A Gamble // Benedict Bridgerton

Chapter Eight

Word Count: 4,053 words. 

Warnings: None. 

When Evelyn entered the Bridgerton's drawing room, she found Eloise engaged in conversation with Penelope Featherington. Having left Reynolds with the footmen, and Edward opting to stay in the carriage, she had ventured inside herself, accompanied by a member of the Bridgerton staff. The young Bridgerton girl held a copy of the latest Lady Whistledown.

"She could do so much more," Eloise argued. "I know I could convince her of it if I were to find her this time."

"Lady Whistledown does not wish to be found Eloise," Evelyn spoke up, earning the rooms attention. "I wager that she is a smarter woman than you give her credit for. If she wished to speak of other issues, she would do so. The woman clearly enjoys gossip."

"Your Highness," Violet Bridgerton greeted, standing from her chair. She held an embroidery circle.

Evelyn smiled, nodding. "Lady Bridgerton."

"Oh Evelyn, you must read the latest edition," Eloise tried, standing up and grabbing her arm to hand her Lady Whistledown.

"I have already read it Eloise, and I found it..."

"Childish and naïve?" Benedict offered.

Having not noticed him there when she first entered, Evelyn now spotted the second born Bridgerton laying lengthways across an armchair. His sketchbook in hand, Benedict took the time to turn his head to give her a smile.

"I was going to say bold and clever," she countered. He only scoffed playfully, returning to his drawings.

"Perhaps you may help me place some sense into my daughter, your Highness," Violet tried, pulling on Evelyn's attention. "You must make her aware that I only wish for her happiness in finding her a suitor."

The princess smiled, moving closer to the older woman. Evelyn missed how Benedict had ceased his sketching, poising the charcoal so that it looked as though he continued his work but, in truth, his eyes remained on the interaction between Evelyn and his mother.

"I am certain that she knows that, do you not Eloise?" she asked, at Violet's side. She turned to face the now pacing woman. She was still staring at her page. "Eloise?"

"Hm?" she questioned, eyes shooting up to her friend. "Did you say something?"

"That girl is always dazed," Violet commented, returning to her seat and to her sewing work. Evelyn took a seat beside her.

"She is intrigued by matters outside of the ton," she tried. "A girl can have hobbies."

"Of course," Violet agreed. "I only wish that they were hobbies that would not make her an outcast."

"I am an outcast," the princess tried to reassure her. "I may be royal, but I do not fit into society, and I would like to think that I have turned out... well."

Violet sighed, stopping for a moment. "May I speak freely?"

"Of course. I do so hate it when people think that they cannot."

The Lady Bridgerton took a breath. "I can see that you are a well-educated, bright and kind woman, but it is your differing opinion that leaves you without a husband."

Evelyn perked a brow. "You assume, Lady Bridgerton, that I want a husband."

"Why would you not? Marriage is happiness."