Reflections of the choices

Сhapter twenty

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NOTES:

I know you've been waiting for this for a long time, and here we go — I'm done torturing Benedict and Sophie. From now on, I'll be focusing on Colin and Penelope's suffering, with a bit on Eloise. Sorry, not sorry.

P.S. I do love happy endings, and most characters will get one by the end. But not everyone can be happy.

***

"Well, I know this little chapel on the boulevard we can go

No one will know, oh, come on girl

If you're ready, like I'm ready

'Cause it's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do

Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you"

"Marry you" by Bruno Mars

Benedict couldn't sleep the entire night. Thoughts of Sophie wouldn't leave him alone. As soon as the sky began to lighten, he dressed quickly and headed out to get a ring. He didn't want to delay any longer—he knew for certain that he loved her. Her image, from the mysterious lady at the ball to the maid in his cottage and the seamstress from France, had never left his mind. All her versions were dear to him. Benedict knew he couldn't wait anymore. The day before, he had learned that Sophie had a brother and decided that if he couldn't find her father, he would ask for her hand from her brother. But he didn't know where to look for her, so he headed to Michael.

While Benedict was busy with the ring, Eloise was also taking action. She had seen Sophie leaving with Michael, the cousin of John, their sister's husband, and decided it was the perfect moment for a visit. Eloise invited Sophie and Francesca for tea at the Bridgerton house, trying not to reveal her true intentions. Her sister suspected nothing, but Sophie immediately understood that something was amiss. Nevertheless, she accepted the invitation, which pleased Eloise.

When Benedict arrived at Sophie's house, she was not there. He knocked on the door, but was only met with silence.

He looked around, hoping to see someone from the household, but the surroundings were empty. Finally, a maid opened the door and looked at Benedict with a puzzled expression.

"Good morning, sir. How may I assist you?" she asked, bowing her head slightly in a polite greeting.

"I came to see my sister," Benedict said, hoping she might be inside.

The maid hesitated before answering awkwardly, "I'm afraid she's not home at the moment, sir. She left early this morning with a guest and hasn't returned yet."

Benedict frowned. He hadn't expected Sophie to be with Francesca, but it brought him some comfort knowing she was with his sister.

"And Michael?" he asked, still clinging to hope.

"Michael is also away, sir," the maid replied. "He left on business with his cousin, Lord John."

Benedict nodded, trying to hide his disappointment.

"Thank you," he said curtly and walked away from the house, feeling his growing anxiety turn into frustration. He didn't know where else to look for Sophie, but he was determined to find her. It occurred to him that she might return soon, and he just needed to be patient.

Realizing he still had time, Benedict decided to return home and distract himself until he figured out where else he could search for her.

Not knowing where else to go, he returned home, where his entire family was gathered in the garden playing cards. Benedict joined them, trying to mask his confusion and nervousness. His sisters and brothers glanced at him curiously, sensing that something was going on.