Ben Looking For A Way Out

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

It had been a couple days into the festivities hosted by the Bridgerton family at Aubrey Hall, and Benedict . . . had been trying to make himself scarce. Well, as scarce as one could when part of said family hosting these events. But fortunately, he was not his brother. He was not the Viscount, and thus, was able to fade into the background a little more easily. Between Anthony having to appear front and center as host, and Colin being Colin flirting with women . . . Benedict was able to remove at least some attention from him. But unfortunately, it would not last forever. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ It had started with a simple conversation among a guest . . . and before he knew it, two other mamas had joined in and then suddenly, before he could get a word out, they were eagerly getting their daughters for him to take on a garden tour. How the hell had that even happened?! He just stared at them, trying not to let his mouth hang open as he watched them gathering their daughters. Their, eligible daughters of whom Benedict had no interest in. The day was beautiful and so a garden stroll did indeed sound lovely, but certainly not like this. His eyes eagerly scanned the crowd looking for someone . . . anyone that he could use as an excuse. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Then he saw it. Or well, he saw her. One of the most beautiful sights that would surely be his savior! His immediately began to approach her, not looking behind him to see if the other women were ready for that would appear rude. He was trying not to run for that would arouse suspicion, but there was an eagerness in his steps. "Sister!" He greeted with a smile. "I was thinking of going for a stroll in the garden," he continued. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ The garden was indeed large enough so to continue his attempt to dodge not only mamas now, but their daughters too. "Would you care to accompany me." His eyes slightly widened, his smile in place though forced. He had never been skilled in keeping his expressions subdued, often over expressive. "Please," he added, an underlying tone of desperation as he was already extending his arm for her to take. Surely, Francesca would be his savior today . . . even if he had to somehow bribe her to do so. For he only had mere seconds before he would be found and it would all be too late. Tag @francescab Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Deleted]

Frannie had not been to many of these society events but today she was here and already a bit overwhelmed as she surveyed the group. More and more people seemed to pour into the room by the moment and she noticed that her brothers were quickly surrounded by anxious young ladies and their mothers. Hiding a smirk she quickly started to walk towards the gardens.



She was half way out the door when she heard her brother and then felt his arm pulling her with him. She was not sure whether to pity him or laugh so she chose the latter. Letting out a soft peal of laughter she glanced over at him.  Benedict, you are already looking for an escape.  You will disappoint Mother!  She wants you or Anthony to marry this season!  She told him with a look of pure amusement on her face.

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

She was enjoying this and had Benedict not been in such a desperate state of relying on her, he would have given her a look. But instead, his expression remained the same as she teased him about mother wanting them to marry this season. Yes. Their mother was rather eager for it. "Then it is most fortunate I have an elder brother who can bare the responsibility first." Just as he did everything else. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Besides, Anthony had declared his intentions to marry and Benedict had . . . not. He shifted closer to her and dropped his voice so that it was lower. "I will give you anything you want if you give me your company for the next . . . half an hour." At least. He just needed to get into the gardens with someone impossible to marry. A sister was the best choice indeed! Tag @francescab Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Deleted]

Frannie wanted to laugh again but she could see the desperation in him so she only nodded with a smile playing on her lips. Taking his arms she walked out into the gardens.  You need not beg anymore, I am at your mercy for as long as needed brother.  You know I would do that and much more for you.
As they walked she glanced over at the others here.  Why is it that marriage to women seems to be longed for whilst you men want to do anything to escape it?  Don't you want to have a partner to share your life with?  She asked him speaking softly and discreetly.

I have heard what that Whistledown lady has written about you, you and Anthony are the most eligible bachelors this season.  Are you worried that you won't find a lady you can love?  She looked up at him with innocent eyes.

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict immediately relaxed, inclusive of his expression, his shoulders . . . every part of him as he walked towards the gardens with Francesca at his side. "And I you," he told her, strong sincerity on his tone and his smile which now was far less pleading and more at ease. "Though now that you have offered, perhaps I will take you up on it and keep you in my company for the rest of the week," he said jokingly. Well, somewhat jokingly. The thought was indeed a tempting one. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Though her next question paused these thoughts and instead, reflecting on her words. Her, rather wise words. That should hardly surprise him though. He was rather aware of how his sisters -- and younger brothers -- were wise beyond their years. The perspective of marriage certainly different between men and women. Men, who did not yet wish to settle on a single woman -- though such men often took mistresses. Then of course there were those who longed to be with the one they loved, eager to start a life together. And of course, there were others who let a moment of lust leave the woman in a compromising position and giving them no other alternative. Ironically, much like what had happened with Daphne -- a fact not well known to all. Realizing he'd fallen into a contemplative silence, he turned to Francesca as he spoke. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "More often than not, men do not yet wish to carry the responsibility," he told her. For with marriage, did indeed come the responsibility of a wife, and children and all that followed. Though, Benedict supposed that was not his reason for not wishing to marry. And as Francesca remarked, Whistledown had reported on their eligibility. At least she did not seem to be too unkind to the second Bridgerton son. His head turned forward to the path in front of them, though not looking at anything in particular. "I have not met someone that I wish to make happy." He wondered if that made sense, the simplicity of the words carrying a larger indication. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He was no expert on the subject of marriage, having obviously lacked that experience but he liked to think that he would know when he was ready for it -- that he would feel it when he met the right person. He had come rather close to it, but never anything that moved towards such a commitment. "I suppose that when I do meet such a person, I will want to spend the rest of my life with them. And that the fate of marriage, will not be one I am so eager to avoid." He had not formally courted women knowing the whispers that would arise with that. So Benedict preferred to remain that question mark of uncertainty as to what where his intentions were, so long as they remain consistently honorable. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He scoffed a little at his own words, knowing that they were sure to sound absurd. "I am quite certain that sounds rather ridiculous," he said in a self deprecating. Unused to the focus being so much on him, he decided to shift the attention. "Do you hold such a worry, of not being able to find someone you can love?" He asked her, turning the question to learn of her own thoughts. She was only a couple of years away from her own season -- unless she delayed as Eloise did. So he wondered, if she feared such a thing, or that men were so eager to avoid falling into such a fate of marriage. Tag @francescab Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Deleted]

Frannie laughed and shook her head at her brother when he mentioned keeping her to himself for a week or longer.  Mother would have both our heads if we ignored the rest of the world for that long.  She smiled brightly enjoying spending time alone with him for she knew that he would one day marry and leave their family home as Anthony and Daphne had done but she dreaded the thought.  It was her safe place, their home with all of them around her and the thought of leaving them made her sad.  

When Benedict opened up about his thoughts she listened intently glancing over at them as they walked.  So you are saying that while us ladies look on marriage with eagerness, men see it as a burden of responsibility, I had not thought of it that way.  Hmm, that does make perfect sense.  To ladies, marriage means security and a change to start a family while men must provide that security and provide for that family.  Her face became thoughtful as she pondered over this.  I have heard it said that when you met the one, you will just know it.  I hope that is true.  Maybe you will find her when you least expect it.

She gave him a look when he asked if she worried about finding someone and she gave him a solemn look.  Doesn't everyone worry about that?

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict smiled with amusement as she spoke of having to deal with their mother's wrath should he keep her company for too long. It was true, for he knew he would get the brunt of it for their mother would know it was his idea . . . as he had more of a reason to avoid the surrounding company. "And yet you continue to make it sound so tempting," he teased, though not entirely without truth. He then listened to her summarize his words, adding to them with consideration of the facts. "Indeed," he said in agreement. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "And unfortunately for women, time is far more limited than that of men." Benedict of course recognized the gender differences that existed in society, much in the same way he recognized the class differences. And both held their own injustices. He voiced it where appropriate, but also knew that some aspects of this mindset were not always welcome or accepted among the ton. "The pressures and burdens, though they differ in both genders, exist none the less." When it came to marriage. To societal expectations. And this, was something that Benedict knew he was deviating from more and more. Accepting social norms and fitting into polite, upper society. It was her last question that captured him however. For the answer should be a simple yes. That this was something that everyone should seek. Yet, his mind went to Henry Granville and the arrangement he had with his wife. His mind went to men he'd heard at clubs speak of convenient marriages. Speak of their mistresses. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He couldn't imagine such a thing; being married and yet, not devoting oneself entirely to their spouse. Yet, nor did he wish to corrupt Francesca's thinking or expose the minds of men. He could aid in protecting her against such men of course, as was the duty of any brother . . . but to tell her of such things, may be a bit too premature at her current age. "Our mother and father were quite a perfect example of the happiness that marriage can bring to ones life, when with the right person." He liked to think that it would be as Francesca said, that he would know when he met the right person. When he least expected it. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "I imagine you shall carry on this family tradition." As Daphne had -- even if there was more to the initial reason of their union. The scandal had been born of desire after all. "Perhaps," he said with a smile, grateful and touched for his sister's encouragement. He did not imagine to find it among the noblewoman here. A bit cynical perhaps, but of all Benedict had met, he had yet to find one that made willing to embrace the mere notion of marriage. "As I do not expect to find it here. Nor among the women I was told to escort to the gardens," he said, revealing his reasons for wanting to escape with Francesca. "I would much rather spend such time with my dear sister," he told her with exaggerated praise, yet praise none the less. Tag @francescab Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Deleted]

Of course it is tempting!  Remember how much fun we used to have when it was just us, just our family.  We never had a dull moment.  I do miss that now that we are all grown and must marry then leave.  Never again will we be able to be quite as carefree as we were then.  She grinned at her brother and thought back on the past.  Being a member of a large family such as theirs had always meant that one could never be lonely or alone for that matter.  Eloise in particular sought to be alone but most of them had never longed for that.  They all sought the comfort and companionship that their siblings provided.  I hope one day to gather all my children as we used to gather, such fun times we had.  Now that Mother is a grandmother I think those times will be even more eventful.

Frannie nodded as she listened to him.  It is amazing to realize how different the roles of men and women are, I had never thought much about it till now.  I hope that some day a lovely lady sweeps into your life and you fall so madly in love that you will turn around to sweep her off her feet as well.  She smiled at him then laughed as he teased her.  You must not tease so,  you would rather spend time with than.... the lovely Featherton sisters?  I have heard much from Lady Whistledown about their colorful frocks.  Does that not draw your interest brother?  She started to immediately tease him back with a playful smirk on her face as she glanced over at the ladies here.

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict thought fondly of the memories Francesca spoke of. How true it was. They had such a happy childhood -- with the exception of the tragic event, overcome with the love of support of all the Bridgertons. The house had always been chaotic, but full of joy, laughter . . . occasional tears . . . and so much more. "You are quite right," he agreed with her. "Sometimes I do miss those carefree days." Where responsibilities were different. The expectations were different. But now, they were all starting to move on. Even just this past little while with Daphne married and out of the house, Fran having been gone for a few months, and Colin having traveled . . . it truly did feel odd for not everyone to be under the same roof. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He smiled at the image she created, speaking of gathering all her children and allowing them to experience the joys they had whilst growing up. "I am certain there will be no shortage of children in the next generation of Bridgertons." Daphne had already had one, and Benedict imagined it was just the first of many, or at least a few. "I imagine we will all make a solid effort, to come together as often as able and allow whichever children the family is blessed with to experience the joys we had growing up." Benedict knew that their family was identified as a prolific one; a different, unique family with a unique dynamic. And he would not have it any other way. He smiled with amusement as she spoke of a lovely lady coming into his life and falling madly in love with her. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ It sounded like a fairy tale indeed, though Benedict's mind did not rest intently on the possibility. There was far much more he wished to experience, having only recently been introduced to a different side of society he had so often been sheltered from. "Well, I thank you for the encouragement and rather ideal scenario," he began to say. "But as you may very well experience such a love before I, you will have to let me know if it is well worth it," he said with teasing playfulness. Though, it was not too far fetched to think that she may wed before him . . . considering his lack of intentions as of this moment. But he supposed it was as she had said: it could happen when one least expected it to. Benedict's smile faded and he made a bit of a face at the mention of spending time with the Featheringtons. The expression more in the same playful manner as his words. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He did quite like Penelope. His mother often encouraged him to dance with her at events -- as she often pushed him to be in the company of wallflowers. He supposed that most in his family were rather fond of the youngest Featherington sister. It was their mother that proved to be a presence to avoid. "Should I speak to either of the elder ones, it is with certainty that their mother will expect me to court and propose within a few days time," he commented, only half kidding. Poor ladies. He did feel bad for them, as they were indeed beautiful in their own right and . . . mostly pleasant. Though his interactions with Prudence and Philipa rather limited. "Eager mamas are truly more terrifying than any vibrantly blinding fabrics," he murmered, though certain that his sister heard him. Tag @francescab Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Deleted]

Frannie smiled as she continued to think of times past and hopefully of many future ones to come.  The thought of gathering any new family that they acquired was exciting.  If each of them gained a spouse and even had only one child their numbers were going to grow greatly.  Now you have me wondering what the next generation of Bridgertons will be like.  Simon and Daphne have one but I am sure that they will have more.  Anthony and Kate, I cannot wait to see what the little ones turn out like but I think that Mother must hope that they will all be born of love.

When she said that she thought of all the many tales they had told her of their parents and she wished that she had more memories of their dear Father and she knew that Mother must still miss him daily.  Wait you think I might marry before you?  Surely not when half of the ladies here are vying for your attention, the other half is looking towards Anthony.  She teased him but to her point she looked up to see the ladies near them casting many a glance at her brother.  I am rather fond of the Featherton girls, I think that Lady Whistledown is cruel to them for no good reason but their Mother does not help their cause at all.  She seems to be content to push them into the arms of any gentlemen passing by.  If you were to grow fond of any of them I would welcome her to our family with open arms.

She smiled at the other ladies as they passed by and then she stopped to linger by the roses, their sweet scent made this her favorite part of the garden.  I wish that they had a brother like mine to care for them,

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict smiled at the thought of more baby Bridgertons coming into the world. It had been quite exciting indeed when Daphne and Simon brought a son into the world; the first child that allowed the siblings to be aunts and uncles, and their mother a grandmother. "We have been quite fortunate to grow up in a home full of love. I imagine this is yet another tradition that will continue on." Because it would seem that they could not accept anything else . . . that they were far too used to such emotions. Though, Anthony perhaps claimed to remove love from any union . . . he still hoped his brother would come around. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He supposed, they all did. For the notion of love was one that -- as Francesca and he had previously discussed -- they all longed to find. Benedict couldn't help a slight chuckle when she questioned as to whether he really thought she would be married before him . . . speaking of women vying for his attention. His gaze followed her to make eye contact with the woman in the appropriate distance. He gave a polite smile and nod in greeting, not letting his gaze linger for it could be mistaken as an invitation to join them. Which, he did not want. At all. So he averted his gaze back to his sister. Truth was, Benedict was rather unused to such attention. Not that he had never had it, but being the second son and in a position that was rather . . . unimportant as deemed by society, he was far more accustomed to just, being. Struggling with his own identity. Deeper thoughts that went beyond a few women looking his way. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Which is precisely why I intend to make myself as scarce as possible," he said, having dropped his voice to barley above a whisper, divulging his plan to his dear sister. Not that it was an incredibly secretive one. "Just wait until you are out, Fran," Benedict continued with a clear tease in his voice. "For then, you will fully understand what it is to have such attention upon you. Desired or not." The idea of men courting his younger sister was always . . . unsettling, wanting the best for her. But alas; Benedict at least coped with it far better than their eldest brother. And, it was one of those inevitable situations. He listened as she explained of her fondness of the Featherington girls. Benedict certainly agreed with her, that their mother did them no favours. Though Benedict's smile fully faded as he now took the opportunity to give his sister that look. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "I am sorry to disappoint dear sister, but that will hardly be a likely circumstance." Surely, he would have known by now if one of them was . . . the one. But apart from their mother pushing him to dance with them, there was hardly any love between them. "I do wish them well and hope that they find well suited matches. But, not enough to offer my hand should they not." Dear Featherington daughters. They truly did deserve better. Far better. "Is there a reason you say that?" He suddenly asked. "Is mother attempting some ploy of matchmaking?" Bloody hell! Surely not with one of the Featheringtons . . . or anyone else for that matter. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He supposed if anyone was to know, it was his sister. Having been in close contact with the female guests. He paused when she did, keeping his back to well, anyone else around them. Avoiding eye contact was the best way to avoid company. He smiled softly when she spoke of having a brother to care for them. "Should you require me to act in their interests as one, I would do so." For you. The unspoken addition of the words. Though he knew that himself, Anthony and Colin did feel a sense of . . . protectiveness over Penelope and the Featherington ladies. Not only because of their mother, but also because of their sisters being friends with them. Tag @francescab Note: Better layout coming soon!

                        the rules of society.

[Deleted]

Frannie perked up at once when he mentioned that newest Bridgerton.   Oh yes they have added one but my bet would be that is not the last, I know Mother hopes so as well.  If you think she is overbearing with matching us with partners I believe she will do that same for the grandbabies as well.  She smirked playfully at her brother and nudged him.  You know she will be expecting tiny Bridgertons from you too, now I know that you will be a wonderful father and husband but you have to believe it yourself.

She realized how serious she was being and she quickly quieted down but she watched him eyeing the ladies around them.  You are hopeless as Mother says, you take this too serious.  Look at them, they are all watching you.  She peeked around them and then giggled.  I doubt that it is me all these ladies are looking at.  If I have more than one admirer I shall be a happy girl.

Frannie's frowned for a moment.   I do not worry for myself, I have you, Anthony and Colin to look out for me but the Featherton girls...  I worry for them.  That awful Whistledown is always speaking so cruelly of them.  Their mother seems not to care at all, she makes them wear those awful dresses and their father doesn't care at all.  Would you think it awful to consider one of them to marry?