Hi everyone!

Bridgerton Season 3 has be OBSSESSED right now, and as soon as Michaela Sterling stepped onto screen, i knew i had to write a fic.

This story doesn't follow 'When He Was Wicked' by Julia Quinn whatsoever. It essentially embraces all of the Netflix universe version up until the end of Season 3. The only similarity from the book this fic will be that John Kilmartin will die. But ive never read the book so most likely nothing will happen in the same way.

I'm super excited about an LGBTQ storyline and hope I can do Francesca and Michaela justice.

Hope you enjoy!

/

"And now it is my pleasure to introduce you to the 4th member of our travel party, my cousin -"

"Michaela Sterling" a smooth voice sounds from behind her husband, and steps out into view. "I caution you, every sordid detail john has spoken about me is a lie. The truth is far worse.". The new arrival said with charm.

Francesca seemingly lost all the air in her lungs and her face began to flush at the arrival of this new guest.

"And you must be?" The new acquaintance asks, staring intently at her.

Francesca's throat ran dry and she was finding it hard to put her words together. Unsure of what this sudden reaction was she stumbles through an introduction "me? I'm Francesca. Francesca Bridgerton. Kilmartin! Kilmartin is my name now." quickly realizing her mistake at the use of her old last name. What had gotten into her?

Assuming it was something to do with the heat of the dancing or all of the small talk of such a large social gathering, she pushed the nervous energy aside and grabbed a hold of her husband's arm for some steadiness. She looks up to her new husband and says "dear, I did not realize we would have another travel companion. Not that I mind but when did this happen?". Hoping desperately that the conversation would move from her focus and they could talk about the cousin for a while while she found her composure.

The rest of the conversation was really more of a blur for Francesca. Trying to keep up with the conversation of how Michaela came to be in the ton alone and unchaperoned from her journey. She kept making eye contact with Michaela that felt too invasive for Francesca, she felt too noticed for her liking. Fortunately, Eloise's enthusiasm for such a tale kept all who listened fully engaged and certainly not looking at her reddening cheeks. She couldn't place whatever this reaction was, but it made her uncomfortable and Francesca did not like unknown feelings. After some time, she leaned up to whisper in her husband's ear, "I think I shall like to retire for the night. With our travel tomorrow, I need to pack a few more things and get some rest.". Her husband's eyes crinkled with kindness at her words and he announced "very well. I shall see the two of you in the morning, as we shall make our departure for the night.". Francesca was so relieved to have such a caring and wonderful husband by her side.

...

They stayed at Bridgerton house that night in her girlhood bedroom. John fell asleep rather quickly but sleep seemed to evade Francesca. After several hours of tossing and turning, she finally decided to get up early to practice the piano forte to clear her mind. Upon arrival to the salon, she saw her mother sitting in her favourite spot picking out a simple tune with a few fingers. Francesca cleared her throat as she entered the room so as not to alarm her mother too much.

"Oh! Francesca, you startled me, I did not expect you to get up so early. Is everything quite alright?". Francesca, not wanting to worry her mother, simply replied "yes mama, I simply couldn't sleep from the excitement of our trip today.".

Violet offered a somewhat sad smile and came over to her daughter, "you will have a beautiful life, my dear. I hope that Scotland has everything you are looking for.". With her mother offering an embrace, Fransesca started to feel a seed of doubt rise within her about leaving on this trip. As always, the perceptive Violet must have picked up on this and questioned, "my dear, you are still wanting this to happen, yes? Is everything all right?".

Fransesca looked into her mother's eyes and decided to ask the question that had kept her up for the better part of the night that she would not dare to say to anyone else. But seeing as how she is leaving for who knows how long, she felt that now was as good a time as any. "Mama, you said that I had taught you how a slow approach to love could be just as beautiful as what you had had. And while I am so happy with John and love him truly, I do worry that some day I will wake up and realize that I never had what you speak of. How do I know that I have made the right decision?". This was more vulnerability than Francesca had almost ever offered to her mother. It made her feel exposed in a way that she did not like. But she needed some reassurance that was doing the right thing.

Violet rested her hands on her daughter's arms and lovingly rubbed them in support. "My dear, I was wrong to in part such ideas about you and your siblings about how love was meant to be. Watching you has taught me that love can come in all forms. I suppose you can't know for certain, but I also don't believe you will ever have a reason to doubt that your love isn't what it should be. You and John will be very happy for a long long time. I do not fear otherwise." She said reassuringly. Fransesca kept her eyes staring down at the floor as she said her next words, "But.. should your body react to the person you are meant to be with?". She hadn't a clue why such a thought had entered her mind. It sounded so silly as soon as she said it. She felt her mother lift her chin up with her hand to try and make eye contact and see under Fransesca's surface. Fransesca steeled herself and locked up any telling expressions that her wise mother may catch on to.

Violet considered this for a minute before responding, "Fransesca, I can only speak of what my experience was with your father. And in my experience, I always found myself reacting to his presence. Whether it was a fire within or a steadying calmness. I always felt his presence within me. But he is the only man I have ever loved. So I am not sure if it is that way with all. But what I do know is that you will live a very happy life with John regardless. You chose a very good man and even if there is never a strong spark, you will live a life of contentment by his side.". Fransesca smiled warmly and took a deep breath that seemed to shake off the nerves. Her mother was right. She was overthinking things and Scotland was going to be the perfect start for her marriage. "You are right, mama. I was just feeling a tad nervous about the separation from my family. From you. But I know we will have such a happy life.".

And with that, Fransesca hugged her mother, and proceeded to put the finishing touches on her packing before they would leave for Scotland.