Maid For Each Other

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Tonight was a very special night, for many reasons. Benedict and Sophie had managed to sneak out of the house, for he had invited her to accompany him to one of Granville's parties. An outing together, where they could link arms with one another and simply, be together. It was a rare occurrence, even though Sophie now worked as a maid at his family's estate. To be alone with her, and avoid suspicion, was no simple task. But tonight . . . he would be taking her to a place where they could walk arm in arm and not face the judgement or fear of discovery. A safe haven within the walls of Granville's home. And that, was another reason that made tonight so special. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Benedict would introduce Granville to Sophie. Henry was so very near and dear to Benedict's heart and he wanted him to meet the woman that Benedict loved. He wanted Sophie to know this part of his life that he had never shown anyone else. And with that in mind, Benedict couldn't help but feel a bit . . . nervous. The infrequency of this, of bringing someone to Henry's home, of making introduction between them, of the intimacy of all of this . . . yes. It made the Bridgerton nervous. But excited at the same time. Benedict had explained to Sophie, brief snippets of what to expect. That these parties were not like the typical ones hosted by high society. They were more, liberating. Freeing. And that she would see things that were hidden from public for a reason. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ As they approached the house, now standing outside of it, Benedict turned his head to smile at Sophie, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before raising his other to knock at the door. Lucy was the one to answer and they were both greeted by a smile. As yes. Benedict had met Mrs. Granville upon his very first visit here and the events of that night . . . were best left undisclosed. After all, he did not want to scare Sophie away. But at the same time, knew it was very important for him to show her this part of his life. This part of who he was. Lucy motioned to where Henry was and Benedict's smile grew, holding Sophie's hand and leading him towards the male host of the party. "Granville," he greeted as they neared him, Benedict glancing at Sophie to ensure she was not too shocked by the sights around them. Tag bunny & ali Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[ali]

    Sophie should have felt extremely , having been to many parties like she assumed this one could possibly be and she had seen many things in her life, though she could not find it within herself to be. This wasn’t like those parties. She did not have Benedict there at those affairs and further she would not be working. She was in one of the finer gowns that Lady Bridgerton had passed down from her daughter’s, dressed to the best of her ability, though it mattered little. What mattered to her was that this was something that was important to Benedict and so this was something that was important to her. That and the idea of being at this party as a couple… It was like the masked ball three years ago once more, only something about it seemed more real. There was no hiding now, not there. And that was wonderful.



    If she would not have been concerned with anyone who might have been passing by, Sophie is sure that she would have been skipping, but she settled for toying with Benedict’s feelings as they walked, making small comments about things that she noticed as they walked by only to fall silent as they reached the door. She responded to the squeeze with a smile, squeezing his hand back before looking to the door. The woman who opened it was greeted with a polite bow of her head and the gentlest of smiles, letting Benedict lead the way as she took a look around the home. The guests, the rooms, looking out for what Benedict had told her about prior to their attendance.



    Out of all the parties she had served for this was by far the most lively. So many things were happening at one time, too many- Sophie hardly able to keep track of them all. In one room people were painting, in others well… doors were being shut so she could hardly catch a glimpse of what was going on. It was only as Benedict spoke that her gaze tore away from the wall and looked ahead instead at the host. The same greeting that she had given the woman at the door was given to him, a smile and a polite nod. It was not until she had smiled at Benedict, though, squeezing his hand in silent reassurance that she was alright. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Granville.” It was better to remain formal, at least for now, not wanting to push her extended invitation too much, wanting the friends to talk before she said too much.

Tag : ~bunny~ & ~Benedict Bridgerton~ 

[bunny]

"AH, BRIDGERTON!" Henry calls out when he sees him, throwing up his hands. The people near him shout with glee at Benedict's entrance. "Now the party can truly begin." He grins, approaching Benedict and his lady friend. Granville is mostly clothed as opposed to other parties, so the night must still be young. He wears his ruffly shirt opened with his gold waistcoat and trousers, but potentially all of it will be gone by the end of the night if Henry has anything to say about it. 

But that is for later. This is now. He shakes Benedict's hand enthusiastically with both hands, giving his arm a few pats, before he turns to Sophie. Henry takes her hand and moves to gently kiss it in greeting. "The pleasure is all mine, my dear. Might I have the honor of knowing your name?" He brushes his thumb along her hand before gently releasing it. "And please, call me Henry within these walls. We are all friends here."

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton & ali

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict smiled widely when Granville greeted him, prompting a few others to cheer as well. The Bridgerton son chuckled, waving his hand to them and knew that he would have to properly greet them later. It was here, at Granville's parties that Benedict felt as if he had developed some form of identity. Developing ties and finding his place in society . . . perhaps in this world. A lesson further strengthened by the woman who's hand he now held. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Benedict released her hand to greet the older male, one hand shaking it and his other hand resting on Henry's forearm for the duration of the greeting. "I see we are still early to it," he commented, upon Henry saying that the party could not truly begin. Benedict was of course referring to Henry's state of dress. He had not quite yet fully immersed himself into the events of tonight. It would seem, the night was still young. Benedict let his hands fall to his side thought instinctively, one gently moved to rest upon Sophie's back. A natural gesture despite the infrequency of it in the presence of others. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Henry asked her name and Benedict's bright smile remained. It seemed impossible for it to fade with the two current people standing before him, finally meeting. A strong pride and honor that he had both of them in his life. Letting Sophie answer Granville's question, he went on to agree with the other male in reassurance to Sophie. "I quickly learned here that there are no formalities. No titles needed or facades to maintain." That they could just truly be themselves. That they could breathe, free from society's suffocating expectations. He wanted Sophie to experience that as well; the freedoms that came within Granville's home. Tag ali & bunny Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[ali]

    The shouting at first took Sophie by surprise, but a moment after it only causes her smile to widen slightly, excitement growing just a little in her as well as further comfort. Her shoulders relaxed and her gaze moved upwards to the others. It was too soon to say, she knew that, and yet she could already begin to see why he had found so much comfort in this place. The people seemed kind and welcoming, excitable, though for what she was not certain but she looked forward to possibly seeing why. Her attention centered in on the two as they introduced themselves, though, somehow untensing even more.


    Was it possibly for everything to suddenly feel so raw, real, and eased simply at a new location? She did not find it so, but she was further proved incorrect at Lord Granville’s state of dress, the cheering around them, and even Benedict’s hand on her back. There’s something that is grounding by it, by how smoothly it moves rest there. It should not bring her as much joy as it does, or perhaps it was a good thing that it did, but Sophie feels herself momentarily filled with a new confidence that she had not felt in some time, if ever. It reassures her more than their words do, and even as the gesture of him kissing her hand feels strange, like it should be reserved for nobility alone, she finds herself thankful and beaming. “Henry.” She repeated and corrected at once, making a note to herself to avoid using proper titles through the rest of the evening. 

    Introducing herself, though, she was further not used to. There was so many names that she could choose, part of her wondering if she ought to give a fake name just in case this man was a friend of her stepmothers who would reveal her to be here in London. Benedict, though, trusted the man, and so Sophie did as well, “Sophia Beckett is my name but I prefer just Sophie.” For a moment she thought to cutesy or bow her head, but she held back, remembering the pairs words. “I’m very thankful for the extended invitation and glad to be here. Benedict has spoken about you and these parties many times before this evening. I’m excited to see it for myself .” She had no expectations, but that was a good thing, or perhaps the best thing. It meant that she could exist in the moment, with him. That should prove to be a fantastic time indeed. 

Tag : ~bunny~ & ~Benedict Bridgerton~

[bunny]

"INDEED." Henry agrees, smiling at Benedict so warmly, letting his gaze linger. "I did not lie when I said you are the life of the party." He speaks lower before his attention is once again on Miss Beckett. Sophie. "It is truly my pleasure, Sophie. Ben has spoken about you, but only in mysteries -- for he thinks he is clever. I have been eager to finally make your acquaintance." He looks between them curiously, trying to figure out how much Sophie does know about these parties. Though the night is still early and on the tamer side, he does not wish to completely scar the young woman. Though, if Benedict has trusted her to bring her here, then he believes she would enjoy the night's activities. 

"Can I get you both a drink? As a matter of fact, why don't you two follow me?" Henry nods at the people he had been speaking to before ushering them both into the study. Henry goes to pour them both a glass of some kind of punch -- there's liquor and sweetness in it, and Henry has found himself rather found of the concoction. "Have you given Sophie a. . . preview of the night?" He asks, glancing back to them. "Things will get rather wild. I feel as though I should prepare you -- as a good host might." He offers the glasses out to both of them. "There will be lots and lots of fornication. That's usually where the night ends. If you are uncomfortable at any time, call for me, and I will right the situation."

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton & ali

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

It seemed impossible to stop smiling, as Benedict watched the introductory exchange between the two people he cared about. Benedict returned Henry's gaze as he looked at him, and dropped his voice, saying that he was the life of the party. Benedict was unsure he could ever grow too used to the man's kind words. Never taking them for granted, and them always meaning a great deal to him. He had never been one to be the center of attention, nor anyone of note in his family of eight other siblings. But here, he felt a sense of belonging. He felt he had some semblance of identity . . . and it made him all the more appreciative that Henry brought him into this world. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "You flatter too much," Benedict said with a continued smile, his tone teasing but also true in that the praise was always appreciated. Even when Benedict felt he did not do enough to deserve it. Benedict chuckled when Henry told Sophie about how he had spoken of her. He knew he had been rather, cryptic. For talking about the woman that he had developed deep feelings for was not easy. Especially as he kept it from his entire family. But fortunately, there was no need to keep it from Granville. The man more than anyone, understood relationships that went outside the expectations of society. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Benedict nodded as he followed Henry to where he led, the younger male's hand still on Sophie's back as they made their way through the crowd. Benedict gave polite nods and greetings along the way to those he recognized who frequented such events, though he was glad for the quiet moment with the three of them once they entered the drawing room. Benedict took the offered drink, giving thanks. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "I did, not go into too much detail. Only that these parties certain allow for many liberties to be taken, and there is no judgement nor confines here." As he took a sip of his drink, Henry explained that there would be lots of fornication and Benedict nearly choked on the beverage, eyes slightly widening. He . . . wasn't even sure why. He knew that it should be expected, and he was even grateful to Henry for preparing her. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He was right indeed of course . . . and perhaps it merely served as reminder of what Benedict did his first night here. Wild nights indeed. Clearing his throat he placed a smile back on his lips, having been looking at Sophie to see what her reaction would be to this . . . revelation. "There will be no expectations nor pressures for you to partake of course," he quickly added. He knew by her innocence that she was a virgin. And Benedict certainly did not want to make her uncomfortable in the slightest. Nor did he want her to think that that was the reason he brought her here. Should they share such an intimate time together in the future . . . Benedict would ensure it was special. And in a more . . . private setting. Tag ali & bunny Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[ali]

    Hearing that the other man had spoken of her should not have come as such a shock, but she still found herself rather surprised and flattered. She did not even know how to respond other than grinning more, her fluster finally winning her over as the softest of pinks filled her cheeks. If there was someone to talk to, she would have perhaps talked to someone about him, but there was not anyone there for her other than the man who stood at her side, and talking about her own ever growing emotions to the one they were about so directly would be strange say the least. It meant that he was close to Henry and that filled her with joy.

    No word or response other than a nod was uttered before Henry led them forward, her eyes not on either of the men but either scanning the scene of the party, looking for familiar faces and remaining hopeful that no one would know her here or vice versa. So far it seemed that everything had been quite alright and so she remained at ease, taking the drink with the softest of smiles and her own thanks. It was only when Henry spoke and then Benedict responded that she thought to speak, lowering her own glass to talk.

    Little Benedict knew yet of her identity, of her knowing him and so perhaps he might find her lack of fear of him taking her here for the mere purpose of fornicating. She knew him and she trusted him, that one night they had spent at the masked ball oh so many years ago though it felt like it was simply yesterday. Even so, Benedict’s words brought her comfort, Sophie looking at Henry, then Benedict, then the scene as she raised her cup to her lips, taking a small sip before speaking, eyes locked to Benedict’s. “I know.” I trust you, words left unspoken though she hoped that he knew them in her gaze or in her closer step.

    “Though I have never attended these parties as a guest and have not attended this one, I do know on these parties and what I might see." Her words attempting to soothe both of the men by her. "I appreciate your warning, Henry, as well as your words. I hold as little judgement for anything that might happen as others. And no fear" Her last party was the only thing that would provide the slightest bit of nerves, but she feared not as Benedict was here. "I may not participate in these... other activities, I do intend on being a guest here and celebrating." Whatever it would be. Drinking. Gambling. She was not sure and simply excited to find out.

Tag ~bunny~ & ~Benedict Bridgerton~