The Audacity

[Elizabeth Davenport]

She couldn't believe it. The audacity of that man! Elizabeth supposed it shouldn't have surprised her too much. Anthony was known to be caught in his own little world and to not care about those around him, at least not those without the Bridgerton name. After the conversation with Anthony, Elizabeth had all but dragged Benedict off into the music study for a cup of tea. With her maid to chaperone of course, Elizabeth waited until the tea had been served before she picked up her cup and started pacing. "Did you know what Anthony planned to discuss with me?" She asked. Elizabeth took a sip of her tea, not caring that it had not cooled enough to be sipped. But it made no difference for her. Her emotions were all over the place and she knew the only one who could talk her through it was Benedict.

"You should have heard the way he said it. He said that we should get married so that our families could remain united." She scoffed and shook her head. "Can you believe the audacity of your brother?" Elizabeth asked. 

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Tag: Benedict Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict knew he was going to hear about it. The moment Anthony and Elizabeth returned and she pulled him aside . . . he knew. And the first question she asked him made him hope that his response would not cause her further upset. Had he known. "Not with enough time to tell you in advance," he told her honestly, an underlying tone of apology. Anthony had had a conversation with him about his intentions with Elizabeth. It was not exactly the first time someone questioned their relationship, but it was the first time Anthony brought it up in such a way. Benedict had been suspicious, but he knew his brother well enough that there was a motive for asking. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Benedict had to hold back an amused smile and a chuckle. He was unsure why he found humour in this situation . . . but he knew it would only fuel her reaction. "I believe it . . . sounds quite like Anthony," he said almost teasingly, before sobering his expression a little. "Did you accept?" He knew the answer to that but he could not help the tease in his voice, playing along with the situation. His brother could propose but he would not force her and yet . . . if he believed it was what their fathers would wish, then Benedict wondered just how much convincing Anthony was willing to attempt. Perhaps the true implications of the situation had not yet sunk in which, was why he could still make light of a situation that could potentially hold a more serious nature. Tag Elizabeth Davenport

                        the rules of society.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Elizabeth found she was quite surprised that Benedict had known about his brother's plans. He had known and had not advised against it? Surely he would have told his brother that there was no way Elizabeth would accept his wayward proposal. But he sounded sincere that he had not been given enough time to warn her and she believed him, because she always believed Ben. The two had promised long ago to tell one another everything and as far as she was concerned, they had upheld that promise in every sense. Instead of arguing with him, she nearly huffed in annoyance, a very un-ladylike thing, and continued to sip her tea.

She shot him an incredulous look when he asked if she had accepted. "Do you truly think I would be in here discussing this with you if I had?" She asked. "And did you truly not tell him that you knew I would reject such an invitation?" Elizabeth shook her head and rolled her eyes. The whole thing was disastrous but she could tell that Benedict was quite amused by the whole thing. 

The most important part popped into her mind and she whirled on him in an instant. "And you!" She exclaimed. "You . . .  you . . . squealer!" Elizabeth nearly shouted. "You are quite lucky this teacup is full because you know I have a penchant for throwing things and I'd quite like to throw things at you now! I cannot believe you told your brother that I fancied him at one point! How did that happen?!"

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Tag: Benedict Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

This time, Benedict could help the chuckle that escape him, quickly attempting to rectify the reaction by clearing his throat. "I merely wanted to ensure there was no need for Congratulations," he told her teasingly with a continued amused smile. Though when she asked why he had not told Anthony that she would reject the invitation, his answer was honest . . . despite there still being a teasing tone in his voice. "I know better than to speak on your behalf," he told her truthfully. Benedict did not often get involved in such affairs . . . even with his sisters he was not quite as vocal in opposing suitors as was his brother. Such was the same with Elizabeth; he certainly would not speak for her when he knew her quite capable and strong enough to speak for herself. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Had I not thought you capable of speaking for yourself, I would have intervened." For while he may not get involved, he also remained protective of those he cared about and if he truly felt them in a compromising position, he would have stepped in. When she sharply turned towards him, Benedict instinctively grabbed a pillow from the couch he was casually seated on, and held it up as a makeshift shield. He wasn't even certain what she would throw at him. He was just all too familiar with that tone and expression of hers to know that it could very well be coming. When she instead used words, he slowly lowered the pillow . . . remaining cautious as he kept it gripped in his hands. As if confirming the cause for her reflexive action, she spoke of throwing things and being lucky her cup was full. That however . . . may not last long. Nor did he doubt her creativity in finding something in its place. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "For that, I truly do apologize," he told her sincerely. He had felt guilty for revealing this and had rather hoped he would have had a chance to tell Elizabeth of this slip of his tongue before Anthony had mentioned it. "It was . . . I had . . . " Rambling was not a rarity for Benedict in moments such as these. And he knew an honest answer was the only answer. "It was the only way to truly convince him that you and I share no romantic feelings for one another." For Anthony had certainly pressed the issue among his discussion about Elizabeth. And while Anthony was not the first to question this, it was rather evident now why the Viscount and sought proper answer to it. Tag Elizabeth Davenport

                        the rules of society.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

It didn't make much sense for her to tell Benedict about how she hadn't actually rejected Anthony's idea. Mostly because he hadn't actually proposed marriage right out of the gate. He'd merely suggested the idea and after some confusion, things had been sorted and they'd agreed to get to know one another. Elizabeth never lied to Benedict and this certainly wasn't lying. It was merely, avoiding the complete truth. She'd been far too angry about the whole situation in the first place and wanted to berate Benedict for it. She'd wanted to throw things at him and yell at him for telling Anthony about  how she'd fancied him at one point. 

She sighed when he said he hadn't said anything because he knew better than to speak on her behalf. He knew just what to say to get her anger to deflate. Elizabeth appreciated it immensely, as it wasn't something she was given even with her own brothers. That's why she adored Benedict the most. "And you know I adore you for that, but still. Perhaps some insight would not have hurt," she pointed out. Elizabeth took another sip of her tea and narrowed her eyes when he immediately placed a pillow in front of him  for protection.

Elizabeth glared at him while he fumbled over his words. He was trying to come up with an excuse that wouldn't make her throw her full cup of tea across the room at him. "And you could not have said that you simply look at me like a sister? That should have been enough to convince him otherwise! Honestly, Benedict. It's a wonder I tell you anything." She huffed and walked over to the window, staring outside at the garden. The garden she'd just spent time with Anthony in. "Perhaps your brother should focus his efforts elsewhere. I can't imagine any reputable woman overseeing his prancing around with other women. Why accept a proposal for someone who plans to continue having a mistress?"

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Tag: Benedict Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

She spoke of insight about this and well, Benedict of course agreed. "Had I been granted time, I would have given you that. I would not keep this from you . . . nor the fact that I revealed you once held affection for him." He wanted Elizabeth to know that he would have told her about it. The fact that Anthony had mentioned it made the second born wonder how the conversation had gone, and made him hold guilt for any embarrassment she may have felt when it was brought up. When she suggested referring to their relationship as one of siblings, Benedict almost immediately responded. "I did," he insisted. "Many times. But, my brother was not the first to question the nature of our relationship." For it was indeed a unique one and the trust and bond between their families made such moments as this even possible: for the two of them to be alone in a room together, unchaperoned. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Has that reasoning been successful in your attempts to explain our closeness?" He inquired, a nearly knowing tone in his voice. Perhaps women were even more interrogated than men . . . or his family name being cause enough for others to pry into their personal business. His eyes followed her as she moved toward the window, speaking of how Anthony should look elsewhere. "And I imagine you told him as such," he said without thinking too deep into it, for he was of course assuming she had declined whatever proposition of marriage he had made. Benedict also knew he had no business of getting involved where men's mistresses were concerned. "Do you women not say that reformed rakes make the best husbands?" He asked with a bit of a face at the very fact that he was even saying the statement out loud. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "It seems to have worked for Daff." For her and The Duke seemed quite happy with one another. And while Benedict was not attempting to convince her to accept Anthony's proposal . . . he was still his dear brother and she, his dear friend. Neither of which he would speak poorly of. "Anthony would not dishonor you nor your family," he said casually. For ultimately, it would be a great dishonor to their late father as well, having been the one to bring their families together through his friendship with Elizabeth's father. "I am certain that whomever he finds to marry, he would take his duty as husband as seriously as he does that of Viscount." That was all Benedict could hope for . . . and that his brother -- like the rest of his siblings when the time comes -- find happiness. "But alas, it is not something you need worry about any longer." Now that what Benedict assumed was an awkward conversation, was out of the way between them. Tag Elizabeth Davenport

                        the rules of society.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

She had to believe that Benedict would have warned her of Anthony's intentions if he had been given the time. Perhaps that was why Anthony had been so quick to request Elizabeth's company after their arrival. She'd barely gotten a chance to properly greet everyone before they'd been swept off into the gardens for his wayward proposal. Still, she imagined it must have been an odd position for Benedict to be in. He'd never had to chose between his loyalty to his family and his friendship to Elizabeth because the two had never conflicted with one another. "I still don't see how revealing my past affections towards him convinced him there was nothing between us," Elizabeth mumbled, still rather cross about the small betrayal. 

Elizabeth knew that many had always questioned the relationship between herself and Benedict. The two had always been attached at the hip and people had always assumed love would blossom between the pair. But instead they'd formed a familial bond and Elizabeth was quite pleased with her friendship with Benedict. He was, probably, the person she trusted most in this world. Still, he was right. She'd had to explain many times that they were just dear friends and nothing more. Elizabeth did a very unladylike thing and stuck her tongue out at Benedict at his knowing tone. He knew explaining they were like siblings did nothing to quell the curiosity of others. 

"I've never understood where that comes from," Elizabeth said. Could a rake ever truly be reformed? She wasn't certain enough to stake her life on it, that much she did know. Her concern with Anthony was that he would stick to his duty but that his rakish behavior would continue behind closed doors in the most secret of ways. It was not her reputation Elizabeth worried about, but rather, her heart. Benedict had a good point that Daphne and Simon seemed to work out quite well, but Elizabeth was not nearly as knowledgeable about that relationship as Benedict might have been. "I suppose in that instance, you are correct." 

Elizabeth walked over and sat down in one of the chairs, placing her cup of tea on a side table while she thought about his words. Anthony was loyal and honorable and she knew it. But still, her worries would not be quelled without seeing proof of his intentions to get to know her again. Benedict's words of them not needing to worry about any of this caused Elizabeth to pick up her cup of tea and stare very intently at it. She would not lie but did not know if Benedict would simply move on in the conversation, happy to be past it. 

---

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict could see her displeasure at his reveal, and her words caused for further explanation. "It demonstrated that you held affections for another while we were friends, thus, the two of us not having any romantic connection nor commitment towards one another." Nor unrequited feelings. "Had you held such affections for another, then perhaps I would have said their name instead of Anthony's," he told her teasingly, hoping to have her fully forgive him before their conversation came to an end. Benedict nearly rolled his eyes when she stuck her tongue out . . . far too used to such behavior from not only his siblings but from her as well. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Shame you did not do that prior to Anthony's proposal; he would have withdrawn it completely and spared us all of this," Benedict said with clear teasing and playful mockery in his tone. She spoke of not understanding where such a statement came from and Benedict could only presume where it did. "Through experiences, I imagine." He knew of rakes who had become different men after marriage. He just, obviously didn't have the wife's perspective. When she said that he was correct, he slightly raised an eyebrow as he looked at her. He would have further teased her about words of him being correct so foreign upon her tongue but then she was quiet. Very quiet and with her . . . well, Benedict knew something was not quite right as she fell into such pensive silence. "Elizabeth, what is it?" He asked, all teasing absent from his voice as made inquiry as to what was on her mind. Tag Elizabeth Davenport

                        the rules of society.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

She rolled her eyes, accepting Benedict's rather poor excuse for why he thought telling Anthony of her affections was a good idea. She'd always regarded her friend as an intelligent man but this had not been one of his finer moments. Still, it was something she felt she'd hold over his head for a while if only to continue to tease him about it. "Well I shall be sure to keep future names away from you in fear that you'd have a conversation with them," she teased in return, raising her eyebrows and shooting him a pointed look. She ended it with a knowing smile, signaling to him that it was all in good jest.

Benedict's comment about her sticking her tongue out to Anthony made her quickly grab the small pillow next to her and chuck it across the room at him. "Ah yes, the Viscount cannot have an improper wife, now can he?" She teased back, laughing lightly. 

He caught onto her quiet nature and she cursed their close friendship. Benedict knew how to read her life a book. She pursed her lips together before setting her tea cup down again. "Well he did not outright propose," she began, looking down at her hands. "And I was quite cross with him for suggesting such a thing and we had quite the spat over it, but I cannot simply move on from it, as you might have suggested." Elizabeth shot him an uneasy smile. "There is a chance I might have agreed to get to know him while we are in the country. Away from all the silly promenading and prying eyes of the Ton." Elizabeth sighed and slouched in her seat.

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Tag: Benedict Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict knew she was teasing with her threat of withholding information from him. He cast a sarcastic smile her way in response, slightly shaking his head. "I would greatly prefer if you and my brother leave me out of your . . . private affairs." His words held the same teasing. Though there was some truth in the last thing he wanted, was to be caught in the middle between the two of them. Today, proved such an example where his brother had asked him information and now he had to answer for what he had said. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He would have perhaps gone on to say more but at that precise moment, Elizabeth threw a pillow at him. Rather pleased with himself for being prepared, he held up the other pillow as a shield, causing the one she threw to bounce off of it. Peeking over the top, he started to slightly lower it as she teased about Anthony not having an improper wife. "Though come to think of it, such a gesture would deter any suitor should you wish to continue to discourage them." Fully aware that his teasing remark may warrant another hurling object -- potentially something harder -- Benedict continued to clutch his makeshift shield in his hands . . . just in case. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ It was her next words that caused him pause, staring at her, slightly raising an eyebrow as she explained that Anthony did not propose and that . . . she agreed to, get to know him. Benedict remained silent for a few moments, processing the information before he just started laughing. "Dear God, Elizabeth are you telling me that you agreed to Anthony's suggestion to . . . what, court you? With the clear intention of potentially wedding?" That was, certainly not expected. "And here you were, claiming to me that your affections for him remained solely in the past," he continued to tease, clear amusement evident in his voice and upon his features. Tag Elizabeth Davenport

                        the rules of society.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

His request to stay out of her private affairs only caused Elizabeth to shoot him a knowing look. "Oh would you now?" She asked. "I shall remember that next time I hear something particularly interesting that you'd like to know." Not that she thought Benedict was a big gossip, but the two of them did get quite a few laughs out of things Elizabeth learned during events. She chuckled and nodded her head as he made a good point; if she were to appear improper then other gentlemen would likely cease to show interest in her. That was all fine for Elizabeth, but she knew how it would make her family look which was precisely why she had never actually done such a thing. "Only if we can think of something that would not send my stepmother into a fit, should she find out," Elizabeth said with a grin.

Elizabeth awaited his reaction to what she said. She wasn't sure what she had been expecting, but his laughter wasn't one of the reactions. Elizabeth frowned and her face grew quite cross at Benedict's words. She wasn't really mad at him, but rather annoyed with him laughing at her. "Well what am I meant to do!" She huffed, throwing her hands into the air. She threw another pillow at him, hoping he was far too distracted laughing to be able to dodge her yet again. "They are in the past," Elizabeth assured him. "But you are forgetting that I will have to marry someone and I love your family as much as my own. As vexing as I believe your brother to be, it isn't the worst I could do." Anthony's reasons weren't completely offensive. He wanted to honor his father's wishes and he needed a wife eventually. "I must realize that I will never get the love match I have desired," Elizabeth said with a sigh.

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Tag: Benedict Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox