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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
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Nobleman
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euphoria
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 31, 2021 17:21:50 GMT
I'm not bound by Oh how he truly hated to worry Eloise with this. Had his own lodgings not been too far on foot, he would have gone there instead of coming here. Not wanting to lie to her, but also not wishing to worry her any more than he had already done, he tried to quickly determine how best to respond. "Nothing of great importance or sentiment." Some money. His silver pocketwatch. It was all material and replaceable.
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He supposed that in that regard, he was quite fortunate. If it resulted in walking away with these injuries, then he should perhaps count himself lucky. He nodded in acknowledgement and relief when she said that they were all sleeping. "I may remain at my own lodging until these wounds heal." It would not be terribly uncommon for him to be gone for the night or to spend some time at his own residence. It was better than causing distress among his mother and anyone else. "It will hopefully only be a matter of a few days." For he also knew that it was only so long that he could get away with avoiding a ball or other grand event during the season.
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Leaning over, trying to fight the pain from appearing on his features from the movement, he reached for the cigarette from Eloise, taking a slow puff of it as she spoke. "Unfortunately, I did not see a face. They were well concealed." All the more reason they probably left him alive. "I am uncertain if there is a need to report this. I do not feel as if I have any helpful information to offer." The less of an issue they made this, the better.
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When she asked where he was hurt, he turned to her, offering a small smile. With his free hand, he reached over and covered hers as it gripped the swing. "I am alright," he told her softly. "It will just take time to heal," he assured, handing her back the cigarette. If he did indeed have a cracked rib as he suspected -- though he was no doctor -- then perhaps a bit longer than he anticipated. "I am sorry to have caused you worry," he added.
Tag authorflies Note: ommgg Protective!Eloise is the best!! I LOVE IT!! Poor girl is so worried and Ben is just feeling guilty for worrying her!! These twooo! <3!!
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 30, 2021 22:28:42 GMT
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 23, 2021 14:49:21 GMT
I'm not bound by It was quite nice to see the young lady not take offense to the collision. Some would have perhaps been rather . . . offput by his apparent lack of awareness of his surroundings. Others, may have tried to use it as a reason to speak to a gentleman -- or a Bridgerton in his case. Though, she did not seem to fit either and for that, Benedict was quite relieved. His inner thoughts further confirmed when she admitted to not knowing his name as they had not been introduced. Further relief spread over him upon the reveal that they had not meant which saved him any embarrassment in not recognizing her.
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"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Ms. Erwood." He knew the family name -- and was fairly certain he'd met her brothers -- but as previously established, he had not met her before. Perhaps this was her first season . . . not that Benedict was arrogant enough to believe he knew every young woman in the ton. "Benedict Bridgerton," he introduced with a smile, as he bowed in greeting and purposely leaving out any title from his name. He was after all, the second son -- a term he rather loathed when used negatively. "I hope I did not keep you from something or someone when our paths collided," he said -- and asked -- with a light hearted tone, though meant the words in case her chaperone was looking for her.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 23, 2021 14:27:22 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict smiled with amusement and disbelief when she claimed that she had no secrets. Even in a household of 8 brothers and sisters -- some far nosier than others -- Benedict had no doubts that they all had their fair share of secrets. Except perhaps the youngest 2 though their time would surely come.
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"I truly doubt that," he told her with a continued smile. "The secrets part that is. I do not doubt your inability to find sleep." Otherwise she would not have come into his room to begin with. Though her next words prevented him from further teasing her about the entire thing as she offered a glass of milk in exchange. "As you are the one sleep eludes, I feel you are perhaps in need of warm milk more than I. If you would like some company while drinking it, I can certainly offer that." He paused for a moment with a bit of a smirk. "Absent any more teasing or mockery from my end," he promised.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 21, 2021 2:21:23 GMT
I'm not bound by the rules of society. Though he had started a tease and she continued it . . . the content of conversation was sobering him beyond the ability to tease. Which, did not happen often between them. But what else could be expected as his mind was catching up to what she was saying. What she was suggesting. "No, you haven't," he said in a more serious tone. He of course was not accusing her of lying by any means when he disputed her words of having thought of all the implications; of what she would be giving up.
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"For if you did, then you would recognize that you have nothing to gain in this . . . arrangement." She would be giving up the chance to fall in love. To . . . to have children. Benedict's mind was suddenly racing with everything that this could mean. She spoke of sacrifice and while she said it in a way to convince him that this was a good idea . . . he could only think of all she would be sacrificing. Not gaining. "You deserve far better than what I can . . . " Give her, which was really nothing. "That what you . . . " Are even suggesting. "Than me." He finally corrected. Because this, would not be the marriage she deserved. Not even close.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 21, 2021 2:05:45 GMT
I'm not bound by Her initial one worded answer was enough to indicate the seriousness of the situation. Her eyes were red and tears stained her cheeks. Elizabeth was not one who got this upset often, so Benedict's heart ached for whatever pain she was feeling that promoted such a reaction. He remained silent, allowing her the space and time to continue without prying or asking more questions. And when she started to explain what happened . . . it all made sense.
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Benedict knew that an arranged marriage such as this was Elizabeth's worst nightmare. To be trapped in a union with a stranger that would compromise her happiness and time spent with family and friends. As she finished, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, passing it to her before responding to her revelation. "Will he not be persuaded otherwise?" He asked. "Perhaps there is still time to appeal to him so that you have say in this matter." If she had overheard him, it meant he had not yet told her so . . . perhaps there was hope. "Surely, your father would honor such a promise he made to you." For a man should be one who kept his word, in all matters.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 21, 2021 1:56:11 GMT
I'm not bound by "You." This time upon her response, Benedict paused his sketching for longer as he raised his gaze towards her and . . . started laughing. She was telling him not to be daft and, how ironic it was for she was making such an amusing jest. But then . . . she kept talking. Kept explaining and Benedict's laughter started to ease until it was silenced. Left was a less than amused expression as his eyes ever so slightly widened, watching her as she seated herself across from him. He took in her tone, her expression, her demeanor and . . . "Dear God, you're not actually kidding." She was serious. He wasn't even sure he had fully registered the magnitude of what she was saying. The implications. The surprise of it just took him over.
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"Elizabeth," he began to say, sitting in an upright position so that he was seated properly across from her. "While I am flattered that I may very well be the first man you have ever proposed to, please tell me you are just practicing for another in which case, I would very much like to know the gentleman's name." Because . . . surely, she was not serious. His words held a bit of a teasing tone because deep down, he knew that she was. And his trying to play it off, perhaps was just a form of denial in his state of surprise that she would suggest such an arrangement. As he somehow and somewhat acknowledged . . . the full extent of what she was saying had not quite processed in his mind.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 21, 2021 1:39:46 GMT
I'm not bound by Leaving the Bridgerton estate was truly such a mission. It was why occasionally he would rather stay as his bachelor lodgings in the city. Though he adored his family, trying to repeatedly explain to Hyacinth why she could not go with him was a rather tedious task. He finally managed to make his exit, aware that he was running late and hoped that Elizabeth would not mind. They were to meet for the afternoon though when he arrived at her home, she was not where expected to receive guests -- though with the frequency in which the Bridgerton and Davenports visited each other, they were well past guests.
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Benedict was assured she was home so while someone said they would check her room, Benedict said he would wait for her in the music room for if she was not in her chambers, then the next best place he could guess she would be, was there. And while his prediction was correct, something felt . . . off. He lightly knocked at the door though it was open, so that he would not startle her. Yes, something was definitely off indeed. "Elizabeth," he began to say and he started to approach her. "What's wrong?" They were well passed pleasantries and Benedict did not want to waste any time with them. He'd rather know what was causing her to be so seemingly . . . down -- if that could be the right word to describe her current state or mood.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 21, 2021 1:24:04 GMT
I'm not bound by A comfortable silence filled the air and Benedict took the opportunity to practice his sketching. Inspiration often came to him in full force and he supposed . . . no, he knew it was because of the very person who often inspired him, only this time in a far deeper way. The nature of his relationship with Henry was of course a secretive one, though Elizabeth had found out and much to Benedict's relief . . . she did not seem to treat him any different. So such moments of comfort and peace, were not ones he would take for granted.
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Elizabeth then suddenly spoke of marriage, of them getting married and Benedict paused the stroke of his charcoal for the briefest of moments, keeping his gaze on the paper and then proceeding to continue his drawing as he responded to her statement. "Very well, I shall play along," he began to say. "Who do you propose to marry?" He questioned. "For it would be far easier for you to wed than I." Since, a marriage to a man was not exactly possible . . . which only caused Benedict to wonder what trail of thought in her mind had led to such a statement. One that he clearly was not taking seriously . . . and one that he quite clearly misunderstood.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 21, 2021 0:28:47 GMT
I'm not bound by Evading his mother was certainly a skill . . . one that Benedict felt he was improving with each passing ball or grand event he was to attend. Tonight's, was no exception. From the moment they entered, he could already see it in his mother's eyes. Scanning the room, encouraging him to approach the Wallflowers and dance with them. But Benedict made a swift leave from her side; being the second son did after all have its advantages. And fortunately, Colin was far more agreeable.
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Never the less, as Benedict made his way deeper into the room and thus, placing more of a distance between him and his mother -- as well as the young woman she was talking too -- he was determined to keep such distance and perhaps find refuge standing by the drinks. Or being in the company of one who would not stir gossips among all the mamas. Or perhaps -- "Oh my word, I am so sorry I wasn't....I was distracted." Benedict had bumped right into someone having not looked where he was going and instantly felt guilty for it. Even more so that she was the one who was apologizing first.
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"The fault rests with me," he told her with a smile as he properly looked at the young woman -- her words indicating that she was a bit flustered from the collision. "My sincere apologies," he added. "Are you alright?" He further asked with a continued smile and an underlying tone of concern. Fortunately he was not holding a drink -- yet -- otherwise it may very have well spilled on her dress. And Benedict had enough sisters to know what a disaster that could be. Though as he looked at her, he realized that he was not quite sure who she was.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 18, 2021 2:09:54 GMT
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.
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"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.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 18, 2021 1:47:57 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict quietly took in Henry's confirmation of when they would meet again, adding that it was suitable and that . . . he would have Benedict's favorite tea. It hardly came as any surprise for Henry was one of the most considerate people he knew. But . . . he also did not want to inconvenience him. And yet, any such remarks that Benedict could say in this moment seemed futile. Useless. Irrelevant. "That is . . . most kind of you." A stupid thing to say perhaps but it was all Benedict was able to bring to voice, still too overcome with emotion from their entire reunion. As he tried to keep his gaze from watching Henry ready himself, Benedict did the same, running a hand through his hand and adjusting his coat.
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He gave a nod when Henry suggested that he go first. Benedict was even less of a mood to return to the crowd but with his family present, it would only arouse concern and Benedict wished to avoid any such attention placed on himself. He turned to leave, taking only a few steps before pausing to turn his head to the side, only partly looking at Henry. "It is good to see you, truly." Words stated early in what could be considered as a generic pleasantry. But Benedict wished for Henry to know that he meant it. That it was and always would be good to see Henry . . . no matter how much it hurt at the same time. With those words, he made his leave.
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The next few days went both quickly and slowly at the same time. Anticipation, worry, excitement, fear . . . such a mix of emotions flooded Benedict, keeping him from sleep for an entirely different reason than the nights he was used to. And before he even realized, the day to meet Henry had come. He had not been to his studio for so long and yet, it was all so familiar. Comfortably so. Painfully so. To the point that he remained outside his door for several moments before he finally gathered the courage and strength to knock on it. Attempting to swallow back all that he was experiencing; everything that made his heart beat heavily in his chest. What would come of this meeting? What would come of them?
Tag bunny Note: Better layout coming soon!
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 18, 2021 0:36:49 GMT
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.
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"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.
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"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.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 17, 2021 20:47:49 GMT
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.
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"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.
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"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.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Oct 17, 2021 20:07:24 GMT
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.
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"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.
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the rules of society.
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