A Discussion With the Viscount

[ali]

    There had been many nights where Sophie had dreamt something like this. In her dreams she saw something like this, somehow in some way being pulled from her life by the masked man she had danced with and lead by hand, gently into his. For so long she had brushed it off as nothing but a fantasy, and it was, but reality, though she had suffered years of hardship was far more beautiful than any dream she had found- Benedict Bridgerton had been. Never could she have imagined that they would have come back together like they had, nor had she imagined that when they did and when he knew who she was, he would marry her. He wanted her to and in no time at all she would be his wife. As if that was not enough, she now had her own clothes and more being made in preparation for the wedding, her own room, things that belonged to her- and further her own wedding to plan. Things were getting stranger and stranger. 

    That being said, there certainly were nervous moments- This evening being one of them. As much as she loved Hyacinth and Eloise, as well as Lady Bridgerton, she had not had much of an interaction with any of the other Bridgerton siblings. There were going to be questions raised about her and she was not so sure what they would think on her status or lack of a dowry, but with Benedict's hand holding hers she felt just a little more confident. At least when it came to all but the oldest Bridgerton. Where she was certain that she had made a good impression on Violet, she was hoping to do the same for Anthony and that... well she was not sure that thus was accomplished just yet. As nervous as she was, it might have to be a personal conversation between the pair of them. 

    Bringing Benedict's lips to her hand and squeezing it tight before letting go, she smiled kindly at the oldest brother, hoping her nerves did not fully show in her eyes. "Viscount Bridgerton? Might I take you away from the talk briefly before dinner to have a word?" 

Tag : ~Anthony Bridgerton~
Note: Hopefully this is alright! Let me know if you would like me to change anything!! 

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: ali
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony was rather unsure about this entire . . . arrangement. It was no secret that the eldest Bridgerton was rather protective -- to say the least -- over each and every one of his siblings. Benedict was no exception, and so now learning of this engagement that he had with a . . . maid, certainly raised a lot of questions. A woman who worked in their household who now, would be joining the family. Yes. Anthony was very uncertain indeed. Conversations full of concern with his mother had followed the announcement, as did conversations with Benedict.

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But in the end, it seemed that they would be going forward with it. Flashes of Colin and Marina filled Anthony's mind and in the end . . . she had only sought to use his brother for security and trap him into fatherhood. Fears of using his other brother was set in his mind now. Was she with child? Did she seek only to elevate her rank? The entire match was very, imbalanced so it would seem. And yet . . . there was a claim to love.

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It had been perhaps what won over his mother as well as her knowledge of Sophie. And Anthony knew of love, having married Kate because of it as well. He had nothing against Sophie. She served them well, his sisters adored her . . . it was now that there was such a personal relationship with his brother, that raised too many questions in the Viscount's mind. But he had been rather silent on the matter in group conversations -- for the time being. Even now, when the room filled with conversation among the family, he did not overly contributed. It was not until she said his name and asked him for a private conversation did he slightly raise his chin.

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The room fell quiet for a moment. Well, he could certainly credit her with courage, for not everyone would seek a private conversation with the Viscount knowing how he was. He eyes briefly went to Benedict for a quick moment, fairly certain that there was a silent plea there and he could practically feel his mother's eyes upon him too. As well as a subtle warning look from Kate. But still, he remained stoic, giving a short nod of his head as he rose to his feet. "Let us go to the study." He led them out of the room and towards the study where he allowed her to enter first before following. Apart from his desk, the other side of the room had a couple comfortable chairs with a small table in between.

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He did not however close the doors. He left them open for her own comfort and to remain proper. Although, he did expect that no one would be on the other end, so he ensured that as he sat, his line of sight was able to easily see the ajar doors. He knew he already perhaps brought her to a space of . . . less ease than the familiar comfort of a casual sitting room.

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This was his study -- having once belonged to his father -- and previously, she had no reason to be in here before. Until now. "What is it you would like to speak about Ms. Beckett?" As a maid, she was Sophie but now that position had changed, so he felt the need to use a more . . . formal name. Also, allowing her to take the lead in this conversation. Certainly he had much to say, but it would be impolite to attempt to dominate the conversation when she had so bravely asked for one.

[ali]

It was a a strange feeling that had been in her chest these last few days. She was happy, happier than she had ever felt in her entire life. After all of this time she never thought that she would find herself here in the position she was in now, and yet there was something just slightly off. It was nothing about Benedict and nothing about his assurances either, they did help or rather he did, but not fully.



Nothing against any of the Bridgerton’s- They were lovely, welcoming, the girls treating her as though she had always been part of their family and from what she could tell, in support of their union, but Sophie knew how this might be viewed. The last thing she wants to do is cause a scandal or leave the family with unanswered questions or any doubt on who she was and her intentions. A conversation needed to happen. There was no better time to have it than now.



Perhaps it might have been a brave thing to do, but it was also a necessary one. Even if she did not ever turn what she assumed Anthony thought of her around, she did not want to enter this family on any ill grounds, nor cause any tension with Benedict and his older brother. Furthermore, she would hope it was customary to talk to the head of the households upon entering a family, but with all of the rushing around to prepare for the wedding, there simply had not been time.



Though the smile on her face was mostly gone, there was still a softness to her face, carefully moving into the room, taking it in, but not sitting down just yet, waiting to be invited, trying not to fall into her head at the shock and still confusion about the new term. She… was still not certain about how she would adjust to that- the new formalities of this rank, but that did not matter. Not to her. It was Benedict, her love that did and nothing more. Everything else would be learned with time and for now, what mattered was making her intentions clear.



“Sophie is quite alright.” That is as a good place to start. “Forgive me for my boldness and for taking you away for a moment, but I simply feel that there is plenty to discuss, much of it being something that we should have talked about sooner, but with the rush of these affairs I did not know of when else we might be able to talk until now.” Her words were slow, paced with caution but not at all practiced, leaving her almost wishing she had written this all in ink and then read it over and over until it clicked in her head. “I know there is many things that I find myself wanting to know and questions that I wish to ask you, but further I assume that you might have more to ask than I.” If she had not been so nervous, she might have made some joke but for now, she could not.



Eyes falling to the ground for a moment before casting back up to look at her soon to be brother-in-law, Sophie tilted her head just a bit, trying to think on how to explain this without making herself sound like a problem. “I will do my best to answer any questions-“ Or concerns, though she didn’t say that. “You might have.”


Tag : ~Anthony Bridgerton~

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: ali
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony motioned for her to have a seat, assuming this would not be a brief conversation. If he was under the belief that it was, he would not have taken her to an entirely different room, nor would he imagine she would have asked for a private word. She told him that Sophie was fine and Anthony just gave a nod at that. It felt odd, to refer to her so casually when . . . he was aware that his family had been doing so considering she'd been a maid for them. His knowledge of her was no so great. His interactions with her more limited than that of his mother and sisters . . . and clearly Benedict.

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He remained silent, allowing her to speak as he listened attentively to what she had to say. "Yes," he began to agree. "It does seem as if quite a bit happened in a short period of time." Agreeing with her speaking of the reason they had not spoken sooner . . . rush of these affairs. Before their announced marriage, last he had heard was that she had been arrested. She continued to speak of having many questions, and also acknowledging Anthony's own questions that he must have.

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He did indeed have quite a few, and yet none immediately came to mind right now. He knew, it would be most improper to just blurt them out. Despite her status of being a former maid . . . she was soon going to be a Bridgerton. His sister in law. But that did not mean trust for her was instantaneous. Hell, he had been such good friends with Simon for so many years and the moment he saw the man's hands upon his sister, he was willing to shoot at him.

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Anthony let silence linger once she finished speaking, knowing it did not do much to ease the flow of conversation, nor appear less intimidating as he had interpreted his mother's look before departing the room. But, as Anthony previously silent acknowledged, he had to choose his words with care. "Forgive me then, for being direct," he began to say, knowing he'd have to watch his tone. With a man, it was different. With a woman . . . he had to be more careful.

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"But I do question your intentions." Obviously, they were to marry his brother, Anthony was no fool, and so he continued on. "It is no secret that my family has been on the receiving end of . . . questionable suitors." Nigel, Marina . . . though the situation with Marina was foremost on his mind. Because she had lured Colin and used him and his name, to secure a father and position for her unborn child. And, it had all happened because of hasty decisions.

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That entire scandal was no secret as it had been published in Whistledown's column, and the only saving grace of it was that it did not create any sense of belief that Colin was aware of Marina's condition. "And my mother and brother are set to pursue this union, hastily." And Anthony did not like that it was happening so quickly without taking the time to properly assess the situation. Or, to allow him to take the time to properly assess it. "But I for one, question the reason and need for such haste." Without directly accusing her, he let it be known that he did not approve of this happening so quickly.

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Just as he had not approved of it with Colin, and once again, Anthony had been proven right in that situation -- which did nothing to ease his confidence in such matters. So yes, without directly accusing her, he brought up both the subject of intentions and cause for a rushed wedding . . . allowing her to response where she saw fit. Should there be the need to be more direct, Anthony would not shy away from it. He merely hoped he did not have to be so . . . blunt. Or at least more blunt than he already was being.