#rokesby fic

[your3fundamentaltruths]

the pen's in my hand - 24. that boyish look that I like in a man

Set in the TV writers AU. You can find it on AO3.

He’s somehow blushing and smirking at the same time and it’s quite possibly the most endearing thing she’s ever seen.

[arrthurpendragon]

[xslytherclawx-writes]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Rokesby Series - Julia Quinn Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Georgiana Bridgerton/Nicholas Rokesby, Edmund Bridgerton & Nicholas Rokesby Characters: Nicholas Rokesby, Georgiana Bridgerton, Edmund Bridgerton Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - 2000s, Alternate Universe - America, Medical Student Nicholas Rokesby, Veterinary Student Georgiana Bridgerton, Roommates, (in the american sense), Pre-Relationship, Falling In Love, Formerly Anonymous Summary:

Nicholas's father gives him an ultimatum: either let Georgie Bridgerton move in with him when she goes to veterinary school, or get cut off.

A story told (mostly) through emails, MSN messages, and texts.

[himbohunnicutt]

I am a simp for Nicholas Rokesby

[sea-owl]

I'm bored, let's switch around the names of the Bridgertons if they were born the opposite gender!

Anthony - Antonia or Antoinette. This one was easy. I'm leaning more towards Antonia.

Benedict - Beatrice. I think this one is canon. My memory is bad but I think in one of the Rokesby books it's mentioned Bridgerton B was gonna be named Benedict or Beatrice. I think it had something to do with the Shakespeare play

Colin - Colleen. Another easy one. I've been using Colleen for my fics.

Daphne - First instinct is to use Daniel but then I thought that was boring so I did some googling and found Daphnis. Has the same meaning as Daphne (laurel/laurel tree) and idk more fun.

Eloise - Elliot or Ellis. I've been calling the male Eloise Elliot since @thekatebridgerton philoise gender flip au so I'll probably keep calling him that.

Francesca - Francis I really wouldn't know what else to call besides Frank or Franklin but I don't think Violet would name her child that.

Gregory - Greta or Grace. This one I'm still not to sure about. Wanted to keep the GR to the name. Open to change if anyone wants to take a stab at it.

Hyacinth - So Hyacinth is gender neutral but if we want to have a more masculine name we can use Hyacinthus. It's where Hyacinth came from and it's still honoring Edmund's favorite flower.

[thecaptainsgingersnap]

Delphine Jezebel Victoria Anastasia Bridgerton

FC: Phoebe Dynevor

Fic Title: The Prince or the Pauper

Nickname(s): Del, Dellie

Sexuality: Straight

Pronouns: She/her

Career: None

Birthday: April 17, 1792

Height: 5'5"

Hair color: Strawberry blonde

Eye color: Brown

Place of Birth: Aubrey Hall

Hobbies: Reading, painting, playing the viola

Likes: Oranges, Ribbons, pall mall, dancing, picnics, dogs, her siblings, gossip, cornflowers, blueberry muffins

Dislikes: rain, corsets, mice, peas, math, small talk, Lady Featherington, bees, poison ivy, mud

Physical Quirks/Scars: Clumsy, slightly nearsighted

Family: Edmund Bridgerton (father, deceased), Violet Bridgerton (mother), Anthony Bridgerton (brother +8 years), Benedict Bridgerton (brother +6 years), Colin Bridgerton (brother +1 year), Daphne Bridgerton (older twin sister), Eloise Bridgerton (sister -4 years), Edmund Bridgerton II (@madebyleftovermuses and my OC) (brother -4 years), Francesca Bridgerton (sister -5 years), Gregory Bridgerton (brother -9 years), Hyacinth Bridgerton (sister -11 years) Honorary family: The Rokesbys, Lady Danbury

Friends: Penelope Featherington, Poppy Featherington (Haleigh' OC), Lydia Smythe-Smith, Kate Sharma

Love interest: Jefferson Thompson

Optimistic or pessimistic: Realist

Introvert or extrovert: Introvert

Favorite Animal: Hummingbird

Favorite color: Lavender

Favorite book: Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron

Favorite food: Chocolate cake

Background: For those not in attendance at the Vauxhall celebration, you missed perhaps the most remarkable coups of the season. It appears the Misses Bridgerton have captured the interest of the season's two most elusive gentlemen. It seems Miss Daphne Bridgerton has caught the gaze of the newly returned Duke of Hastings.Perhaps she is the season's most precious gem -- incomparable and unbreakable -- after all. Although, we cannot forget the feat accomplished by Miss Delphine Bridgerton. The so-called Sapphire of the Season was seen on the dancefloor not one, not two, but THREE times with the season's most mysterious gentleman, Mr. Jefferson Thompson. Does this author see a double wedding for these transcendent twins? Time will tell, dear reader. Until then, I remain yours truly. Lady Whistledown.

Taglist: @waterloou @veetlegeuse @miss-galaxy-turtle @gothicgirl100. @cecesxwickedxocsx

[thekatebridgerton]

YOU CANNOT TELL ME THAT IN A MAFIA AU KATE AND ANTHONY WOULD BE ENEMIES TO LOVERS BUT KATE shows up at his door injured and you just know he’d go “who did this to you? I’ll kill them.” And not give me a full fic

Okay fine let's elaborate on this with a drabble:

Anthony Bridgerton is a crime lord who NEVER gets his hands dirty, he's at the top of the food chain and he knows it. One word from him and rival mafia families get decimated.

He leaves the uncivilized slaughter for the likes of Colin and Eloise. Even Benedict gets his hands dirty sometimes when he can't help it. But Anthony? He's an expert at taking out his trash discreetly and absolutely despises making a scene.

That's why detective Kathani Sharma has never caught him in the act. Sure she's got circumstancial confessions and a witness here and there, but actual evidence of Anthony's crimes? Not in this life. Yeah okay so maybe Anthony did seduce her sister to get access to her case files and detective Sharma has never forgiven him for it but that was way before he knew that her vendetta against him would end up costing him good business.

She's one hell of a shot tho and the few times they crossed paths in a shooting ring, Anthony has never seen a woman take out targets with more grace than her.

But he's also never been more tempted to shoot a copper in plain daylight as he does whenever Detective Sharma shows up at his office with another challenging charge he needs to get out from.

He hates her plain and simple.

As for Kate, she's wanted to shoot Anthony Bridgerton ever since his tampering with her case files let the legendary mercenary Billie Rokesby back in the streets and cost Kate all her credibility with Scotland Yard (Kate later found out that said international most wanted was actually Anthony's bloddy aunt).

Kate is good at what she does, among her many accomplishments she's arrested every member of the entire Bridgerton family at least once on actual legitimate reasons, all of them except Anthony. Sure the siblings usually got other detectives to botch their convictions before trial or bribed their way out of the arrest but the truth remained that Kate is extremely competent at catching criminals! And one day she's going to take out Anthony herself.

And everytime she gets even close to killing him or at least landing a good warrant on his office he's got the audacity to mock her. And laugh. Kate hates him and she's glad that her faithful drug sniffing k-9 unit Newton hates him too.

The point is that over time chasing Anthony and catching other criminals instead, (which is not because Anthony intentionally leads her to his rivals like a petty asshole), she's built back her credibility, it's taken time, but she's finally in line for that promotion that will finally put her name in the map....When all her squad betrays her.

Turns out that one of her suspects in a big money laundering case was actually a corrupt Scotland Yard official. And just when she was about to nab him, she was betrayed.

Kate makes it out of there. But with nowhere to go and unwilling to put Edwina and Mary in the line of fire. She hotwires a car and shows up to the one place nobody will look for her: Anthony's apartment

"Sorry to barge in like this" she tries to joke as she's bleeding out from a shoulder and a leg wound when she sees Anthony open the door "But you were the only person I could trust not to finish me off"

Anthony's face looses all color "who did this to you? I'll kill them"

"that would be so nice of you" Kate coughs blood on his shirt before passing out

Kate wakes up in Anthony's room days later to find a hospital worth of round the clock professionals glued to her side, she's got a badaged shoulder and a leg in a cast. The Bridgerton sister with the nursing degree greets her with the news that Anthony went on murder spree while she was in between life and death and massacred everyone who was involved in her shooting. Before leaving Kate in the room alone with Anthony.

"You didn't need to do that Anthony" Kate whispered " I made a mistake trusting the wrong people and paid for it"

"that's not the point Kate!" He practically screams "I can deal with your threats, I can deal with the constant summons to the precinct, the search warrants with little evidence, but I can't deal with you dead"

"I thought you hated me"

"I did, I do, I've just never wanted...." Anthony puts his hands to his head in frustration "seeing you shot like that, it broke me! How would you feel if you had to hold me in your arms while I bled out?"

Kate gasped in pain, she couldn't even imagine it "I don't think I would want to keep on living"

" And here I thought you wouldn't mind my death at all" he smirked a little "you must know, these past days I couldn't rest until every single person who tried hurting you was gone"

"oh Anthony, that's going to leave evidence, I hope there were no witnesses" Kate groaned wondering when she'd stopped being upright detective Sharma and began defending him to herself. Probably when she realized he got his immaculate hands dirty because of her.

" so detective Sharma worries about me?" Anthony raised a hopeful eyebrow

"Detective Sharma got shot and almost bled out on our welcome mat, it's Kathani who always worries about you, idiot trigger happy Mafia boss" Kate rolls her eyes with a tiny smile

" Admit it, when it comes to the conection between us, you and I, were the same" Anthony smiles back

Kate snorts " you'd like that wouldn't you?"

"Hmm perhaps I can convince you while you recover" Anthony says with a devilish twinkle in his eye " the doctor said that the leg is going to be in a cast for at least a month"

And that's when Kate got the message. The room, the doctors, Anthony's wolfish grin as soon as she woke up.

She'd officially done the one thing a person should never do when dealing with a mob boss:

She'd left herself completely at his mercy. And he was going to enjoy every moment of it.

[silverhallow]

Hey! Love your blog sm (finally fell down the benophie hole) and now that my internship is ending I can finally take some time to write fics and headcanons for kathony and benophie cuz those families make me weak. I was just wondering what your headcanons on a modern day benophie holiday with the kids would be like (maybe a beach holiday or sightseeing? Or both 😊).

Sooooo i've had a few days to think of these because I think it would vary from AU to AU... so i'll do the 6 main modern AUs i've written and write what I think they would do...

Bridgerton Enterprise AU

very much family orientated holidays, theme parks, Disney World and Universal. as they're really close with Kate and Anthony the two broods go on holidays together

they travel quite a bit as a family for Fashion weeks. Paris is one of Benophie's favourite cities so when the kids are old enough to appreciate it, they take them with them. Alex falls in love with the city. Violet loved the food. New York was William's favourite. Milan Charlie's.

Time after Time Au

Benedict loves travelling and taking Sophie to places as she's never travelled. Their Honeymoon was a month around Europe as Sophie was very nervous about flying.

When the kids come their holidays vary from a beach holiday staying in good hotels with a kids club and water parks, to keep the kids interested and active (and to make the little buggars sleep)

Sophie, Violet and Cecilia and Ceclia's daughter Beatrix (who is a few months younger than Benedict) organise a huge family holiday to Disney World... between the Bridgerton's and the Rokesby's they took up two hotels (Sophie booked a third for her family... just for the sake of some peace and quiet...) and an ENTIRE airplane... and honestly as much as it was a great holiday... Sophie vowed never again as it was like a military operation

As the World Falls Down AU

for obvious reasons, travelling is a bit of a nightmare in this au because of Sophie's leg. She doesn't wish to be a burden but having to take her wheelchair everywhere is just a buggar and when the kids come along, a wheelchair and a pushchairs, she thinks it's not worth the faff.

They had flown for their honeymoon and Sophie had felt awful watching Benedict hauling everything around and her chair and vowed she would never fly again afterwards.

Once the twins William and Violet are 3 years old, Benedict surprises Sophie with a family holiday. He and Anthony plan the entire thing and they went on the Disney Cruise for 3 weeks and it turned out to be the best 3 weeks of Sophie's life. when the twins were 10 they did actual Disney World and Sophie had never been more pleased for her Wheelchair

From the Ashes AU

Sophie loves travelling after years of being stuck she wanted to get out and Benedict was thrilled to take her. they toured Europe together after the trial and before their wedding.

Their honeymoon was driving around America for two months.

When the kids came along, travel was a bit harder but they still went away. Long weekends away to France and Italy as they were Sophie's favourite places.

Paws for Thought AU

you can take the girl out of the farm but you can't take the farm out of the girl... Sophie is a homebird and loves Staycations with her brood. Scotland is one of her favourite places to go and they own a caravan and with the band of dogs and kids, go off travelling when the farm permits them. She loves travelling over to Ireland as well, though Benedict does get seasick.

Benedict did managed to convince Sophie to go aboard for a Babymoon. Richard looked after Arthur and Benedict took Sophie to the South of France and whilst she felt like a fish out of water, she did enjoy herself and conceded that perhaps she might be open to more travel in future...

A Work of Art AU

Sophie loves to travel, she and Benedict, their first summer together went touring around France and Italy going around all of the Museums and Art Galleries. Benedict had planned to propose to Sophie in Italy but that plan changed, it was instead used as a post engagement Celebration.

For their honeymoon they went to South America and did a three month tour around the ruins and the picturesque views. Benedict took so many photos and got the inspiration for his first Gallery showing.

They went to Japan to see the Rugby World Cup, with Charlie staying with Richard whilst they were away for two weeks and it became Sophie's favourite place in the world. it wasn't really a surprise that she came back pregnant.

[britishteacup]

Baby Kiss It Better

Four kisses between Nicholas and Georgie, and one that isn’t. Part of the Invisible String universe

Happy birthday to the best woman I know, @ourlilinfinity ♥️

[newtonsheffield]

Hello!! Just wanted to tell you I loved reading Perspective (I have a lot of feelings about how Anthony stepped up after Edmund passed and how he views his parents' relationship - he idolises it but that also hurts him). I loved that we got Billie and George in the fic, they're my favourite couple from the Rokesby series and in some ways they remind me of Anthony/Kate :) any chance we'll see more of them? do you have favourite Quinn couples outside of the Bridgerton series? thank you!

Hi! 

Oh, Thank you so much!  I have to say, perspective turned out to be much more difficult to write than I had imagined when I set out to do it this week. Violet’s voice was just... a little difficult for me but I think I got about 80% of the way there and the good thing about a Modern AU (or any AU really) is that the voice changes a little anyway right? 

I really did want to write this one for a few reasons. One of my mild irritations with the Bridgerton siblings (particularly the brothers) is that they see Anthony The Viscount but don’t seem to see what it’s cost him to make all of these decisions, the sacrifices he would have made for them over the years. And part of that is because they were all so young when Edmund died, they possibly barely remember a time before Anthony was The Viscount. But while they were young enough to forget, Violet wasn’t. And she would have known, and seen the change in him, and I think it would have made her desperately sad. And nothing will ever convince me that Violet and Mary were not perfectly aware of what was going on between Anthony and Kate. They were watching that Pall Mall match with binoculars just try and change my mind. 

Billie and George also remind me of Anthony and Kate and I firmly believe that Kate and Billie would have got along marvellously, They do run neighbouring estates after all! And so, I couldn’t resist throwing a little mention of George and Billie in, and I think we’ll probably see a little more of them in the future! 

I have only read the Bridgerton, Rokesby, and Smythe-Smith series from Julia Quinn’s extensive works and my favourite couples are 

Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sheffield (I know you’re probably all so shocked to hear it at this point. I hide it so well)

Andrew Rokesby (Manbun Andrew) and Poppy Bridgerton (I will never be over the way he built her a house)

Sarah Pleinsworth and Hugh Prentice (They were just cute. And Also, right there on your cousin’s lawn???? Girl GET IT)

I’ve rambled on for quite long enough so I’ll let you get back to your life (sorry about me) but Thank you so much for taking the time to jot down your thoughts and even more so for reading it in the first place!  

[unfortunate-arrow]

📔

The basic premise is orphaned Bridgerton siblings. Basically, Violet dies before Hyacinth’s first birthday and the eight siblings are left orphaned. Since Anthony’s only nineteen, he isn’t labeled guardian of his siblings. (Guardianship would only happen upon reaching the majority which was 21 in Regency England.) Edmund’s sisters, Billie and Georgie, and their husbands, George and Nicholas respectively take the guardianship of the six youngest until Anthony’s 21.

It would be a series of one shots and a bunch of different moments, mainly focusing on how this would affect their stories.

Like Daphne gets a better sex education because Billie and Georgie both agree that it’s easier to tell your niece than your daughter. Nicholas Rokesby, who’s a doctor, tells Simon that if he’s not be entirely truthful about being impotent/infertile, then it will get out and bite him on the ass. (Because really did Simon never think that Daphne would realize that his can’t is a won’t?)

Anthony invites Kate, Mary, and Edwina to have dinner with him and five of his siblings. (Gregory’s at school and Daphne’s married to Simon.) Kate’s thoughts on Anthony being rebuffed because he’s a sucker for his siblings.

Benedict makes the choice to marry Sophie on his own after overhearing his aunts and uncles discussing his relationship with her.

Fic Daydreams

[your3fundamentaltruths]

I have recently read your “ I'm with you even if it makes me blue” and it’s dripping good I think you depicted each character very accurately and at parts made laugh especially the banter between George and billie and the Rokesby siblings. I have also read the outtake which was also excellent.

I was hoping to ask what are your thoughts and HCs of billie and george’s offspring ?

Thank you so much!!! I adore the Rokesbys and I'm so glad you enjoyed the banter - given all the angst I've been writing of late, it's nice to know that side of my writing is still working for folks!

So my HCs about Billie and George's offspring are mostly limited to their daughter. I imagine them having 2 boys and then a girl, Helena, named after Lady Manston, but with an added a so it's not identical.

(That was before The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton was published with a mention of a cousin "Lady Alexandra Rokesby" but given that Billie would, at best, have been about 46 or 47 when Lady Alexandra was born, it's probably more like that their son married young and this is their granddaughter, which points to the sad conclusion that their son is the earl and George is dead. That's also supported by the book referring to Lady Alexandra as Kate's "niece" - it would still not be accurate, since Lady Alexandra would actually be Anthony's first cousin once removed, i.e., his first cousin's child, but it would be more likely that she'd be mislabeled that way as a first cousin once removed than as a very young first cousin.

That said, I could just mentally substitute that "Lady" for "Miss" and "niece" for "cousin," having already written Nicholas and Georgie's daughter being named Alexandra and around the right age. That also lets us imagine George lives to be a very old man. Everyone wins!)

Anyway, back to HCs . . . Helena is not tomboy-ish like Billie, but she does have a strong personality.

As my outtakes show, I HC that Helena's favorite uncle is Nicholas. (And, even if he would never admit it, she is his favorite nibling, too.) In the books, we see that Billie and George and (three) kids live at Manston House in the books even while Lord Manston is still alive. And Nicholas ofc is there when he's not at school plus, by the time Helena is born, the other uncles are all married and have their own families to be concerned with (or are rarely around *cough Hugo cough*), so he's the one who pays her the most attention and plays with her when she's bored and so on.

I also HC that Helena is Wheelock's favorite of Billie and George's children; her older brothers know this and have accepted it lol, but beyond that, I haven't really given the boys thought yet. The two of them probably have an Anthony & Benedict-like dynamic minus the dad-dying-young

[arrthurpendragon]

⌨ + the fic of your choice! 💜

Arthur Rokesby wasn’t quite sure how he ended up on a ship bound for America. He was certain that it had something to do with imbibing far too much alcohol and the fact that his best friend, Edmund Bridgerton had decided to settle down. The headache and throbbing head explained the first part and his wounded heart explained the second.

He was happy for Edmund. Truly, he was. Violet Ledger was the perfect choice for him. She was beautiful, intelligent, and made Edmund very happy. Theirs was a match made for love, which wasn’t always common in polite society. Arthur had always thought that he and Edmund would sow their wild oats for nearly a decade before settling down. But this wasn’t to be. His best friend was married and he was not. 

All his older siblings had married for love thus far and his twin was intent on practicing medicine.  This left Arthur quite alone in the world and somehow on a ship bound for York City.  If he had stayed home any longer, his mother would likely work on finding him a match. She was quite well-known for her matchmaking attempts.  And he had no desire to settle down yet.  So an adventure it was.

How long would he stay there? No idea. What was he going to do? Again, no idea. He couldn’t even remember his thought process that led him to board the ship in the first place. But there wasn’t much he could do about the situation in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, was there? His only choice was to embrace it, which Arthur did so willingly.

His brother Edward’s stories of America from his time in the war had always intrigued him.  It had been a dream of his to set sail for America.  Although Edmund or one of his brothers was always included in this daydream, it appeared it was a dream he would embark on alone.  He would probably never hear the end of it from his mother once he sent word of his adventure.  She was likely worried sick over his sudden disappearance. His only hope was that perhaps his mother had imbibed too much at the wedding as well and hadn’t yet noticed his absence.

Send me ⌨ + title to one of my fics and I’ll write a sentence for that fic!

[xslytherclawx-writes]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Rokesby Series - Julia Quinn Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Cat-Head & Georgiana Bridgerton Characters: Cat-Head (Rokesby Series), Georgiana Bridgerton Additional Tags: Double Drabble, Treat, Canon Compliant, POV Animal, Formerly Anonymous Summary:

Cat-Head may not be the brightest cat, but he's a good cat.

[popsbridgerton]

My Highest Good - Chapter One - L.T.

Hello, hello.

I got a request for a Luke fic and I had this idea in my head... it’s going to be a new series. I hope you will enjoy it. This first chapter is a bit rusty. I hadn’t write for months so have to get used to it again. I will be better at further chapters. Please don’t let me down after this one. I have great adventures for these two. 

Feedback is always much appreciated. 

Words: 1000+ Notes: Not proof read yet. 

You were a little bit nervous. You liked the idea of this press show. You really did. And you were sure the fans would like it either. But you were nervous to meet the cast of Bridgerton. Which was stupid because they would be lovely. Just as your cast members are. You were sure of that. But still… it felt strange.

It was time. You were perfectly styled, had some precious make up on and your hair were done in nice curls. You had your microphone attached and a nice guy lead you to the room where the interview was going to be. You sat down on the sofa and waited. The cameras rolled already and a voice from behind them asked you, how you felt. “A bit nervous.” You answered with a charming smile. “I really like to know which Bridgerton I get to know first.” You nodded and smiled to the person behind the camera. “So do we. Are you ready?” You chuckled. “Not really, but let’s go.” You smiled again and turned your head to the door where the actor should come through.

It took some seconds but then the door opened and a tall man with chestnut hair walked through it. You stood up and returned his bright smile. With a few strides he crossed the distance between you and when he stood in front of you, you embraced each other. “It’s good to meet you.” “You, too.” You said and let go of him to sit down again. “Do we have to introduce ourselves?” He asked and looked to the production manager, who nodded. He turned his head and looked at you. “Ladies first” he said with a motion of his hand. You rolled your eyes but turned to the camera that had that red light on it. “Hello, my name is (Y/N) and I play Poppy Bridgerton in Rokesby.” You smiled and turned to him. “Hello, my name is Luke Thompson and I play Benedict Bridgerton in Bridgerton.” He smiled and turned his head to look at you. “You are my aunt.” You nodded. “Yeah, somehow. Though I’m your father’s cousin. So…” You shrugged your shoulders. “I don’t know if that counts.” You chuckled and he joined. “I think it does. Edmund’s sisters all married Rokesbys so it doesn’t matter, they are all related.” He waved his hand, and an amused smile was placed on your lips.

You spotted an envelope at the table in front of you. “Is this one for us?” You asked and when somebody said yes trough the button in your ear you picked it up. “Let’s see what’s inside.” With played excitement you opened the envelope which had some cards with questions inside. “A little game.” Luke said and wiggled with his shoulders. You smiled at him and put out the first card. “If Poppy and Benedict have to meet each other, how would that be?” You looked up from the card into Lukes face, your brows a little furrowed. “Hmm…” He made. “I would be in the country. At my cottage.” You said and spined the card in your hand. “Yeah.” Luke agreed. “Poppy and Andrew would travel around and just stay for supper or so.” You nodded. “And Poppy and Sophie would like each other very well. They are both curious and adventurous. They would both tell each other tails of what happened to them, while Andrew and Benedict would talk about… shapes?” You asked and tilted you head. Luke laughed but nodded. “Yeah, they would go on for hours about architecture and art. Each talking of something different.” “Absolutely!” You nodded with a smirk. “Next question.” Luke said after a short pause and took another card from the envelope. “If you could switch characters with one of the other show: Who would you pick?” Luke raised on of his brows as he looked up at you. You sighed and furrowed your brows. “I think… I would go for Hyacinth.” You said and looked back at him with a nod. “You have to say that, don’t you?” He smiled. “We do promote her season her, aren’t we?” You chuckled again. He was right. It was Hyacinth’s season which you promoted but you would have gone for her anyway.  “I love her wit, her stubbornness. Her passion about the treasure hunt. It doesn’t matter if it’s her season or not. I would’ve picked her anyway.” You lifted you chin in defeating manner and Luke bowed his head. “Alright. I would choose… That’s difficult.” He said after thinking for some time. His face showed obviously that he was still thinking. “I could go for Edward. Again, the second son. Or Andrew I think he is most likely to Benedict. Nicolas would surely be fun as well…” “You could take the opportunity to be the first son with George.” You suggested. “Yeah…  But I think I would go for Papa Bridgerton. Edmund.” “Good choice.” You nodded and smiled at him, taking another card.

You answered some more questions and with every question you and Luke get along better and better. You smiled and laughed; sure, one could say that it was played for the cameras. But you enjoyed his presence very much just as he did. When the cameras were turned off you remained seating. “That was fun.” He said and smiled at you. “It was, yeah. And it’s so nice to finally meet more of ‘the other’ family.” Luke chuckled. “Yeah, it is. There’s this after party tonight, isn’t it? I think Johnny had organized something, so we get know all of us.” You nodded. You had heard about that party and of course had planned to be there. “Yeah, we already talked about it.” “So, you’ll be there?” He smiled a very charming smile and you returned it with a nod. “Of course! How could I miss such a party?” He laughed. “I’ll be glad to see you there.” “Me, too.” You smiled and then stood up. There were some other interviews you had to do. Luke hugged you. A little tighter than the first time. And you inhaled his sent which reminded you of cedar, peppermint, and vanilla. You liked it very much. “See you later.” You smiled. “Bye Luke.” And even though your ways parted for this afternoon, Luke’s sent was imprinted into your mind.

___

Thank’s for reading. If you want to be fancy leave me a note about how you liked it. :) 

[iliveiloveiwrite]

winged cupid painted blind // Anthony Bridgerton

Request: I’d really love something based on love story by Taylor Swift. The lines “We keep quite cuz we’re dead if they knew” and “take me somewhere we can be alone” stick out to me //  I was thinking that the reader could be from a family that isn’t well off and her and Anthony meet at a ball somehow. They create a ruse that she’s from a well known family so that the gossips in the ton don’t attack her because Anthony has fallen in love with a “commoner.” All the Bridgertons are in on the ruse and at the end of the story Anthony proposes - @whovianwholikesgirls

A/N: Why is it that every Bridgerton fic I write, I end up writing thousands and thousands of words? This is long and I am sorry for that! As always, I hope I have done your request justice and that I hope you like!

Pairing: Anthony Bridgerton x Fem!Reader

Warnings: she/her pronouns, female reader, class divides, pining, mutual pining, lots of fluff, dancing, kissing, happy ending, Anthony in love.

Word count: 7.7k

Madame Delacroix’s took up the central property on the most prosperous street coming just off of Grosvenor Square. The most popular modiste in London, many of society’s richest families flocked to her door in order to claim their own dress made by the talented seamstress.

Anthony sighs as he climbs down from the carriage. His mother must be in a particular benevolent mood to send him to pick up her newest dress from the modiste. Anthony would much rather be spending his day at his club, but he finds himself ringing the modiste’s bell for service.

“Monsieur Bridgerton!” Madame Delacroix smiles, delighted at the sight of the Viscount. “How can I help you?” She asks, her smile turning flirtatious.

Anthony responds with his own flirtatious smile. “I’m here to pick up a dress for my mother.”

“Of course, of course,” Madame Delacroix sings, “I have it over here. I finished it last night. It is divine!”

“My mother will surely thank you,” Anthony states earnestly, his gaze dancing around the room filled to the brim with fabrics and ribbons, models and hoops.

“No need,” Madame Delacroix, “The Bridgertons are my best customers.”

Anthony takes the offered box, marvelling at the lightness of its weight. For all the skirts, for all the numerous pieces of fabric that go into making a dress, Anthony will always remain shocked at the featherlight weight of it.

“Will Lady Bridgerton be wearing this to the Hastings’ ball tonight?” The modiste asks, her tone light as she tries her best to keep the burning curiosity out of her voice.

“Most likely,” Anthony smiles, tipping his head in goodbye.

The modiste calls out her goodbyes as Anthony walks out the door. He doesn’t pay much attention to where he is going; only knowing that he needs to turn left in order to reach his carriage. The very thought has him rushing, safe in the knowledge that the quicker he got his done, the quicker he would be at his club.

It’s that self-indulgent thought that had Anthony distracted enough to walk into something hard.

“Oh!” A feminine voice gasps as Anthony catches her elbow whilst keeping a tight hold on the dress box.

“My apologies,” Anthony offers, steadying the unknown woman.

“You’re forgiven,” She murmurs dryly, turning her attention back to the seamstresses window.

“You aren’t hurt, are you?”

“No, I’m perfectly fine. Thank you for your concern, Lord Bridgerton.”

“My pleasure, Miss…”

“(Y/L/N).”

“My pleasure, Miss (Y/L/N),” Anthony repeats, adjusting the dress box in his hands. He goes to say something else but notices her slyly counting the money in her purse, watching her frown when she realises she cannot afford the prices set by Madame Delacroix.

“Have a nice day, Lord Bridgerton,” Miss (Y/L/N) remarks, stepping away from the Viscount to begin her walk home. She didn’t need a Viscount to be witness to her money troubles; she had thought she had enough, but the prices must have been increased since the last time she had wandered past the window. It would be another two weeks of saving before she could afford a new set of ribbons; it wasn’t worth it at this point, she sighed to herself.

“You too!” Anthony shouts to her retreating figure, feeling upset on her behalf that she could not afford the ribbons she was so dazedly admiring. Shaking off the uncomfortable feeling, Anthony climbs into the carriage, thinking of the young woman all the way home.

-----

“Jayne!” (Y/N) laughs, “Slow down! I’m going to lose a shoe.”

“Alright, Cinderella,” Jayne snickers, slowing her pace as she climbs the winding staircase to the home of the Duke and Duchess of Hastings.

“Have you ever seen such a home?” (Y/N) gasps; eyes widening as she takes in the grand structure. The brickwork is immaculate; many red bricks painted black to give the impression of a crosshatch pattern spreading across the building. This is only highlighted by the many windows; all seemingly lit by a countless number of candles and sconces.

“(Y/N)!” Jayne shouts, “Stop admiring the building! We have a dance to get to.”

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” (Y/N) laughs, hurrying after her friend who has already handed over their invitation.

Jayne grips (Y/N)’s hand tightly as they enter the ballroom together. The event is in full swing; the dancefloor already full with couples dancing a quadrille.

“Would you dance with me?” The handsome brunette asks of Jayne, staring at her hopefully. Jayne casts her gaze to (Y/N), not wanting to leave her friend, but wanting very much to dance with the handsome man.

(Y/N) nudges Jayne forward, answering for her. “She would be delighted.”

Jayne sends her a thankful smile as she joins more and more couples on the dancefloor.

The drinks table isn’t busy at all as (Y/N) wanders over. She makes sure to keep an eye on Jayne, watching her dance with what looks to be a Rokesby. (Y/N) shakes her head fondly at her friend; ten minutes into a ball and she’s already caught the attention of a member of one of the richest families in England.

Turning her attention away from her friend, (Y/N) reaches for a glass of lemonade when her hand brushes with a man clearly wanting the same glass. (Y/N) pulls her hand away, not wanting to cause any trouble at a ball she wasn’t even invited to.

“My apologies,” She murmurs, grabbing another glass from the many.

“You’re forgiven,” A voice drawls. (Y/N) glances upwards through her lashes to find Anthony Bridgerton watching her with a confused expression.

“Lord Bridgerton,” (Y/N) greets, curtseying lightly at the sight of her superior.

Anthony nods. He remains silent as he stands next to her; it’s not an awkward silence, rather, one where (Y/N) can practically hear the cogs and gears winding in Anthony’s mind, trying to figure out where he knows her from. If he knows her at all.

“I met you this morning,” Anthony recalls suddenly, snapping his fingers together when he remembers why he recognises the woman standing next to him.

“You almost knocked me over,” She states wryly, lifting her glass to her lips to take a tentative sip of the lukewarm lemonade.

“I believe I apologised for that, Miss (Y/L/N).”

“Call me (Y/N). And I forgave you,” She states simply, “But It doesn’t mean I’m going to let you forget it, however.”

“I’d be disappointed in you, if you did.”

(Y/N) laughs. The very sound music to Anthony’s ears and he briefly wonders whether he could have the sound imprinted on his brain; to hear her laughter for an eternity.

“What are you doing here?” Anthony asks, taking a pull of his lemonade before wrinkling his nose. Too sweet, not sour enough. “Are you here with your parents?”

“I wasn’t technically invited,” She confesses to the Viscount in a conspiratorial whisper. Anthony’s eyes widen when her words land, “What?”

“I came to chaperone my friend, Jayne. You may know her, she’s Lord Dorchester’s daughter.”

Anthony nods; he knew the man well, drank with him a few times at his club – dreadfully dull with a fascination for military history. Much like many of the men of his father’s generation.

“Anyway,” (Y/N) continues, “Jayne wanted to go, but needed a chaperone as her mother has taken ill – nothing serious thankfully. I was the next best option so here I am.”

“Here you are,” Anthony parrots, enunciating every syllable as his eyes pour over her figure. “If you weren’t invited, what do you do for a living?”

“I’m a governess for Lord and Lady Saville,” She answers proudly; a happy smile on her face as she thinks of her students.

“I hated my governess,” Anthony confesses with a laugh. “I don’t care much for Latin which she knew so she would make me do double the work.”

(Y/N) snorts. “Latin is a very useful language; it’s a good skill to have.”

“I know that now,” Anthony gripes, “I just didn’t know that at ten years old.”

Silence descends between them. Again, not uncomfortable, but a natural stopping point in their conversation. After all, titled gentleman such as the man stood beside her didn’t speak to her occupation outside of a brief conversation about their child’s progress in their education.

(Y/N) places her finished glass of lemonade back on the table before smoothing out the deep blue skirts of her borrowed dress. She clears her throat, ready to make her excuses and check on Jayne when Anthony speaks first.

“Would you care to dance?”

“Pardon?”

“Would you like to dance with me?”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Why not?”

“I’m a governess, Lord Bridgerton.”

“Call me Anthony, please.”

“That still doesn’t change the fact that you’re supposed to dance with someone of your own class, Anthony.”

“I don’t want to dance with them. I want to dance with you.”

His argument is straight to the point; no beating around the bush that (Y/N) finds it hard to find fault with it. Instead, she sighs, “One dance.”

“One dance,” Anthony promises, holding out his hand for her to grasp.

She didn’t expect to find herself the centre of the Viscount’s attention, but she cannot bring herself to mind much. Not as he holds out a hand for her to take; not as he leads to her to the dancefloor and not as he settles a palm against her lower back. The feel of his hand feeling so right that she loses the power of speech.

The music begins and (Y/N) travels to a new place entirely. The room melts away; the couples, the families. They all disappear. The only two people in the room are her and Anthony; his blue eyes fixed on her as they start to circle the room in waltz. There’s no need for conversation; all words passed by looks alone.

When the music dies and the room fades back into view, (Y/N) only wonders whether she would feel like this again, whether they would be anyone to make her feel like this again. As Anthony bows and kisses her hand, (Y/N) has her answer.

----------

He doesn’t stop thinking about her. She left soon after they finished dancing; her friend finding her and asking whether she was ready to leave. Anthony wanted to argue; wanted to reach for (Y/N) and pull her back to his embrace where they could dance the night away.

Anthony returned home and went straight to his room. He undressed mechanically; still thinking of her as he slipped between his sheets and tried to fall asleep only to find that sleep was a fickle friend that would not be granting him a visit tonight.

He remains awake; thinking of every aspect of her. He didn’t think he would see her again after the modiste; it was a shock to find her at the ball, but he took the opportunity with both hands to find that he had quickly become infatuated with her.

Could this be called love? Anthony rolls over in bed; tangling himself up in the sheets as he runs a hand up and down his bare chest, thinking the question over and over.

He felt as if he had hit by the arrow of Cupid; as if he had handed himself over voluntarily to be pricked with one of the god’s arrows. He’s never felt like this; no woman had ever kept him awake at night in such a manner.

Groaning, Anthony reaches for the pillow on the other side of the bed, hugging it to his chest. All the while, he dreams it was her body he was pressing close to.

The day after the Ball, Anthony strides from his study to his mother’s drawing room. There, he sits next to his beloved mother, and asks her to gather his siblings for a family meeting.

They arrive one by one. The youngest arriving first; a simple call from the bottom of the stairs has Gregory and Hyacinth rushing to the drawing room, each one adamant that they didn’t do it, but rather their sibling. Anthony shakes his head in exasperation, not wanting to know what they were referring to and instead, asks them to take a seat on the pale blue couch in front of the window.

Over the course of an hour, Anthony’s family arrive. Each one just as curious as the last, each one just as questioning as the last. “Why have you gathered us here, Anthony?” Daphne sighs, her hand resting on Simon’s knee.

“I’ve met someone,” Anthony announces. He frowns at the shocked gasps from Daphne and Eloise; was he really so incapable of finding himself a wife? He ignores the jibes from them both, turning to face his dear mother.

Violet Bridgerton sits in her favourite chair; the one next to it empty as it has been for the last decade. Edmund Bridgerton died so suddenly, and their love was so strong, Anthony knew that there was no recovery from it. “Do we know her?” She asks; her face showing the happiness she feels for her eldest son.

“No,” Anthony sighs, settling down next to his youngest sister, Hyacinth. She offers him a sweet smile as he sits; Anthony cannot help but return the smile and ruffle her hair. When the moment is over, Anthony focuses his attention back onto his family who he finds is watching him intently. “She’s a governess,” He admits, straightening in his seat.

“A respectable profession,” Eloise states with a smile. Anthony feels a rush of affection for his sister; he had always been wary for her outspokenness, but right now, he could thank her heartily.

“What’s the problem, Anthony?” Eloise continues, crossing her ankles, leaning forward in interest.

“I think she may have feelings for me as well, but she’s hesitant to act on them because of our differences.”

“Differences?” Hyacinth questions curiously; unaware of such class differences at such a young age.

“(Y/N) is a governess. I am a Viscount,” Anthony explains, “It would be the subject of gossip for years to come should anything happen between us.”

“So we come up with another story,” Francesca suggests, shrugging her shoulders as if her suggestion was always the answer.

“Another story?” Daphne wonders, eyes glancing between her husband and her family.

“We create a ruse,” Francesca explains to her elder sister. “A story for (Y/N) and Anthony to follow when out in public.”

“Do you think she would go along with this?” Benedict asks; his tone wary as he thinks of the possible implications this could have for his family.

Anthony remains silent, tapping a finger against his cheek as he thinks of whether (Y/N) would follow such a ruse. “Why don’t we ask her? I can send a summons.”

Violet, who had been watching the whole exchange in silence, nods. “Send her a message asking her to come as quick as she can. Tell her it isn’t an emergency, but that you would like to talk to her.”

Anthony nods; rushing from the drawing room to his study to pen such a message. After that, he calls on one of the footmen, handing them the letter and the strict duty of delivering this to (Y/N) personally. The footman nods; his face serious as he takes the letter from his employer’s hand, all but sprinting out of the door.

Anthony returns to the drawing room; taking his seat next to Hyacinth.

“Did you send the missive?” Violet asks. Anthony nods; doing his best to keep his heart from beating right out of his chest. “I sent it with one of the footmen,” He answers, “It shouldn’t be long now.”

His family all nod, breaking off into separate conversations whilst Anthony remains stoic and silent. His leg bounces repeatedly; the only outward sign of his anxiety. Internally, he nerves were fraught. He couldn’t help but wonder whether this was all too much; he knew from their first meeting that Anthony would do anything for her, but if (Y/N) didn’t return such feelings then it was all for nothing.

Worries and thoughts continue to plague him as Anthony catches sight of Daphne leaning into Simon. It’s a small movement, almost imperceptible, but Anthony cannot miss the devoted smile that crosses Simon’s face when he feels his wife press against him.

Longing breaks within Anthony’s chest, spreading through his body, leaving behind an ache that he doesn’t know how to heal.

“Miss (Y/N) (Y/L/N),” introduces the Butler, breaking Anthony’s longing in half.

He stands all too fast, appearing all too eager. Anthony shoots a glare in his brother’s direction when he hears their sniggering.

(Y/N) rushes into the room; her eyes filled with panic when she finds herself in front of the whole Bridgerton clan. “Anthony?” She whispers; her eyes finally meeting his from across the room.

“(Y/N),” He breathes, “Thank you for coming.”

“You told me not to worry, but you sounded so urgent.”

“We wanted to talk to you,” He explains, gesturing to his whole family. “Why don’t you take a seat?”

(Y/N) sits; her mind running a thousand miles a minute as she finds herself being watched by every Bridgerton/Basset in the room. The room is silent; too silent – no-one dares broach the subject first. They don’t want to anger Anthony or ruin his chances with (Y/N).

“Whatever is the matter?” (Y/N) finally asks, breaking the silence.

“We’ve come to understand that you and Anthony have feelings for each other,” Violet states quite plainly.

(Y/N) fidgets, somewhat uncomfortable with this line of questioning. “I guess you could say that,” She offers, smiling smally at the aforementioned man.

“We also know that you’re worried about the differences between Anthony and yourself,” Violet continues to which Eloise huffs, crossing her arms in anger at the state of the class differences within England.

“It’s not so much worried,” (Y/N) explains, “It’s more resigned to the fact.”

Violet nods, understanding where the young governess is coming from. “Francesca,” Violet starts, nodding to the brunette sitting by one of Anthony’s brothers, “Has come up with an idea that we would like to run by you.”

“Oh?”

“It would mean that you and Anthony would be able to begin a courtship.”

(Y/N) feels herself flush; her face heating with how open the Bridgerton family were about their emotions. Their family unit so healthy and happy that everyone felt at ease to talk about whatever was on their minds.

“What did you have in mind?” (Y/N) asks, turning to face Francesca who responds with a large smile.

“We’re going to create a backstory for you. Not something terribly complicated, but something that you and Anthony can follow whilst out in public.”

“Okay…” (Y/N) whispers hesitantly, “What’s the backstory you’ve created?”

Francesca begins to look sheepish. “I haven’t thought of that part yet… I didn’t think Anthony would go for the first part.”

(Y/N) laughs; a light and airy sound that has Anthony straightening in his seat, smiling automatically. “Why don’t we come up with it together?”

“So you’re willing to go along with it?” Anthony asks; his voice unwaveringly hopeful as he refuses to look at anyone but (Y/N).

Something in his face has her nodding. “For as long as you’ll have me,” She answers earnestly, almost breathless when Anthony smiles widely in return.

“This is what I’ve thought of so far,” Colin announces, breaking the moment between Anthony and (Y/N).

The family turn to Colin to find him sat forward on his seat, an eager look across his face as he begins to lay out his plans. Anthony smiles and nods; happy with every word leaving his brother’s mouth.

(Y/N) cannot help but feel an ounce of doubt; not so much at the plan, but for longevity of it. How long would it be before Anthony realised she was not worth it? How long would it before the class difference between them became too much? She dreaded the day but knew it would be upon her before she realised.

----------

The annual picnic in Hyde Park drew in every affable family in London. After all, it was another excuse for mother’s to parade their daughters to the many eligible gentleman. For the gentlemen, it was a free lunch with whichever gazebo they chose to throw themselves upon.

The Bridgertons had been attending this picnic for many years; their station in society meaning that they were personally invited by the monarch. Violet took pride in her set up, making sure her cook’s famous biscuits were on display and that there was plenty of tea to go around. She also ensured that her family had the perfect view of the Serpentine; not too close for her children to fall in, but not too far for it to be out of sight. It was not a sorry affair.

(Y/N) had joined the family happily; talking briefly with Colin and Eloise before Hyacinth monopolised her attention. (Y/N) didn’t mind; she had taught many young girls the same age as Hyacinth and found them all a delight to educate. Hyacinth would be no different.

It wasn’t long, however, before Anthony joined her side. His hand settled comfortably on the small of her back, liking the way that she stepped closer to him, as if wanting to be in his presence all the time.  

“Did you have fun the other night?” Anthony questions, thinking back to Daphne’s ball when (Y/N) had smiled at him as he lead her across the dancefloor.

(Y/N) smiles. “I did. I had a lot of fun.”

“How are you feeling about our ruse?” Anthony queries, catching sight of Lady Featherington marching across the many blankets in the direction of the Bridgerton patch.

“Confident,” (Y/N) answers, “Why do you ask?”

Anthony smiles; shifting his position slightly so he can hear every word of the conversation about to happen. He ducks his head, his mouth close to her ear as he answers, “Because it’s about to be put to the test.”

“Lady Bridgerton,” Lady Featherington calls; her gaudy green gown shimmering in the sunlight as she teeters her way to the matriarch of the fine family.

“Lady Featherington,” Violet greets, her voice as polite as ever. “How are you?”

Lady Featherington smiles at Violet; her gaze glancing around the colourful blankets and gazebo set out for the Bridgerton family to remain comfortable as the picnic progresses. Lady Featherington smiles when her eyes find the figure she was looking for. (Y/N) stands to the side, wrapped up in a conversation with Anthony that certainly looks to be a private one.

Lady Featherington nods towards (Y/N); the fascinator attached to her threatening to slip into her eyes. “You have a new addition to your family, Lady Bridgerton,” Lady Featherington states; no infliction of a question but one inferred all the same.

“(Y/N) is a distant friend of the family,” Violet answers breezily, “She hails from a wealthy family just outside of Leeds.”

“Leeds?”

Violet nods. “Yes, Leeds. It’s just over 20 miles outside of York, perhaps you’ve been?”

Lady Featherington smiles tightly at Violet. She smooths down the green panels of her dress. “A handful of times, Lady Bridgerton. After all, my side of the family hails from Manchester. The two aren’t so far removed.”

“Of course,” Violet appeases, “How does your family fare? I’d heard your mother was ill.”

Lady Featherington continues to smile graciously at the Dowager Viscount. Her eyes are brimming with warning and curiosity, but her smile is forced. “Mother is doing much better, she travelled to the coast. The latest journals are saying sea air helps with fragile conditions.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

Lady Featherington nods her thanks to Violet before making her excuses. Violet’s shoulders shake with silent laughter as she watches the notorious gossip walk away from her gazebo. Lady Featherington’s shoulders are tight with displeasure as she marches back to her own plot.

Violet returns to the stitching in her lap after a brief glance towards her youngest children. Gregory and Hyacinth occupied with Benedict and Colin as the older of the set teach their younger siblings games from their youth. Violet smiles at her children; content to return to the pattern at hand, the Dutch Tulips would not stitch themselves.

“What was Lady Featherington talking to you about?” Anthony asks. His face the very picture of innocence as he breaks his mother’s concentration and grabs two biscuits – one for him, the other he hands to (Y/N).

“She was fishing for information on our dear (Y/N),” Violet comments, observing her stitching to ensure it remains straight. “She didn’t find out a thing other than what we discussed.”

(Y/N) lets out a relieved breath. “Thank you, Lady Bridgerton.”

Violet waves away her gratitude with a dismissive hand. “You’re making my son happy; I’ll protect that and you with all that I have.”

(Y/N) flounders for a moment at the quick acceptance by Violet. She smiles at the matriarch; whispering her thanks to Violet, ducking her head as she tries to come to terms with rush of emotions coursing through her body.

Anthony returns his attention to the conversation; his mind no longer focused on way to distract Lady Featherington. He flashes a smile in (Y/N)’s direction; his heart racing when she sends her own smile back.

“(Y/N) and I are going to promenade, mother. You’ll be fine without us?”

Violet snorts. “Yes, dear. I have my seven other children to keep me company.”

Anthony rolls his eyes fondly at his mother. He presses a sweet kiss to her cheek before offering (Y/N) his arm.

They amble along the path; all the while aware of the maid sent by Violet shortly after they departed. Violet trusts (Y/N) implicitly, but she knows the reputation of her eldest son. The poor opera singer being prime evidence of his abilities to break hearts as quickly as he mends them.

“You look beautiful, by the way. In case I haven’t told you,” Anthony flirts, a handsome smile spreading across his face.

“You haven’t, but I’ll take the compliment now.”

Anthony laughs, throwing his head back in delight as they both pause their walk. “You are though,” Anthony murmurs, reaching out to brush a finger down (Y/N)’s cheek, “You’re beautiful.”

(Y/N) averts her gaze; her cheeks flushing from the unexpected compliment. Anthony glances on either side of them, catching sight of the maid only a few feet away, doing her best to nonchalantly follow them. Anthony turns his attention back to the woman in front of him, desperate for a moment alone with her. A wicked grin spreads across his face, “Follow me.”

“What?”

“Follow me,” Anthony repeats, stepping off the path and onto the grass. He gestures to a faint path; one less travelled. “Do you trust me?”

(Y/N) answers by taking his outstretched hand, letting herself be led down the lesser known path.

Their pace slows when they are certain they have lost their chaperone. (Y/N) feels a twinge of guilt as she thinks of the poor maid who was only doing what she was asked by her employer, but then she catches sight of the unbridled glee on Anthony’s face and her guilt is quickly replaced by anticipation.

“Where are we going?” She asks; her voice jostling slightly as she tries to watch Anthony and not trip over any loose twigs or stones.

“Nowhere in particular,” Anthony confesses, “I just wanted you to myself for a little bit.”

His pace slows; they’re a good distance away from the picnic party, they wouldn’t be interrupted by anyone.

“Can I tell you a secret?” Anthony wonders as he comes to a stop. His hands settle on her waist and she has do all that she can to focus on the conversation and not the fact that she can feel the heat of his skin through the fabric of her dress.  

“You can tell me anything.”

“I like spending time with you. You make me…” Anthony trails off as he thinks of the word, “Happy. Yes, you make me happy.”

“You make me happy too.”

“If you want me to stop,” Anthony whispers, bending to press a line of kisses from her cheek to the corner of her mouth, “You need to tell me now.”

“Don’t stop,” She whispers, fisting her hands in the lapels of his jacket, tugging him forward.

Anthony kissed her carefully, as if afraid he would ruin her from the very moment their lips touched. What he didn’t realise, however, was that he had ruined her from the instant they met. He might not have realised it, but she knew. She knew that from that one conversation, that one touch to her elbow, she would be ruined for other men.

His mouth is gentle, hesitant. By the way he groans low in his throat, Anthony does not expect (Y/N) to react the way she does. Gasping against his mouth, pressing herself against him as her lips open under his. The kiss becomes hurried; oxygen becoming a distant thought of the past as (Y/N) tastes the lemon biscuits Anthony had stolen from his mother’s table.

Breaking the kiss, the couple each suck in ragged breaths. Shy smiles break out across either of their faces, not having expected such a thing to happen to between them. A short laugh leaves Anthony’s lips as he keeps (Y/N) wrapped up in his embrace. Neither of them feel the need to say a word; happy to let the time pass between them in complete silence.

“We should probably get back,” (Y/N) eventually murmurs against Anthony’s cheek, the slight stubble scratching her skin.

Anthony releases a choked sound. “I don’t want to,” He confesses, “I want to stay here with you.”

(Y/N) pulls back, brushing a gloved hand against Anthony’s cheek. He leans into the touch; finding himself enraptured by the woman in front of him. “I want to stay with you too,” She whispers, “But your family will be looking for us.”

Anthony sighs, breaking the embrace entirely. He holds her hand; tangling their fingers together. If he could, he wouldn’t let go of her at all. He would keep her with him at all times; he likes to be in her presence, doesn’t want to be without it. However, society and duty calls, and he must return. However, he would be damned if he was to let go of her hand before then.

“Alright,” He concedes, beginning the walk back to the picnic.

The walk is quiet, but comfortable. Their hands remained tangled even as they arrive back to the Bridgertons. His brother’s throw Anthony a knowing glance which Anthony ignores. He knows his mother will have a strict word with him later, but he has more pressing matters on his mind – his future and the woman now sitting with his youngest siblings.

He’s found his forever; he just needs to keep it.

-----

“Miss (Y/L/N),” the Butler begins, interrupting the governess as she marks her student’s latest set of handwriting, “A Viscount Bridgerton to see you?”

“Oh!” She gasps, standing from her seat far too quickly. The inkpot on her desk spills, sapphire blue ink spreading across the multitude of papers thrown about her desk. As she watches the puddle grow, she begins to feel a deep sense of dread spread through her being.

“Shall I show him in?” The Butler asks, also watching the ink stain spread.

“Have you already made Lord and Lady Saville aware of his presence?”

“Yes, miss. They’re the ones who told me to fetch him to you.”

“Then yes, show him in please,” (Y/N) answers, staring forlornly at the ruined paper and wasted ink. The Butler makes a sympathetic noise before opening the door further for Anthony to enter.

“Darling,” Anthony greets. He goes to speak further but spies the growing blue stain. “What happened here?”

“I stood up too quickly,” (Y/N) complains. “It’s gone everywhere, and I can’t afford another bottle right now.”

“That’s no problem. I’ll get you a bottle.”

(Y/N) fixes the man with an unimpressed look. “No you won’t. I don’t want you buying things for me.”

“It won’t be bought. I have a stock of ink back at Bridgerton House due to the amount of correspondence I have. You can have a couple of pots; I will not miss it.”

“Oh… well, thank you.”

“My pleasure,” Anthony smiles. “Now that’s sorted, I came here to ask you a question.”

“You have?”

“I have. Would you attend the Shakespearean ball? With me?” His voice has a note of vulnerability in it as he voices his question.

“What?” She asks, “As in arrive with you, on your arm?”

“Yes,” Anthony states slowly, “You would come with me and my family.”

She begins to pace the room; her hands wringing together as she tries to calm the pounding of her heart and mind. “Are you sure this is the path you want to go down?” She asks Anthony; her voice begging for a truthful answer.

“What do you mean?”

“This is getting very serious very fast, Anthony. This plan isn’t going to work forever; the ton will find out that I’m a governess and the ruse will be over. This could ruin your entire family, Anthony.”

“Hey,” Anthony hushes, interrupting her pacing. He reaches for her hand with one hand whilst the other cups her cheek. She automatically leans into the touch, sending a thrill through Anthony’s aching soul. “Nothing’s going to happen,” He reassures with a gentle tone, “Should anything happen, we can do damage control.”

“I don’t want to be the ruin of your family, Anthony,” (Y/N) whispers, her eyes lined with unshed tears. She could never forgive herself if the Bridgertons were socially injured by her lack of money relating to her lack of status. (Y/N) could not help the hand of cards she was dealt at birth, but society dictates her station, and hers was so far below Anthony’s it was any wonder that he noticed her in the first place. It was a dream to be accepted by his family; she didn’t want to be the cause of their ruination.

“You aren’t going to be the ruin of my family,” Anthony assures, brushing under her eyes with his thumbs to wipe away the tears that have fallen. “You’re going to be the making of it. I want you in my life, (Y/N). I want to see where this goes.”

“You do?”

“I do. I haven’t felt like this for a long time, I want to see where this feeling takes me.”

“Okay,” She concedes, doing her best to stop the tears falling, “I’ll go to the ball with you.”

“You will?”

“I will.”

The smile that spreads across Anthony’s face makes it all worth it. He presses a kiss to her forehead, then another to her nose, to her cheek before finally kissing her in earnest. She hums against his mouth; getting lost in the feel of him.

“It’ll be worth it,” Anthony whispers. “All of this is worth it.”

“You’re worth it,” (Y/N) states quietly, pulling him back in for another kiss.

----

Lady Danbury was one of two women in London that could throw a memorable ball. The other being Violet Bridgerton. For her theme this year, Lady Danbury had chosen the works of the Elizabethan bard, William Shakespeare. For what could be more romantic than dressing as characters immortalised in his plays and sonnets?

Anthony would not tell (Y/N) one whisper of his costume; kept it a secret from her despite her barrage of questions. As revenge, she kept quiet about her costume, refusing to tell the man the colour of her dress.

The two walk into the ballroom with (Y/N)’s hand resting on Anthony’s forearm; her nerves rattle as she walks further into the room. She knew she had no reason to be nervous; Anthony and his family would protect her from whatever form of gossip falls her way, but she could not help the turning of her stomach as she walked passed many disappointed mothers who had hoped Anthony would pay their daughters the slightest bit of attention.

The music is loud; the laughter lightening the atmosphere and the dancers in full swing as (Y/N) begins to feel comfortable. Having taught many a child Shakespeare, (Y/N) spent a lot of time trying to decipher the characters in attendance tonight. She had already seen three Violas, four Benedicks, and six Olivias.  

“I have to go talk to someone,” Anthony says apologetically, interrupting her guessing game, “I won’t be long. Will you be okay without me?”

(Y/N) nods. “Go. I’m sure I’ll find someone to talk to.”

Anthony presses a lingering kiss to her cheek, whispering as he does so, “A marvel amongst women.”

“You’re nothing but a flirt,” She laughs, batting the love of her life away. “Go talk business.”

“As you wish,” Anthony laughs, mock-bowing before leaving (Y/N) to wander the ball alone. Moments pass before she finds someone she recognises. “Colin,” She greets happily, “Who have you come as?”

“Romeo Montague,” Colin answers, stretching his arms wide to show off his rather fetching garb.

“How wonderful,” She laughs, watching the Bridgerton strike a pose in his costume.

“Who knows,” Colin teases, “Maybe tonight I’ll find my Juliet.”

(Y/N) laughs once more, batting the man away when he wiggles his eyebrows at her in a suggestive manner. “Off with you,” She snorts, “I’m sure there are plenty of ladies for you to dance with.”

Colin departs with a bow of his head. (Y/N) rolls her eyes at the antics of the younger man; Colin knew full well of the line of ladies waiting for his signature of their dance cards, but something warms in (Y/N)’s chest when she watches Colin walk straight to Penelope Featherington.

“They’d make a fine pair if he would pull his head out,” A voice full of humour sounds from behind her.

(Y/N) startles. She turns to find Anthony watching her; his lips curled in a manner that suggested he was holding back the laughter he so desperately wanted to let out.

“You made me jump,” She hisses, batting his outstretched hand away.

“I’m sorry, my love,” Anthony coos, pulling (Y/N) into his embrace by pulling on one of the many skirts about her waist. (Y/N) flushes at the term of endearment, but also at the many pairs of eyes now watching the young couple.

“You’re forgiven,” She sighs. “Who have you dressed as?” She asks, changing the subject.

“Ferdinand,” Anthony answers, “From The Tempest.”

“How odd,” (Y/N) muses, “I’ve dressed as Miranda from The Tempest.”

“‘Admired Miranda!/ Indeed the top of admiration, worth/ What’s dearest to the world!’”

“Only you could quote Shakespeare from the heart,” (Y/N) states wryly.

Anthony preens, puffing out his chest slightly. “All the Bridgertons can. We would do dramatizations of the plays.”

“Of course,” (Y/N) laughs, picturing Anthony as a young boy, dressed in breeches with a make-do ruff around his neck. The very image brings a fond smile to her face.

“What are you smiling about?” Anthony questions, wanting to be privy to the thoughts running through her mind.

“You,” She flirts, hooking her arm through Anthony’s as they start to take a turn about the room.

“That’s what I like to hear,” Anthony states pompously though his heart races at her words.

Her laughter chimes as Anthony steers (Y/N) around the room, pausing only to grab two glasses of lemonade from the drinks table. She sips at it delicately, not risking a spill of a single drop on her outfit.

“I’m glad you decided to come,” Anthony murmurs into her ear. “Truly. I would have been lost without you.”

“You always know what to say, don’t you?” (Y/N) teases, enjoying the blush that begins to paint Anthony’s cheeks. She briefly touches a gloved hand to his cheek, smiling fondly at the brunette. “I’m glad I came too.”

Anthony clears his throat; clearing his throat of the emotion clogging it up. He takes her drink from her, placing it on a nearby table. As ever the gentleman he was raised to be, Anthony bows towards the women he vows is the love of his life and offers his hand. “Would you care to dance?”

“Always,” She answers with a breathtaking smile, taking his hand to be led onto the dancefloor for the start of the new song. Couples on the floor take up the position of the quadrille as upbeat music sounds through the hall.  

It’s hard not to smile as Anthony takes her hand to begin the first steps of the lead couple. The first dance figure is performed before copied by the other couples in their square.

Anthony keeps a tight hold on her as he begins the next set of dance figures; spinning (Y/N) out before drawing her back in. Laughter falls from her mouth, setting his heart alight with the love he feels for her.

She catches the eye of Lady Featherington through one of many of Anthony’s spins. The Lady smiles knowingly, raising her glass to the young woman spinning in the arms of the Viscount.

(Y/N)’s breath freezes in her chest; she makes a choked sound and her steps falter. Luckily, no-one but Anthony seems to notice, but he recovers his hold on (Y/N) fairly quickly. It’s the end of the song; couples slowing on the floor, the audience beginning to clap their approvals.

“Darling?” Anthony calls quietly, breaking her out of her reverie. His hand remains in her hold; refusing to let him take even a step without her.

“Take me somewhere we can be alone,” She pleads, suddenly overcome by the sheer amount of people milling about the hall.

Anthony doesn’t need to be told twice, leading (Y/N) away from the dancefloor with a guiding hand on the small of her back. Anthony catches Benedict’s eye as he leaves the hall; his brother offers him a single nod to which Anthony relaxes – Benedict would make sure no-one would follow or interrupt, there was something important Anthony had to do.

The night air is cold against her heated skin as she inhales hurried breaths. The stone of the railing is cool under her fingers as she grips the stone tight; needing something to tether her to this place. It feels like a dream; a total dream that she would find herself costumed as a character from a Shakespeare play brushing elbows with some of the most powerful people in the country.

At this time of night, the gardens are dark, but she can still make out their heavenly fragrance perfuming the air, providing the perfect backdrop for this night.

“Are you alright?” Anthony asks, removing his jacket and settling it over her shoulders.

(Y/N) pulls his jacket tighter around her; inhaling the comforting scent of musk and sweet orange washing over her. “I’m fine now, it got to be a bit too much in there.”

“That’s an understatement,” Anthony murmurs, “I saw Lady Featherington.”

(Y/N) cringes internally. Her face is a mask of polite interest as she murmurs, “Oh? You saw that did you?”

“She only acts as if she knows everything, darling,” Anthony reassures, settling his hands on (Y/N)’s waist, desperate to be touching her.

“I know,” She murmurs, but his words do nothing to settle the panic tying her chest into knots.

“We’re fine,” Anthony promises; hands rubbing up and down the sides of her bodice. “It’s going to be fine.”

“I know,” She repeats, sighing heavily, leaning back into his embrace. His chest is strong against her back, but she doesn’t get long to admire his strength. He turns her in his arms, peering down at the expression on her face.

“You’re who I love. I couldn’t give a damn what the rest of London society thinks.”

“I love you as well,” She answers, a small smile on her face, letting his words wash away any and all of her worries. “You do have a way with words.”

“Flatterer,” He teases, dipping his head to kiss her.

(Y/N) gasps at the first press of Anthony’s lips against hers. She had kissed him before; a hurried meeting of mouths before their chaperone caught up to them. This kiss differed from that; languid, unhurried. Anthony took his time to memorise the feel of her lips against his; the small whimpers sounding at the back of her throat.

Each brush of his lips against hers spoke of what he found it hard to put into words. He had never been a wordsmith; could never write poetry or recite the romances of the past, but with every butterfly kiss placed on her lips in time to the shuddering of her heartbeat could Anthony translate the sheer scale of what he feels for her.

She reaches up to cup the back of his neck, fingers carding through the dark brown locks. Anthony’s grip on her waist remains firm as he presses her further into the railing. The gentleness of Anthony’s kiss soon turns to a burning passion as his hands splay across the small of (Y/N)’s back, pressing her to him.

As Anthony’s kisses begin to travel the expanse of her jawline, (Y/N) is suddenly grateful for the railing behind her. If he was to let her go now, not only would she feel the keen absence of his touch, but she would surely sink to the floor. The feel of his mouth, pressed hot against her, has her knees feeling unsteady.

“(Y/N),” Anthony whispers, nuzzling the side of her neck, “(Y/N)…”

“You keep whispering my name,” She murmurs into the night air; her ragged breath leaving behind white plumes.

“Marry me,” Anthony all but pleads, pulling back from (Y/N)’s neck to gaze into her eyes. “Marry me and always be mine.”

It seemed that time had stopped and lost all of its meaning; there was no party, no gardens, no laughter of lifelong friends. No. In this moment there was only Anthony.

“Yes,” She whispers, laughter beginning to fall from her mouth as fresh as a morning rainfall. Once it starts, she cannot find it in herself to stop. Tears soon join the laughter as a smile breaks across Anthony’s handsome face. “Yes,” She repeats, “I will marry you.”

********

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