Chapter Eleven: A Bee in Your Bonnet
Country air indeed clears the mind and invigorates the body. Might this be the final gust that pushes the viscount over the precipice of a proposal? Of course, the luckless souls remaining in town will have to find new diversions in the absence of their most precious of stones.
Letty was heading to the drawing room in Aubrey Hall when Daphne walked in, little Augie in her arms. Letty smiled brightly, greeting Daphne excitedly and taking the offered baby. Letty bounced Augie as she and Daphne walked, Daphne now carrying the book Letty had been planning on reading to distract herself from how upset she still was with Anthony, having taken her own carriage to the country house, Eloise riding with her to keep her company.
"Sister!" was what Letty heard when she and Daphne walked into the room, Letty too busy fawning over the baby to truly pay attention to those around her.
Francesca, Hyacinth, and Violet went to Letty, fawning over the baby with her as Hyacinth called out to Eloise. Violet held her hands out and Letty passed Augie to his grandmother, watching in amusement as Violet then passed the baby to Eloise. Eloise held the baby at arm's length away from herself, seeming unsure what to do with him. Letty bit her lip to keep in a laugh as she took Augie back, taking in Eloise's grateful expression.
"Do not mind you Auntie Eloise," Colin smiled, letting Augie hold his finger. "She's too busy reading to notice anything else, as usual."
"Is it not nap time?" Eloise questioned. "Perhaps Uncle Colin will lull you to sleep with his many tales from his travels."
"Yes. I seem to be missing the peace and solitude of the Greek isles already," Colin smirked.
"Enjoying your brief respite from the ferocious packs of marriage-minded young ladies, Brother?" Daphne asked Anthony and Colin and Letty shared a look, causing Eloise to look between the two of them in confusion.
"Quite the opposite, Sister," Anthony commented. "I have invited one such lady and her family to join us today."
"Anthony has invited a young lady to Aubrey Hall?" Daphne questioned and Letty tuned out the conversation, walking to the other side of the room and sitting on the floor.
Letty bent her knees, placing baby Augie's back against her legs so that she could see his face. She smiled down at him, talking softly to him so others could not hear.
"What are you saying to the baby, Letty?" Colin smirked as he joined her, sitting beside her on the floor.
"Never you mind," Letty smirked as she began explaining the best strategies to beat his future siblings and cousins in pall mall.
"Letitia Everly! Are you teaching baby Augie how to cheat at our family's sacred tradition already?" Colin asked, looking shocked.
"Yes, I am," Letty laughed. "Have to start him early to keep up with all of you. Do they make smaller pall mall sets? For children?"
"He can barely walk and you want him holding a mallet already?" Benedict asked, sitting on the couch across from them.
"I'm also telling him to go for the mallet of death just to bother Anthony," Letty smirked.
"I feel betrayed," Anthony stated from across the room, mouth open as he stared at Letty.
"Yes, well, join the club," Letty said, voice growing hard before she turned back to the baby again.
"Letty, you are being a child," Anthony rolled his eyes.
"Maybe Uncle Anthony won't have time to be upset with you for stealing his mallet, for I may bludgeon him with it before you even learn to speak," Letty smiled down at Augie, who was smiling and laughing. "Yes, I may. I may."
"Maybe less violence when speaking to a baby?" Colin suggested.
"Then tell Anthony to remain quiet so that thoughts of violence do not cross my mind while I hold a baby," Letty pointed out before standing, Augie going to her hip in the process.
"The Sharmas and Lady Danbury are arriving," a footman announced and everyone headed towards the front of the house.
"What happened with you and Anthony?" Daphne questioned.
"I had a possible suitor and Anthony scared him away," Letty explained. "He feels no remorse over it and I haven't spoken to him in a few days now. I only came because mama asked me to."
"He did what?" Daphne asked, anger crossing her features.
"I am dealing with it. Focus on Anthony's future bride for the time being," Letty told Daphne.
Daphne let out a slow breath, nodding to Letty before taking Augie from her arms as they stood outside, waiting as a carriage rolled towards the house. Letty smiled, giving Lady Danbury a nod as she took Augie from Daphne before watching as Anthony approached Kate, Letty and Colin exchanging looks again before Daphne went to join them. Letty bit her lip to keep in the laugh she wanted to release when Daphne called Kate by her sisters name, seeming confused as she looked to Anthony.
"We'll need to include Daphne," Colin whispered into Letty's ear.
"Yes," Letty smirked, looking into Colin's blue eyes. "She may even just accomplish what we've been planning for the past few weeks in a matter of hours."
"What are you two whispering about?" Benedict asked, joining them.
"Never you mind, brother," Colin smirked, standing straight so that he wasn't whispering in Letty's ear anymore.
"Hmm," Benedict hummed, looking between Letty and Colin carefully.
"Excuse me," Letty smiled softly, reaching over and squeezing Colin's shoulder before heading back into the house, going to Lady Danbury's side and offering her arm as help.
"Miss Letitia," Lady Danbury smirked.
"Lady Danbury," Letty smiled. "Call me Letty, please."
"Letty it is," Lady Danbury smiled as they reached the door to Aubrey Hall. "Do you always join the Bridgertons early in the country?"
"No," Letty shook her head. "Just for the past two years it would seem."
"Ah," Lady Danbury nodded. "Violet told me how she and Anthony took you in after your mother."
"Yes," Letty smiled softly. "I'm not sure who is more fond of whom. Me to them or them to me."
"I also see that you are moving on from Mister Benedict Bridgerton with Mister Colin Bridgerton."
"What?" Letty asked in confusion.
"Is that not what I just witnesses?" Lady Danbury asked, seeming confused.
"No," Letty shook her head. "Colin and I are simply up to something. Mischief makers that we are."
"Well, keep your mischief away from me," Lady Danbury laughed.
"Oh, you are not who it is aimed towards. That I can promise," Letty smirked.
"Does this have anything to do with the Viscount and him running off any and all suitors from you for the past two years?" Lady Danbury questioned and Letty froze, staring at Lady Danbury in more confusion than she'd ever felt before.
"What do you mean?" Letty asked, voice careful.
"I've said too much," Lady Danbury said, eyes widening as the rest of the party joined them inside.
"I ask that you say more," Letty stated, eyes beginning to harden.
"Letty?" Violet asked, voice soft.
"Did you know?" Letty asked, turning to Violet.
"Know about what?" Violet asked, taking Letty's hand gently.
"Is Letty having another fit?" Anthony sighed.
"Letty is about to have more than a fit," Letty stated, turning her ire on Anthony. "You've been running off suitors since last year?"
Anthony stared at Letty with wide eyes.
"Anthony, tell me you haven't," Daphne gasped.
"Why would he do such a thing?" Kate asked, going to Letty's side.
"Because I asked him to," Benedict spoke up and Letty's eyes closed as she ground her teeth together. "May we speak privately, Letty?"
"I hardly think it appropriate…" Violet began.
"Fine," Letty stated, eyes opening and falling on Benedict.
She followed him to a sitting room, stepping in ahead of him and watching as he shut the doors to give them a semblance of privacy. Letty knew that Hyacinth, Eloise, and possibly Daphne would be at the door, listening in though. The Bridgertons were always a bit too curious. Letty crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for Benedict to speak.
"I asked Anthony to convince the men of the ton to not pursue you," Benedict stated. "A few even went as far as seeming boring to not draw your attention."
"Why?" Letty asked.
"Because if they were interesting…"
"I do not care about them pretending to be boring. I wish to know why you went through the trouble of asking Anthony to do such a thing," Letty stated, trying not to raise her voice or let her anger get to the best of her.
"Because…" Benedict hesitated. "Because I love you."
"No," Letty shook her head.
"Yes."
"No! You do not get to string me along and ruin my marriage prospects in the same breath! You do not get to tell me that you love me when your actions have not proven so!"
"I am trying, Letty!"
"No, you most certainly are not!" Letty interrupted him, her anger spilling out around her. "You have not tried! You have gone behind my back to keep me from any sort of happiness while you try to decide if you are ready to grow up and actually love me! You have made a fool of me over and over and I am through with it! You decide you love me? You can barely decide which handkerchief to wear in the mornings! I refuse to be a decision that you can no longer make!"
"Letty, you are being unreasonable," Benedict tried.
"I love you!" Letty let out. "That's the most painful part of this is that I truly love you. I haven't grappled with the idea and thrown it out as you have with me. No. I love you and I dream of you and imagine my life with you. You are slowly destroying me. You may think you love me but people who love you do not treat you the way that you have treated me, Benny. People who love you fight for you. They show you that they care in any possible way. They don't go behind your back and ask others to refuse you, they don't leave you waiting in your family sitting room waiting for you to show, they don't sleep with their teachers or hide their feelings or make them feel so insignificant!"
"You are being unfair!"
"Oh, go fuck a modiste about it!" Letty yelled out, wiping at her tears as she rushed pass Benedict.
Letty stormed out of the sitting room, rushing pass the small group that had been listening at the door as she headed up the stairs to her room. Letty sat in the seat by the window, crying heavily as she broke down, unable to hold herself together anymore. She'd been trying for so long but she just couldn't anymore. She hadn't wanted to feel how much pain she'd been hiding, how much stress had been weighting on her. There was no hiding it anymore as tears flowed so freely from her. Letty fell out of her seat, crumbling to the floor and covering her sobs with her hand, trying to quiet herself so no one would hear.
Arms wrapped around Letty and she fought for a moment before sinking into the feeling, Anthony's cologne wafting around her like a comforting blanket. Letty melted against Anthony, crying onto his vest and hitting his chest a few times, angry at him but out of words to use. Anthony just let her, not even acknowledging the hits by releasing a breath of air as she did so, as if he didn't even feel it happening. Letty slowly calmed, still leaning against Anthony heavily.
"I'm still angry at you," she whispered out, voice cracking slightly.
"I know," he whispered. "I know. I deserve it."
"You do," Letty agreed. "Shouldn't you be losing to Daphne right now?"
"I came to collect you and Miss Edwina," Anthony explained.
"I don't much feel like playing right now," Letty stated.
"I figured," he nodded, helping Letty to her feet.
Letty looked to Anthony as he pulled her face towards him. Anthony wiped Letty's tears from her face as she held his wrists. Anthony leaned forward, kissing Letty's head and pulling her into a hug. Letty wrapped her arms around Anthony's waist, still sniffling slightly as he buried his nose in her hair.
"Oh!"
Letty and Anthony separated, looking to Edwina in the doorway. She seemed shocked, tears in her eyes.
"Miss Edwina," Anthony stated, taking a small step away from Letty. "I apologize. I was coming to collect Letty and yourself."
"I see," Edwina nodded.
"Anthony found me upset over Benedict," Letty took over. "He was offering me a bit of comfort."
"Oh?" Edwina asked, looking to Anthony for confirmation.
"Yes," Anthony nodded. "I apologize for how it may have looked."
"No," Edwina shook her head. "I apologize for assuming."
"No need," Letty shook her head. "You wouldn't be the first person to assume something scandalous between myself and a Bridgerton brother. The two of you should go. I think I'll stay in and read."
"At least come outside," Anthony begged. "You're looking far too pale and mother will have my head if I don't return with you. She was quite insistent that I fix things."
"Well, seeing as you haven't actually apologized," Letty muttered, grabbing a book from her wall and following Anthony as the two left her room, Edwina going to Anthony's side and taking his offered arm.
Letty sat on the ground rather than the offered chair, sitting in front of Violet and resting her back against her knees. Violet's hand went to Letty's hair, running her fingers through it gently as Letty had let it down while she'd been crying. Letty hummed, leaning into the touch before opening her book.
"What are you reading?" Lady Mary asked.
"A novel called 'Pride and Prejudice' by a Jane Austin," Letty explained. "It's a romance that was published last year."
"Our Letty likes to read," Violet explained and Letty could hear the fond smile on her face.
Letty looked up from her book when she heard a struggle from the field. She laughed loudly, falling sideways when she saw Anthony seething as he carried the pink mallet, the mallet of death in Kate's hands. Violet let out a quiet laugh and Letty had to calm herself, sitting back up.
"Oh, they're perfect," Letty sighed, staring between Kate and Anthony.
"Who is?" Mary asked, confused.
"That's a secret, I'm afraid," Letty sighed, remembering who she was with.
"Do you know something, Letty?" Violet asked, tugging Letty's hair slightly so that Letty would tip her head back and look to her.
"Nothing of importance," Letty shrugged, a smirk on her face before she looked to the field again, seeing the grey mallet she'd chosen the year before missing and the lilac one remaining behind.
Letty looked to each Bridgerton, finding her mallet in Benedict's hand. She glared for a moment, debating her options.
"You can go play if you wish, Letty," Violet whispered softly. "Maybe even beat them to prove a point."
"I think I just may," Letty nodded, standing from the ground and brushing grass off of herself before setting her book on the table between Mary and Violet. "I'll be back."
"Have fun!" Violet called, causing the Bridgertons and Sharmas to turn to see who Violet was yelling at.
Letty smirked as she grabbed the violet mallet that matched the color of her dress. She grabbed the matching ball and walked to the group.
"Decided to join us, Letty?" Colin smirked.
"I have to show Edwina and Kate how best to best the lot of you," Letty smirked, looking to the Sharmas. "Did Daphne tell you how the others play yet?"
"She did," Kate smirked. "Did not tell us her secrets though."
"Oh, allow me," Letty smirked, going to Kate and whispering to her softly, causing a large smile to appear on Kate's face and a gleam to appear in her eyes.
"Really?" Kate asked.
"Truly," Letty nodded, turning to the others. "Youngest to eldest?"
"Sounds fair," Colin nodded.
"How is that fair?" Anthony questioned.
"Because you always demand we go eldest to youngest so that you go first," Daphne argued.
Letty sighed, looking to Edwina and nodding.
"I do not fully understand," Edwina admitted.
"Would you like someone to go first to show you?" Letty asked.
"Yes, please," Edwina nodded.
"Alright. Eloise?"
Eloise smirked, stepping forward and dropping her ball. Eloise hit the ball, sending it towards the picket.
"So, what you do is you hit your ball with that side of the mallet. You want it to go through all of the hoops before anyone else. You are allowed to hit other players balls to stop them from beating you, but as it's your first time, I wouldn't suggest it. Just let the others get caught up in one another and keep aiming for the pickets," Letty said softly to Edwina before dropping her own ball to the ground and taking aim.
Letty knocked Eloise's ball through the picket, smirking as her own ball also rolled through.
"Yes!" Eloise laughed. "Letty is on my team!"
"It isn't a team sport," Anthony reminded.
"Oops," Letty shrugged, winking to Edwina. "Or you can help others to win just so Anthony doesn't."
"Is that your whole plan?" Colin asked curiously.
"Possibly," Letty shrugged, moving aside for Edwina.
Edwina hit her ball, not hitting it near hard enough and causing it to land only halfway towards the picket. She seemed a bit disappointed and Letty decided to help her throughout the game. Letty stuck to Edwina's side, explaining different strategies and ways to hit the ball as the others played around them, Eloise allowing Edwina to go ahead of her now that the first play was out of the way. Anthony was doing rather poorly with the pink mallet and Letty had to keep herself from laughing at his expense.
"Out of practice, Brother?" Colin joked.
"Not a chance," Anthony shook his head, going to Edwina. "I did not wish to leave my ball in your path, so I've left an open space so you can send yours."
Letty rolled her eyes at the blatant lie, knowing for a fact that Anthony had just missed his shot based off of the look on his face.
"How very kind of you, my lord," Edwina smiled softly, stepping forward.
"I have applied to become a student of the arts," Letty heard Benedict whisper to Colin.
"Have you? Congratulations," Colin smiled.
"Well, do not celebrate yet. I await word of my acceptance," Benedict explained as Letty eavesdropped. "They only invite a select few to study there, it seems."
Letty stepped away, taking her shot and losing the conversation. She felt so proud of Benedict just for applying but still angry from the earlier conversation. Her emotions were all over the place when it came to Benedict and she wasn't sure how to listen to both her heart and her head. Maybe she should listen to neither and just focus on the game instead.
She hit Daphne's ball through a picket, smirking as multiple Bridgertons complained.
"Letty, you are good enough to win on your own," Eloise commented. "Why not just do that?"
"Because then Anthony doesn't lose to those he's been playing against for years. It's less enjoyable if I beat him," Letty smirked, stepping to the side.
As the game continued, Letty watched as the Bridgerton siblings became more competitive. She decided to let them tear each other apart, hitting her own ball without much thought. It was when Anthony's ball and Kate's ball were beside one another that Letty truly began paying attention again.
"You have the chance to best him."
"That would not be very sportsmanlike, would it?" Anthony questioned, looking to Kate.
"I was told unsportsmanlike conduct was a requirement for this game," Kate stated. "What do you say, my lord? Are you in a losing mood?"
"My mood shall remain unchanged, regardless of your choice," Anthony stated and Letty could see the lie in his eyes.
"Ah, is that so? You would bravely bear the crushing shame of defeat?"
"Play pleasant, Didi," Edwina tried.
"Not to worry, Miss Edwina," Anthony spoke up, challenge in his eyes now. "In light of my brother' and sisters' tactics, Miss Sharma conducts herself with much grace indeed."
"Huh. Then you shall not mind this," Kate hit her ball into Anthony's sending it flying into the trees.
Colin and Letty looked to one another as Kate's ball landed in front of Colin's. He nodded to her and Letty smirked, more than ready to enjoy the show. Edwina hit her ball and then quit for the afternoon, Letty deciding to join her. She heard Benedict congratulating Colin on his hit and Letty had to hide her smirk as she walked with Edwina, the two returning their mallets and Letty returning her ball to the stand.
Letty took her place in front of Violet again, grabbing her book and reading as Violet played with her hair, smirking as Anthony and Kate went into the woods together, seemingly arguing with one another. Letty enjoyed the bit of time she had with Violet, Lady Danbury, Lady Mary, and Edwina, just relaxing as she read. Soon enough, Daphne loudly declared her victory and everyone began returning. Anthony seemed more distressed than normal and Letty stood quickly, following after him.
"Anthony?" she asked, stepping into his office. "Are you alright?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" he questioned, sitting behind his desk.
"You just seem a bit upset. I just wanted to make sure," Letty admitted.
"Of course," Anthony gave a forced smile. "Thank you, Letty, for your kindness. If you'll excuse me. I have a bit of work to see done before I have a tea with Miss Edwina."
"I know you're lying but I'll allow it if you promise to speak with me if you ever feel overwhelmed by whatever is causing this," Letty told him, giving him a pointed look.
Anthony took a deep breath, nodding to Letty. She nodded back, leaving the office and heading towards the main room. She paused, hearing Benedict and Colin speaking in a side room.
"Worldly travelers use it as a way to open their minds and transcend ordinary anxieties," Colin was explaining.
"Smells rather foul, does it not?" Benedict questioned.
"It only takes the smallest of doses to feel the effects."
"Whatever is the point?" Benedict sighed. "I hardly think a tea will distract me from the momentous decision the proctors at the Royal Schools are making at this very moment, nor do I believe it will distract me from the fact that Letty will never forgive me."
"Or perhaps it will allow you to escape the thoughts that've been plaguing your mind. The doubts, the questions that seem to linger, no matter how far you go to escape them."
"Are you quite well, Brother?"
"You will see. This tea is quite the elixir. On one occasion, in Paxos, I found myself meditating for hours upon a single blade of grass," Colin let out a soft laugh. "As for Letty, have you tried just being there for her, showing her that you truly care rather than disappearing or ruining it the first chance you get? She just wants to feel loved, Benedict. You have given and taken away that feeling repeatedly from her."
There was silence before Letty heard Colin laugh.
"Hell and the devil," Colin let out.
"That's bad," Benedict declared and Letty assumed Benedict had drank the tea rather than listen to Colin's advice on her any longer.
Letty began moving on, knowing she'd need to keep an eye on Benedict at dinner, before hearing Eloise speaking this time.
"My brothers tell me I have a habit of being rather direct. Probably picked it up from Letty at some point during our childhood. But everyone tells me it is fate worse than death to end up a spinster. But you seem perfectly content with your situation."
"You must know, it is hardly ideal," Kate's voice spoke now. "The world is not exactly welcoming to an unmarried woman. There seems to be no place in society for us, except at the edges of things."
"That seems to be society's flaw, not a woman's," Eloise commented, causing Letty to smile softly.
"Indeed, it does," Kate responded with her agreeance and Letty moved on.
Letty remained in her room until dinner, heading down and smirking as Colin pulled Benedict around, seeming a bit fussed over it. Letty moved to Benedict's other side as he tried escaping Colin.
"This way, Benny," Letty side, taking his elbow and gently leading him inside.
"Letty," Benedict gasped, staring at her in wonder. "My, you are beautiful."
"Yes, yes. I'm flattered. Come sit so Colin and I can keep an eye on you," Letty sighed, sending a look towards Colin. "Or maybe so I can be sure he doesn't put anything in anyone else's tea at supper."
Colin just bit his lip to keep from laughing. Letty sat Benedict down, sitting to his left as Colin went to his right. Everyone else began filing in, seeming confused as Letty sat beside Benedict. Eloise sat across from Letty, questions dancing in her eyes.
"We spoke. We're friends," Letty told her quickly, lying to protect Benedict from Anthony's wrath if he ruined dinner, one of the many reasons she'd sat beside Benedict in the first place.
"Friends?" Benedict questioned.
"Just friends," Letty nodded and Benedict pouted, sliding down in his seat slightly and causing Colin to pull him back up.
"Behave, Benedict," Colin whispered to his brother, just loud enough for Letty and Benedict to hear as conversation began around them, food being placed in front of them.
"Have you noticed, Col?" Benedict asked. "The twinkle of the candles, it is as… It's as if… we sit among the stars."
"What is wrong with you?" Eloise asked, smile on her face.
"I was just telling Benedict how brilliant the stars were in Greece," Colin lied.
Letty took a large sip of her wine to avoid Eloise's questions, eating her food and discreetly helping Benedict, causing him to smile at her goofily. She rolled her eyes, smirking as she pointed towards his food. Benedict took a bite.
"Mmm," he moaned. "Mmm!"
He reached forward and Letty wasn't fast enough to stop him from knocking his glass of wine over.
"Benedict, dear, you alarm our guests," Violet stated, trying to calm Benedict as he covered his face with his hands, smiling adorably.
"Carefully," Letty whispered to Benedict as a new glass was placed in front of him with wine in it, Letty's own glass being filled.
"A toast, yes," Anthony stated, standing and Letty finished her new glass, not excited about Anthony proposing to Edwina when he clearly had some sort of feelings for Kate, who he'd been giving heated looks since they'd arrived for dinner. "My sincere gratitude to the Sharmas for joining us. It has been splendid having you here to witness what is now my second annual loss at pall-mall. Not to be repeated, I assure you. And my special gratitude to Miss Edwina. It has certainly been a privilege to truly make your acquaintance these past days.
"In fact, I believe there is a questions I would like to ask you. I should like to, uh…"
Anthony looked around the table, eyes meeting Kate's for a moment before he looked down at the table before looking to Edwina again.
"I should like to ask you to please refrain from telling anyone back in London about yesterday's loss. I fear the harm to my reputation would simply be too great. To the pleasant days ahead."
Letty drank from her newly filled cup, feeling the effects of the wine catching up to her quickly. She'd never drank so much in such a short time before, but seeing Benedict smiling at her again, caused her to drink a bit more. Benedict leaned close, voice dropping so only she could hear.
"I will be painting in my room tonight. Will you please join me?" Benedict asked.
"Sure," Letty smiled softly, pushing him out of her space. "Eat."
Once everyone finished eating, Colin dragged Benedict from the room, taking him up the stairs to his room for the night. Letty was the last out of the room, finishing her wine before leaving. A maid asked if she needed anything else and Letty thought for a moment.
"May I have one more glass, please?" she requested.
"Of course, miss," the maid nodded, filling a glass and handing it to Letty.
"Thank you," Letty nodded, leaving the dining room and walking slowly up the stairs, careful to not slip and to be sure to give enough time for Colin to leave Benedict for the night.
Letty knocked softly on Benedict's door and he flung the door open, dragging Letty inside. Letty giggled as she sat by the window, sipping her drink. Benedict placed his easel in the center of the room with a blank canvas in front of him. He began painting, stopping every few moments to gasp, looking at Letty before going back to his painting. He set the canvas aside once the sun was completely gone, Letty finishing her glass and setting it on the floor beside herself and laying across the window seat.
Benedict rushed to her and Letty smirked as he kneeled beside her.
"Letty, you beautiful creature," he breathed.
"The effects of the tea have not worn off, I see?" Letty laughed, her speech slurring slightly as her finger tips felt soft. "Oh, feel."
Letty held her hands out to Benedict and he took her hands, looking them over. Letty hummed at the feeling and Benedict looked to her. She knew he was going to kiss her, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him not to, the wine causing her inhibitions to fly out the window.
Letty's hands wound into Benedict's hair, holding him close. Benedict groaned, climbing on top of Letty and placing himself between her legs, pressing his body against hers. Letty gasped at the feeling and Benedict's tongue entered her mouth, tasting her and causing her to moan again.
Letty's dress road up her body, exposing her slightly to Benedict. One of his hands travelled down her body, feeling her thighs and gripping them tightly. He pulled away, both of them needing air.
"Letty," Benedict gasped her name.
"Benny," Letty gasped back as Benedict pressed his hips into hers. "Oh."
"Don't move," he told her, jumping up from his spot on top of her.
"Are you still up?" Colin asked, walking into the room as Benedict reached the door that Benedict was about to lock.
Letty fixed her dress quickly, sitting up and staring out the window.
"Letty is here? Ugh. You may wish to bathe before you see Mother in the morning," Colin stated.
"It's magical, Brother," Benedict kissed Colin's cheek and Letty turned to watch them. "You were right. I've allowed my doubts to plague me for too long. The Royal Academy Schools are not the arbiters of taste. The world is!"
"You are a fat wit," Colin laughed.
"Benedict, something has apparently arrived for you," Eloise announced, walking into the room. "A letter from London."
Benedict opened the letter, reading it slowly as the other three waited.
"I have a place. The Royal Schools have accepted me as a student," Benedict stated before raising his voice. "I got in!"
"I thought they were not the arbiters of taster?" Colin joked.
"They must see great promise in my work. Oh my!" Benedict ran to the window beside Letty, throwing it open and leaning part way out of it, Letty grabbing him so he wouldn't topple out. "You shall all bear witness to my talents!"
"Shh!" Colin demanded, pulling Benedict back. "It's the middle of the night!"
Benedict laughed before his eyes fell on Letty. Benedict grabbed Letty's face, kissing her gently before Colin came out of his shock and pulled him off of Letty. Letty let out a soft whine and Colin noticed the glass then.
"How much wine have you had?" he groaned.
"Enough," she shrugged, giving him a loopy smile.
"I am honored to accept your acceptance," Benedict whispered, staring at the moon.
"I feel the need to separate the two of you," Colin sighed.
"I'll get Letty," Eloise stated, pulling Letty to her feet.
"Unhand my fiancé," Benedict demanded, reaching for Letty but being stopped by Colin.
"As I see no ring on her finger, she is not your fiancé," Eloise stated. "Come, Letty."
Eloise dragged Letty from the room, having to fight her as she tried reaching back for Benedict. Finally they made it back to Letty's room. Eloise had a handmaid change Letty into a night dress before forcing her into bed. Letty closed her eyes, faking sleep and listening as Eloise sighed and left the room. Letty waited a few moments longer before rolling over and opening her eyes, finding her room empty.
Letty smirked, crawling out of her bed and pulling her robe over her shoulders, leaving her arms out of it though when the arm holes seemed to be being difficult for her. She pressed her ear to the door, listening to be sure no one was outside of it before opening the door and tiptoeing back towards Benedict's room. She tripped on the carpet runner, catching herself on a banister and holding in her laughter as she glanced around, making sure no one had seen her before continuing forward. She hid in an alcove as Colin passed, hand over her mouth to keep from laughing until he was out of sight.
Letty snuck out of the alcove, running almost directly into Benedict. The two had to silence their laughter before Benedict pulled Letty towards his room. Once there, Benedict locked his door and the two began laughing quietly. Benedict took Letty's face in his hands, kissing her gently again. Letty hummed before pulling away.
"You called me your fiancé," she said, giving him a confused smile.
"I have wanted to marry you since last year," Benedict admitted. "I feel strongly that I am not good enough for you but, if you'll have me, I would like to spend the rest of my life trying to be."
"I'd like that," Letty admitted.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"I'll give you a ring tomorrow."
Benedict grabbed Letty's face again, kissing her deeply. Letty opened her mouth to him when she felt his tongue swipe at her mouth. Benedict walked her backwards until her knees hit the bed and they fell backwards on it, him falling on top of her. He made Letty shiver. He made her melt. He made her want to give herself to him, something that she'd been told since birth that she was not to do outside the sacrament of marriage.
"Letty," he murmured against her lips. "I've never felt…"
Letty arched her body against his and a soft moan escaped both of them.
"I want you to be mine. Be mine right now. Be mine forever. I'll give you anything you want. All I want in exchange is you," Benedict told her.
His mouth devoured hers in a primitive dance of passion. His hands seemed to be everywhere, on her breasts, her waist, even under her nightdress skirt. He touched and squeezed, caressed and stroked. He was pressed tightly against her body.
"I want you. I want you right now. I want you here," Benedict breathed, lips having moved to her ear. "I want you tomorrow and the next day."
"I'm yours," Letty whispered and it sent Benedict over the edge.
Unable to hold himself back any longer, Benedict pushed her nightdress up. Her robe was on the floor already from when she'd entered the room. Letty pulled at his shirt, lifting it up over his head to expose his bare chest. She ran her fingers down his front, staring at his skin before her eyes moved to his again.
His fingers wrestled with the large, poorly made buttons on the front of her dress.
"I'm going to burn this," he grunted. "You shall be in silks, in satins, but no buttons. Or, better yet, nothing at all."
Letty let out a soft whimper as Benedict ripped her dress apart, buttons flying in different directions. Benedict stared down at her body, breathing heavily before his hands began to wonder. Letty gasped at the feeling of someone other than herself touching her skin, suddenly realizing why people bothered with other people. It felt much better when it was someone you loved touching you in this way.
Benedict kissed down Letty's body, hands trailing down as well. His mouth and hand reached between her legs and she gasped, moaning at the feeling. Benedict placed her legs over his shoulder and Letty wrapped a hand in his hair, allowing herself to just feel. She moaned and arched her back, she gasped and gripped the sheets. Something built inside Letty and her head fell back as she felt the buildup explode. Benedict moaned before climbing up her body again.
Letty could taste herself on his tongue, the two kissing passionately as Benedict kicked off his pants, pressing against her again. Letty could feel something pressing against her and glanced down, seeing Benedict completely naked.
"I want every part of you, Letty," Benedict whispered and Letty looked back up, his eyes boring into hers.
"Okay," Letty nodded.
"This might hurt a little," he whispered softly and Letty nodded, kissing Benedict deeply.
She felt something pressing against her entrance and forced herself to relax. It did hurt, even with Benedict moving slowly and being as careful as possible. Once her was fully inside of her, he held completely still, waiting for Letty to give him the go ahead. Letty took a few deep breaths before nodding. Benedict began moving then, slowly at first before slowly picking up his pace. Letty gasped, head falling back with her arms wrapped around Benedict.
Benedict was breathing heavily, hips beginning to snap against hers in a heated rush. Letty gasped at each thrust, mouth open on Benedict's shoulder as he buried him face in her neck, nibbling at her neck and sucking at a sensitive spot, causing her to moan louder, the sound muffled against his skin. Letty had that feeling of bliss building in her again.
"Benny," Letty moaned out just as the feelings washed over her again, her head falling back.
Benedict pulled away from her quickly, moving to the spot beside her and grunting a few times before breathing heavily. Letty was breathing heavily, staring up at the ceiling before turning her head to stare at Benedict. Benedict turned his head to her, smiling brightly before moving closer, pulling Letty into his arms. Letty hummed happily, laying her head on his chest as he pulled a blanket over them, covering their bodies.
Letty woke to a headache pounding behind her eyes the next morning. She sat up slowly, looking around Benedict's room to find him missing. She grabbed her nightdress, pulling it on before remembering the buttons were broken. She held it against her body, grabbing her robe and wrapping it around herself to hide her body. She sat on the bed, waiting a few minutes before standing and leaving the room.
She hurried to her room, dressing quickly in a light blue dress. She needed air, she needed room to think outside of the walls of Aubrey Hall. Letty walked out of the hall, walking through the garden quickly but stopping when she heard Anthony yell.
"Stand still, damn it!"
"Do not tell me what to do!" Kate yelled back.
"No! Do not! Leave it!"
"It is only a bee. Ow!"
Letty's eyes widened and she followed the sound of the voices, head pounding worse with every step.
"Are you hurt?"
"What?"
"Can you breathe?"
"It is only a sting. Of course."
She didn't know. The Sharmas didn't know. Kate didn't know.
"Are you certain?"
"My lord?"
"No, no. Do not…"
"My lord?" There was silence for a moment before Kate gasped.
"Anthony!"
"Will you shut up?" Anthony demanded.
"Anthony, I'm fine!" Kate insisted. "You must… Anthony what are you doing?!"
"Expressing the venom."
"Is there venom?"
"There must be. There must be. Something is killing you."
"Something is killing me? Are you mad? Nothing is killing me. It is a bee sting."
Letty was on the wrong side of a green wall, trying to find her way around it and debating climbing the damn thing before she took off in another direction.
"Anthony. I appreciate your concern, but I've been stung by bees at least a half a dozen times, and I…"
"He'd been stung before, too."
"Who?"
"My father and it killed him."
"A bee?"
"Yes, a bee. Haven't you been listening?"
"Anthony, a little bee cannot kill a man."
"I assure you that it can. It's still swollen. I don't think I got it all out."
"I'm sure I'll be fine."
"It's not good enough. I have to get it out."
"Anthony I- What are you doing?"
"I'm going to have to suck the venom out. Hold still."
"Anthony!" Kate shrieked. "You can't!"
Letty came around the corner as Kate gasped. Letty stared at Anthony, his hand cupping Kate's breast roughly and his mouth around her smooth skin. Kate's eyes fluttered open, meeting Letty's.
"Stop!" Kate's impassioned cry and force from her pushing him away caused Anthony to stumbled for a moment before landing on his backside.
"Why am I always the one finding a Bridgerton in a scandal?" Letty groaned.
"Letitia," Anthony gasped, standing and facing her.
"My head hurts entirely too much for this," she sighed. "Kate, would you like to accompany me in an attempt to find some tea?"
"Yes," Kate breathed out, immediately going to Letty and leaving with her.
"Deep breathes, Kate. Get your breathing under control," Letty whispered softly as they reached Aubrey Hall.
"Why were you outside?" Kate asked in confusion.
"Needed air," Letty sighed as they walked into the sitting room, Letty freezing when she saw Benedict.
He stared at her with wide eyes, unmoving. Kate looked between the two before taking Letty's hand and leading her away from the room.
"Is that why you needed air?" Kate asked as they walked into the kitchen instead.
"You think you're the only scandal in the past few hours," Letty sighed before smiling to the cook as they found two chairs to sit in.
A maid appeared, bringing tea over to the two women quickly. Letty groaned at the strong smell and a glass of eggs and garlic was handed to her immediately. Letty pinched her nose, chugging the drink down quickly before making a face and handing the empty glass over. Kate gave Letty a sympathetic look, sipping her tea in the process.
"Would you like breakfast, miss?" the maid asked them.
"We'll get out of your hair," Kate promised, standing with her cup. "We're sorry."
"Too many Bridgertons in the Bridgerton home," Letty smirked, following Kate out of the kitchen and into the dining room.
"There you are," Eloise sighed in relief. "I panicked when I didn't find you in your room this morning. Thought you'd wondered off."
Letty simply hummed, sitting in the seat beside Kate with her tea cup, sipping it slowly. The room slowly filled up, Benedict stealing the seat beside Letty quickly so no one else could. Colin sighed, staring at the two for a long moment before sitting across from Benedict. Kate was distracted by her sister, Edwina seeming a bit upset that morning, and therefore unable to save Letty as she'd saved her that morning.
"We need to speak," Benedict whispered and Letty's heart dropped.