Disclaimer: I don't own "Bridgerton" or any of its characters, wishful thinking aside.

Authors Note #1: I rewatched the episode in season two where Colin and Phillip vibe and I am only human, okay?

Warnings: promo/teaser/general season three spoilers, season three au, friends to lovers, sexual tension, romantic tension, angst, drama, romance, emotional hurt and comfort, emotional baggage, first time, references to unrealized Penelope x Colin, references to the marriage of convenience with Phillip x Marina.

(An) Aculeate Harvest

Chapter One

"Ah… Mister Bridgerton. Sir Phillip Crane. Pleasure to meet you at last."

Interestingly, it was a pleasure.

Sir Crane was an intellect. Perhaps a queer one, considering his penchant for being elbow deep in dirt and very much a social recluse. But an intellect all the same. After their first meeting, they exchanged letters. Admittedly initiated by him when he came across one of the specimens they'd been discussing after he'd come to call on Marina- ah, Lady Crane. Their correspondence should have tapered off politely after that. But it did not. And, as he came to think of him, Phillip, seemed just as keen for the interaction. Finding himself looking forward to his letters more and more. Always able to count on either the subject matter or the witty way the man phrased things to draw him in.

Sir Crane was far more interesting than his wife gave him credit for.

Passion begets passion, he supposed. Even amongst those barely acquainted.

And perhaps it was that passion, the clear sense of purpose Phillip displayed with every letter, that led to him coming to call unexpectedly, hours after the news of Penelope's engagement to Lord Debling hit the papers.

The only merciful thing about it was that Lady Whistledown had gone mysteriously quiet.


A/N: Thank you for reading. Please let me know what you think! – There will be more to come.

Reference:

- Aculeate: armed with prickles, ie: the stem of a rose.