#sweethannitea

[sweethannitea]

yearning is different for everyone. to yearn is to have an intense feelings of longing in such a way were the person/thing you want is unattainable.

yes, anthony yearned because he wanted kate badly but could not have her because: she didn't want him (at first), she was not in the marriage mart and because he was engaged to her sister. his yearning is full of regret (that he pursued edwina to begin with) and anger (because the woman he loves is so close yet so far away and her has a duty to provide an heir). he is conflicted by his relationship with kate where he knows he has intense feelings for her but cant tell if its love or hate. but anthony's yearning is not like benedict's, colin's or francesca's.

benedict's yearning is more melancholic because he wants someone who society does not want him to be with. he is surrounded by people in love yet can't express his love publically. he needs to chose between his family and the love of his life, and he knows he cannot live without both. the stakes were higher for benophie because they could not be together and still maintain a relationship with the family.

colin's yearning comes from years of convincing himself penelope is just a friend. he (which i find hilarious tbh) manipulates himself into thinking penelope is just a friend and only realizes his feelings when he feels jealousy for the first time. he now knows if penelope marries debling he will likely never see her again.

francesca is like benedict and anthony. she can't tell if she loves michaela or is annoyed by her because after all the stories she's heard about love none of them are similar to how she feels right now. yes, anthony was also annoyed with kate but kate is not like michaela. michaela is her husband's cousin and her polar opposite. she is also a woman so she does not yet know there can be more than just friendly feelings between people who are the same gender. although she can relate to benedict about being inlove with someone society does not allow you to be with. benedict has never been married. his love for sophie would not make him feel like he is disrespecting his dead partner by moving on with their relative. but francesca's yearning will focus on having intense feelings for your husband's cousin and being conflicted about whether or not this is betrayal.

but yeah, all the bridgertons YEARN, its not competition. no one will be outyearned because theres dfferent stakes at hand and they're all different tropes.

[sweethannitea]

the bridgertons love people with familial issues.

simon's father was a neglectful arse who only cared about his title. kate had to take care of her family after her father died and managed everything alone because she thought mary didn't view her as her daughter penelope was the blacksheep of her family, often ridiculed for her weight and looks, which her mother both participated in and allowed to continue sophie was neglected by her stepmother, ignored by her father, treated as an outcast in the only home she had ever known, was manipulated into thinking she wasn't loved and told she had nothing phillip was abused by his father and the only person he had was his brother who ends up dying, then as a duty choses to marry his brother's depressed love and raise his niece and nephew as his own then also looses marina too michaela looses her father at a young age, looses her cousin who is the only one who has ever truly loved and accepted her (also fran obv) passes away and will now likely be forced to marry so the stirlings can have an earl. gareth was ignored by his "father" richard st.clair , his mother died when he was young, then his real father (who loved and taught him as much as he could) died, he gets cut off by richard and must live with his grandmother the great lady danbury and then his brother dies and he is now heir to the title. lucy's father dies and she is sent to live with her uncle who promises her off to lord haselby while she is still quite young (i don't really remember much about lucy tbh its the only book i don't have a hard copy of)

there is not a single person who doesn't have family issues in this series/show.

[sweethannitea]

Just a fun little thing I thought about, who I think each Bridgerton would choose as a favourite in-law: (I'm only doing S1-S5)

Anthony- Simon and Sophie. Simon is kind of a non negotiable. Thats his best friend. Thats his twin. They love each other but won't act on it. Then with Sophie it was really between her and Penelope. I chose Sophie because she would be the only person in the family who understands him and his responsibility. When Sophie overhears Benedict and his' conversation she immediately sees his point of view, something many people don't often do. I also picked Sophie because of how soft he was towards her in To Sir Philip With Love, he would also be really protective of her because she grew up with no one who protected her. But overall I think its nice that Anthony has someone who would finally be on his side in arguments. I wanted to choose Penelope too but Eloise and Colin probably hoarded Penelope. She rarely got to interact alone with the other siblings because those two stayed glued to her side. But I also believe thats his little sister.

Benedict- Kate and Michaela. Michaela and Benedict are so similar. They're both queer. They love parties. They love drinking. They're both extroverts with introverted wives whom they're obsessed with. They would get along so well. Kate is obvious. He loves Kate. Thats his sister. She shut Anthony up that day they went out shooting. He made his cranky older brother soft and flustered. He respects and adores that woman.

Colin- Michaela. Michaela would match his vibe. He would talk about his travels, Michaela would talk about her encounters. They would be so funny together. Michaela and Colin would be besties. I do think Colin would be fond of Sophie as well because she can bake (you can't tell me Araminta wasn't talking about Sophie when she was talking about the biscuits.) but I don't think she would be one of his favourites. Simon is a lot like the men who Colin was trying to be. So I think Simon's mere existence can make him feel a little insecure. At least before her married Penelope. However I can see him and Kate being close considering its her and Anthony who inspire him for his relationship with Pen. I do also think because Edmund and Elliot are around the same age Polin would frequently bring Elliot to Aubrey Hall so they cousins could bond.

Daphne- Kate and I would say Penelope because they're the only two Daphne has met. She was the number 1 Kanthony shipper and loved how she could match his energy. Like no one else dared to do that. Penelope would have felt like a little sister to her. When Penelope and Eloise became friends Daphne probably looked after them from time to time. I do think she and Penelope would have seen each other as sisters.

Eloise- Penelope! Who would have seen that coming? But Penelope is arguably her soulmate. Platonically of course. They've been sisters since childhood. That is her girl. If Colin hadn't married Penelope, Eloise would have run away with Penelope to live in a house in the countryside where they can read and write together until eternity. Kate would be her next favourite. She looked up to her and was probably one of the people who inspired her to want to be a spinster. She would shower Kate with praises anytime she beats Anthony at Pall Mall. That is her feminist icon.

Francesca- Francesca was a little tricky because with she doesn't seem too close with any of the in laws. The conversation with Penelope was really sweet but you can see Francesca gets uncomfortable really quick and they only got to bond with the fact that they both had husbands whom they married during the same social season. But I do think her and Penelope have a good relationship . I also can't really say Fran and Sophie are close or would be close (we'll see in s5) but Francesca did bond decently with Sophie but it was over grief so I can't really say its stable. But they're my two highest contenders. Francesca is very reserved (not even Eloise knows what went down in Scotland and they're meant to be extremely close) so its hard to say right now.

Gregory- Kate, obviously. He adores Kate like that is his favourite person in the house. Kate can do no wrong in his eyes. I do think he would have Michaela as a close second because she wouldn't baby him like his siblings do. I believe they'd get along splendidly.

Hyacinth- She loves all the in-laws (sometimes more than her siblings) but I think her top two would be Simon and Sophie. Sophie was her lady's maid and most likely the only person who she could vent to when she was angry at Eloise. I chose Simon because he would absolutely spoil her. If Anthony says no, she knows Simon will say yes. Like he would pamper her without a second thought.

But let me hear your thoughts and opinions. Do you agree? Do you disagree? What would you change?

[sweethannitea]

In addition to my previous post, the bridgertons (&the bridgerton in laws') favourite bridgertons

Anthony: Benedict, Hyacinth & Gregory Benedict is probably the only sibling who felt like a sibling to Anthony. If he ever need anything he can look to his little brother. They have a very close relationship that he appreciates deeply because everyone else felt like his children rather than his siblings. However Gregory and Hyacinth were his first babies. Especially Hyacinth. He is basically their father. I know when Edmund was born he thought of them. They were his first children.

Benedict: Eloise, Colin & Anthony Eloise is by far the only sibling who understands Benedict and vice versa. They truly care for one another's interests and ambitions. Eloise was the only person who noticed Benedict burnt his sketchbook. I hope they continue to give us this dynamic duo in season 5 & 6. I contemplated choosing Francesca for Benedict but I do believe Colin fit a little more. Benedict is SO affectionate towards Colin and Colin just accepts it. I love the scenes where Benedict kisses Colin on the head and he just accepts his fate. Anthony is quite obvious. Benedict is alot older than his younger siblings so he must have had Anthony as his best friend for a while. They're very relaxed together. I do think Benedict made sure to be the best person Anthony could rely on.

Colin: Daphne, Benedict & Gregory Daphne is based on the books since we rarely see them in the show. They don't have a large age gap but when Daphne plays pianoforte, Colin sings along and I thought that was really cute. Not much I can say about them other than in the books Colin comes back home and Daphne is happy to see him. Like I said before, Benedict is so affectionate towards Colin and he just accepts it. I do also think Colin found it easier to talk to Benedict. Benedict was with Colin when he had his first drink (based on the morning after scene when Colin was hungover), Colin found it easier to give Benedict drugs. I think between Benedict and Anthony, Benedict treated Colin like an adult and less like a child so it was easier for them to be close. Gregory however is the Benedict to his Anthony. Colin made sure to make Gregory feel like he is apart of "the brothers" and tried his best to not leave him out. Gregory feels comfortable seeking advice from his older brother, it just solidified their relationship for me.

Daphne: Colin, Eloise & Hyacinth We rarely see or hear about Daphne in the show, so this is hard. Again this part is mainly based on the books. Daphne and Colin are close in age so its inevitable. But I would like to also point out Daphne was there for Colin when Marina lied to him. And again I mention the pianoforte scene where Colin sings while she plays. Absolutely adorable. Eloise and Daphne might argue alot but Daphne is one of the only people who Eloise willingly compromised for. She hated balls but still attended for her. They're polar opposites but they love each other so much. The fact that Daphne was the one to sing to Eloise to try block out Violet's screams during Hyacinth's birth is so important to me. They needed each other. Lastly Hyacinth look up to Daphne. She was in awe of her when she debuted, she lowkey felt the chemistry between Simon and her from a mile away. Daphne is the one to tell Hyacinth (offscreen) that if a boy has interest in you he will fetch you a lemonade. Like Anthony Hyacinth was basically Daphne's first child. I do believe she tried to help out with Hyacinth as best she could at such a young age.

Eloise: Benedict, Francesca & Colin Like I said earlier Benedict also understands and actually listens to Eloise. Their bond was formed so well. The way Benedict goes to her and Penelope about the Lady In Silver, they trust each other so well. Also the way Benedict helps her escape social events. Or how he saved her from being forced to dance with a man in season 2. I also like how he helps her try get back on Hyacinth's good graces (even if it was just to talk to Sophie). They have a beautiful dynamic as the two who feel out of place in the family. Francesca and Eloise have a lovely connection. They're exactly a year apart and share a birthday. They probably bonded a lot in Scotland. The way Francesca seems so comfortable with Eloise. The way she linked arms with Eloise when they arrived at Bridgerton house. Francesca even helps her pick out a feather for Hyacinth. The writers fed us well with them. Colin is the brother who stole Penelope from her. lol. But they're too cute not to mention. In the books Colin and Eloise seem to be quite close. I love the scene where Eloise asks how a lady gets pregnant and Colin nearly tells her. Comedy at its finest. I wish we saw more of them.

Francesca: Eloise, Colin & Benedict Francesca and Eloise are twins who missed each other by exactly a year. When Francesca goes to Scotland, Eloise comes along. When Francesca is distressed Eloise quickly swoops in and changes the subject so she doesn't feel like everyone is pitying her. She gives Francesca the space to let out her emotions in secret. She really stepped up as a big sister during the funeral scene. She even held Francesca's hand during that disgusting procedure. Its nice to see how protected she is. Colin provides Francesca moments to escape in season 3. He is there for her when she feels uncomfortable. I do hope to see more of them in season 5 especially given they got married around the same time and he was good friends with John. I hope he tell her its okay to move on even if its with John's cousin. Benedict and Francesca are the only two ,known to the audience, queer Bridgertons. But it was so emotional when Francesca tells Benedict she does not want to go through with the procedure he immediately stands up for her. Its sweet (even though the procedure ends up happening.) I also like how he comforted her by aiding to what she likes and telling her how John wanted her more than his want for children.

Gregory: Hyacinth, Anthony & Colin Hyacinth is basically his twin even though they are two years apart. They get along well. They're always together (fighting but we'll take it). He ragebaits her constantly. He consoles her when she talks about not going to Edmund's funeral then later says "Mother should have stopped at seven". They are there for one another as the youngest Bridgertons its so sweet. Gregory looks up to Anthony. He goes to him when he needs help with his latin. He names his son after him. Like Anthony is his role model but he doesn't know it yet. Then Colin is his go to person for advice and the one who makes sure he doesn't feel left out. Its too sweet. I can't say much because honestly my brain is blank right now but maybe I'll edit Gregory's later.

Hyacinth: Gregory, Anthony & Benedict Gregory is the only one who was also a baby when Hyacinth was born. He can relate to her not knowing Edmund. They're the closest duo of all the siblings. I also think she missed him so bad when he went to Eton. Anthony is her only father figure. She was his first daughter. He is so much kinder to her than the others. Him allowing her to go to Aubrey Hall after the season is over, is such a cute scene. Also the one where they dance together in season 2. As an only child I was left bawling my eyes out. It was so sweet. I firmly believe when she gets married he will walk her down the aisle. Mark my words. I didn't know who to pick as a third but Benedict has always been the slightly more involved sibling. He plays cards with her, mediates her and Gregory's arguments, defended her when Gregory stole her ribbon. He is quite active in his younger siblings lives its adorable. Also him knowing its Hyacinth in the maid costume without seeing her face and the fact that he knows Hyacinth and Eloise are fighting without asking the other. (Also I find it hilarious how involved he is in his siblings lives but they weren't involved in his.)

Simon: Anthony, Hyacinth & Gregory Anthony is his best friend. His twin. This mirror copy. Honestly if Simon had a sister he would have acted the same way as Anthony tbh. But my love for Simon and Anthony comes from how they understand and care for one another. Anthony was never going to shoot Simon, you could see it in his eyes. Simon knew Anthony would never. I think that was the moment Simon understood Anthony's desperation. Anthony also understands how and why Simon did not want to have an heir. They did not need to have along conversation about it they just understood one another. Simon was so sweet to Hyacinth when she asked to visit and when they talked about ponies. Gregory is the same age as Gareth so I think Simon would see a little bit of Gareth in Gregory and would want to be there for him. I can't explain too much on this its honestly more opinions based.

Kate: Benedict, Eloise & Colin Benedict probably became Kate's favourite the moment he started laughing at Anthony when she told him she can hunt. Benedict respects Kate in such a refreshing way. Even when she isn't in the room, when Eloise says "It'll be lovely having another intelligent woman", Benedict says she is overcounting which is hilarious but I also see it as him agreeing Kate is an incredibly intelligent woman. I think they're either the same age or have a one year age gap, but they could have been good friends. Kate is such a good sister to Eloise. She does not judge her when she was moody about Polin in season 3. She is the only one who thought like Eloise when she told the ladies Cressida deserved a second chance. I think they're very alike and perhaps one of the few people in the family who can understand Eloise given she was the same.

Penelope: Eloise, Francesca & Anthony Eloise is obvious, thats her platonic soulmate. They love each other down. Penelope would have been ready to run away with Eloise had Polin not happened. I do think because Eloise and Francesca were close in age, Penelope tried to befriend Frannie too. Francesca is like the little sister she never had (its a shame we didn't get Felicity). I think Penelope was quite excited when Francesca asked her about a pinnacle because it was such a sisterly talk that she never would have had with Philppa or Prudence. They also got married in the same season so Penelope definitely felt a little bit of a bond. I chose Anthony because of the books, sue me. Anthony is the one who finds Penelope after Colin says the most idiotic thing to come out of his adorable face: "I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington". He takes her home and if I remember correctly scolds Colin. But he is also ready to defend her honour after he realizes why the proposal happened "swiftly". Although we barely see them I think she looks up to him as the older brother she needed.

Sophie: Hyacinth, Eloise & Francesca Sophie was Eloise and Hyacinth's ladies maid. She got to bond with them more than any of the other siblings. Eloise and Sophie have a similar taste in books while Hyacinth and Sophie both used to secretly read Whistledown and they love ribbons (Sophie has a bow anytime she wasn't wearing a maid outfit). I 100% think Eloise would go to My Cottage just to hang out them. I chose Francesca as well because I also see them getting closer. Sophie was trained to be a maid so I believe she would notice how Francesca likes things arranged in a certain way so if she were to visit she could be comfortable at My Cottage.

Michaela: Colin, Eloise & Benedict Michael and Colin were good friends in the books, so I don't see why that has to change. Colin loves telling stories about his travels. Michaela loves telling stories about her life. They would be such a comedic duo whom everyone else gets sick of. As we all know Michaela seems to be a big fan of the Irish Goodbye (seeing how quickly she left after Francesca asked her to stay) I think Colin would be a big fan of it too but instead he just wants to go back to his wife. Eloise and Michaela both seemed interested in being spinsters. She would understand Eloise in a way no one else would. Michaela missed John terribly after he married Francesca and planned to stay in London for a little longer. Eloise will probably relate now that Benedict is also married, I think she would visit constantly like Michaela simply because she misses him. Benedict and Michaela are currently my favourite not-yet-official queer duo. Like I said in the previous post, they're both queer, both love a good party and are extroverts with introverted wives. I hope Colin and Benedict can encourage Michaela to confess her feelings.

Some are short but honestly its bc my fingers started to hurt.

[sweethannitea]

Sophie names her daughter after Violet means so much to be because that was her first maternal figure.

Yes, Irma would have felt like a somewhat of a mother to Sophie but only after the Earl's death. Irma would have been busy working and would not have been able to be a consistant mother figure to Sophie.

Sophie did not know her mom. Whether you think she was dropped off at Penwood House when she was a baby or whether you're apart of the people who think she was dropped of when she was a toddler, it doesn't erase the fact that she knew so little about her mom that she could not even tell if everything Araminta said (despite Araminta never meeting her) was true or false.

My own personal headcannon tho is the Bridgerton siblings all called dibs on certain family names. Specifically: Anthony with Edmund after his father Edmund Benedict with Alexander after his grandmother Alexandria Colin with George after his aunt Georgie Daphne with naming her kids alphabetically Eloise with Penelope after her best friend Gregory with literally all his sibling's names

But I'd like to think Francesca would have named her daughter Violet but was willing to let Benedict and Sophie have it because Violet was the first person in her life to accept Sophie as a daughter just simply due to love. And it made sense to me for it to be Francesca because she is very empathetic and also the fact that she names her children after John and Janet instead.

I also think Hyacinth would have been a little too young and missed out on getting to call dibs.

[sweethannitea]

a series of unfortunate events is literally just lemony going, "How can I make these kids suffer more than they did yesterday?"

[sweethannitea]

I just finished watching the off campus series. And I absolutely loved it!

As someone who read the books first, I think the show did a spectacular job and I might actually like it better than the book itself. I know many people didn't like how they removed the "hands off campus wide law" but I liked that they removed it.

As someone who was in a controlling relationship and has had a similar as Hannah, I've learnt that being able to have a voice and not having someone protect you 24/7 is liberating. Having Garrett spread the "hands off law" is only nice when you're thinking of how protective he is being but it also feels controlling. You should be able to dictate who should touch you and who can talk to you not your partner. Its about having a choice rather than someone else decide something without you.

I also think it was more realistic because Garrett knows how abusive his father was. He does not want to be like his father at all. And the "hands off law" would make him seem possessive and controlling which is also a type of abuse.

But those are my thoughts. I also hate how much Dean reminded me of JJ Maybank. Like I thought I was over it.

[sweethannitea]

a little snippet of an upcoming story at @ntlezaa 's request

“Gregory!”

Hyacinth burst through the front door with enough force to make the ceramic plates on the wall rattle loudly. Rainwater dripped from the sleeves of her coats onto the marble floorboards as she hurried into the living room.

Hyacinth’s cheeks flushed with excitement. Gregory looked up from where he was sprawled dramatically across the couch with a packet of crisps balanced on his chest. “You won’t believe what just happened.” Hyacinth dropped her bag onto the floor beside the armchair and pointed at him as if she were about to announce national news.

Gregory immediately sat upright and pushed the crisps aside. “Can we focus on me first? My arm is killing me” He says pointing to his right arm which was still in a cast. “No,” the trio said in unison. Felicity did not even bother looking up from the novel she was reading. Gareth snorted from his usual spot by the window while Gregory clutched his chest in mock offense.

“That is unbelievably rude,” Gregory muttered.

“It is also deserved,” Felicity replied calmly.

Hyacinth ignored them all and paced excitedly in front of the coffee table. “Do you remember Sophie?”

“Your babysitter?” Felicity asked, finally lowering the novel onto her lap. “Not my babysitter, just a trusted adult who happened to watch me from time to time.” Hyacinth crossed her arms defensively before sighing. “But yes, that Sophie.”

Gregory pointed accusingly at her. “Hey, she was my Math tutor as well, not just Hyacinth’s babysitter.”

“Shut up, Gregory.” Hyacinth waved him off without hesitation. “Anyways, she works at Danbury hospital now.” Gareth raised his eyebrows with immediate interest. “Aunt Danbury mentioned that. Apparently she scored 168 in her PLAB 1 exam and then 200 in her PLAB 2 exam.”

Felicity blinked slowly. “I have absolutely no clue what any of those numbers mean, but the way you said it makes it sound terrifying.”

“It means she’s ridiculously smart,” Gareth explained. “Like Einstein levels of smart.” Gregory leaned back against the couch cushions and folded his arms behind his head. “Honestly, that tracks. Sophie used to solve my homework in about thirty seconds.”

“You mean your homework that she gave you,” Hyacinth corrected.

“That is irrelevant.”

“No, it definitely isn’t.”

Hyacinth grinned mischievously and pulled one of the dining chairs closer before sitting down dramatically. “So. How do you all feel about bringing back Operation Benophie?”

Felicity stared at her for a moment. “Aren’t we still on Operation Polin?” Gregory immediately perked up. “Right. We never finished phase two.”

“There was a phase two?” Gareth asked cautiously. “There were supposed to be six phases,” Gregory admitted.

Gareth rubbed his temples. “Again, I don’t think we should meddle in their relationships. They’ll feel entitled to do the same when we’re older.”

“I don’t really care.” Gregory shrugged lazily. “Besides, they’ll be pushing fifty by the time we start falling in love.”

“Pen is literally twenty-two, you arse,” Felicity replied instantly. “So?” Gregory asked with complete seriousness. “They aren’t that old,” Hyacinth added. “Minus Anthony. He is old.”

Gareth looked genuinely offended on Anthony’s behalf. “Thirty one is not old.”

“It absolutely is when you complain about back pain every morning,” Gregory argued.

“He played football,”

“And yet somehow survives entirely on coffee and ibuprofen,” Felicity added. Hyacinth burst into laughter and nearly slipped off the chair. “Remember when he stood up too quickly last Christmas and everyone thought he pulled a muscle?”

“He did pull a muscle,” Gregory said.

“Exactly my point.”

Gregory grabbed a cushion and hugged it dramatically. “I refuse to become ancient at thirty one.”

“You already groan every time you stand up,” Felicity replied.

“That is because I am athletic.”

“You got injured opening a jar last week,” Hyacinth reminded him. Gregory pointed at her indignantly. “That lid was defective.”

Gareth shook his head while smiling despite himself. The rain outside grew heavier, tapping steadily against the windows while the room filled with overlapping voices and laughter.

Hyacinth suddenly leaned forward again, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Back to the important issue. Benophie.”

“Oh no,”

“Oh yes,”

Felicity closed her novel fully now, clearly interested despite herself. “Do they even talk anymore?”

“They saw each other last month after Neddy hurt his wrist,” Hyacinth said eagerly. “And apparently Benedict kept trying to help her carry things.”

Gregory gasped dramatically. “Just yesterday he refused to put my plate in the dishwasher.”

“Exactly.”

Gareth rolled his eyes. “Helping someone hold plates is not evidence of romance.”

“It is when Benedict does it,” Hyacinth insisted. Felicity nodded thoughtfully. “Fair point actually.” Gregory leaned closer, lowering his voice as though discussing classified information. “Did he do the voice?”

“The voice?” Gareth repeated.

“You know.” Gregory straightened his posture and suddenly spoke in an unnaturally deep tone. “Oh no Sophie, let me help you with that.” Hyacinth burst out laughing again while Felicity buried her face in her hands.

“That is not what he sounds like,” Gareth said.

“It absolutely is,” Gregory insisted.

“It really isn’t,” Hyacinth agreed between laughs.

Gareth sighed heavily. “You people are impossible.”

“And yet,” Felicity said while smiling slightly, “you continue sitting here with us.”

Gareth opened his mouth to respond before stopping. After a moment he shrugged.

“I suppose someone has to provide reason.”

Gregory immediately pointed at him. “See, that right there is why you’ll age the fastest.”

“I already regret speaking.”