"I THINK YOU'RE THE ONLY MAN I CAN STAND."
"AND I WEAR THAT LIKE A BADGE OF HONOR."
IN WHICH OLD FRIENDS
REUNITE UNDER THE
STARS OF THE TON
BRIDGERTON S1-S3
BENEDICT BRIDGERTON X OC
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THE LADY'S GOSSIP
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THE SWEET SMELL OF GARDENIAS and irises filled her nostrils, but Lizzie was more focused on the inky black sky above her, twinkling lights piercing the night, forming shapes and stories with little fanfare.
"Liz," Benedict Bridgerton's voice cut through her admiration, although she couldn't fault him for it. She had given him quite a fright just a few moments earlier. "Is everything alright?"
Lizzie sighed and shook her head, "You could always see right through me Ben," She picked at her nails, something that was never ladylike, not that her father or mother ever cared. "I am at a loss of what to do now that I'm alone. Aunt Cora tries her hardest but I'm afraid I'm a lost cause at that point."
Benedict smiled softly, his eyes fixated on her, "Then we shall be lost causes together Lizzie Aldridge," He handed her a glass of champagne he'd smuggled out, clinking his glass against hers, earning a chuckle from the newly minted Countess. "And you're never alone."
The tilt of her lips formed a small smile, something warm and soft bursting in her chest as she laid her chin on Benedict's shoulder, blowing out a loud sigh.
"I don't suppose your sister is charming enough to distract from my meltdown?" She asked, trying to conceal the shame that curled inside her gut.
She could feel Benedict's shoulders shake with tiny laughter as he placed his head on hers, "My sister is not a miracle worker I'm afraid,"
The whine that escaped her lips caused her companion to burst into laughter once again, Lizzie bringing her palm to her face to try and hide the redness that was beginning to appear on her cheeks. "Ohhhh, Lady Whistledown is going to have a field day with this tomorrow," She groaned, peeking through her fingers to see Benedict trying to conceal his ill-timed laughter. "Shut up! It's not funny!"
"Oh come now," Benedict engulfed her in his arms and pulled her into his side, Lizzie's arms not daring to move, "You know I don't mean it."
"It's still not funny." Her words were muffled by the silk of Benedict's vest, but she relished in the warmth his embrace gave her. She peeled her face off his chest and blew out a noisy sigh, the force of the gesture blowing several strands of hair that had fallen loose from the twists and braids out of her face. "You're not funny Benedict Bridgerton."
Benedict pulled a face of offense, his mouth dropping into a wide 'o'. He promptly released Lizzie from his arms, "And you Elizabeth Aldridge are very poor company indeed," He replied sardonically, "And to think I was about to ask you to dance."
