#african widows

[originalhaffigaza]

[boimgfrog]

maybe I'd enjoy fantasy books more if the genre wasn't completely saturated with the exact same white girl special + dark elf bad boy + bad world building. honestly I just can't do the vaguely European fantasy stuff, it's been done to death I feel.

[newwavenewsandentertainment]

Guarding Legacies: Wunmi Fights for Mohbad’s Honor as Samson Siasia’s Football Journey Resumes After FIFA Ban

In the wake of ongoing rumors and drama surrounding the late singer Mohbad’s death, his widow, Wunmi, has made a powerful statement. She’s choosing to defend her husband’s legacy in court, not on social media, urging everyone to respect Mohbad’s memory. On a different note, former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has officially completed his five-year FIFA ban. After years of controversy, Siasia is poised for a new chapter in his football career. Click the link to read the full story and get all the details. #Mohbad #WunmiMohbad #SamsonSiasia #NigerianMusic #SuperEagles #EntertainmentNews #NigerianFootball

[off-page-activities]

Shepherds of Hope: Lighting Up Lives with Compassion and Care

Introduction: Dive into the heartwarming world of Shepherds of Hope, a non-profit organization that's making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children both near and far. Driven by a genuine desire to uplift those in need, this organization is all about creating lasting change through education, advocacy, emergency relief, and community involvement.

Local Impact, Global Reach: Starting in Waterloo, Iowa, Shepherds of Hope is all about making a positive impact right in their own backyard. Through sponsorships, educational support, and quick responses in times of crisis, they're shaping the lives of local children in meaningful ways.

Key Initiatives:

Education: Shepherds of Hope recognizes the power of education in shaping futures. By providing sponsorships and unwavering support, they're ensuring that children have access to quality learning opportunities that can open doors.

Advocacy & Awareness: The organization is on a mission to shed light on the challenges faced by underprivileged children. Through advocacy campaigns and community conversations, they're not just raising awareness but driving real change.

Emergency Relief & Rehabilitation: Shepherds of Hope is a beacon of hope during emergencies. Whether it's natural disasters or unexpected hardships, they're there to provide swift relief and support to those who need it most.

Community Engagement: Shepherds of Hope invites the local community to be a part of their mission. Whether it's volunteering time, resources, or expertise, community members are actively contributing to creating a more compassionate and resilient society.

Vision of the Founders: At the core of Shepherds of Hope is a dedicated couple whose hearts beat for helping the less fortunate. With roots in both Iowa, USA, and Uganda, Africa, they're bridging continents and cultures to bring about positive change in children's lives worldwide.

Get Involved: Are you ready to make a meaningful impact? Shepherds of Hope welcomes volunteers, advocates, and supporters who share their vision of a brighter future for children. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or spread the word, your involvement matters.

Contact Information:

Email: joshuaatuhairwe@gmail.com

Address: 951 W Parker St, Waterloo, IA 50703

Phone: +1 (319) 231-4372

In a world that can sometimes feel uncertain, Shepherds of Hope stands tall as proof that compassion and dedication can spark incredible change. Join their mission to empower lives, one act of kindness at a time.

To learn more about Shepherds of Hope, explore their initiatives, or find out how you can contribute, visit their website or connect with them on social media. Together, let's brighten the lives of children in need.

[starringcupidpodcast]

Break It Off Pt. 1

StarringCupid studios brings you a whole new segment with Break It Off: a special where we criticise ships that should have never seen the light of day.

Join Zama as she examines the outdated cishetero marriage model of the Johnsons, the toxic cycle of Kelly & Ryan, the half-hearted arc of Black Widow & Hulk, and the romantic mishaps of Gregory Eddie. Zama also lends her voice to the ongoing WGA & SAG-AFTRA strikes in America and how they will rewrite the future of movies & TV.

Huge thanks to the Lovers for sticking around the past 3 years. Here's to many more. Do be sure to follow us on Twitter @StarringCupid and on Tumblr @ Starringcupidpodcast.

[scarlett-johansson-fantasyverse]

Here’s Scarlett Johansson secret love set.

[onenicebugperday]

Phinda button spider, Latrodectus umbukwane, Theridiidae

This widow spider was confirmed as a new species in 2019 and so far is found only in South Africa’s Phinda reserve. It is believed to be the largest member of the widow genus.

Photographed in South African by hrodulf

[english-history-trip]

Portrait of an unidentified young woman by Wenceslaus Hollar, 1645

The reason why we should remember Cattelena, who lived in Almondsbury near Bristol, is that she is one of the few African women to have left a record in the rural Britain of the seventeenth century. All we have is the inventory of her goods at her death in 1625: a cow worth £3, a bed, a quilt, a candlestick, four pots, dishes and spoons, ‘all her wearing apparel’, a coffer and two little boxes. It amounted to £6, 9 shillings and sixpence. She was not wealthy, but she was supporting herself, with the aid of her cow and her labour. She was single, like one in five of the women of seventeenth-century England, and she appointed another woman as her executor. Her name – only a first name was given - suggests she had arrived in Bristol via Spain. That’s all we know, but it’s enough to change our picture of the English countryside.

Almondsbury is a small village close to Bristol. At the time Cattelena lived there at least another 16 Africans lived in Bristol. Just like Phylis Setterford, the way we know about Cattelena is because of the inventory of her possessions after her death. She is described as ‘Cattelena, a negra deceased of Almonsbury in the county of Gloucester, single woman & in the diocese of Bristol’. Her inventory includes cooking utensils, clothes, bedding, tablecloth, and a candlestick. However, Cattelena’s most prized possession was a cow. One cow would keep her in milk and butter, as well as provide an income through the sale of dairy products in the local area. Cattelena would have been able to graze her cow on common village land. This would provide her the opportunity of independence and self-sufficiency. Dairying was women’s work. With around 80% of people living in the countryside, it could be a serious income generator. On a farm you would have one dairymaid to six cows. Anything greater would require more servants, and a herd typically had no more than twelve cows. The best hours for milking were between 5-6am and 6-7pm. From Whitsun (May) to Michaelmas (end of September), a cow could produce a gallon of milk a day, which could be used to make a range of ‘white meats’ – meaning cheese and butter. Catellena’s cow was worth £3 10 shillings, £460.32 in today’s money. In 1625, the year Cattelena died, this would have also bought you 10 stones of wool, a quarter of wheat, and was the equivalent of 70 days of skilled labour. In Tudor times, cows were given names. Some reflected their function, as well as the owner's sense of humour. Eleanor Cumpayne of Halesowen, Worcestershire, inherited a cow named Fillpayle from her father George in 1559. Was this name an order shouted at the cow or a compliment for how productive she was? Other cow names recorded include Gentle, Brown Snout, Lovely, Motherlike, Winsome, and Welcome Home. There is no record of Cattelena’s cow having been given a name, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t, as this wasn’t a typical thing to record in an inventory. There is no furniture in Cattelena’s inventory. This could suggest that she rented a room in someone else’s home. This could be the home of a widow named Helen Ford, who was named as administrator to Cattelena’s estate. Cattelena was unmarried but this was not unusual, with around 30% of the English adult female population single. However, it was rare for single women to live in their own home and only about 5% of single women below the age of 45 were head of their own households. Naming Helen Ford as her administrator suggests she was not living with relatives. The total of Catellena’s possessions was valued at £6 9s 6d (£851.59). The existence of Cattelena’s inventory shows us that Black Tudor women could own property themselves and live independent lives. It is significant that as a woman she owned anything at all, it indicates her relative independence. Not only was she not enslaved, but thanks to her cow she seems to have been able to support herself and was free from service or any family obligation. Imagining Cattelena, a dark skinned, independent woman, going about her day-to-day business, preparing her meals, cleaning her bedding, milking her cow, in her rural village makes us imagine English life of the past in a completely new way. She was independent, but she lived an ordinary life, much like most other Tudors.

[seohyun0306]

My heart is absolutely shattered. Ahmed Abbasi was a South African national and the head of the Gift of the Givers office in Gaza. He was deliberately targeted and killed earlier today by the genocidal, racist, colonialist Israel occupation force. He served the people of Gaza since 2013 and was appointed head of the Gift of the Givers office in the region. He implemented multiple projects, including the care of orphans, widows, the elderly and the ill. He delivered water through our desalination plants, distributed food parcels, provided hot meals and upgraded damaged homes. The whole of South Africa mourns his death.

[cleolinda]

Just for fun, since people kept mentioning that Mattel made a Diahann Carroll doll—it was before 1970, in keeping with the @hotvintagepoll rules, but it was for a TV (not movie) character, nurse and widowed single mother Julia Baker:

NBC changed the title [of the show in development] to “Julia,” and cast young Marc Copage as Julia’s son, Corey Baker. Veteran movie and TV star Lloyd Nolan was given the role of Dr. Morton Chegley, Julia’s employer. The cast was one of the first multiracial ones in American TV history, and it featured black actors in non-servile roles. Rather than playing chauffeurs, maids, cooks, and underlings, the African-American actors in “Julia” broke new territory. Here, they were cast as doctors, professors, health care professionals, and other positions that demanded education and training.

[…]

When asked about her connection with the character, Carroll was of two minds. She acknowledged that the nurse was dreamed up by a white producer and scripted by white writers. Still, she was always proud that she literally changed the complexion of TV. “For many people, ‘Julia’ was a fantasy show. It represented a mutual respect and a friendly work atmosphere that didn’t exist in many places at that time,” Carroll said. “If our show helped to show that that was possible, I’ll take that as an accomplishment to be proud of.”

[3rdeyeblaque]

On September 10th we venerate Elevated Ancestor, Voodoo Queen of Louisiana, & Saint, Marie Catherine Laveau on her 222nd birthday 🎉

[for our Hoodoos of the Vodou Pantheon]

Marie Catherine Laveau was a dedicated Hoodoo, healer, herbalist, & midwife who, "traveled the streets [of New Orleans] like she owned them", as the most infamous Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.

Marie C. Laveau I was born a "Free Mulatto" in today's French Quarter in what was then, New France); to a mother & grandmother who were both born into slavery & later freed via freedom papers. It is believed that she grew up in the St. Ann Street cottage of her maternal grandmother.

She married Jacques Santiago-Paris, a "Quadroon" "Free Man of Color", who fled as a refugee from Saint-Domingue, Haiti from the Haitian Revolution in the former French colony . After his passing, she became known as "The Widow Paris". She then worked as a hairdresser catering to White families & later entered a domestic partnership with a French nobleman his death. She excelled at obtaining inside information on her wealthy patrons by instilling fear in their servants whom she either paid or cured of mysterious ailments. Although she never abandoned her Catholic roots, she became increasingly interested in her mother’s African traditional beliefs. The Widow Paris learned her craft from a ‘Voodoo doctor’ known variously as Doctor John or John Bayou.

Marie C. Laveau I is said to have intiated into Voodoo career sometime in the 1820s. She's believed to be descended from a long line of Voodoo Priestesses, all bearing her same name. She was also a lifelong devout Catholic. It didn’t take long before Marie C. Laveau I dominated New Orleans Voodoo culture & society before claiming title of Queen. She was the 3rd Voodoo Queen of NOLA - after Queen Sanité Dédé & Queen Marie Salopé. During her decades tenure, she was the premier beacon of hope and service to customers seeking private consultations - to aid in matters such as family disputes, health, finances, etc, created/sold gris gris, perforemed exorcisms. While her daughter Marie II was known for her more theatrical displays of public events, Marie C. Laveau I was less flamboyant in her persona. She conducted her work in 3 primary locations throughout the city: her home on St. Ann Street, Congo Square, & at Lake Pontchartrain. Despite one account of a challenge to her authority in 1850, Marie C. Laveau I maintained her leadership & influence.

The Queen died peacefully in her sleep in her ole cottage home on St. Ann Street. Her funeral was conducted according to the rite of the Catholic Church & in the absence of any Voodoo rites. To her Voodoo followers, she's venerated as a Folk Saint. In² addition to her Priesthood in Voodoo and title of Queen, she is also remembered for her community activism; visiting prisoners, providing lessons to women of the community, & doing ritual work for those in need.

She is generally believed to have been buried in plot 347, the Glapion family crypt in Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans. As of March 1st, 2015, there is no longer public access to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Entry with a tour guide is required due to continued vandalism & tomb raiding.

We pour libations & give her💐 today as we celebrate her for her love for & service to the people, through poverty, misfortune, bondage, & beyond.

Offering suggestions: flowers + libations at her grave, catholic hymns, holy water, gold rings/bracelets, money

‼️Note: offering suggestions are just that & strictly for veneration purposes only. Never attempt to conjure up any spirit or entity without proper divination/Mediumship counsel.‼️

[newwavenewsandentertainment]

Guarding Legacies: Wunmi Fights for Mohbad’s Honor as Samson Siasia’s Football Journey Resumes After FIFA Ban

In the wake of ongoing rumors and drama surrounding the late singer Mohbad’s death, his widow, Wunmi, has made a powerful statement. She’s choosing to defend her husband’s legacy in court, not on social media, urging everyone to respect Mohbad’s memory.

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Jeanette MacDonald (The Merry Widow, Monte Carlo)— vivacious and luminous, jeanette macdonald was known for her beautiful operatic soprano voice. she appeared in a series of witty and sparkling musical comedies directed by ernst lubitsch in the early 1930s, usually opposite maurice chevalier. in the late 30s and 40s she was often paired with operatic baritone nelson eddy.

Katharine Hepburn (Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story, The African Queen)—This woman. I have been obsessed with her for years. I know the urban legend is a popular one at this point of her walking around set in her underwear when her pants were stolen and she was left with only a skirt, but the pants thing is honestly enough for her to be the hottest in the room in my book. She refused to wear anything else at a time when the public in general and especially the studios did not like that. She was independent, stubborn, and so so very capable. Competency kink anyone? Also, if you want one final way that Katharine's entire life was saying "fuck you" to the establishment, it started young! Her mother took her to suffrage events, and she never got rid of that attitude of justice. I feel like I have barely scratched the surface of all the ways she was such a badass that I'm turning into a rambling mess instead.

This is round 2 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Jeanette Macdonald:

Gifset: https://www.tumblr.com/mydailyvintagephotos/687386480054812672/remembering-jeanette-macdonald-on-her-birthday

Gifset 2: https://www.tumblr.com/marypickfords/186755987894/jeanette-macdonald-in-one-hour-with-you-ernst

Katharine Hepburn propaganda:

I'm sure one million people will submit her as an iconic Hollywood star but that iconicness might lead people to forget just how insanely hot she was like she had it ALL she was skilled she was funny she was smart she was beautiful AND she was likely bisexual

The single word I would use to explain Katherine Hepburn's appeal is *range*. In her acting career, that meant covering all the ground between lush period dramas and the comedies she did with Carey Grant and Spencer Tracey. In terms of hotness, it meant an uncanny ability to bring anything from a Dietrich-esque androgyny to some of the best Classic Hollywood Glamour you will ever see.

Katharine hep was so cool. The VIBES, the INDEPENDENCE,,, living life on her own terms.

she just had this.... bearing to her, this power. she could be funny, even silly (like in bringing up baby) but also so regal and elegant. she was nobody's fool and dear GOD that's so hot

Fancam link

She’s not only stunningly gorgeous (those eyes that pierce your soul! a jawline you could cut glass with!) but her delivery and physical presence in roles gives off confidence and authority in such a sexy way (truly the biggest dick energy of Old Hollywood). Her fiery energy in The Philadelphia Story? Unmatched.

God she's. She's so hot y'all. She has the range!!!!! Funny and dramatic and lovely

She IS the transatlantic accent. Classically gorgeous and such a strong personality.

She's literally one of the funniest women to ever live! She goes shot for shot with Cary Grant in Philadelphia Story and we damn well love her for it! She's the most annoying creature to ever live in Bringing Up Baby but she's so insane and funny that we simply cannot help but fall in love with her (and root for her to give Grant an aneurysm!)

i know she's accounted for but i really want to be sure someone has submitted the scene in bringing up baby where she's pretending to be a gangster

She simply stuns onscreen; you cannot do anything but be captivated by her presence. Also a non-gender-conforming icon and mild tumblr celebrity by virtue of that one picture from The Warrior's Husband (stage play).

Katharine Hepburn was out here casually changing the lives of young butch lesbians with her gender swag! She wore pants even when people said she shouldn’t, she refused to marry or have kids, and she wore menswear in at LEAST one movie!

Someone's got to mention it, but she's won the most Oscars out of any performer and is largely considered one of the greatest actresses ever. She's got an incredible voice, an incredible presence, and she absolutely steals every scene she's in. She was private person and deemed standoffish and unapproachable, but she was also profoundly concerned for people's rights and was an outspoken supporter of abortion access. Finally, the Katharine Hepburn slacks look is just iconic. I mean look at her.

If I start thinking about her face for too long I will cry she is so so hot. Katherine is so charismatic and charming in everything she appears in - watch her adopt a leopard and fall in love with her. Also she has the biggest dick energy ever (she and her pal Lauren Bacall share that accolade). Also had an incredibly long and varied career from screw ball comedies to serious dramas - she’s a queen of the screen and I adore her.

(I hope someone else submits real propaganda but just in case they don't:) Cries. Screams. Wails. The woman who singlehandedly made me realize I was bi. A real "do i want to look like her. be her. or be with her.' crisis, where the answer was all three. Holy shit please all three.

[midnightscramble]

Hi! Are you gonna do a part 2 of the courting story? If so maybe some jealousy raises when one of the kids/partners see reader in public with someone else? Thanks!

Promenading with Widows Part 2 (Violet Bridgerton x fem!Reader)

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

The Masterlist

Author’s Note: This is dedicated to @blueberrycoffee19. No author is without faults and bear in mind that asks are taken as guidelines. Please enjoy and Happy readings to you.

Summary: Penelope and Kate have tea with Lady Y/n, clarifying intentions. Violet and Y/n reunite. The Bridgerton children run into Y/n and Lady Cowper in a compromising position.

Warnings: implied period typical homophobia, discussion of unhappy marriage (Y/n's prior sexual/wifely duties), strong feelings of jealousy/insecurity, unwelcome advance (made by Lady Cowper), no Beta read

Penelope and Kate waited in the foyer of the Y/l/n estate. It was one of the largest in the Ton, yet rarely visited as the late Lord was not keen on hosting. It was apparent that the house was in the midsts of a redecoration, with freshly stripped walls and large wooden crates partially cracked open, revealing new furniture within them. All the curtains had been taken off the runners, letting light stream into the house from all directions.

A butler came down the hall and alerted them of where they could find the Lady of the house, "Lady Y/l/n is taking her afternoon tea in the study," he motioned towards the end of the hall, "She can be found there, my Ladies." Penelope found it rather strange that the butler did not guide them to the study and announce them there. The lack of staff also perturbed her, as there was no one waiting outside the study should Lady Y/n need something. It seemed she was rather independent.

The women looked at each other skeptically as they journeyed to the end of the hall. As they entered the study, they immediately noticed its finished state, compared to the rest of the house. Large book cases that stretched from the floor to the ceiling adorned two walls, while the other walls had been painted a pale, creamy pink. The furniture was made of honey wood with dusty pink upholstering. The curtains were a sheer gold color, making the light of the room appear warmer than the sun itself. Every viable surface had a vase of flowers settled atop it, proudly presenting pink African violets. Penelope couldn't help but smile, there was no doubt that this was a woman's study.

Lady Y/n stood to greet them, "Please excuse the current state of things. I fear the whole house has been victim to my remodeling." Kate laughed, surprising herself. After everything Anthony had told her, she did not expect the woman to be so humble and charming.

"It is no problem at all. I must commend you for what you have done with the study. It looks remarkable, Lady Y/l/n," Kate said with a smile and Penelope nodded in enthusiastic agreement.

"Let's sit, and please, there is no need to maintain such formalities. We are all women of similar status, and I am sure we do not need reminding of it. You can just call me Y/n," She led them to the couches and poured her guests cups of tea.

Penelope could not deny, she liked Y/n. She had suspected the woman to be intimidating, as many intelligent women are. However, it had become clear that the bite and intimidation used on Anthony was purely in retaliation, and not a solidified part of her personality.

"Very well, Y/n. I fear we must have an uncomfortable conversation with you," Penelope bit her lip as she watched Y/n calmly sip her tea.

She put her cup down and her lip curled as she spoke, "I take it Lady Violet received my gift, and Lord Bridgerton intercepted the letter?" Y/n obviously found the subject amusing and Kate herself began to see the humor in it.

"My husband was quite upset by it, he worries about your influence on his mother." Kate folded her hands in her lap politely as she explained.

Suddenly serious, Y/n's smirk dropped as she spoke earnestly, "He has nothing to fear, I would do nothing to harm Lady Violet." Penelope examined the woman across from them, her change in tone reflected that this was not the first time Y/n had thought about the topic at hand. It reminded her briefly of Colin's caring, protective nature.

"I'm sure you wouldn't. However, Anthony does not understand your developing friendship, in fact we are all surprised by the suddenness."

Y/n shrugged, "Lady Violet and I find solace in each other, I found that her company was quite comforting. Since Lord Y/l/n passed, I have found myself frequently alone-"

Reminded that Y/n was a widow, Penelope rushed to give her condolences, "I am so sorry for your loss." Y/n waved her off, settling back into her chair.

"I know that I am odd and brash. Men especially seem to find my presence quite challenging to tolerate. However, these unfortunate traits of mine are not contagious. I pose no threat to indoctrinating the faire Lady Violet. She is far too principled to succumb to any of my outrageous beliefs." Y/n elongated her final words in jest of her not so sparkling reputation within the Bridgerton household.

Dropping the interrogation, Kate yielded, "I rather like odd and brash, and I am sure Lady Violet finds it as refreshing as I do. You are right though, I doubt anyone could convince her of something lest she had already convinced herself."

Y/n laughed whole heartedly, "She is quite formidable, is she not." She smiled as she reflected upon their last meeting, "And rather unrelenting. When we traveled to the gallery together she saw through my facade and refused to let any topic of conversation expire until she found what she was looking for." The adoration in her voice was clear, and the gleam in her eyes was all too telling.

Penelope's eyes widened as she came to the realization that Y/n's feelings for Violet were not strictly platonic. She looked over at Kate, wondering if she had arrived at the same conclusion.

Unexpectedly, Kate stood, "I trust that with your companionship, Lady Violet will be in good hands. Penelope, we must be on our way or we shall be late for lunch." Penelope bit her tongue despite having more questions, willing to let Kate take the lead out of respect for her seniority.

Y/n stood up as well, "Allow me to walk you to your carriage." They spoke their parting pleasantries and once in the comfort and privacy of the carriage, Penelope immediately turned to Kate.

"I think she is in love with-"

Kate put her hand up, gently interrupting the younger woman, "I am not sure that either of them are cognizant of their own feelings. In due time, they will figure it out between themselves. We must let it run its natural course."

"Will you tell Antony what we have discovered?" Penelope worried her lip, not wanting Y/n to face societal consequences.

"He is much more progressive than you think, we have plenty of friends with the same peculiarity. If anything, this may prove to relieve him of his tension, knowing that his mother in the hands of someone who loves her." She paused, reconsidering, "Although, he has been quite angsty since the memorial did not go as planned."

Penelope hummed, "Could there be another reason for his sudden stress?"

Kate sighed and rubbed her protruding belly, "He has been in a state since I have become pregnant. Anthony fears dying as suddenly as his father, he spends most of his time in the study, estate planning so that I may not worry if he passes early. I think he may be unfairly projecting his anxieties onto Violet." Penelope patted her hand comfortingly and they sat in contemplative silence until they arrived back at the Bridgerton estate.

...

Approximately one hour had passed since the women had arrived to the family home, and in that hour, word had spread like wild fire. Kate told Anthony of Y/n's feelings for Violet. He felt relieved, knowing the widow's intentions were harmless, and apologetic for his outburst. After discussing it with Kate, who had watched her own father remarry, he accepted that it was only right that his mother get a second chance at love. He confessed "I always felt that no man could replace father. Perhaps this is the unlikely solution that allows the coexistence of his memory and mother's happiness."

In his relief he mentioned to Benedict that Lady Y/n was not after his hand, to which Benedict weaseled the true information out of him. Smug he jested, "Well of course she is a homosexual, it is the only explanation as to why she resisted my charms."

Gregory emerged from around a corner, obviously eavesdropping, "You grossly overestimate your charms, brother."

Exasperated, Anthony grimaced, "You are both sworn to secrecy on this matter, it is extremely sensitive and possibly life ruining." Benedict nodded compassionately and Gregory smiled before running off to tell Hyacinth.

On the other side of the house, Penelope had confessed her discovery to Colin, who sought Eloise in confusion. "So Lady Y/n has affection for the fairer sex? Is such not illegal in London?" Eloise nodded at his questioning, "Yes, and it is illegal. Despite being absolutely harmless, it is too taboo to be brought up in court."

Colin paced the room, "And if the two of them are discovered they will no doubt be put on trial, what shall we do then?"

"I'm sure Simon and Daphne have friends in the high courts, we shall have to tell them should the family need to call in a favor." Colin nodded and with Penelope and his sister walking in tow, they found the couple in the drawing room.

Relaying the news, the Duke and Duchess were quick to accept the hypothetical responsibility. The group failed to notice Francesca and John, who sat in the corner quietly watching the interaction.

All had been sworn to secrecy as to not interfere with the budding romance, and by the time dinner arrived, everyone knew of Y/n's feelings save for Violet.

...

The next day Y/n arrived to the Bridgerton estate and was met by a very eager Hyacinth who walked her to the drawing room, "It is so wonderful that you are here. Mother has been positively bereft by your absence, mopping about as though-" She stopped herself, not wanting to reveal Violet's obvious crush, "that is to say she missed you." Y/n smiled at the young girl and her odd giddiness.

They entered the drawing room and the chatter went silent, all eyes flew to Violet, awaiting her reaction. Anthony broke the tension, "My apologies for the prior hostility, Lady Y/l/n, you are a fine companion to my mother." Violet was touched by the sentiment and stood to greet Y/n who responded gracefully, "Apology accepted, Lord Bridgerton. I shall make use of your approval and invite the Viscountess to lunch."

Gathering Y/n's hands in her own she nodded eagerly, "That would be splendid, thank you."

Y/n smiled and linked their arms, guiding her out of the room. Conversation erupted the moment they were out of earshot, the children began debating who would confess their feelings first.

...

"Where are we going to lunch?"

"I have prepared a feast at my house," Y/n exaggerated as they stepped into the carriage. Violet's breathe caught, she had not yet had the privilege of seeing where the Lady resided. Being invited into the home of someone as private as Y/n was not to be taken lightly, it meant she had earned the widow's trust.

Violet quickly remembered to respond in similar jest, "Let's say my hunger is so great that I devour this proposed feast and you are left with nothing, what then shall you do?"

"Eat you, of course," Y/n easily responded, not aware of the innuendo attached to her words. Violet flushed and looked out the window while pursing her lips together. She imagined them tangled in bed sheets, with Y/n's mouth trailing down her body. She shivered and crossed her legs tightly, trying to ignore the sudden fire within her.

Changing the topic, Y/n began, "Please ignore the state of the house, I am in the middle of redecorating and have accomplished little in my free time." Violet nodded in understanding, knowing that the young woman had inherited her husband's many duties to the Queen.

"On the contrary, I would love a house tour."

Y/n smiled brightly and grabbed Violet's hand, "I am absolutely delighted by that." She held Violet's hand for the rest of the journey, enjoying its warmth and running her fingers over the tendons, watching as they twitched.

Once they arrived, Y/n led the way through the house, "Let us start with the third level and work our way down." She showed Violet the library, indoor green house, and the multitude of guest bedrooms. Y/n seemed to get nervous as they got to the second level, purposely avoiding a room that had a large ebony door, intricately carved with the Y/l/n family crest.

Violet pointed to the room before Y/n could slip past, "What's in here," she innocently inquired.

The younger woman's voice cracked, "That was my marital bedroom." Violet squared her shoulders, not wanting to outwardly show her shock. Awkwardly, Y/n offered, "Would you like to see it?" In truth, she did not want to enter the space, as it held the worst memories of her marriage. She dreaded the room and all it stood for.

Not wanting to offend her host, Violet agreed, "Yes, if you would like me to." Y/n's hand reached for her own as she turned the iron knob. The door slowly opened to reveal a room shrouded in darkness, the closed curtains causing the room to be entirely devoid of light. While the rest of the house had undergone major changes, Y/n could not bring herself to return to this room for longer than necessary, feeling disgust over her memories of the bedroom.

Violet looked around the room, the accents of the room were a deep, dark green. The bed was black and the furniture was all leather. On the wall opposing the bed, there was a large stuffed deer's head mounted, surveying the room. She turned to look at her companion, seeing how small Y/n looked amongst the imposing decor. She moved a hand to the small of her back in comfort, "How often would you sleep here?"

"Whenever he demanded it." She said plainly. Violet nodded, feeling a surge of aggression towards the dead man. Lord Y/l/n had made his wife aware of the fact that he could not love her, carried affections for another, yet bed her on the regular. He was an imbecile, completely unaware of the invaluable woman he had married, content to treat her as a house pet. She exhaled her anger and inched closer to Y/n to put her hands on either side of her arms.

"Do you still sleep here?" Please don't sleep here, you don't have to sleep here, she thought. She looked into Y/n's eyes, trying to get her plea across.

"No, I never want to sleep here again." Violet pulled her into a hug, with one hand around Y/n's waist and the other cradling the back of her head. The memories of Lord Y/l/n's touch vanished as Y/n's senses were filled with Violet, the sweet scent of her hair, the soft caress of her skin, and the strong hold of her arms. They enjoyed the vulnerability of the moment, neither wanting to separate, fearing that it would be a long while till their next embrace.

Y/n sighed, "Lunch will be ready soon, we should probably..." she weakly offered. Violet removed her hand from Y/n's head and brought both down to her waist, keeping their bodies pressed against each other. She knew she was being selfish, to take this liberty in the very room that her companion had felt most trapped. Yet, it felt right, to reclaim this small intimacy, to give this to Y/n without the expectation of a sexual favor.

"We probably should. You know... I have quite the expertise when it comes to home decor. I would be honored if you allowed me to redecorate this room." Violet wanted to erase Lord Y/l/n, to unburden Y/n and allow her to live freely in her home without his ghost lingering.

The widow nodded and pulled away from the embrace, "That would be much appreciated. In fact, this could be your room for when you spend the night. I know that you will soon be in search of a dowager house, so in the mean time, if you need an escape, you can stay here." Violet's heart warmed at the thought.

"You would really give me the grandest bedroom?"

"As long as you intend to use it, yes." Y/n responded as if it were obvious. "Would it trouble you to come by in two days time? I have a painter on retainer and we can pick out furniture for your room."

Smiling brightly, Violet interlocked their fingers, "It wouldn't trouble me at all, shall we have lunch now?"

...

Violet returned home feeling as though her mind had quieted. She walked mindlessly through her home, letting her fingers dance along the walls. Although it was past dinner and the usual time they retired, her daughters had all gathered in the drawing room. Violet was startled by the congregation and entered the room. The women all turned to look at her, and Daphne was the first to speak, "How was your night?"

Hyacinth eagerly patted the spot next to her on the couch, smiling like the cat who ate the canary, "You must tell as all about the evening. What did you talk about it? What did you eat?" Eloise put down her book, giving her mother her full attention.

Feeling shy, Violet guffawed, "And what is with this sudden onslaught of inquiries?"

The room bustled once again as everyone feigned disinterest, Eloise reopened her book and shrugged her shoulders, Francesca tinkered with the keys of her piano and Hyacinth made an excuse, "We are simply invested in your friendships, MaMa."

Daphne was the only one that continued to look at her, "Did you have a pleasant time?" She asked softly.

Violet fixed her daughter with a strange look, she hesitated, "Yes, I did." Daphne clapped her hands once and her sisters turned their attention to her, "It is time for bed, ladies, I am sure MaMa does not want to be kept up by our incessant chatter." Sighs emitted from her younger siblings and they clambered off to bed.

Once it was just the two of them, Daphne tried again, "I know you went for lunch, and you obviously stayed for dinner, so what did you do in the hours in between?"

"I'm going to be helping Lady Y/l/n with redesigning a portion of her home, that is all," Violet turned her gaze away from her daughter, not liking the bitter taste the lie left in her mouth.

"That is all?" Daphne knew her mother was close to cracking.

"She is letting me decorate a room for when I stay there." Violet's leg bounced uneasily under her skirt, not liking the direction of the questioning, "I fail to see how any of this is your business, dear."

Daphne put her hands up in concession, "You are right it is not my business... Mama," She began, "we all so desperately want you to be happy. If you have found something-someone who helps you achieve that, then we are pleased for you." Violet's breath caught in her throat. Her children had always been perceptive of her feelings, but for them to catch something that she herself was only just beginning to accept and understand was on an entirely different level.

"How did you know-"

"When Anthony forbade you from seeing her, you sent letters to her every day. I think you forget that the Duke and I are a floor beneath you, we would hear you pacing at night in frustration." Violet put her head in her hands at her daughter's admission. Had this truly been so obvious to everyone else? How could she deny something that everyone already knew?

Daphne put a hand on her shoulder, "We love you, we just want you to be happy." With that she took her leave, and left Violet with her thoughts.

...

The next morning, Colin, Anthony, Daphne and Francesca invited their spouses for a group promenade.

...

Across the Ton, Y/n sat across from Lady Cowper, listening to her drown on about her husband's latest business deal. She had neglected her social calendar and postponed all meetings for the month following Lord Y/l/n's death, and it was now catching up with her. Dropping a few coins on the table to cover her coffee and croissant, Y/n stood.

"I feel in need of some fresh air, would you like to accompany me on a walk in the park?"

Lady Cowper nodded with a saccharine smile, not wanting their time together to end. Linking their arms, she pulled the younger woman tightly to her side, "I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. How have you been?"

Internally rolling her eyes, she responded politely, "I have been as well as one can be, given the circumstances." As they made their way through the empty park, Lady Cowper tugged her towards a near gazebo. Hidden slightly behind a pillar, she asked conspiratorially, "Are you not relieved that he is gone?"

Y/n felt a shiver go down her spine and she separated herself from the woman, "I beg your pardon?"

"You do not have to lie to me, Y/n. I see the way you stare at women of the Ton," She purred, running her fingers across the collar of Y/n's dress. The widow felt bile crawl up her throat at the unwelcome and unearned familiarity.

She pushed Lady Cowper away, causing her to stumble briefly, "You forget yourself. Good day." She made to exit the gazebo and realized that she had an audience far in the distance, the Bridgertons.

...

They stalked towards their home in silence, contemplating what to do with what they had witnessed transpire between Lady Y/l/n and Lady Cowper. They come to the conclusion that it was a lover's spat of some sort, and hesitated to give their mother the news.

"I think Colin should be the one to say it, he is the gentlest," Daphne offered. Anthony nodded in agreement and watched as his younger brother swallowed anxiously. No one wanted to be the bearer of bad news, however, Violet was owed the truth. Colin finally nodded, and by the time they had approached the house, he had planned exactly what to say.

Finding her in the study, Colin slowly approached his mother, "I am sorry to interrupt you," Violet looked up at him with a smile, stilling her quill.

"You are not interrupting, I am simply writing to Lady Y/n about our plans for tomorrow." He gently took the quill from her hand and placed in on the side of the table.

"About that, are you sure that Lady Y/n is available?" She cocked her head to the side, "Why, of course. We made these plans just yesterday."

"I suppose, what I mean to ask is if Lady Y/n already has a companion who accompanies her on similar outings..."

Violet stuttered, "I-well, I do not know. I have never thought to ask... Is there a reason you are wondering?" Violet's heart rate slowly ticked up as she watched her son press his lips together in apology.

"This morning, we witnessed Lady Y/n having a quarrel with Lady Cowper, it seemed... passionate." Violet's heart sank.

"Oh."

"Would you like me to write to her to cancel tomorrow's plans?" Violet nodded silently and left the room. She bounded up the stairs and slammed her bedroom door shut. Shaking, she felt hot tears stream down her face.

That no good trollop Cowper, Violet thought as she envisioned the Lady caressing Y/n's face. She barred her teeth and let out a sorrowful hiss before dissolving into sobs. She pounded her fist on her bed, raging at her own naivety. Of course a beautiful woman such as Y/n would have the women of the Ton accosting her, and to think that she would be the one to capture the widow's heart was improbable at best. She cursed the very day that Lady Cowper was born, wishing a long insufferable death upon the woman.

She had been a fool and given her heart to someone who clearly did not feel the same for her. Perhaps Y/n would offer Lady Cowper the bedroom...