Talk of The Ton

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict had to admit that he wasn't particularly looking forward to returning to London for the season -- for a prolonged period of time. He had quite enjoyed being so far removed from the gossips of the city, for his and Sophie's marriage would inevitably bring up such talks. An unexpected, nontraditional, unconventional union. And yet to Benedict, it was perfect. She was perfect. Time spent at My Cabin had been wonderful but alas, they were returned to the city to show their support for his sister's seasons. They had arrived late in the evening, deciding to go straight to his lodgings and he would greet his family tomorrow. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ It would also grant him and Sophie some time together, to prepare for the upcoming weeks. The balls, the luncheons . . . all the people who would most likely wish to offer their 'congratulations'. One saving grace -- according to his family -- was that Lady Whistledown had been rather kind to them. That had certainly helped but, there would most certainly be looks and whispers. Benedict was fine with it, but he did not wish for his wife to be the source of such gossips. That, was something he could not -- and would not -- stand for.Once they were settled inside, he made his way to where Sophie was seated in the drawing room, taking his place next to her on the sofa. "It seems like quite some time since we were here," he said with a fond smile. Their . . . activities in his residence in London had been quite enjoyable indeed, but none of which were done whilst married. Tag Sophia Beckett

                        the rules of society.

[Sophia Beckett]

The carriage ride to the city had been long, and Sophie knew it was would a day or two before she no longer felt the slight soreness from the right. Arriving to his--their home in the city, Sophie had taken a seat on the sofa, only for Benedict to come over and give a cheeky remark about how long it had been since they were last here.

Smiling, she rolled her face over to look at him, knowing he meant both here (the house) and here (the sofa were he made her his). Moving to half stand, she adjusted so she could curl into his side, and rest her face on his shoulder, rather that sit so far from her. It was late, but she was not tried enough to sleep yet. "I have fond memories of it though," She teased him in return.

_{Tagged: Benedict Bridgerton}

[Benedict Bridgerton]

Tag: Sophia Beckett

i' m    n o t    b o u n d    b y 

THE RULES OF SOCIETY

A continued smile played on Benedict's lips as she teased him, saying that they were fond memories indeed. Truthfully, all his memories with Sophie were fond. Despite the obstacles they faced, the fear of never actually being able to be with her . . . everything that they had been through, only made their relationship stronger. And only made him love her even more than he ever thought possible to love another. When she curled up at his side, he opened his arm to her, wrapping it around her petite frame so that she could nestle comfortably against him.

◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈

He turned his head a little, softly kissing her temple as he leaned his own head against the top of hers. His mind still filled with thoughts in the days to come. He knew they could not hide forever but it had been quite nice, when it was just the two of them. "How do you feel?" He asked quietly, the underlying question a more serious one rather than anything of tease or jest.

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He knew that this could not be easy for her . . . for a marriage such as theirs, seldom ever occurred within society, if ever at all. It filled Benedict with honor and pride, that she was his wife. But he also knew that women, faced far stronger scrutiny than men . . . and were not as quick to recover from it. Would only he hold the power to protect her from all of that. From anything that the season may hold should it cause even the slightest twinge of discomfort within his wife.

[Sophia Beckett]

He was warm and welcoming, and she loved it. Tucking her toes up under her skirt, she let her weight rest on him in efforts to get closer. Benedict questioned how she felt, and if she was honest with her self--she was not sure. There was the worry that this scheme they had built to allow her to marry him would fail, or that someone would know her and ruin everything, or that the ton would dislike her---OR Lady Whistledown would decide to not like her either!

It was harder to be honest with herself, than with him. For some reason, it was easier to talk to him. "It will all work out," She told him, trying to be optimistic about the events to happen in the next few weeks and months. "I only worry I will let everyone down, and the others will see right through me." She admitted to him, knowing he must already be able to guess how she felt in a way.

But there was more. More to her feelings. Turning her face to moving closer to his own, she leaned up to kiss him. "And yet, not at the same time." Because when he was with her, there was nothing she could not do.

_{Tagged: Benedict Bridgerton}

[Benedict Bridgerton]

Tag: Sophia Beckett

i' m    n o t    b o u n d    b y 

THE RULES OF SOCIETY

Benedict always admired his wife's optimism and reassurances. Her support and understanding. She was undoubtedly one of the most incredible women he had ever known. Not a day would go by that he did not recognize and appreciate that. But hearing her say that she was worried she would let everyone down . . . was not something he could bear. "You could never let anyone down," he told her, words thick with sincerity for he truly believed them. He looked into her eyes, soft intent so that she would know the extent of honesty in his words.

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"I will be by your side the entire time," he further reassured her. "And together, we will let them say whatever they so wish." He could not care less about what the ton thought. They were happy. They were in love. So the ton be damned. "My family already loves you," he reminded. "Let us focus on them, and on us." Because they were here for his family and he truly appreciated Sophie for coming with him. Knowing, that it took a great deal of strength and courage for her to do so. So how could he ever even think that she would face this alone? He would do all within his power to ensure she was safe, happy and comfortable during this season they were forced to endure in Mayfair.