The Second Born Bridgerton's Wife // Benedict Bridgerton

To the test

Once I have left my own home, I walk across the street to the Bridgerton home. It is Anthony himself that opens the door to me, and he regards me with a look of surprise. "Peaches... where is Benedict? You are alone?"

"Benedict is not home? He went to the modiste before I visited my mother, I assumed he would have been home by now. I suppose that he is taking a lot of care in new dress colours and designs for me." I smile politely at him. Things between us are still awkward and a little tense since we have never really got along, and especially because I have never liked the way that he regarded me so much lower than himself simply because of my name or because I decided to spend my time painting rather than playing piano forte! "May I come in? My legs are rather weary, I have been on my feet for much too long!"

"Of course, I am sorry. I should have offered instantly, I am sure being with child is ever so tiring." He opens the door and allows me to come into the house, where I am instantly bombarded with laughter and hugs and all of that from Eloise and also from Hyacinth. She has written me letters, not as many as Eloise, but she has suddenly become so enamoured with me since I sent her back some of the sea shells I found on our walks. "Oh! Hello all of you! Oh it is so lovely to see you dear Eloise and dear Hyacinth! It is so wonderful to see the two of you!"

"Peaches, I am glad to see you. I have many questions. Is my dear brother here as well or is he hiding from us, hm?" Eloise pokes her head upwards so that she might glance around for Benedict but he is still not home. "Well I am sure we shall find him one day."

"Perhaps it has been so long since he has visited London that he has simply forgotten his way back home." I force a smile although I am beginning to grow concerns as to his whereabouts. "Is your mother home as well? I should love to speak with her."

"Mother is out with Fran, they are finding her a new hair piece for the ball tonight. Will you be in attendance?" Eloise watches me closely. "It shall not be as boring if you and Benedict are there, I am sure of it."

"Oh, there is a ball? Well, I am only truly home to speak to my mother of my father and to attend his funeral. I do not think we shall have so much time for festivities." I force a smile and watch her, and I have forgotten how much of an intuitive girl she is and so she can immediately tell that there is something not completely right. "Although I am sure I can speak to Benedict of it."

"I should love you to attend. As should Hyacinth and Colin and Penelope and everyone else. I am quite sure I shall be insistent of it, actually." And with that, Eloise rushes off as though she has suddenly thought of something of such significant importance that she could not stand to hide it any longer, Hyacinth rushing after her and so this leaves me alone with Anthony.

"Actually, Anthony. I should wish to speak to you." I say, and he nods without another word before he guides me into his office. "I am aware that it is a lot for me to ask of you and I apologise for such. I do not wish to and you must believe I should not if I did not absolutely require your help. My mother is in need of financial assistance. With my father gone, all of their money has gone too. She tells me she cannot afford to even feed Pen and Prudence and Philippa. I do not care so much of them, apart from Pen, but I cannot stand by whilst she tells me things and then not ask you."

Anthony watches me for a moment and hesitates. He thinks on each word as he says it, I can tell that much, he does not wish to insult me any further. We have had our fair share of sibling like arguments, it would be immature for either of us to continue it any further. "I cannot, Peaches. I am sorry. I... I could not do that."

"Pray, do tell why not? I... I beg of you, Anthony, think of this properly. It is a favour and I am sure that they shall... that they shall be able to repay such  debt one day, and I am sure that shall not be so far in the future but... please, Anthony?" I do not wish to give off such desperation that my mother did, but I am beginning to become desperate.

"I have already given Benedict so much money and especially recently and I cannot give up anymore. I did not know it was to support your family, Benedict did not mention such... I can..." He sighs, shaking his head and pressing a hand against his forehead as though all this decision making is particularly difficult for him. "I suppose I can spare a little more but it shall not be so much this time. I... I shall send it to Benedict once again."

"Once again?" I watch him, a little confused. "What... Benedict has already asked you for money? Oh, well then give us no more. It is clear my mother does not need the money so desperately if she has spent it so quickly. I am sure she is most likely still indulging in such unnecessary things, I do not wish for anymore money." I shake my head a little. Benedict has gone against what I had told him and he has given my mother and sisters money. I am not angry at him, I think it is very sweet that he has been providing for my family, even if I insisted he did not. He is such a lovely man, and I smile at the thought of it. "Thank you, Anthony. That is very kind of you, I do appreciate it. And despite what you may think, it is as wonderful to see you as it is to see everyone else."

"I am sure that you do not mean it, and you are simply being polite. But I do appreciate it nonetheless." He rises from his seated position on the desk, glancing down to my stomach. "How is the pregnancy?"

"It is... well... I do not know. Some days it is lovely and some days it is just horrible. I am lucky, so lucky, that Benedict is so eager to care for me. He has actually become quite the chef, if you can believe it!" I laugh a little and also rise from my seat, following as he guides me to the front room so that I may lounge on their settee.

"I could not at all believe such. Perhaps we shall have to put such skills to the test and see how he can cook an entire meal for all of us." He joins me in my laughter, and it is extremely nice to see him smile. His smile does not compare whatsoever to that of my husbands, but all of them have such beautiful smiles. It is a shame that Anthony chooses never to show his. "Well, I do hope you shall feel at home here once again whilst you are in town. I shall have the help ensure that Benedict's room shall be suitable for you both to share together. Will that be acceptable for you?"

"More than acceptable, Anthony. Simply lovely. Thank you."