A Secret Romantic-Benedict Bridgerton x Reader x Eloise Bridgerton (Platonic)
(GIF credit to @aryaofoldstonesâ)
Requested by anonymous:Â âHello! I saw your looking for Bridgerton requests, I would love some Benedict x Eloise sibling fluff! They have such a good dynamic in the show and I need moreâ
(I wouldnât mind making another part of this if people want it tbh)
Characters: Benedict Bridgerton x Reader, Eloise Bridgerton x Reader (platonic)
Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name
(Y/L/N)=Your last name
Warnings: Fluff, fluff, fluff
                   *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Eloiseâs gloved hands clung onto her book as she and her family arrived at yet another social event, a ball once again. Her mama had ensured she was dressed to catch the eyes of men, and Eloise knew that meant there would be no room for intelligent conversation. With Daphne now married to the Duke, Eloise had more pressure on her shoulders than she imagined, having to find a suitor of similar standards. However, it wasnât just her on the market, her brothers were too, especially Benedict (Violet knew it would be extremely difficult to marry off Anthony first, opting for the second eldest son).
Eloise smiled whenever her mama looked her way, though it quickly disappeared once she turned around. Benedict had been instructed to escort her sister around the ball to help seek out suitors, the men knew each other or something about someone; he could help her meet the right one.
âI cannot believe I am here.â Eloise moaned as she looped her arm through her brothers.
âBelieve me sister, I do not wish to be here either.â
âWhy must you parade me around like a horse at a dressage in order to find a new owner?â Eloise kept catching the menâs gazes, turning up her nose in disgust.
âSo dramatic.â he chuckled.
She scoffed.âWell, if youâre going to advise me on who I should be marrying, I shall do the same for you. Now letâs seeâŠâ
Eloise looked around the room at all the women, wondering who would be the best match for her brother. Most of these women had no personalities, relying on their outfits to express themselves. Eloise knew of some ladies that were nice, though had nothing in common with her brother.
Eloise shrugged, tugging on her brotherâs arm towards the door.âAh, thereâs no one here for us. Let us make haste and leave-â
âOh no you donât,â Benedict pulled her back,âwe have been strictly told to stay for the night, even if it is just to socialise andâŠget our names out there.â
Eloise groaned a little too loudly, Ben ducking his head in embarrassment.âHow long do these balls go on for?â
âI have never stayed for the full duration.â
âThatâs not the answer I want to hear.â
Benedict glanced down at her, somehow only just realising that Eloise had brought a book with her.âIs that book sewed to your hand sister?â
âI brought it just in case I became bored. Which I am already.â
âI shall go and grab us some refreshments. Might as well enjoy them whilst weâre here.â
Eloise let her brother slip away, quickly finding a hiding spot by leaning up against a wall, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. She opened her book, continuing where she left off, happy she brought a pencil to scribble down notes for later. The studying never stopped for Eloise.Â
âExcuse me?â a womanâs voice interrupted her too soon.
Eloise tried her best to be polite, though her smile came off as sarcastic.âYes?â
âSorry,â the woman looked taken back,âI thought you were reading a book that I am reading at the moment, but I was wrong. Iâve disturbed you, I shall leave you alone-â
âWait,â Eloise had now sparked an interest. No other lady had ever approached her like this,âI donât mean to be rude. What book had you expected?â
âItâs oh so obvious, but Iâve been reading âPride and Prejudiceâ by Jane Austen. Itâs the newest book out at the moment, and my mama lets me read it seeing as it involves a woman finding someone to marry. Although, itâs definitely about something deeper, thatâs just what I told her.â
âI donât indulge in romantic novels myself, but I am glad to hear of a female author selling her work.â
âItâs fantastic. And itâs nice to be able to read something without it being snatched out of my hands. Oh, where are my manners? Iâm (Y/N) (Y/L/N). Sorry, Iâve been dancing with men all night and none of the conversations have been as riveting as this so far.â
âWhy am I not surprised?â they both laughed.âIâm Eloise Bridgerton.â
(Y/N) tried to not show her shock when she heard the surname. They were only the most talked about family, her mama had gone on and on about them, especially when Lady Whistledown mentioned them in her writings.Â
âItâs a pleasure to meet you. Might I ask what it is that you are reading?â
âIt is to do with my studies. I truly hate these events, so I thought I would ensure my mind was being worked properly.â Eloise realised that could come off as rude, squeezing her eyes shut in embarrassment.âI did not mean to offend you by that.â
âIt really isnât any bother.â (Y/N) giggled.âI rather enjoy these just for the dancing and drinks, I find promenading to be more successful in finding a suitor. Though I would much rather sneak off and see if I can get a few more pages in of a book I shouldnât be reading.â
âEloise, why must you go wondering off like thatâŠâ Benedictâs words trailed off as he approached his sister, spotting a beautiful woman stood by her.
Eloiseâs eyes flickered between the two, and she smiled when she saw the adoration in her brotherâs eyes. Cheekily taking the two glasses from his hands, she passed one to (Y/N), who awkwardly took it. (Y/N) had gazed upon the Bridgerton men in passing, they were very nice to look at. Of course, she never divulged in any fantasies about them, that would be silly. But seeing one in front of her had taken her breath away.
âThank you brother.â Eloise said, taking a sip.âThis is Lady (Y/N) (Y/L/N), a new friend of mine.â
He gently took her free hand in his, bending forwards slightly to kiss it. (Y/N) had this done to her many times, but this was different. Benedict made her feel butterflies in her stomach. Eloise could tell her mama was going to love this.
She cleared her throat.âWe were just speaking of art, actually.â
(Y/N) furrowed her eyebrows.âWe were talking about books.â
âI was about to move the topic along.â
âWhat kind of art would that be then?â Benedict asked, knowing what game his sister was playing.Â
âTheâŠdrawing, kind.â
âIsnât all art drawn?â
âNo, it is also painted.â
âI think artists may sketch out a rough idea before painting.â
âWell you would know brother, seeing as you yourself are an artist.â
âI wouldnât say that-â
âYou paint, Lord Bridgerton?â (Y/N) asked.
âAh, yes, and I sketch.â he hoped his cheeks werenât turning red.Â
âAnything in particular?â
âMostly people.â
âAre you both attending the art exhibition my family are holding next week?â
âThatâs your familiesâ exhibit?â Benedict became excited.
âYes, my father collects a lot of art work. Then mother realised she could make a social event out of it, but at least everyone will be able to admire the work.â
âWould you believe it, we already have it noted down in our social calendar!â Eloise informed (Y/N). Benedict could sense her over-reacting, trying to keep a smile as (Y/N)âs face lit up in excitement.Â
âPerfect!â (Y/N) looked back up at Ben, making him stand a little taller.âIt will be nice to have someone there who knows about the artwork. It will make for an interesting conversation. Just donât let my father lecture you, he will talk for far too long! And I know you will be too polite to try and get away.â
âMy brother is very polite.â Eloise said.âIn fact, Iâm surprised he hasnât-â
âExcuse me for the intrusion,â a young man said from beside (Y/N),âbut I was wondering if we could resume our dance lady (Y/N)?â
(Y/N) was smiling, but Eloise knew that look; it was the face women made when a man who made them uncomfortable approached, but they had to remain ladylike and polite.
âActually my brother just asked her and she said yes. You two best make your way to the floor before the music starts again.â Eloise nudged her brother.
Benedict was confused at his sisters offer, until he locked eyes with (Y/N) again. They were pleading him to sweep her away, she was even leaning away from this man. He had been disrespectful in some way, and he wasnât letting (Y/N) go through that again (despite only knowing the girl for a few minutes). He smugly smiled at the man, holding out his arm which (Y/N) took a little too quickly. Eloise was happy with herself as the pair walked off, sending the man a death glare when he asked her to dance instead. Once he left, her eyes went back to find her brother, who was already dancing with (Y/N), both smiling and laughing. Her mama was going to be ecstatic about this.Â
                    *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Eloise sat in the drawing room, obviously lounging with a book. Her younger siblings were being irritating as usual, running around her in circles. Before they arrived, she had peace. Eloise wanted a few moments alone, because she knew her mama would be bursting with questions about the night before.
âAh, there you are.â Violet said as she walked in.
The book flopped into Eloiseâs lap, a frown on her face. There goes her reading time.
âSo, how was last night? Did you meet anyone?â her mama sat beside her.âYou two, go play outside if youâre going to run around please.â
The children stopped as their mama spoke, sending each other devilish grins before they ran out of the room again, their giggling echoing down the halls. Violet went to shout after them, but decided to leave it be, there were more pressing matters.
âWell mama, do you see any suitors?â Eloise gestured around her.
Violet sighed.âDid you even try last night?â
âMy life will not be reduced to a single night where I was forced to peacock around in order to please a man.â
âOh, Eloise, must you make everything so dramatic?â
âFunny, Benedict said the same thing.â
âActually, where is your brother? I have not seen him all morning.â
âHe went out.â Eloise was relieved that the focus would now be off of her.âHeâs calling upon a lady.â
Violetâs eyes widened.âWhat? When? Who?â
âLady (Y/N) (Y/L/N).â
â(Y/L/N)? They are quite reputable.â
Eloise rolled her eyes.âMama, she is a lovely girl. I donât think you should just judge her on what family she comes from.â
âOh, so you approve of this girl?â
âIâŠI meanâŠWell, I only spoke with her for a mere few minutes.â
âBut?â
Eloise let out a huff.âI enjoyed her company. I think Benedict likes her. I didnât see him for the rest of the night until it was time to leave. He spent all his time with her.â
Violet became overjoyed.âOh, what marvelous news! I wish he had told me. Do you know what he took to her? Flowers? Food?â
âI have no idea mama. Just wait for his return and he will tell you all the details. I am not a psychic.â
Violet was impatient as she awaited the return of her son. Poor Collin had also been questioned when he showed up in the drawing room, but he had overslept in bed, waking with a terrible headache. It seemed that it was about to come back to him when his mama bombarded him with questions as to why he hadnât called upon anyone that morning. Eloise kept her giggles quiet, ducking behind her book when Collin sent her daggers.
Poor Benedict had no idea what was in store for him. His cheeks were aching from how much he was smiling. He wasnât surprised when he arrived at the (Y/L/N)âs house and saw multiple callers for (Y/N). However, jealousy rose inside him when he thought about these men dancing with her, trying to convince her that they were the man to marry. He held a beautiful bouquet of flowers, remembering that (Y/N) had mentioned her favourite the night before. Looking around at any other flowers she received, he was glad to see no other gentleman had chose it. Surely that would show he was listening? He endured sonnets, stories, songs and boasting from the other men, trying not to show his dissatisfaction as each one stepped forward. There was pressure that her parents were there, especially when he realised he was the last gentleman, everyone else had left.
(Y/N) had been incredibly anxious when she saw Benedict that morning. He had been the only man she genuinely smiled at, hoping he came at his own will, not forced by his mama. The night before had been the best ball (Y/N) had ever been to. Benedict was sweet, charming, handsome and interesting. They were able to talk about anything and everything, no small talk involved like all the other men she danced with. He had swooned her, and here he was, calling upon her.Â
Back at the Bridgerton house, Violet had not sat down since talking Collinâs ear off. Eloise was still in the drawing room with her, as were her two youngest siblings, munching on biscuits as they threw questions at their mama. She did not have all the answers, sometimes not even hearing them speak for she was too deep in her thoughts. At one point, she did sit, but beside the window, o the lookout for any signs of her son. When a carriage pulled up in front of the house, Violet leapt out of her seat, startling her children. She made a beeline to the door, standing there with her hands clasped together. When Benedict walked in, he too flinched, not expecting his mama to be there.
âMama, how long have you been stood there?â Benedict asked as he walked past her, pinching a biscuit from his brotherâs plate.
âSheâs been waiting for you.â Eloise explained, also excited to hear about his calling.
âI hope you sat down at some point.â he joked, sitting beside Eloise and slouching.
Violet hurried to sit on the sofa across him.âYou didnât tell me you were calling on a lady this morning.â
âWell, we got back late from the ball yesterday evening, and I had to leave early to ensure I got there in good time. Though it seemed every other man thought that too.â
âThere were many men there?âÂ
âYes, quite a few.â
Eloise straightened up at her brotherâs grumpy expression.âYou really like her!â
âHow wonderful!â Violet gushed.Â
âDo not get ahead of yourselves.â
âBut you do, donât you? Otherwise you wouldnât have called on her.â
Ben was lost for words. He couldnât argue with that, and he did like seeing his mama happy.âYes, yes I do. And it would seem she reciprocates the feelings.â
âThis is such good news! I must see what our social calendar looks like, we must ensure you two spend time together.â
âActually mama-â Eloise went to tell her about the art exhibit until Ben interrupted.
âGood idea mama.â he nodded, smiling at her as she walked away, a spring in her step. Once she was gone, he let out a big breath.âI just needed a moment without questions from her.â
âWell, youâre going to have questions from me.â Eloise angled her body to face him, her elbow perched on the sofa with her face resting in her hand.âI didnât think you were going to call upon her. Are my match making skills really that good?â
âI hate to admit it, but yes, you have done an excellent job.â Benedict felt relaxed thinking about (Y/N).
âSo, what happened this morning?â
âI took her flowers, she told me her favourites last night, and then I had to sit there whilst her other gentleman callers desperately tried to impress her. It was agony! Finally I was able to have time with her, and it was justâŠI donât know how to put it into words.â
âDid you bring her anything else?â
Benedict became bashful.âI brought her a sketchbook, like the one I have. She mentioned how she used to often sketch when she was younger. I thought it would be a unique gift.â
âBenedict, you truly are a romantic at heart.â
âFor her I am, yes.â
Eloise smiled for her brother, until a smirk fell on his face.âWhat? Why are you looking at me like that?â
âAw, is someone also a secret romantic?â
âNo!â Eloise protested, quickly grabbing her book again.âI am just happy you found someone.â
âAnd you helped, because you secretly want everyone to find someone.â
âNo I donât! Youâre ruining this moment now Benedict.â
âDonât worry Eloise, youâll find someone.â Ben joked.
She groaned.âYou are insufferableâŠbut I still want to go to that art exhibit.â
âTo see love bloom?â
âN-no, to see the art work.â
âOf course, of course. But, thank you Eloise.â
She tried not to smile, but couldnât help it.âYouâre welcome.â
















