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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 May 13, 2021 14:26:09 GMT
I'm not bound by As part of the family that was hosting this grand, week long event, Benedict knew there was only so much he could remain elusive. Between hiding from mothers of eligible women -- and his very own mother -- Benedict knew he had to maintain a balance between mingling and being seen, and subtly hiding. Being the second son worked in his favour in this regard. However, the present activity at hand was not one that Benedict minded as much as well, say a ball. Today, there was a hunting competition among the men and while Benedict would not be directly participating, he was to ride out and ensure that the others were well equipped and that all ran smoothly.
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He was in the process of mounting his horse, patting the animal's neck before gently squeezing his heels into the animals side and flicking the reigns. The horse set off, heading out towards what would become more wooded . . . or at least, that was the original plan. But the animal suddenly whinnied, his legs somehow tangling as it fell over to the side, causing Benedict to fall with it. The Bridgerton quickly rolled out of the way so that it would not crush him but once he saw the horse on its side, concern immediately took over. He scrambled to the animal, kneeling next to it as he could see it was in pain.
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Something to do with it's leg perhaps. He felt his heart ache at seeing his horse in pain, as he gently stroked the animal's neck. Glancing around, he tried to see if there was anyone who could help but as most were out hunting, and the help was too far at the moment, Benedict felt at a loss. One man however was not too far in the distance and while Benedict did not know him -- only recognizing his face as one of their guests -- he figured that perhaps if nothing else, he could assist him in getting some help. For the second son did not wish to leave the animal alone. "Excuse me, Sir!" He called to him.
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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 May 12, 2021 21:28:53 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict's amused expression remained as she spoke of irritating husbands. His aim was to at least offer some company to her, to help ease whatever anger Anthony had caused to stir within her . . . and so by the time he was home, they would both be cooled off. As Benedict had thought earlier, it must be difficult to be away from her family. While his own could be overwhelming, and irritating at times . . . he would not change a thing about them.
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"Not at all," he assured her. "In fact, I was considering going outside to enjoy the pleasant weather." There was an invitation in his voice, but he continued to add an aspect of it other than just merely sitting and looking at the greenery that the gardens provided. "It is my understanding that you enjoy painting," he both asked and stated.
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"I thought perhaps we could enjoy the inspirations that the garden may provide." Enjoy the weather, the scenery . . . and have a creative outlet for it. No one else in his family held the same interest in art and with him and Kate not knowing each other incredibly well, and thus disallowing Benedict to know how else he could help her . . . this seemed to perhaps be a good way to do so.
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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 May 12, 2021 21:19:15 GMT
I'm not bound by It was rather easy to smile in her company. And not the forced, polite smile often placed on everyone's lips -- or most people's lips -- when conversing. No. Benedict's own expression held amusement over her words which he continued to find pleasantly refreshing. To know that there was another -- especially a woman -- who did not relish in the attentions of mamas and their sons. It certainly set her apart from the norm and Benedict could not help but be intrigued by it.
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"Indeed," he agreed with her. "My condolences, that you had to endure such a drastic lesson tonight." His tone holding a bit of playfulness to it to encourage the mood of ease. "And I do wish that your suffering has come to an end ," he added on jokingly, purposely making it sound more dramatic than it actually was. Although . . . he of course was unsure to the extent that she had been accosted by mamas. Benedict could only speak from personal experience when it came to over zealous and eager mothers.
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"Is your brother in attendance tonight?" He inquired, more so to know whether she had family present here or not. Benedict slightly chuckled at her next words of men having an inflated sense of self. He knew better than to disagree with something that held truth. Men and their pride. He had seen it first hand in many who were often boastful in their skills and accomplishments. He supposed he was the extreme opposite, to a fault. Unable to praise himself for any so called talents he held for artistry. While confident in some aspects of his life, there were many that he also lacked in.
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"Then it is my hope, that I do nothing to change your current thinking. For it seems to be working in my favour," he continued to tease, though not without complete truth. For her company was thus far, preventing others from approaching. It was as if she had spoken his own mind, assuring him that he was not intruding; that he was saving her from the company of such mothers. It brought Benedict relief to know, that his earlier statement need not be explained nor hopefully misunderstood. And it prompted another slight chuckle from the second Bridgerton son.
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"I quite like the way you think," he told her with genuine praise. "We shall make it a challenge for them then," he encouraged. "Create a path around this room so intricate that even if they do reach us, they will be too out of breath to list their sons', or daughters', accomplishments to us." Was that too mean? Perhaps not. He may not know Theadosia well, but something told him that she would not take offense to his words, as she too had just spoken to having to politely smile through conversation.
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"For if I am to be honest," he began to say, leaning towards her a little. Not enough to be inappropriate of course, but enough to be able to lower his voice so that only she could hear. "You are saving me as well." Acknowledgement of her earlier spoken words, that he was saving her but . . . it went both ways, and he wished for her to know that.
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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 May 12, 2021 20:01:11 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict continued to smile as she gave instruction to call her not only by her first name, but a nickname. It was no wonder Anthony wished for Benedict to be in her company for while the second son knew that Anthony was close to her husband, it seemed that he wished to ensure she was well too. Though, when they were left in each other's company . . . Theadosia spoke of how the ball was lovely.
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An expected answer for many did not criticize such grand events. But it was her next words that caused Benedict's smile to grow into an amusement one rather . . . pleasantly surprised by the honesty of her words. It was most refreshing to hear someone speak their mind in such a way, for she seemed to vocalize Benedict's shared thoughts, about certain guests at least.
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"Then it would seem we are having a similar experience tonight," he confessed to her, wanting her to know that he too felt this way . . . and often did. His genuinely amused smile remained when she spoke of how smooth his brother was, and Benedict glanced at where he saw his brother's back fading further into the room and well on the other side, conversing with some guests. "Perhaps," Benedict began to agree before turning back to the woman before him.
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"But certainly not as smooth as he thinks he is." A playful jest towards his brother, as he followed in step with Thea once she began to move through their still positions. "That being said, I do hope I am not intruding with my company," he added, knowing his brother may have practically forced her to be in his presence. Should it be undesired, Benedict would surely not take offense . . . despite the looks he may receive from his brother if he departed too soon from her. Though even with just the few words that shared, Benedict was not at all minding her own company. Far easier than several others in the room.
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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 May 12, 2021 15:18:52 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict knew that he should have been prepared for these events but . . . he also knew that no amount of mental preparation would truly suffice. His mother was determined that by the time this event was over, at least one of her sons was engaged. And this, was precisely where being the second son had its advantages. Anthony was the Viscount and therefore, his presence was always required and noticed. Colin actually enjoyed flirting with as many women as he could and was far more amenable to their mother's suggestions -- he had after all, been engaged once before.
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And Benedict . . . well, he managed to slip through notice here and there. But very minimally. The fact that they were hosting made it impossible to completely disappear but he was still able to hide a bit. Like last night. He'd needed a break from all of this and so had snuck out late at night to meet other like minded individuals. Similar to the kinds of parties he attended in London and was it ever worth it. He was practically sneaking back into the house before his family awoke, having spoken to one of the footman who informed him that they were going into town to pick up some supplies. This was the perfect opportunity to become even more scarce. For Benedict offered to get them, and told him to ready his phaeton.
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That way, he could take his time. Entering the home, he glanced around to ensure no one else was up . . . but that was when he saw no other than Simon. Simon, who had just watched Benedict practically sneak back into the house. He just stared at his brother in law, wondering why he himself was up so early. Time spent with Simon was rather limited but not due to any dislike. Quite the opposite, Benedict found him to be a good man who made his sister happy. "Good morning," he greeted, hoping to avoid any questions of why Benedict was coming into the house at this early hour. "You're up early," he said, suddenly hoping that everything was alright.
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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 May 11, 2021 21:51:57 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict wasn't particularly fond of balls and such grand events. He seldom danced -- unless instructed to do so by his mother or brother -- so often would just engage in casual conversation. Fortunately, he had managed to avoid his mother for most of the night, and thus successfully dodging her attempts to make introduction between he and any single woman of a marriageable age -- where he had made no intentions of marrying in the near future. But it seemed he had not considered every contingency, for his elder brother was instructing him to be in the company of a woman.
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One in particular. Benedict of course asked his typical inquiry of why, and Anthony briefly explained who she was -- though evaded Benedict's question to begin with. The second son was used to his mother instructing him to dance with wallflowers and woman standing on their own, but this particular woman did not look like a wallflower, nor someone who needed a swift saving. And before Benedict could make any argument, his brother was already leading him towards her. Now, it was not that Benedict did not enjoy being in the company of a beautiful woman -- and beautiful she was indeed, quite in fact. It was more so the eager mamas that surrounded them like predators circling their prey. Watching like a hawk. Whispering and spreading gossips.
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Benedict as the second born managed to evade being in the spotlight for the most part but still. It was always unsettling when such watchful eyes were upon oneself. Hopefully, this would prove to be an exception. Anthony introduced Benedict to her and then . . . politely dismissed himself. Benedict could strangle him as he watched the Viscount walk away. He had previously told him to keep an eye on Miss Blackwood for she had been married to his late dear friend. . . and yet, Benedict did not understand why his brother didn't do so. Still. It was not the poor woman's fault that Anthony was being . . . well, Anthony. So instead, Benedict continued to politely smile and look at the woman before him. "Are you enjoying your evening?" He asked. One of the typical questions asked upon meeting another -- for the first time or again -- and besides, it was better than offering some over spoken compliment about the beauty of her gown.
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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 May 10, 2021 23:47:54 GMT
I'm not bound by The first. The only. Unexpected. Benedict wondered if it was better that this was the first time or worse to the circumstance . . . though his mind quickly decided that it was indeed better. That this was not somewhat of a frequent occurrence for them for that, perhaps would have been more hurtful. Though not for the reasons that one may think. For there was no jealousy of the sort, but rather, just hurt. Which, Kate acknowledged as she spoke of how she had lost her head and had not meant to hurt him. He could appreciate that at least, that it was not done intentionally. And did know that he should go easy on her for she should not have to bare the consequences of their actions alone. Anthony was surely more responsible than this. But as the two of them were talking now, he knew it only fair to be honest.
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"I . . . " He paused for a moment, trying to think of how to phrase it. "I wish the two of you had come to me. Were there any, affections between you and my brother, I wish you had told me of it. Rather than . . . " This. Or leading on this notion that he -- Benedict -- and Kate may possibly lead to something more. He did not love her, and she did not love him. But Benedict had done this because his brother had encouraged him to. And there was absolutely nothing wrong with Kate. She was a kind hearted, caring, beautiful young woman.
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But . . . Benedict did not often court women and now to see that in these efforts to appease his brother, Anthony and Kate had wound up to be the ones together. "I would not have continued . . . this . . . " Them. He and Kate. He would have gladly stepped aside for her happiness, for his brother's and . . . had the two of them thought he would not? Did they feel the need to keep it a secret from him? Perhaps that, was what hurt.
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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
|
|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on May 10, 2021 23:30:40 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict was trying really hard not to laugh, but withholding such emotions was not exactly a strong suit for the second son. So a small chuckle escaped him when she warned -- and threatened -- that should Anthony go missing, Kate would be the prime suspect, and perhaps the guilty one. Their relationship was a rather, tumultuous one at times but it was all born of love. Anyone in the family could see it so perhaps that was why no one ever truly worried about it, or them. They did indeed love each other and Benedict for one, was happy for the pair.
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"Come now," we began to say, a bit of a tease in his voice. "We both know the two of you will make amends within moments he returns." How they would . . . well, Benedict would rather not comment or even think of that. Looking at her when she bid him good day, his smile remained upon his lips. "Do not worry," he assured her. "Good day to you as well. Though I suppose good may be a bit, presumptuous at the moment," he further joked.
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Benedict knew nothing of what it was to be married so would not even pretend to understand the trials that came with it.He closed his sketchbook for the moment and sat up a bit more so that he was not so slouched on the sofa. "Do you have plans for the afternoon?" He asked, knowing that while he could not exactly speak towards any expertise of marriage, perhaps he could help in another way.
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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
|
|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on May 10, 2021 16:44:36 GMT
I'm not bound by
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"Do You Ever Knock?!"
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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 May 10, 2021 16:43:37 GMT
I'm not bound by the rules of society.
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|
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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 May 10, 2021 16:41:55 GMT
I'm not bound by the rules of society.
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|
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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 May 10, 2021 16:41:22 GMT
I'm not bound by
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A Moment Of Weakness
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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
|
|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on May 10, 2021 16:40:42 GMT
I'm not bound by
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A Moment Of Weakness
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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
|
|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on May 10, 2021 16:39:22 GMT
I'm not bound by
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Pain Is Weakness
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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
|
|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on May 10, 2021 16:39:00 GMT
I'm not bound by
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Pain Is Weakness
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the rules of society.
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