Let Me Be Your Anchor

Chapter 27: The Wedding

Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett An Offer from a Gentleman reimagined Chapter rating: T - brief depiction of lovin' but all around fluffy joy Word count: 4.9k

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Author's note: At long, long last - the finale. This has been the most ambitious creative project I have undertaken, spanning across 3 years, with probably half of that spent actually writing and the other half spent on hiatus. Initially, I never planned to share this story with anyone. I was just rewriting the book for myself out of frustration with the original. But kindly souls encouraged me to put it out there and I am so glad I did.

Special thanks of course to Julia Quinn who created this world (despite my qualms with the details 😜) and to Luke Thompson whose portrayal of Benedict is impossible not to adore. To the muse who showed up and compelled me to write this, and to Gumball, my loudest cheerleader, who made the end of this journey a dream all its own. 💚

At this bittersweet moment when I 'close the book' on this work 😉 the emotion I feel most keenly is gratitude. Sincere gratitude for every person who has encouraged, read and commented upon this story. That it brings enjoyment into anyone's day is the greatest honor, and I am humbled by each of you who have given it your time, thoughts and kind words. The story is for you. Enjoy 💙

The day dawned crisp and bright, the grounds of Aubrey Hall bursting with arrays of early summer flowers. Blues, purples, pinks and whites lined the walkways leading from the house to the statuary garden where chairs were set for a small ceremony.   

In the smoking room, Benedict and Colin were tended by their valets, being primped and brushed until any trace of bottle weariness was gone. Though it may have had something to do with the flasks stashed in their pockets more than the grooming.

Just as Benedict swatted away another comb, the door swung open and in marched the Viscount in an ensemble matching their own, a blue velvet jacket and silver brocade waistcoat. 

“Brother!” He clapped Benedict on the arm in uncharacteristically high spirits. “All ready then? Everything is in order outside. How are you feeling?”

Benedict smirked. “A good deal better than you when you first put on a wedding suit.”

Anthony scowled and began to stalk away. 

“I jest!” Benedict stopped him. “Anthony, I am certain that this is the happiest day of my life.”

“If I had a pound for every time I’d heard that.” Colin snorted from where he lounged on a settee.

“You’d finally be self-sufficient, wouldn’t you?” Anthony parried.

Benedict rolled his eyes. “Thank you both for taking this seriously.”

When The World Is Free: Il Fait Bon T'aimer

MASTERPOST

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader, WW2 AU.

Summary: Benedict teaches his new wife a new skill.

Warnings: 18+ smut, minors DNI, oral sex teaching, blow job, masturbation, swallowing, orgasms. Romantic, I guess? idk.

Word Count: 3.0k

Author’s Note: One-shot (requested by🪴anon, see next post) set during Ch 12 of When The World Is Free. This scene is briefly referenced in the fic in a non-explicit manner. Hold onto your hats; here’s the detailed version lol. At this stage of their marriage of (in)convenience, they are already hopelessly in love but in denial. Fic title is another Edith Piaf song. Thanks to @colettebronte for being an awesome beta and for assuring me this is worthy of the WTWIF universe. Enjoy! 🫶

On your first night at Aubrey Hall, Benedict sneaks into your room in the early hours while everyone else is asleep. Crashing into each other, he hauls you off the ground into his arms, your legs winding around his hips as you kiss greedily, hungrily—stolen, secret moments together so very precious. 

Reblog for Benedict taglist pt 2:

Let Me Be Your Anchor

Chapter 24: Betrothal

Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett An Offer from a Gentleman reimagined Chapter rating: 18+ - explicit sexual content Word count: 5.5k

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Author's note: A portion of this chapter may be familiar to you if you've read my story Fever. Dream. Before I decided to share this story with the world, I shamelessly lifted chunks of it to write that shorter fic. This has also been a work in progress for so long, it actually contains the first steamy scene I ever, ever wrote.

Love to Gumball, who inspired some of the dialogue. Such pure words from the heart had to find their way to Benedict's lips 💙

Sophie was grateful that it was the dinner hour and that they encountered no one closely in the distance between Bridgerton House and Benedict’s apartments. She couldn’t imagine the gossip that would erupt the next day from anyone who had seen them: Benedict Bridgerton, one of London’s most eligible bachelors, wild-eyed and bleeding, dragging a maid by the hand through the streets. 

Once safely behind closed doors, Benedict led her into a small parlour, leaving her in the doorway while he proceeded to stomp about from one corner to the other. The footman that had opened the door followed them warily and scurried off when Sophie quietly asked him to bring a basin of water and cloth.

She paused to take in her surroundings. If Benedict’s room in Aubrey Hall could be considered something of a gallery, this room was a full-fledged studio. Devoid of most of the furniture one would expect to find in a parlour, this one held only a few cabinets of supplies, a large, paint-splattered table strewn with brushes, cups, palettes and papers, and a lone sofa. The floor was hidden entirely by dropcloths and three easels stood near the windows. As at Aubrey Hall, the walls were dotted with pinned sketches and hung paintings, mostly large landscape canvases. It was so precisely him - wild and disorganized but colorful and moving, with bursts of breathtaking beauty.

His wildness was on full display as he stalked the length of the room, kicking the cloths and crumpling papers, raking his hands through his hair.

Sophie stood in place by the doorway. “Benedict, you must tell me what is wrong.”

heart to heart — a benophie one shot

“She's too smart for you, but I'm glad she makes you happy,” she commented and he couldn't help but snort at her comment. “Do you make her happy too?” Eloise asked, catching him off guard.

Did he?

Images of Sophie—frustrated and hurt by his offer—flashed through his mind. Tears threatening to spill down her cheeks, stoic expressions, and guarded gazes haunted his thoughts.

But he could also recall her secret smiles every time she saw him appear in front of her while she was working. The passionate embraces, the erotic sounds that slipped from her throat, the tender touches, and all the contented moments they shared.

“Sometimes,” he admitted in a small voice, a response as truthful as it could get. He couldn't lie to his sister.

She grew thoughtful at that. “Doesn't she deserve better than sometimes?”

She deserves the whole world, Benedict mused. And I wish I could give it to her.

—

Or, Eloise and Benedict talk about Sophie.

Read on ao3

Let Me Be Your Anchor

Chapter 23: Conflict

Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett An Offer from a Gentleman reimagined Chapter rating: PG-13 - language, violence Word count: 3.5k

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Mondrich’s club was moderately full but Anthony had no trouble finding his brothers at their usual table by the fireplace. The owner Will, their longtime friend, smiled warmly and brought him a double pour of whisky as was customary. Benedict and Colin had clearly been imbibing for some time given how they giggled when he sat down. He unbuttoned his jacket and eased back into his chair, savoring his drink. 

“So, what is new with the both of you?”

Benedict’s laughter died and he grew uncharacteristically serious. Colin leaned toward him in an encouraging sort of way. Oh god, this made Anthony nervous. Benedict stared at the tabletop for a moment then looked sternly into his elder brother’s eyes. “I intend to wed.”

Anthony choked into his glass and sat upright. 

“Ah, at last,” he smirked. “Given your…artistic disposition I had assumed you never planned to marry at all.” 

Benedict tilted his head with a sarcastic smile at the jab.

Anthony continued, “But thank God you finally enjoy the company of women who are not models.” 

This caused Benedict to grimace. These damn cheeky swipes and assumptions, all in that arrogant tone. He wanted to have a genuine conversation.

He sighed and brought his forearms to the table. “She is not a model, she’s a…”

Let Me Be Your Anchor

Chapter 22: Preparations

Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett An Offer from a Gentleman reimagined Chapter rating: G (just a lotta feels) Word count: 7.4k

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Author's note: This chapter preserves a big chunk of Colin and Benedict's fencing sequence from the book. I really like it and can tell it was lifted from Benedict's book and applied to Anthony's story in season 2 of the show. The Bridgerton boys will talk about their feelings, but only if they're boxing, fencing, drinking, etc. first 😜 Fans of Colin and Eloise, this chapter is for you. Enjoy! 💙

Sophie was stunned, frozen in place losing all sense of time in the dark garden. It was the sudden outbreak of applause from the house that roused her back to her senses. The musicale was still ongoing but she needed to get inside. As quietly as she could she stole back to her quarters on the lower level. While the musicians carried on above her, the strings filling the air with romantic melodies, she sobbed upon her bed, cast into the very depths of heartbreak. She felt something tugging at her and pulled off Benedict’s cravat which had been hanging loosely around her neck. She cried anew, crumpling the silk in her fist.

It was over. The greatest joy she had felt in her life; the dream that had been her source of strength and comfort for years; it was over. Benedict would never forgive her and she would never see him again. A part of her mind raged at herself, that it was her fault for keeping her identity a secret. But a louder part raged at the world for putting her in a position where she needed to lie. All of the unjust circumstances that had befallen her, all of her anger and pain toward her father, the Cowpers, the Cavenders, and whoever constructed society as a whole. It roiled within her and erupted in a howl muffled into her pillow. 

Source: @/penguinukbooks on Instagram

Let Me Be Your Anchor

Chapter 21: Revelations

Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett An Offer from a Gentleman reimagined Chapter rating: G Word count: 3.1k

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Two nights later the Bridgertons were hosting a musicale at the house for a few dozen guests. Benedict didn’t know the details except that one of the Smythe-Smith women was among the performers. At that, he didn’t know whether to be impressed or terrified. Either she had come to her senses and escaped the ear-rending mediocrity of her siblings’ musical endeavors, or her genetic lack of talent would make the evening as painful as any other performance he had seen from her family. Either way, he would not be in the room to find out. Rather, it was the perfect night to have a moment alone with Sophie when all of his family were reliably occupied in the main hall for several hours.

Benedict made the usual vague excuses for not attending, saying he was meeting friends elsewhere for the night. Anthony had rolled his eyes, clearly jealous of the excuse to get away. Then he had spent the night pacing in his old bedroom, hands sweating as he recited over and over under his breath. He would tell Sophie that he loved her, that he had never met anyone like her and society be damned, he wanted to marry her. They could run away together, wherever they felt safest. All that mattered was that they loved each other. He pictured her smiling with joy, overwhelmed, crying even. She would breathlessly accept his proposal and fall into his arms with the sweetest of kisses. She would be Sophie the maid no more. She would be his fiancee.

Notte D'Amore

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: Sequel to Bella Notte. Exactly one year later, you find yourself at Aubrey Hall lake again...

Warnings: 18+ smut, minors DNI. Slight exhibitionism, oral sex (m to f), cunnilingus, vaginal sex, sex underwater, orgasms. Benedict speaking foreign languages, yep, that needs a warning.

Word Count: 3.4k

Authors note: I've finally finished this sequel that I started almost two years ago. You don't need to have read Bella Notte to read this, but it helps with the grounding of the story and shows the growth of their relationship. Thanks as always to the amazing @colettebronte for beta reading. Enjoy! <3

An elegant grandfather clock softly chimes midnight as you pad through the hallway of Aubrey Hall. Struggling to sleep after a rousing midsummer day of Pall Mall, you decide to go for a walk to make yourself drowsy, leaving your husband and beautiful three-month-old baby daughter sleeping soundly. 

Reblog for Benedict taglist pt2:

Ruination: I

Pairing: Anthony Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: Sequel to Rescue & Ruin. Meeting Anthony at midnight in the grounds of Aubrey Hall would only ever have one outcome...

Warnings: 18+ smut, minors DNI. Innocence/corruption kink, breast/nipple play, guided/assisted masturbation, frottage, orgasms.

Word Count: 2.0k

Author's Note: Request fill for @corpseoftrees-queen, who requested a sequel to Rescue and Ruin almost two years ago now. Sorry that it's taken me so long to write this. As partial recompense, there will be at least one more fic to accompany this (hence the 'I' in the title). Beta read by the amazing @colettebronte. Enjoy! <3

It’s just after midnight as you escape silently out of a side door of Aubrey Hall. Furtively moving only amongst the shadows as you make your way towards the lake, shimmering beguilingly in the bright moonlight—doing your very best not to be seen by any possible prying eyes. You want no one to know of your scandalous plans. 

To meet one Viscount Bridgerton out here under the stars and all the tempting things he offers. 

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: THE LADY NA-BARONESS (PART ONE)

First chapter of 2025 is up now, my Darlings! (18+only)

Link to AO3 here

Previous tumblr link chapter here

CW: mentions of child abuse and implied/referenced CSA; canon-typical misogyny; Geidi Prime and the Harkonnens serving as their own content warnings

Additional tags: switching; dom!Feyd; sub!Reader; pregnancy; vague murder plots; dysfunctional family dynamics; minor degradation; collars and restraints; vaginal sex; vaginal fingering; titty fucking; oral sex (M+F receiving) facials; face-fucking; ball-sucking; teasing; edging; aftercare; arena fights

Me at age 13, exhausted at school after staying up all night to read fanfic: I can’t wait until I’m an adult and I can stay up reading without any consequences!

Me, an adult, exhausted at work after staying up all night reading fanfic: Fuck.

Me at this very moment

Let Me Be Your Anchor

Chapter 20: Confession

Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett An Offer from a Gentleman reimagined Chapter rating: G Word count: 2.6k

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Benedict and Sophie laid bare in each other’s arms and lost track of time, dozing in and out of consciousness, saying nothing more about the impossible situation they found themselves in. They both just wanted to savor these moments of mingled skin and breath and limbs; Sophie because she was certain it would all come to a crashing end soon, and Benedict because he was steeling himself with the courage needed for his next course of action. 

When the noises of lunch preparation could be heard in the kitchen down the hall, they finally rose and dressed, helping each other with all of their layers and buttons. Benedict found himself unable to look away as Sophie sat at her small mirror brushing and pinning her hair back into place, her delicate fingers twisting through her short tresses and exposing her slender neck. Something about the sight made it hard to breathe and he realized that this strange feeling overtook him only when he looked at Sophie. In quiet moments when she was resting or going about her own business, it was as if he grew deaf and blind to the rest of the world and could see only her. Every detail was sharp: the lock of hair that hung loose by her ear, the tendon in her neck that flexed when she moved her shoulder just so, the curve of her lip as she concentrated. She entranced him. She made him want to paint her, over and over again, so that he could capture these details that felt so precious to him and revisit them when they were not together.

He was resolved. He knew what he had to do. Sharing a final tender kiss, he stepped warily out of her room, scanning the hall for any other servants. Then he moved briskly through the lower level and straight out the back door before anyone could see him and grow curious.

Let Me Be Your Anchor

Chapter 19: Refuge

Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett An Offer from a Gentleman reimagined Chapter rating: 18+ - explicit sexual content Word count: 5.5k

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Author's note: In celebration of our first official sneak peek at Benophie today, here's a long-awaited steamy treat 💙

One week later, Sophie joined the Bridgerton women in the morning room just after breakfast. Violet had stepped out for an appointment and Sophie settled into a corner chair to hem ribbons. Everyone had fallen into their typical preoccupations: Francesca played gently upon the piano, Kate sat with Hyacinth and exercised the patience of a saint in training her at tea service, and Eloise meandered over to the bookshelf. She ran her fingers over the spines, selected a small volume then moved to stand by the window and flip it open in the light.

“Ugh, oh no.” She suddenly groaned, grimacing down at the street.

“What is it?” Kate asked.

“Cressida,” Eloise spat. “She and Lady Cowper appear to have waylaid Mama on her way out.”

Sophie’s blood ran to ice. They were back. The Cowpers were back in London and they were standing right outside of the house. It was a good thing her fingers froze in place or else she would have dropped her sewing entirely. She held her breath, heightening her attention. She had to remain calm and not make a scene.

Let Me Be Your Anchor

Chapter 18: London

Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett An Offer from a Gentleman reimagined Chapter rating: 18+ - explicit sexual content Word count: 8.7k

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Author's note: Happy new year, dear readers. I thank you again for your patience as I finished this beast of a chapter. Several more will follow in quick succession and I am writing the final ones now. Quick reminder, any lines written in italics are quotes from AOFAG by Julia Quinn. At long last, a change of scenery for our secretive lovers. Enjoy! 💙

The sound of approaching footsteps broke Sophie out of her reverie and she darted around Eloise’s bedroom, straightening the duvet she had laid upon losing track of time as she fantasized about dancing with Benedict. With his painting stashed safely in her apron, she stood at attention as the door opened and Eloise bustled inside.

“Miss Eloise!” Sophie smiled. “Are you retiring early? The ball is still ongoing, is it not?”

The young woman’s excitement was evident. “It’s nearly finished now, but it cannot hold my interest. Not when I have the best of news to tell you.”

“News? Did you meet a young gentleman, or…”

Eloise’s bright eyed expression contorted into one of disgust. “God, no. No.” Peeling off her gloves, she beckoned Sophie further into the room. “Sophie, I have spoken with the Viscountess and we would very much like for you to join us in London. You can stay on as my lady’s maid.”

Sophie froze. This was the last thing she had expected to hear. Swallowing hard, she eeked out, “London?”