𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 -- 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧

𝑉

Dearest Reader,

This Author has been informed about the planning and preparation of the Bridgerton Ball, an important event within every London season. To receive an invite to such an event is what every member of the London Ton dream over. I ensure you, it shall be filled with respectable young ladies for her second eldest son, Benedict. One shall wish the young gentleman luck to survive the night, being as all ruthless and fearless mamas shall be tugging the gentleman each direction to meet their daughters. And if anything from past balls prove, rumours and scandals shall be ahead.

Lady Whistledown Society Papers, 9th June 1815

꧁𑁍꧂

Benedict Bridgerton straightened his coat jacket as he walked into the Bridgerton Manor late one June night. The sun had descended behind the clouds hours ago and the moon observed him upon his carriage ride home.

As he ascended the staircase of the Manor, he was stopped by the voice of his older brother coming from his office.

Benedict's bachelor lodgings were being refurbished due to a leak within the ceiling, leaving him to sleep in the house in which he grew up in.

Well, that was almost correct. For most of his life, he spent his time in the Bridgerton Countryside estate but after the death of his father, the family spent most of their time in the city. It was London where Benedict transformed into a man, and that could count as growing up.

Benedict creaked open the door to Anthony's private office. The room was rather quaint compared to the other grand rooms within the Manor.

The blazing fireplace created a warm atmosphere as well as lit up the piles of books and finance papers sprawled about the desk. Hanging proudly above the fireplace, a portrait of their father who seemed to watch down on his eldest as he sorted the finances of the family.

"So, how was she?" Anthony asked, returning the quill in his hand back into its ink pot. "How was who?" He returned back, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Marie Hackley. That is her name, is it not?" The eldest Bridgerton rose from his chair and moved around to the front of the desk to stand opposite his brother.

Benedict hummed in reply. He realised he had not thought of the youngest Hackley after leaving their residence a few hours earlier.

"She was pleasant and graceful and kind." Benedict began to list the features of Marie, noting to himself that these were all qualities Esther appeared to lack. She was quick witted and sharp and carried a certain charm about with her.

"She would make an agreeable wife. I am sure." Benedict added. Anthony replied with a firm nod. "Perfect. We shall-" He cut off his elder brother who had scurried over to behind his desk.

"Settle down, dear brother. A gentleman can keep his options open, can he not?" Anthony let out a groan when he realised his brother was right, an event which didn't occur frequently.

"I believe he can." Benedict grin and nodded before biding his brother a "Goodnight" and allowed him to continue his journey up to his bed chambers.

Benedict lay in the grand bed of his chambers, his hand resting upon his bare chest as the candlelight on the bedside table flickered and hissed.

His eyelids were heavy and soon they closed, but to Benedict's utter surprise, when he closed his eyes all he could see was Esther.

Their interaction in the Hackley Garden replayed constantly within his mind. Benedict had never been described as arrogant before, even Lady Whistledown only recounted him as a charmer.