Anatomy and Artistry

[Lewis Anwyl]

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

Lewis could not really claim to identify with much of what Benedict was saying about his own interests in art. He was certainly capable of appreciating the beauty of a fog rolling in at dawn or the swirling dust in rays of sunlight, but he had never felt the urge to try and capture that beauty with paint or charcoal. He dabbled in drawing on occasion, but that was only ever to add a sketch of some muscle or bone to his notes — he would hardly presume to call that art. 

Nevertheless, he listened politely. After the patience Benedict had shown him, that was the least Lewis could do. Clearly, art mattered a great deal to Benedict, even if he seemed rather embarrassed to speak of the hobby. Truth be told, Lewis was rather curious to see some of the man's artwork, if only to see how Benedict approached his studies of the human form. 

There again was that sheepishness. Odd, Lewis thought, in a man of Benedict's standing. It was almost... endearing, to some degree — or, at least, it made Lewis like Benedict far better than the men of a similar class who boasted of all their endeavours as though they were God's gift to mankind. There was a humbleness that Lewis respected, even if it seemed rather strange. Lifting his shoulders in a shrug, the Welshman replied, "I think you are too harsh on yourself. Believe me, Mr. Bridgerton, I would rather hear about your interest in art than about the fourth country estate a baron has purchased."

OWL

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict's smile remained, though became a more relaxed one as Lewis told him that he was being too hard on himself, saying he preferred this subject rather than the boastful ones of other gentleman. Lewis certainly would not be the first to tell Benedict that he was too hard on himself. The Bridgerton hurt it from many a people: Henry, Eloise, Connor . . . would that Benedict only be of the mind to believe it. Perhaps that would help his art to flourish, the moment he was out of his own head.Over thinking it too much, judging it too harshly and . . . being far too detailed in his critique. Perhaps the day would come indeed. "You would not be the first to tell me as such," Benedict told him honestly with a smile, his words also holding appreciation towards Lewis for the . . . encouragement, perhaps he could call it. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "That is a relief to hear," Benedict began to tell him. "That we are of a similar mind in that certain, common topics of conversation among gentleman surely are . . . perhaps a touch too boastful for our liking." It was in part why Benedict did not frequent the club as much as his older brother did. Of course Benedict enjoyed gentleman gatherings but at the same time, it could be too much. He much preferred when there was activity involved . . . be it fencing, horse riding, boxing . . . something to help distract and not let the entire conversation center around a man's wealth and material achievements. "With that in mind, I find our conversation to be most refreshing. So I thank you for that." For Benedict wanted Lewis to know that the feeling was mutual; and that he would rather hear about Lewis's tellings of anatomical histories, rather than estate purchases and the like. Tag Lewis Anwyl

                        the rules of society.

[Lewis Anwyl]

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

Lewis decided, firmly, that he liked Benedict Bridgerton. He had not liked many people to whom Connor had introduced him, especially in places like this; more often than not, they turned out to be precisely the sort of men that Benedict had just derided. Rich men seemed capable only of talking about how rich they were, which wore incredibly thin after the first fifty variations Lewis heard on the same story. No one here had anything interesting to say — they were all focused entirely on making themselves seem as impressive as possible to their peers, and their very attempts to do so made them all sound precisely as bland as everyone else. 

Benedict, however, was earnest in a way that Lewis had not expected. He found himself almost smiling. It was certainly not much of a smile by most standards, but even a hint of one was more than Lewis usually displayed. "It is I who should thank you, Mr. Bridgerton. I confess, 'refreshing' is... not what I expected this conversation to be, when Morrison first introduced us."

OWL

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

To hear the man return the gratitude was most . . . kind. Yes. Perhaps that was the best word to describe it, and Benedict found himself flattered that he too thanked him for such a conversation, and that Lewis had appeared to be enjoying it. Such was a relief to the nobleman . . . especially as he knew all too well what Lewis had touched on before. Some nobleman, whether conversing with those of equal or lower ranking, often had a way to speak only of their gainings and accomplishments, hardly paying attention to others and their work. Those who were not of like mind found such conversations to be tedious, and painful. Fortunately, this had been neither. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Besides, it had been Lewis' passion for his work and interest that drew Benedict to the conversation and topic, more so than the actual content itself. Not that it wasn't . . . interesting. The second son could certainly say it had been enlightening in ways he had not expected. Benedict let out a small chuckle at Lewis' honestly, glad for it. Grateful for it. "I imagine not," he accepted. Being a Bridgerton, and one of the more notable families of the ton . . . Benedict could only imagine what Lewis may have assumed. Though seeing that opinion shift and . . . the almost smile that formed on the man, Benedict was reassured. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "You must have thought I would be among the worst of them," Benedict said with clear amusement, welcoming Lewis' continued honestly for he would take no offense. Worst of them, referring to being among the most boastful gentlemen of the ton. "But I am glad to hear otherwise, Mr. Anwyl. For a man who holds such strong passion in a field of his work or interest, is always welcome company." Speaking aloud his earlier thoughts that he enjoyed the zeal in which Lewis had spoken about subjects that, well Benedict was presuming were not exactly commonly broached among many outside his medical field. Tag Lewis Anwyl

                        the rules of society.

[Lewis Anwyl]

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

Lewis could not stop a faint flush of embarrassment from stealing across his countenance. In truth, he had made assumptions based on Benedict's family name. He liked Anthony well enough, but the two things he knew about the Bridgerton family in general were that it boasted both considerable wealth and a plethora of siblings, and he had thought it strange enough that one man from such a family could prove to be bearable company. He had presumed that Anthony must be the odd one out. It made sense that the eldest sibling would have to be presentable and likeable, for the sake of the family's reputation; Lewis had never paused to think much about the other siblings, but he had made the unconscious assumption that they must all be just as intolerable as most of London society. 

He was pleased to find himself proven wrong. Not a sentiment he would have expressed in most situations, but in this case, he would make an exception. He was not so enamoured with the idea of being right that he would cling to a low opinion of Benedict. 

"You are kind to say so. I'm afraid that is not a sentiment that many of your peers share." Most people found a way to hastily excuse themselves from the conversation as soon as he dared to even mention the word 'dissection.' 

OWL

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict could not resist a smile that came upon witnessing the flush of colour that touched Lewis's cheeks. A bit of embarrassment no doubt, for Benedict's remark on what Lewis must have thought of him prior to meeting him. Usually, Benedict's reputation was hardly specific he imagined. He was merely, a Bridgerton. Number two. Assumptions made of him as they were of all nobleman. Where his brother was a Viscount, and each sibling held their own identity . . . he often held none. So perhaps it was why Lewis's words meant a great deal more to him than the other may realize. It was touching, to know and hear that he could have formed an opinion of Benedict that wasn't laced with disinterest. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Benedict's smile remained, giving a nod of understanding upon hearing Lewis speak of how many did not share such a sentiment. "It is truly a shame for them," Benedict told him, sincere in his words. "For engaging in such diverse topics is truly enriching and enlightening." Because it went beyond the confines of what others may deem acceptable or expected. Benedict liked that. Learning more of this world where there were indeed no confinements . . . where they could just speak freely, unguarded. It was liberating. It felt as if Benedict was able to breathe in a populated for the first time in a long time, even if said population was among Granville's home, or in this case, an acquaintance of Connor's. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ It certainly beat the population at balls, and extravagant events where Benedict spent the time dodging eager mothers, and being told to dance with Wallflowers by his mother. "Perhaps Mr. Morrison made introduction with that in mind; that we both enjoy conversation that perhaps steps outside the societal confines of expectation." Clearly, Morrison knew that about Benedict considering where they had met. And it was rather clear, that Connor knew Lewis well enough to know that much about him. Tag Lewis Anwyl

                        the rules of society.