Back At It

[Elizabeth Davenport]

It was strange to think about how much a person could change in a year. Elizabeth wasn't sure she had ever been excited to enter into her first season. Going before the Queen and letting her judge Elizabeth based on the perfect curtsey or making sure that a hair wasn't out of place. Marriage had always been something Elizabeth dreaded, far too close to her family to want to leave them. Then her mother had died and she'd been able to skip her first season to enter into the year of mourning with her family. Elizabeth wasn't sure she had ever cried that much before or locked herself in her room like that. The only saving grace was being able to retreat to the countryside to their Estate; Elizabeth's favorite place. 

The letters from Benedict were eventually answered, once she was able to pull herself from her room. Elizabeth wasn't the best at writing letters but for certain people she always made an exception. She'd been looking forward to seeing the Bridgerton family for a while, a little sad that their annual week of activities in the countryside had been cancelled to allow the family to finish the mourning.

Everything else had been a blur. Being presented to the Queen. Getting ready and walking inside for her first event. Everyone was there and everyone stared wanting to see who was showing up and who was approaching the right people. Elizabeth stood with William at her side and her father at the other. She tried to put on a smile but she felt it falter as she looked around. She didn't want to be here. She didn't want to do this. Elizabeth felt a little bit of panic begin to rise in her chest. Her white dress felt incredibly tight and all she wanted to do was get out of there.

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Tag: Benedict Bridgerton 

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

As each season came, his mother's insistence intensified. Fortunately, it was not only targeted towards him, but also -- and perhaps primarily -- his elder brother. Of course, Anthony had made no declaration of his intention marry . . . and neither had Benedict. That however, did not deter their mother nor other mamas from broaching the subject. And balls such as these was the prime environment for such conversations to take place. Benedict supposed that once Daphne came out, the attention would be shifted towards her but until then . . . Benedict took advantage of his position as second son. After all, the title of Viscountess was far more tempting for mamas and their daughters, so he knew that it was times such as these that his position blended him in the background. Well, as much of a background as Bridgertons could remain. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ So upon arrival, Benedict swiftly parted ways from his mother's side. He often spent time in these events conversing with Wallflowers -- something his mother had instilled in her sons -- or spending time with those that would not inspire gossips and talks among the ton -- Lady Danbury being most favorable company. However, the arrival of another family captured his interest as his eyes laid upon the three of them. He had not seen them since the tragic loss of the marchioness, and friends with her daughter . . . immediately prompted Benedict to approach. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "My Lord," he said, lowering his head in respects to Charles, then greeting his son before he lay his eyes upon Elizabeth. He knew his dear friend well enough to recognize her expression, to know that this was perhaps the last place she wished to be. After a brief exchange between the men, Benedict finally asked what was on his mind. "If I may, I would kindly ask your permission to escort Lady Elizabeth around the room." Despite their close nature, Benedict was not one to overlook formality, politeness and basic respect when it came to spending time with one of his closest friends. After all, he had sisters himself and knew that he would hope for the same courtesy. Tag Elizabeth Davenport

                        the rules of society.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

By some strange magic, her saving grace appeared in that moment. She heard his voice before she processed his appearance. His deep tone sent a wave of relief over her body and Elizabeth smiled at her dearest friend. No doubt he could see that she was struggling. Benedict had always been able to see through Elizabeth in every way possible. He sought permission to escort her around the room and her father easily obliged. Anyone else and he might have looked to Elizabeth for confirmation but there was no one more he trusted with his daughter than someone of the Bridgerton family. 

Elizabeth looped her arm through Benedict's, placing her gloved hand on him in proper form as the two walked away from her father and brother. "You have impeccable timing," Elizabeth noted, her tone low. No doubt everyone would be looking at the girl whose mother had died and stalled her entrance into society. Elizabeth was less inclined to share her conversation with Benedict with the rest of the room, so they usually spoke in hushed tones. "I wish to be anywhere but here, but I'm sure you've become aware of that." A soft sigh escaped her lips as she offered polite smiles to those she made eye contact with. "Tell me, how have you been?"

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Tag: Benedict Bridgerton  

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Upon approval of his request Benedict gave a nod of gratitude as his arm looped with Elizabeth's and they made their way through the crowd. A small smile crossed Benedict's features as Elizabeth spoke of his impeccable timing as well as wanting to be anywhere but here. "Yes, I presumed as such," he said with a teasing tone, similar lowered vokume, words meant for her ears only. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Though I must admit my own selfishness," he began to say. "For while I know you do not wish to be here, it is truly wonderful to see you." He had of course missed his dear friend. And while he knew her feelings towards the social season and her now being out in society, he would do what he could to support her . . . or at least be there for her. "I've been well," he answered, far more concerned with her well being. "And you? How have you and your family been?" During these difficult times was the part of the question left unspoken but perhaps understood. Tag Elizabeth Davenport

                        the rules of society.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Thanks goodness for Benedict, Elizabeth was sure of it. He knew her so well and appeared to always help her when she needed it. Perhaps it was one of the reasons the two were such good friends. His teasing tone seemed to put her at ease, if only slightly, and Elizabeth returned his smile. "I've missed you as well," she replied, even though he hadn't said it in the same words, she knew what he meant. It was difficult for them to go long periods of time without seeing one another and letters could only do so much. 

His question was one she heard over and over again. It was, of course, the polite thing to ask given the circumstances but it did not make her less tired of question. "I'm alright," she confessed. Benedict would be the only one to get her true answer. Everyone else got that she was holding up just fine or something else that society would expect her to say. "Everyone has been taking it differently," Elizabeth said. Emily was openly still distraught over her mother while her two brothers remained stoic. William tended to venture off in the evenings and she could only imagine what he was getting himself into. She worried the most about her father but she hadn't been able to get through to him and knew it was an unlikely outcome. "Truthfully, I thought this would give me something else to keep my mind occupied but I fear it has not helped much. I just feel far more pressure than I imagined," she said.

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Tag: Benedict Bridgerton  

credit to Laura of Adox