goddess | b. bridgerton

chapter 19

Benedict joins the family halfway through our unsuccessful promenade. We have failed to speak to around seven other families of the ton.

"Where have you been?" I take on a harsh tone, "I have had to stop Colin blurting out about your confession 4 times already!"

"I am here now am I not?" I smile,

"What are you so giddy about?" My eyes narrow, as I search his eyes for any signs of where he could've been, though it won't make a difference, I just enjoy looking into his eyes.

"Just that, I get to spend meaningful time with the woman of my dreams." he smiles cheekily,

"Has anyone told you, that you can be a little cheesy?" I cringe,

"This is the first I am hearing of it." He gasps,

We laugh together, and I lean into him.

-

Everyone in our path seems to have decidedly ignore us, I tried many a time to speak with several Lords and Ladies, but apparently my association with the Bridgertons has cast my family into a similar spotlight the Bridgertons share.

I have to nudge Benedict serval times to stop him laughing at his family's dismal attempts to reconcile with society. He never is that serious, which can be an infuriating quality to some, but I rather enjoy it, it shows a mischievous and light-hearted side to him. One he reserves for his closest family, and mine.

So as not to cause even more scandal than that has already passed, I walk just beside him, linking my pinkie finger with his. A small touch, but a significant one. I watch as he smiles ever so slightly, grateful that I allow him to hold that delicate finger, locking mine with his.

-

That evening, Benedict invited me to attend the Royal School's party. He was insistent that I attend, the room was almost sweltering, heat radiating off the floorboards. Easels stood along the room, as a half naked model sat in the centre, as the gentlemen drew the curvatures of her body along their canvases.

"I am not sure I can do this." I feel my heartbeat quickening, I had never cared for parties, but this one made me especially anxious due to the inappropriate conversation, and occasional nudity.

My breath paces, and become shallow with panic. Benedict lifts his arms to mine, and stokes his thumbs along my upper arm, towards my shoulder. "Athena," he lifts my head, so my eyes are in line with his, "We may leave any time you wish, if you become uncomfortable or anxious. You'll never know what you miss out on if you do not step outside the comfort of your books." he reassures me,

I take a last deep breath, "Okay. I trust you, but..." I warn, pointing a finger at him, "I will have to stay by your side the entire night!"

"I would not have it any other way." He chuckles, leading me into the musky room.

Benedict quickly picks up a drink for us both, and sits at an easel, I stand beside him as he paints the woman before us, who seems to be covered slightly more than expected.

"Look, her skin has a slightly red undertone." I point out to him, as he dabs a brown onto the sketch,

"I see," he strokes his chin in thought, "but alas there is no red paint."

I pause to think a moment before offering my wine to him, "Use wine!" I suggest, "It is a simple solution, just dab the brush into the wine, I have almost finished my glass, so I can get some more after you are done."

He looks up at me with wide eyes and a grin, "Has anyone told you, that you are quite brilliant?",

My cheeks flush a bright red, but in the light it is almost undetectable. "Benedict, I shall replenish my drink, would you like me to fetch you anything?"