The Living Portrait of Benedict Bridgerton

Prologue

"You wish to send her away?"

The eldest Bennet stood in front of his parents shocked, by what he just heard.
"I'm afraid I do not understand."

The marquess and his wife stared at their son as they awkwardly sat in the drawing room. They stayed quiet until the marchioness decided to speak up.

"I have tried my best to discipline your sister for the last five years and I have seen zero results." Lady Bennet stated. "Her rebellious nonsense needs to end now!"

"And you think sending her away from her family for three years is the right choice?" Arthur asked again.

"If it will help her become a proper lady by the time the social season begins, yes I believe it is the right choice." Lady Bennet answered to her son. "I am sending Elena to go live with your aunt. She'll teach her manners and discipline."

Arthur ignored his mother and turned to his father. "Father! Surely you do not agree with this."

"As a matter of fact, son. I do." Marquess Bennet responded. "We all love your sister but unlike the rest of you, she's a rather wild girl." He stood up and walked towards his son. "Your aunt will be able to straighten her out."

"She'll be all alone..." Arthur whispered.

"Well then perhaps she'll enjoy the loneliness." He returned to his seat next to his wife. "You are dismissed."

Arthur scoffed and shook his head. He couldn't believe how careless his parents. How could they even send their daughter away without even a hint of sadness. He turned around and exited the room with anger.

The moment he opened the door he instantly regretted it. Seeing his younger sister standing there in the hallway with a saddened face. Of course she overheard everything.

"I should've seen it coming." Elena said.

"Lena-" Arthur took a step forward but she backed away.

"It's alright, brother." She stopped him. "I'm quite alright. I have a duty and I need to respect that." Elena continued as she fidgeted with her fingers and looked down. "I will just have to act surprised when they tell me." She finished as she turned around and started walking back to her room.

"Elena." Arthur called again making her stop in her tracks and turn to him. "I'm sorry." He said.

Elena simply smiled. "For what, brother?" She asked and then continued to walk back to her room.

Although she was smiling, Arthur could read her sister. She was a strong woman but underneath that smile was anger and sadness.