@foxymopar kindly gave me some inspiration today, and I had ongodly long commute to and back from work.
so let's take a quick visit to Model Behavior Kanthony.
“Anthony! Anthony! Over here”, the gaggle of photographers call out.
He instinctively plays with his hair, now a bit longer, a result from a 7 month break, a knowledge that he’ll soon buzz cut it for a role, and most importantly, because she’s admitted that she loves his hair this length.
The photographers happily cheer on him, and he changes his pose once again, hands on his pockets, a smirk on his lips.
“One more?” they ask.
Anthony turns his head, to where Daphne is standing, his hand reaching out for her, come on he mouths.
Daphne smirks, but then goes to meet him on the carpet, the photographers cheering on them.
“Thank you”, he whispers to her.
“Well I am your second favorite date. This is the least I can do.”
“Funny. You’re very funny”, Anthony says, though his smile turns into a laugh, Daphne joining him.
He thanks the photographers and the two walk away, “they missed you”, she notes.
Anthony chuckles, “They got their fix, where to now?”
“British Vogue and we’re done”.
“Let’s go”, turning around to the carpet, “do you know if they’re close?”
“What did Kate tell you?”
“That I’d know when she got here”, he mutters.
“So be patient, and present”.
“Ugh fine. Where’s British Vogue?”
“Right over there”, Daphne points.
Anthony is asking a question from the reporter when he hears it, the photographers calling out her name.
He turns his head toward the carpet, catches the back of Henry’s head as he fixes something, and walks away.
And then, then he saw her.
Just as beautiful as she was when she woke up that morning, just as beautiful as she was when pressed a kiss on his lips before she left to go get ready at a hotel.
Her waves soft, her smile bright. Her skin, golden in the sun. The dress, a bright pink one shoulder. He knew she’d be in pink, she specifically chose his boutonniere, telling him it was a clue.
“Oh looks like Kate Sharma just arrived”, the reporter says.
Sharma Bridgerton next week, Anthony thinks to himself.
“Yeah, can’t really miss her can we”, Anthony jokes, thanks the reporter and walks away.
“You didn’t even answer her final question”, Daphne notes.
“Oh, oops?”
“Unhinged”
“I prefer madly in love thank you very much”.
“Come on, we’ll catch them inside”.
“Yeah, I’m coming”, Anthon says, raising his hand for Daphne to hold.
He turns around, to catch another look, just in time to lock his eyes with Kate’s, for her to send a wink that the photographers think are for them, but he knows it for him.
I love you he manages to mouth, forgetting that there are photographers everywhere, hundreds of people with their phones open directly at the carpet they’re both standing on.
And when she uses her left hand, the engagement ring bright and sparkling on her finger, to tap on her heart, a motion she’s taken to signal to him, he doesn’t care if someone is watching, or if someone is recording. For him, at that moment, it’s only the two of them. And that’s all that matters.
i don't even watch bridgerton but the people complaining that francesca and michaela's relationship isn't "historically accurate" are pissing me off so bad. queer people have always existed and will always exist and more than deserve representation.
Eight episodes is not enough for a season. A proper season should contain no less than:
12 Plot Driven episodes
5 Filler Episodes with vague but crucial references to the main plot
8 Purely Filler episodes
For a total of 25 episodes per season. This is what we deserve. This is our birthright.
Show runners need time to tell their stories. They need to space things out to generate suspense. They need to put their OCs into Silly Little Situations with no plot development just because those situations would be fun to watch.
Please, I'm begging. Restore this storytelling medium to its former glory. It's not too late.
I think that when you're overstimulated you should appear kind of grayed out and no one should be able to interact with you like a locked character in a video game
A few missing scenes from the end of "Dance in the Country." Mostly canon compliant. Kanthony and Benophie.
They haven’t let go of each other since leaving the Queen’s ball, and when they walk back into Bridgerton house, they both stop short at seeing Anthony.
The Viscount opens his mouth to start berating them, and Benedict opens his mouth to argue, but Violet gets between them.
“Benedict, Sophie, outside,” she orders. “Anthony. Study.”
Both brothers begin to argue and she shouts a “now!” that has them both doing as they're told.
Violet waits for them to turn the corner before herding her oldest son to the study.
“What on earth, mother?” Anthony snaps, and Kate gets to her feet as she watches them both enter the room.
“What is going on?” Kate asks.
“Benedict just walked in with the maid dressed in an evening gown,” Anthony explains.
“They are engaged. Just-” Violet puts up her hands. “Just let me explain.”
“I cannot believe you would be so irresponsible as to sanction this!” Anthony cries. “I asked him to be reasonable and end it, and you-”
“She is the daughter of the Earl of Penwood!” Violet cries.
Anthony immediately shuts up.
Violet sighs heavily and rubs her temples. “Sophie Baek was supposed to be Sophie Gunn. When her father died, her stepmother lied to her, telling the poor girl she was forgotten in the will, and made the girl her maid. Seven years, no wages.”
“That is ghastly,” Kate says, shocked as she sits back down.
“Well, so is the Dowager Lady Penwood,” Violet tells her.
Anthony sits slowly. “Seven years, no wages?”
“Practically a slave,” Violet tells him.
Anthony shakes his head and rubs his face. He sighs and sits back, looking up at his mother. “So…Sophie. Who was our ladies maid…was truly a child of Penwood house.”
Violet nods. “Illigitimate.”
Anthony rolls his eyes. “If she was left a dowry and consideration in the Earl’s will, that hardly matters.”
“The Queen acknowledged her as the Earl’s cousin’s child, who was living in the country,” Violet explains.
“And what of the stepmother?” Kate asks. “Surely she cannot get away with all of this.”
“Mutually assured destruction,” Violet explains. “If we come forward with her embezzlement, she will blow up Sophie’s life. If she blows up Sophie’s life, we will take her crimes to the courts.” She blows out a breath.
“You lied to the Queen,” Anthony says wearily. “And you brokered a deal with a woman who abused an innocent young woman…because…”
“Your brother is in love with her,” Violet says simply. “And to stand by and refuse to help would be to lose Benedict. If she were merely just a maid, I was prepared for what that would mean, but she is not, and I had the power to readjust their fate..”
“Mother-”
Violet holds a hand up to stop him. “Your brother loves her. This is not a dalliance, Anthony. This is not a fleeting feeling for a pretty girl. He was ready to give up everything. Lose everything to keep from losing her.”
“And the girl?” Anthony asks.
“Loves him,” Violet tells him. “Grounds Benedict in a way no one else has ever been capable of. But she knew her status made their relationship impossible. She tried to leave to spare him the pain of having to choose between her and his life here, but Araminta had her arrested under false pretenses before she could.”
Kate sighs and steps over to Anthony, resting a hand on the back of his neck. “Could we have a moment, Violet?”
Violet nods and steps out of the room, closing the door behind her.
“We were gone too long,” Anthony says quietly. “We were gone far too long. Between John’s death and…whatever in god’s name all of this was with Benedict.”
“We are here now,” Kate reminds him gently. “And our first order of business tonight is to introduce ourselves to Benedict’s intended and welcome her to the family.”
Anthony sighs heavily and leans back, looking up at his wife. “That involves admitting to Benedict that I was wrong.”
Kate nods, trying not to laugh. “Yes, it does.”
He sighs heavily and gets to his feet. “Fine.”
*****
He can’t find them anywhere. He Checks Benedict’s room first, and no one is in that wing. He tries the drawing room, and a few of the sitting rooms and his study. He checks the terrace and the garden, and both are quiet and empty.
Anthony stops when he hears voices from the conservatory.
“He was only trying to protect your family,” a woman’s voice says gently. “I know it was not personal.”
“He was needlessly harsh,” Benedict argues. “You heard him, and it made you decide to leave.”
“It is not as if he was wrong,” the woman responds. “And it hardly matters now. I am not leaving.”
When there’s no response, Anthony clears his throat, peeking inside to find his brother and the woman he assumes is Sophie sitting on the floor together. “Forgive me for intruding.”
Sophie rises to her feet quickly, giving a quick bow. “Lord Bridgerton.”
Anthony puts up a hand as Benedict joins her, slower to get to his feet, looking wary. “Please. We are to be family soon, so I am told. Anthony is fine, and there is no need to bow.”
“That is quite the change of tune, brother,” Benedict comments suspiciously.
“Mother spoke with me,” Anthony explains. “I…I understand that you are a daughter of Penwood house?”
Sophie nods slowly. “That is correct.”
Anthony nods and swallows. “Well. That is good news. I…I hope we can be friends, you and I.”
Benedict watches his brother for a long moment, before turning to Sophie. “My brother clearly needs a word.” He steps further back into the conservatory and grabs a blanket, wrapping it around her snugly, kissing her temple. “I won’t be long.”
Sophie frowns, obviously concerned, but nods and heads back inside.
Anthony steps away from the conservatory with Benedict and sighs, looking out at the grounds.
Benedict crosses his arms and waits.
“I am happy for you, brother,” Anthony says. “That this has all worked out in your favor.”
“But you are going to caution me of some other offense that may yet see me thrown out of this family?” Benedict asks, looking tired.
“No,” Anthony tells him. “No.” He sighs and looks at his brother. “I had your best interests in mind when I said those things. I wanted you to think of the consequences of your actions. You have always been tender-hearted. But that is…that is not always enough.”
Benedict takes a breath and looks down. “I would have married her anyways.”
“Benedict-”
“I am expected to be your stand-in while you are perfectly happy in India, but I…” He shakes his head. “It does not matter anymore. All’s well that ends well.”
“It clearly does still matter,” Anthony points out. “Since you brought it up.”
“You left me here,” Benedict reminds him. “To sit at that desk. And when you came back, you could not even be bothered to truly talk to me. You launched directly into lectures and threats, as if I were an unruly child, and not someone you have treated as equal in the past. Someone you confided in.”
Anthony doesn’t respond, watching him.
“I do not care about society and what is expected. And yes, I know that is selfish.” Benedict nods. “But yes, I would have married her no matter her station. There is no one else. And I know, I looked.”
“I am…I am truly sorry, brother,” Anthony says softly. “You are right. I did leave you here to run things in my stead. And I did not try to understand you before I scolded you. Mother just told me you were faffing about with a maid, and I assumed the worst. I should have known better.”
Benedict nods.
“And I am grateful for you. You have done a good job in running things here,” Anthony tells him, gripping his shoulder. "And if you wanted to take three honeymoons, after you are married, I completely understand.”
Benedict laughs a little. “We will likely stay put at My Cottage, so if you truly need me, you can track me down, but I do not intend for us to come back to town for quite some time.”
Anthony laughs too, and pulls him into a hug. “Congratulations, brother.”
“Thank you,” Benedict says, hugging him back before pulling away.
When they turn around, Sophie is leaning against the doorway, watching them with a small grin on her face.
Benedict pats Anthony on the back as they walk up to her. “Sophie. This is my brother, Anthony. He is terrible at giving advice, but he is my older brother, and I love him, so I humor him occasionally. Brother, this is Sophie.”
Sophie smiles as Anthony takes her hand in both of his.
“Thank you for loving my brother,” Anthony says. “He is a terrible mess who is in desperate need of a capable woman to keep him in line.”
Sophie laughs. “I am happy to play that role for the man who brings me so much joy.”
Anthony blinks, looking slightly affected by her words, which are clearly sincere.
“There you all are,” Kate says as she walks up, hugging her shawl around herself. She wraps her arms around one of her husband’s. “Is everything alright?”
“Just right,” Anthony confirms, grinning at her. “Kate, this is Sophie. She and Benedict are to be married.”
Kate beams at them, reaching out and taking Sophie’s hand. “Come. We have much to talk about.”
Benedict and Anthony both frown as they watch the two women walk off together.
“We are going to regret their meeting, aren’t we?” Benedict asks.
Anthony nods. “In very short order.” He pats his brother’s shoulder. “Come. There is a very, very old bottle of scotch in the study that father left behind. Let us toast to your engagement, and hope like hell our brides do no take over the world together.”
But if Simon almost let himself get killed to run from his feelings for Daphne, and Kate kept saying she was leaving for India to run from her feelings for Anthony and she was going to let him marry her sister, and Penelope almost married Lord Debling because she thought Colin would never love her back and thus was in a way running from her feelings for him, and Sophie was about leave for America to run from her feelings for Benedict, and Michaela actually fled the country to run from her feelings for Francesca then who the fuck is driving the bus? (It was John and he just died so they're going to crash)
But if Simon almost let himself get killed to run from his feelings for Daphne, and Kate kept saying she was leaving for India to run from her feelings for Anthony and she was going to let him marry her sister, and Penelope almost married Lord Debling because she thought Colin would never love her back and thus was in a way running from her feelings for him, and Sophie was about leave for America to run from her feelings for Benedict, and Michaela actually fled the country to run from her feelings for Francesca then who the fuck is driving the bus? (It was John and he just died so they're going to crash)
In summation, thank you to all you skilled as fuck fan fiction writers for picking up all the potential the Bridgerton writer's room initially leaves on the floor and proving over and over again how compelling a character Kate Sharma Bridgerton is. I love this community.
