Very first page // 3 (Reader!Bridgerton x Footman John)
Forever tag: @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr, @sweetheartlizzie07, @floatlosers, @vviolynn, @evilcr0ne, @melsunshine, @ilocuras24, @mysticwitchcraftco, @multifandom-milktea-simp, @maryelliesun, @iinaths, @mmmunson, @thatssoemelia
Summary: Trying your very best to avoid the next ball, you pull your mother in your scheme. Unfortunatly your scheme drowns out. Leaving your brother's plan for suitors to perk back up. John discovering a jealously within upon all your brother throws at you. Will there ever come an end to the suitors? [series]
Violet reached her cup of tea to her lips. Exhaling softly at the quiet. Lips touching the porcelain, giving it a soft blow. Door barging open, making her send the tea flying. Startled abruptly, spilling a bit of the content on the floor. “Mama!” You called out, letting your back lean against the closing door. Pushing it in the lock.
“Mama, you have to help me.” Going over to her, falling on your knees by her position on the chair. “Y/n I…” She began, still processing the loss of her tea. “Please mama.” Pulling at her skirt in desperation. Violet wore the shock off, setting her cup aside. “What is it?” Asking with concern. Taking her hand, you sighed loud.
“Mama, you have to stop Anthony. Please I do not want any suitors.” Begging for her interference. “I want John. You’ve given me permission.” Reminding her of her blessing before the arrival of your brother. “I…yes…I did…” She answered.
“Then please tell him to stop. Mama you have to tell him to stop.” Tugging at her hand for you wanted her support on this matter. “Y/n, you and I both know how strong-headed your brother is.” Giving you a glance of pity. Brushing her hand to your chin. “Then I shall call myself ill.”
Jumping up to your feet. Pacing around. “I’ll…I’ll…pretend to be ill. Faint. Throw up!” Saying matter after matter with a thoughtful rub on your forehead. “You cannot be ill for every ball that is to come.” Violet huffed out with a soft laugh. Groaning frustrated that she was right, you let yourself fall down in one of the chairs.
Violet pushed herself up, approaching you. Taking your hand, she patted the back. “Your brother means well…” Letting her gaze drift away. Sighing, you turned more towards her. Taking both her hands in yours. “I know…but I’ll never be happy with someone else. Not like I am with John. I cannot be the perfect sister he thinks I am.”
“I…I shall see what I can do about tomorrow.” Violet responded, giving your hands a soft squeeze. “Thank you.” You breathed out. “Though I cannot confirm you can neglect every other ball.” She finished. Standing up, you hugged her.
“Tomorrow I can do.” You spoke, gazing over her shoulder up to your father’s portrait. Exhaling soft as sometimes you wished he was still here. He might be able to dim Anthony’s meddling. Violet brushed her fingers through your hair. “Now find some rest darling.” Sending you back to your room.
The next morning you deliberately didn’t come down right away. Hoping your mother would play her part. Violet stood by the cakes and macrons. Letting her finger twirl on the table. Hesitant. Waiting for the right opportunity to speak. Her son sitting down with his baby on his lap. Letting him bounce on his knees. Kate nearby, ready to join in if he was being a bit too excited with Edmund.
“Some tea, Ma’am?” Mrs. Wilson asked, standing not far from her. Violet hummed loud. “No…” Adding quickly after, touching the back of her hair with a nervous smile. Clearing her throat, she shook herself awake. “Anthony about tonight’s ball.” She began.
“What about it?” He asked, pausing the joy with his son. Violet cleared her throat again. “Y/n seems to have fallen ill.” Keeping her back to her son to hide the uneasiness she had with the lie. John, who was stationed near a maid, his gaze, immediately went to Lady Bridgerton.
“She is?” Anthony replied. Violet humming loudly to avoid a slip-up. John caught himself staring with worry at Lady Bridgerton so he averted his gaze. Caught off guard by her announcement. “I…I’m afraid she might have to pass on tonight’s ball.” Violet finished.
Anthony hummed loud, passing his son to his wife. “Should we fetch the physician?” Looking with concern at Kate. “God’s no!” Violet called out, turning herself with haste around. Keeping a steady hand on her chest to calm herself. “I’m…I’m sure some rest would do her well enough.”
“Very well.” Anthony agreed upon. Violet dismissed the staff. John made his way to the hallway, going towards the stairs. “John.” The other maid called out. Furrowing her brows at him. “Are you not coming down? Ask Hazel to tell another fortune?” With eagerness she stood by the stairs, leaning on one of the pillars.
“I…I have a chore upstairs that I need to finish. I’ll see you in a bit.” Lying plainly to her. The maid hummed soft, taking her leave. John waited a few moments before rushing up the stairs. Hurrying himself over to your quarters. Making sure no curious eyes were upon him.
Quickly forcing himself into your room. “Y/n!” He panted out. You had gasped loud, pulling the covers up. Imaging your brother had come barging in. Noticing it was John, you lowered the blanket.
“John? What…what are you doing here?” Keeping your voice low. “I heard you were ill. Please tell me you are alright.” Getting on the bed with you. Sitting on his knees. Seeing the worry in his eyes made you laugh softly. Making him perk his eyebrow up.
Changing position, you scooted closer to him. Pressing your hands against his cheeks. Forcing him to look at you. “I am not ill.” Squashing his cheeks together. “You are not?” John responded with puffed up cheeks.
Nodding with a hum, you lowered your hands. “Then why would your mother…” Utterly confused as to which information was right. Laughing a bit more, you throwed your arms over his shoulders. Leaning in with a cheeky smile. “A perfect good lie.”
John curled up a smile, realizing. “Are you trying to sneak out of your duties miss Y/n?” Moving his hands around your waist. Pulling up your shoulder to the front, you gave him a flashing smile. “I’ve got my suitor right here.” Saying before your lips found a way to each other. Kissing delicately.
“Will you stay here as well?” Changing position, snuggling closer to him. His hand taking yours on his chest. “And neglect my duties?” He responded, turning his head to look upon you resting on his shoulder. “I’ve neglected mine…surely you can arrange something for me?” Gazing with fondness up to him.
“For you my lady, I shall.” Whispering near your ear. Leaving a tender kiss on your cheek afterwards. Exhaling deep, you wished you could stay like this forever. Savely in his arms. Yet the contact was short. John got up, sneaking out of your chambers without anyone noticing.
With his departure, the room suddenly felt chill and empty. Warmness having left with him. Shuddering out a breath, you dropped onto your mattress. Left with nothing but loneliness and boredom. For spending an entire day in your room was suffocating.
Having enough of the same four walls, you decided to sneak downstairs. Avoiding the parlor, trying to sneak to the diner room. Hoping you would find some treats there.
Listening in on the door, you waited to be certain it was clear. Hastening yourself inside, leaving the doors a smidge open. Eyes gleaming you eyed the bowl of apples. Rushing over to it, picking one up, taking a fruity bite from it.
“You seem better.” The sudden incoming voice made you drop the apple. Falling with a thud beside your feet. Staring widely at your brother. “I…I…I…” Words caught in your throat. Anthony approached you, pressing a hand against your forehead without a warning.
“Quite well.” He muttered out. “That rest must have done you good. You’ll be able to attend tonight’s ball afterall.” Saying with a smile. “No!” You blurted out. Seeing how your brother’s eyebrow raised suspiciously.
“I…I… mean… I do still feel a bit weak…” Waving yourself some cool, you hoped he would fall for the lie. “We’ll keep it short and untiring for you.” Completely ignoring your plea. He bent down to pick the apple up.
Taking it with him as he went back around the table towards the doors. “I have suitors. I would love to introduce you to.” Departing without another say from you. Breathing loudly, you couldn’t fathom that after all the trouble, you were still obliged to go. “An…Anthony!” Calling out, hoping to change his mind anyhows.
Little luck. By nightfall you were dressed on your brother's orders. Waiting by your door to be certain you were coming along. Taking your hand firm, leading you outside. Violet looking in shock back at your arrival by the carriages. “I…I thought…” She spoke.
A footman keeping the door open, allowing you in. Benedict and Eloise already seated. Anthony and Kate closing the line. The footman took the handle, ready to close the door. A running John approached, huffing loudly. Moving his hand to the handle as well. Forcing his way in. “I’ll take it from here.” He spoke with a warning glare.
The footman that had taken his place, nodded, stepping back. John closed the door, eyes locking with yours from within the carriage. With a frightened stare, you feared what would come at the ball. John barely gave anything away. Returning to his position on the back.
Carriage wobbling over cobble stone and gravely roads. Making way to the estate of the season’s ball. Anthony exhaled pleased, looking upon his siblings. “I have missed this…us…” Saying with a fondness in his eyes. Eloise pulled her nose up at him in the middle. Benedict and you at the sides.
Staring outside. Both lost in your own thoughts and worries. The carriage pulled up to the estate. Making sure you were the last one to get out. Taking John’s hand to step out of it. “I do not want to…” Whispering to him with a dismissive shake of your head. “You must.” John whispered back to you.
Sending you off. Walking up to your siblings, you turned over your shoulder one last time. Seeing him nod reassuringly back at you. Sighing loud, you hated that despite all your efforts you still found yourself at another ball.
Under your brother’s escort. Catching up with Benedict, you accepted his arm. He appeared distracted as well. Inside, Anthony took you away from Benedict. Whisking you away to stroll around the room.
Outside, John left his station. Sneaking off to the side of the estate. Taking a position in the bushes to lurk inside. Gaze searching quickly for you amidst them all. Cursing under his breath at any person coming to stand in his view.
Waving them away from outside in the hopes they would simply go away. Blinking surprised when he finally found you. Two gentlemen near you. Chatting with your brother as you seemed unbothered. John curled up a smile, seeing how little attention you gave them.
Looking away, glass in your hand, tip pressed against your lips. Laughing at himself, he even wondered why he should be jealous. Clearly you had no interest in them. You had told him numerous times, yet deep down a part of him believed it was only a dream.
That he would wake up soon where he wasn’t able to reach you. Torn away from you. Fearing you might fall in love with someone else. Having someone else waiting for you.
Exhaling deep, you were relieved the two men finally took their leave. Wanting to leave, your brother had grabbed you by the wrist. Pulling you back at his side. “We are not done yet, dear sister.” Saying with a polite smile at the passing people.
“Must I really? I truly have no interest in these suitors.” Responding with a plea to stop him. “One might spark your interest.” He answered, not aware of your true feelings. Taking your empty glass from you, he set it aside. Spotting a young gentleman in the crowds. Holding your arm, he led you up to the gentleman.
Forced to endure another boring speech that could not tempt you. Fake smiles and polite curtsies. Anthony introduced you to the young gentleman. Sparking up a conversation. The young man said something in the attempt of funny. Anthony laughed out loud. Nudging you hard in the side. Taking the hint, you laughed as well. Forced laughed at what was acquired of you. The man chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head.
John’s knuckles were white from the tension he was putting on it. Glaring hard at the display. Fuming at seeing you laugh. Gritting his teeth at how the gentleman was offering you his hand. You tried to politely decline it, but your brother nudged you in his direction. Clenching his hand around the bush, he found himself crushing.
Envious of the hand being offered to you. Heart thumping loudly in his chest. Restless feet for he wanted to pace around in a fury. Grunting loud, he released his grip on the bush. Giving it a hard slap. Turning on his heel to return to the carriage. Feeling sick upon looking at the display.
Huffing loud to let off some steam. Pacing back and forth restlessly. Insecure about your decision. What if you found him more charming or funnier than him? The feeling eating away at him. Hearing firm footsteps on the gravely road, made him turn his head. Stare with wide eyes at your arrival.
Surprised to find you here. Imagining you were inside dancing with the young lord. “Miss Y/n!” John caught another voice from behind you. Gaze sharpening at the same young man coming after you. “Miss Y/n, surely one dance is suitable?” He begged.
“I do not wish, my lord.” You bit back over your shoulder. Nearing John, you exhaled relieved. “Miss Y/n.” The lord begged again. John stepped in. “She said no!” Raising his voice. “Miss Y/n!” The lord repeated, reaching out to touch your shoulder.
John grabbed him by his wrist before he could touch. Shoving him back. “Perhaps I haven’t been clear. She refuses!” The tone in his voice harsh and warningful. The lord gawked baffled back at him. John turned back at you, taking you by the arm. Asking if you were alright and unharmed. Numbly you nodded, seeing a new side of him.
The lord turned around, hastening back inside. Nearly tripping over his own feet on the way. Exhaling softly, you rested your hands on his chest. “I can’t go back… don’t let me go back in there.” Begging to be set free. John nodded, taking your hand. “I’ll take you home.”
“Y/n?” Heads turning. Gaze widening upon your brother. Perking his eyebrow up in a scowl. Head tilting to the side. Upon seeing your hands on the footman’s chest.
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