A Gamble // Benedict Bridgerton

Chapter Sixteen

Word Count: 2,592 words. 

Warnings: None. 

Evelyn avoided Benedict Bridgerton at all instances the next day, as it seemed he was also avoiding her. The princess had written to her fiancé, giving him a rather emotionless response. She did not promise him love nor to adore him as he seemed to adore her, but simply introduced herself as the princess in which he was seeking. 

It was when she arrived early to dinner that night that Evelyn received her first real conversation with Colin Bridgerton. Reynolds at her back, she had entered to find only him there.

"I thought dinner was arranged for six, was I mistaken?" she posed, alerting the younger Bridgerton to her presence.

He took a deep breath, pouring himself a glass of bourbon before answering. "There was a change of plans," Colin told her. "Mama and Daphne journeyed into town and are late returning."

"Of course," she countered.

"I was under the impression that Benedict was to make everyone aware of the change."

Her breath caught in her throat and she gestured for Reynolds to leave. He sent Colin a careful glance before returning to his quarters.

"I have not talked to your brother all day," Evelyn explained, moving to his side quickly and pouring herself her own glass of bourbon. "Is this the only liquor you serve?"

He watched her, taking a sip of his own. "It is our most favoured."

"My brothers also," she responded, knocking back the alcohol she had poured and letting out a heavy sigh as she leaned against the small table.

Evelyn could think of nothing but the kiss, nothing but the feel of his lips on hers, his hardened fingers pressing against her cheek. She could not banish the feel of his hair in her hands.

Eyes wide, Colin shook his head. "Has he done something to offend you?"

"I believe you were travelling over the Summer, is that true?" she retaliated, clearly attempting to change the subject.

He took it. "Greece."

She smiled, turning around to match his position. "I would love to visit Greece."

He nodded. "There are certainly rows upon rows of clothing stores."

Evelyn laughed. "And I would avoid all of it."

Watching her curiously, Colin put down his glass. "You do not care for fashion?"

"I do not know if you are aware, but I am odd amongst the ton." She was calming the more she spoke.

"It has been mentioned, but I do not believe rumours."

"Then you are better than most," she complimented, sending him a glance. "I adore history. I have read of the catacombs that live beneath the main city, tunnels of burials and not to mention the towering cathedrals built hundreds of years ago... there is not much that I would not give up to see them once."

Colin straightened. "I wasn't aware of your love for such things."

"I adore them."

He held up a hand, reaching around to pick up a small journal that he had placed on the liquor table. "You will be amazed by this then."

Evelyn looked over his shoulder to see his writings, his scribbles really. Hesitating, he handed her the pages and allowed her to read.

"What is this?" she questioned.