Never Ben Better

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton             Thread: Never Ben Better               Notes: N/A Connor was rather surprised, really, that Benedict chose to make no further comment on his art. Even if the man did not wish to expound further on how his art had managed to catch Granville's eye, Connor had expected him to at least address the type of artwork he did. If anything, Benedict almost looked embarrassed about the topic. Perhaps, Connor supposed, the man was not entirely confident in his own abilities. Second sons tended to be that way, in his experience — being an only child himself, he could not claim to know how it felt on a personal level, but he had met more than his fair share of second sons desperate to prove themselves worthy or unique.  Better not to remark upon that. And, in any case, any curiosity over the matter of Benedict's artwork was entirely struck out of Connor's head by the Bridgerton's next assumption. It was a natural enough leap, given the sort of party that this was, but Connor had not expected the young man to grow so bold at such an early stage of the game. He was almost impressed. Shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly, he took a sip of his drink. "Bit of a cheat, that," he said. "If anyone here was interested only in art, they would go to a gallery. But fair is fair." He tipped his head back, swilled his drink, then twitched his index finger up to point towards Benedict with a bit of a devious smile. "I would wager you have enjoyed a bit more than art at these parties."

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Oh dear god. Benedict hoped would not regret being so forward in his assumption. The man's expression was leading him to believe that payback would be received. But the relaxed nature of this entire party, and Connor's company had the Bridgerton less guarded in his choice of words. Although his entire upbringing when it came to etiquette and being a gentleman was not something that would so quickly disappear, as it was deeply ingrained in him . . . it was nice to be able to be present here. Not think about how words could be misinterpreted or any long standing repercussions. Not having watchful eyes upon them. Yes. Benedict was truly basking in such glory. He couldn't help but give a bit of a sheepish smile at Morrison calling it a cheat, though there was no apology upon the man's face. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Ok, perhaps a slight one. Still. There was once again that satisfaction that he had not been wrong, even though he knew his assumption could be considered sneaky. But as the man said, fair was fair and Benedict once again found himself bracing for the next assumption. Ah yes. It was indeed his turn for a reveal. Benedict once again smiled, trying to appear nonchalant as he drank from his glass. Yes. Benedict was surely enjoying more than just the aspect of art in being here. At least, one person in particular. Once he swallowed the beverage he couldn't help the chuckle that he released. "It seems that many do here," he commented. Married or not. Scandalous or not. It seemed to be a place of freedom and liberties. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "You were perhaps not as . . . surprised and in awe as I was upon your first couple of times attending such a party." Benedict knew that he must be projecting such things since Connor was able to assume that Benedict was not as used to these. But something told him that Connor was not as much as he. What that said about the man, Benedict didn't know, nor would he judge. It was mere assumption with how well he fit in and how much ease he felt. The second Bridgerton son couldn't help but wonder if he would be able to attend these parties long enough to also share that feeling of utter ease. Tag Connor Morrison Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton             Thread: Never Ben Better               Notes: N/A Connor might have been pleased to learn just how much Benedict perceived him to be at ease. In some regards, he was: these parties allowed him to loosen his cravat, drink as much as he pleased, and let go of most inhibitions. There was a certain freedom to be had in these halls. That much, he appreciated.  But he was not quite so much at ease as Benedict — or the rest of the partygoers — believed him to be. The construct of the relaxed and uninhibited man of leisure was a game of pretend as the construct of the fashionable and respectable surgeon. It was a game, however, that Connor had played for so long that he scarcely continued to recognise it as a game at all. Indeed, if Benedict had asked if he found himself entirely at ease, it would not have been a conscious lie to answer that he did.  So, still smiling, he took a sip. "Medical students," he replied, "have a reputation for a reason, Mr. Bridgerton. I saw enough scandal among my peers by age twenty to outstrip anything that goes on in these four walls." He paused to consider his next assumption. Now that the easier guesses were out of the way, it was a little harder to come up with new things to ask. After a second or two, he decided to return to their earlier topic. "In spite of your art, you would not call yourself an artist."

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict couldn't help but be amused when Connor took a sip of his drink, this time elaborating and explaining that medical students did indeed have a reputation. Truth be told, he had not know Connor's background in too much detail. The man was right though; this was indeed a more entertaining way to get to know one another. "It certainly sounds like you've had your fair share then," he acknowledged. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "These London parties must be such a bore in comparison." His voice clearly joking, just playing with the fact that Connor had lay witness to so much more. Benedict silently wondered waht that entailed. But then he spoke of his art, and he knew that the subject was not one Benedict could be as playful with. While the man held confidence in different aspects of his life, his 'talent' was not among them. He took a sip of his drink, finishing the content of what was in the glass. He didn't originally intend to give further explanation to Connor's correct assumption . . . but as the man opened up to him, perhaps it was only fair that Benedict return the favour. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Mr. Henry Granville is an artist," Benedict stated, aware that Connor knew that, but he was making a point. "For any, amateur to consider them an artist and thus placing themselves in the same category as Mr. Granville . . . is foolish and naïve." For the talent was not there. The skills were not there. He, Benedict, was not there. Before going on to the next assumption however, and aiming to divert the subject, Benedict held up his empty cup. "Is the game finished once ones cup runs dry?" He asked. He had no issue with continuing . . . however . . . "I feel I have reached my quota of drink this evening." He had several glasses before this one and the last thing he needed to do was show up at home, drunk. Anthony would not be pleased. Tag Connor Morrison Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton             Thread: Never Ben Better               Notes: N/A Connor, reclining lazily on the bench, regarded Benedict with genuine curiosity as the man explained. He seemed reluctant to address the matter at all, and even in his own inebriated state, Connor could detect the strong note of embarrassment in his tone. Clearly, he did not think very highly of his own talents. Connor did not know Granville well, but he believed the man to have rather discerning taste; if Benedict's art was really as terrible as he was making it out to be, Connor doubted it would have caught the eye of Henry Granville.  Unless Benedict's art had not been what caught Granville's eye at all.  Now, there was a curious prospect. Connor may not have known Granville well, but he had certainly been to enough of these parties to learn both that Granville preferred the company of men and that the artist had a remarkable skill at sniffing out others who shared that preference. Oh, not every man here was like that, certainly — the sheer amount of feminine moans of pleasure ringing out at every party proved that well enough. But Connor thought there might be a special sort of reverence in the way that Benedict spoke of Granville. Perhaps he was hearing things that weren't there, but perhaps there was something more to it than a shared affinity for art.  In any case, that was not something he was likely to ferret out tonight. These sorts of things required a bit of delicacy. It would be interesting, however, to keep an eye on Benedict Bridgerton. With a sigh, Connor tossed back the last mouthful of his own brandy, set the glass aside, and flexed his shoulders to stretch them as he sat back up fully upright. "You're a dreadful bore for cutting us off so early, Bridgerton, but I should not like to incur your brother's wrath by returning you to him too drunk. Permit me to see you home, at least."

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict chuckled, at Connor's reaction. At least the man did not seem eager to end the game. Certainly Benedict took that as a good sign that he had not utterly failed at this new activity. Furthermore, he even offered to see him to his house, adding that he would not wish to be on the receiving end of his brother's wrath. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Ah yes. Anthony. Many knew of his older brother's protective nature. Fortunately, Benedict tended to slip through the cracks, especially this season with the focus being Daphne and Connor. It suited Benedict just fine. But Morrison was indeed correct. Should Benedict return home, drunk . . . Anthony would have words with whomever permitted it. And that was a scenario Benedict wished to avoid for both their sakes. But mostly Connor's. If anyone in his family even knew that he attended parties such as this . . . Benedict hated to think of what would occur. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Apologies," he said, still with amusement. "Yes it would probably be best that we not let our first meeting, potentially be our last," he said jokingly, presuming that he would see Connor again. Even if it was just as this kind of event. Slowly raising to a stand, Benedict gaged his body's response to how much he had drank. Fortunately, it was not too bad. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "I would hate to be of an inconvenience," he told him at the man's offer. "But your company would be most welcome." He liked this Connor fellow. The man amused Benedict and was good company. Benedict supposed it was just part of the enjoyment of being at these parties: meeting people like him that stepped outside the societal expectations of what was deemed 'acceptable' conversation in public. Tag Connor Morrison Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton             Thread: Never Ben Better               Notes: N/A Rather unsteadily, Connor rose to his feet. He was sure he'd drunk more than Benedict throughout the course of the night, and although he was well-practiced at holding his drink, he was a fair few inches shorter than the Englishman, too. Even for the most experienced of drinkers, size and weight played a significant role. If his years as a student had taught him anything, however, it was how to keep himself on his feet even at his drunkest, and after only a brief stumble, he managed to right himself and ascend the few steps up into the house.  "No inconvenience," he assured Benedict over his shoulder. "Just give me a moment to find my waistcoat and jacket, would you? I will meet you outside." He knew he had discarded them sometime earlier in the evening, when the heat of the house had grown unbearable, but damned if he knew where they had ended up. One of these days, he was going to lose a perfectly good — and expensive — waistcoat that way.

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict gave a nod to CONNOR as he assured him it was no inconvenience, and that he would meet him out front. With that, Benedict made his way back into the house, putting on his coat which he had removed at his easel, and also took the moment to get rid of his sketch that fortunately, was not currently being seen by anyone. He crumpled it up and as he passed by the waste bin, tossed it in. Had there been a fire burning, it would have been better. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ But alas, no one looked through crumpled papers . . . except for perhaps Eloise. Once that was taken care of he sought out Henry, thanking him for allowing him in his house once more. The two briefly chatted before Benedict made his leave, and went outside the front door to wait for Connor. He looked at the house, taking in the sight of it. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Outwardly, it was like any other. But inside . . . it remained completely different, unexpected and . . . glorious. Seeing CONNOR exit, Benedict's smile returned as he watched the man. "Are you certain I am not pulling you from something more . . . interesting?" That was the best way he could phrase it since he wasn't entirely sure what CONNOR was up to in Mr. Granville's home. Tag Connor Morrison Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton             Thread: Never Ben Better               Notes: N/A It did not take too long, fortunately, for Connor to hunt down his discarded items of clothing. The waistcoat and cravat, he eventually found draped over the arm of a vacant chair; the jacket and hat, he could see hanging neatly in the front entryway, and that was easy enough to fetch on his way out. Before he made his way down that corridor, however, he, too, sought out their host to say a brief goodbye. He toyed, briefly, with the idea of asking Granville about the Bridgerton fellow and how he'd come to attend these parties, but he thought better of it by the time he had reached the artist. More amusing to figure things out for oneself, at times.  Once he had said his goodbyes and slipped away, he snagged his jacket from the hook, tugged it on, and took a brief moment in front of the mirror in the entryway to arrange his cravat. It was a hopeless exercise, really — the damned thing was abysmally crumpled. Connor would not have been caught dead in the daylight hours with such a glaring sin of his wardrobe, but given that they were only walking along streets that would be deserted at this hour, he could let it slide. In his drunken state, he was not inclined to care much, in any case.  When he was satisfied that he had arranged the cravat as best he could, he pushed his way out the door and onto the street, where he found Benedict, as expected, awaiting him. Returning the Bridgerton's smile with one of his own, the Scotsman descended the front steps and settled the hat atop his head. "You are a rather impertinent fellow, you know! Rest assured, my dear Bridgerton, if I wished to remain here, I would do so."

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict's smile remained as the man commented on how if he had wished to stay here, he would have. "Then I shan't question it again," he assured him. Of course Benedict did not wish to be annoying about the entire thing. But he also wished for Connor to know that he was indeed grateful for the gesture. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Thank you. For keeping me company on the walk home," he told him. Though he had felt the gratitude he wished for Connor to know of it as well, and that despite being a nobleman -- as they both were -- Benedict did not take such things for granted. In his apparently sheltered world, he had been introduced to far more incredible things that were surpassing the distinctions between class and rank. Thoughts far too, difficult to try to explain to another. So he allowed the enjoyment of it to remain within Granville's walls. "Are you residing far from Mr. Granville's?" Benedict asked. Though he would not ask it . . . he couldn't help but wonder if he was steering Connor further from his own home. Tag Connor Morrison Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton             Thread: Never Ben Better               Notes: N/A It was always an odd experience, leaving one of Granville's parties and venturing out again. As soon as the door swung shut behind them, cutting off the light and the merriment within, they went from one world to another. The pressures of this world were, of course, still a little relaxed, given the fact that most of the city now slumbered and took no notice of them, but Connor still felt a profound shift every time he stepped out onto the street. Out of the world of relative liberty, back into the world of rules and obligations.  At least the alcohol in his veins kept him content enough as he traipsed down the street, hands in his pockets. When Benedict voiced his gratitude, the Scotsman said nothing, but he shot over a broad grin to acknowledge Benedict's thanks. In truth, he would not have offered to walk most people home, but Benedict had piqued his curiosity enough that he was willing to go a little out of his way. Raising his hand, he gestured vaguely towards the west of their current position. "My father has a house over that way," he said. "I'm staying there for the season. No more than a... fifteen minute walk, I'd wager."

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

The night was fortunately pleasant -- something they had already discovered when they made way to the garden. But still. Benedict appreciated the fine whether and good company. It seemed like a splendid way to end the night. And hopefully any smell of liquor would be faded by the time he reached home. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ While he knew did not have to justify drinking to his family . . . he'd rather avoid the conversation all together. Benedict's gaze followed where Connor motioned and looked at the direction for a brief moment before looking at Benedict. The second son had to bite his tongue from once again questioning the convenience for Connor to walk him home. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He had said that he would not bring it up again, so he quickly silenced himself and any potentially incessant as well as repetitive remarks and cause for assurances. "Is it just you and your father?" He asked, realizing he knew little of the man's personal life. A smile reforming on his lips. "Forgive my curiosity," he said, knowing that some felt it too personal to discuss family as sometimes it should just be known by the ton. Tag Connor Morrison Note: Better layout coming soon! WOOO 50th post!!! *throws confetti*

                        the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton             Thread: Never Ben Better               Notes: N/A Benedict certainly was a curious fellow. There was something almost endearing about the way he seemed so eager to learn everything he could — as quickly as he could — about his companion. Connor, conceited as ever, rather enjoyed finding himself the object of such interest. There was little he liked better than being seen as intriguing, sophisticated, and worth knowing. If Benedict wanted to play inquisitor, Connor was more than happy to oblige him.  "God, my father isn't here." Connor's nose wrinkled at the very thought of sharing a house with his parents at this age. There was nothing particularly wrong with either of them, but after so many years of living independently, it was positively stomach-churning to contemplate having his parents around to question his comings and goings and to issue orders around the household. "No, he's back in Aberdeen. I am staying alone for the season. How you endure living with seven siblings and a mother, I really cannot fathom."

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict had to stifle a laugh, not wanting to seem rude . . . but he could not cease the smile of amusement that formed on his lips at Connor's reaction to Benedict inquiring about living with his father. It seemed that either Connor preferred living on his own, or he and his father were not very close. And even Benedict -- as interrogative as he was being -- knew that that was far too personal of an inquiry to make. Family could very well be a sensitive issue. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Upon Connor's mention of not knowing how he managed to live with such a large family . . . this time, Benedict did let out a slight laugh. He knew it was a common thought; that others did not understand how they could tolerate or endure it. "Many cannot," he admitted, normalizing the inability to comprehend. "But that is the way it has always been. I have not known anything but." Of course they had their own properties but they all preferred to stay together. Fortunately for Benedict, as the second son . . . his role wasn't particularly important. With the exception of something -- God forbid -- happening to Anthony. Other than that, he was often able to fade into the background. Even when his mother tried to interest him in marriage. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ After all, they were all nearing that age now weren't they. Most of them had grown up. "Though it does have it's advantages. Such as, there being enough of them for no one to take notice that I've slipped away for the night to Mr. Granville's," he said jokingly -- though with truth at the same time. Had he been the only son or with less siblings . . . perhaps it would not have been so easily for the others to be distracted. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "I imagine it must be something . . . to live by oneself." Just as Connor could not fathom Benedict living with so many, so Benedict could not imagine living alone. "It seems we come from rather different backgrounds, yet find ourselves on a similar path." Literally, and well specifically the path of ending up at a place like Henry's. Neither wed -- probably for their own reasons -- and both eager to escape London society for the nights they were able. Tag Connor Morrison Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton             Thread: Never Ben Better               Notes: N/A There had been times in his youth, of course, when Connor had longed for the company of siblings. Even as a child, he had always been the outgoing sort, rarely content to spend his days alone; more than once, he had watched his peers sporting with their siblings with open envy and had returned home to beg his parents for a brother or two. They never obliged, of course. He had never understood the matter then, but he suspected now, as an adult with a medical education, that there may have been difficulty conceiving even him, to say nothing of further children. He knew better than to inquire about that supposition.  Still, now that he was a grown man, he found himself rather grateful to have no siblings. It might have been of some benefit to have an elder brother to take the title and responsibility of the lordship, once his father passed on, but the estate was not so large that it would prove unmanageable even with his profession. No siblings, in childhood, meant no one to play with, but no siblings now meant no sisters to marry off and no brothers to keep out of trouble. That suited Connor quite well indeed.  But he supposed that Benedict raised a fair point, in regards to safety in numbers. As the head of the family, Anthony bore most of the burden, and although Connor had never met them, he was certain that the two youngest were enough of a handful to keep Lady Bridgerton's attentions fixed on them. Benedict and Colin seemed free enough to get by doing what they pleased.  In reply to Benedict's remark on similar paths, Connor hummed in agreement and bobbed his head in a nod. The better to keep his gaze on the taller man, Connor twisted around to walk backwards in front of him — a risky move, given his current state of inebriation, but if one could manage the winding streets of Edinburgh, one could manage the streets of London."Similar paths, indeed." He cocked his head to the side slightly, looking rather thoughtful. "I should like to know more about you, Bridgerton. You are quite the little enigma. You'll be at the next party, I presume? Granville is hosting another next week. He must have told you."

credit to Laura of Adox