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sleepyfireball · 1 year ago

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I loved Season 3 so much (Violet Bridgerton Edition)

If you haven't guessed (God help you) Violet is my favourite character and I have a lot of thoughts about her storyline in Part 2.

First her storyline with John and Francesca. Something I really enjoy about Violet is that she is not perfect, and she actively learns from her past mistakes and tries to do better. That being said, she does still make mistakes. While she is significantly better this season at not pushing her children too hard in the marriage mart, she still does push Francesca a bit. I think she recognises that Francesca loves John, but she is not sure if she is in love with John. She is hesitant to speak to the Queen on their behalf, mostly because Agatha point blank tells her that the Queen will sniff out her doubts, even though Violet said her doubts do not matter in the face of Francesca's happiness. However, I do think Violet benefited from hearing that falling in love can look different, it does not always have to sudden and instantaneous and loud. Violet has a habit of expecting her children to experience love the way she did and it is important for her to recognise that her loved experience is not the only experience of true love. Also, Francesca forgave Violet, which I think was really important as well. An important part of growing up is realising that your parents are people too and as such, make mistakes. The scene of the two of them playing the piano together will live happily in my heart forever, as will John's acknowledgement of Violet's role in her children's lives.

I also found it quietly funny that Violet told Francesca she stumbled over her words the first time she met Edmund, then, not 5 minutes later, was stumbling over her words when speaking to Marcus. Not to mention that in part one, Violet had stumbled through her disastrous introduction to Marcus in the first place.

I love love loved seeing Violet and Marcus's story play out. Daniel Francis and Ruth Gemmell have amazing chemistry together and honestly were amazing in their scenes together. The way that he was constantly seeking her out at social events and he came to call on her was so sweet; even if Violet was so horny watching him eat that little dessert. I think Marcus should definitely be the one to tend her garden and I loved seeing them dance together. A romantic dance for the first time in 12 years for Violet. I enjoyed that she looked nervous but also excited to get to dance again. I also enjoyed that they put their relationship on the backburner to sort out their own issues. That's a really healthy outlook and I love that their communication is strong enough that they were comfortably able to talk about it. If I had my way, before season 4 we would get a prequel series about Young Violet and Edmund, paralleled with Violet and Marcus's proper courtship.

Marcus's scenes with Agatha were also top tier. Daniel Francis and Adjoa Andoh blew it out of the water, particularly in the scene where they both want to go after Violet when she's upset at the Mondrich ball. I feel like that scene hit really hard after watching QC:ABS and seeing just how miserable Agatha was in her arranged marriage. Also, seeing Agatha desperately trying to throw widows who are not Violet at her brother in the hopes that he would get distracted was hilarious, but I did appreciate that he did not waver in his feelings for Violet once. That is exactly what Violet deserves, not some wishy washy man who can't commit, like we were worried he would be, due to the rake comments from Part 1. I really appreciated that Marcus went and apologised, to resolve the matter almost as soon as he found out why Agatha was so angry at him. (her holding a grudge against a 10 year old is mildly hilarious, even if it leads to some pretty bad consequences) and that Agatha was willing to accept his apology and looked most pleased seeing him and Violet together after they had made up.

Now, Violet and Agatha's scenes. Oh my god, Ruth Gemmell and Adjoa Andoh give a master-class in acting because the two scenes they share, in Ep7 and Ep8 respectively are truly some of my favourite from across the whole show and spin off. This friendship between Violet and Agatha means so much and it is clear that neither of them want to jeopardise that friendship. The scene is Ep7 where Violet assures Agatha that their friendship is non-transactional is so important because all her life, Agatha has been told that in order to receive love, she has to provide something in return. Violet tells her, in no uncertain terms, that they will remain friends even after there are no more matches to make. For me as someone who struggled to make true friends for the longest time, seeing this relationship onscreen made me cry. And the scene in Ep8 where they finally actually talk about the discoveries made in QC:ABS is amazing as well. The cinematography in particular for this scene, I adored. The moment Agatha acknowledges that she loved Violet's dad, the camera hides away, behind the couch. When looking at Agatha, the camera is hidden away behind Violet's head. It feels like we are barely supposed to see that scene, because the two ladies are barely supposed to be talking about it. The filmography made the scene feel voyeuristic in a way, like the audience was not supposed to see it. This isn't even to mention the insane acting. I genuinely feel like I am just watching a conversation occur naturally between two people, not a scripted scene that is being acted out. The fact that they finally acknowledged everything from QC:ABS is also monumentsl as it means that Violet and Agatha are willing to move past that and continue their friendship, no matter what. Having Agatha say she will choose Violet over Marcus should he handle things wrong felt so wonderful as well, especially when you have the juxtaposition with Penelope and Eloise and Colin. And panning over to the hat at the end of that scene was wonderful. Not to mention the whole rest of that scene focused on Agatha reassuring Violet about Francesca and John as she had been doing all season.

If I could change anything about this I would add in two scenes. 1. Agatha consoling Violet after she runs out of the Mondrich Ball and 2. Getting Violet and Colin talking about the Whistledown reveal, because we were robbed of Ruth Gemmell's wonderful acting for that scene. I also want to know what was in that letter. I also would have liked to see Violet helping out a little more for Colin and Penelope, but I understand why she brought in Kate and Anthony to help him out.i would have loved more bonding scenes between Penelope and Violet and also Penelope and Agatha, but I was just glad we got the small crumbs of those relationships that we did. Three things I loved, when The Queen told everyone who was not a Bridgerton to leave, Agatha stayed right there and the Queen did not dare question her. And Anthony being overprotective over Violet and Kate telling him to chill. I do wanna see his reaction if we get Violet and Marcus seriously courting through. And the rest of her kids reactions to cluing onto Marcus was basically good for her, which I was very happy about and felt really healthy for their family dynamic.

I could talk about these three actors and these plot lines until the sun burns up, but that'll do for now

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shmaptainwrote · 11 months ago

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𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 [𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐔𝐒]

PAIRINGS — Violet Bridgerton x Marcus Anderson

SUMMARY — After the marriage of two of her children, Violet attends the last ball of the season, perhaps with an ulterior motive.

WORD COUNT — 2.6K

WARNINGS — none

NOTE — As promised, Violet stans (and Violet/Marcus shippers) this one's for you

With each passing year, Violet didn’t think the next marriage season could get busier than the one preceding, but every single time she was proven wrong.

As much as she loved all of the organized chaos that came with having a daughter (or two) out in society, this time around, she felt a wave of relief wash over her once Francesca was married and everything had settled down with Colin and Penelope.

No one blamed her when she took a few days to herself before continuing to engage in society, although she wasn’t particularly obliged to with her only daughter still out in society having gone to Scotland with her sister and new husband.

“Mama, you’re going to a ball?” Hyacinth looked curiously at her mother.

The youngest Bridgerton was ready for bed early which was rare, but she still clearly had her ear to the door, waiting for something interesting to happen.

“Yes, it is the last one of the season, I thought it might be appropriate to attend,” she said. “And Lady Danbury is hosting.”

“Are you sure you’re not going to see Lord Anderson?” Benedict said as he came inside, wiggling his eyebrows at his mother.

“Benedict Bridgerton,” she gasped playfully. “You overstep. I am still your mother.”

“Just be happy Anthony is on his way to India,” he chuckled and came over to her pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Will you be alright alone, or should I accompany you?”

“I think I will survive,” she patted his arm. “Thank you for offering.”

“I cannot wait until I can go to a ball,” Hyacinth huffed.

“Soon enough, dearest,” Violet assured, coming to wrap her arms around her daughter, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “In the meantime you can practice dancing with your brother.”

“Oh, could we Benedict?” Hyacinth looked up at him before he had the chance to slip away.

“Alright, but just a few,” he chuckled, motioning for her to follow him and they wished their mother goodnight, hand in hand while she made her way to the carriage that was ready for her in front of the house.

She watched as they passed by the homes in the square, the carriage taking its familiar twists and turns until she reached the Danbury Estate.

One of her carriage drivers helped her climb out and she took her evening gloves, slipping them on before she entered inside her friend's home.

She found her eyes widening at the sight, the brightly lit room was covered with flowers and greenery, spilling out of every corner and crevice. It was wild and regal all at the same time, and Violet’s lips pulled into a smile, Lady Danbury had outdone herself again.

Her reaction was noted by some of the other mamas and transitioned easily into a brief hello and conversation about the decor and what a wonderful season it had been.

Violet’s eyes eventually trailed away from those she was conversing with, searching the room for a certain someone, but unable to find who she was looking for and in turn, she politely excused herself from the conversation to serve herself some lemonade. As she poured the drink into her cup she heard a familiar voice behind her.

“I wasn’t sure if I would see you here tonight.”

“And miss your ball?” Violet asked, a smile on her face as she turned around meeting Lady Danbury’s gaze before it moved to the decorations around her again. “You really have done something magnificent with this Agatha.”

“Well, I will admit I did have a bit of help,” she said. “Although if anyone asks-”

“It was all you,” Violet nodded her head and sipped her lemonade, a cheeky smile appearing on both of their faces.

“And how are you?” Lady Danbury asked. “I must say no one was surprised by your absence the past little while, this season has been quite busy for you.”

“Yes, it has indeed,” she nodded. “Francesca and Eloise are well on their way to Scotland, Colin and Penelope have been enjoying their honeymoon, and Kate and Anthony have left for India.”

“It is quiet is it not?” Lady Danbury asked and Violet nodded her head.

“Although I am left with the three most troublesome of the bunch, it is still…too silent. But do not tell them that they will surely come up with some scheme that will turn the house upside down.”

Lady Danbury chuckled at her friend’s comment then looked around at the crowd surrounding them.

“So you came tonight for some noise as well?”

Violet nodded her head.

“Well, if the house stays too quiet, you are always welcome here and I’m sure we can make some noise of our own,” she teased.

“Thank you, Agatha,” Violet nodded her head. “I will keep your offer in mind, but I do not wish to keep you tied to the refreshments table. I am sure there are others here who want to visit with such a splendid hostess.”

Lady Danbury offered Violet one last smile before leaving her and continuing to make her rounds to her guests.

Violet found herself stuck to one of the walls in the far end of the room, it brought her back to her years as a new debutante, either staying close to her father’s side or tucked away where she could observe what was happening.

It was odd how much easier she found it to be outgoing when she had the cushion of her children.

It didn’t take very long for her to feel as though maybe she needed a change of scenery and instead exited the main ballroom, heading for the terrace one stage lower that overlooked the gardens.

There she removed her gloves and laid them across the balcony’s rail, closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath of the fresh night air.

The cool breeze nipped at her exposed skin, but made it all the more obvious when someone stood next to her, the warmth radiating off them in large contrast to the outside temperature.

She carefully opened her eyes and looked over to her side seeing Marcus Anderson looking over the gardens. She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it, instead opting to take a lesson from her daughter’s book. Perhaps for now silence would do.

As they stood together, the music coming from the ballroom could be faintly heard, an echo into the otherwise silent night.

It made Violet think of the Dankworth-Finch ball and how nervously wonderful it had felt to dance again. She had paid such careful attention to her steps in the beginning, worried she might slip up on account of not practicing for the better part of a decade, but each movement came back to her with such ease it was as if she never stopped.

A smile came over her face and an increase in confidence, possibly brought on by the lack of an audience, looking forward, not turning her gaze, she spoke up.

“Ask me to dance.”

Marcus turned his head to look at her, clearly not expecting such a direct statement.

“I-Out here?” he looked at her curiously. “Or back inside because-”

She now turned to face him properly, her whole body now pointed in his direction.

“Ask me to dance,” she repeated simply.

Marcus let out a small chuckle and nodded his head, extending a hand towards her.

“Lady Bridgerton, may I have this dance?”

Violet smiled, “Yes you may.”

She placed her hand in his and felt all the air leave her lungs as he pulled her into him, a hand wrapped around her waist, still a small gap between them that she so selfishly closed with an additional step forward.

Her other hand was flat against his chest and she let herself feel comfort in his embrace, her smile never once leaving her lips, only growing as they finally began to dance.

Their movements were slow, in time with the music, the hand of hers that he held tucked close to his heart in a gesture that did not go unnoticed by Violet.

“You’ve been awfully quiet,” Marcus commented after a while of swaying together.

“Is it a crime to simply enjoy the moment?” she asked, looking up at him and tilting her head to the side.

“No, not at all,” he chuckled. “Although I am glad you are enjoying it.”

“So am I,” she whispered.

Violet was savouring the slow pace of things between them. It gave her adequate time to appreciate every new feeling as it came up, every warm sensation.

“Before you had asked, the last time I hadn’t danced with anyone since my husband had passed away,” she said quietly, looking down at their intertwined hands. “It sounds foolish to say out loud, but I was so nervous for the days leading up to the ball my children thought me to be ill.”

Marcus let out a little chuckle at her admission and Violet could feel his hold against her tightening, even if only slightly.

“Well the world did not end after our dance.”

“No it did not,” she shook her head. “You brought something back into my life I had dearly missed and I…I thank you for that…Dancing, I mean.”

“Yes, of course,” Marcus nodded, seemingly understanding her indirect words. “Dancing.”

They continued to move with the music in silence until the song ended and they paused, both unwilling to let go of the other, but they were spared the separation when another song began and Marcus took his cue to resume leading the Dowager Viscountess.

“My sister has told me you are planning on going to Aubrey Hall with Benedict, Gregory, and Hyacinth once the season is over,” Marcus began. “Would it be so bold of me to ask if I may call on you while you are there?”

Violet felt her lips pull into another smile. She gingerly bit her lower lip before looking up and responding to him.

“I think I would quite like that.”

“I was hoping you might say that,” he smiled. “I thought the ball and the decorations might put you in a good mood,” he teased, but when he saw the slight confusion on her face he clarified. “Did my sister not tell you I helped with this ball?”

Violet chuckled, now making the connection.

“She said someone had helped her, but she failed to mention it was you.”

He shrugged his shoulders.

“It was a good chance for us to work together and she was struggling to find a theme fit for a closing ball.”

“And so you stepped in. I must say if this was your vision Agatha executed it wonderfully,” Violet admitted.

“Yes, I have recently found myself drawn to a particular flower and thought it might be a nice way to honour her,” he said and Violet could feel her cheeks grow warm, a pink tinge certainly outing her to the gentleman in front of her.

“Even though you couldn’t be absolutely certain I would come?” she asked. “I did just have two of my children marry.”

“There was always a chance you’d find your way here.”

His words were so simple and yet they carried such weight in Violet’s heart. That irregardless of circumstances he had trusted she would come.

“You have an awful lot of faith in me, my Lord,” her voice came out a whisper without even meaning to.

Marcus simply smiled and Violet felt his grip around her waist tighten slightly, almost in a protective manner. It made her breath falter, the air around her not enough to satiate her lungs.

As if her request for more air was heard from up above, a gust of wind came forth, making her gown billow around her, a few strands of her carefully pinned hair finding their way in front of her eyes.

She felt Marcus let go of her hand that rested over his heart, instead his fingers coming to gently brush aside small curls that covered her face, tucking them ever so gently behind her ear. She memorized the way his touch felt against her cheek, coming behind her ear only to come and trace her jaw in a movement one could only describe as painfully curious.

From the look in his eyes she could tell he had wondered for so long what it might feel like to do that, to…touch her so personally, reverently.

She didn’t pull away, in fact, she had to stop herself from leaning in too much, her body aching and wishing to be just that much closer to him.

They had stopped dancing as the music faded into silence in the background, the back of Marcus’ fingers still pressed gently against her cheek.

Violet couldn’t tear her gaze away, stuck in that moment, away from everyone and everything.

She expected her voice to be caught in her throat, frozen and silent like everything else, but there was something about that when she was around him, something that made her say what she wished, without fear of judgement or shame.

“Lady Bridgerton-”

“Kiss me,” she whispered.

The shock on Marcus’ face was amplified from when she had told him to ask her to dance, but he did not seem against the idea.

“Violet,” his voice was gentle. “I wouldn’t wish to-”

“We aren’t children,” she said quietly. “We have both been married…been with someone. It is not foreign,” she expressed, “I just…Marcus, please kiss me.”

Marcus’ hand turned from how it was resting against her cheek, moving instead to hold it, his thumb brushing against the soft skin there. Tracing her cheekbone, committing to memory every line and freckle he passed over.

Violet had never heard her heart beat so loudly, it increased in volume until the steady thump was the only thing she could hear as Marcus brought her even closer to him. She let her eyes flutter shut just as his lips lightly pressed against hers, her hand firmly resting against his heart, their beats mixing together to form a rhythm that coursed through their veins.

Just like everything in their relationship, the progression of their first kiss was slow. A steady warmth first building until it spread to every extremity, until it consumed them. Their lips moved in a delicate experienced dance, but was simultaneously cautious and tentative, explorative after having both been without such feelings and sensations for so long.

When they pulled apart it was merely centimeters that separated them. Violet’s eyes remained shut, her head still tilted upwards towards Marcus.

When she finally opened her eyes and felt Marcus’ hand come slightly lower on her face, his thumb now tracing the curve of her bottom lip.

She let out a shaky exhale, her eyes flicking towards where she felt his touch and then back up to his eyes.

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of the upper balcony door being swung open and they quickly pulled away from each other, instead standing as they once were in the beginning overlooking the garden.

They stood close enough together that Violet could feel the ghost of his touch, her body missing, no, craving the feeling of having him so close, but she felt her lips begin to pull into a small smile as she felt his hand intertwine with hers, hidden from those behind them by the layered fabric of her dress that lightly blew in the breeze.

And as they heard the chatter increase in volume from those in the ballroom, Violet was very happy she’d learnt to ask for what she wanted.

#violet bridgerton x marcus anderson #marcus anderson x violet bridgerton #violet bridgerton #marcus anderson #bridgerton #bridgerton fanfiction #bridgerton fanfic #daniel francis #ruth gemmell

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