Very first page // 2 (Reader!Bridgerton x Footman John)
Requested by: Anon Forever tag: @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr, @sweetheartlizzie07, @floatlosers, @vviolynn, @evilcr0ne, @melsunshine, @ilocuras24, @mysticwitchcraftco, @multifandom-milktea-simp
Summary: With the unexpected return of your eldest brother, it creates a more difficult terrain for you and John. Brother fixed on finding you a match. Little does he know his sister is engaging with the footman behind closed doors. [series]
You missed the key, hitting a sharp note that was unpleasant for the hearing. Your sister Hyacinth being the reason for it. Having stormed into the parlor in all her excitement. Catching her breath as her words barely came out right.
Arms fluttering around as she hastened towards the window. Pulling the curtains back to reveal the view of the front. Just then a carriage came to a halt by the front gates.
"They're here!” Calling out in her excitement. Violet turned her head with shock at her second son. Benedict slapped the book shut he was reading. The same concern in his eyes.
Both of them got up, hurrying up to the window. Removing yourself from behind the piano, you wanted to look for yourself. Jaw dropping seeing Anthony and Kate depart their carriage.
Benedict stumbled back, loosening his tie in a sweaty expression. Quickly turning away, wanting to make an escape for it. Hyacinth pushed herself away from the window. Rushing out of the door to the hallway. Violet lifted a bit of her dress up, going in a quickened pace after her.
Benedict hasting after, hoping he might be able to avoid his brother just yet. “Who is here?” Sophie whispered to Mrs. Wilson. Mrs. Wilson batted her eyes to the heavens. “The eldest Bridgerton.” She explained. Quietly making your way over to the door, you lingered there a moment.
Silently joining without making yourself too known. Hyacinth and Anthony ending their joyous hug. “Brother!” Anthony called out, gaze fixated on Benedict. Benedict swallowed nervously. “Yes.” Squeaking out. Anthony neared him, throwing an arm around him.
“I hope you have been managing the affairs well?” Keeping a hand on his brother’s chest. Benedict chuckled nervously. Behind him Violet and Kate were exchanging greetings, showing off the new baby. Fidgeting with your fingers ever so slightly, you curled up barely a smile.
Eyes slightly widening when your brother’s gaze fell directly on you. Pushing Benedict away from him. “Y/n!” He said coming over. Opening his arms as you accepted a gentle hug from him. “No need to hide yourself sister.” He whispered to you. Leaving a caring kiss by your head.
Anthony caught Benedict trying to make an escape. “Not so fast!” He called out, grabbing him just in time by the shoulder. “We’re going to have a good look at your work in my absence.” Pushing him deeply against his side. Benedict gave Violet a beggingly look.
Mother unable to do much about her son’s strong headedness. Violet invited Kate and the baby to the parlor. Hyacinth bouncing happily around them. Eager to hold the baby when she could. “Y/n.” Violet said, waiting by the door. Leaning her hand against the frame.
Gaze staring in pity back at you. Ever so lightly shaking your head, you declined her request to follow. Nodding gently, she understood. She entered the parlor as you turned the other way.
Venturing towards the outsides. Taking a few steps to where stone made way for grass. Barely getting forwards as a pair of arms strapped around your waist. A happily groan followed as they took you for a spin.
Unable to control yourself a loud squeal had released itself from within you. Fingers immediately firm on the hands around your body for security. Feet found the ground once more, John coming in view, laughing. Smiling back at him, it slowly dropped.
Nervously fidgeting with your fingers once more. “Something amiss, miss Y/n?” He asked, aware of it immediately. Swallowing softly, you turned your gaze away. Lowering himself a bit, he tried to catch your gaze. Glancing to the side, you lingered on him before turning your head back.
“My brother has returned.” You told him. “I’ve heard.” John responded. “Does that not please you?” Reaching out to take your hand. Breaking your nervous fidgeting to a stop. You hummed loud, curling the corners of your lips up.
John let his knuckles brush down your cheek. “You don’t sound convincing.” He replied, making you sigh loud. “You know my brother, John…I…I” Finding it hard to get the words over your heart.
“Do I now?” John spoke with a tease. Scrunching your nose, you slapped your hand his way. “Auw.” He chuckled out, shoulder up from the impact. “This is serious!” You called out.
John moved his hands up, letting them brush down your arms a few times. “Does us concern you?” He asked, seeing the immediate fright in your eyes. “I do not wish to put you in a difficult situation, miss Y/n. Say the word and I’ll step back.” Releasing his hands from you, so he did.
“No!” You blurted out. John quirking his eyebrow up. Grabbing him firmly by his vest. “Don’t you dare step back!” Desperation seeking your words. John brought his hand up in a salute. Sighing soft, you slouched back. “I choose you no matter what…it is just…”
“He’ll be making it more difficult?” John filled in. Humming loud, you knew he was right. He batted his gaze briefly up to the heavens, guiding his hands to your lower back. “We’ve already been careful. A bit more won’t do us any harm.” Flashing you that cheeky smile you adored.
“Unless my lady isn’t willing?” Moving his hands lower, he scooped you up. Catching you by surprise, making you grab his shoulders quickly. “She is.” You answered, cupping his cheeks. John smiled, gaze flashing down to your lips. Sucking in a breath before he heartfully kissed you.
Brushing over your skirt, you made your way to the parlor. Pausing to see a rather worked-up brother of yours. Muttering to himself with a certain fury. His gaze went your way, doing a double-take to put himself to a halt. “Sister.” Anthony called out with a new-found calmness.
Glancing behind him, you knew he had just come from his study with Benedict. “Do you fancy fresh air? I do. Shall we?” Before you could utter a response, he was already offering you his arm. Quietly you accepted it, letting him guide you towards the front door.
He gestured at one of the footmen that rushed to pull up the carriage. From the side, you saw John hasten himself over. Giving his jacket a slight tug. He quickened up to the carriage, opening the door. “Welcome home, Viscount.” He addressed with a bow.
“My sister and I are going for an evening stroll.” He informed him. “Of course, my lord.” John responded. Anthony hopped in as you were right behind him. Taking John’s hand as he assisted you inside. With a frightened expression, you weren’t ready to be alone with Anthony yet.
John closed the door, giving you a comforting nod before departing to the back. The carriage got in motion, wheels wobbling over cobble stone. “I should’ve come home sooner.” He sighed out.
“The affairs are a mess. Benedict’s been neglecting it. Not to mention the drawings I found on one of the papers.” His jaw already tensing, thinking back at what had not been in his control.
“Then the matter of Eloise, shipping herself off as spinster.” If he had a fan available, he would’ve waved it vigorously to his face. You could tell he was discontent.
Your eyes met with him, forming a shy smile his way. That seemed to soften him up. “At least you are perfect.” Touching your chin charmingly. Upholding your smile, you looked away. Knowing deep down it was a lie. If only he knew who held your heart.
The carriage came to a stop by the park. The carriage door being opened as Anthony got off first. Taking John’s hand once more, you tried not to give yourself away by looking at him. Falling in step with your brother, you heard another pair of footsteps. Knowing John was a distance behind.
“Enlighten me Y/n, How have your balls progressed this far? Has anyone called upon you yet?” Anthony went straight for it. His questions nearly made you choke on your own breath. Coughing gently. Behind you John huffed with a quirky smile.
“Not…not yet brother.” You answered, avoiding his gaze. “They have not?” Anthony responded, baffled. Turning his head at you. “Tell me Y/n are the men of the ton fools for not seeing the kindness of my sister?” He spoke.
“I do not believe the men seek kindness.” Was your reply. “Why not? Kind hearts are rare to find these days.” Moving his hands behind his back, he turned his head forwards once more. “I shall make it my priority.” Saying out loud to himself.
“Prioritize what, brother?” Saying with a slight panic that he would interfere like he did with Daphne. He took your hand, laying it over his arm. Giving it a soft pat. “Your match.” He finished.
John abruptly coughed loud, making you both turn your heads. His gaze was on you, seeing you make clear with your eyes to not make it clear. He quickly shifted his gaze to your brother.
“Apologies, Viscount. Pollen.” He lied waving his hand. You rolled with your eyes how enormously stupid his answer was. Anthony looked around, giving it little attention. Somehow he bought it.
Having returned home, you parted with your brother. John following you inside. Glancing left and right, you made sure not a soul was around. Abruptly stopping, grabbing John by the shirt to kiss him.
Contact brief, but long enough to catch him by surprise. With that little tease, you let go of him. Hurrying your way to the parlor. Filling the remaining time of the day with piano playing.
Allowing the music to whisk you away till your brother came announcing his new priority to the family. How he was going to focus on you during this season. Mother turning a worriedly gaze at you. Afraid to look her in the eye, you knew she worried for your heart.
Sun finally settled as most had gone off to bed. Most, but one. On your tippy toes, you went down the stairs. Looking all ways before sneaking through the door that led to the lower levels. Hurrying down the steps with a quickened pace.
Gasping loud when a second party came rushing upwards. Knocking into you, grabbing you quickly by the elbows before you could tumble down. “John!” You shout-whispered in surprise. “Miss Y/n.” He chuckled out. “It appears we had the same idea.” Referring with a smile.
Placing your hand in his, he moved a finger to his lips. Telling you to be quiet, leading you back down. Nearing the door, wanting to reach for the doorknob, but pulling away upon hearing a voice. Mrs. Wilson’s voice. Coming to face you, he let you know to stay silent.
You nodded barely seeing his features in the dim light. Hiding behind a door. John listened in, hearing Mrs. Wilson shoo the remaining maids to their beds. You had your gaze to the door, trying to quiet down your breathing. Gaze flashing to the side, catching his staring.
Lips parting breathlessly. Setting a hand on your chest, hoping your heart wouldn’t be hearable. The softest gasp released from within when John leaned forwards. Hand setting on the wall behind you. Your response to let the wall catch you.
Tilting your chin upwards with his touch. Lips parting as he settled them on your lips with a slow close. Lips puckered up to deepen the kiss. Releasing once more, to rejoin in a bliss. His hand lowering from your chin to your waist, pressing gently his thumb inwards. Mind anywhere else but your original idea.
The closing of a door made you gasp loud, breaking the kiss off. Holding onto his shoulders. John lowering his head with a chuckle. He leaned closer to the door, listening in.
His neck in your vision, made you swallow hard. “I think it’s clear.” John whispered. Reaching for the doorknob. Cautiously opening the door, looking curiously left and right.
You stood on your toes, trying to overlook his shoulder. Taking your hand, he led you into the kitchens. Closing the door behind you. John went to light some candles. Looking around, you rubbed your arms for warmth.
John gestured for you to sit. So you did. Chuckling when he grabbed a chair, moving it closer to you by the table’s edge. Setting his elbow on the table, hand resting on his chin. “So your brother plans to throw in any suitors.” A silly smile plastered on.
“Are you jealous?” You responded, raising your eyebrow. “Should I be?” He moved his chin a bit teasingly on his knuckles. “I would be worried if you weren’t.” Responding with a snarky comment.
Your answer made him laugh loud. Worriedly, you shushed him. “Is little miss Bridgerton frightened I am not genuine?” He removed his hand from under his chin to boop your nose.
Before he could do so, you grabbed him by the wrist. John’s eyes widening playfully. Joining his other hand to have his go anyway. Moving your head back, you grabbed in the air for his other wrist.
Fishing for air as he kept maneuvering his hand away. Hardening your jaw, you got more grabby. Feeling him tug on his other hand that you made sure was secured in your grip.
John wrapped his hand around your wrist, having caught you now. Hands secured now, the two of you started to move them around for freedom. Not giving in to the other. Laughing.
“Oh sorry.” Sophie called out, quickly turning herself around. Her sudden presence had made John and you pull away. Launch back as far away from each other. “So…Sophie.” John stuttered out, jumping up.
“I…I…I swear I didn’t see anything.” She replied, moving her hand back whilst still shielding her eyes. “It is not what it looks like.” John went on, hoping she would believe him even though it might be impossible. Flushed with caught red-handed, you got up as well.
“We simply had a bet who would be the strongest whilst waiting. I couldn’t sleep and John here has been kind enough to set me some tea.” You lied, hoping she wouldn’t think anything else of it.
Sophie turned around, curtsying at you. “Forgive me, miss Bridgerton.” She spoke. Gaze settling on you, slowly going to the stove. Aware of her attention, you took a step to the side. Hiding the stove behind you.
Hiding the fact that no kettle was on for tea. Her gaze then went to John, seeing him nervously rub the back of his neck. Smiling down, she pressed her lips together. One thing she knew for certain was that eyes don’t lie.
“I…I believe I shall go.” Saying nervously as the awkwardness was rising. Sophie curtsied as John bowed to you. Turning on your heel, you took your leave. Once you were gone, John pretended to yawn out loud. “Long day, I’m calling it too.” Stretching his arms behind him.
Sophie came at his side with a silly smile. “It’s alright, my lips are sealed.” She spoke. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” John responded, heading for their sleeping quarter.
Grabbing the railing from the spiral stairs, going up. Sophie hurrying after him. “I promise I won’t tell a soul.” She called out after him. John groaned loud, quickening his pace. “There is nothing!” John insisted upon. “I heard laughter, that is why I…John…John…” Suddenly losing track of him.
Making her hasten up the stairs, only to be faced with a door shutting in her face. “I understand…” She whispered out, rubbing her nose to rub the rudeness of his actions off.
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