Ben-evolence and Apology

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict was rather frustrated in his futile attempts to find this . . . mysterious woman from the ball. It had not been long, but surely, it should not be this difficult to find someone. The only clue he had had also not proved to be the slightest bit helpful. His attendance in social gatherings -- or rather, his eagerness to go -- was solely for the fact, the hope, of uncovering the identity of her. But, it had been to no avail. He was starting to feel less and less hopeful . . . each event proving to be a disappointment and there was only so much disappointment he could bare before he was certain he would crumble. His mother was even trying for him -- subtle as she was -- for it had been the first time he'd expressed any interest, in any woman. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ It was in part -- perhaps largely so -- his willingness to come to a daytime picnic. The weather was quite agreeable and so many from the ton were in attendance. Benedict wanted to start his rounds right away; wanting to search for her, if she would even be here. Would he even recognized her? The fear had crossed his mind but he had to trust his heart. Surely, he would. As he rose from where his family had set up, he told his mother that he would be taking a walk. She seemed to understand so did not overly question it. Nodding, he proceeded to move along the path . . . another family not far and one that caused Benedict to pause. Mostly, out of guilt. After recent realization of her affections -- love -- that she held for his brother, and the fact that he had perhaps embarrassed her at the masquerade, Benedict's conscience tugged at him to properly apologize to her. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Mostly for the latter rather than the former. The former, he was still trying to understand. Trying to determine what -- if anything -- he could do with this revelation. One that remained silent for he had not brought anyone's attention to it. Not even Colin's. It hardly seemed fair to Penelope. Fair. That was something that Benedict knew he too had not been. So it was perhaps the one thing -- the only thing -- that could cause him to digress from his determination and stubbornness to find the masked woman. Penelope Featherington deserved better than how he had treated her. Approaching the Featherington family, Benedict smiled in greeting before walking towards Penelope, making it clear who he was talking to. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Miss. Featherington, I was wondering if you would perhaps like to join me for a stroll?" Yes. He indeed had to apologize for it. His mother surely raised him better than that. Besides, with news now of the woman he was searching for, it seemed to open Benedict up to eager mothers attentions as well as their daughters with the apparent understanding that he was ready for marriage. That he had somehow declared his intentions. Nothing, could be further from the truth. So spending this time with Penelope, would be far better time spent than avoiding their advances and futile conversations, though of course . . . it was not his primary reason for going to her. Tag lennie2 Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[lennie2]

Families of the ton often gathered in the park for picnics. When the evening was not going to offer any large gatherings mothers ensured the day would result in possibly better prospects. Penelope would never claim her prospects were very good but at least the daytime picnics were nicer than the balls, the balls left her so obviously left out from the dancefloor. When the sun was shining on London the ton found its way outside. Unmarried ladies enjoyed chaperoned walks and brought their needlework with them. Even if it was not a ball it was still a show of how very available for marriage you were.

Her mother had had a tent set up and a basket of food prepared and laid out on a soft blanket for the day. Hopefully she would soon spot Eloise in the park and rather than spending the day with her mother she could perhaps get permission to spend a bit of it with her friend. So far she had had little luck in getting away from her mother. Penelope listened with half an ear as Portia spoke while scanning the park meticulously, barking orders at the three sisters on how to behave.

Apparently the food, however, was only for show, judging by the scatching look Portia had sent in Penelope's direction as the latter reached for one of the biscuits. With an apology and regretful look to her mother Penelope pulled back, folding her hands into her lap, eyes cast down. She didn't notice the added presence to their small group before her sisters began to laugh, it was that very particular giggle both Prudence and Philipa had practiced and they both believed would attract more suitors. So far Penelope would say it had not been successful.

Had she not recognised the voice perhaps Penelope would not have bothered to look up. It was not the Bridgerton she had hoped to see but nonetheless she let a warm smile blossom onto her lips as her gaze met Benedict's. "Mr Bridgerton, I hope you're well," she greeted him kindly, her voice full of friendly warmth. She ignored the scoff from one of her sisters, Philipa by the sound of it, and ignored Prudence's glare and her mother's surprised glee. Out of all her family's reactions her mother was undoubtedly the most ridiculous.

The jealousy and the glee, it was all ridiculous. First of all, Benedict would never be interested in marrying her, judging by the way Whistledown wrote about him he simply was not interested in marrying period. Penelope was simply Eloise's friend who he would occasionally dance with and Penelope would remain grateful neither of them every acknowledged how the reason either Bendict or his brothers asked her to dance was because Violet Bridgerton made them ask her. Though perhaps most importantly Penelope knew she could never marry a Bridgerton other than the one she already was in love with, she knew in her logical mind she would not marry Colin either, most likely she would not marry at all, but she would never marry Benedict.

"I would be delighted," she replied, Benedict was not Eloise but, he was better company than that which her mother would be if she said anything but yes to his offer. Standing she brushed her hands over her skirts to smooth out the fabric before ensuring her bonnet was secure on her head. She offered Benedict another warm smile, "shall we?"

tag Benedict Bridgerton .

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Though Benedict did not draw attention to it, he did not fail to notice the reactions from her sisters. It was a shame indeed, that there was such ingrained competition between them. Though, Benedict knew it was entirely unnecessary in this case . . . it was always a shame to see anyone react to someone approaching Penelope with surprise. As if it was not possible. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Though it was his mother who encouraged him to be in the company of those that many did not approach . . . the Bridgertons certainly had a soft spot for Penelope Featherington. Which, only made Benedict feel all the more guilty for his treatment of her that night. Thank goodness Colin had been there. In fact, perhaps it was better Colin than Benedict, considering how Penelope felt about him. Benedict smile as he looked at her mother who seemed a bit too excited. "I shan't take her far," he assured her. He would still to the common path and not stray out of his family nor her family's sight. When Penelope was ready, Benedict gave a nod and began to move alongside her onto the path that extended in the middle of the park. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Truth was, it was rather comfortable to be in Penelope's presence. She was not one that he needed to worry about leading on, or someone who would get the wrong idea. The last thing he wished to do, was to lead someone to believe that he was courting them or that there was any chance of a proposal. Fortunately, he and Penelope need not worry about that ever happening. After all . . . he now knew that he was not the Bridgerton that she desired. "How has your day been so far?" He asked, genuinely wondering how she was doing now that they were out of earshot from her mother and sister's. Tag lennie2 Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.