limerence || benedict bridgerton

iii | wallflower

"Eloise I am terrified" Alexandria says as the day has came for their debut.

"Alexandria you will be brilliant the queen will love you! Me on the other hand not so much" Eloise says to Alexandria who is currently standing behind her line awaiting for their time to come to officially make their debut.

Eloise's name is called forward and she steps out towards the double doors. Alexandria patiently waits her turn before it is time for her name to be called forth.

"Alexandria Avalon and her mother Lady Rosalie Avalon" The announcer calls out and Alexandria lets out a small breath. Alexandria walks towards the queen and darts her eyes around to the ton. Alexandria spots her bestfriend, Penelope who is smiling widely at her and giving her a thumbs up which makes Alexandria smile before she directs her eyes back at the queen.

Benedict is completely floored at Alexandrias beauty. The way that Alexandria looks like a porceline doll with her dark curls and white dress. Benedict had always acknowledged Alexandria's  beauty but now he was completely blown away. He adored the way she looked so innocent but at the same time had an edge to her. Benedict smiled at the way Alexandria glided so elegantly up the aisle as if she had done this hundreds of times, she was effortless and utterly beautiful.

"Brother are you alright?" Colin questions "Yes quite!" Benedict says rather quickly which makes Colin look at him suspiciously. Deep down Colin had known his brother had a crush on Alexandria Avalon, Colin has suspected it since they were children. Colin has teased Alexandria relentlessly over her crush on his elder brother to which she would tease him back and say he had a crush on her bestfriend Penelope Featherington.

Alexandria reaches the queen and bows down at her. Queen Charlotte blankly looks at Alexandria before a smile stretches on her lips and Alexandria walks off with a grin sporting on her own lips.

"You done beautifully!" Eloise said to Alexandria and embraced her in a hug. "You done far better than me, that was a disaster." Eloise grumbled.
"Quite." Violet simply said. "Mother!" Eloise exclaimed which made both Alexandria and Lady Avalon chuckle.

"You will be crowned the diamond this season I know it!" Penelope said as she approached them and Eloise nodded in agreement. "Don't be silly, Didn't you see Edwina Sharma? She was perfect" Alexandria said.

"We did but you Lexie, were utterly flawless!" Eloise exclaimed which made Alexandria smile.

❀•°❀°•❀

Alexandria had stood like Penelope would, like a wallflower all night. She had declined dances from various men which she could tell was getting her mama frustrated. But the men were either too old or simply revolting.

Alexandria was currently in conversation with one of the many lords she had came across tonight that she had already forgotten the name of.

"If you'll excuse me" Alexandria says politely and walks to anywhere that'll get her far away from the lord she just interacted with who was boring her half to death.

Alexandria thinks that she is finally alone before she sees her mama approach her. "Alexandria you must make conversation and dance with these men or else you'll never marry! I'll have to find someone for you" Lady Avalon exclaimed.

"Mama I am not interested in any of these men" Alexandria scowled. "They do not care about anything I have to say and only see me as a baby maker!" Aurelia said throwing her arms up in defeat.

"Well... That is precisely what you are. You have to keep the Avalon bloodline alive and have a son to any of these men" Lady Avalon said. "I cannot believe you just agreed with half the men in the ton" Alexandria scoffed.

"I am not interested in being a baby maker for any disgusting man who does not care for me or love me. I want a love match with someone who loves me so deeply that they put me first and bloodline later" Alexandria confesses. "Unfortunately you don't always get what you want Alexandria" Lady Avalon said.

"I'll pick an eligible husband for you seeing as you are so picky and refuse to comply to my rules" Lady Avalon said.

"Mama!" Alexandria said loudly which catches the attention of the crowd around them. "No" Alexandria says more quietly this time and storms off.

Alexandria walks outside and finds an empty spot on a bench and collapses on it before sobbing into her gloved hands. Alexandria feels a comforting hand on her back and looks up to see Benedict staring back at her.

"I saw you storm off" Benedict says quietly with his hand still on Alexandria's  back. "What happened" He asks softly.

"My mama cannot fathom the idea of me wanting a love match and instead is pushing me to marry any man I come across just so I can have his babies and continue the Avalon bloodline" Alexandria says her voice hitching.

"You're eighteen now Alexandria, do not let your mama push you around and force you to do things." Benedict says to which Alexandria nods.

"I also have dreams. I have dreams of being a marvellous writer, I don't want to stay at home being simply just a mother and a wife and occasionally attending balls." Alexandria sighed and Benedict nodded sympathetically. "Of course I would love a husband and children one day but I want a love match and a husband who understands my wants and supports me. My mother just doesn't understand" Alexandria confessed.

"Lex, I know in my heart you will find you person." Benedict said simply. His simple words made Alexandria tear up a little. Silently Alexandria prayed her person would be Benedict, but she knew that was unrealistic.

"Anyways why are you out here?" Alexandria questions and dabs the tears from her eyes. "To get away from the mamas and their daughters practically chasing me around the room to get me to dance with them! And also to of course check up on you" Benedict said which makes Alexandria laugh.

"I seen the look of terror upon your face anytime you seen them approach you" Alexandria chuckled. They both sat in comfortable silence appreciating the beautiful view infront of them and also each others presence.

"We should go back inside now don't want any scandalous rumours emerging about us" Alexandria smirked standing up. "Yes ma'am" Benedict laughed standing up and walking besides Alexandria.

"Would you care for a dance Miss Avalon" Benedict asked once they were back inside, holding his hand out. "Of course, Mr Bridgerton" Alexandria said placing her hand in his and walking over to the dance floor.

Benedict and Alexandria danced so beautifully, their bodies were in sync with eachother and they fit perfectly. Throughout the whole dance, They maintained eye contact which made Alexandria's cheeks heat up under his intense gaze but she never once tore her eyes away. Being this close to Benedict, she examined his features and was blown away at how handsome he was. Benedict was also blown away at how gorgeous Alexandria was, of course he had known that.

When the dance ended, they made their way off the dance floor still hand in hand.

"You're the perfect couple" Lady Danbury said approaching them along with Alexandria's grandmother, Lady Grant. "I quite agree, my dear." Lady Grant smirked at Alexandria who looked to her feet her cheeks now pink.