The Artist's Muse

Family Time

The newest member of this season has gathered much attention from his potential prospects. While some may have attended Lander Thyne's first workshop in hopes of broadening their artistic abilities, many were in attendance to catch the eye of the instructor. It did not appear, however, that Mister Thyne is easily fooled...

LADY WHISTLEDOWN'S SOCIETY PAPERS, 22 JULY 1815

x.x.x

Benedict was the last of his family to arrive at the park for the family picnic. He watched with a lazy smile as Gregory and Francesca threw grapes at one another behind their mother's back. Anthony and Kate stood near the edge of the pond, tossing pieces of bread into the water for the gathering ducks. Colin sat beside Francesca on the blanket spread across the grass, both listening intently to what Violet was saying. Eloise spotted Benedict and snapped her book shut, skipping over to him.

"This is horrid," she said under her breath as she rocked back and forth on her heels. "Mother wants us to bond. She has this fear that we are going to suddenly flee and she shall never see us again."

Benedict glanced toward his family. He did not believe his mother's fears were unfound. Daphne and Anothny were off creating a family. It was likely Hyacinth was going to become wed by the end of the season. Violet was urging Benedict to follow likewise. While the Bridgertons would always be close, Benedict felt a pang in his stomach. Perhaps his mother was correct. Perhaps they would not have many more opportunities to be together.

"I believe we should humor her," Benedict told Eloise as he held his arm out to her. "She does not ask much of us."

Eloise groaned as she slipped her arm into Benedict's. "You are supposed to take my side and agree that this is a horrid affair. Then we smile and act as though we love spending quality time with family."

Benedict patted her hand, smiling broadly at her. "Oh, Eloise. One day, you shall look back on these memories with fondness. Until then, please pretend for Mother's sake."

Eloise wrinkled her nose, but she plastered a pained smile onto her face. Benedict chuckled quietly as they crossed the grassy area to join their family.

As Benedict sat to Violet's left, she kept on with the story of her adventure to a museum with Lady Danbury while offering a smile to Benedict. Benedict settled in and looked over his shoulder to where Gregory was pelleting Hyacinth with grapes. When Gregory smirked in Benedict's direction, Benedict tilted his head down and delivered a stern look at Gregory. Gregory immediately dropped the grape in his hand as Hyacinth stuck her tongue out at both her brothers and stomped off to Kate.

Benedict turned back to his mother, finding Violet's eyes on him. He began to ask her what she needed, but Colin spoke before he could.

"How was the art course you attended with the new artist, brother?"

Benedict attempted to fix his features to not look too overjoyed about the course. He had laid awake for the majority of the night, committing each interaction, each touch, with Lander to his memory. He was safe to do so in the privateness of his mind. While he loved and trusted his family with each aspect of his life, he was unsure they would take too kindly for his response to Lander. Benedict was not even sure how to feel about it. Never had he reacted to an individual in the way he had to Lander, regardless of sex.

"It was very crowded," Benedict responded. Anothy and Kate were making their way back to the group with Hyacinth trailing behind. Gregory had wandered to the pond and was attempting to skip rocks across the water's surface. "It appears the females are interested in him for more than just his artistic abilities."