beauty in the eye of the beholder

[Benedict Bridgerton]

Tag: Sophia Beckett

i' m    n o t    b o u n d    b y 

THE RULES OF SOCIETY

Work had been difficult to come by. It was no easy task for a man of lower standing to be commissioned to do portraits of more notable families. But he had started to receive work . . . and there was hope that flooded the young artist. Hope, that perhaps he could indeed make a living from this. If not, then he knew he would have to find another trade. Yet this was his passion, and he aimed to give it all that he had before closing the door on it forever.

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There was promise however and with his most recent client, he hoped it would bear more fruit through word of mouth and exposure of his work. He struggled with accepting his talents but alas, he had to at least try. Once he arrived at the estate he looked at it in awe. It was perhaps the largest estate he visited for work . . . and suddenly, his heart beat heavier in his chest. The butler greeted him and escorted him to the room that he would be painting him. Furthermore, he informed him that he could set up. Benedict gave a nod and took off his hat, setting it to the side as he began to take out his brushes and palettes, waiting for the family to join him in the room so that he could see the subject of his canvas.

[Sophia Beckett]

Sophia stood there while her maid dressed her in the dress her step-mother had picked out for her to wear for the painting her father wanted done of her. It was not faltering, but she knew better then to argue. In truth, she was just excited about getting her first painting done!

Once she was ready, her step mother took her toward the room with the best light. Sophia walked in behind her and looked for the painter. He was young! That surprised her. She had expected an old man who might have been closer to her father's age. However, this man was still in his prime, and handsome too. It made her smile softly as the last part of her thoughts crossed her mind.

Meanwhile, her step-mother was giving directions. She wanted something proper, and to make Sophia look pretty. Sophia did not miss the way her step-mother said to 'embellish' the prettiness. You see, Sophia was a reminder that her father had married before her step mother. In front of her father, her step-family was nice but distance. However when he was away they were less so. Sophia was not bothered. She knew that soon enough she would be married and away from this.

When her step-mother left without introducing them (as if she either did not see the need, or did not see either of them important enough to introduce) Sophia took a few steps closer. "I'm Lady Gunningworth." Daughter of the Earl of Penwood. Though he already knew that, and Sophia did not think it necessary to re-inform him of that.

_{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 was not sure what or who he had been expecting to see . . . but when she stepped into view, he was awestruck by her beauty. It was true that women of nobility were quite beautiful -- any man would notice. But with her, it was a different extent of beauty all together. A feeling that her mere presence seemed to inspire within him and, Benedict could simply not explain it. Realizing he was just staring, he quickly cleared his throat and politely smiled.

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"It is truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lady Gunningworth. I am Benedict Bridgerton." Wanting her to know his full name so that she may know who was capturing her beauty on a canvas -- though, that may seem to be impossible, even if he was the most talented artist in the world. Taking a few steps towards the backdrop, he waited for her there, knowing that he should remain at a respectful distance though planned to help position her -- at least verbally -- when she was came. "Is there anything in particular you would like to convey in this portrait?" He asked, wondering if she had a preference as to the mood of it, the expression, the purpose. The more information he gathered, the more he could do it justice. Though, he knew full well that seeing her now . . . he would need no further inspiration.

[Sophia Beckett]

Sophia watched him as he gave his name, and found herself with an easy smile at the name he gave. She knew that in her world, one of rules and nobles, that he sounds has introduced himself as Mr. Bridgerton. However, she liked that he gave his name. That she knew something about him, that she shouldn't have known right away. Even if it was just a name. "Mr. Bridgerton," Benedict. She repeated in acknowledgment.

He moved over to the area where he would world, and Sophia trailed slowly behind him--mindful to keep the proper distance--while also looking over the area. "Convey?" She asked with open curiosity. "I was unable aware that paintings did such a thing." She had seen paintings of people but they always looked . . . stoic. Her father always looked as he did. Still and powerful, and untouchable.

Sophia had ended up near where she imagined she was supposed to sit for hours, unmoving while he painted her. She turned to look at Benedict. She knew better than to call him that aloud, but her mind enjoyed it. It was bold, and daring, and a small rule she was breaking--if only in her mind.

The light was toward her, which was put in in partial shadow, but she still could see his face. "How does one convey something in a painting that does not move?" It was not condensing, but curiosity, and a little bewilderment that was in her face and tone. She honestly wanted to know.

_{Tagged: Benedict Bridgerton}