𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐘𝐎𝐔; benedict bridgerton

𝟎𝟕.

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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍

CAREFULLY, VICTORIA ORGANISED all the drawings, paintings—whether in watercolour or any other type of paint—and sketches she had done throughout her life.

She planned to take them with her so that she could show her work to the world; after all, even though they were free lessons, she felt it was important to take a bit of herself with her as a painter.

Of course, she had no appreciation for all her work, but she could console herself since she hadn't taken any classes to make them and the opportunity to study at an art school or even in Paris, as she had always dreamed of, hadn't yet knocked on her door.

She couldn't deny her surprise when she received the invitation to take part in the Art Club. The same had happened when Victoria had visited the paint shop of a man called Graham Davies and he had expressed his desire for her to be part of the small project.

It wasn't her first time in such a place, in Bath she often spent part of her time attending amateur artists' societies looking to learn and much of her experience and practice had been acquired this way.

The meetings would take place at the man's house, and he had given her his address in detail, ensuring that they would be peaceful and full of knowledge.

Putting aside the folder full of sheets, the girl positioned herself in front of the large mirror in her room, which, after the presentation to the queen, Victoria had asked Jill to leave in her room as her vanity had increased.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she smiled with satisfaction at the result. This time, she had put aside the green dresses and was wearing a red one, the colour of passion, as she liked to think of it, which made her look elegant despite being a promenade dress.

Her hair was tied up in a braid on top of her head, perfect for working with dyes that wouldn't make a mess.

"I think it's good," Victoria commented dreamily to herself, running her hands over her forehead out of nervousness.

She quickly remembered the picture she had painted of Benedict's face in her first few weeks in London, which was now tucked away in a box in her wardrobe. She wouldn't be wearing that painting to class, but she smiled with satisfaction at the knowledge that she had a secret.

Victoria arched her eyebrows and, leaning her briefcase on the cabinet, deftly picked up a piece of toast.

"Well, I don't want Mr Davies to think I'm a peasant," she replied, sidestepping her cousin's comment. "Of course I'm going to paint, but I have a reputation to live up to."

Jill laughed amusedly at the whole situation and Glinda smiled happily at her niece.

They were both remarkably happy for her, as they would have preferred her to do something she enjoyed and not get caught up in Lady Whistledown's gossip.

"I'll be back in the afternoon, when class is over," Victoria, chewing on a large piece of toast. "I hope you enjoy your walk with Harry, Jill, and you, aunt Glinda, are you going for a walk?"

It was no secret that Jill and Harry were in love, and lately she had been spending more time with the boy than with her own cousin, with whom she had a sisterly relationship.

"Lady Bridgerton!" Exclaimed Glinda excitedly, answering the younger woman's question. "She invited me to have tea with her this afternoon. I feel like we've struck up a friendship!"

Victoria smiled, pleased that they had all found something or someone they liked to be with.

"I have to go or I'll be late," the brunette said, getting up from the coffee table. "Enjoy the day, I want to hear all about it later!"