Ballroom Blitz

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict was not exactly a fan of such extravagant events. It had been a part of his life however, so he was accustomed to it. But . . . that did not mean he greatly enjoyed it. Particularly these past few years where his mother was adamant about him speaking to certain women in the hopes of finding a wife. It was a constant pattern where Violet would attempt to drag lead him towards a woman and her mother, and he managed to avoid it. Fortunately, Colin was far more agreeable than he was. And while Anthony was stubborn, she had not entirely given up on him too. So once again, Benedict's position as the middle son of the three elder ones worked in his favour . . . most of the time. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Tonight, the same pattern would be repeated. His mother looped her arm though his, commenting on how beautiful Lady Carmilla was looking tonight, and how close she too was to her family. Her respectable family. And how Lady Carmilla was looking forward to making his acquaintance and -- that was when Benedict knew he had to slip away. He looked at his mother and shook his head, mouthing No no no. And with ease and a surprising amount of smoothness and suave, he slipped from his mother's grasp and moved towards the other side of the room, the opposite direction of his mother and Lady Carmilla. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Once there, he breathed a small sigh of relief, turning and while still keeping distance, casually peered at his mother through the crowd of heads between them. She was now focused on Colin. Bless Colin for being so agreeable and willing to marry, despite his young age. Benedict felt his shoulders relax a little, knowing that all he need do is keep that distance for the night. This was not the first time he had done so; he merely grew tired of it. He did not exactly enjoy dancing either and knew that whomever he danced with, would spread like gossip in the ton. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ So instead, he casually made his way through the crowd, striking conversation with those he was familiar with, and politely chatting with those he met for the first time. He was already growing tired and bored of such things but knew that the night was still young. Making his way to the drink section, he froze in his tracks when he saw Lady Danbury. There were far too many people to avoid. He spun around, and nonchalantly weaved through the crowd, this time, attempting to make way toward where the entrance to the garden was. Fortunately, this was not his first time and he had nearly become an expert in the art of avoidance . . . mostly. Tag Connor Morrison Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton        Thread: Ballroom Blitz           Notes: N/A Connor, unlike Benedict, positively adored events like this. By the end of the night, the pressure of the façades did tend to wear rather thin, but at the start, Connor was positively in his prime. He took an equal amount of pride in his fashions, his conversation, and his footwork — and for a man who wished to display all three, there was no better place than a London ball. With no parents in attendance to prod and needle about courting the right woman for a future bride, he could conduct himself as he pleased, dance with whomever he liked, drink his fill, and do whatever met his fancy.  Observing the rest of the partygoers was as much a part of the enjoyment as anything else, of course, and for Connor, observation often went hand in hand with judgment. He would not dream of making any rude remarks, naturally, but for a new season in London, it was useful to know who was worth watching for the latest fashions. That Featherington girl was still clad in an absolutely atrocious shade of yellow, as she had been at last week's ball, and the amount of men who thought it acceptable to wear poorly-starched cravats was truly abysmal. Some of the older fellows were still clad in tailcoats that would have been out of fashion in 1809, to say nothing of 1813. Astonishing. Later on in the evening, he would make an effort to strike up a few proper conversations. For now, however, he remained content to watch. Every so often, someone with whom he had a passing acquaintance would pause to exchange a few words, which he always received good-naturedly.  When Benedict Bridgerton passed by him, Connor almost did not recognise the man. They were, after all, in a rather different context than their last meeting. "Bridgerton!" The Scotsman's delighted bark cut across the short space that separated them. Connor certainly looked very little like the fellow Benedict had met at Granville's party, half-dressed and half-stupefied with drink. Now, he was the very picture of a dandy, clad in snug black silk breeches, embroidered stockings and waistcoat, expertly-arranged cravat, elegant slippers, and a dark, fine wool tailcoat. Even his posture was vastly different. That broad smile, however, was quite the same, as he waved Benedict over. "Spare a moment for a friend, hm?"

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

"Bridgerton!" Benedict froze, spinning around to see the source. The voice sounded oddly familiar and yet he could exactly place it. Even when he saw the man who spoke, Benedict's eyes rested on him, his mind desperately trying to-- "Morrison," he greeted in return. By god! He looked completely different. Then again . . . it was no surprise of course. Benedict knew he shouldn't be surprise to see him dressed with such sophistication, nor should he be surprised to see him at such an event. The thrill of Mr. Granville's party was the very essence of that; that they could let loose and relax. But here, in such a public event . . . the pressured and rigidity returned. Benedict made his way closer to him. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ The second Bridgerton son was quite expressive, often unable to withhold surprise or shock. That moment Mr. Granville had introduced his wife to Benedict, it was by good fortune and luck that Benedict had a drink in his hand so that he could use it to silence himself and just sip from it while letting the shock sink in. Fortunately, this was not as much of a jolt, and it drew a smile from Benedict as he now stood across from Morrison. A most welcome sight indeed! ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "For you Morrison, I can spare many," he told him truthfully. "It is good to see you again," he added on, knowing that it was the polite thing to say but at the same time . . . Benedict truly meant it. He had enjoyed his time with Connor and the two learned much about each other in the first night. He hoped to continue that journey, though knew full well that it would not be to the same extent here. Still. This was a part of each of them, a part of their lives so it would indeed be fascinating to see how Connor Morrison conducted himself in the public eye. Tag Connor Morrison Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton        Thread: Ballroom Blitz           Notes: N/A Connor took a moment to run his gaze appraisingly over Benedict. He had not been quite so undone at Granville's party as Connor had been, but his appearance now was certainly a far cry from what it had been then. He would win no awards for the most fashionable of men in this room, in Connor's opinion, but he did clean up well, and it was clear that he had spent a decent sum of money on his evening attire. Embroidery on the collar was an odd choice, but the bees were rather endearing. Connor made a mental note to ask about those, when he had the chance.  Finally returning his gaze to Benedict's face, he offered the man another brief smile before turning away just long enough to snag a glass of champagne from a passing servant, which he held out for Benedict to take. Poor fellow looked as though he needed it; Connor had attended enough balls to know the look of a man who was desperately trying to avoid someone, and that was precisely the look that Benedict had plastered all over him now.  "Please, Bridgerton," he said, "I assure you, the pleasure is all mine." Not at all a lie — as much as he had been intrigued to see the ways Benedict chose to cut loose in the safety of Granville's home, he was equally as intrigued to see how the man comported himself in a more public setting. "Escaped your mother successfully, I see?"

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict smiled as Connor extended him a drink. "Thank you," he said gratefully . . . in rather need of it. He took a sip as his friend continued to speak, the smile quickly returning as Benedict swallowed the beverage. When he mentioned of escaping his mother, Benedict closed his eyes for a moment before a grin of amusement and a slight chuckle escaped him as he looked down for a second, and then returned his gaze upon Connor. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Is it that obvious?" He asked, almost sheepishly but maintaining a composed expression. Yes. He did certainly need it and he appreciated that Connor seemed to understand that without words needed. Perhaps Benedict's expression and demeanour revealed as such -- revealed too much at times he supposed. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Though I like to think of it more as, catching up with a dear friend, rather than avoiding anyone at all." His voice was clearly teasing at the truth for they both knew that Benedict was indeed trying to keep a distance from his mother and whomever she wished to introduce him to. Benedict leaned slightly closer lowering his voice and quickly getting out his next words -- "Though your company is far more desirable at the moment." -- Before resuming his previous position and taking another sip of his champagne. Tag Connor Morrison

                       
                          the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton        Thread: Ballroom Blitz           Notes: N/A Connor made no attempt to hide the way his lips twitched in amusement at the eagerness Benedict displayed in accepting the proffered glass of champagne. He could hardly blame the man — his own mother was not quite so meddlesome as Lady Bridgerton, but whenever Connor was obliged to attend events with her, she, too, was continually on the prowl for fine young ladies with whom she could force Connor into conversation. He was very well acquainted with the unpleasant nature of these balls when attended with one's family.  He was tactful enough, however, to make no further remark upon it. If Benedict had come over to escape, then an escape was what Connor would provide. Once the band struck up and the dancing started, Connor would have to excuse himself to take part, but that part of the evening was still a long way off. For now, he could spare his attention and his time.  The Englishman's flattery touched him rather genuinely. He was sure that it was only partially sincere on Benedict's part, as the man did have an undeniable ulterior motive, but even so, it was endearing. There were few things Connor liked better than flattery, in any case, whether it was sincere or not. After a pause to take a sip of his own champagne, he dropped his voice into a low tone to match Benedict's and replied, "Oh, you are doing me as much of a favour as I am doing you, my dear Bridgerton. If I take leave of you now and make so much as one step to my right, I shall be obliged to speak to Mr. Guthrie. Horrible fellow. You and I are quite dependent upon each other for safety."

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict listened eagerly as Connor's voice dropped and he began to speak of Mr. Guthrie, a man that he wished to avoid as well. The second Bridgerton son couldn't help but chuckle, trying to stifle his laugh by taking another sip of champagne, but the amusement still held. Connor was indeed someone that Benedict felt . . . understood him. Without needing to say anything more, the man had an understanding of Benedict that not many in these social settings had. Polite conversations and pleasantries constantly exchanged, but too far and few genuine and honest conversations. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ It was no wonder Benedict enjoyed Connor. It was a refreshing change from the otherwise dull and mundane. As if Henry's party hadn't been enough, it felt . . . comforting to be in the company of someone here who understood. "Well, you should find me with no objection," he assured him. "For as long as we can get away with it--" For he knew it could not be for the entire evening--"Rest assured that you have my company. As I am quite grateful for yours. " Benedict paused for a moment, casually looking around the room to see where this Mr. Guthrie was, but also, keeping an eye on where those he was avoiding were. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Turning back to Connor he continued. As Connor was honest about who he was staying clear from, Benedict knew he should elaborate on who another source of avoidance was, as it was not merely his mother. "Perhaps we should introduce Mr. Guthrie and Ms. Camila and find solution to both our sources of avoidance." His voice held clear jest, but it certainly sounded like it would solve both their problems. A little mischievous Benedict supposed and after all, he seldom involved himself in such affairs. Still. The thought was both tempting and amusing. Tag Connor Morrison

                       
                          the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton        Thread: Ballroom Blitz           Notes: N/A Truthfully, Connor had not known whether Benedict would be keen to see him at all at this soirée. They had gotten on well enough at Granville's party, but in Connor's experience, even those who enjoyed each other's company in that sort of context tended to avoid each other in public settings. That was sensible enough, in all fairness — if one had bonded with another over a gambling table or a painting session with a nude model, that was not the sort of connection one would wish to flaunt in a high society ball like this.  He was gratified to find that they seemed to get along quite as well in this ballroom as they had in the garden of Granville's home. The same easy, effortless understanding still existed between them. That was rare to find, in places like this. It almost made Connor regret that he would only be in London for the rest of the season; he would have liked to make a permanent friend of Mr. Bridgerton.  The antics that Benedict was proposing were so positively juvenile that the anatomist had to hide his sudden snicker of laughter with a quick press of his champagne glass against his lips. For a moment, he was almost tempted to go along with the plan. Unfortunately, as amusing as the prospect was, angering a well-regarded colleague was hardly advisable. "You are positively a menace, Mr. Bridgerton," he remarked, shaking his head in amusement. "Really, I see why your poor mother tries to keep a tight lead on you."

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Connor's reaction made Benedict smile, glad to see that he could amuse his friend as they made light of their situation of avoidance. Benedict was not one to take too much seriously, often finding the lighter side of things. Especially compared to his more . . . serious natured siblings. But in a society such as this, it was to be expected. Fortunate, that Benedict at least had more than the walls of his house to find the ability to be himself, and let loose. He now had Granville's residence and all that it brought with it. And . . . that was proving to certainly be quite a lot. "Is it so wrong to make introduction between two people who might actually get along quite well." The question was rhetorical, but also left open for answer. It was however, not meant to be serious. The thought of being able to take action to distract Lady Camila was tempting and unlikely. Besides, so long as his mother did not find him alone . . . he would hopefully be safe for the night. He let out a small chuckle of amusement before taking another sip of champagne. What was it that Henry had once said to him . . . the second sons can have all the fun. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Fortunately, she will find herself occupied with other concerns tonight so it is my hope that it will be loosened for the time being." Surely, Daphne, Anthony or Colin would occupy her time. After all, Benedict's elusive nature should come as no surprise. "And what about you Mr. Morrison. Who else's company should you wish to find yourself in tonight?" He asked, lowering his voice as he continued. "Or wish to avoid?" Apart from Mr. Guthrie that is. Benedict's way of asking if there was anyone that Connor often sought out during these events. If there was anyone of particular interest to the man. Tag Connor Morrison

                       
                          the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton        Thread: Ballroom Blitz           Notes: N/A For the most part, Connor did not pay much mind to which particular individuals he wished to find at any ball. Given how well-attended the London season always proved to be, there was never any shortage of interesting people at these events. If anything, Connor was more apt to find that he hadn't had the time to speak with many people as he wanted.  That was certainly likely to be the case tonight, considering how much time he had dedicated to spending with Benedict. But that was no matter, really — there would be plenty of other balls that he could spend mingling to his heart's content.  Shrugging lightly, he took another sip of his champagne and replied, "Oh, few people of any real consequence. A handful of colleagues I ought to find. For now, I simply intend to enjoy the champagne." There was no one he was particularly desperate to avoid; some, like Guthrie, were rather unpleasant, but there was no one he outright loathed. The only person in particular he meant to find was Dr. Barthélemy — he would certainly find Benedict interesting. He would save that, however, until the Frenchman happened to pass.

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict's eyes casually scanned the crowd, this time not with the purpose of finding a certain someone -- or two -- to avoid them, but merely to see who was in attendance at the moment. These events dragging on rather dulled him, but the beginning moments were fine. Tonight, seemed to be going rather well considering his present company so he turned his attention back to Connor. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Yes. Quite a different beverage in comparison to our last encounter." He paused for a moment, a smile touching his lips as he held his cup up to him, speaking before taking another sip. "One absent of assumptions as well." A small reminder -- though he knew that neither of them were so quick to forget as it was not too long ago -- of their games and how much was learned between them. It truly was a good bonding experience, and fortunate that as Morrison had pointed out that night . . . it had resulted in friendship as oppose to animosity. Tag Connor Morrison

                       
                          the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton        Thread: Ballroom Blitz           Notes: N/A It was rather amusing — and thrilling — to voice such blatant references to the things they had shared at Granville's party, safe in the knowledge that no one around them would have the least idea what any of it meant. Even if anyone overheard them, which no one was likely to do in such a noisy and crowded ballroom, the conversation would seem innocent enough. It was the sort of careful dance Connor thoroughly enjoyed, finding ways to speak of the unspeakable right out in public.  He shared a smile with the Bridgerton brother as he lifted his own champagne flute and let the glass clink against the side of Benedict's in a toast. "Different indeed," he agreed. "I do prefer brandy to champagne, I think, but every drink has its charms. As does every event." Again, a simple statement loaded with a bit more meaning than than the words themselves might imply. There was a glint in Connor's eye as he raised his glass back to his lips to take a sip, before adding, "Do you intend to dance tonight, Mr. Bridgerton?"

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

It seemed rather easy to smile in Connor's company. And not the feigned smile, of one merely to remain polite. But rather, a genuine smile. Benedict was not always able to hide his thoughts and emotions so despite the fact that their environment was not quite as relaxed as the one in the previous meeting . . . there was still as ease being in Morrison's company. Not one that Benedict took for granted. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Quite," Benedict agreed, raising his glass a little after Morrison had touched it with his own. He then asked him if he intended to dance and Benedict looked towards the dance floor. Truth was, he did not often dance at these events, and he felt that answering the question with not unless my brother makes me didn't sound quite right. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Never the less, he wished to be honest with the man. There was after all, no need to lie. "As of right now, I have no intention of dancing," he began to say. There was too much pressure of it. His mother watching him carefully to see if his gaze rested on one woman longer than another. The whispers of a Bridgerton son joining the dance floor that prompted rumors of the why and who from surrounding mamas. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ So no. Benedict would rather not deal with that at these balls. "My brother frequents the dance floor far more than I." Colin quite often joined and that suited Benedict very well. The attention went off of him and onto his younger brother. "Tonight shall most likely be no exception." It sometimes also allowed Benedict to sneak out of the event earlier than the others. "And what about yourself?" He asked, wondering if Connor enjoyed dancing. Tag Connor Morrison

                       
                          the rules of society.

[Connor Morrison]

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton        Thread: Ballroom Blitz           Notes: N/A Dancing, in Connor's experience, tended to divide men's opinions. He had scarcely ever met a woman who did not thoroughly enjoy dancing, but men seemed to either love it or hate it. A good deal of men, including his dear friend Anwyl, seemed to find the act either tedious or embarrassing, if not both. The ones who enjoyed it varied in their reasoning — some enjoyed the intimacy it afforded with the women, some enjoyed dancing simply for the sake of it, and some enjoyed the chance to show off their footwork to the whole room. Connor tended towards the last of the three. It was not so odd to him that Benedict might fall into the category of men who disliked dancing. He might not quite be an expert in every detail of London society, but he was quite well aware of how much the Bridgerton family sat at the centre of gossip. It stood to reason that Benedict might not particularly enjoy the gossip that came with stepping onto the dance floor.  Leaning aside a little to rest his elbow against the wall beside him, he replied airily, "Oh, I never miss a chance to dance, Mr. Bridgerton. I am quite looking forward to it. It would be unbecoming to brag, but I consider myself rather skilled in the art. You ought to come onto the dance floor at least once tonight."

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Connor answered speaking of how he enjoyed dancing, and that he was quite skilled in it. Benedict did not doubt that. One did not boast because being a skilled dancer when the truth was easy to be seen, upon the threat of public embarrassment. So Benedict quite easily took his friend's word for it. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "I appreciate the offer, Mr. Morrison," Benedict said gratefully, but there was a polite decline in his tone of voice. One he elaborated on as he continued. "But I think I would prefer to be in the audience and watch you put others to shame," he said a bit teasingly as he took another sip of his drink. "Is there anyone in particular you hope to dance with tonight?" Benedict wondered. Was he waiting for someone else to go on the dance floor or was he merely waiting for an opportune moment to join. Tag Connor Morrison

                       
                          the rules of society.