𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐘𝐎𝐔; benedict bridgerton

𝟏𝟐.

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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄

VICTORIA WAS EXPERIENCING a very strange sensation.

"And have you thought about specialising in what you do? Perhaps on some course around the world?" Asked the older man.

Victoria was obsessed.

While Benedict seemed to choose the right words—which shouldn't show that he was almost a libertine—she watched the way he seemed to answer the questions he was asked.

It was ridiculous, and she knew it, but whenever she thought about it, she knew it was inevitable. She constantly wondered if she was behaving like her aunt when she met her uncle, who had a relationship that many people dreamed of, not Victoria's, and she felt a little satisfied with what was happening.

"Oh my God! Am I crazy?" Victoria thought to herself, scolding herself for having thought of recording Benedict's every action and getting to know him better in this weird way.

"Yes, I've given it a lot of thought, but you know how mothers are... always thinking about weddings and then I...," Benedict paused, glancing covertly at Victoria. "I don't think I could stay away from home for long, but I think I can find a good school here in England."

Victoria sipped her juice, noticing the way the brunette had curled up. It was definitely suspicious that he had looked at her at the very moment he expressed his unwillingness to leave London.

The truth was that Victoria had been talking to him constantly, after they had been honest with each other, but the relationship had only become friendly and had not evolved to another level.

They weren't close.

Victoria's intentions were by no means to get married, but even she knew that Benedict and she weren't strictly friends, but, of course, she wouldn't be the one to tell him that. In parts, she loathed her thoughts, but she knew the distinct difference between the way she felt around Igor Kirby, with whom she had already danced, and the way she felt every time her glove touched Benedict's hand. She knew the difference.

"What about you, Miss Fernsby? Are you thinking of studying abroad?" Asked the friendly gallery owner, turning his attention to the younger woman.

"I certainly have little idea, but I think I'd do well in Paris," she replied, sure of her answer and her eyes sparkling.

"Nice choice!"

The man nodded approvingly and said goodbye, leaving the select group made up of Victoria, Benedict and two other boys and girls who were interested in art in general.

Before Victoria could blink, the group quickly dispersed and she was left alone with something to say until he started with Benedict. She tried to think of something to talk about.

"Paris?" He asked, interested. "Don't you really want to learn more about drawing?"

Benedict had offered several times to share some of his knowledge, but the girl was convinced that painting was her field.

"I chose Paris to meet painters and sell canvases around the world," she replied dreamily.

Bridgerton smiled warmly. He had never been so happy for someone who wasn't a member of his family, and he was glad of it.

"I'll buy it from you, and I'll show everyone how talented Miss Fernsby is," he said, offering his arm so that they could return to the centre of the party.

With marimbondos rather than butterflies wrapping Victoria's stomach, they walked back together in a comfortable silence.

Without Victoria realising it, the boy was watching her from the corner of his eye with admiration. She was beautiful, inside and out. He was definitely charmed and not at all like the libertine Benedict from before.