You stand to the side with Lady Bridgerton. Eloise, having escaped her match making attempts, left her on her own. The Bridgerton brothers were among the crowd somewhere, but you had no idea where they had gone. Therefore, you were keeping their mother company.
"Perhaps you may help me find a match? As I do not have my mother here to do so for me."
Violet looks at you and seems rather speechless.
"I am honoured, though I thought, perhaps, you already had a match."
You furrow your brow as you look at her.
"With whom?"
"Well, Benedict," she replies.
"Your Benedict?"
"Yes."
You turn your gaze to the ballroom, eyes searching for him. You find among his brothers on the other side.
"I did not think that likely."
Now Violet is the one confused.
"No? He's rather fond of you. I thought perhaps there was more to it than that."
"We are dear friends. Growing up with them will do that," you chuckle. "No. Benedict does not look upon me as of I put the stars in the sky, as if I'm a walking piece of art. Benedict does not look at me and see a future together. He looks at me for guidance when he is lost. For critique on his work. For a helping hand when your family needs one," you say, looking wistfully at the second eldest Bridgerton across the room.
Violet is confused as she looks at you.
"Then I must be seeing things," she mutters, quietly.
"Hm?"
"When you look upon my son, I see someone who will look at no other. I see someone who only wishes to dance with him and be in his company. I see you looking at him as if he is the only other person in the room."
You gaze at her.
"I did not say I didn't feel that way. I only said he does not."
Violet wishes to say more, but since taking your eyes off of the three eldest sons of her family, you had failed to notice them move across the room. You are startled by Benedict leaning in close and speaking in your ear.
"You do realise you look ghastly with that look on your face."
You jump and let out an inhumane noise as you turn and whack his arm lightly. All manners have gone out of the window as you scold him.
"Benedict, do not do that!"
As you scold him, and he laughs along with his brothers, his mother shakes her head lightly. Though she is amused by her family's antics, you're all in public.
"You seemed very deep in conversation with my mother," Benedict comments
"I was. Not that it's any if your business," you tell him.
"No? I swore I heard my name."
You shake your head in denial.
"Actually, I was just saying to Violet, she can present me if she would like to. Eloise is gone, and we all know none of you will let your mother find you a partner."
Anthony and Colin agree behind you, knowing that statement to be true. Benedict, however, looks at you with a quizzical brow.
"Present you? Do you wish to find a partner?" He asks.
You look out among the crowd.
"Why shouldn't I? I can't keep standing off to the side on my own. I should have to marry one day."
Benedict shifts on the spot, but you don't notice. Anthony does. He leans in close to his brother, pulling him off to the side a bit.
"Does that bother you?" He asks, knowing full well the answer is yes.
"Why should I be surprised? It's the whole point of these events, is it not?"
Anthony stares at his brother.
"That isn't what I asked."
Benedict doesn't even look at him. He turns to where you stand to find someone asking to dance with you. Violet urges you on to accept, and you so. Though, once you have left her side, Violet turns to her son and steps closer to him.
"When this dance is over, you must ask for the next one. I was surprised to them ask for my help. Especially when I thought you two had something."
"Perhaps we did not. I couldn't ask for a better friend," Benedict sighs, watching you.
"Is that where you will settle then?"
He looks at his mother.
"I don't know. Perhaps."
"Then you are just a fool as Anthony."
Benedict and Anthony share a look. The older of the two just shakes his head and walks away.
"Do not let them slip through your fingers."
Benedict turns back to where you're dancing. His heart aches as he follows you around the dancefloor. The one you're dancing with is not worth your time.
Lifting his head a little higher, he leaves his family and walks around the floor. His eyes remain on you, watching where you stop dancing. The moment your dance partner leaves, Benedict steps up and smiles at you. He holds his hand out.
"May I have the honour?"
You look at him, seeming to be a bit bewildered. You obviously didn't expect him to come over right after your dance.
You glance at his hand.
"You may," you say, though he it felt too quiet to be heard. However, you place your hand in his and Benedict guides you a little further onto the floor.
The next piece begins to play.
Dancing with Benedict is much different than when you were dancing before. You don't even feel like you're dancing. It's just you and him, gliding.
The music seems to disappear as you look into his eyes. All you can hear are your soft breaths. All you can feel his hands on you.
"No one here is good enough for you," he says.
You falter, but catch yourself before you make an embarrassment of your footwork.
"What do you mean?"
He sighs softly and you can see his expression begin to melt.
"No one here is worthy of your presence. If you do find a match here tonight, then I have no right to stand in the way, but know that they are not good enough for you. You deserve so much more than any of them can provide."
"Benedict..."
"Come with me?" He asks.
You furrow your brow as he stops the dancing and tugs on your hand lightly. You glance around, but everyone seems occupied. Benedict tugs your hand again.
"Where are we going?"
Benedict smiles knowing you'll follow. He leads you out of the room.
"Outside."
You find yourself grinning. This was very improper, even if the two of you were friends.
The fresh air is a welcome relief as you step outside into the night air. Benedict stands that little bit closer than society would seem appropriate, but you do not comment on it.
"If I came to call on you, would you allow me to court you?" He asks.
You turn your head sharply to look at him.
"Where is this coming from?"
He look you in the eye.
"I want you- No! I need you. The thought hadn't really crossed my mind until mother spoke to me, but she is right. I'm... well, I'm in love with you. There is no other way to say it."
You stare at him.
"Benedict..."
"Say the word here and I shall not approach this topic again, but if you do feel even something for me, allow me the honour to pursue it. I promise, I'll be on my best behaviour," he grins.
You laugh.
"No you won't."
"You're right, I'm incorrigible, but my feelings are true."
You laugh again.
"Benedict, you would make me the happiest person alive. Try as they might, those people in there are dreadfully dull and do not compare to how you make me feel."
Benedict steps a little closer. There is barely room to breath.
"Do you mean that?"
"Yes."
His nose bumps against yours. His lips are just there. He breath fans across your face. His forehead rest against yours.
So close.
Anthony comes out and grabs his brother, pulling him back.
You bite your lip as you step back.
"As much of a match as you both are, be a gentleman Benedict. You're unchaperoned and clearly on the verge of a scandal. Be glad I saw you both leave first."
You chuckle softly.
Benedict coughs quietly, pretending he wasn't on the verge of making out with you.
"Best behaviour, you two," Anthony scolds.
"Are we really taking advice from the Viscount of all people?" You ask.
Benedict takes your arm in his.
"Alas, we must. There is some sense on that head of his."
Anthony bites back a groan.
"You are perfect for one another. It really grinds me," the eldest Bridgerton mutters.
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