i have no intention of marrying for love.
for benedict or anybody else from bridgerton if you'd prefer tbh!
it's as though a wick has lit aflame. she speaks the words as though they've come straight from his own mind – and he realizes then, they might just be aligned in that regard. love seems a rarity. not all who who wed are as fortunate enought to find what his mother and father had. (their's had been a true and wholesome love.)
he is cursed as the second son: the lesser important son. anthony held the burden of the first son which allowed benedict to gallavant about with the only true concern of his being not to ruin potentials for his younger siblings. he's been discreet about his dalliances, has made it clear all these years he's no intention to wed. but his mother pushes and pushes – his resolve is crumbling before his eyes. he fears he has no choice but to give into his mother's demands. if only she knew the struggles that come with being the second son.
nesta's statement, while rather forward (and a breath of fresh air, really!), has renewed his interest in the prospect. no one will ever fully understand him; perhaps not even accept him for his hidden truths. he sees an opportunity here and offers, ❝ then you should know it isn't love that i seek. i simply wish to adhere to my duty, but i don't see a future of a loving marriage. – you'll be cared for well, money is no issue and you'd have the bridgerton name. ❞ he waits a beat to allow that to sink in. his family holds a lot of weight as far as social standing goes. ❝ we could wed with no expectations other than a marriage in name alone. ❞