Ladies and Gentlemen of the esteemed ton! Another ball vast approaches and more and more couples are preparing to wed. This season is turning out to be a very successful one...and it has only just begun!
"If we are to be engaged today, we are too act as such! I will propose to you in the next hour on the bridge across the lake, just down there!" Benedict pointed to a bridge as they strolled. Their families following closley behind.
"Benedict are you sure about this! The Queen May force us to marry if she thinks us to be decieving her." Benedict nodded.
"I could think of worse people to be jailed with!"
"You make marriage sound so romantic" Amelia laughed. "Do you truley thing so low of it?"
"I just think it is too forced in our day and age. A woman is classes as a spinister before she even reaches 0 and thirty. She barley has a chance to live before she is a mother to 5 children as well as her husband by the time he's drank himself through the night." Benedict kept his gaze forward as Amelia looked to him.
"Considering the relationship your parents had, I thought your outlook on it would be different!"
"My parents were two of the lucky few. Every other marriage has been one of social status and best breeding stock!"
"Lovely!" Amelia said as she looked away.
"Shall we do this?" Benedict asked as Amelia paused, her family catching up to her.
"The crowd seems to be biggest here, including her majesty and Lady Danbury." Anthony said as they all looked around. "Go to the bridge with Amelia and we shall set up here! Good luck!"
Benedict nodded along with Amelia and checked he had his ring box in his his pocket.
"Let's get engaged!" Amelia said as they walked towards the bridge. "Nervous?" She asked as the two walked, trying to make natural conversation for the onlookers.
"No! You?" Benedict replied.
"Yes!" Amelia answered truthfully. "More so because if this fails and her majesty doesn't see you as a better match than Lord Devon, I am doomed to marry a man three times my senior." Benedict gave Amelia a fake offended look.
"I am utterly offended Miss Granville" they both shared a laugh. "This will all be ok! Believe me, if the queen doesn't see me a fit match then we shall go to gretna green. Even the queen can't argue with an already legal marriage."
"Here's to a possible jail sentence then!" Amelia smiled.
"Hey at least my cell mate is a beautiful woman!" Benedict nudged his shoulder to Amelia's who laughed.
They both stood on the bridge, Benedict could see the Queen watching them, as well as most of the ton, their families and Devon.
"Ready to give Devon a heart attack?" Amelia nodded.
"Amelia, I'm a man of many words and yet right now it fails me. So I guess, for the sake of saving my embarassment I will just get to the point!" Benedict dug in to his pocket and pulled out the box. Amelia placed her hand over her mouth, smiling. "Will you do the honours of becoming my wife?"
Amelia could feel everyone's eyes on her.
"Yes! Nothing would make me happier!" Benedict placed the ring on Amelias finger and stood to her, kissing her hand. "What now?"
"I think Lord Devon is about to come shout at me!" Benedict looked over Amelia's shoulder when an angry Lord Devon stormed towards them!
"Excuse me Bridgerton, i don't know what you are playing at but this girl is to be my wife. Contracted to me by her father!" Benedict stood in front of Amelia, using his body as a defence between Devon and his fiancè.
"I apologise Lord Devon but as I'm sure you're aware, a contract can be void if the new proposal is of more benefit to the young lady. I find myself a much better match both in age and intellect."
"How dare you...I shal-"
"Well well well, I suppose congratulations are in order." They looked behind them to find Lady Danbury and the Queen stood tall. All three bowed their heads.
"Your majesty you cannot allow this marriage." The Queen turned her head sharp to Lord Devon.
"You dare tell me what I cannot do. I find this marriage to be one of a suitable status, a chance of beautiful offspring for further generations and a very good match. Much better than would come out of a marriage to you Lord Devon." Lord Devon remained quiet. His head lowered to touch his kneck. "Again, congratulations on your engagement. I await my invite to the celebration ball!" Benedict and Amelia bowed their head as the Queen made her retreat. Lord Devon following shortly after. Amelia leaned her head into Benedicts shoulder to hide her laugh.
"That went better than expected!"
"Looks like we have a fake engagment celebration to plan"
YOU ARE READING
The second born Bridgerton
FanfictionBenedict Bridgerton was never the settle down type. His attention fully on his art or whores, it was nearly impossible for anyone to capture his loving gaze. That is,of course, until Amelia Ashgrove enters the seasons first ball with her family. Inv...
