Anatomy and Artistry

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Benedict Bridgerton

Whenever he had cause to pass the threshold of a gentlemen's club, Lewis always did so with an equal mix of awe and trepidation. Generally, he only came when someone higher in society — Morrison or Barthélemy, usually — invited him; that, coupled with the general elite aura of the place itself, was enough to heap a sense of overwhelming pressure on his shoulders. As much as possible, he preferred to stay quiet and out of men's ways. The less he talked, the less of an opportunity he gave for them to notice and comment on the heavy Welsh accent, and the less likely he was to say the wrong thing to offend the wrong person. 

Generally, Morrison was content enough to let him stay silent if he wished. The Scotsman usually settled down for a game of cards with a small handful of men, all of whom — Morrison included — talked more than enough to make a full conversation without Lewis contributing very much. That was precisely how Lewis preferred to spend these afternoons. He rather enjoyed cards, as much as he disliked the socialisation that came with the games, and being able to play a few hands while the rest of the men chatted away suited him well enough.

Every so often, however, Morrison would end up leaving Lewis to his own devices. Those were the situations Lewis always dreaded. He never quite knew what to do when the Scotsman disappeared; he never knew the other men in attendance well enough to feel comfortable going up to any and striking up a conversation, nor did he think it proper to simply ask to join in on any card games on his own. Usually, he ended up simply standing awkwardly at the bookshelves and pretending to study the spines until Morrison found him again. 

Today, the Scotsman had left him off even worse. He had been insisting on the whole carriage ride over that he really must introduce Lewis to Mr. Benedict Bridgerton, and introduce the two he had — and no sooner had he done so than he spotted another friend across the room, and with little more than a hasty promise to find Lewis again when they were ready to depart, he had slipped off. Lewis, much to his absolute horror, found himself not only left alone, but already tethered to a conversation with a complete stranger. He could hardly slink off now without appearing terribly rude. After watching Morrison's retreating back helplessly for a moment or two, Lewis reluctantly turned his pale grey eyes back onto Benedict. 

"... so." He had no idea what to say, but he had to say something. "Morrison... tells me you are an artist."

OWL

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict didn't frequent the gentlemen's club quite as often as Anthony, but the times he did go, he enjoyed himself well enough. At least there, his mother could not pester him about marriage and the like. So yes. It was quite nice to get out of that situation everyone once in a while. Today proved no exception as he mingled among familiar friends and acquaintances. With his drink in hand, he even caught the familiar sight of Connor. An immediate greeting upon his lips as he made introductions of his friend Lewis. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Benedict smiled at the man with a small nod of greeting. But no sooner, did Morrison make his leave from them to mingle with someone else. Leaving the two on their own. But the circumstance was not as traumatizing to Benedict as it was to Lewis -- not that Benedict knew that to be the reason the other man looked a bit. . . uneasy. Though he did still made attempt at conversation. Of which, Benedict was glad for. That is, until he called him an artist. Benedict smiled politely, knowing that he was undeserving of that term and the fact that was Morrison used it so freely . . . was both flattering and inaccurate. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Artist is a generous term," Benedict replied with a continued smile. "I dabble," he admitted though knew that that was all it was. He could not take credit for being an artist, and thus, placed in the same category as those so exceptionally skilled such as Henry Granville. "What about yourself? Mr. Morrison tells me you are a surgeon." He would leave the rest out since Connor had clearly also teased Lewis about a couple of things. Hopefully the subject of familiarity to Lewis, would distract any notion of Benedict actually being a successful artist. Tag Lewis Anwyl

                        the rules of society.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Benedict Bridgerton

Morrison had not told him a great deal about Benedict, in spite of singing the man's praises. Come to think of it, he was not entirely sure how the two had even met; if Morrison had told him, it must have been a fleeting enough mention that Lewis had managed to miss it. Not that the story of their introduction particularly mattered, but Lewis did not like to be left knowing so little about the man in front of him. The fact that he was an artist and that he came from a large, wealthy family were really the only things that Lewis could claim to know about the man. 

At least he seemed amenable to conversation. He did not look quite as unsettled as Lewis felt, but it was evident enough that they had both been rather blindsided by Morrison's sudden abandonment of them both. Lewis made a mental note to exchange a few stern words with Morrison, on both of their behalves, once he was alone with the man again. 

Benedict's humble denial of the title of artist set Lewis back a little on his intended line of questioning. From the way Morrison spoke of the matter, Lewis had presumed Benedict to be a professional artist, not a simple dabbler. No matter — he could still steer the conversation in the direction he wished, with a few adjustments. "A surgeon, yes." His answer was almost dismissive, as if he simply wished to get that matter out of the way. "Do you draw the human form, Mr. Bridgerton, or only landscapes?"

OWL

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict did not fail to notice the dismissive nature of his answer. He supposed it was fair; considering Benedict did the same. Only the difference was that Benedict was not successful in this . . . aspiring career. Lewis on the other hand, was an established surgeon. Did he not wish to speak of it? Benedict of course remained polite, for at least the man continued to inquire and thus, allowed the conversation to continue. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Even if the subject had been brought back to his horrid artwork. To reject the topic now -- twice -- would appear rude. So Benedict was left with little choice than to answer. "My current focus is the human form," he explained. "It is an area I find most inspiring." He had practiced parts of the human body, as well as its full form. But practice was all it remained until he perfected it. Whether that day came or not . . . he could not say. "Do you, share a similar interest?" Benedict asked, wondering if the man before him also enjoyed art and held desire to discuss it. Something told Benedict it was not quite that, but it almost seemed as if Lewis was getting to something. Tag Lewis Anwyl

                        the rules of society.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Benedict Bridgerton

In most situations, Lewis would have been more than pleased to talk about his own work. He was not as prone to boasting as Morrison, but he still had a healthy amount of pride in his own skill at the operating table, and he was firmly of the opinion that the general public ought to have a better understanding of surgery as a whole. If he had paused to consider the conversation rationally, he might have recognised the benefit of delving a little more into his own background and profession before launching directly into this discussion, but careful consideration was not exactly his strong suit. 

"I do not, no." Again, the answer was rather dismissive. Lewis had never seen much use for art in his own life, beyond the base level of sketching required to make small drawings to augment his surgical notes when occasion called for them. Just as before, he barrelled on before Benedict could have any chance to question him further. "Do you draw strictly from live models or have you studied écorchés?" 

OWL

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Well, that question was certainly an . . . unexpected one. Benedict supposed it made sense, considering the man was a surgeon and so the suggestion of a more, anatomical approach of a model was only logical. Perhaps the unexpectedness was also a result of Benedict not being used to talking about his art, at all. Taking a sip from his drink he swallowed before responding as best as he could. Which, would be with honesty. "I can't say I have, studied it that is," he told him. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "I have recently been practicing with live models," Thanks to Henry providing him with a means and setting to do that. "Other times it is just scribbles in my sketchbook," he said jokingly -- though with truth -- as he tried to lighten the conversation, or perhaps it was more about easing Lewis. Never the less his worlds held true; Benedict had always been practicing the human form, whether it was just parts of the body or the body as a whole. Lewis had stated before his question that he had no interest in art . . . so Benedict tried to think of the next appropriate question to keep the conversation moving. "So tell me a bit about yourself Mr. Anwyl. I fear the subject has lingered far too long on me," he said smiling, the tease at his own expense. Tag Lewis Anwyl

                        the rules of society.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Benedict Bridgerton

Lewis' lips pressed into a thin line, displeased with the sudden attempt at diversion. He never liked speaking of himself, especially with strangers; he had been too often burned by the his peers in his student days, when they would feign genuine interest to collect scraps of information they could use in their jibes behind his back. He had no reason to suspect Benedict in particular, but that old sting of distrust remained present all the same. Besides, he had already managed to get his foot in the door to start the conversation about anatomical study, and he was loathe to abandon the topic once he had introduced it. If he could just explain the value of écorchés from an artistic perspective, that was the perfect opportunity to segue into the matter of dissection in general, which would lead neatly into the matter of legal reform. 

Nevertheless, Lewis grudgingly supposed that it was better to let Benedict take the lead. He had already been rather dismissive of Benedict with the first few questions he had asked; if he was dismissive a third time, Benedict was sure to think him quite rude, if he did not already. He could always find a way to return to the topic that he really wished to discuss, once he found another suitable opening in the conversation. So, reluctantly, he relented. Settling back in his seat, he replied, "Very well. What is it you wish to know of me, then? You are aware of my profession already." 

OWL

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Oh dear. It appeared that Benedict had offended Lewis and his mind tried to trail back as to what he had said, unable to come up with something obvious. It could be in what he said, or what he had not. Either way, Lewis asked Benedict directly what he had wanted to know and the second Bridgerton son had not expected such . . . directness. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Uh, well . . . " His mind trying to think of a question that he hoped would not further offend Mr. Anwyl. "How . . . did you come to meet Mr. Morrison?" Benedict immediately took a sip of his drink to prevent himself from saying anything further. He hoped that was a safe question, considering it was about a mutual friend. The very friend who had made introduction. Surely there was nothing offensive about that? But Benedict was not entirely sure, starting to doubt himself yet appeared as composed as he could be . . . it helped that he had his drink in hand and to fill his mouth to cease from going on senselessly. Tag Lewis Anwyl

                        the rules of society.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Benedict Bridgerton

Benedict had not offended Lewis in the least. Lewis was displeased, certainly, with Benedict's insistence on asking personal questions instead of letting Lewis continue as he wished, but he had taken no genuine offence to that. It was not very unreasonable, however, for Benedict to make that assumption — many who did not know Lewis found his general demeanour rather off-putting, and that was doubly true when he was on some medical rant or another. He had to make conscious reminders, at times, to relax a little, so that he could present a bit more of an amiable image. 

Seeing Benedict's discomfort, he gave himself one of those reminders now. Relax, unwind, be friendly. It was always a bit more difficult when he was already on edge, but he did his best to force some of the tension out of his body. There was no sense in upsetting Benedict when he had done nothing wrong. His question was innocent enough. Flexing his fingers briefly against the arm of the chair, he replied, "Through a mutual friend. I wished to tour the anatomy schools of Edinburgh; a friend put us in touch so that Morrison could act as my guide." He tried, this time, to put a bit more warmth into his tone. After a brief pause, he added, without looking at Benedict, "What of you? How did you meet him?"

OWL

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict was quite relieved when Lewis offered a more, detailed answer as oppose to a laconic one. It would seem that their mutual friend was a safe subject indeed . . . at least for the time being. The Bridgerton son smiled politely, listening intently as Lewis explained that Morrison had acted as his guide during his tour of anatomy schools. He should have known that the question would be returned to him, though Benedict knew he could answer truthfully enough without divulging too much of the . . . setting itself. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "We met at a party," he told him. No need to mention what kind of party nor what they did at the party. Benedict almost wondered if Morrison had played his little assumption game with Lewis. An amusing thought that was. "I have not known him long, but he seems like a good man, and I am fortunate to call him friend." Praises of the man were genuine, and clearly Lewis and Morrison were close as well. "That sounds like quite an interesting experience, touring different anatomy schools. Which one did you settle on?" Benedict knew he had just been treading safe territory when it came to topics to discuss, but he decided to further risk it by asking questions of his education leading to his current profession. He just hoped he would not regret doing son. Tag Lewis Anwyl

                        the rules of society.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Benedict Bridgerton

Lewis Anwyl and Connor Morrison were... oddly matched, to say the least. The Scotsman was not the sort of man with whom Lewis could see himself becoming friends under normal circumstances, but the mutual friend they had in Dr. Barthélemy meant that some camaraderie was necessary between the two of them. Lewis did have some faint fondness for the man, really; he was brash and a little pompous, but he was fiercely clever, and Lewis could not deny that Morrison was a valuable connection to have. Even if he was not a friend that Lewis would have chosen, he was a friend that the Welshman was rather glad to have, whether he would have liked to admit that or not. 

He was not particularly surprised to hear that Morrison and Bridgerton had met at a party. Morrison, unlike Lewis, was rather fond of parties, and he seemed to have no end of acquaintances and friends he had met at some social event or another. How the man managed to keep all of them straight in his head, Lewis would never know. There was no sense, in his mind, in asking which party the two had been attending when they had met. Some ball or another — they were all the same, to Lewis. "Oh, I did not study in Edinburgh. I attended St. Thomas', here in London. My visit to Edinburgh was conducted after my own studies concluded." 

OWL

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict nodded in understanding as Lews explained that he had studied here in London and had gone after his studies. "I see," Benedict stated, taking another stip of his drink, grateful that he still had some in the glass. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "And so did you, enjoy your time there? Apart from the company," Benedict added with a continued smiling, referring to Morrison as being that company. Going on tour was also a wonderful experience. Colin was set to commence his soon enough and it often proved to be quite an enriching experience. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Benedict enjoyed hearing stories from others of the places they visited, as everyone's interests were different and thus, their experiences. So for as much as Lewis was willing to share, Benedict was of course set to listen. After all, it seemed to keep the man talking as well. Where he had initially dismissed too much talk of his profession, perhaps this would be an easier segway into it, or something. Tag Lewis Anwyl

                        the rules of society.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Benedict Bridgerton

Once again, Lewis felt the rising instinct to seize on the slightest opportunity to turn the conversation back to the subject of anatomy. It would be easy to do so, given the opening Benedict had unwittingly given him; the situation in Edinburgh was even worse than the situation in London, which Lewis could easily begin to explain now. For now, however, he held his tongue. As easy as it would be to turn the conversation back to dissection now, he would likely only drive Benedict away in doing so. He had made that mistake in the past more times than he cared to count. Introducing the topic to men ill-versed in the study of medicine required a bit of finesse — hence Lewis' attempt to tie the matter to art, instead. He would have to wait for a better opportunity. 

For now, more idle small talk. Tedious, but bearable. At least Benedict seemed content enough to keep speaking with him, which was more than Lewis could say of many men to whom he was introduced at clubs like this. Most of them were more eager to get back to their wine and cards than to engage a surly Welshman in dull conversation. "I enjoyed it well enough." It was his natural inclination to leave his answer simply at that, but he supposed it would be better to give Benedict a little more to work with. "Edinburgh is... a very beautiful city. Stunning buildings."

OWL

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict awaited Lewis' response, hoping to hear about the details of his trip . . . yet, the Bridgerton son was learning that Lewis was not a man of detail. His answers were to the point, and some offered a bit more of an elaboration, but nothing overly so. Yes. Benedict was finally picking up on this pattern from the man. Perhaps it was not offense that drove him but rather, the manner of the man. And Benedict was far from judging anyone because of it. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "That is good that you enjoyed your trip," Benedict said, though wondered if Lewis would say whether he didn't. Benedict knew that some remained polite about subjects even when their true thoughts contradicted their words. But in this case, Benedict would go with the assumption that there was no cause for Lewis to lie about it. He commented on the stunning buildings, and Benedict tried once more to discover any of the man's interests that would perhaps encourage him to feel comfortable in conversing about it. "So you enjoy architect then?" Since, Lewis had after all mentioned the buildings . . . perhaps he enjoyed seeing the different structures and appreciated the art of them. Tag Lewis Anwyl Note: MY 100th POST!!! WOOOO!!!

                        the rules of society.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Benedict Bridgerton

How on earth did people make small talk like this for hours on end? Lewis was growing bored already. To give credit where it was due, he could tell that Benedict was really doing his best to carry the conversation well; it was hardly his fault that society had decided that the most acceptable topics of conversation were also the most shallow and mind-numbing. Talking about architecture was better than talking about the weather, he supposed. It could always be worse. 

As dull as he found the conversation itself, Benedict at least deserved some attempt on Lewis' part. Judging by Morrison's animated gestures in his own conversation across the room, he was not likely to be returning anytime soon, which meant that Lewis could not count on a rescue. Better to feign polite interest until he could make his own exit. God, he hated clubs. Forcing a mild, cordial smile, he replied, "I must confess myself rather ignorant of architecture. I admire the look of the buildings in Edinburgh, but I could hardly tell you which was built three hundred years ago and which was built last week."

OWL