The Earl's Daughter (Benedict x OC)

How Could You?

" I can't believe you're painting me pregnant." I replied. " You are my muse and right now you are more beautiful than ever." He proclaimed. Hearing that made me blush. " So will this painting be me or are you just using me as a model?" I asked. " A model, I wanted to do a piece that nobody has done before." Benedict stated. " I hope this will be in your gallery next month," I said. " It will be and we will be celebrating for this could better our future." He replied. " I would rather it be to show your skills then provide us with money." I replied. " Lily, you make me such a happy man," He answered as he walked over to kiss me. " As do you, my love." I said breaking the kiss.

It had almost been a full month of us adjusting to our lives back in London. We did make some public appearances but they were mostly for Benedict to get his Gallery showing to be taken seriously, which would be held in a week. I had seen some of his paintings and they would sell if everything went according to plan, I just hoped that everyone could see past me and she his work. We were holding our housewarming party after redecorating some of the rooms, it was also two days before Collin's and Penelope's wedding. The maids were rushing around the house trying to get everything ready for tonight. I let Emily handle everything since she was the new head maid. Benedict and I were looking at his art pieces for the gallery and picking which would do work together in certain groups. I wanted to see them all but Ben had a piece that was special and needed to be seen the day of the Gallery. Looking at the clock in Ben's studio we realized the party would start in an hour. Benedict had paint all over his face, we rushed back into our room and changed. Benedict wore a blue suit with gold leaves embroidered around the edges while I wore a gold dress. Emily decided to put my hair in a bun surrounded by gold laurel leaves. Benedict still had paint on his face so I cleaned him up, we could hear the guest arriving and started to fill our house quickly. Benedict and I made sure to place some of his pieces up so everyone would be interested in going to the gallery as well. I wanted Benedict to succeed so badly I made have go a little over.

" May I present to you, Lord Benedict Bridgerton and his wife Lady Lilith Bridgerton." Our footmen announced.

We gracefully walked downstairs, the music started to play and we danced. Hopefully this would allow for others to join in but everyone watched us glide across the dancefloor. Out of the corner of my eye I could see lady Cressida talking to her minions, I tried to spin over there and listen to their conversation and Benedict danced with me.

" I can't believe she is dancing around while she looks like that." Annabelle whispered. "I don't know what to look at her big nose of her belly." Cressida laughed. I started to feel less confident in myself. " Don't listen to them, because they are jealous I choose you over them," Ben answered.

He was right, I used to be confident. I would break social norms when I was younger so why was I afraid to do so now. He pulled me closer then dipped me to the ground, he was so public with affection I could hear the girl's jealousy. The music began to end and he lifted me back up and kissed me on the lips in front of everyone. I started to turn red from embarrassment but tried to play it off, everyone began to clap and more started to join in. While dancing, I noticed Cressida walking into our study. Yes, Benedict and I shared a study because I was helping my father run his gin company and to be honest I used it more than him. I decided to see what she was doing.

"Cressida, what are you doing in our study?" I asked as I closed the door. "Nothing, this is a housewarming party, I'm just looking around." She lied. " Coming to see what gossip or lies you can spread, Lady Whistledown." I replied. She was scared. " Yes, but I have decided to not publish anymore since I gave myself up." She laughed off. This pissed me off more. " So why are you in my husband's and I's study, looking through drawers?" I asked again.

I saw Benedict's coin pouch in her hand. " You're broke! You're not Lady Whistledown" I yelled. She was silent as I backed her into a corner. " How dare you come into my home, insult me and try to steal from me!" I pointed out. " I just assumed you would have money because of your background," She admitted. " The police are coming to get you," I said before walking out. " Don't please, I'm just trying to survive, I'm with child." she pleaded.