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CHAPTER TWELVE;
mr dennis knowles and his problem solving abilities
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From her own self dosed isolation, Ophelia had become extremely fond of her sleep. So she seriously did not appreciate the sharp raps on her door late that night, demanding her presence outside.
"You care to explain, Mr Bridgerton?" Ophelia asked snidely, hugging the coat tight around her body as she followed Benedict through the garden. "This really is obscene".
"I understand it is not entirely normal, but neither will your life be after this," Benedict promised, as he tracked it through the trees at the back of the estate.
"Why is that? You plan on ending my life right here in the darkness, putting me out of never ending misery?" Ophelia asked hopefully, following him blindly.
"No," Benedict replied, "Simply holding up my promise to you".
"Which was?" She asked, as her eyes fell on the strange gentleman who waited for them beyond the tree line. "Who are you?" She asked skeptically.
Benedict turned to her in the darkness, Ophelia catching the grin on his lips. "This, Daisy, his Mr. Dennis Knowles, a friend of mine from the Academy of Arts".
"Nice to meet you," Ophelia said politely, the man offering the same greeting. "Do I get more explanation or is that simply it?"
"Mr Knowles here is alike us. If society were to know what he did behind closed doors, he would be ruined by scandal, like us. He also, conveniently, has a maid who has fallen pregnant, recently, and is unable to take care of the child".
"I'm not understanding," Ophelia said honestly, and she didn't. What was going on?
"Benedict has told me about your situation," Mr Knowles answered, stepping forward. He wasn't a troll, Ophelia had to admit. He seemed as if he had a kind face. "And, alike himself I would guess, my mother has been hounding me for a wife. I live at the Academy for most of the year, and have a vast estate, with deep pockets. I understand it is not an ideal situation, but I do believe it is a satisfactory outcome for everyone involved".
Ophelia just stared at the man, realizing exactly what was happening. "You want me to marry him," She asked Benedict, "And raised that maid's baby as my own because...?"
"Then we would not have engaged in any activities that would make yourself or I uncomfortable," Mr Knowles said, "The child is not mine," He added quickly, "The father has passed from illness and the mother is in no shape to take care of a child. The plan would be we marry, raise the child as our own, while enjoying the perks of marriage without any of the expectations or uncomfortable parts".
"You would have the privacy to do as you wish, whatever you wish, with whoever you wish," Benedict said.
"I am also quite fond of dogs. Benedict said that is important to you".
Ophelia wasn't sure what to do. She could cry at the generosity that was laid out before her. She believed everything Mr Knowles said, and she trusted Benedict with her life. If he thought this to be a good idea, she did too.
"I would like to graciously accept your proposal, Mr Knowles," She said, smiling, "And thank you for all of this. I am still not entirely sure you are real," She said, chuckling.
"You are helping me out as much as I am you. You are beautiful, and exceptionally bright. I feel as if we can make a wonderful life together".
"Thank you. Dennis," Benedict said, shaking hands with the man. As he took off into the darkness, Benedict turned to Ophelia, who stood in shock. "I didn't wish to blindside you, but now you are safe. You are free to do whatever you want, and Dennis will give you your privacy. You are free".
"You are a miracle worker, Benedict Bridgerton," She said, smiling as tears welled in her eyes. "But I need your help with something else. And it has to happen before the wedding".
