#Kathani Sharma imagine

[hiatuswhore]

𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝑀𝑜𝓊𝓉𝒽𝓎 𝒪𝓃𝑒 𝒱 — 𝐵𝓇𝒾𝒹𝑔𝑒𝓇𝓉𝑜𝓃

♕ A/N: Yeah so this hiatus has been so criminal. Honestly my “writers block” has just been insecurity. I’ve gotten into this bad habit of comparing my writing styles to others and that is such a viscous and toxic self attack. Long story short, I’m a little dummy who needs to remember why I got into fanfic writing in the first place, to have fun. If you feel like it. Please please please send feedback. There’s one final part left. Maybe some bonus chapters with the new season.

♕ SUMMARY: Oh, the most scandalous season of the year has come to pass. After quite the successful year for the Bridgerton’s the eldest son plans to throw his hat in the ring. Concurrently the Sharma sisters do just the same. One a spinster, the other hopeful romantic, and the middle daughter? What can be said about such a force that is not said when she enters the room. Good luck to all who pursue her.

♕ WORD COUNT: 4.7K

♕ WARNINGS: None

previous — Masterlist — next

BLINK. SMILE. NOD. You remind yourself every few seconds. Edwina leads the conversation with a jubilant smile.

Meanwhile, you tally each time Kate’s gaze meets your own as she watches you walk a tightrope, waiting for an inevitable fall. You sit out of place, Kate on your right and your mother on your left. Both rubbing the mustard yellow onto Edwina’s arms, your nose scrunching at the pungent wafts of Haldi. Each time Edwina’s gaze meets your own, you smile. You tilt your head, doing what you do best, offering your unwavering support—no matter how much your chest knots.

“Didi, are you okay? You are so quiet,” Edwina says, leaning forward to capture your gaze. You smile, lying through your teeth, “You are to be wed soon. I shall miss you, is all Bon.”

“You must calm yourself, Bon. Keep still,” Kate smiles down at a jittery Edwina. Her joy practically spills out, her every move indicating pure excitement.

”It is all so strange. I have faced a thousand tomorrows, but they all have been leading to this one,” You pause. Tomorrow. Every laugh, jest, slight—all of it leading to tomorrow. The day you make a fool of yourself—the mark of your first-ever regret. Though your mother speaks, the words do not reach you. The sinking in your chest renders you silent, almost queasy.

”Oh, it has...caused you doubts?” Kate’s cautious tone has your ears perking up, and your absent gaze finds Edwina. Your mother nudges you with a gentle smile, a reminder of her presence.

”Bringing the wedding forward is a sign of genuine feeling, but...well,” Edwina pauses, a sigh leaving her lips as she finds her words. Your heart was banging against your ribcage as Edwina glanced at you. “It has unnerved me. Didi, perhaps you should truly consider Lord Beauregard’s proposal. He’s a wonderful companion to you, and he seems to care. That way, we can navigate all this together.”

”I don’t know, Bon. It’s a lot to consider,” You tilt your head, a tight-lipped smile across your lips, "but right now is not about me or Lord Beauregard. It’s about you and the Viscount.”

“Your sister is right. Rest assured, Edwina, the Viscount adores you. He has devotedly courted you and made his intentions clear from our first arrival. Even going out of his way to procure (Y/n)’s and Kate’s approval. There is no lady better suited for the Viscount,” Your mother’s adoration beams on her prized child, your expression faltering nearly imperceptibly.

“I just—I still wish that when he looks at me, I could be certain that he truly loves me. Like—like—“ Edwina looks around as though the words sit in the room with all of you. Then her gaze finds yours again, “Like how Lord Beauregard looks at (Y/n). His fondness for

her is so evident, written right on his face. I fear, in fact, that the Viscount does not look at me often enough to even tell.”

Your mother and Kate glance at each other with a collective sigh. You lower your gaze, fiddling with the top lace of your peach gown and swallowing the sizzling golf ball in your throat. Kate speaks softly, this time avoiding your direction entirely, “Looks can be powerful, Bon, but also fleeting. Displays of mere passion, perhaps. Nothing more.”

”So the Viscount feels little passion for me?” Edwina exclaims, amusement dancing in her gaze as your mother chuckles. You force a chuckle from your lips, quiet and timid, the antithesis of your very being.

Clearing your throat, forcing a smile to the surface, you grin, “What Kate is failing at saying is that true love is different. It’s complicated and unpredictable. That’s the fun of it. It’s there when you least expect it. You worry now, but fear not, Bon, when it clicks, it clicks.”

“Since when have you become so knowledgeable about love, Miss, avoiding marriage and love?” Your mother teases. Each of your giggles fills the room, and for a moment, only a moment, the dread no longer exists. For a moment you are back in India, in your childhood home.

You cringe at the sudden intrusion, turmeric overwhelming your nostrils as Edwina’s hand gently swipes the mixture across your cheek. Her saccharine giggle contrasted with your wide-eyed stare. She speaks with a whimsical glint in her eyes. One like your own but doe-eyed and hopeful, not calculated and mischievous. “It is said, when spread on an unmarried person, Haldi will help them find a worthy partner that brings the complicated and unpredictable excitement too.”

”Well, Haldi can mind their business,” You tilt your head with a sarcastic smile, earning your mother's pointed stare. Kate chuckles and shakes her. Edwina turns to Kate, who offers a warning stare.

“Now, now. You shall receive it too,” Edwina says, stroking the Haldi across Kate’s cheeks. You fail to ignore the Haldi on your cheeks. It sits like a reminder that tomorrow will come whether you are prepared or not. You shall watch him marry Edwina. Your sister, nieces, and nephews shall be his—but never you.

“Hey!” You exclaim, once again pulled from your thoughts as your mother spreads Haldi across your chest. Reaching into the mixture only takes seconds before the four of you make a mess of it. The giggles are seemingly endless.

Despite the joyous moment, it’s fleeting as the hours seem to fly. Before you know it, you stand in a lavender gown that matches Kate's. You maintain an expression void of emotion, seemingly zoning out—the subtle indicators, near imperceptible. Light sweat coated your brow, and deep sighs left you as though the air was limited. You thank every and any god above for the smokescreen that keeps your beloved family from noticing. Sitting by the window as servants help Edwina prepare, you watch as Kate retrieves the gold bracelet with emeralds dancing across the band.

Edwina stands in front of the full-length mirror. Her eyebrows pinch at the sight she catches in the reflection. Her smile was curious and of awe, “Didi? What are those?”

”I brought them with us from home. I knew this season would be a success,” Kate smiles down at Edwina as she closely inspects them with a warm gaze. You keep your gaze outside the window, willing yourself to ignore every ailment that plagues you. Far too busy pondering potential ways to avoid attending Edwina’s pending nuptials.

Edwina’s head tilts as she searches for familiarity, “they are quite beautiful. How have I never seen them before?”

“They belonged to my mother. Amma wore them on her wedding day and saved them,” Edwina asks if they were saved for Kate. Kate chuckles lightly, “I brought them for you. I insist, beautiful bangles for a beautiful bride.”

”Will you wear them with me?” Edwina asks, but Kate shakes her head, assuring Edwina she will be no bride any time soon. Edwina’s gaze shifts to you, “Well then, Didi, you may very well be a bride soon. Could you wear one with me?”

“Bon—“ You sigh, your gaze meets Kate. The pity in your eyes only furthers the stir in your chest.

“I’m so nervous, but you are the bravest person I know. I don’t know, it may be silly, but wearing this, I shall have a piece of Kate with me up at the altar and knowing you’re wearing it too,” Edwina pauses, her gaze pleading as she holds the bracelet out to you, “It’ll be like we’re in this together. Maybe I can channel some of your courage.”

At the touch of your fingertips, the metal chills against your skin as it soon shackles you to your living nightmare. As Edwina returns to getting ready, you visibly falter for the first time. While your sweet little sister fails to see it, Kate’s quickly at your side. She excuses the both of you slyly, your hands trembling in hers as you both exit the room.

“Bon—“ Kate says, but you offer her a sharp, “don’t.”

You walk with haste to the nearest glass, throwing down a quick shot, ignoring Kate’s advisory against alcohol. Your eyes are misty as your defenses crumble around you. Taking a deep breath, you quickly steel yourself, marching back into the room, rendering Kate unable to console you.

It all passes in a blur as you stare absently out of the window once more. The arriving guests. The bracelets. The wedding gown. Your mother's gushing of Edwina’s beauty in her gown only fuels the fire that slowly burns from the inside out.

“Didi,” you gaze from the window onto your approaching sister. She smiles warmly, taking both your hands. Your heart caught in your throat when she said, “You love him.”

“Wha—I—uh?” You stammer, eyes widening as you try to wrap your brain around her easygoing persona.

“You should not be afraid to tell Lord Beauregard how you feel. You have been nothing like yourself, and I’ve forgotten you have not seen Lord Beauregard in some time now, and you shall see him today. Just tell him,” Edwina says, smiling sweetly. The panic fades into a tremendous relief as your shoulders fall.

“Today is your day. Don’t worry about me, Bon,” You smile, gently squeezing her hands.

“Oh, my beautiful girls,” Your mother says, her gaze moving between you. Her gaze lingers on you for a moment longer, her eyebrow pinching, but the door opening steals her attention away. Concurrently, your body tenses.

“Come. Let us put all the nasty gossip behind us for once and for all,” Your mother stands, taking one of your hands and Edwina’s. Kate joins, taking your own and Edwina’s free hands. She offers you a comforting squeeze. “Let us give the ton a wedding to remember and show them who we truly are.”

Outside the curtains, you stand at Kate's side as if a prisoner were standing before the guillotine. Your corset seemingly constricting as your mind fails to move your legs. You grip Kate’s hand tighter, your ears ringing so loudly you can hardly hear your whisper to her, “I fear I cannot do this, Didi.”

”You are the strongest person I know, Bon. You can. I’m with you all the way. For better or worse,” she whispers. Looking up at her, you blink back tears, and a nervous chuckle leaves you with a final quick whisper: “It sounds as if we are to be wed.”

Kate lets out a soft as she gently pulls you along with her. Servants pull the sheer curtains away as you both pass through. Your gaze finds William in seconds, sitting with Aunt the Queen. His gaze was cold and focused on the groom. You never meet the groom's gaze despite it searing a hole into your head.

You curtsy to the Queen, and William’s gaze remains behind you. As you take your place behind Kate, your gaze meets the grooms for only a second—your breath hitch as you approach the entrance, awaiting the inevitable. A smile takes your face at the sight of your mother and Edwina. Despite everything, your dear little sister always amazes you with her beautiful presence.

Archbishop begins the ceremony, but his words do not reach you. The ringing of your ears grows louder, your right hand soon fiddling at your side. Your smile falters into an absent stare as the bangle on your wrist becomes more noticeable than the gown that covers much of your skin. You let out a shaky exhale, your left hand crushing the stems of your bouquet.

Squaring your shoulders, you take a deep breath and stare forward. A weak smile on your lips as Benedict shoots you a wink—the calm brief as your gaze meets the groom. You refocus on Benedict, but it’s mere seconds, and you both return. The bobbing of his Adams apple, light sweat above his brow, his gaze unfocused, hazy—perhaps you imagine it. You are in Edwina’s place, standing before Anthony, not with a joyous smile but a smug one. A reminder that each day would be a challenge, one you’d both happily accept—a future.

“My lord,” The Archbishop shatters the fantasy with a firmness, tearing your gaze from him; you focus on Kate’s shoulder.

A brief reprieve as the wedding crashes violently with the present reality. Your left hand grips the bouquet stems so tightly it rips beneath the force of your palm as your right hand trembles at your side, the bengal sliding menacingly around your wrist. You tense as your racing heart becomes your only focus, clashing with the loud ringing in your ears.

Anthony looks around the room, and again, his gaze finds you. Edwina’s eyebrows pinch as she follows his gaze. You do not look up from Kate’s shoulder, confident that one wrong move shall bring your end. Even as Edwina turns back, prompting Anthony, his gaze flicks to your unwavering stare on Kate’s shoulder. Your trembling hand matches the pace of your raging heart as you force your tears to remain in your lids.

“I, Lord Anthony Bridgerton,” Archbishop recites, his words ringing loudly in your ears as they hit you head-on. The bengal slips from your wrist, releasing you from its confines. Your eyes close with a sigh of relief as everything quiets. Anthony stands before you when your eyes open, holding the bengal out to you. You glance at Kate, her gaze panicked as she looks between Anthony and yourself.

Lifting your hand, you falter for a second; the moment has lasted far longer than it should. Your gaze locks with his own as you reach out cautiously. His thumb brushes against your own faintly at the touch of the metal. Muttering a thank you and apology, you return to your spot with your gaze low and lips pursed, holding the bengal not placing it back on.

“I need a moment!” Edwina shouts, her voice echoing through the silence. Your eyes widen, and she’s rushing down the aisle from the altar before you can even process. A sea of indiscernible chatter fills the room as you watch your mother rush after Edwina. It all soon returns, the ringing in your ears and your chest constricting. William rises from his seat, his gaze gentle as he stares at you. You look everywhere but at Anthony. Kate grabs your hand, pulling you back down the aisle out of the ceremony.

”—we will call for tea, and once you have something in your stomach, you will be strong enough to go back out there. The Viscount—“ You stand in the doorway, Kate standing a few paces in front of you, your mother a few in front of her. Edwina paces the room, taking deep, haggard breaths. Your mother fumbles to recover the moment, “The Viscount will understand, yes Kate? (Y/n), dear, perhaps you might find that tea—“

“It is not tea that I want; it is the truth!” You freeze in place as Edwina looks at you in a way you have never seen her look at anyone. Though words enter your mind, they do not leave your parted lips. Your mother voices her confusion as you stand as a deer in headlights, teary-eyed and guilty. Edwina continues mercilessly, “Still uncharacteristically quiet, sister, how telling of your deceitful nature!”

“I don’t understand what is happening,” Your mother's gaze bounces between you. Kate sidesteps in a failed attempt to hide you from Edwina’s view, your presence only furthering her rage.

“I shall tell you what is going on, Mama. Your daughter does not love chaos, as she claims. She loves destruction! Decimation at the tips of her fingers, slowly poisoning all she touches!” You blink through your tears, unable to find the words or even begin an explanation.

“Edwina—“ Kate interjects and appears to be the only intervention that deters from her verbal assault.

“Oh, you cannot deny it now, Kate! You enable her! You always have. The two of you are constantly deceiving me. Together in your deception! You knew! Didn’t you? You knew of her feelings for him, ” Edwina narrows her eyes at Kate, the implication of her words giving your Mother much-needed clarity. Meeting your mother's gaze, your head tilts, all but pleading for comfort without words.

“Alright, that is enough. No good can come from this at present. Let us all take a moment to calm ourselves, shall we,” Your mother says, moving to Edwina’s side. She sits Edwina down, dissolving into a bundle of tears. You try to voice an apology, but your Mother turns to you, speaking sternly, “I said that is enough. You have done enough today.”

”Mama, please. I didn’t want this, please. I’m sorry,” You cry, panting softly as your words spill out. The ringing in your ears returns and grows louder steadily with each passing second. Kate interjects only to receive the same sternness, “And you. You have kept so very much from me.”

”Mama, please,” You cry; reaching out for her, she pulls away and points to the door.

“Anywhere else right now, (Y/n),” She says. Rushing out of the doors, everything splinters into a heap of colors and sounds. You pant as though you have run miles rather than mere steps. When you rush into the first set of doors you find, you rush past several faces you cannot make out. Your breathing choppy and staggered, your hand trembling without pause as you pace vehemently.

“(Y/n),” You cringe at the sound of your name, shaking your head as sobs rattle you to your core. He takes your hands, guiding you to the floor. “Hey, it’s okay.”

“It’s not William. I’ve ruined everything; I’m a terrible sister—a terrible person,” You cry, shaking your head; he places a hand on your cheek, stilling you as he wipes a tear.

“You’re far from a terrible person. Stubborn, sure, but not terrible,” He chuckles, tilting his head down to meet your gaze.

“You don’t understand—“ Panting endlessly, William keeps his gaze locked on you and takes a deep breath in and out. He continues to do so until you follow, and even then, he continues for a few moments.

”I’ve made my intentions with you—my uh, my feelings very clear. And when I realized your impact on Anthony and me, I was angry and jealous. He’s so at ease with you even when you’re annoying him, and you seem to forget anyone else is around when the two of you interact,” William says with a slight smile. Your face falls at his words.

“William, I am so sorry—“ Your voice wavers and William chuckles, shaking his head before you can continue. He nudges your side with a grin.

“No apology needed. I only wish for you to be happy (Y/n) just as I wish for Anthony, and with time, your sister will share this sentiment. Of that, I am sure. I must warn you, though, things will grow far worse before they grow better,” William says, resting your head on his shoulder; he kisses the top of your head. You close your eyes, refocusing on deep breaths.

After a few minutes you clear your throat, “I should go, the last thing I need is another scandal.”

“You’re nothing but trouble, Miss Sharma,” William grins, shaking his head. A giggle leaves you as you wrap your arms around him, squeezing his tight.

”Thank you for this,” You mutter, squeezing a little tighter as he kisses the crown of your head once more. As you head back to the room, you pause as Kate sits outside with her head in her hands. She looks up at the sound of your approaching steps, quickly rising at your sight. Neither of you says a word before silently agreeing you both must face this head-on, accomplices. You knock gently upon the door, and Edwina’s face manages to sink even further at the sight of you.

“What?” She asks coldly; before you can get a word in, Kate inquires about your mother, but Edwina cuts her off, “You seem to know all. How could I possibly offer any insight of my own?”

”Edwina, please. Your anger is with me, not Kate,” You say, earning a huff in response.

“Mother is off, getting some air,” Edwina opens the door wider before moving from it entirely. You take a cautious step inside, still lingering by the door as Kate closes it behind the two of you.

“Edwina, I never wanted to hurt you. By the time I realized, it felt far too late to say something. So, I thought that I would swallow it down to avoid this because I wanted you to

be happy. I know you wanted this badly, but I didn’t realize how deep this ran. But it does not matter; I am unfit to be Viscountess, but you, you’re perfect for it,” Your voice wavers as her teary gaze meets your own. Edwina scoffs, shaking her head.

“He said the same thing. I half expected to discover that the two of you prepared it ahead of time. Perhaps it speaks to your compatibility or your deceitful nature,” Edwina shakes her head at you, her gaze cold as ice.

“Edwina, (Y/n) has always supported. You and I both know she is not deceitful. Misguided, certainly. Stubborn almost all the time. But she’s our sister,” Kate says, eyebrows pinching as her head tilts. Edwina’s gaze bounces between the two of you. Her eyes land on Kate.

“I do not know which pains me more. Both your betrayals or your pity,” Edwina says, her head held high with a conviction you never knew her to be capable of.

“Edwina, we are sisters—“ Kate takes a step toward her, reaching out for her hands but halts at Edwina’s next words, “Half-sister, with the misfortune of having (Y/n) as a sister. I want you both to recognize that I am a grown woman and for the first time in my life, I can make a decision based on what I would like.”

Edwina glances over at you, her at ease presence furthered unraveling your nerves, “I have already imagined the life I would lead with Lord Bridgerton as Viscountess at Aubrey Hall. It lives in my mind and is mine to do with as I like. So, if I choose to marry Anthony, it will be because it pleases me and no one else. I need you both to understand that. If I go through with this wedding, it will have nothing to do with either of you.”

You swallow thickly every version of reality where you have no place in her life evident. Kate's reassurances fall victim to the high pitch. Like nails to a chalkboard in your ears. Your personalized torture.

Kate remains at your side, the silence jarring. Uncertain of an appropriate reaction, you find yourself in a hazy void. You refuse the tears pushing at the edge of your lids, no words in reach to synthesize the depths of the pit in your chest. Time fuses into a distorted blend of unrelenting dread. The footman delivers the summons, the neat handwriting familiar.

Kate hesitates as you ask her to join you. Would it fuel the fire? Further the divide? Perhaps. Even still, you both cross the silks and satins of the entryway—the wedding hall. It's still as breathtaking as you all left it.

”You sent word for me?” Your eyebrows pinch as Anthony's words linger in the air. Kate answers as your lips merely part, and no words leave you. You glance at Kate, who mirrors your visible confusion. Approaching footsteps carrying the answers to each lingering question.

Edwina enters like the calm before a storm. Her hands clasped in front of her, her gait determined, and her mindset. She passes Kate without sparing her a glance, Edwina’s gaze bouncing between you and Anthony, “I have made my decision. I thought it best that you both hear it from me.”

“Edwina, perhaps we should speak privately,” Kate suggests, earning a mirthless chuckle.

“No, and quite frankly, I am giving our sister a courtesy I was not granted,” Edwina keeps her head high, her presence delicate yet commanding. She turns to Anthony, who has not looked away from you. A rare sight of pure vulnerability in your eyes as you look at Edwina. Silently pleading for forgiveness. A soft sigh leaves Edwina as she keeps her eyes on Anthony, not continuing until she has his full attention, “I cannot marry you, Lord Bridgerton. You cannot provide me with what it is I want. What it is that I deserve. What everyone deserves. I may not know exactly what true love feels like, but I certainly know what it is not. It is not deception or, wandering eyes, or a role to be fulfilled. I cannot marry you because I cannot betray myself. You will never meet my eyes in the same manner that you met my sisters on that altar today. You will never...”

Edwina falters, a sigh escaping her as she briefly glances toward you and back to Anthony, “You will never look at me the same way. I would be your Viscountess, your wife, the mother of your children, but I would never be yours because you’ll be hers.”

Your eyes find Anthony as her words seep into your bones. Edwina addresses you and Kate with words of contempt and eyes of sorrow. Her retreating form leaves a heavy silence as Kate rushes after her. Neither of you move, Anthony at the altar and yourself a few paces down the aisle.

“I thought I taught Edwina nothing, but I fear she too shares the ability to scorch the earth in a fit of rage,” You chuckle, the tight-lipped smile dissolving into a huff, “I have ruined everything.”

”You speak as though you did it alone,” Anthony says, meeting your gaze in the same spot where he was meant to recite his vows.

“I should go,” You whisper, watching as he glances off, seemingly pondering something. Clearing your throat, you square your shoulders, “Lord Bridgerton.”

”You should stay,” He says, an odd ease to his demeanor. You can only wonder if he feels the turmoil that rages within you. He tilts his head, “Your sister is braver and wiser than us both. She had the courage to act on what she sensed between us. And here we are, you ready to flee and myself standing perfectly still. We’ve felt it for months.”

You inhale sharply, and the reality is apparent: you cannot escape this. Speaking hardly above a whisper, you fidget with the skirts of your dress, “I’ve lit more than enough fires today. If I were wise, I would go.”

”Then, only for a moment, my pyromaniac, play the fool with me. Humor me in this inevitability, a fate that cannot be. Explore the untenable depths of our desires for this moment only before we face the reality waiting for us out there,” Anthony holds out his hand to you. His smile does not reach his eyes as you stare at his hand before you.

A sigh leaves you as you chew on your bottom lip. You cross your arms, raising your head high, “If I am to play the fool, you will have to address me by my proper honorific, of course.”

”And what’s that?” Anthony’s eyebrows pinch as you turn your head.

“Viscount Bridgerton, of course,” You smirk as the realization slowly dawns upon him. A hearty laugh leaves his lips as you accept his hand with a gentle grin.

“The sky could be falling in, and you would find a way to jest,” Anthony smiles as he shakes his head. You nod, chuckling beneath his gaze, far closer than you were a few seconds prior. Neither of you, aware of when or how you got so close. The warmth brings a merriment that blurs the line between what can and cannot be.

The violins.

The flowers.

The gossip eager Ton.

The bride and groom at an altar without wedding bells. ”I fear I have destroyed my relationship with my sister.”

“And I, with my best friend.”

You give his hands a gentle squeeze on your own, gasping as he pulls you forward. The touch of your lips light at the climax of your shared fantasy. As you both pull apart, the warmth chills. You are not husband and wife; you are a scandal.

A smudge on both of your reputations.

[nightingale2004]

OK, so I found the Fredwina ship, and I've got to say...... In my heart, it is so CANON

First off........

MY GIRL EDWINA DESERVES HAPPINESS AND LOVE AND NOT THE HATE MANY PEOPLE GIVE HER.

Edwina had the right to be upset about what her sister and Anthony did and also deserves her time to heal and find herself And Honestly from what I've seen, Prince Friedrich is such a good man and a sweetheart. Edwina and Friedrich are Canon, AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME OTHERWISE!!!!!

Now all I want to see is Edwina and Friedrich making their appearance together in London to one of the queen's parties for the first time, the bridgertons reactions to this couple (+Kate and Penelope)

I want to see Queen Charlotte taking absolute pride and bragging about how well Edwina is adjusting to being a princess. Kate, being an overprotective big sister, Anthony and Edwina, building a somewhat good relationship (is still a little awkward), Friedrich, Daphne, and Simon having a tense moment but getting along. Kate is proud of Edwina for not just finding love but also becoming a princess of Prussia. Edwina and Friedrich being amazing with one another and hanging out with the bridgertons at Aubrey Hall, Kate, and edwina getting to know each other again, Kate being a great aunt to Edwina and Friedrich's kids, etc.

I also want to know HOW MANY KIDS THIS BEAUTIFUL COUPLE WOULD HAVE. I DESPERATELY NEED TO KNOW

If someone has made a fanfic with ALL OF THIS. POINT ME IN THAT DIRECTION 👉 PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!!!

[lucigra]

F1 driver Anthony X Art teacher Kathani AU

[lowkeyfalleninlove]

It’s a crime against humanity that we didn’t get to see Anthony and Kate get married. Like WHYY??? LET ME SEE!!! LET ME IN!!!

[darlingofdots]

so obviously I am thinking about a Temeraire/Bridgerton crossover, because that's who I am as a person, and I know exactly how I would do it, but it does involve Considering the Implications (the best part of worldbuilding) and it really brings out the fundamental differences between the two worlds. For instance, while Bridgerton at first glance looks like there just isn't any racism in this universe, the backstory makes it clear that there used to be and they just got rid of it within living memory. The show itself makes no attempt to elaborate on that (which I'm okay with; I would have gone about it differently but it's fine) but if you're even a little aware of world history at this time all the holes become really evident. What about slavery? What about the colonisation of India and the impending Opium Wars? What is the role of Empire in this alternative timeline?

Meanwhile the world of Temeraire is explicitly depicted as racist but is much more deliberately grappling with this fact. There are conversations about abolition and the horrors of the slave trade that significantly impact the plot and the British Empire's role in geopolitical conflict is both made clear and explicitly critiqued, and the characters' arcs involve deconstructing their own biases and choosing to dismantle the system and pursue justice.

This discrepancy makes it kind of difficult to reconcile the two texts with each other without breaking fundamental genre conventions or doing grave injustice to the characters and their arcs. It's a really interesting puzzle I am rotating in my head instead of going to sleep like I should

[briaberri]

Night Lullaby 3: photo essay

NC gives me Elain in elegant chiffon salwar suits, becoming a chaiwala pupil and serving it in her bakery. Give me sitars, mehndi, and dance filled gatherings. And Amren, course, never missing an moment to remind people she could be first in command if she wanted to.

Reference fanfic inspo Lilypad_Padlily''s Renew

[sarcasticsweetlara]

Love it

concept art of Kathani Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton wedding ceremony

|Viscount and Viscountess Bridgerton|

[dismom17]

Time Stood Still

Kate closed her eyes as the soft groan of the rocking chair echoed through the quiet room. Her body, still aching and sore, relaxed a little more with each slow sway. Despite the exhaustion stitched into every limb, she felt content—bone-deep, soul-warm contentment. Nearly as serene as the sleeping newborn nestled in her arms.

“Ah, there you are,” Anthony whispered from the doorway, his voice low and fond. “Was she stirring again?”

“She hasn’t stopped stirring,” Kate murmured sleepily, her gaze drifting down to the infant’s tiny balled fists and pursed lips—features already full of fire. “We seem to have created a child who does not believe in sleep, and at fourteen hours old she already has no problem making her opinions known.”

“Sweet, stubborn girl,” Anthony said with a quiet chuckle as he knelt beside her. “Sounds like someone else I know.” He gently smoothed a hand over their daughter’s dark hair, pressing a kiss to her brow, then to Kate’s temple.

“Eloise,” Kate replied innocently, a ghost of a smirk tugging at her lips. She knew full well his comment had been aimed at her, but sleep deprivation offered the perfect excuse for deflection.

“Precisely,” Anthony murmured, undeterred—sixteen years of marriage having taught him when to let such jabs slide.

“And I suppose,” he continued, softer now, “that like the others, it will do no good to remind you we hired a nurse for this?”

Kate didn’t need words—just one look. The arch of a brow. The press of her lips.

“I thought as much,” Anthony said, sighing with mock defeat.

Kate shifted her attention back to the bundle in her arms. “Your Papa is being silly again,” she whispered to the baby. “You’ll learn he’s like that sometimes.”

“May I?” Anthony held out his arms.

Kate hesitated, cradling the warmth against her chest. “I don’t know... she seems quite comfortable where she is.”

“Darling, I imagine anyone would be comfortable there.”

She rolled her eyes and swatted his arm, but laughed as she passed over the little one. He took her with reverent hands and eased into the chair beside her, the room falling into stillness once more.

Bridgerton House had quieted around them. The kind of quiet that came only at night—deep and undisturbed. With Edmund and Miles away at school and Charlotte (hopefully) surrendered to sleep rather than her usual mischief, the arrival of this new life had filled the house with something soft and new.

“You should rest,” Anthony said gently. “It’s been an eventful day, after all.”

Kate’s eyes fluttered closed, but her mind refused to follow. The peace of the room, the warmth of her family—it made her chest ache.

“What is it?” Anthony asked, his voice low.

“What do you mean?”

He reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together. “Kathani Sharma, I know you. I know the little crease that forms right between your brows when your thoughts are louder than your words. I know the vein in your temple that warns me to get out of the room. And I know our daughter hasn’t made a sound in the past hour. So... what’s on your mind?”

Kate sighed, her fingers curling tighter around his. “I’m trying to soak it in,” she confessed. “All of it. Every sound, every breath. I feel like... we’ve been given a second chance. The most unexpected, precious surprise—our sweet hairaani.”

She looked down at the baby in Anthony’s arms. Her lashes lowered with the weight of memory.

“I thought that chapter was closed for us—eight years ago, when Charlotte came into the world like a thunderclap. I thought we were done with prams and nappies and sleepless nights.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And then this little soul decided we weren’t.”

She remembered those early weeks—how they’d whispered in the dark, her head resting on his chest, his palm splayed over her belly. Still so in love, still so surprised by the life they’d built. Sixteen years married, and somehow it still felt like the beginning.

“I’m afraid,” she admitted, “that if I blink—if I look away for even a moment—then time will move just as fast as it did with the others.”

Anthony didn’t speak right away. He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

“Time is a funny thing, isn’t it?” he murmured.

The rocking chair creaked again—this time from Kate shifting, ever trying to be closer to Anthony, little Mary fully content in her father's strong arms. The small puffs of breath and gentle snores marked the seconds like a ticking clock. Kate closed her eyes, listening.

It would become the soundtrack of her memory in the years to come, long after the nights of newborn cries had faded into the recesses of the house. But, Kate reminded herself, those same cries she clung to now would one day be replaced by other sweet melodies—the soft padding of toddler feet down the hall, the mischief of children plotting, the unrestrained laughter of teenagers.

She rested her head on Anthony’s shoulder.

“Let’s not waste it,” she whispered.

Anthony nodded. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

And for a little while, time stood still.

Previous | Next

Masterlist

[gocdgraces]

(    samantha logan,  cis-female,  she/her    )    𓉸    marrow's  own  WHITNEY DAWSON,  age  29,  passed  away  on  3/23.  loved  ones  report  that  they  were  extremely  DETERMINED and  express  discontent  with  rumors  that  describe  them  as  BITTER.  according  to  town  gossip,  their  death  was  due  to  LOSING HER BALANCE ON A CLIFF DURING A HIKE  —  which  is  strange,  because  i  could  have  sworn  that  i  saw  them  at  OLIVE BRANCH PARK  last  night.

Basics:

Name: Whitney Jade Dawson

Nickname(s): Whit, Ney, Win

Birthday: November 22nd

Age: 29

Sexuality: bisexual

Occupation: technically, she's a teacher. but being undead kinda changes things around a little

Positives: meticulous, reliable, supportive, proactive, capable

Negatives: controlling, withdrawn, defensive, melancholic, reticent

MBTI: INTJ (architect)

Similar Characters: Kathani Sharma (Bridgerton), Nancy Wheeler (Stranger Things), Sydney Adamu (The Bear), Monica Geller (Friends), Kat Edison (The Bold Type)

Diving Deeper:

imagine  you  can  recount  the  events  of  your  death,  explain  that  day.

"the sound of that stupid alarm clock is still ringing in my ears," she started. "i had thought about staying in. pushing off my plan to hit a newer trail to another day." her head tilts back, eyes closed as an exasperated sigh falls from her lips. "everything was perfect... or as perfect as they could be. the views were gorgeous, the trail quickly shaping up to become a new favorite." having the details brought on a stronger sense of frustration. how could she have been so careless? her siblings had already lost their mom; and dad had been long gone by the time the youngest could walk. the last thing they needed was to bury another loved one. "and i thought that if i took one more small step outwards, just an inch, i'd get a better view. a better look. at what?" whitney's hands go up in defeat. "with the slightest twist of an ankle, that was it. everything came to a crushing halt."

describe  a  key  moment  in  your  muse's  life.

the day it ended. 5 years before she died. she had received a phone call, something so incredibly mundane, that ended up changing her life forever. "we're looking for whitney dawson... is your mother a trinity dawson? ...so sorry for your loss." within 2 short minutes, everything she had been working so hard for and everything she had built for herself was tossed out the window. home she went to marrow. back to her childhood home to finish raising her siblings. no more independence. no more dream. no more love.

select  a  fear  of  your  muse's  &  describe.

not being enough. growing up the oldest of three, whitney had the weight of the world on her shoulders. she was always expected to set a good example, to be perfect. yet, more often than not, she felt like she came just below that perfection. fast forward to having gotten out of her small hometown with the love of her life. while they had their problems, and if she was honest with herself, struggling more than she thought they should, they were making it work. until she had no choice but to leave the life they'd been building to go back home. unfortunately, he refused to go with her and her fear popped back up. she was still not enough. continue along to her now taking on the title of mom. with the mix of teenage angst and grief, she heard a lot of "you're not mom" and "i hate you" while she was more often than not pouring from an empty cup. she wasn't enough for them either. or was this fear all in her head?

Biography:

born and raised in marrow, the eldest of three, whitney felt like she’d been destined to a life of ‘eldest daughter syndrome’ from the start.

when she was 8 years old, she woke to her father kissing her goodbye. her questions were all met with a simple instruction: “take care of your siblings,” so that’s exactly what she did. for a while, whit assumed her dad would be coming back, but at age 13, she accepted that that wasn’t going to happen.

her entire life, whitney was focused on the two younger ones. she helped with homework, kept them on a schedule, showed up to sport games, dance recitals, and every other extracurricular in between.

it wasn't until high school that she allowed herself a chance to have something she wanted. she started thinking more about following her dreams of going to culinary school, maybe getting out of the small town she'd given so much of herself to. it was when she met gabe and fell in love that the rest finally clicked into place.

despite her better judgment of not following a guy to college, she ended up going to the university of maine. for a while, things were going well. she enjoyed her classes, had high hopes for the future, and was happy to agree to a lifetime with the one she loved.

it all came crashing down when she got the call about her mom. it had been unexpected. an illness her body couldn't fight.

and so, whitney was forced to make the most difficult decision of her life. leaving behind the life she'd built for herself, and her fiancé, to return back to marrow so she could take care of her siblings.

five years later, and she found herself stuck. teaching so that she put her degree to some kind of use. bitter that she had been so close to having it all.

and then on one brisk morning in late march, the life she knew came to an end. or did it? truth be told, she can't really remember anything that happened. all she does know is that people keep looking at her strange and no one will give her a direct answer as to why.

Connections:

her 2 younger siblings would be amazing to see!!

since she lived there forever i would loooove some childhood friends, exes, or even enemies!!

teacher buddies?!

possible current hookups/no strings?

unlikely friendships!!

genuinely would just love anything and everything.

[nightingale2004]

Yes just YES

When Edwina goes to the Bridgerton's house with Lady Danbury and her mother, visiting her sister because she loves her so and hasn't seen her in so long (this follows after Kate and Anthony return from their honeymoon, but a little after because it's still painful for Edwina), and Anthony is there she purposefully calls him "Lord Bridgerton" or "Viscount Bridgerton" even when others around her, even when Anthony himself tells her that she can call him by his first name, she refuses. Everyone soon learns better than to try and convince her to do otherwise, and for Edwina it's fun to watch Anthony squirm.

+ to add on, Friedrich catches on and finds it kind of hilarious. He'll pretend to be neutral on the subject, but when introductions are made he follows Edwina's example and pretends Anthony has not first name.

[nightingale2004]

Just a quick little bridgerton post.

From what I've seen from the series. The bridgerton siblings are close with Penelope, but we rarely or don't get moments with Penelope and the rest of the bridgertons except for Colin and Eloise mostly.

SERIOUSLY NETFLIX?!?!

The older bridgerton bros (Benedict and Anthony) are so protective, and I've yet to see any brotherly sister moments between them.

NETFLIX, YOU 👏GOTTA 👏DO👏 BETTER👏👏👏👏!!!!

Now I'm in desperate need of Penelope bonding with the other Bridgerton siblings, I need Violet being an actual healthy and loving mother figure to Penelope. I need Benedict and Anthony bonding with Penelope. I need Hyacinth and Francesca being sisters to Penelope and Gregory being a little brother menace to Penelope. I need Kate and Daphne to have their moments with Penelope, including Simon

Like I said

NETFLIX! 👏DO👏BETTER!!!!!!

[inlovewithquotes]

“Are you still planning to leave for India?”

“I have my sister’s blessing, as well as my mother’s. And the Queen herself has apparently saved our families from utter ruin.”

“You love your family dearly.”

“As much as you love yours.”

“I was fearful of losing you. It is why I could not visit you after your accident. I could not bring myself to— I love you. I have loved you from the moment we raced each other in that park. I’ve loved you at every dance, on every walk, every time we’ve been together, and ever time we’ve been apart. You do not have to accept it or embrace it or even allow it. Knowing you, you probably will not. But you must know it, in your heart. You must feel it because I do. I love you.”

“I do not know what to say.”

“You do not have to say anything.”

“I do not think there is anything else to say…other than I love you too.”

“I want a life that suits us both. I know I am imperfect but i will humble myself before you because I cannot imagine my life without you, and that is why I wish to marry you.”

“You do know there will never be a day where you do not vex me.”

“Is that a promise, Kathani Sharma?”

“Yes. Yes, it is a promise.”

“Well, then. It seems the two of us are finally seeing eye to eye on something.”

“I suppose we are.”

[bellessimaa]

Eyes Meeting, Souls Dancing- OUT on AO3

1814 England sees the many illustrious families of the ton at their crescendo. It is the shiniest part of London that hides its darkest underbelly- a heavily guarded warehouse that houses weaponry, illegal drugs, and stolen items of the highest demand. At the apex of its operating organization sits Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, managing illustrious relations with the crown and various Lords who facilitate his dirty trade, under the premise of tenants and an estate.

Princess Kathani Sharma's kingdom is on the brink of a civil war, and only with the weight of outside support can the situation be thwarted. She comes to England with the hopes of a marriage to Prince Henry, Duke of Kent. She is resolved to save her family. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine being pulled into a darker, more dangerous world, or that she would fall for the most dangerous Lord of England.

OR

If the Bridgerton were a Regency-era mob family and Anthony insisted on cucking a prince.

[thekatebridgerton]

imagine: Kate’s maternal uncle and auntie coming into the picture and they love her… but ignore Mary and Edwina completely. They hold a grudge and think Mary maliciously kept their niece away from and forced her to give up her dowry for Edwina to come to England.

So, they come over, find out about the chaos and decide to stir shit up and bring Kate back with them. They first act unassuming and act all pleasant. Slowly… They try to make Mary look like the bad guy, Kate’s Aunt making a scene and crying her eyes out of something Mary ‘said’ and painting Mary as a wicked stepmother and Edwina a ungrateful half sister. Both of them try ensure that it’s not the case and that they love Kate but as Kate’s aunt ran out sobbing and telling the Bridgerton and Danbury that she never felt so insulted and will NEVER come back. Kate’s uncle acts desperate and gently tells Kate to come by as soon as she can as her aunt needs her. He needs her.

One thing should be clear, they both LOVE Kate. She gets put in a tough situation where she either chooses her maternal family who longs for her to come back with them OR stay with the family back here and who want her to stay.

I like to think that Kate’s mother was likely related to the Majaraj in India, maybe not a sister, but a distant cousin, because in India, Kate’s father had a moderately comfortable way of life, so it’s possible that they were very well connected at least until Kate’s father died. And her maternal family thought that once the mourning period was over Mary would take Edwina and go back to England with ‘her people’ but Kate would of course stay and marry back into the family, to one of the sons of the Majaraj or any of the high ranking officials in court who would keep her in the same comfortable lifestyle she was used to. But Kate decided to go to England with Mary and Edwina instead so her maternal family felt like somehow their little cousin’s only child was sacrificing all her oportunities in India for Edwina and Mary’s sake.

So of course, Kate’s family has to go ‘rescue her’ from those stick in the mud Brits who wouldn’t know real tea if it was serve to them in golden teacups. And show up right in the middle of the season, just as Kate is both trying to pretend she gets along with Anthony for Edwina’s sake, and also fend him off because apparently he’s insistent on marrying her sister.

Here’s where it gets funny, because if you’ve ever met an Indian Auntie and an Indian Uncle, you know they are persistent and they are very argumentative. And Aunties in particular tend to be… loud. So the Bridgertons, particularly Anthony, always end up overhearing that Kate used to have a seemingly perfect life when her father served the Majaraj and now her Aunt and Uncle think she’s been reduced to servitude.

I can imagine them being the perfect house guests but the minute everyone leaves the dinner table, Auntie Shivani starts trying to convince Kate to go back to India with them, using the typical arguments.

‘You would be so much more comfortable at home bebi’

‘Listen to your Aunt, you could be singing and dancing with the daughters of the Majaraj, instead look at this, all British people, long faces, no good music’

‘Come to India Kathani, as soon as were back home, Auntie will have your favorite Gobi Paratha made to celebrate, why do you want to be here? food in England doesn’t have spices, how can you truly be happy anywhere without spices?’

So Auntie and Uncle try their best to convince Kate that Edwina will be taken care of, because the Viscount likes her already and why not just come back to India and leave Mary to Lady Danbury. Etc Constantly making Mary out to be some downer who leaves everything to Kate and acting like Edwina needs to stop bothering her big sister for everything. Of course they like the Bridgertons because at this point Anthony is taking Edwina out of Kate’s hair, and that’s all Aunt and Uncle Sharma care about. Anthony is about to propose to Edwina, when he again overhears them trying to convince Kate to go home with them, and they bring up that the Majaraj handsome son still wants to marry her so really, this idea of being a governess in India is pointless when she could still marry Rahul and have a houseful of Indian babies. If she doesn’t like Rahul she could still marry Vijay, he’s also handsome and he’s an official.

Anthony has a shock because he was under the impression that Kate was unmarried because nobody had proposed to her, not because she willingly had already rejected her fair share of proposals in India. And the moment she goes back home, she’s going to be swarmed by those good and nice men her Aunt and Uncle keep preaching about. It’s the push Anthony finally needed to make him see that he’s got nothing if he doesn’t have Kate and if he does marry Edwina, she’ll be in a ship to India with her family faster than he can say divorce. So instead of proposing to Edwina, Anthony follows his heart and proposes to Kate. Much to the scandalizing outrage of Uncle and Auntie Shivani. And Kate’s absolute shock.

Can you imagine that anon. because that’s the tea

[ao3feed-kathony]

Knew You In Another Life You Had That Same Look In Your Eyes

read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/62574223 by Allatonceyouaretheone Kathani Sharma has been dreaming of a dark eyed man for twelve years. She's pretty sure he's a figment of her imagination - a way for her subconscious to process her feelings. Words: 3234, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Bridgerton (TV), Bridgerton Series - Julia Quinn Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M Characters: Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma, Anthony Bridgerton Relationships: Anthony Bridgerton/Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fluff and Angst, Happy Ending, Psychic Bond, Prophetic Dreams, Grief/Mourning, Magic and Science, Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma Needs a Hug, Protective Anthony Bridgerton, POV Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma, Anthony Bridgerton/Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma Happy Ending read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/62574223

[lookingfts]

Hi

Would you ever consider adding to one of your older AU’s?

First of all. Just found you. Welcome to tumblr. I’m so happy that you allow fans to bounce ideas off you and praise your work. I really love your fics. But I thought that when I read the ‘say my name’ AU that I had found a new favourite AO3 writer. But it wasn’t. I had read you before but wasn’t really paying attention other than loving your story.

That story was the 2 parter with the one night stand gone wrong because Kate was convinced that Anthony was a serial killer. 😄 but it was the follow up that I really loved. Where they role played what that might look like. I loved you exploring ‘role play’ in that sorta dark way. Borderline unhinged with enabler Kate. 🤗 And canon Anthony kinda gives those sort of ‘obsessive’ vibes off anyway. Would you ever continue in that vein with more of that true crime role play. Or something a little darker? I think you’d be killer at it. Pun intended. 🥰

Thank you so much! So I've been thinking about the idea of a Dark!Anthony story (there are several great ones, but it's not something I've dipped my toe into much). That led me to workshopping a dark fairytale fic with the incredibly imaginative @ladykettlechips. Sort of a loose Beauty and the Beast AU except they're both crazy and both have powers. Here's a little snippet! There's a lot of backstory hinted here that would be more in the full thing, of course, but it's Dark Anthony, Dark Kate, murder, lust, magic, obsession. All the good stuff.

--

He was so beautiful.

It was endlessly strange, to hear Anthony speak of the way others saw him. Scarred. Deformed. Grotesque. Kate had tried hard to envision it, to view him as the monster he claimed to be. But he only became increasingly handsome to her as the days wore on.

Especially in the golden light of the flickering fire. Especially when he was looking at her that way, soft devotion in his fathomlessly deep eyes. Disbelief, almost, that Kate was still there, by her own will and not his. In his arms, nothing but the thin fabric of their nightclothes separating them.

“My father wanted a bigger garden for my mother,” he said softly, stroking his hand over her side. “She liked hyacinths. So I created them for her. My father was surprised by how suddenly they had grown, as if overnight. I think perhaps he suspected. He did not have magic, but his mother did.”

Kate waited silently. She was not a patient woman by nature, but she had a lifetime’s worth of patience for the slow unveiling of Anthony’s soul. 

“I did not know.” His voice caught, and he swallowed. “I did not know he was allergic to bee stings. I did not even know the flowers would attract them. I was young and naive and I only…”

Reaching out, Kate brushed her fingers through his hair, watching the lines smooth slightly on his face as he leaned into her touch.

“I only wanted to help. I only wanted them to be happy.” Anthony seemed to struggle with the words, as though his throat was closing. “I promised myself, Kathani. I made a solemn vow that I would never use my magic to please others because all I ever did was fail them. And I have stayed true to that promise for ten years. But now I find myself failing again. Because all I want is to please you. To give you everything you desire.”

He looked up at her, broken and desperate, searching for - she did not know what. Her approval? Her absolution?

Kate had nothing left to give him but herself. Her body, her mind, her heart. “You are everything that pleases me,” she whispered, pressing her forehead to his as she cupped his jaw tenderly. “I desire nothing else.”

Anthony captured her lips, tipping her head back as he pressed her against the pillows, the warmth of his hands searing through her gown. He brushed his nose against her neck, his eyes shut tightly as he inhaled her scent. “I could never create anything so perfect as you, Kathani Sharma.”