Bridgerton Imagines

Time // B.B. [BLURB]

It had taken ten minutes after the announcement from Lord Shawsmith for Benedict to crowd you into a side room of the ballroom. His hand was tight on your elbow; his jaw clenched and his eyes pained as he guided you to an empty room.

"Benedict! Whatever's the matter?"

The Bridgerton releases you; pushing. hand through his hair in frustration as he tries to make sense of the evening. He had expected a tiresome ball; dance after dance, drink after drink and then home. He did not expect Lord Shawsmith to declare his intentions for you.

Not you.

Never you.

"I can't lose you," Benedict whispers, voice breaking with barely held in emotion. "Not to him," He spits, nodding towards the door to where Lord Shawsmith waits. "You deserve better than him."

"What do you mean? Shawsmith is more than eligible and very influential, I - ."

"Don't marry him," Benedict interrupts, cutting off your reasonings.

"Pardon?"

"it's you," He announces, "It's always been you, (Y/N). Why can't you see that?"

"I don't understand what you're saying," You comment, confused to Benedict's sudden confession.

"Don't accept Lord Shawsmit's proposal. Marry me instead," Benedict pleads, "Marry me and be happy."

"Why wouldn't I be happy with Lord Shawsmith?"

"He doesn't love you like I do! (Y/N), can you honestly look me in the eye and tell me you don't love me too?"

You fall silent, not knowing what to say. You can see the fight die in Benedict's eyes, can see the hopelessness take over his body in the slums of his shoulders and the listlessness of his hands.

"I need some time," You whisper, pleading to the Bridgerton. "I have to think, Benedict. Allow me that."

Swallowing against the lump in his throat, Benedict nods. "Of course. Call for me when you have your answer, allow me that, please."

"Of course," You whisper, stepping close to the man, placing a hand on his cheek, not missing the way he leans into your touch. "Time, Benedict."

"Time," He promises, pressing a small kiss to the inner of your wrist before stepping away, leaving you alone to your thoughts.