeks brightened to a beautiful shade of pink.

“You did well, Pen. It looks exquisite against your sun-fire hair and makes your porcelain skin look like the finest silk…” Colin looked down at her feeling inebriated, his voice betraying his ardor. His stomach flipped when he noticed her licking her pink lips before she spoke his name on a melodic sigh, again.

“Colin…” Penelope couldn’t believe he had actually described her that way… passionately… his voice filled with longing.

Colin raised Penelope’s hand to his lips, just as the music started for the next dance. He kissed the back of her fingers of her bare hand and Penelope was startled at the softness of his lips on her. She did not know what to say… She could not form words. All the breath had left her.

“One more dance, Pen? Before the night is over.” Colin requested. His eyes never leaving hers and her hand securely grasped in his. He didn’t have an excuse for his continued behavior with her and he found he didn’t care to continue to contemplate.

“I’ve never danced this one… in public.” Penelope admitted. She was so unnerved by Colin’s continued attention she would have agreed to anything at that point.

Colin smiled down at her, playfully. “Do you trust me, Pen?”

“Of course, Colin.” She assured him again on a sigh. “But this one is… what if I miss a step?” She was doubting herself and her ability to actually move after Colin’s kiss on her fingers.

“Penelope Featherington, you are an amazing dancer. You will be fine. He pulled her closer to the dance floor, but waited for her acquiescence. Colin looked her over as if he couldn’t bear for her to refuse him. "Please do me the honor?”

“Yes, Colin.” She smiled brightly at him. Her smile more luminescent than the globes of artificial light, her eyes sparkled more than the fireworks display. She even rivaled the stars that night as he spun her around and around on the dance floor.

It was a beautiful night indeed.

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butterflybuckethat · 3 years

Text

Green Dress

Author's Note: Hello! This is my first time posting my writing but I thought it would be fun so lmk what you think :)

Summary: Anthony x Fem!reader; It has been a long time since you were back in the company of Bridgerton's, since before Edmund passed, but it's your first London season and your mother insists on your making the most advantageous match possible. You have your sights set on Prince Friedrich of Prussia; now, only if you could ignore the little flip in your stomach whenever the Viscount looks at you. (1.3k words)

"Get me out of this dress." You barked at the maid, frustrated with your lack of success at removing it yourself which just left you twisted and displaying much more cleavage than appropriate. She jumped into action, swiftly undoing buttons. "The prince's favorite color is green, not blue." you exasperated, "That horrid Cressida Cowper is spreading lies; not that I should be surprised."

Some minutes later, you emerged from your guest room in an emerald green dress, after thanking and apologizing to the maid for being short. It was not the first ball of the season but it was the most important because you were going to snag the Prince. You hurried down the stairs, able to see Eloise's look of impatience from miles away, and took Anthony's arm as he led you out to the carriage. "I rather liked the blue dress." You looked up at him, a little smile on his face but otherwise a largely indifferent expression. "Well, it was not for you." You couldn't resist being a little cheeky. He didn't always take it so well but you lived for the moments he huffed and puffed up his chest. Besides, it seemed to loosen him up a bit. You took his hand as he helped you into the carriage, sitting across from his mother. "Pity." He replied, looking so much the devil, and he turned his back to you as you stared, or rather gaped, until the carriage began to move.

Violet Bridgerton was rather happy to sit across from you on the way to the ball. She remembered when you were young and used to pick up your skirts and run over to Aubrey Hall just to tease and prod Anthony until he relented and allowed you to play with him and his brothers. Now you were grown up, all hair and cheekbones, and she was grateful because she hadn't seen her son exhale in what felt like decades, but a couple days with you and he seemed to be having fun again.

The ball was in full swing when you arrived, packed with people dressed in their best gowns and jewels waiting to catch a glimpse of the Prince. And there, in the middle of the action, was Cressida dressed in green and sporting a scowl the moment she saw you, similarly dressed in green. It wasn't much of a secret that you set your sights for marriage high. Your mama was famously ambitious and why wouldn't she be; you were a true diamond and more than happy to carry out her wishes. You grabbed Daphne's hand to take a turn about the room. She followed you but appeared distracted, probably searching for the Duke. You knew that something was going on but she liked to keep her cards rather close to the vest and you figured she would tell you when she was ready.

Anthony watched you giggle with his sister across the ballroom. His eyes followed you about the room, only half listening to what his brothers had to say. He said he preferred you in the blue but secretly thought you looked rather fetching in the green as well. It made your skin glow. "Anthony..." Benedict placed his hand on his shoulder. "Hm?" He was still distracted, unable to completely let go of you, but did take a swig of his brother's flask when Benedict offered. You looked so different than he remembered. Granted, the last time he saw you was when you were ten years old with dirty slippers and mud on your nose. But now...but now all he wanted to do was trail his fingers along your neck.

He was shocked out of his daydreams by a loud crash. A woman in purple swooned and took an indelicate fall to the floor. The Prince was here. Penelope made a particularly scathing comment causing Colin to giggle. But Anthony was following the Prince's gaze straight to you which etched what felt like a permanent scowl onto his face before crossing the ballroom.

After sneaking a glimpse at the Prince, and deciding he was rather nice looking with his blonde curls and doe eyes, you returned to your conversation with Eloise. He was looking at you, you were sure of it, and you expended a great deal of energy keeping the sly smile off your face. "He's coming!" Eloise whispered, tapping at your wrist. You were introduced to him and took a particularly deep curtsy. "It's an honor to meet you, your Majesty." you said soft enough so the Prince had to lean in a little to hear you. "The pleasure is all mine, I'm sure." he kissed your hand. Someone cleared their throat behind you, "I believe this is our dance, my lady." It was Anthony holding out his hand out to you. "Oh" was all you were able to say. "If you will excuse us." Anthony said to the Prince and dragged you to the dance floor. You were only able to shoot him an apologetic glance before Anthony placed a hand on the small of your back and the waltz commenced. "That was incredibly rude." you had half a mind to step on his foot, especially when he said nothing. "You know how important this is. How important this is to my mother." Your whispering was bordering on shrieking at this point, growing more and more frustrated. If Anthony wasn't holding your hand you would have jabbed your finger into his chest. "I am an only child and it is my duty to marry as well as I possibly can and I cannot have you distracting me-" Anthony looked at you then, his dark eyes on fire. Words caught in your throat and you became very aware of his arms around you and his palm burning into your back. You just stared into each other's eyes until the music stopped. "I am distracting?" He bowed and stepped away, leaving you, shocked, in the middle of the dance floor. If you could blush, you would surely be a deep red.

Anthony was taking heavy breaths. He could not hear anything but his heart pounding in his ears; he needed air. Anthony made a beeline for the double french doors that led out to the garden and undid the top of his collar. The night was cool and his breathing seemed to slow. His hands just stopped shaking when he was yanked under a stone archway. "What was that all about?" you said pushing him back against the wall. He let out a grunt. "I do not know-" "Stop." you looked wrecked but he imagined he did as well. You let out a laugh, "Why am I even here? I am sure Cressida is all over Prince Friedrich by now. And I followed you out into the garden." You froze, "I followed you out into the garden. I have to go back." You turned and repeated your last sentence. But Anthony grabbed your wrist and you looked back at him, finally taking in how defeated he appeared. "I am sorry." he said and you went back into the ballroom. It was too short of a time for anyone to suspect any impropriety, you assured yourself, and went back to stand next to Eloise. "What has happened?" She asked looking sincerely disconcerted, probably more because she truly did not know what was going on than how it looked. "I do not know." and you meant it.

You didn't see Anthony the rest of the night. Benedict said that he had left but you still searched around the room every once in and a while, searching him out. "Lady Y/LN, would you care to dance?" It was your second dance with the Prince. You heard one of the mamas say it was "truly a feat;" but back in the carriage, heading home as the sun peeked out over the horizon, all you could say when Violet Bridgerton asked you about the night was "I wish I wore blue."

Part II

#anthony bridgerton #anthony bridgerton x you #bridgerton #anthony bridgerton ff #anthony bridgerton x reader #bridgerton fanfiction #anthony bridgerton imagine #bridgerton imagine #anthony bridgerton fanfiction #green dress

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disasterofastory · 3 years

Text

Disaster of the season Part 2 (Colin B. x Reader)

Disaster of the season Part 2 /Final Colin Birdgerton x Reader Warnings: none

Four times when you embarrass yourself in front of the ton and one time when Colin decides you are the one for him.

III.

Despite your promise to not show yourself again in this season, you find yourself at a Ball in a new, pastel-colored dress. After your last disaster, your mother had to console your sorrow for days to make you leave the bed, and in the end, they had to call over Eloise to chase you out of your room.

The only reason you come is Prince Friedrich. Of course, not because you want something from the young Prince, but because if he is here, no one will talk about you.

People look at your way as you walk in beside your parents, but they don’t give you more attention.

“You see?” Your mother asks you with a victorious smile. “I told you.”

“Great, mother,” you sigh at her childish behavior but can’t help and smile at her.

“Go and have fun.”

You gulp at the thought. Oh, yeah. Fun. Because you've had so much fun in this season already.

You grab a glass of juice to busy yourself with something while you walk around the ballroom.

“Miss Y/L/N,” Colin says your name to grab your attention from your thoughts.

“Mr. Bridgerton,” you smile at the young man stopping in front of you.

“How are you?” He asks. “When I didn’t see you, I was worried you got sick.”

“I’m fine,” you reassure him. “I just needed a push to leave the house.”

“And the push was my sister, I assume?”

“Who else?”

“I’m glad she was successful. She is here somewhere with Penelope.”

“I will find them eventually,” you answer with a nod. You are sure you will hear the brown-haired girl's dissatisfaction soon enough.

“Would you like to join me for a walk until then?” Colin asks you, offering his arm.

“Thank you,” you smile at him gratefully, accepting his gesture.

The night goes uneventfully. You don’t fall out of the window or bleed out in front of everyone. It’s a success.

Until now.

You can see Cressida’s swoon from the front row. Everybody gasps worriedly around you as the young woman falls into the Prince’s arms. Soon you can hear Daphne’s voice behind you, then it happens. She giggles at the girl’s obviousness, and you can’t help but laugh too.

Loudly. Clearly.

You gasp at your own reaction, trying to hide your uncontrollable giggles, which burst out of you in waves. People start to glance at you, confused.

“Go out,” Daphne whispers to you, seeing your problem. She tries to suppress her own giggles with better success than you.

Colin grabs your arm gently, pulling you out of the crowd. Tears burn your eyes as you start to cry from laughter. You can feel Cressida’s burning glare at the nape of your neck when your eyes meet with the Prince’s before you get lost among the people with Colin on your heels.

The smaller room with huge paintings is empty and calm. The tons' chatting gets quiet as Colin shuts the door, and you let out the laugh you tried to hide from everybody.

He smiles at your uncontrollable cheerfulness, watching you laughing to your heart content.

“I can’t go anywhere with you,” he says jokingly when you start to calm down.

“I’m sorry,” you chuckle, pulling down your gloves to wipe off your tears and the ruined mascara.

“Wait, let me…” He steps in front of you without a second thought. His touch is warm on your heated skin as he makes sure you are presentable again.

He still has some boyish features despite his age.

“Thank you,” you smile at him, stepping back before somebody catches you.

“We should go back,” he says. “Go first, I’m sure Eloise has things to say.”

He looks after you as you smooth down your dress and adjust your hair. You still try to suppress your grin as you wave at him as a goodbye, disappearing behind the door. A small smile is constant on his face, looking around the empty room, watching but not really seeing the paintings on the dark painted walls.

A life with you would be adventurous and fun.

IV.

The weeks go by, and the ton slowly forgets your mistakes. Visitors come to your house with flowers and small presents to woo you with poetry and promises.

And you hate it.

Neither of them is the one you want. A few of them seem worthy and kind, while the others are just boring and too pompous. At the end of the day, your face hurts from the forced smiles, but your younger siblings enjoy immensely the chocolates and other sweets you get. Your father seems dissatisfied with your suitors, and he doesn’t waste time to let them know behind his usual polite demeanor.

“You will find the one, I’m sure of it,” he says to you comfortingly.

But that is the problem. You found him years ago.

With a sigh, you nod to reassure him, patting his hand on your knee.

Your jealousy for Daphne seems ridiculous now. Of course, for the ton, it's good that you have so many suitors, but for you, it just gets boring and tiring. The Bridgerton girl refused the Prince of Prussia to marry with the Duke while you sit in the drawing-room for days with men who don’t interest you in the slightest.

You get out of the carriage with your mother behind you in front of the Bridgertons’ imposing house. The wisterias bloom above the freshly cleaned windows, and bees buzz around from flowers to flowers as you walk to the entrance. The butler greets you with a polite smile and escorts you to the drawing-room where the Bridgerton women are already occupied with Lady Danbury.

They welcome you with joy as your mother joins them for a cup of tea while Eloise pulls you over to the loveseat to tell you everything about Lady Whistledown. The young girl seems enthusiastic and too obsessed with the mysterious woman. You smile and listen to her words with nods and hums as you steal a small piece of chocolate from the box on her lap.

"I still can't believe that you accused Mrs. Wilson,” you laugh, and Eloise hits your arm as an answer, but before she can continue with her theories, Colin and Anthony appear in the room with a respectful bow to their mother’s company and cheeky smiles to your way.

“Lady Whistledown?” Anthony asks with a tired sigh, sitting down on the sofa next to his sister.

“Who else?” Colin answers before you, sitting down next to you with a cookie in his mouth. His eyes shine as your gazes meet for a moment while Eloise begins her monologue about women and their derogatory role in society.

“But you will debut in the next season, won't you?” You ask her.

“If it’s up to me, then no,” she answers stubbornly.

“If it comforts you, I will be there too,” you sigh tiredly, leaning back on the backrest. You grab the pillow behind you to hug it on your lap.

“You don’t have suitors?” Colin asks, surprised, turning to you more in his seat.

“I have,” you reply. “They are just…” you grimace with a shrug instead of ending the sentence.

“They are not worthy enough?” Anthony asks, knowing the feeling. After Daphne, he knows the feeling well enough.

“You can say that,” you nod.

“I’m sure you will find somebody,” he reassures you with a gentle smile.

What you don’t see is the cheeky smile he sends to his little brother’s way. The boy’s face gets hot from his brother’s unwanted attention.

“Come on, my daughter,” your mother says out of the blue. “We still have to see the modiste.”

“Have fun,” Eloise says, and you hit her arm softly for her mockery.

What you don't notice is the little teacup between her fingers that falls out of her hand because of your playful slap. Eloise gasps, trying to grab the porcelain, but it's too late. The pleasantly warm tea pours onto your thigh, soaking your dress.

Colin looks at the ruined dress, then up to your mortified expression. His chest starts to hurt seeing your series of bad luck. You really need somebody who can protect you before a piano falls on you from nowhere.

“Poor girl,” Lady Danbury sighs, seeing the tea-stained dress. “It’s definitely not your season.”

The dress you choose for the ball is light-colored with darker lace decorations. The white gloves on your arms are long enough to reach your elbows, and your hair tied up in curly locks with a silky ribbon.

You suppress the disappointment because of the season and your misfortune with love so you can enjoy the last ball of the season. You didn’t see Daphne since the Cressida swooning fiasco, and you hope you can have a few words with her before they go back to Clyvedon.

The garden they decorated for the ball is elegant and flowery. Large chandeliers hang over the dancefloor, and the painting about the married couple attracts the eyes of the guests.

You stand at the edge of the black and white floor, watching the dancing couples. The music is loud but pleasant, and the chats around you mix with the songs. Your gaze wanders to Daphne, and despite that, she is beautiful as always something seems off with her. The young girl’s face is almost sad as she looks over at her husband.

“Miss Y/L/N,” Colin greets you with a small smile and a bow. “Can I have this dance?” He asks, offering his hand to you.

“It would be my pleasure,” you answer, accepting his proposal.

He leads you to the dancefloor when the orchestra starts to play a new song. His touch is warm on your waist, and his grip is gentle on your hand as you begin to move with him.

“How are you?” He asks you quietly.

“Well, I didn’t do anything horrible yet,” you reply and smile at him when he starts to laugh.

“Then I guess I have to look out for you,” he hums.

“I think I’m too helpless for that,” you sigh, playing with him.

The few minutes you spend in Colin’s arms are amazing. You even forget every disastrous thing that happened to you during the season. Of course, you didn’t find the love you wanted, but you still have time.

“Oh, god,” Colin says suddenly, looking up at the gloomy sky.

Raindrops fall on your shoulder, soaking your hair and dress. You follow the Bridgerton boy’s eyes up to the clouds until you feel him pull you out of the rain. You let him lead you, trying to step over a fresh puddle on the polished floor.

Without success.

The floor slips out under your legs, but your hands are still in Colin’s grip. A small shriek leaves your mouth as you fall on your knees, yanking the boy with you to the floor. He falls on his bottom with a grunt, and you can’t help yourself but laugh at his surprised face. He looks over at you, standing up in his wet clothes to help you up.

Your dress is darker than before, and your wet locks are stuck to your temple and neck.

“I can’t believe this,” he says when you are protected from the rain.

From the corner of your eyes, you can see Daphne laughing on the dance floor with Simon not far from her, but your focus is on the man in front of you.

“I’m so sorry,” you say to him. Your voice is joyful and remorseful at the same time.

Colin stares at you for what feels like long minutes. His face seems content and happy, and you can’t look away despite everyone else watches Daphne and Simon.

“Marry me,” he says after a while. He is so quiet you barely hear his words, and when you do, you can’t believe your ears.

“What?” You gasp.

“I want you to be my wife,” he says more loudly. “I can make you happy and… safe,” His last word is cheeky, but he is still serious as he searches your face for an answer. “I know you for years, and I know our life would be everything but boring and unhappy.”

He watches your soaked form, your smeared mascara, and your messy hair, and his chest tightens. Or just his feelings get bigger. He can’t decide. The only thing he knows is the desire in him to be with you all the time.

“So what do you say? Will you marry me?” He urges you for an answer breathlessly.

“Yes. A million times, yes.”

#colin bridgerton x reader #colin bridgerton imagine #bridgerton imagine #bridgerton x reader

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irishseeeker · 3 years

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row, row, row your boat with ferocious jealously

Kate Sharma is taking a boat ride with a man that isn’t him. Anthony Bridgerton decides he doesn’t quite like that.

---

Anthony Bridgerton was livid.

“Anthony.”

“Anthony?”

“What?” Anthony snapped, his tone harsher than intended as he snapped his head away from the source of his rage and back to look at his pestering brothers.

Benedict, frowning at his brother’s harsh tone, raised an eyebrow. “What on earth are you glaring at?”

Colin was smirking triumphantly over the glass in his hand, which made Anthony want to throttle him more. “I wonder what our dear brother could be glaring at. Or should I say-who.”

The widest lopsided grin spread out on Ben’s face.

Benedict, the traitor, quickly caught on as he followed Anthony and Colin’s eyeline to where Kate Sharma herself, dressed in a dark purple dress that made her brown skin glow and his legs weak, was talking to him. No-she was laughing with him. He couldn’t possibly be that funny.

Was it a pity laugh? Surely it was a pity laugh.

Anthony had never hated a man so much in his life as he hated William Trent. He was the second son of an Earl and Anthony had spoken to him a few times at Whites. Anthony didn’t know him well at all, he had been in Benedict’s year at Eton and Oxford and they had only met a handful of times.

Anthony still despised him.

Since when had he been courting Kate? Anthony couldn’t have possibly missed news that significant. He came from a family of gossips who would have said something, he attended most of the same balls as Kate did-he didn’t recall them dancing, much less speaking.

Kate’s ring of laughter rang through the air and it was like a knife to the chest, puncturing every bit of sense he had left in him. Anthony didn’t care much for sense at that moment.

All he knew was he wanted to be the one to make her laugh.

That fact itself rather terrified him.

“What do you think of Trent, Ben?” Colin’s teasing tone wasn’t lost on Anthony and he was this close to getting thrown into the river that was a few metres away from them.

“I rather like him. We went to Eton and Oxford together. Decent. Funny,” Benedict drawled, his lopsided grin close to falling off his face as it was stretched so widely. “Very popular with ladies, I believe.”

Anthony was clenching his jaw so hard, it began to ache. His grip was so tight on his wine glass, it was close to smashing in his hands. “I hope you two are enjoying yourselves.”

“Oh brother,” Colin said, patting his eldest brother on the shoulder with the same, teasing grin. “We truly are.”

This was ridiculous. He didn’t want to come today. The last place he wanted to be was at a full of young ladies on the marriage mart, their families and potential suitors. He had to come, as he is meant to be courting and finding a wife. He was also the head of his household. He was meant to be courting Edwina.

Edwina.

Anthony hadn’t thought about her since they had briefly greeted each other when they arrived. All he could think about, from the moment he saw Kate and her head full of bouncy, dark curls , was her. How much he wanted to wrap one of those curls around his fingers and pull her away, behind a tree and-

No.

He had to stop this. This endless torture of imagining things that would never be. He had already chosen a wife. Kate had dragged her sister off just as Anthony and his brothers greeted the Sharma women.

Kate had barely looked at him as she said those two words, “My lord,” that made the hairs on his arms stick up and an uncomfortable warm feeling spread through his stomach.

Those feelings only ever happened when she spoke to him.

He wanted her to whisper them in his ear while he had his way with her. He wanted her to whisper them in his ear in their bed. He wanted her to whisper them in his ear while she was sat on his lap, dancing in his arms, for the rest of their bloody lives-

“It looks like Miss Sharma is going for a boat ride down the river.”

Colin’s voice snapped Anthony out of his dangerous thoughts and the fury quickly spread through Anthony’s entire body as he watched Kate take that bastard’s hand and walk towards the boats that were lined up along the bank of the river.

Not on his bloody watch.

“What an excellent idea,” Anthony said, shoving his glass into his brother’s chest as he clapped his hands, looking around for Edwina. “I’ll go find Miss Sharma.”

“I believe Miss Edwina Sharma has already been escorted into a boat.” Benedict chimed in, gesturing towards a boat that was being rowed by a man Anthony couldn’t recognize.

Shit.

Anthony had to act fast. He had to ask a young lady quickly to take a boat ride with him so he could catch up with Kate. He would row the bloody English channel just to find out what they were speaking out and what was so bloody funny about Trent.

He scanned the crowd around them, most of the young ladies beaming at him but he struggled to put a name to most of their faces. He needed someone he could tolerate, that didn’t talk too much and someone that wouldn’t make him want to drown himself more than he already wanted to at the thought of Kate and that imbecile rowing along the river together.

He left his brothers, making his way through the crowds and spotting a few familiar faces. He nodded his head in greeting as people spoke to him, hastily turning around as he spotted Cressida Cowper and her mother making a beeline for him.

Colin had once compared them to the Queen’s yapping little dogs that never seemed to shut up and follow you everywhere and Anthony struggled to not laugh every time he had the displeasure of making their acquaintance.

There were many things Anthony would do to get closer to Kate Sharma and that man but trapping himself in a boat with Cressida Cowper would not be one of them.

He didn’t like bullies.

There, standing in a shockingly blinding bright yellow dress with embroidered sequins, was his saving grace.

Penelope Fetherington.

“Miss Fetherington,” Anthony said, slightly out of his breath as he approached her, bowing his head. “Would you do me the honour of accompanying me for a boat ride along the river?”

He felt slightly guilty, noticing she was alone and looking uncomfortable. Eloise was sick at home in bed, she had made her first season quite the strain on their family with her habit of complaining about everything and unwillingness to participate in anything.

“My Lord,” Penelope squealed, her round cheeks darkening as she bowed her head. “Oh! That is very kind of you. But-well, you don’t have to. I’m really okay. If your mother-”

“I want to,” Anthony said quickly, the guilt growing inside of him as she spoke. No one should have to feel as if they’ve only been asked because someone’s mother forced them to. Even if his intentions weren’t honourable, he’d try harder to make sure she didn’t feel like that. “Do I seem to you like a man who does what he doesn’t want to do?”

Penelope’s anxious expression faded slowly into a relaxed one, a small smile appearing on her face. “I would love to, my lord.”

“I will admit, Miss Fetherington,” Anthony spoke quietly to her, offering her his arm as they made their way to the river bank. Anthony pushed people out of the way until they were right behind Kate and William. “I do enjoy boat rides. However, I needed to escape the preying mothers and their daughters on the bank. My mother would have pushed me onto a boat if I didn’t pick a suitable young lady and I couldn’t have picked better company.

Penelope’s giggle, which was louder than expected, caught the attention of Kate, Trent, Cressida Cowper, another gentlemen Anthony hadn’t met and of course-Colin.

Colin, who had wormed his way into a conversation with Kate and Trent and grinning mischievously at his brother as he did so. Benedict had been wise enough to stay away.

“Viscount Bridgerton.” Trent said quickly, smiling and bowing his head as he addressed him. Anthony’s bow was stiff in return.

“Good afternoon,” Anthony said stiffly, feigning slight confusion and real distaste as he stared at him. He wasn’t very impressive up close. His jacket looked cheap and his hat was slightly wonky. Anthony surely didn't have anything to worry about. This man didn’t look funny. “Have we met?”

It was rude, but Anthony couldn’t find it in himself to care.

He chose to ignore Colin’s loud snort from beside him as well.

“William Trent, my Lord.” He said, blushing slightly as he shook Anthony’s hand while he pushed his shoulders back and stood up straighter. He looked scared. Anthony knew instantly he wasn’t a good fit for Kate. She would walk all over him. Anthony relished in how intimidating he could be sometimes. “May I introduce-“

Anthony could feel his blood boiling. How dare he. The hand that was free from Penelope’s arm curled into a fist, he knew the expression on his face was thunderous. No one had to introduce Kate to him. No one. If anything, he should be the one introducing Kate to people. That should be his job. Except it wasn’t and it could never be. “There is no introduction necessary. Good Afternoon, Miss Sharma.”

“Lord Bridgerton.” She said plainly, frowning slightly at him. Her voice and frown, and those two words once again, having an exhilarating effect on him like nothing else has before.

Anthony’s manners quickly made themselves known as he turned to Penelope. “May I introduce Penelope Fetherington?”

“Sir,” Penelope said kindly, bowing her head. “Kate.” Her smile was much wider as she greeted her. Kate’s smile and something inside of his stomach twisted.

“Lord Bridgerton,” A voice from beside them piped up, belonging to, unfortunately, Cressida Cowper. “I would be happy to accompany you on the river. Sir Byrne will take Penelope off your hands-”

“I don’t believe I asked you, Miss Cowper,” Anthony said sharply, turning to glare at the intruder who had wiped the smile Anthony had been staring at right off Kate’s face. “I believe I asked Miss Fetherington.”

That shut her right up. Anthony didn’t like to think too badly of ladies of the ton but Cressida Cowper was truly unpleasant. That was the nicest word he could think of that wasn’t severely inappropriate.

“But, Miss Cowper,” Anthony said, his revenge so sweet he couldn’t help the smile breaking out on his face. “My brother Colin would be happy to accompany you.”

The colour drained right out of Colin’s face.

Anthony couldn’t help but glance at Kate, who caught his eye before looking down at the ground, desperately fighting off a smile.

Anthony clapped his brother’s shoulder as they moved towards the bank of the river where footmen had set up the boats for the passengers. He moved quickly to make sure they got the boat right beside and behind Kate and Trent. Kate and Trent were saying something quietly but Anthony could see the smile on her face and it infuriated him more.

It wasn’t that he didn’t expect Kate to have suitors. How could she not? She may be different to some ladies of the ton but everything different about her made her stand out from the rest. Not to mention, she was absolutely beautiful. He couldn’t stand in a room with her lately without glancing at her every ten seconds.

Any man would be a fool not to want her. Of course she was going to be courted.

He just wished she wasn’t.

He had no right to, he shouldn’t, but he did anyway.

Trent, the incompetent idiot, was caught in a conversation with a man on the bank. Kate, of course, took it upon herself to get herself into the boat.

“Be careful.” Anthony said, jumping at the opportunity to offer her his hand after he helped Penelope into their boat. Kate stared at his hand for a moment, before, begrudgingly, accepting it and stepping into the boat.

“Thank you.” She said stiffly, avoiding eye-contact as she settled into the boat. The moment their hands touched, her touch erupted a sensation that traveled from the top of his fingers, all the way up his arm and into his chest. This was seriously getting out of hand. Anthony needed to get himself together.

“Enjoy your boat ride,” He said quietly, noticing out of the corner of his eye Trent was finishing up his conversation. “Kate.” Anthony made his way back to his boat, smiling briefly at Penelope as they waited for Trent to begin rowing so Anthony could quickly follow.

Once they started moving, Anthony had a small swearing fit under his breath but the chances of Penelope hearing his language was quite high. Another boat had pulled out in front of them and separated them from Kate and Trent. Anthony was manically rowing to try to catch up with them up the river and his arms were beginning to ache.

Penelope spoke up. “I was sorry to hear about Eloise. I hope she is feeling better soon.”

Anthony didn’t miss the sly smile on Penelope’s face, which momentarily distracted him from glaring over at Kate and Trent’s boat. “I would be willing to bet the deed to Bridgerton House that Eloise has made a miraculous recovery by this evening.”

Penelope laughed. Anthony couldn’t help but join in.

“I apologize,” Anthony said, both of them sharing a smile that his apology wasn’t sincere at all. They both knew Eloise quite well. “Betting is not an appropriate topic to discuss with a young lady.”

“Please do not apologize, my lord.” Penelope said, smoothing out the bright yellow skirt of her dress and fidgeting with a few beads.

“We have known each other for a long time, Penelope. Please, call me Anthony.”

“Okay, Anthony,” Penelope said slowly, testing out the name before smiling shyly. “I will not say anything. What happens on this boat, stays on this boat.”

Anthony quirked an eyebrow at her before returning back to glaring at Kate’s boat. He couldn’t help that his attention drifted there. He didn’t mean to be rude but he was just dying to know what they were talking about. He could see Trent rowing, and Kate laughing, and he couldn’t help the ache in his chest that he wished it was him.

“I do hope Miss Sharma is okay.”

Anthony looked back at Penelope, his arms slowing down slightly as they were really beginning to ache. He didn’t want to seem too obvious in his endeavours to get closer to Kate but he would be willing to capsize the boat between them to get closer to her. “I believe I saw Miss Sharma get on a boat earlier, with a gentleman I didn’t see. Is there a reason she wouldn’t be alright?”

Surely Kate wouldn’t have got on a boat if Edwina was ill or in some sort of trouble. Kate was always by her sister’s side, looking out for her. It was one of her traits Anthony admired the most.

“I didn’t mean Edwina.”

They briefly stared at each other in silence, an awful sinking feeling in Anthony’s stomach settling in as if he had been caught in the middle of an act. Subtly had never been his greatest form. If Penelope knew what Anthony was thinking, who was he thinking about, what he was trying to do-well, he was screwed.

“I was speaking with Kate earlier and well, she is not too fond of boats,” Penelope said, glancing upwards as they rowed under an oak tree. “I’ve always enjoyed the water. Kate, however, doesn’t. The movement makes her feel quite sick. I believe she tried to avoid a boat trip but Mr. Trent was quite persistent.”

It was as if the clouds had cleared and the storm inside of him had faded away, making way for the sun to shine brightly through.

Anthony tried very hard to smile. He focused on pulling each oar back and forth to hide his smile but he wasn’t having much luck. Kate was with him out of pity. Kate hated boat rides and she was probably miserable a few metres ahead of them, desperately wishing to be anywhere but on a boat with Trent.

A man who had to beg a lady to do something she didn’t want to do wasn’t the right man for her.

He wasn’t the right man for Kate.

“I hope the experience isn’t too unpleasant for her.” He said idly, desperate to keep up some sort of calm, cool and collected façade that he wasn’t thrilled to hear the news. The boat ride was actually quite pleasant, they chatted away while Anthony picked up the pace to make sure they were behind Kate and Trent as they pulled back into the bank of the river.

Anthony stood up and helped Penelope out of the boat herself, waving off the footman and smiling as she bowed. “Thank you so much for a lovely afternoon, my lord.”

“Anthony.”

“Anthony.” Penelope blushed slightly, her eyes catching something behind him. Anthony turned around to see a rather flustered Colin, desperately rowing and splashing to make his way to the back with a very displeased Cressida Cowper. Penelope bowed her head again before turning around and walking back towards her family’s tent, to her very pleased looking mother who was pretending she hadn’t been watching them the entire time.

“That was nice of you. To ask Penelope.” The voice next to him, one he could recognize in a crowd full of people, caught him by surprise as he turned around to see Kate Sharma beside him. She wasn’t glaring at him like she usually was, which was an excellent start.

“I like Penelope. I know this may come as a shock to you, Miss Sharma,” He said teasingly, the smirk on his lips the most genuine and amused all day. “On the rare occasion, I can be nice.”

To Anthony’s surprise, Kate laughed. The low, joyful laugh was like Christmas to him, flooding his veins with dopamine like no other. He never wanted to stop hearing it.

Anthony made her laugh.

It was the best feeling in the world.

He was secretly thrilled she approved of him inviting Penelope. He didn’t know why, but he had found himself lately needing her approval. He was desperate for it.

Kate’s eyes darted around them before landing back on him, quickly bowing her head. “Well, I will see you at your ball tomorrow evening.”

He bowed back, a small smile playing on his lips. “You will, Kate.”

“Well,” She said, gulping slightly as she fidgeted. She appeared flustered, her neck and cheeks reddening slightly. Anthony desperately wanting to kiss it away. “Good day Lord Bridgerton.”

“Anthony.” He quickly corrected her.

Kate wasn’t buying it. “My Lord.”

“Good day, Kate.”

He watched her nod her head before turning around, making her way back up the slight hill of the bank. He watched her fierce, bouncing girls fly in the wind until she disappeared into the crowd.

It was a good day, indeed.

#did I see those pap pics and write a fic based on them? yes #yes I did #bridgerton #kate x anthony #kate sharma #anthony bridgerton #canon #one shot #fanfiction #kate sheffield

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alaffy · 2 years

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Bridgerton, Ep. 2x04 – Victory (Spoilers)

Halfway through the season and, uh, nope still don’t like Anthony.

I do wonder when they’re going to bring the three youngest Bridgerton’s more to the forefront. I know that we still have three Bridgerton sibling’s stories to get through; but I think it would have sort of been one out, one in. Like, we started with the five oldest siblings. Then, Daphne had her romance and has moved away (ie, she’s not in every episode), so you’d think we’d be seeing more of Francesca? In fact, where is Francesca? (After some fact checking, it looks like Francesca was to have a larger role, but the actress who played her couldn’t be in more then three episodes and now it looks like she may have left the part? Huh).

Anyway, this is the episode we knew would happen. Now, that they have had “the moment” Kate and Anthony are having trouble hiding their attraction to one another. Of course, they aren’t able to stay away from each other as Edwina believes that Anthony hasn’t proposed because of Kate’s behavior and wants Kate to play nice. So, we have an episode of smoldering looks and near misses. Though we do have one nice moment as Anthony does tell Kate about how his father passed and it makes Kate realize why Anthony was so panicked when she was stung.

Meanwhile, Colin has found out that Marina lives nearby and pays her a visit. I don’t know how I feel about these scenes. Part of me felt like, seeing Colin, made Marina have to think about how her life didn’t go as planned and so she took it out on him. The other half feels like she was cruel to be kind. She realized that he was still infatuated with her and so, in order to make him move on with his life, she called him a child, but also pointed out that people love him. Penelope, for instance.

Portia is able to able to get rid of Cressida. Well, actually Portia contrives a way for her middle daughter and Lord Featherington to be alone together and then catch them in the act with a bunch of people. Because of this, Lord Featherington has to propose to Portia’s daughter. Portia thinks she’s won, until she learns the truth. Lord Featherington is dirt poor and was only interested in Cressida because of her money. Now, it seems like all of them will be in the poor house.

I feel sorry for Eloise, as she’s being pushed into something she is not ready for or does not want.

Of course, we have the big moment where Edwina wants Kate to dance with Anthony so that Anthony can get Kate’s permission to marry Edwina. Yeah. Of course, the two dance and Lady Danbury and Daphne can both tell there’s something between the two. Kate does start the conversation, but then lets it slip that she will return to India after her sister is married. This causes Anthony to flee the room.

Kate chases after him and they have an argument. And I just….what is going through Anthony’s mind here? What does he think will happen once he’s married Edwina? Of course, the two of get closer as they argue and Anthony asks Kate to give him a reason to change his mind and…in bursts Daphne. Kate leaves the room and Anthony goes to find Daphne, who might be actively trying to get drunk.

This leads to Anthony and Daphne arguing and Daphne finally telling her older brother that what he’s feeling for Kate is love (…sure). Anthony realizes then what he must do. Daphne seems pleased. Daphne really should have locked him in a room until Anthony told her what he meant by that.

Meanwhile, Lady Danbury has a talk with Kate. She tells Kate that Kate needs to be honest about everything. Kate needs to tell Edwina about the deal her grandparents made and she needs to be honest about how she feels towards Anthony.

You can guess what happen next. The next day, just before Kate is about to tell Edwina everything, Anthony comes out of the home and, like the dumbass that he is, proposes to Edwina.

I know where this story will go, but are we sure Kate can’t do better?

#bridgerton #bridgerton spoilers #anthony bridgerton #kate sharma #edwina sharma #daphne basset #penelope featherington #lady danbury #eloise bridgerton #violet bridgerton #colin bridgerton #benedict bridgerton

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yetanotheremptypage · 3 years

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Hi I always love your 100 ways to say I love you fiction. Can I request a high school "it looks good on you" prompt for Kathony?

Hi nonny! Yes, you may. I had to fiddle with ages here, and made them American since that's the school system I'm familiar with, but basically Anthony's a senior (18), Kate and Benedict are juniors (17/16, respectively), and Colin and Edwina are freshmen (14/15, respectively). Also Penelope isn’t Lady Whistledown because in this world she’d be, like, 10.

no escaping your love #12: winter formal (a high school au) (Read 1-11 here.)

#32. It looks good on you.

Kate pulled down the hem of her dress, again. It wasn’t even that short, really, but the last thing she needed tonight was to get dress coded. As if she needed more reasons for Cressida Cowper to laugh at her.

Her and Edwina’s start at Mayfair Academy had been fine, mostly. It was painfully obvious they were on scholarship, what with Kate’s hand-me-down 2010 Nissan a stark contrast to the much fancier, newer models most of their classmates showed up in. The Sheffield-Sharmas’ clothes were from Target and Old Navy instead of Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, though that hadn’t slowed down Edwina’s popularity or praises of beauty. Edwina had been asked by four boys to homecoming during the freshman frenzy, but they were all too late: Anthony fucking Bridgerton got to her first.

Kate hated Anthony practically on sight. They were in the same English seminar and AP Gov and, as the two most opinionated people in both classes, had quickly become enemies. Kate had also rather liberally stalked the Lady Whistledown Instagram, which spread gossip and rumors around the school like lightning, before starting and she’d gathered that Anthony was quite the heartbreaker. He was captain of the golf team, student body treasurer, on the honor roll, and attractive to boot. His family were well-known property developers and he was already being groomed to take over the company. It was almost guaranteed he would attend one of the Ivies next year.

When she’d befriended Benedict, Anthony’s younger brother, in her art class, she’d accepted the fact that she would have to see more of Anthony than she would like.

But then he’d had the gall to ask her sister, her fifteen year old sister, to homecoming, and she’d seen red. No eighteen year old should be sniffing around a fifteen year old, but Anthony fucking Bridgerton certainly shouldn’t be sniffing around her baby sister.

He’d tried to get on Kate’s good side, too, asking her to dance with him. She’d laughed in his face, but Edwina, the traitor, pushed her to accept. They’d argued, naturally, and she’d landed a good step on his toes. His thing with Edwina had fizzled out rather quickly from there, with him going back to his ex, Siena, but Kate still absolutely despised the fact that her sister’s first date had been with Anthony, of all people. What did he know about treating a girl well?

(He had, though, brought Kate a corsage as well, since she was attending less as a fellow student, dateless, but more as a chaperone for the two of them. No one had ever given her flowers before.)

(And, when Cressida had been mocking a girl in the cafeteria, he’d swept in and gotten Cressida to back off.)

(And, when he’d found Kate under a table in the back of the library just yesterday having a panic attack about her French test, he’d sat under the table with her and helped bring her back down.)

But, as her eyes scanned the room, she certainly wasn’t looking for him. And her heart certainly didn’t speed up when she caught him under the snowflakes at the punch table, speaking to Charlotte Hanover and Simon Bassett, the student council president and vice president, respectively.

And she certainly didn’t lose her breath when he looked up and made eye contact with her from all the way across the room.

She watched him say goodbye to Charlotte and Simon and cross the room to her. He wore a navy suit and a silver tie, looking absolutely take-your-breath-away handsome. She pulled on the hem of her purple dress again, half hoping he would walk right past her and half hoping he wouldn’t.

The latter, more traitorous part of her won, though, as he came to a stop in front of her, smiling in a way that made her feel all warm inside.

“Hi,” he said.

“Hi.” She moved her hands up her dress so that she could wipe them on the skirt. When had they gotten so clammy?

“Your dress is lovely.” She froze, hands in awkward fists at her sides.

“Thank you.” That was what politeness dictated, right? He compliments her, she thanks him, she compliments him back. “I like your suit, too. I’m of the firm opinion white men need to stop wearing black ones all the time.” He laughed, fiddling with the knot of his tie.

“It was my dad’s,” he replied softly, and Kate’s breath hitched involuntarily. That was another thing she’d learned about Anthony Bridgerton via Lady Whistledown: his father had died when he was fifteen. Anaphylactic shock. As the eldest of eight, he’d taken on a huge amount of responsibility. It was, the account speculated, why he only played golf, why he wasn’t president himself, et cetera, et cetera. He was a family man at heart, even though he was barely a man himself just yet.

“It looks good on you,” she said, and his smile turned hesitant.

“So does yours. The dress, I mean. You— you look beautiful.”

“A good dress is all it takes,” she said with a wave of her hand, but he shook his head.

“It’s not just the dress. It’s you.”

Suddenly neither of them could look at the other anymore. She spied Benedict and the third Bridgerton brother, Colin, across the room and waved to them, even as Colin waggled his finger between her and Anthony and made a disgusting thrusting move with his hips. She rolled her eyes and turned back to Anthony, who hadn’t moved.

“Do you want to dance?” he blurted. She raised her eyebrows at him.

“Won’t Siena be jealous that her date is dancing with someone else?”

“She’s not— We broke up. For good.” He didn’t seem upset or embarrassed about it at all. “She and I aren’t good for each other.”

We could be a voice in her mind whispered, emboldened by the fact that Anthony offered her his hand. And even though her own hand was clammy and shaky, she took his, and it felt like sparks shot up her arm.

They danced the rest of the night, and Kate had the oddest feeling that she’d never dance with anyone but him (and maybe his brothers) ever again.

#thanks for the request!#kanthony #kate x anthony #bridgerton #no escaping your love #my fics #my ships

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jake-amy · 3 years

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Last and the end :))

yay! also from my 3+1 fic –

LAST -

“Colin,” his mother put her arms around his shoulders in a side hug. “I’ve scarcely seen you on the dance floor this evening.”

Colin had an excuse readied in his pocket. “That’s not true. Miss Featherington and I danced earlier this evening. Isn’t that right?”

Penelope looked over at him, the faintest blush shading her face. She then looked at Violet, who smiled back at her delightedly.

THE END -

Colin had to hold himself back from telling her off right there in the middle of the ball. He could have his moment now, but Penelope wasn’t here, and Pen deserved it far more than he did. Besides, he had devised a plan, and if he clued Cressida in to any of it now, she would certainly scheme to try to get in their way.

“Lady Twombley,” he said without a hint of a smile. He felt no need to even pretend to be affable. “I’m afraid I cannot escort you to the dance floor this evening. Or really, any other evening, for that matter.”

Cressida did not look all that surprised by his demeanor, but she did look around with some embarrassment as he denied her a dance.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going to go find my wife. I believe another song is about to begin,” he said, though there was no music playing, “and a lady as beautiful and brilliant as her doesn’t deserve to wait on the sidelines.”

He moved past Cressida, though not before catching her scowl. He reveled in it for a moment as he made his way through the guests milling about.

Ten steps further, and he spotted his mother, Hyacinth, and Penelope by a window. Hyacinth virtually hollered him over.

He bounded over, ready to drag Penelope away, kiss her senseless, execute his plan, and then get the hell out of there with her for the rest of the evening.

#thatssofiya #i'm sorry this took so long! but also thank you v much for doing 'last'! i hadn't gotten around to figuring out where to end this til now #🥰😙❤️#bridgerton for ts #bridgerton fic #ask

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blonde-toddy · 3 years

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Random and Not So Random thoughts while watching Bridgerton: Season 1, Episode 4

Oh they're at court.

Also she's not a commoner. She's the daughter of a Viscount.

Another Daphne brag moment, but homegirl really got the juice. She's bagging mfs over hand holding and dancing.

Violet dgaf. She's hungry now, damn it!

Oh he's buying jewelry already.

Ooooooh the way she imagines the Duke behind her. Honey yes. That scene was hot.

Too bad she came back to reality.

Hyacinth is my spirit animal.

Lady Whistledown ain't ready to write Simon off yet. She's waiting on the Dukes Hail Mary.

Shit. So am I.

I have never seen someone look so depressed in such an exquisite piece of jewelry. It's like the necklace chokes her. Testament to the acting and script for that though. It truly represents a trap.

Awww Simon is wearing that heavy bag out. I would say poor Simon, but he made this damn bed.

I love Alice and Will. They are the kind of wholesome love I need to keep my heart steady watching this damn show. She's his rider and I love it.

Alice roasting Simon over Daphne. Get. Yo. Girl. Mane.

I always cringe when a man tells a woman to smile.

Poor Marina. Portia is determined to find her the oldest mf. She's playing smart though.

Those damn dingbat sisters.

Maybe Penelope does care.

Well at least the least mean sister got a caller. They're awkward/cute.

Eloise girl, I love feathers in hair. Your one dimensional preaching is wearing me out again.

A boxing match date? I'd be down.

The prince legit seems like a nice guy. And Daphne is trying....but she's CLEARLY hung up on Simon.

Oh look Simon's losing focus on his friend because he's too focused on Daphne and the prince.

Ok mf! Take that shit off and roll them sleeves up. It turns me on too sis!

Oh look at the sweet family talk with the prince. Girl he'd give you any and everything you wanted.

But you and the Duke are just ATE TF UP about each other!

Mondrich for the win!!!!

Oh Benny. You've got a new friend. But what kind of friend? Give me more of this.

Well Anthony is smug and pleased as punch. Simons courtship of Daphne has ended. She has her perfect suitor. And Simon is leaving England to go rake and fuckboy about.

Though Simons hard slammed shot when the prince approached says he's anything but happy.

Violet always worries about the wrong shit.

Hyacinth always wants to know the good shit.

Be Hyacinth.

Oh fuck the prince is ready to propose. That shit escalated quickly.

SIMON!!!!!! Now would be a good time for that Hail Mary.

Good job Anthony. Way to realize that the women in your life have agency over THEMSELVES.

Violet always beating around the damn bush.....but she is still 100% #teamduke

Aw Daphne you're gonna break down snitching on yourself.

If it wasn't real with Simon you wouldn't be so ate up about it, and you would be rocking tf out of that necklace from the prince instead of crying.

There's a reason for the black in her outfit. For Daphne, who is normally all pastel blues, that black is her mourning. It's her 'attempting' to put to death her feelings for the Duke. And also I think mourning the loss if the bond they shared. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. But this seems like a very deliberate show with it's details.

Danbury ripping Simon open before she sends him off. Big energy.

She knows everything you thick headed mf. Why won't you just listen?! You letting your rank ass daddy live rent free in your soul.

He's so jaded it hurts.

Ayyyye this Trowbridge party looks like the real deal.

Oh gawd. Marina and the old man.

Mr. Finch and the cheese frock. Jesus who wrote this. I love it

Cressida you have been Daphnes biggest hater all season and now you're mad that she's with the prince. He was never gonna marry yo basket headed ass anyway.

Oooooh shit Simon sees the 'intimate painting' and has 2nd thoughts.

Go. Get. Yo. Girl.......Bitch.

Ooooh Benny's at the new homies spot and it's lit!

Naked models, easels, mingling between the classes. Yes indeed.

2nd sons having fun. Hell yes.

Damn Even Sienna at the ball...as a performer of course.

And Anthony looking tongue tied.

Violet....you need to chill. There take another sip.

Portia trying to shade Lady Trowbridges style is comical. Both of y'all bitches gaudy as hell.

Oh shit Phillipa lost her man.

Wtf is wrong with Lord Featherington?

And wtf are you doing Eloise?

Ayyye she just let her have it. You think servants have the time to be Lady Whistledown? I'm dead.

"Get out."

Ok Penelope with your saucy ass.

Well fuck! You just pushed him right to Marina. You played yourself boo.

Oooh the prince is about to shoot the big shot and Daphne keeps running away.

She done spotted Simon. Its over.

Fuck off Cressida.

Rip that mf necklace off girl.

Simon followed her ass outside.

"Miss Bridgerton." Motherfucker, call her Daphne.

"I came to say goodbye." Man. Go to hell.

Daphne serving those barbs. You not ready to keep playing with her.

Damn, Simon. If you're not gonna give her what she wants, get out the way.

Tell his ass sis.....even if you don't believe it yourself.

Really Simon? You stand there quiet as a mf church mouse whiles she's pleading with you to say something.....then you take off after her once she walks away from your shit

I swear.....men.....yall mfs really do shit like this. Speak up! Or...LET. ME. GO.

She's really cracking on his ass and I'm here for it....but wtf us up with his "I forbid you." Who tf are you to me? I'm glad she ain't playing with his ass.

Ooooh he called her Daphne and grabbed her.

Oh honey this is what fulfillment feels like, isn't it?

He's definitely fulFILLing her all the way up!

Oh shit Anthony caught them.

At least he finally landed some decent blows on Simon.

This RAKE ass mf still won't marry her.

Oh Simon.....for once.....Anthony is in the right and you the wrong. You are really about to die over your fucking daddy issues. Boy bye. Again.

Poor Daphne.

Wait, how did Cressida know she was in the garden?

That can't be good.

At least Benny is having a good time.

Dearest Portia, when you go looking for shit, it usually falls in your lap.

Marina keeps carrying on about Colin and Penelope is crushed.....or scheming....or both.

Aww Penelope let her hurt feelings cause a fight with her bestie. Her jealousy is seething.

Daphne still out here having to educate Anthony....though I get the need for the duel. And he still thinks he's running something.

Ooooh this is why they brought up 2nd sons.....Anthony is prepping Benny to take over. Well Benny, at least you had one good night out.

Colin caring for drunk Violet is parenting goals one day.

Oh great, now yall wanna bring Colin into the shit.

Simon raiding Wills spot for booze was so uneccesarily loud.

So Berbrooke alludes to her dishonor and Simon caves his fucking head in. Simon legit dishonors her and he's just like ,"Kay, guess I'll go get shot now." Someone get this man some therapy.

Oh great Anthony is back at Siennas door with more of his bullshit. Girl. Close that door.

No, not after you've let him in and climbed his torso. I guess y'all fuckin again.

He lost all the money and now he's fucked up.

Her face while he cried, is literally the face of every woman sick of a mediocre man's shit.

Oooh now they're all riding off into battle like the fucking idiots they are.

Colin is so pure.

I knew that Cressida shit would come back.

Well at least Anthony was willing to care for Sienna in his death....but damn mf, treat me right while WE'RE here.

Oh the dramatics of drawing a gun.

Nobody is here for Simon's weak ass apologies and I'm okay with that.

Hurry hurry Daphne.

Daphne down....but she's alright.

Call them idiots just like they are.

Simon still being a hoe about this shit. You really about let her be ostracized because you're a fuck boy.

Ultimate fuck boy line...I can't be with you because I love you too much. Fucking hell.

They do obviously love each other though.

Hold up.......you CAN NEVER, or WILL NEVER give her children. Don't play this like you have a reproductive issue.

So your reason for not marrying her is that you "can never" give her children and you know that's what her heart desires.

You playing with fire, Simon.

I wonder how much shit I let slide with his character just because he's portrayed so well by the phenomenal Regé-Jean Page.

No, I do love Simon's damaged ass. He just makes me so mad.

So the duel resumes......or not.

Daphne said, "Fuck them kids, give me my husband." Or something like that.

Well. This us an uncomfortable arrangement even though both of these idiots are in love.

Simon's evasion will most certainly come back to bite him in the ass.

But I'll be here with my popcorn and tissue, rooting for these cool kids to make it!

#bridgerton #bridgerton reaction #bridgerton season 1 #simon x daphne #daphne x simon #lady danbury #the duke of hastings #daphne bridgerton #anthony bridgerton #benedict bridgerton #colin bridgerton #eloise bridgerton #penelope featherington #marina thompson #portia featherington #will mondrich #violet bridgerton #hyacinth bridgerton

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