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After John's death Francesca never thought she’d find someone again. John was everything to her, he was respectful and kind, never too overbearing. He complimented her.
But a part of her, a guilty part of her never felt the thrill that her mother had once told her. Not a single butterfly, not a single ache.
That was all until Michaela had come into the pictures. She was everything that John wasn’t. She was messy, and loud and unforgiving.
It frustrated Francesca not because she didn’t like Michaela but because it made her feel everything she couldn’t with John. But opposites attract.
Years had passed since John's death and despite Michaela leaving Francesca at one point. The two couldn’t seem to get away from one another. And so they agreed to get together. Under one condition.
They keep it a secret.
Francesca understood, the predicament the two were in was rather unpredictable and more so not to society’s pleasure. Yet that also meant keeping it away from her family.
Which turned out to be harder than expected.
At first everything was fine, no one was talking to her about marriage nor even daring too. That was until Eloise started to show some enthusiasm in the ideas of marriage.
“Mama, marriage should not be rushed if it’s meant to be.” Hyacinth tells Violet coming to Eloise’s aid
“Nonsense Eloise seems to have warmed up for the fellow suitors. I’m sure if you appear this season it’ll be the one my dear.” Violet insists with a small smile while looking at Eloise.
“Mama, why must I have to perform for a suitor? What can’t he just find me?” Eloise asks before digging her nose into her book.
“Because hiding in the house and digging your nose into books will help with that.” Violet says which makes Benedict chuckle from the other side of the room.
“Eloise has merely gotten used to the idea not to ruin that for her Mama.” Francesca finally chips into the conversation in hopes to get her mother off of Eloise’s back.
“Thank you Francesca.” Eloise quickly says with a small smile.
“Francesca, that reminds me, there was a kind gentleman who came to call for you.” Violet now turns her attention away from Eloise to her.
“Me? Whatever for?” Francesca asks a bit, confused, before grabbing a biscuit and taking a bite.
“He likes you silly.” Hyacinth joins Eloise on the couch.
“Nonesense, he seems to have taken a liking to you. He also had lost his wife a few years ago, it could spark up something.” Violet says before taking a sip of her tea.
“I do not even know how he looks, and what must I bond with? The liking of our past partners?” The question made Eloise nearly spit her tea.
“Francesca, do not be so negative. I’m sure he’ll bring a sense of comfort.” Violet adds before placing her tea cup aside and glaring at Eloise.
“Well I thank you mama, but I do not have an interest in marriage.” Francesca says before grabbing her tea cup. A part of her started to feel guilty more so because she felt like she was lying to her mother and family all together. Which in reality, she was.
Another part of her had an internal turmoil that was slowly getting worse by the days. She hated keeping Michaela like a secret.
“Well, I have invited him over for tea tomorrow.” Violet blurs out not wanting to look at Francesca’s reaction.
“Mama!” Both Eloise and Francesca blur out in unison.
“You cannot just speak on my behalf.” Francesca says a bit more upset.
“I’m on Francesca’s behalf Mama.” Eloise pitches in, unable to believe what their mom had done.
“All is well, it’ll only be for tea you’ll forget all about it ten minutes in.” Violet dismisses before walking out of the room.
Francesca and Eloise look at one another for a brief moment before Francesca gets up and goes to the piano. Eloise resumes on her book and Hyacinth grabs her little planner kit.
After what felt like two hours Francesca finally said her farewells and returned back to her home. Francesca loved spending time with her family but sometimes they too were far too much for her.
But more so she was eager to see the woman that was waiting for her at home, Michaela.
The carriage got to the front of their home and she was escorted into the home. Unsure on whether Michaela would be here or not since she was mostly busy in the mornings.
Francesca didn’t mind it so much. She started with the living room before slowly turning to the library. But no sign of her. At the end Francesca just decided to play a puzzle while she waited for Michaela to return.
—
“I sure hope you do miss me, the store was rather busy today.” Michaela's exhausted voice came from the halls of the home while placing a few things she had gotten for her and Francesca’s hobbies.
Yet Francesca didn’t answer, too engrossed in her own turmoil.
“I brought you another puzzle I know how much you love them, and a sheet.” Michaela comes to the living room where she finds Francesca solving the puzzle. She then places the box beside the table and shows Francesca a sheet of piano music for her to play.
A big smile is plastered on Michaela's face when she is presenting these things to Francesca.
Francesca’s heart warms at the gesture, but does not react. She just looks at her hands and starts fidgeting.
Michaela instantly knew, she placed the sheet down and sat instinctively clasping her hands together waiting for Francesca to start speaking. She didn’t try to mention it knowing that Francesca will tell her once she finds her words.
“I want to tell my family about us.” Francesca finally said before meeting eyes with Michaela.
Michaela's eyes instantly widened for a few seconds before sitting beside her.
“Why must you do that? We are perfectly fine.” Michaela says with a hint of worry about the idea.
“That’s exactly why we must tell them, they adore you Michaela.” Francesca says before grabbing her hands softly and looking at her. Michaela squeezes her hands gently and gives her a soft smile warmed by the comment.
“They adore me because I’m John's cousin, they do not adore me.” Michaela corrects a bit pained by the thought.
“Why would you insinuate something like that? You’re family and you’re my lover so how could they not adore you.” Francesca argues while looking at Michaela with the same pained expression.
“Francesca, we are two woman. Not even society sees us as lovers.” Michaela says before pulling her hands away and sighing.
“You do not see us as lovers?” Francesca asks now a bit more confused at what she meant.
“I do, lord, I do more than anything Francesca. I do not want to ruin the dynamic in your family.” Michaela responds before playing with the armrest.
“You will do no such thing, telling my family my love for you is not going to change that matter.” Francesca insists.
“Why are you so hellbent on telling your family?” Michaela finally asks to no longer cut the bush, she knew there was something Francesca needed to say.
“Why are you so hellbent to keep us a secret?” Francesca throws a question to Michaela now getting irritated.
“Because you might regret it!” Michaela blurs out more so trying to mask the huge pit in her stomach she then gets up from the chair and gets ready to leave the living room hoping Michaela won’t see the fear in her eyes.
“You do not think that I’ll pick you?” Francesca asks rhetorically, her eyes held a sense of hurt and her heart felt a huge wave of guilt.
There was a moment of silence between the two. Michaela turned to look at Francesca’s eyes. Her eyes looked sad, almost holding back tears.
No response was a response.
“I must head to bed, I’ll see you.” Michaela finishes off, turning her back and getting ready to leave.
“A suitor called for me today, and mama set a tea date for tomorrow.” Francesca confesses before Michaela could walk away, unable to hold it anymore.
Michaela stops mid way, her hands quickly grab a handful of her dress, trying to suppress a huge wave of emotion she was feeling.
“You must attend, out of courtesy.” Michaela simply responds before walking out of the living room not turning her to face Francesca. Unable to.
Francesca just looks at her hands and glances over the puzzle too deep into thought.
— family hangout
Francesca and Michaela got up really early due to Violet wanting to have a family bonding. What that meant was that they’ll all go out and eat as a family, it was a normal routine the Bridgerton had done all their life.
For Michaela it was new, she had never attended these events and she never exactly had experience on what to do. Yet she still decided to attend since Francesca insisted that she should come.
“Your parents will notice my sudden appearance.” Michaela points out a bit unsure if this was a good idea. She looks at herself in the mirror and fixes her dress while talking.
“Yes they will, but they will not throw you out for it.” Francesca tells Michaela before standing beside her and putting her hand on her arm.
“You look beautiful, need not to stress.” Francesca reassured Michaela before kissing her cheek and grabbing her small purse.
“Make haste the carriage is waiting for us.” Francesca reminds Michaela before walking out of the room.
Michaela just nods and follows behind, grabbing her purse and going after Francesca.
The two were quick to make it inside the carriage and settle in. As soon as it started moving Francesca's attention went straight to the window observing the view while Michaela's hands started to fidget.
Francesca, without looking away from the window, reached out and grabbed Michaela's hand and gently squeezed it.
It seems to calm down her nerves slightly, no longer thinking too much of the whole thing.
A few minutes passed and the carriage was quick to halt. As soon as the wheel stopped moving, Francesca's hand left Michaleas. The door opened and it was Francesca’s cue to get down.
Michaela followed along quickly making it beside her. The two looked at one another almost preparing. Michaela nodded her head to Francesca in confirmation.
The two then started making their way towards the small restaurant. It was mostly outdoors so it didn’t take so long before Francesca spotted her family sitting down and chatting.Everyone was conversing with one another to notice Francesca and Michaela's presence.
The two still walked up and made their way towards the empty tables.
“Francesca!” Hyacinth said before running and hugging her. That was a sign for all of them to get up and take turns to hug her.
“Hey everyone.” Francesca said politely while hugging them back.
Michaela stood by and just watched while they also greeted her.
“I brought Michaela.” Francesca tells them before pulling her closer by the arm.
“Hey everyone.” Michaela introduces again with a polite smile and a small wave.
“It’s nice having you here dear.” Violet says, pulling her into a hug.
“Hello Michaela.” The rest of the family say in unison before waving at her.
After the greeting, everyone went back to their seats and started chatting about numerous things once more. Francesca and Michaela sat together more so focused on the menu.
Michaela would occasionally tap the side of her foot against Francesca catching her attention. She would do it in return, messing with one another while everyone spoke.
Not trying to laugh in front of Francesca’s family she would cover the menu with her face. Francesca followed suit.
“What’s so funny?” Violet finally decides to ask them curiously. That’s when the two placed the menu down and looked at one another.
“I was just telling Michaela about the new piano sheet I was learning.” Francesca lied not wanting to tell them
The real reason. Violet just smiles and turns her attention to Michaela.
“Michaela, how was Scotland?” She asks if she is now more interested. Michaela places the menu down and looks at her.
“The scenery was delightful and very beautiful.” Michaela says with a small smile.
“So I’ve heard, it was brought to my attention that someone also lives in Scotland and had just came for the season.” Violet implies giving Francesca a small glance. Michaela wasn’t too sure what Violet meant.
“Mama.” Francesca sighs now getting a bit annoyed at her implications.
“I’m just saying, the tea is tonight at seven.” Violet says before spotting the waiter who was handing them
Their ice creams.
Francesca just stayed quiet and looked at the menu once more unsure of what to say. Michaela didn’t comment on it, because I’m reality she couldn’t.
Instead Michaela just scooted her chair closer to her as a small sense of reassurance. Francesca just smiles at her and orders her ice cream with Michaela.
“Michaela, I have a friend who has taken a liking to you, he is wondering if you’d like to go out with him for dinner.” Benedict finally spoke while having his arm around Sophie.
“She’s quite alright, what would be his intentions with Michaela?” Francesca couldn’t help but answer almost in a defensive manner catching a few people off guard.
“I know you mean well dear but Michaela might be interested.” Violet pitches wanting Michaela to respond.
“Francesca is right, I do not wish to marry, I would like to transition into spinsterhood.” Michaela finally responds to the family, which seems to make them back off on the matter.
Francesca on the other hand just plays with her dress not liking how her lie sounded so genuine.
“I aspire to be you.” Eloise simply says before taking a bite of her ice cream. Violet just rolls her eyes and resumes her conversation with the family.
The conversations flow for a good amount of time and everyone seems to finish the ice creams rather quickly. After a while everyone started to get up and walk into the small garden that there was.
Most of the couples like Benedict and Sophie would go their own separate walks. Gregory and Hyacinth stayed with Violet. Leaving Francesca and Michaela by themselves.
“You seemed a little upset back there.” Michaela spoke while walking beside her and having her hands behind her back.
“How could I not be? They were trying to auction you off.” Francesca says while observing the plants nearby.
“auctioning me off?” Michaela laughs before getting close to Francesca, her arm touching hers. Francesca turns her head and looks at her.
“I sure do hope you’re having fun.” Francesca says, looking at her eyes softly.
“I am having a delightful time with you and your family.” Michaela says with a big smile while looking at her.
Francesca smiles back at her and extends her arms slowly grabbing her waist and pulling her closer to her.
“Fran.” Michaela warns a bit hesitantly while looking around but still follows her lead before placing her hands on her shoulder.
“No one’s around.” Francesca says kissing her cheek, instantly Michaela leaned into the sensation and her hands tightened around her shoulders.
“Not here.” Michaela says, kissing her forehead before looking at her eyes.
“I know.” Francesca says before pulling her into a kiss. It was a light touch, faint against Michaleas.
When Francesca pulled away, Michaela couldn’t help but pull her back into another kiss not getting enough the first time. This time Michaela's kiss was a bit more firm and needy in its own way.
Francesca’s grip tightened around her waist pulling even closer now pressing her body against hers.
Michaela quickly remembered and pulled away from Francesca entirely keeping a distance from her and catching her breath.
“Not here.” Francesca reminds herself before putting her hands to her side and fixing her posture.
The two quickly compose themselves before resuming the walk around the small garden. It was surprising to see that no one had came around while they were in this section.
“These roses are rather beautiful, don’t you think?” Michaela says approaching the plants nearby and looking at them. Francesca followed behind her and looks over at them.
“They most certainly are.” She says trying to keep the short conversation after everything.
After a few minutes a few footsteps were heard behind them. That’s when both Francesca and Michaela turn around to look, it was Eloise.
“There you guys are, Mama and the rest are heading back home.” Eloise tells them with a small smile.
“Okay we will be there, thank you Eloise.” Francesca responds with the same small smile. Eloise nods her head and starts making her way back to the front.
“Well the family is waiting.” Francesca says. She then looks over at Michaela and smiles before quickly kissing her cheek and making her way towards the front.
Michaela just smiles and follows after Francesca.
— Ten minutes before the tea.
“Francesca love, why haven’t you gotten dressed yet?” Michaela's voice was heard entering the living room with a confused tone.
Francesca was working on her puzzle too occupied trying to figure out which piece went where.
“I will not be attending.” Francesca simply said while placing her piece in the puzzle.
It caught Michaela off guard quickly making her stop mid step and look at her confused.
“You will not be attending? Whatever for?” Michaela asked before walking towards her and stopping in front of her. Francesca finally looked up at her.
“Because I do not want to sit with a man having tea time when I could be with you.” Francesca says her voice is calm and sure.
“The time is ticking, you need to get ready.” Michaela reminds her not able to wrap her mind over her words.
“You can’t comprehend that I would pick you over anyone. That I would love you more than anyone.” Francesca tells Michaela. Which only makes Michaela's posture straighten.
“I will not let you tarnish your reputation.” Michaela tells her trying to stand her ground, but getting overwhelmed by Francesca’s words.
“I do not care about my reputation, my title if I even have one. I want you.” Francesca admits shamelessly.
The words seem to baffle Michaela because she just stood there.
“I think that you believe that I would leave if things turn south and that I would turn a blind eye the moment people utter our name, that I will not pick you.” Francesca starts looking at Michaela before looking at the time.
“I’m going to sit here until the clock runs out. Sit with me until the clock runs out, sit with me and watch me pick you over anyone.” Francesca says uncharacteristically bold, her voice holding firm conviction and unwavering passion.
Michaela just freezes for a second, unable to process everything that was happening. Without second thinking Michaela walks over to Francesca and pulls her into a kiss before straddling her.
Her legs going on Francesca’s sides and her hands cradling the side of Francesca’s face with such a gentleness. Francesca kissed her back, her hands going on her waist and deepening the kiss.
After a few minutes Michaela pulls away from the kiss panting. Francesca in the other hand her lips trail from her jaw down to her neck gently kissing and licking her skin. Michaela then adjusted herself straddling one of Francesca’s legs and grinding herself against her thigh. Michaela's voice starts to go erratic and uneven panting at every movement she makes.
Francesca's lips trail down to her chest and her hand cups her breast gently touching them against her dress. Michales moan grows louder the more that Francesca keeps touching her and her hips buck against her legs growing more needy by the second.
Francesca is slowly getting more and more impatient, her kisses grow firmer against her skin now leaving marks. Her freehand helps Michaela grind against her leg furthering the friction.
A gasp is heard from Michaela as she pulls her head back to look at Francesca, one hand was on her shoulder giving herself support while the other was cupping the side of her face.
“Beep beep”
Michale turns her head towards the noise, only to find the clock going off hinting that time was up. She then turns to look at Francesca once more now remembering what was actually happening.
“Ignore it.” Was all Francesca said before pulling her into a needy kiss. It was messy, quick and sloppy instantly making each other moan from the intensity of it. Both Francesca and Michaela's back arched at each other's noises, unable to help it.
Francesca is the one to pull away from the kiss; she then goes to kiss her skin once more, unable to get enough of Michaela. Her hand moves away from Michaela's thigh and goes underneath her dress. That's when Francesca pulls away once more and makes eye contact with her.
Michaela nods her head in confirmation and grabs Francesca's free hand leading it across her body. Francesca is quick to follow quickly pulling her into another kiss. In the midst of them kissing Francesca moves underneath Michaela's undergarment and lightly graces her finger on her.
A gasp is heard from Michaela's mouth, but she just deepens the kiss to prevent herself from moaning. Her body leans closer and her hips try to grind against Francesca's Instead, but Francesca doesn't let it happen. Instead she breaks the kiss and starts kissing her neck once more before sliding her two fingers inside of Michaela.
A loud moan ruptured from Michaela's mouth as her hand went on Francesca's back holding her for support. She tried to lean down and cover her face on her neck, but Francesca's fingers only went faster causing a much more consistent pattern of moans to flow through her.
“Francesca I'm..” Michaela tries to warn her that she's slowly reaching her pinnacle, but it only boosted Francesca's desire to make Michaela feel good.
“You’re doing so good.” Francesca whispers close in her ear while keeping the pace. Michaela's hips move faster chasing her climax.
With one last moan she finally reached her orgasm crashing down a wave of pleasure across her whole body. Francesca helped her ride out the orgasm, once she had stopped moving her hips Francesca pulled her fingers away before Michaela fell limb against her.
Francesca went on and prepped her face with kisses before gently helping her lay down against the couch. Before grabbing a few wipes and rags to clean her up. Once she was done cleaning her, she laid beside her on the couch and wrapped their arms around one another.
“It’ll always be you, my dearest.”