The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 23 - Good news

The carriage ride home was filled with sweet glances and kisses. Ben would not keep squeezing her thigh. No matter how many times she gave him the disapproving look of 'I will end your life if you continue to do so'

Ben smoothed his hand down her cheek down her neck. Bringing kissed along her collarbone. She arched. He stopped for a moment piercing his eyes into her. "You are like an addiction, Miss Featherington, however am I supposed to stop coming back for more"

She was like a fine wine, begging for him to drink. Her bright blue eyes comprehending the words he just spoke.

Is this what married life would be like. Ben making all efforts to get me alone to have his wicked way with me. Good heavens, I hope so.

Her hand grasps his face, his chiselled face was starting to feel rough as his new hair growth was coming through. "You would look quite fetching with facial hair"

She shrugged "you look fetching with none. You are so handsome Benedict. I don't what I must've done in a previous life to get so lucky"

His chiselled features called to her. His big brown warm eyes were full of wonder and perhaps a little danger. She kissed him fervently. Breathing him in. He was making her hot and heavy once again.

He could feel the heat coming off of her "As much as I am enjoying this Penelope, we are nearly home, and we don't have the time"

Penelope pouted a little. He kissed her pout "Don't use my own moves against me"

"Benedict. When can I see you next?"

"You are not tired of me already" he joked

"Tired of that smile" she looked at his lips "Never"

He cleared his throat "Can we tell my mother, as soon as we arrive. I want to see the look on her face"

Pen nodded with an excited smile, which Ben accepted with a sweet kiss. His eyes trailed down her. "I wish we were married right now, so I could take you to my bed and never let you go" Pen could feel her cheeks burning. Just then the carriage stops.

Ben cleared his throat "Are you ready?"

"I am"

THE BRIDGERTON HOME

Ben took her hand and led her through to the dinning room. His mother was sitting, sewing, looking rather exhausted.

"Where have you been Benedict, it is rather late?" Just then she saw Penelope getting pulled through the door.

"Mother. We are engaged" he added with a smile. Violet moved so fast surprising herself considering how tired she was a mere moment ago.

She wrapped her arms around Pen "I am so happy for you both"

Pen looked as though she may cry "Thank you Lady Bridgerton"

Violet touched her cheek lightly "My girl. Dare I ask, does your mother know"

Pen smiled "Benedict asked my mothers permission to propose"

Violet pulled Ben close "You kept that quiet, dearest"

"You know I like keeping you on your toes, mother" she laughed. She looked like she would cry for joy.

Colin and the two youngest sibling were the other side of the room.

Hyacinth wrapped herself around her tightly. Pen didn't realise how tall she had gotten until she did so.

Ben chuckled.

Colin half smiled "Hyacinth, I don't believe Penelope can breath"

He had trouble looking Pen in the eye. He brought his attention to his brother, hitting his back "Congratulations, brother"