𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐘𝐎𝐔; benedict bridgerton

𝟎𝟗.

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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄

THE LOOK BETWEEN VICTORIA AND BENEDICT was quick but deep. The two of them had known each other for some time and deep down they had got used to the feeling of each other's gaze.

"Miss Fernsby, I apologise for my brothers' misbehaviour," he said, without taking his eyes off Tara.

It took her a few seconds to think of an answer, as she was torn between being ashamed of what Glinda, Jill and Jolly were seeing, or responding politely. She decided on the second option.

"It was nothing, Mr Bridgerton. I apologise if my request was rude," she said firmly, "but I really wanted to watch the play."

An understanding smile appeared on Benedict's face and Victoria automatically realised that Lady Bridgerton was not with her family.

By now, she wasn't so focused on the story of the play and was distracted by the thought of how the Bridgertons had ended up in Bristol.

The play ended before Victoria realised she had reached her moment of impact and the four women prepared to leave the theatre.

Aunt Jolly quickly planned a way to be alone with Victoria, to enquire about Benedict.

"He's nobody," Victoria replied impatiently, before her aunt could even ask.

"Who's nobody?" The older woman asked, feigning innocence, but looking back without stopping.

The girl rolled her eyes, watching Benedict and his brothers leave.

"It's just someone I know. Can we talk about this later?" The girl asked, impatiently.

She felt bad for having been rude to Jolly, but one of the things she hated most was people trying to unravel her feelings—unforgivable.

She and Jolly left the place together, expecting to meet Glinda and Jill, but they were in for a surprise.

Benedict and Glinda were chatting like intimate friends, and seemed interested in what they were saying.

Victoria approached stealthily, carefully analysing Benedict's younger brothers, although she noticed that not all of them were present.

"Oh, Victoria! You and Jolly took your time!" Jill exclaimed, ready to inform her of recent events. "You don't know, but Mr Bridgerton suggested we go for tea in a patisserie!"

The older woman quickly paled, but disguised it when she realised that Benedict seemed very interested in her reaction to his cousin's effusiveness.

"What a great idea!" She replied, slightly stunned.

Well, what would Benedict do now? Would he ask her to marry him?

She was so immersed in her thoughts that the journey to the bakery seemed to pass in a second.

Despite her confusion, she noticed a few signs, such as Benedict giving his arm to Jill or the fact that he was chatting pleasantly and amusingly with Glinda.

When they arrived at the bakery, they split up into several tables because the attendant had been perplexed by the number of people who had entered the place at once.

In their utter confusion, Victoria, Benedict, Hyacinth and Gregory ended up at the same table.

"Miss Fernsby, is it true that you used to live in Bath? What was it like there? Did you like London?" Hyacinth, who obviously loved asking questions, stared at her without taking her eyes off her.