| General Disclaimer: Expect spoilers from the show.
𝓞𝓷𝓮-𝓢𝓱𝓸𝓽𝓼:
Sophie & Anthony Play Billiards
Summary: On a Rainy Day at Aubrey Hall one Summer Evening, Sophie finds herself at the family’s billiards room. Anthony finds her there, setting up the rack and asks her if she knows how to play. This results in Sophie making a bet with him. If Sophie wins, she gets to keep a bottle of Anthony’s most expensive brandy. If Anthony wins, Sophie has to share her Yakgwa recipe to the Bridgerton cook. (The whole family is obsessed with this Korean dessert.)
Baby Charlie’s 100 Day
Summary: Baby Charlie celebrates his 100th day of life, marking a major milestone at My Cottage. The Bridgerton family descends with their signature chaos. Enjoying a game that might determine baby Charlie’s future career choice as well as an introduction to Korean cuisine.
Sophie Teaches The Bridgerton Men Korean Drinking Games
Summary: Sophie introduces the married couples of the family to a bout of traditional Korean drinks and its drinking games. Some take it more seriously than others.
𝓜𝓾𝓵𝓽𝓲𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼:
The Game Is Afoot
(ongoing)
| Benophie x Young Sherlock Holmes
Summary: What if Sophie was friends with a young Sherlock Holmes? What if, she finds out, that her mom is alive after all these years? This discovery, will bring forth a series of domino effects that would eventually lead to the culmination of her facing Araminta. What lengths would Araminta take to be rid of them once and for all? With the love Benedict has for Sophie, follow them fight for their future and come into the light.
Benedict bursts out of White’s Gentlemen Club with an anger that kept simmering towards the surface when recounting his heated exchange with Anthony.
Shoulders rigid, reminding himself to take a deep calming breath, if he were to meet up with Sophie. She would calm him down, he was sure of it.
As if Benedict’s prayers were being answered, he saw an apparition of the woman in question, walking down the street across from him.
He pauses, then squints at the figure. It was, without a doubt, Sophie walking alone in the middle of the night, towards a residential home’s front door.
Whatever simmering rage he had earlier was gone. He was, as of this moment, livid to the point of trembling. Seeing his significant other walking so causally as if it was daylight, without a care in the world, propelled him forward. He was prepared to carry her on his shoulder and tuck her in bed himself.
“I cannot BELIEVE this!” Benedict exclaims when he was a few feet away from her.
Sophie visibly jumps and turns towards the man who just shouted at her. When she recognized the huffing and puffing from a gentleman, with a name that belongs to, the one and only Benedict Bridgerton. She sniffs, rolls her eyes and turns away unimpressed.
“Sophie.” Benedict says her name rigidly with how hard he was clenching his jaw.
For her part, she simply ignores the man beside her.
“We shall talk once you have regained all your faculties. Until then, leave. I do not wish to talk to you.” Sophie ended the conversation with a clipped tone of her own.
Benedict, equally frustrated, started pulling his hair at the base of his skull to relieve some of the pressure.
“I was merely concerned for-” He started, when the door to the owner’s residence opened.
A tall, handsome young man, closer to Sophie’s age, appeared at the door.
“Who the h-” Sophie cuts Benedict off with the use of her sharp elbow. This in turn, causes him to wheeze and end his rude questioning.
Bloody hell, her elbow is sharp.
“Sherlock, Benedict. Benedict, Sherlock.” Sophie gives a curt introduction to both of them.
The two gentlemen in turn, nod at each other.
Then they both wait for Sophie to take the lead. Sensing the volatile explosion that was waiting to be set off, when one makes any sudden movements.
“Sherlock, may we have a few moments alone in your drawing room?”
He simply leads the way, not before glancing towards Benedict as if to say: good luck.
“We will be in the parlor, take your time.”
And with that, they were alone with the door closed.
Sophie is still silent, and not once, has she looked towards Benedict’s vicinity.
Benedict, incapable of prolonging the silence any longer, completely deflates and hangs his head towards the floor.
“Apologies, my darling. Anthony and I had a heated exchange before this. I took out my frustrations on you, and for that, I am deeply ashamed. Forgive me?” His voice strained with desperation.
“So, your anger was not because you thought I was cheating in some way, shape or form?” Sophie was still not looking at him, but at a fixed distance.
“What? Sophie, of course not. I trust you, and the only reason that made me upset… Was the thought of any harm that may befall upon you.” Benedict was already striding towards her before he even finished his proclamation.
He wraps his arms around her waist, while she places her hand on his chest.
“I was planning to tell you…” Sophie murmured.
“So tell me now…” Lifting her chin towards him, so he could stare at her face.
“Sherlock sent me a letter the other day, informing me that we had to meet in person because the subject was too sensitive.”
“The loose paper in between the book you had borrowed.” His eyebrows pinched, when he put the pieces together.
“Did you also walk a-” He starts but stops himself when Sophie gives him a deadpanned look.
Right, another time then.
“Turns out, my mother was never dead to begin with.” Sophie chews on her bottom lip. Then starts explaining, on what had transpired ever since she received the letter from Sherlock.
“No wonder you panicked yesterday. My darling, you kept everything bottled up and these life changing events were all in succession with one another.” By this time, he was rubbing her back up and down in a repetitive motion.
“I am sorry if I added to your stress. Truly, you cannot fathom how sorry I am.” He choked out.
“Just like yesterday, you are the only one who can keep me afloat.” She insists.
Neither knew who reached for who, but the next second, they were kissing each other desperately. Their lips met, again and again. When Sophie boldly sucks his tongue which surprises Benedict, then elicits a moan from him.
Sophie’s fingers curled into his hair, scraping his scalp in the process while he grabs her waist inching towards the flesh right above her tailbone-
“Do be advised that there are people waiting for you right outside this very room.” A voice exclaims at the opposite side of the door.
They separate, not without giving each other one last kiss for the road. Clasping one another’s hand, and heading for the door.
“Oh, and one more thing.” Sophie smirks at him while he simply raises his brow.
“You’re about to meet my mother.” Giving him a devilish grin when his face turns into horror.
“Wait, what?!” He stammers aloud.
*****
Benedict and Sophie enter the parlor room where Sherlock sat beside a woman, talking to him in low tones.
Another man swaggered towards Sophie, and with a mischievous gleam in his eyes, took her hand and kissed it without breaking any contact.
“We meet again, lovely Sophie.” James says seductively, in a manner that was highly inappropriate for pleasant company to have witnessed.
She lets out an unladylike snort while retrieving her hand back, all the while James gives her an answering grin.
Benedict watching this exchange happen, clears his throat. He grabs Sophie’s waist to pull her closer to him while muttering something that neither one catches.
James, finally noticing him, gives an outstretched hand for Benedict to take.
“James Moriarty, a pleasure.”
Benedict was contemplating between completely ignoring the hand that was for him to shake or not, as he just witnessed the man shamelessly flirting with Sophie.
However, when he glanced at Sophie and saw that she had crossed her arms at him, Benedict relented and took the other gentleman’s hand and shook it once briskly before letting go.
“Benedict.” He nods before stepping closer to Sophie.
James simply smirks at the man.
Sophie grabs Benedict’s hand, then leads them to where Sherlock and the woman are sitting, beside the fireplace.
“Benedict, I would like you to meet my mother, Ms. Maria Baek.” She presents the woman, who to closer inspection, resembles Sophie and her likeness.
The woman in question stands up with the help of Sherlock, eyes Benedict up and down with curiosity.
Benedict gives a deep courtly bow to her mother as he introduces himself.
Maria then briefly glances at her daughter with a thoughtful look. Then smiles at Benedict, offering her hand for him to take.
“Drink?” James appears with a scotch in hand and Benedict eagerly accepts the offer.
After all the introductions were made, they settled more comfortably around the parlor. As Sophie situates herself on one of the couches, James makes a beeline to sit beside her. However, Benedict interjects him by immediately sitting next to Sophie with an arm resting at the back of the couch where they sit together.
James, to his credit, merely chuckles then changes trajectory to sit on one of the armchairs that was adjacent to them.
Sophie gives Benedict an unimpressed look and he returns it, with what can only be considered an innocent expression and shrugs. Not regretting his actions at all.
“If you do not mind me asking, How did you both meet Sophie?” Benedict directs this inquiry to the two gentlemen at present.
“Sophie and I would play together when we were younger. The following years after she was living with the Earl of Penwood, my mother and I would secretly visit her while we were in town.” Sherlock states while crossing his legs and sitting back.
“Irma, the cook at Penwood House would sneak me out so I can go visit them and I would mostly play with Sherlock while his mother watches over us.” She adds
“Yes, but it became quite rare when the Earl died and my mother passed soon after. Though I visited more often when my older brother, Mycroft purchased this home. I usually accompanied Sophie while she was running errands around town for that she-devil.” Sherlock surmised.
“Sherlock!” Sophie objected while the man in question merely shrugs.
Benedict silently agreed but did not comment.
“Sophie’s grandmother was the cook for Appleton Manor, and Sherlock’s mother and I grew up together. We considered each other as sisters in that regard.” Maria chimes into the conversation.
“Cordelia, her name was, informed me about how you were faring whenever she had that chance to visit London.” Sophie’s mother reminisced as she affectionately watched her daughter.
“I, however, was only introduced to Sophie recently.” James quips.
*****
“I would like to mention that James and I would start looking into the mysterious “donor” of Maria at the asylum she was staying in.” Sherlock announces.
“How do you propose to do that?” Sophie asks.
“Simple, by impersonating a constable.” James retorts.
Benedict raises his eyebrows up to his hairline.
“Of course, why did I not think of that?” Sophie adds sarcastically.
“We need to get into the Director’s office and find some information.” He merely shrugs.
“The lovely Maria, is still missing as far as the people who work at the asylum know. There is a chance they are still looking for her, and we can use that to our advantage by interrogating those of the staff.” James says.
Benedict turns to Sophie as if to ask: is this a normal conversation between the two? As he was opening his mouth, he was cut off by her then Benedict promptly closed his mouth.
“And might I ask, how are you to acquire such a uniform?”
“We shall all thank James for being such a social butterfly.” Sherlock merely points with his glass towards him.
Alluding to the fact that James was quite friendly to the many beautiful women of London Society and out of it. One in this case, was conveniently a singer in one of London's most prestigious theaters. A place where they can access and rifle through different types of costumes after hours.
“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” James plucks a flower from the vase at the center of the table and kneels with one bent leg towards Maria, offering her a singular flower as he quotes Shakespeare.
Maria giggles while both Sherlock and Sophie roll their eyes at him. Benedict watches all of this with amusement.
“There is something else I would be needing your expertise with.” Sophie interjects.
Everyone turns to her and awaits for an explanation.
“My father’s will. I must find out if he has kept his promise of taking care of me. There may not be any mention of me but… I must know.” Sophie avoids eye contact with everyone and fidgets with her fingers.
“Oh, Sophie…” Maria dejectedly says to her daughter.
Benedict takes Sophie’s hand in his and lowers his face to capture her eyes.
“If that is what you need, then we will do it.” He assures her while squeezing his hands with her, not caring if there was an audience to witness the display.
“We will do just that, once we return from a visit at the asylum to investigate.” Sherlock promises.
“The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.”
James quotes Sun Tzu from the book Art of War as he raises his glass to Sophie.
*****
Maria stands up to announce that she will be retiring for the night. Sophie stood as well, informing Benedict that she was to escort her mother in her quarters.
Sophie was about to bid her mother a good night when Maria, halts and turns to her daughter.
“I know, I have no say on how you live your life.” Her mother nervously chews the bottom of her lips while contemplating whether to speak what is on her mind or not.
“I gave those rights away the moment you stepped into the house of your father. However, I do caution you to be careful nonetheless.” Maria smiles at Sophie, tucks a loose hair behind her daughter’s ear then enters her room without another word.
Sophie knows that her mother was warning her to be careful with Benedict. Frankly, she cannot blame her for being weary. Especially since the consequences of her parents’ actions resulted in Sophie’s hardships in life.
She was hit with the reality again, that love cannot be enough when faced with the strong line put across society between Benedict and her. Suddenly, Sophie slumps her shoulders, becoming weary with all the burden that she has been carrying most of her life. Her entire existence being a shameful secret is something Sophie can never run from and would always be a mark to her being.
Author’s Note: I watched Young Sherlock on Prime recently and wondered, what a little heist would look like with Sophie. Since I’m a sucker for jealous tropes, I also wanted a scene where Benedict gets jealous.
Inspiration was taken from both Bridgerton and Young Sherlock series.
Warning: Eventual Smut
Note: The sequence generally follows the timeline of Season 4 without the whole mistress thing.
I didn’t know I needed all the bridgerton mama’s together but yes I did. Amazing. I love this
Man you know what? I love writing it. Here's a little more.
The carriage pulls up in front of Bridgerton house a week later, and the staff is waiting, pressed and ready for the Viscount's return.
Violet is so excited she can hardly stand still as the door opens and Anthony hops out first, Neddy on his hip. The boy is three now and eager to get down and run.
“Gramama!” He squeaks upon spotting Violet.
“My dears!” Violet beams, rushing down to meet them as Kate steps out, a little bundle in her arms, and then Sophie, with Benedict last, a bundle in his own arms.
Violet hardly knows where to look. Neddy and Miles look the same as when she left Aubrey Hall. But Anthony, Kate, Sophie and Benedict all look a little bohemian; hair too long, clothes too casual. But they look happy.
And then there's the little bundle Benedict is holding close to his chest, rocking his arms steadily to keep his son calm as the scenery changes.
“Slept all the way here, and now the poor man is deeply confused,” Benedict grins.
Violet laughs and takes the baby, cuddling him gently. He looks like Sophie, with dark eyes and an earnest expression. “Hello, sweet grandson.”
Sophie beams and holds Benedict close. “Charles Bridgerton.”
“Charlie to his friends,” Benedict grins.
Violet chuckles. Truthfully, if she could spend all season snuggling this baby, she would.
Anthony chats with Mrs. Wilson politely, and Violet turns to present Charlie to the staff. They all adore Sophie, and it's only fair.
John, Celia, Hazel and Mrs. Wilson all gush over him and Sophie steps over to say hello and likely to make sure her son remains calm in all the attention.
Neddy dashes up, obviously feeling a little left out, and Violet settles Charlie in Sophie's arms before lifting the oldest of the three boys into her arms and kissing his little face.
Across the street, another carriage pulls up, and the Featherington staff, along with Portia, step outside.
Penelope and Colin exit the carriage with little Elliot on Colin's hip, and to no one's surprise, the second the three oldest Bridgerton boys see each other, they all go racing towards the street, meeting in the middle. Loud and happy to be reunited.
Violet catches Portia's eye and they give each other an amused grin.
Sophie Teaches The Bridgerton Men Korean Drinking Games
Warning: Drink Responsibly
Word Count: 2749
Charlie starts yawning and has been acting quite clingy to his father as the evening wore on. Benedict’s son has been nuzzling his father’s shoulder for the past ten minutes, a sign of fatigue that has not gone unnoticed.
“And with that, it’s time to put this little one to bed.” Benedict says as he rises from the dinner table, carrying his son to his mother so she can place a kiss to baby Charlie for a goodnight.
Baby Edmund and Elliot have been put to bed a little bit earlier than their cousin as their traveling to My Cottage had tired them out.
Charlie is usually glued to the hip at Sophie during the day but at bedtime, it is Benedict he clings to. And so, father and son are quite inseparable during the evening. Not even the governess they had hired for baby Charlie can settle him quite like his father.
The eventful day had exhausted baby Charlie, and as the round of hugs and kisses on the babe had been exchanged, his son had started sucking his thumb to self soothe, knowing he would be put in his cradle soon.
“Let me join you Benedict.” Violet says as she stands from her seat at the table.
“Brother you must let me help you as well!” Hyacinth exclaims as she quickly tries to catch up with her brother and mother.
And with that, the younger members of the Bridgerton family had quietly dispersed for the night and some had retired to their beds, including Francesca, Eloise and Gregory.
*****
“Right, if any of you are not as tired… Would you like to try some Korean classic alcoholic spirits?” Sophie announces to the group.
“You have more surprises for us, Sister?” Colin asks with a raised brow.
Sophie turns to Alfie, who has been standing at the corner, waiting for her friend to request these drinks to be brought out.
“Alfie, please bring the drinks to the parlor for my family to try.” Sophie says, giving him a mischievous look.
“I will have Irma and Mrs. Crabtree accompany it with snacks, my lady.” Alfie winks at Sophie as he leaves the room.
They follow Sophie to the parlor with looks of intrigue, especially from the looks Colin and Anthony were giving.
“How well can you hold your liquor, Viscount Bridgerton?” Sophie asks nonchalantly.
Anthony raises his brows with amusement to his sister-in-law, and chuckles to himself.
“Anthony thinks he can hold his liquor quite well but these Korean spirits are on a whole different playing field.” Benedict says as he enters the room, zeroing on his wife and encircling his arms around her waist from behind.
“Charlie?” Sophie asks
“Snoring and dreaming of sheep.” Benedict laughs while kissing Sophie on the neck.
Sophie in turn, kisses her husband on the lips with a smile.
“Well, I would like to think that I could hold myself better with liquor than my own husband.” Kate chimes as she links her arms with Anthony.
“You jest.” Anthony says in reply to his wife and looks at her as if to say: are you quite serious.
“Ah! The drinks have arrived.” Colin announces while grabbing Penelope’s hand to move them towards the bar cart being rolled in.
“Benedict and I will let you try each of the drinks in hand. We have Makgeolli, which is a rice wine. Soju, a famous national drink and our version of Korean whiskey.” Sophie announces to the group as Alfie starts pouring each glass for everyone to sip and try.
“Then we will start the games.” Benedict smirks to Sophie.
“Games?” Anthony asks the couple.
“Well we have to immerse ourselves in my wife’s culture do we not? What better introduction than a bout of Korean drinking games!” Benedict impishly twirls his wife in delight as Sophie returns his enthusiasm with a playful smack in return.
“Care to join us Alfie?” Benedict asks Alfie as the former distributes the drinks to the members of the family.
“Mr. Bridgerton, I am still recovering from the last time you and Mrs. Bridgerton invited me to a bout of games. Which is why, I have prepared enough water and snacks to at least somewhat dilute the alcohol to lessen the hangover the next day.” Alfie smartly replies with a small chuckle.
“Thank you Alfie, please dismiss everyone for the night for I see a long evening ahead of us.” Sophie pats Alfie as he finishes with the drinks.
Alfie playfully bows to his employers and quickly leaves the room after.
“Shall we try it?” Kate initiates to try the first drink as everyone follows her example.
“Makgeolli, is a traditional Korean rice wine. It is cloudy due to sedimentation, offering a sweet, tangy and slightly bitter flavor with a light, sparkling texture.” Sophie clinks her glass with her husband and the others as she explains the drink.
“Not bad…” Colin says as he takes a sip.
“Not yet… This one sneaks up on you if you are not careful.” Benedict quips to his brother.
“It tastes like cider.” Penelope observes as she tastes the liquor for the second time.
“Next we have Soju, dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty. This is made from sweet potatoes, tapioca or barley, resulting in a smooth, slightly sweet taste similar to vodka.” Sophie explains as Benedict hands out the second drink of choice to everyone.
“Lastly, we have the Korean version of Whiskey. The West relies on slow aging, but due to the extreme hot summers and cold winters, whiskey in Korea matures up to four times faster than in Scotland. This results in drawing out more flavor from the wood, resulting in a drier, woodier product in less time.” Anthony dutifully listens to the explanation as he brings his glass up to the light to compare for himself.
“We might want to look into this and invest in the market.” Anthony says while Kate elbows him and tuts in disapproval.
“We are with family and not business associates.” Kate giving her husband a deadpan look.
“Was just a thought…” Anthony mumbles while Benedict smirks at his brother.
“Right! Shall we play?” Colin claps and rubs his hands together in anticipation.
“We’ll start with the random game. Since we are a total of six people, we have to count from one to six at random by standing up as we call up the number until we reach the number six. Whoever reaches the number last will be the one who loses and drinks a shot of their drink of choice.” Sophie explains.
“But! We have to announce that we’re starting the game so as not to have any confusion. So, whoever starts the game, should say: [your name] favorite game, game start.” Benedict continues.
“Everybody follow?” Sophie asks the group.
“Easy enough.” Anthony straightens himself as if preparing for battle while his wife rolls his eyes at him.
“Sophie’s favorite game, game start. One!” Sophie abruptly stands up.
“Two!” Kate follows her sister-in-law and stands up as well.
“Three!” Benedict stands up while looking at Anthony with laughter.
“Four!” Anthony and Colin say in unison as they stand up together.
“Drink up brothers!” Benedict hands their drinks in glee.
“Whaa?? That was too quick!” Anthony says indignantly as he accepts the drink his brother hands to him.
“That’s the point, My Lord.” Sophie chuckles with Kate.
“Drink up, brothers!” Benedict cheerfully says to his siblings while Kate muffles her laugh with a hand to her mouth.
“We have another game to teach you.” Sophie says as she grabs a tall empty glass and an empty shot as well.
“We’ll go clockwise!” Benedict says excitedly.
“Yes, my love you’re right.” Sophie affectionately cups her husband at this.
“We will place 1/2 of whiskey in this clear glass.” Sophie demonstrates as everyone eagerly watches her pour the drinks.
“Husband, will you do me the honors?” She sweetly says to her husband as Sophie knows, Benedict is most excited for the evening.
“I will place an empty shot of glass in the middle, and each of us in turn shall take turns in pouring Soju into the shot until it sinks to the bottom. Then, whoever sinks the glass, shall drink the whole thing until it is empty!” Benedict proclaims to everyone.
“Oh my!” Penelope gasps into her mouth.
“Do not worry darling, as a gentleman, I shall gladly drink it for you should the need arise.” Colin assures his wife of her trepidation.
“Me first!” Anthony shouts to everyone at the table.
“Clockwise, my darling. Clockwise. Sophie shall start the game first.” Kate says to her husband quite sternly. This in turn makes Anthony grumble but acquiesce.
“Why don’t we let the Viscountess do the honors for the start of the game.” Sophie asks Benedict with a smile.
“Brilliant idea sister!” Anthony proclaims, not knowing winning the game is as fortuitous as the number’s game they had played earlier.
“Kate, shall we start? The game is called: Sink it or drink it.” Sophie encourages her sister-in-law as she places the drink in the middle of the table.
“You can put as much or as little into the shot glass, depending on how hard you want the next player to encounter.” Benedict assures her.
“Do not breathe on my neck, Anthony!” Kate exclaims with a roll on her eyes to her husband who was looking on her shoulder quite fastidiously.
“I am merely observing your technique!” Anthony replies as he watches his wife pour a small amount to the shot glass.
“My turn.” Anthony announces with great weight and seriousness that the rest of the family could not help but roll their eyes.
“It is a game, brother. Please remember.” Colin reminds the oldest member of the Bridgerton family with a huff.
“Stand back! You are breathing too loudly!” Everyone stands back with a roll of their eyes.
Kate crosses her arms at her husband and shakes her head at his seriousness of it all.
Colin and Penelope just shrug at his announcement.
Benedict just turns to Sophie and starts making out with her, knowing that this might take a while.
“Done!” Anthony announces to the crowd while Benedict dislodges his lips from his wife.
“Brother, you know it’s not that serious right?” Benedict grumbles having to stop kissing his wife.
“It’s Colin’s turn.” Anthony just ignores Benedict’s declaration and turns to his third brother.
“Do not smite me just because I do not follow your metaphorical rules.” Colin says as he takes his turn.
Both Colin and Penelope only use a flick of their wrists so as not to anger the oldest Bridgerton member of the family.
“Cheers, brother!” Benedict shouts to Anthony as he pours a huge amount to the shot glass making it sink a little, then float inches from the rim of the glass.
Everyone moves forward to the center of the table now, thinking that the shot glass would sink to the bottom.
“I think we have a few more chances than that.” Sophie expertly says as she drops a few more liquid to the glass, then turns to her sister-in-law with a sickly sweet smile.
“Just place a drop of liquid then give it to Anthony.” Benedict assures Kate.
Each and everyone has their eye level to the glass now. Their heads closer to the table, watching the Viscountess as she pours one drop to the shot glass without it sinking.
“Husband? Might you do the honors?” Kate innocently smiles at her distressed husband.
Anthony silently nods with his lips pursed and the ordeal.
Benedict slyly smirks at his brother waiting for the outcome.
“Sink or swim, brother.” Benedict cheekily says to Anthony as he prepares himself.
And as Anthony pours one drop to the shot glass at last, everyone watches it sink to the bottom with a tense silence.
“Chug, chug, chug, chug!” Everyone starts to cheer for the oldest Bridgerton as he puts two of his fingers to his brows in stress.
But as a sportsman, he dutifully guzzles the whole glass entirely without stopping to breathe.
“Alright, mate?” Benedict pats his brother’s back in approval.
“What’s next?” Anthony bravely asks his brother in turn which results in Benedict’s laughter.
“Darling, shall we play Baskin Robbins?” Benedict asks Sophie.
“This game relies on being fast paced, should we try it?” Sophie asks the crowd.
“If all these games were as entertaining as the ones before, I think we would be here all night.” Colin proclaims jovially while embracing Penelope to his side.
“Right! To Start, everyone chants: Baskin Robbins, 31! Baskin Robbins, 31! To establish the rhythm.”
“Players will start by counting clockwise, they can call out 1,2, or 3 numbers consecutively (e.g., “1,2” or “3,4,5”). Sophie says.
“The turn of the mechanics is: if a player calls two numbers (e.g., 2,3), the next person can continue from 4 or skip themself. If three numbers are called (e.g., 3,4,5) it reverses the order of play.”
“A helpful strategy in the game is when players try to force other players to say the number 31 to take the shot by controlling their count to land on specific numbers.” Benedict helpfully adds to the members of the family.
Anthony turns to Kate to start quietly strategizing for the game.
“Shall we talk or should we start the game?” Benedict says with a roll of his eyes to his eldest brother who gives him a dirty look.
“I shall start! Baskin Robbins, 31! Baskin Robbins, 31! Game start! 1!” Kate promptly starts the game.
“2, 3” Anthony quickly replied, while sipping his glass of whiskey.
“4” Colin joins in with a raised brow as he turns to his wife.
“5, 6” Penelope demurely says as she sips her water.
“7, 8, 9” Benedict confidently says, leaning back in his seat and wrapping his arms at the back of his wife’s chair.
“10,11,12” Sophie answers with a light hearted smile.
“13, 14, 15” Kate fires back, ramping up the quickness of the game.
“16, 17, 18” Anthony replies, now with his back seated upright and with a look of seriousness.
“19, 20” Colin says, still jovial in his demeanor.
“21” Penelope adds.
“22, 23, 24” Benedict innocently says as he looks to his eldest brother.
“25, 26, 27” Sophie is now chuckling on her husband's shoulder at this.
“28, 29, 30” Kate says with a self satisfied smirk.
“31” Anthony says with a grimace.
The whole room erupts in laughter at Anthony’s expense.
“This game was rigged from the start!” Anthony stands up in his chair with indignation.
“It is a game of chance brother!” Benedict says with his hands raised up in surrender.
“It is math.” Anthony tosses his napkin to the table.
“And yet, brother… Drink up!” Colin hands the eldest Bridgerton brother a glass of the rice wine for Anthony to drink.
“We may have to carry the Viscount to his bedroom at the end of the night.” Benedict leans forward to his sister-in-law as they both laugh at his expense.
“Three raw eggs in the morning, my darling.” Kate says as he consoles her husband at his loss.
As they continued to play numerous drinking games into the night, and as the Viscount Bridgerton happened to lose numerous rounds, it was a foregone conclusion that Sophie had to end the night for her brother-in-law’s sake.
“We shall convene with a hearty breakfast in the morning to soak up all the alcohol’s juices.” Sophie announces, as Benedict and Colin grab a pair of shoulders and legs to assist the Viscountess in bringing her husband into their bed for respite.
“Quite the revenge for you, Sophie. For when the Viscount spoke ill of you when he thought to break you and Benedict up and threaten to cut him off.” Kate says to her sister-in-law when she passes.
“He did it for the good of the family and I understand why.” Sophie tactfully responds.
“Oh, I don’t doubt it. Does not mean it did not hurt any less.” Kate pats her arm as she traipses to follow her husband.
Sophie does not think she did this to the Viscount for any spite. She truly just wished for a night of fun with her family and introduced a game of entertainment. But she must admit to herself that picking on the Viscount was all in good fun and maybe, just maybe, to bring him down a peg or two.
“Darling, are you ready to greet our guests?” Benedict asks, walking into the kitchen with baby Charlie in his arms.
“Just a moment my love, all Irma and I need to do is to put the finishing touches.” Sophie says as she sprinkles the green onions on one of the main dishes to be served for Charlie’s 100 day celebration.
“Allow me to finish down here, and let you greet the guests who are all quite excited to see how much Master Charlie has grown from the last time they saw him.” Irma says, who has now left Penwood house to work for My Cottage.
It is quite a delight that both Irma and Alfie, who Sophie considers her true family, accepted a position in My Cottage to be closer to her and help transition into this new idealistic life in the Countryside.
“Mr. Bridgerton! Do not take another bite of that dumpling or else we won’t have enough to feed our guests!” Mrs. Crabtree demands to Benedict while wiping baby Charlie’s fingers as he tries to grab the morsel his father is currently eating.
“They are here!” Alfie exclaims to everyone as he fixes his white gloves while rushing to the door to formally greet the numerous members of the Bridgerton family.
“Ready, my darling?” Benedict asks his wife, displaying his signature lopsided smirk to her.
“With you? Always.” Sophie answers with a kiss on his lips. Abruptly interrupted by Charlie smacking his hands against his parents’ lips.
“Not even one year old yet, and he’s already showing signs of jealousy.” Benedict chuckles as he hikes his son up.
*****
“Oh, my grandson!” Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton exclaims as soon as she’s out of the carriage, already having her arms raised to transfer Charlie from his father to her arms.
Leaving Benedict and Sophie to greet the rest of the guests who were arriving for the party.
“Sophie! I cannot thank you enough for gifting me the ballad of Hua Mulan and her story. Though it is originally of Chinese origin, it is truly inspiring. Not to mention the Art of War, you have truly made me more knowledgeable than the rest of the Ton with those textbooks alone!” Eloise exclaims, when she reaches Sophie and Benedict in greeting.
“Just do not plan world domination while we raise baby Charlie.” Sophie says in reply while Benedict snorts at his wife’s reply.
“Sophie! I cannot thank you enough for the new fabrics you have sent me from the east. They are surely one of a kind! Make no mistake, I will be the diamond when I debut into society.” Hyacinth elbows Eloise to grab Sophie’s attention while Benedict hugs Gregory for a greeting.
“I would like to thank Sophie as well for my music sheets you have sent me.” Francesca shyly adds when she reaches Benedict and Sophie at the top of the stairs in greeting.
“Right, why don’t I greet the rest of the family while Sophie and mother help baby Charlie get ready for the festivities.” Benedict grips her waist once to assure her while Violet, who is absolutely giddy with anything to do with matronly duties, practically drags her daughter-in-law up the stairs.
“I’m coming too!!!” Hyacinth shouts while hiking up her skirts to catch up to them up the stairs, Francesca following in a more mildly subdued manner.
Benedict laughs softly to himself.
“Well brother, it is just you and me again like old times.” Eloise says while she joins their arms together, awaiting for the rest of the family to step down from their carriages.
*****
“Oh! Doesn’t he look just adorable!” Violet exclaims as she looks upon her grandchild with his new Korean traditional outfit with a Silver Dragon Embroidery in the middle.
Baby Charlie was lying on the bed with a light top, blue pants, Silver Dragon Embroidery in sky blue short sleeve vest, hat, belt string, fortune pouch and socks. All in Bridgerton blue.
“He looks like a little Prince!” Hyacinth proclaims.
“He is definitely one handsome young man.” Francesca says, giving a little smile to Sophie.
“Come, let us rejoin the festivities downstairs so we may finally start the party and enjoy the abundance of food we have prepared.”
*****
“Hello everyone! Firstly, Benedict and I would like to thank you for taking the time off your busy schedules to participate in Charlie’s 100th-day celebration. Baek-il (백일), as it is known as, is a significant Korean tradition marking a baby’s survival through its most fragile early life. Families traditionally offer thanks to the Samsin grandmother spirit (Goddess of childbirth), share white rice cakes (baekseolgi) to symbolize purity and longevity, and hold a family celebration.” Sophie says to the gathered Bridgerton family members, as Irma and Mrs. Crabtree distribute the rice cakes for the family to try.
“Now however, we are going to play a game which we want everyone to participate in.” Benedict adds, quite excitedly because he considers this a form of gambling in which the men would certainly enjoy. Sophie just rolls her eyes but indulges him because as long as everyone participates, she is happy.
“This game is called doljabi, translated to: picking items to predict the future. We will display a few items out of reach for Charlie, and each item will be symbolic to that of what he will be choosing as his career for his future.”
Benedict starts to rub his hands together in his excitement.
Alfie hands Benedict a top hat with a smirk.
“We have a thread: to symbolize long life and health, gold coins: representing future and prosperity, book: symbolizing academic success and wisdom, gavel: represents leadership/ fame/ or public speaking, herbs: career in healthcare, paint brush: in the arts.” Sophie starts disturbing small strips of paper to everyone, to write their predictions.
“After all of you write your respective guesses, Charlie will be placed on the soft mat at the center and we will see which object he crawls to first.”
“This should be easy…” Colin gives a sly remark to his brothers.
“No cheating by signaling Charlie! He has to make his own conclusion.” Sophie glares at him and the rest of the Bridgerton men at that, which earns her a sigh from all of them.
“You have 3 minutes and then we will draw.” Sophie declares.
“Three??” Anthony exclaims.
“Three.” Sophie replies by looking at him, straight in the eye without negotiations.
“Whoever wins in predicting baby Charlie’s lot, will win a fine Korean distilled alcoholic beverage known as Soju.” Benedict adds, which perks up the men.
*****
“Times up!” Sophie claps! This in turn, makes baby Charlie follow his mother’s lead and clap repeatedly which makes everyone chuckle.
Benedict then takes his son into his arms, and leads them around the room to collect the slips of paper written down and drop them into the top hat for the final verdict.
“You’re not allowed to cheat!” Gregory exclaims while covering his written answer with his arms to prevent Colin from looking.
“It is not an exam Gregory, just let me have a quick peek!” Colin says in outrage.
“It is not that serious brother.” Anthony says while rolling his eyes.
“That’s because you demanded to know what we all wrote in our paper!” Colin says indignantly with a huff.
“Be a good boy and do consider your Uncle Anthony when you choose your item.” Anthony says to his nephew, while Benedict rolls his eyes and Charlie just stares blankly at him when he drops his paper into the hat.
*****
“After tallying the scores, we have a majority vote!” Benedict announces to the family.
Everyone leans in with bated breath.
“Well?? Go on then, tell us what it is!” Anthony proclaims. Kate and Violet both elbow him on each side to quiet his impatience.
“It is the paint brush!” Benedict says with glee.
Some members of the family were already cheering and jumping.
“Before you all celebrate, we must find out if your choices coincide with what baby Charlie decides.” Sophie interjects.
And with that, Benedict lays his son in the middle of the mat, a few feet behind the aforementioned items.
Charlie looks at his father, then at his mother with brows knitting together, tilting his head to the side.
“Come on Charlie! I have money on you!” Colin cries out which in turn, makes Sophie give him a dirty look.
“It’s all for fun, I assure you dear sister.” Making all the women in the Bridgerton family exhale in exasperation.
Charlie gives his parents one last look, then starts to crawl towards the items before him.
Everyone waits with bated breath, even the Dowager Viscountess stills her movements to see which item her grandchild chooses for his metaphorical future.
Baby Charlie suddenly stops a few inches towards the paint brush, looking at it from side to side.
Some gasps, thinking it would be a no-brainer at this point.
But as most children, being unpredictable, Charlie being no different, he ends up grasping something else.
Charlie ends up reaching for the herbs.
Sophie and Benedict reach for their son, while the other men in the family exchange coins in their bets.
“My son will be a healer in the family!” Benedict proclaims while he raises baby Charlie up in the air.
“A doctor in the family!” Violet exclaims while congratulating the young parents.
“Seeing as how often our family gets injured. I would like to think that it is a great addition to the Bridgertons.” Eloise admits.
*****
“Let’s eat!” Sophie directs the whole family to the formal dining room of My cottage.
“Irma, Mrs. Crabtree and I prepared an assortment of Korean dishes for all of you to try. You don’t have to like all of them, but I am grateful that everyone is open to trying something new from my culture, as well as a part of Charlie’s now.” Sophie smiles at Benedict, who is holding baby Charlie on his lap.
“Let me introduce you to each dish. We have Gungjung Tteokbokki (Royal Court Rice Cakes), a savory dish featuring rice cakes stir-fried in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, beef and vegetables.” Sophie starts handing the plates to her husband for everyone to distribute and help themselves with.
“We have Mandu, which are essentially Koreans’ version of dumplings. Might I add, my lovely husband helped in making and testing out the final product.” Sophie smirks at him.
“Mine are a little out of shape, but they are still quite the lovely morsels to consume.” Benedict winks at everyone while stealing a kiss on the cheek to his wife.
“Next, we have Japchae, a savory and slightly sweet dish of stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables. Pajeon, a type of green onion pancake, made from a batter of eggs, wheat flour, rice flour and mainly scallion. Cucumber salad for our side dish. And finally Bibimpab, which simply translates to: mixed rice with meat and assorted vegetables for our main dish.”
“My dear, you have simply outdone yourself. You needn’t have made so much and tire yourself for our visit.” Violet, ever the considerate mother-in-law.
“I was happy to, Irma and I were quite excited to introduce a whole new cuisine to the rest of the family. We were both looking forward to it.” Sophie assures everyone.
“I quite enjoy having a big family.” Sophie quietly confesses to Benedict as he plates her a heaping pile of food.
“This won’t be the last time we have this type of gathering.” He assures her as Benedict secretly caresses her stomach, just under the table cloth while looking over Charlie, who was being passed around the table.
“No, it won’t be the last.” Sophie smiles at her husband in private.
“Could you pass me the dumplings?” Colin asks no one in particular.
“It hasn’t even reached down our side of the table yet!” Hyacinths says indignantly.
Author’s Note: Turns out the creative juices come out at 3am.
“We finally learn who our new neighbors are.” Footman John announces to the small group of Bridgerton staff standing in the corner, awaiting to be called upon while the members of the Ton engage in polite conversion around Miss Hyacinth’s recital ball.
Sophie was only partially listening, too busy gazing at Benedict and Hyacinth while they danced across the family’s ballroom. It was a beautiful sight to see, the closeness of each and every sibling was a special thing indeed.
“Who?” Hazel and Celia ask in unison.
Both waiting for bated breath, they lean towards John conspicuously.
“The Dowager Lady Penwood, Araminta Gun.” John theatrically declares, knowing that this information was the hottest gossip in town.
For Sophie, however, it felt like the final nail in her proverbial coffin.
“I’m sorry, could you repeat that? Araminta… She is here. Lady Penwood is our new neighbor?” Sophie walks toward them to confirm her sinking suspicions, that she was not mistaken the first time.
John simply nods his head.
“It came straight from the source: the new footman.” He adds with a sly smile.
“Forgive me, I am… I suddenly feel quite light headed and will retire early for the night.” Sophie retreats and hastily makes a quick exit to her room.
Leaving a trail of get-well wishes behind her.
Sophie staggers up to the steps, making her movements jerky as she feels as if the world is closing in.
One step in front of the other Sophie, you can make it.
She only needs to find a quiet space, any room that she could lock herself and calm down. Her hands and feet are suddenly numb, the imaginary noose around her neck keeps getting tighter… and tighter.
She is not even aware that Benedict had followed and was calling for her name.
“Sophie? Sophie! Tell me what is wrong.” Benedict is taking two steps at time, eating the distance between him and her.
Ears ringing and shaky hands, Sophie attempts to get a hold of the door… any door, so she can break down in peace.
“I have to go... I need to leave immediately… She’s never going to let me go… ”
Benedict has caught up with her by then, and can clearly hear her mumble these words repeatedly, but it is as if Sophie does not even realize that she is saying these words out loud.
“Sophie…?” Benedict approaches her slowly like a new born colt.
Finally, she is able to twist the doorknob with her sweaty palm and dashes inside quickly.
Unbeknownst to her, it was Benedict’s bedroom.
Benedict follows her inside without any hesitation.
He enters and closes the door but stays perfectly still to not scare her off. Benedict watches her, simply at a loss of what to do.
And now, Sophie is pulling at her collar and tearing the fabric. Too frantic, to notice anything else.
“I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe!”
At Sophie’s panic declaration, which was breaking his heart to witness her in such a state. Benedict starts to move.
Benedict gently lifts her face to him, taking her other hand, placing it directly to his heart. Noting Sophie’s eyes are glazed over, he tries to ground her to the present.
“It’s okay, I’m here.” He continues to rub her shoulders and arms in a repetitive manner.
“Feel the beating of my heart? Let us match our breathing to it hmm?” Benedict’s eyes never left hers.
And Sophie, who was coming down from her panic, lets out a tortured wail that escaped her throat.
“You will be alright my darling, no one can hurt you. I shall never allow it.” He gravely vows.
To his relief, Sophie’s shaking has subsided. The occasional tremors were still present, but she was not clawing at her reddened throat any longer. By this point, Benedict has his forehead resting on her temple, inhaling Sophie’s scent, grounding himself as well. Her head piece had been long forgotten, and so Benedict was able to comb his fingers in her silken hair while massaging the base of her neck.
Not wanting to disturb the stillness of the moment, but understanding that, Sophie has completely exhausted herself with the whole ordeal. He carefully carries her to his bed, allowing Sophie to rest on his chest, so that she can continue to listen to his heartbeat.
Benedict continues to stroke her hair, back, arms and up again. He presses the occasional kiss on her head because he cannot help himself.
This is all he’s ever dreamed and wanted. To have Sophie in his arms, with so much trust. Benedict is wholeheartedly content in staying like this the entire night. However, he did not like the catalyst of it.
He does not push nor asks. Completely content in just laying still with her.
“Forgive me.” Sophie says while avoiding eye contact, not moving from her position on Benedict’s chest.
“Whatever for?” He blinks, looking quite bewildered.
“Having to witness my hysterics.” She dejectedly says as her embarrassment starts to take root and creep in.
“Sophie, will you look at me? There is nothing to feel embarrassed about. In fact, I am honored that you showed me your vulnerability. Your trust is a gift.” Benedict assures her, and seals the declaration with a kiss on her temple.
Sophie was contemplating, in telling Benedict what had caused such an outburst.
In reality, she might as well give him another reason on why being together can never result in a good outcome.
To his credit, he does not pressure her by demanding that she give him an explanation. Benedict simply continued his ministration on stroking her hair and back.
Sophie lets out a big sigh while she fidgets with the collar around his neck. She bites the left side of her cheek, then decidedly bites the metaphorical bullet by sitting up and tells him the truth.
“I am illegitimate, and my father was the late, Lord Earl of Penwood.” Sophie confesses, if not for the first time ever.
This reveal made Benedict arch his spine and sit up as well. The flicker of surprise on his expression with Benedict’s eyebrows lifting for a split second before quickly recovering was not lost on Sophie.
“Which means…” His eyebrows draw together momentarily whilst being at a loss for words.
“Araminta Gun is my stepmother.” She sighs and looks away. He too, grimaces at the thought of little Sophie being around such a dreadful person.
“John mentioned that the new neighbor is Lady Araminta Gun.” Sophie explains while biting her lip.
The apprehension on her face made Benedict pull Sophie on his lap. Securing his arms around her waist and squeezing once, to give Sophie the reassurance that he was not going anywhere just because of this new revelation.
“But how did you…?” His eyebrows pinched indicating confusion and discomfort in following through with asking the whole question.
“Become a maid?” Sophie finishes the question for him and regales him, a part of the story.
“I became my father’s ward at the age of five. I was looked after by my governess, tutors and the servants at Penwood house but he was not present in my life. When Araminta and her daughters came into the picture, it was never the same after that. She withdrew the tutors and my governess, I was also not allowed to interact with her children. Though the Earl was distant, he made a promise to always take care of me. Then he died suddenly, and Araminta made me go into her servitude without paying any wages for the last seven years. He promised to take care of me but Araminta declared I was never mentioned in the will, and this made me realize that one should not hope for more. She always reminded me to know my place.” Forcing a smile on her face that did not reach her eyes.
“Sophie… Did you see this will for yourself?” Locking his eyes with her.
“I did not wish to be further crushed.” Sophie says while biting the inside of her cheek.
“Oh, Sophie…” Benedict engulfs her with a tight embrace and a kiss on the temple.
He cups her face in both hands and stares into her eyes.
“You are enough, Sophie Baek. You are the one for me. I cannot in good conscience wait a moment longer and not tell you that I love you. Completely. Wholeheartedly. Obsessively. There is no one else for me until the day that I die, and even then. If you will only accept my affection…” His voice, turning rough and uncertain towards the end of his confession.
“Benedict…” Sophie gazes at him longingly, her whole face softening, reflecting an emotional openness that Benedict has never witnessed from the woman that sits on his lap.
It is her turn, to envelope his face and initiate the kiss. His whole body relaxes and leans into the kiss, letting Sophie set the pace. As they break apart, Benedict starts pecking her everywhere on her face which makes Sophie smile and giggle.
“Stay. To sleep.” He clarifies.
“I only wish to hold you the entire night and wake up to your face.” Benedict was not above begging to have Sophie in his arms.
“I will stay.” She concedes giving him a soft smile.
As they settled for bed, he realized that she did not say the three words back.
That is alright, he could wait forever… As long as she stays right beside him.
Author’s Note: I watched Young Sherlock on Prime recently and wondered, what a little heist would look like with Sophie. Since I’m a sucker for jealous tropes, I also wanted a scene where Benedict gets jealous.
Inspiration was taken from both Bridgerton and Young Sherlock series.
Warning: Eventual Smut
Note: The sequence generally follows the timeline of Season 4 without the whole mistress thing.
Post-TLG Hollanov are woken at an ungodly hour by Shane’s phone. Shane answers and Yuna tells him to put her on speaker phone. Shane does and she tells them not to freak out but someone put a hidden camera in their hotel room when they were last in St. Louis, and the video is now on the internet. Yuna is working to get it taken down, but it’s spread like wildfire. Shane and Ilya are like “oh shit” and start to panic because the last time they played in St Louis a really bad snow storm rolled in, so they were stuck there for an extra day and spent the whole day fucking. An unauthorized Hollanov sex tape hits the internet. Half of the fandom is like “don’t watch it, respect their privacy” and other half is giving play-by-play commentary and writing essays about the video. #ProRiderShane, #ServiceTopIlya, and #TwoBigDicks are trending. Shane wants the earth to swallow him whole while Ilya tweets out “Damn, we look so good together” and Shane takes Ilya’s phone and flushes it down the toilet.
The internet's favorite part is the extended cut TM which shows the evening before when both of them get in tired from a long game that went into OT and Ilya tries to talk Shane into blowjobs but Shane's like you took a brutal hit and you can barely keep your eyes open we are not having sex, we are sleeping and Ilya gives him the cottage blowie on the phone eyes so Shane makes him a deal: if Ilya can stay awake until Shane's done with his bathroom routine, he'll blow him and Ilya fucking Rozanov, Terror On The Ice, gives his husband the biggest pout because you will cheat Shane and Shane is like I've never cheated once in my life asshole, and Ilya says, outraged, you will take extra long so I will fall asleep! Just like you wear your glasses when you want me to clean up my socks. That's not cheating that's an incentive, Shane shoots back and is so pissed about the cheating accusation he actually goes to the bathroom even though he was half a second from caving because he does really want to blow Ilya. Anyway you can see on the video how Ilya fucking Rozanov, one half of the league's sleep paralysis demon duo is trying stubbornly staying awake playing something on his phone and then just nods off. And then Shane comes back, not even three minutes later because that man is weak and that was not his full bathroom routine in any universe, but Shane just smiles softly and takes Ilya's phone and puts it on the nightstand. And then he gets a water bottle and puts it there too and then he gets into bed with him and even half asleep Ilya throws and arm over Shane and wiggles half on top of him. And when the gifs of that go viral Ilya finally crashes out and orders Yuna to hire ten more lawyers and find those fucking thieves because that moment was for no one else but him, fuck them Shane that is huge invasion of privacy Shane I will murder them!
“Many men who commission ships think themselves shipmen,” Benedict explains to his older brother. “They romanticize the sea and frequent dock taverns as if they're salty and seasoned sailors.”
“That is ridiculous,” Anthony comments. “We could have just met at the club.”
Benedict nods as they round the corner and he leads them toward a tavern called Mallard's End.
Anthony looks confused.
Benedict grins. “There is an old song about a captain who retired, went a little mad and hunted a duck in a pond as if it were a whale. Hence the name.”
“I am not cut out for this culture,” Anthony admits sheepishly.
“Which is why I was surprised you wanted to come with,” Benedict tells him.
“I was curious,” Anthony tells him. “I haven't seen you work in two years.”
Benedict nods and freezes as he looks out at the ships. He grins slowly. “You see that one?” He points out at a merchant ship.
Anthony nods. “Yes. Although they all look the same.”
“It is the one I worked on,” Benedict tells him.
Anthony's eyes widen. “Truly?” He steps closer to get a better look. “They used your plans? They built that entire boat off things you drew?”
Benedict grins and nods. “Two years of planning, drawing, building…and there she is. The Sophia Maria.”
Anthony laughs. “They let you name her after your wife?”
Benedict shrugs. “No one else had any good names. Do not bring it up to Sophie, though. She's a bit mortified.”
“Something tells me Sophie will not be making pleasant conversation with any of us for a few days,” Anthony says. “Apparently that disagreement with mother earlier today was enough to derail tea with Eloise's fiancé and push it to a dinner instead.”
Benedict sighs heavily. “I understand that she has always been against us working. Any other family would have sent Colin and I into the military or the clergy when we came of age.”
“Father wanted you home as well,” Anthony tells him. “He thought of sending you to sea, but…”
“I remember,” Benedict tells him. “I think maybe he should have.”
“Is your old life really so terrible?” Anthony asks.
“No,” Benedict tells him. “Truly, no. I just do not think I am cut out for it.” He looks back out at the Sophia Maria. “Look at it, brother. I spent months on measurement and design. I drew that thing piece by piece, and then someone took those drawings and built it. And now it sails. It bloody sails! It will go all over the world. It exists, in part, because I put pencil to paper.”
Anthony says nothing.
Benedict shrugs.
“Apparently, you told mother that had it not been for Sophie, you would have joined a crew and never come back?” Anthony asks.
Benedict nods. “If Kate truly had returned to India, what would you have done?”
“My duty,” Anthony responds automatically. “Miserably. Drunkenly.”
“And if you had had no duty?” Benedict asks.
“I would have chased her across the world,” Anthony says. “Without question.”
They both go silent at that.
“Come on,” Benedict says finally, patting his arm. “I shall buy you a drink while we wait for Marford.”
They head into the Mallard's End, and a corner of the tavern roars happily as they see Benedict.
“BRIDGE!”
Anthony follows Benedict over to their tables.
“Hello, lads,” Benedict greets. “Still on shore leave, I see.” He turns to Anthony. “This is the crew of the Atlas, the boat we sailed in on.”
Tyler smiles and slaps his shoulder. “Alright, Bridge? How's the family?”
“They are well,” Benedict tells them. “Actually, this is my older brother, Viscount Bridgerton.”
Tyler grins and bows to Anthony. “M'Lord.”
“Nice to meet you all,” Anthony nods.
“We're all well fond of your brother,” one of the other men says. “No one hangs upside down from a mast like Bridge.”
Anthony blinks and turns to Benedict.
“Do not tell Sophie,” Benedict snaps.
Anthony grins. “Upside down you say.” He takes a seat with the crew. “Tell me more.”
Tyler slaps Benedict on the back again. “Good luck, Bridge.”
From Harrison’s version of “All The Things She Said” at the heartbreaking club scene, to Wolf Parade’s “I’ll Believe in Anything” at the Skip kiss, Heated Rivalry has brought us so many needle drop moments. Just like many other aspects of the show, the soundtrack helps tell the story of Shane and Ilya.
This deep dive is written in collaboration with u/SoftSeagulls on Reddit. A big thank you to their incredible research and for allowing me to adapt their original Reddit post 🫶🏼
