The Earl's Daughter (Benedict x OC)

Courting Jitters

" I cannot believe you are considering courting when the season is almost over," Mom said as she paced back and forth. " Mother, you know I move at my own pace," I replied as Emily was braiding my hair. " Sorry, it's just I never thought this would happen." She answered. " I have heard that line once or twice before." I muttered. "My lady, here is the dress I picked out for your stroll." Emily said, showing me a light blue dress. " It's perfect." I replied.

This felt different then any event I had ever gotten ready for. I was nervous and excited at the exact same time. I only stayed with Benedict for two hours then left because I wanted to do the proper steps in courting. There was a knock on the door and my father talked to Benedict while I was still getting ready. My mother draped a navy blue shawl over my arms and I was off in the carriage with Emily watching us of course from a distance. But it was nice to walk around, though you could hear all the gossiping mother and daughter upset that I had one man after the other. If they knew the truth they wouldn't believe it, Ben knew I was getting nervous so he held my hand which shocked many of the mothers when they saw. Some even covered their daughters' eyes. But it was nice to have that small embrace that I had been missing. Though Benedict could not know that so I had to stay strong. I did notice that we weren't alone because I saw our families under one tent watching what was happening, so Benedict and I waved to show them that they weren't subtle.

" So did you miss any of the action last night?" He whispered in my ear. " Well, if you court me properly you will not have to miss much," I responded. " Oh so there is an end goal," he chuckled. "Only if you do it properly or I shall tell everyone that the Bridgertons have a rake in their midst." I answered, dramatically. " A rake, my word Lilith Radcliff, how you wound me so," He laughed.

We walked around some more and did other activities like feeding ducks, playing croquet, and sneaking a sip of Bourbon from his flask once in a while. My parents decided to invite everyone over for dinner and we had a nice feast to just join us together. I could ask for better neighbors than the Bridgertons because they helped us without judging us. Most families here have judged us because of what we look like and how much money we have. But it never mattered to the Bridgertons who we were, we made our wait in the living room and started to have some real fun. It was so much that all the girls started taking off their shoes and we danced on the cold wood floor. Everyone was starting to get tired and the night was coming to an end. Benedict told me to be ready because tomorrow we would go out again. I thought that would be too soon but I didn't care. I wanted to start out the next courting session now but sadly I had to wait. It took me forever to fall asleep because I was excited with what Benedict was planning. It made me happy that he was respecting my wishes and wasn't planning anything because of what we used to do. But it was hard trying to not kiss him or do anything sexual. But I made sure that I kept my urges as well at bay. I was surprised that I let myself act like this but I think once Samuel was at peace and my mother telling me the truth really made things clear. Everyone needs to be happy in this world and I was finally gonna make that happen for myself. The next day finally came and there was Benedict in the living room waiting for me. Butterflies filled my stomach and made me nervous when he touched my hand, my heart started to beat faster we he held me. My parents had gone out for a walk so Emily came with us in the carriage. Out of nowhere Benedict covered my eyes with a scarf, at first I was nervous but I trusted Benedict with my whole heart. The carriage stopped and he guided me out and started to unwrap the scarf. We were on top of a hill overlooking the ton, it was beautiful with all the green grass and wildflowers surrounding us. Benedict had laid out a picnic blanket with a basket of Gin, cheese, meat and small desserts under a huge willow tree. I appreciated all the effort he put into putting this together. But I hope he didn't plan on getting anything since Emily was standing at least 10 feet away. I sat gracefully down on the blanket and took a cube of cheese and a sip of Gin.

" This was really sweet, I do appreciate it." I responded. "Lilith, I know that these past couple of months have been nothing anyone ever expected. But I wanted to say I'm really glad I met you that day in the Queen's art room," Benedict admitted. " I am glad I met you too," I chimed in. "Look, a deer!" Benedict blurted out.

I turned around but the deer must of been spocked by Benedict yelling. When I turned back around, Benedict was on one knee with a Crimson ring box pointed towards me. Inside of it was a gold ring with two diamond shaped sapphires under small pieces of Opal surrounding and one sapphire in the middle. It was gorgeous but I could believe this was happening, I was starting to tear up. My body started to sweat and my heart fastened with each breath.

" Lilith, ever since I met you I knew you were different. Gosh you lit up every room you were in with your energy. You are the muse to my art. I want to travel the world, have kids, and be with you every waking moment of my life." He proclaimed. " I'm your muse?" I muttered. He nodded. " But what if people found out about my religion?" I asked, " Let them talk, you are the only thing I care about in this world." He answered. " Ben, I love you. Yes, of course I will marry you! I will be yours." I screamed as I pinned him to the ground. We started to kiss and the world felt at peace. "But sir, what will the town think? We only went on two dates." I replied sarcastically. " Guess they will see what true love is like," he responded and kissed me again.

Suddenly so many thoughts rushed my head at once. I didn't want to get married unless I told him what I wanted in this life we were going to make together.

" Wait! Benedict, what are we gonna do?'' I asked. " Get married, you did say yes," he answered. " I mean ceremony, I wanted to be married in my religion but not hurt your family." I stated. "We can get married two times. The first time in a jewish ceremony and the second time in a public ceremony nobody will know." Benedict explained. " You really have thought of everything," I said before kissing him again.

It was sunset and we decided to tell the news to our families, but when we entered the door our families were waiting in the drawing room happily. Every girl rushed to hug me and my mother kissed my cheeks all over. The boys took Benedict to the parlor to have some drinks and of course talk about business or a dowry. My mother and Benedict's guided me to the couch to talk about wedding details. His mother wanted to go tomorrow to a wedding dress fitting but I was nervous to make all these decisions without telling my parents about our real plans. After hours, his whole family left and Benedict was asked to stay back in regards to my parents. I got very tense and was afraid they would say the wedding was off now.

" Father, We want to get married in a jewish ceremony!" I blurted out. " What are you talking about," Mother nervously said. " It's alright, I have know for a while about your religion and I doesn't change my love for lilith," Benedict answered. " Is this truly what you want?" Father asked both of us. " I wouldn't change my decision at all," benedict answered. " Neither will I," I answered looking at Benedict. " We would have to forge some documents. I believe we can make it work." My father replied. " Can we do the wedding once Ariel comes back I want everyone there," I answered. " Yes, we will all be together on the blessed day," My mother said and kissed my forehead. I hoped that everything would go perfectly.