He was awakened by several knocks on the door. At first he wanted to ignore them, but the knocks became more persistent and impossible to ignore. He sighed briefly; but then he looked at the sleeping beauty who was sleeping on her side, to his right and had to smile. Last night... or rather this morning... had been everything he'd dreamed of; a perfect burst of soaking attraction, pulling, and pushing, the feeling he'd never let go of since knowing her.
And he was glad; somewhere deep down he was reassured because things would surely work out between them... somehow, but he didn't know how.
Anyway, someone was asking for his attention. Benedict reached for his dressing gown, which lay on his dresser, as he was still quite...naked, put it on and walked to the door to open it.
"Mosely. Good morning." Benedict said a tad sleepily still.
"Good morning sir. I hope you slept well" said the tall, bulky man. Mr. Mosely had been with Benedict since he moved out on his own and was a man who was discreet; one of the many traits Benedict valued. Whoever was sleeping with him; Mosely did not judge them and only asked about his employer's sleep.
"Yes thank you," Benedict said, smiling as he had never slept so well.
"Sir, I wish to remind you that you have to be at your brother-in-law's birthday in one hour."
Oh no, Benedict thought.
It was Simon's birthday; well, not today, somewhere in the past week Simon had already celebrated it with Benedict's sister, Daphne, probably, but today he had invited his friends and family.
Benedict had no choice; he had to go even if he wanted to spend the day... and night with Alina since it was Sunday and Genevieve's sewing shop was closed.
"Right. I understand. Erm. Would you run a bath for me please and lay out my clothes?".
"Certainly, sir."
"Thank you. As for the young lady," and he looked back at Alina for a moment who hadn't changed her position in his bed.
"Will you tell her that I had to go to a family occasion but that I will be back as soon as possible and if she will please wait for me? Let the maids draw her a bath too and oh.. make sure she gets to eat breakfast".
Mosely nodded and Benedict thought that was it but apparently the man wanted to say something more and so he cleared his throat.
"I just now have received a note from Lady Bridgerton, and she asks me to remind you that you are expected at the Shelby's ball tonight and that she would be 'very disappointed' if you did not attend this evening as well. She wishes to receive an answer from you if you shall attend or not".
Oh, of course. His mother wanted nothing more than to see him at the ball where he would have to dance with one debutante or other lady of eligible age after another in the hope of snaring a suitor. But... Benedict didn't want to go to some stupid ball to dance with a girl who did not interest him.
"Tell her I'll think about it".
"Right away sir" Mosely replied and then left.
Benedict bathed and dressed quickly and then left for the house, the building was so big that you couldn't really call it a house and met his brother Anthony there... who was acting rather not like himself oddly.
"HI Ben, everything alright?" Anthony said and then commenced to give Benedict a firm hug. Benedict did not answer, slightly confused, and somewhere he wanted to ask Anthony if he was feeling okay but did not.
"Hey there little brother. How are you?" asked Anthony before hugging Colin tightly this time.
"Good.. Good.. I. I.. Think".
"And how are you today Anthony.?", Colin asked while glancing at Benedict and Simon in confusion.
"Fantastic", Anthony beamed. "Thanks for asking".
Anthony spotted someone both he and Simon knew and waved at him.
"I'm going to say hello to Laurence" he indicated and off he went whereupon Colin and Benedict exchanged looks with each other.
"Well, that was... odd wasn't it?" Ben stated after a little silence.
"I know right..." Colin confirmed with a puzzled expression.
"I wonder what has gotten into him" Benedict said and then looked interrogatively at Simon who was grinning...
"What... What do you know? Why are you smiling?" Benedict wondered..
"Nothing, nothing." lied Simon, still with a smirk on his face.
"Aah come on tell... You have an idea, I think, share it with us" Colin argued with a smile.
"Yes Simon, tell us or we won't give you our wonderful gifts and leave with them." Benedict joked.
" Well... since you insist and since I like getting presents" Simon joked "I will tell you guys" but then he deliberately paused a moment to keep the suspense.
"For God's sake.. Simon. Out with it!", Benedict demanded.
"Fine.. I suspect Anthony might have had a... enjoyable night if you catch my drift..." Simon grinned.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Colin frowned.
Benedict had already figured it out, Simon could tell from his face for a grin crept upon it.
" What do you think it means, Colin?" laughed Ben.
"Oh."
"OH" said Colin as it dawned on him too and then all three looked at a happily chatting Anthony.
Colin then saw one of his mutual friends and excused himself to go and talk to it.
"Simon. Erm. Listen, sorry but I can't stay long" Benedict said, seizing the moment to have a word with him.
"Oh. I see. Not a problem but do stay a while; for I've had a feast prepared. Seriously, the cooks have been working day and night and I would hate for you to miss it".
"No, no of course" Benedict said, he was famished right about now as he didn't eat.
"I won't leave right away... but I will afterwards for I have someone waiting for me. I mean.. I have to meet up with someone" he corrected with a blush and hoped that Simon hadn't noticed.
He did whoever and a grin appeared on his face. He then crossed his arms behind him, and for a moment he looked suspiciously like a teacher at Eton, Benedict thought, who did the same thing when he liked to catch an unsuspecting pupil cheating on his exam.
"Let me guess... the Mystery woman is waiting for you?" asked Simon while simultaneously cocked his face to the left.
"Euh no. I just have another appointment with a friend, sorry" lied Benedict.
"I don't believe you; not one bit.. Come on. You can tell me, who is she? And when do we get to meet her? Daphne has been pestering me for the past few days to ask you to reveal her identity... If you thought Eloise was curious believe me Daphne is much worse. Therefore, Benedict, might there be something you would like to share with me?".
Benedict chuckled but shook his head.
"Fine. Be that way. But... something; tells me; perhaps it is the fact that you haven't stopped smiling since you got here that Anthony has not been the only one to have ...pleasant night or am I wrong?" smiled Simon.
"You are wrong, sadly, but even if you weren't a gentleman never tells, Simon. You should know that better than anyone" replied Benedict.
"Hhm. Well... I'm sure you'll have a reason to remain silent for now at least" Simon remarked before luckily dropping the subject as it was time for the meal to be served to Benedict's relief.
The guests sat down and soon everyone was supplied with both drinks and food and Simon was showered with gifts. Benedict remained seated for an hour to an hour and a half until he excused himself. His brothers looked at him with some suspicion, but Colin was too busy enjoying his second piece of cake to question him and Anthony was in such good spirits that he responded understandingly and wished him a good day. Simon told Ben to 'send his regards' to that 'friend of his' and that he hoped to 'meet him soon'.
When he returned, the butler told him that she was in the dining room, eating breakfast. He walked straight towards it but stopped briefly in front of the door, where a light dread came over him. What if she had doubts again? What if she had even worse regrets? What if? There was only one way to find out, so he knocked and opened the door.
She looked up in his direction; from her plate to the visitor and for a moment there was a blush on her cheeks, and she looked uncomfortable, he thought. Oh no thought Benedict but a moment later she stood up and carefully walked towards him, wearing the same dress as yesterday and standing still in front of him.
"Good morning" she said softly with a small smile.
"Good morning sweetheart" Ben replied, looking at her affectionately. He bent down, cautious because he didn't know how she would react, and gave a short kiss on the cheek.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked, genuinely interested, and she nodded, still a little shy, but it moved him a lot and he found it touching.
"That's good to hear" he replied with an expression that would make any woman in the world melt right in front of him. His eyes were magnetising, their colour sea blue, which is how Alina experienced them even though she had only been by the sea once in her life, and that was years ago.
"Do sit down and continue your meal.. If you don't mind I'll keep you company" he grinned.
They walked back to the table and as they did so Benedict put his hand on her back and removed it until they reached the table.
They sat down, Benedict on her right and he ordered Mosely to bring him some coffee.
"Would you like anything else? If you want something else to eat, just say-" he asked her.
Did she want something else to eat? It was a strange question for Alina. She had never eaten so well; the eggs were delicious, as were the other elements of breakfast, such as cold meats, cheeses, delicious bread, and other goodies such as scones and delicious strawberry jam that she had put on her bread.
She shook her head and then returned her attention to her plate and took a few bites. If Alina was honest, she didn't feel quite at ease right now; not that she regretted yesterday, it had felt right and proper, but still, it was a little embarrassing to be in the presence of someone who... had seen her completely naked. He took her silence differently, though; and it raised doubts in him, so it was no surprise that, after a few unsuccessful attempts to start a conversation, he had to ask her the question that was on his mind.
"Alina... You... you don't regret what happened this morning do you" he inquired with an uncertain intonation.
"No Benedict... It's just a little...uncomfortable... I've never been with... Never done that before... never given me to someone like that" she stated with a blushing head at which Benedict understood that her attitude had to do with other factors, to his relief.
He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips.
"Please don't be ashamed. There is no need to be and certainly not for me".
She nodded and smiled.
"I will try," she replied, and the atmosphere between them instinctively changed to one of geniality.
"What shall we do today? If you like, we can go for a walk in the neighbourhood" Benedict suggested. It was an innocent and heartfelt suggestion, but it brought them back to the reality as they both realised that a stroll was out of the question. However, neither of them wanted to admit it.
"I'd like that, but I think I'll go home" she said, and Benedict looked at her in disbelief and disappointment.
"Alina... Are you sure you're not looking for another reason to-" he began but she interrupted him this time and repeated the movement he had done to her? Alina reached for his palm and brought to her mouth and pressed her lips on it.
And he melted. Melted.
"Don't worry, please... I haven't been there since last night, I just want to check everything, that's all. I can come back if you want" she suggested.
"Yes, please do" to which the two looked at each other for a moment, sharing looks of mutual affection.
Soon, he was claiming her mouth; quietly at first, but soon both were losing themselves in the kiss; and their bodies were moving closer together. He broke the kiss briefly by standing up, reaching for her, and pulling her close, leaving her no option but to stand up as well and be 'thrown' into his arms.
For minutes there was nothing in the world but the two of them as their lips touched and his hands explored the curves and her body again, insisting and insisting. Benedict was just about to drag her upstairs to his bed, where she belonged, in this house, where she belonged, when there was another knock at the door.
She was startled and withdrew. He wanted to kiss her again; he would fob off Mosely later, but she stepped back with a cheeky grin and pointed in the direction of the door.
"We're not done yet, madame... just wait" he warned jokingly. "Mosely, come in" he said, and Alina quickly sat back down.
Mosely entered the room; looking a little uncomfortable as if he knew he was disturbing something.
"Sir. My apologies but a second note from your mother has arrived after I sent a message back saying that you will 'think about it'. Your mother now says that she will personally pick you up if she has to and that you have already missed enough balls this season".
"I understand but I would love for you to send back a message saying that I have plans tonight with a-".
"You should go" he suddenly heard, and he glanced up at her in surprise.
"You mustn't disappoint your mother."
"But-"
"It's fine, I was going to go home anyway" she replied with a friendly expression; her beautiful green, brown eyes lighting up.
"Really it is.. I'll see you soon".
Benedict sighed deeply and then gave in; however, that did not mean
"I'll have you picked up tomorrow night" he stated firmly.
"Fine" she replied.
"Tomorrow evening after work. Punctually at 18.00. Be there."
"Fine" she said with an amused look, whereupon Benedict turned to his butler in disappointment.
"Mosely, please inform my mother that I will be present."
It took a while for Benedict to let her leave; as he had crashed his mouth into hers shortly after his butler's departure, but eventually she left his house and was dropped off on Church street where she quickly walked to hers. Fortunately, her coat was long enough to hide her dress, so no one noticed that she looked different than usual.
When she got home, she quickly changed her clothes, stoked a fire, and then placed a pan of water on the grill so that she could start dinner. For that, however, she needed bread and some vegetables, so she stepped outside. She bought the vegetables, but still had to get the bread. at the Watson's shop... unfortunately. Alina found it increasingly difficult to go to the Watson's, the words of Harriet Kennedy, aka her mother were still ringing in her mind. Alina was not so prejudiced as to think her mother was right, but she too had to confess that Tommy's eyes were sometimes on her; at times when he thought she didn't realise it.
To her 'luck' however, she did not find Tommy this time. She spoke briefly and kindly to his sister who was standing in the shop and then left again, eager to get home...
"Alina" she heard, and she turned to face the person who had called out to her and saw Tommy standing in front of her. Oh no.
"Tommy, hello. Nice to see you. How are you today?".
He didn't answer right away but kept looking at her piercingly for a moment and it made her nervous.
"Fine, thanks. And you?" he asked, to which she gave him a meaningless reply of 'fine' and then inquired briefly about how the shop was doing, to which he in turn said that the shop was doing great, and they were thinking of opening a new one.
"That is wonderful to hear, I am happy for you guys. Listen, I must go... I just started making dinner and I've got water on... so have a good night and I'll talk to you soon."
She was about to excuse herself until he spoke again.
"Where were you yesterday?" he wanted to know, the tone of his curiosity somewhat sharp though he didn't realise it.
Alina's face paled and she was momentarily taken aback as a sense of dread filled her entire being.
"I was here yesterday to invite you to dinner... but you weren't there. I waited for you for a long time, but you never came" he explained.
"If I didn't know better... it looked like you didn't come home after work" he concluded rightly. Damn. Damn. Harriet Kennedy! At this point Alina could shoot her! Apparently she had stopped by the Watson's after all to ask if they could keep an eye on her.
"Oh.. How kind of you to invite me; thank you but I didn't know, sorry... I stayed with a friend" she quickly made up.
Tommy did not believe her. It was very clear to see as his brows knitted in confusion.
"Which friend then? Do I know her too maybe?"
"Ehm no I don't think so, I know her from work. Listen sorry again but I really have to go now because-".
"Where does she live then?" he wanted to ween and at that moment she lost her impatience. She had tried to remain friendly and or calm but like every human being she also had a limit and at this moment she didn't feel like explaining anything to him.
"What business is it of yours?" she exclaimed in a pithy tone and immediately Tommy's attitude changed; from confident to insecure among others.
"N.. Nothin'... I just wanted to know who you were with or if you got home safely" he stammered.
"As you can see I did. I appreciate your concern, but this conversation feels like an interrogation when I've already given you an answer, not that I owe you one, by the way" she snapped.
" Of course, you don't owe me an explanation, I, I was just worried; that's all but I am sorry if I offended or something. I hope I haven't because.. I well.. I care about you, I mean, we do, as a family. " he stated sincerely and with a guilt-ridden look on his face.
At this she softened a little, but also a little because she was still quite annoyed, but she shouldn't have gone at him like that.
"I am too. Shall we... Shall we forget about it?" she asked ruefully, and he nodded. She took a deep breath and turned to him again.
"Say hello to your mum for me; I hope to see her soon. Have a nice evening, Tommy".
"You too" he replied.
Alina turned and walked slowly away with her heart pounding as everything in her screamed to run and burst into tears in the comfort of her home.
This was... not good. No doubt her mother would hear about it... then she would have to explain her excuse well because if there was one thing Harriet knew, it was that Alina had no friends with whom she could 'stay'.
Eleanor Shelby was used to getting her way. As the only daughter of a family of four and the youngest, she was her father's little princess. What Eleanor wanted, Elanor got, especially when her brothers married one before her and she was the only one left behind.
As she grew older, she developed into an astute; young lady that did not suffer fools. She grew into her looks, in her youth she had not been the most beautiful, and among other things she was insecure about her many freckles and blond robust curly hair, but fortunately she knew how to curb these with the methods of our time. In time, she managed to appreciate her freckles as they distinguished her.
One could therefore only say that Eleanor Shelby was a beautiful and remarkable figure with her blonde hair, blue eyes, and her figure; which made many a man's heart run faster as she, despite being quite thin, had a rather imposing 'front'; so, to speak.
So, it was not strange that many a young man; had been swooning over her since she had first come to the marriage mart; and at every ball she was inundated with requests to dance, and her book was soon full. Besides, there was another insurmountable fact; her family was rich; thanks to the family business that her father had taken over at a young age and had brought to fruition. Her dowry was considerable; and the Shelby's had been quickly established into London's ton.
As is implied Eleanor never experienced lack of attention... but she soon got bored with the insipid, lovesick men who swooned over her. They had no spirit, no fortitude and above all no brains. She, Eleanor, loved to read and engage with the developments in technology, which were now developing at a rapid pace, industrialisation was very much on the rise and the impact that would have on their way of life, but when she, instead of the usual niceties, brought up the subject, many a man looked at her incredulously or stupidly, obviously not knowing what she was talking about.
Everyone except Benedict Bridgerton... She had written him off that first ball she had seen him at; especially when she saw that he reluctantly walked up to her; urged on by his mother but... so hers told her earlier, it was an excellent match on paper. The Bridgerton's were well liked and wealthy and even though Benedict was not the Viscount, his brother Anthony had that title, he would undoubtedly get a good allowance every year.
But at first she had no interest in him... until he passed her test with flying colours.
"Am on the one hand a little... reluctant in that regard. It is of course fine that a lot of labour will be taken out of work, but I wonder what these developments will mean for the ordinary worker, perhaps they will lose their jobs. How clever of you to know these things, miss Shelby, by the way. It's not often I hear a young lady going into this sort of thing. Well, thank you, I have enjoyed this conversation and dance" Benedict said politely at the end as he bowed to her.
He had only been polite, but he could not have known that at that moment Eleanor Shelby knew which man she would want to marry... and that was none other than Benedict Bridgerton.
She had to have him. Of course, he was handsome; in her opinion, he was the most handsome of the male Bridgerton descendants but there was also much more. With this man she would not be bored after a quarter of an hour of talking; with this man she could explore things, England but also abroad. This man would not let her be reduced to a simple lady of the house; burdened with the task of orchestrating one mindless event after another; but give her the opportunities to develop; she knew it in her bones.
Benedict had to be and would be hers.
Her plan to trap him, well seduce him shall we say, was thwarted every time by Benedict himself, as he refused to show up at social events. She was able to dance with him one other time, at the ball following the previous one but that had been it.
She had expected to run into him several times at a soiree here and there with mutual acquaintances or at the theatre, but it had not come to that. He had not been there.
And now... Eleanor fervently hoped that he would come today; since the whole Bridgerton family had been invited, even though the Viscount had indicated; rather late today that is, not to attend.
Eleanor was waiting nervously in the ballroom; half an hour in and ignoring everyone who asked her to dance, and he still hadn't arrived. He would come, wouldn't he? She was not sure, although it would be extremely rude not to.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw someone approaching her; a familiar face; her youngest brother Richard. He had recently married Miss Henshaw; and it had been a marriage of convenience until now. They had known each other for some time; Diana as her sister-in-law was called, was not particularly beautiful, though Eleanor minded that and possessed the intelligence of a frog; though that was something of an insult to frogs as they were undoubtedly smarter.
Richard was more than fed up with the Shelby's matriarch's whining that he should marry; her dowry was substantial, Diana was 'old' practically a spinster, so it was a win-win situation really. Richard didn't mind marrying someone he had zero feelings for; nor did he stop regularly getting into bed with anyone who looked at him kindly... whether woman or man... for that didn't matter to him. He was happy and content enjoying 'both' and luckily his illegitimate rendezvous were not a topic of conversation in London so far so why not continue with having fun?
Richard greeted Eleanor by giving her a peck on her cheek and then kept her company for a while, trying to unsuccessfully strike up a conversation, asking about if their siblings were and their spouses had arrived. She did reply to him, but her eyes remained fixed on the door.
He sighed deeply, causing Eleanor to look up at him for a moment and just watch as her brother rolled his eyes. In appearance the two may have resembled each other, Richard also had wild, blond hair, but unlike Eleanor he had been blessed with his mother's green eyes instead of his father's blue.
"What?" asked Eleanor to him annoyed.
"Please don't tell me you are waiting for that blasted Benedict.." he sighed.
"Sssh. Keep quiet!" said Eleanor as she looked around to see if anyone had heard them.
Richard couldn't help but chuckle.
"You have it really bad for Mr. Bridgerton don't you?" he teased.
"For the love of God... Richard. Shut up or I'll tell Mother and Father that your visit to the Hargrove's the other week was not based on friendship but for quite different reasons."
Richard put on a faux shocked look and clutched at his heart.
"You wouldn't do that would you? My dearest sister would never betray me" he said with a mischievous smile.
"Well, you never know, maybe I would " Eleanor replied though this time her voice was a lot less sharp and the next moment she felt all her irritation slip away because there he was, in all his glory... Her Benedict. Well, not yet, but she would think of something, but she did not have to wait long for a plan of action.
"Did you know, dear sister, that Anthony Bridgerton had to marry because of a certain article in Lady Whistledown's Society's Papers?"
he did not know; the last thing that interested her was the Ton and the gossip rag that circulated even though she was apparently mentioned in it a few times so her chambermaid told her. The author accused her of being haughty and turning her nose up at suitors at dances, among other things, and soon Eleanor had decided to dislike Lady Whistledown... vehemently and would refuse to read her drivel from now on.
But this was interesting.
"Really? Tell me more," she asked with interest, and Richard grinned.
"I shall" and on this he told the story of how Anthony Bridgerton and Mara Kensington had been alone at a dinner in an unguarded and unchaperoned moment, and the incident had come to the attention of Lady Whistledown, who had immediately written about it.
They were then married within a week, Richard added, looking at Eleanor penetratingly. She had listened to him very attentively the whole time and had said nothing.
"All I want to say is that history has a way of.. repeating itself. Suppose you accidentally hurt yourself today, let's say you tripped, and the heel of your shoe broke in the process and Mr. Bridgerton were to. bump into you somewhere in the house, for example, and gallant as he is help you...".
She nodded to which Richard continued with trying to lay out his plan.
"And then exactly at that moment, I come along; talking to some witnesses to introduce them to a rich bachelor 'friend of mine who would kiss at that very moment and you at exactly that moment..."
He glanced at the Featherington's, mother including her daughters for they were desperate and stupid enough to fall for it even though the youngest did not resemble them at all and somewhere... he got the feeling that there was more to Penelope Featherington than people thought.
He saw that this plan was going too far, for her mouth fell open in surprise.
"Absolutely not, I'm not going to stoop to this level, whether I'm in love with him or not" she said firmly. Oh, she thought afterwards. It was the first time she had admitted to another that she was in love with him...
"Fine, it's up to you but then I would like to inform you that in the Society's Papers it was written earlier that he was spotted in London with a mystery lady. I wouldn't be surprised if he were to marry one soon".
Eleanor immediately fell silent.
"If I were you dear sister... I would think it over carefully... Sometimes you must pursue your own happiness instead of idly standing by" he added, looking at her again thirstily.
"Let me know okay. You know where to find me" he said before he left. Eleanor thought about it for a long time; and then finally made her decision.
Two days later, Anthony's house on Ledger street, study.
This was a disaster. This was terrible, thought Benedict as he peered up and down in his eldest brother's study. This was... surreal; no, it didn't happen. No, it couldn't happen. He barely knew her! He had danced with her twice and while she seemed nice, he had never looked at her because he didn't want her at all.
He didn't want her, he wanted Alina!
But just like that... The biggest gossipmonger in London had caught him with her in an embrace (Eleanor had apparently chosen a different method and suddenly found herself crying in Benedict's arms) and Portia Featherington and her daughters, except for Penelope; had seen it all.
"Benedict... I'm very sorry but Portia Featherington isn't the most reliable person, even though mum has urged her to keep her silence, but I won't be surprised if she breaks it. And then it won't be long for the entire city knows.." Anthony stated with a saddened expression.
"So what? I'm not going to marry her, Anthony" he said sharply to which the latter remained silent for a moment.
"I can say from experience that it's not all that bad; a marriage that.. came about in a different way than usual" Anthony said a little shyly, referencing himself and Ben sister-in-law Mara Kensington. (Writer's note: check out Last Chance my other story).
"That's just it brother... You and Mara... It worked out, thank goodness and Mara is lovely but at least you knew each other. I don't know her! I really don't know her! I've seen her twice!. You cannot expect me to marry her! The notion is ludicrous, even you must agree", Benedict desperately argued.
"I know.. I KNOW Ben but maybe you should give it a chance. The Shelby's are well known, mum gets along fine with Mrs. Shelby and Eleanor is educated; not some blubbering debutante and considered one of the most beautiful women in London".
"I understand you very well, believe me, but Eleanor's reputation is most definitely ruined. I find it strange that Lady Whistledown has not yet written about this but she will and then it's all over, Benedict. It is better to announce an engagement; now, before Portia and Lady Whistledown share their 'knowledge' with London".
Benedict shook his head.
"I can't. I cannot.. do this..".
Anthony sighed, then leaned forward, placed his hands under his chin, then stared at Benedict.
"Is this about the seamstress?" he asked. Benedict's mouth fell open and a shock of surprise went through him.
"What... How do you know..."
"That doesn't matter" explained Anthony.
"Yes it does" Benedict said while taking a few steps towards Anthony's desk.
"Did you have me followed?" he accused.
"No...no but I have my sources".
"How dare you spy on me?" Benedict agitatedly accused.
"I wouldn't call it spying, Benedict. I only asked around, for you were being so secretive ; that was all".
"And oh...do tell me what your findings were?" asked Benedict in a pinched voice; anger permeating it.
At this Anthony sat back again and sighed deeply. It was now time to have the conversation with Benedict that he had been trying to put off ever since he found out.
"Listen Ben... I understand like no other that it's tempting to get into a relationship with someone... who. doesn't fit into our-"
"Don't compare me to you and Sienna" Benedict interrupted sharply, upon which it was now Anthony's turn to look incredulous.
"You knew?" he asked him to which Benedict nodded. Hhm. Now was not the time to ask how Benedict had been privy but maybe Anthony could do that at a later moment.
"Look, I know how you feel. Believe me. But I also know that such a relationship will not work, and I am so sorry to tell you this Benedict, but it is the truth. I mean that but it is impossible," Anthony said in a soft voice.
"You don't understand, Anthony."
"What don't I understand, Ben?".
"I love her" he stated in a shaky voice.
"I love her" he repeated with tears welling up in his eyes.
At that moment Anthony could only feel sorry for Benedict, in fact he felt his heart aching for him. But his brother had to see the truth and even though Anthony hated to do it... it had to be done.
"I'm really sorry... but I'm sure you'll have to see, one way or another, sooner or later, that it can't happen" he replied softly.
Benedict remained silent for a long time; gave a sad smile, and then turned and left.
He had not sent for her. She had waited for an hour, but the carriage never came and in her mind millions of thoughts ran through her until she scolded herself for acting up. Perhaps he had fallen ill unexpectedly or something... The next day she waited for him again... but in vain and now she began to worry.
The third day also passed without her hearing anything from him.
She thought about visiting him after work today because this was nothing like him... nothing at all. Alina tried to assuage her suspicions, the feelings inside her saying "I told you so". No, there had to would be a legitimate reason; surely there would?
Until she...came to work. Her colleagues were already busy talking to each other, but she was particularly curious about what was in the yellow folder; Emma and Sophie seemed to be reading it at the same time, as they were sitting so close together.
"What is so interesting?" asked Alina, and a minute later Emma handed her the paper.
"Dearest friends,
The last ball of the ton was held last week. I am told that the Shelby's spared no expenses in making it as pleasant as possible for their guests. And so, we have come to the end of this eventful season which has provided us with much entertainment and there is also some happy news to report, although this news is unfortunately a little less enjoyable for the free ladies.
Benedict Bridgerton is engaged to none other than Eleanor Shelby. I am surprised if I must be honest, up to now I had no reason to think that this would be a match but maybe last Friday the spark has been passed on...
I wish the couple good luck and-"
Alina read no more.
She couldn't for.. her heart was breaking into a million pieces at that very moment.
Writer's note:
I cried writing this while nearing the end.. bloody hell.
