Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 2:53:50 GMT
I'm not bound by
It had been a matter of days since Sophie had started working as a maid at his family's estate. A position that he had offered to her for many reasons . . . and a big part of it was precisely why it was impossible for him to tear his gaze from her. Whenever she was near, he had to fight to not watch her, as to not draw attention to his . . . well, attentions upon her. The last thing his family needed to be made aware of was that he had developed feelings for her. ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ While he was not ashamed of having them, or feeling this way about her, he knew that his family would not share the same understanding. Nor did he wish to expose such things right now. But, it was not easy. He had been spoiled, having those days with her at his estate where it was just the two of them. A place where they had shared a kiss. And now, they were surrounded. By other servants, by his family . . . the idea of being alone seeming to be an impossibility. ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ But tonight, perhaps he would try. They had just finished dinner and every had moved to the drawing room for conversation. Hyacinth and Gregory were the first to get ready for bed, and their mother was soon to follow. Eventually, each of them faded, one by one, and Benedict purposely remained as the last. But, he did not go upstairs to his room. Instead, he went the opposite direction, going towards the downstairs level of the kitchen to see if Sophie was there. ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ He first poked his head through the entrance, knowing that he could quickly come up with an excuse if someone else was near by. But she was alone. And yet, he waited still, leaning against the threshold of the entrance, just, watching her. When he finally pulled himself out of this trance, and realization came to him that no one else would -- hopefully -- come, he finally properly entered the room, making his presence known. ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ "Sophie," he greeted with a soft smile. Now that they were finally alone after the past few days, he wanted to savor every precious moment. "I came to see--" You. Why was that such a difficult thing to now admit after all the time and moments they shared at his estate? "If you required help with anything." Another odd notion he supposed; for him to be helping her with the expected tasks. And yet, the offer remained. Because anything he had to do in order to spend time with her, he would gladly and eagerly do it. |
the rules of society.
