LIMERANCE,, benedict bridgerton

xvii | debutants

Alexandria, Benedict, Eloise and Colin were all taking a stroll besides the lakeside as an opportunity to catch up with Colin. Alexandria and Eloise had made up since their last spat but Alexandria still did not approve of the new found friendship between Eloise and Cressida.

"Oh. Would you prefer to be promenading with your fellow debutants?" Benedict said taking note of Eloise's sullen expression. "Seems like you don't enjoy our company El." You teased.

"Would you like to watch grass grow?" Eloise said to Benedict sarcastically. "And it is not me they are eyeing." Eloise said pointedly to Colin. "I agree." Alexandria says taking a chance to really observe Colin's new look.

They all carried on walking in a comfortable silence when there was a group of ladies all eyeing up Colin which made him stop. "I shall see you three later." Colin said as he practically leaped at the opportunity to speak to those ladies.

"Oh!" Benedict said throwing his hands up in the air as they all watch after him. Suddenly Penelope comes into view making Alexandria look over at Eloise whose demeanour has suddenly changed. "He grows his hair and then poof he thinks he's better than us." Alexandria said sarcastically.

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Another ball was being hosted to which Alexandria naturally attended with her family but she knew she would stray at the Bridgertons sides.

Alexandria met Eloise and the rest of the Bridgertons at the door, not wasting another moment with her wretched mother. Violets mission that night was to find Francesca and additionally Eloise a suiter.

"Alexandria my dear we must also find you a suiter." Violet said taking Alexandria's arm in hers. Alexandria looked at Benedict's face in reflex as his head had suddenly whipped around at his mother's words. Alexandria resisted the urge to say "I'm in love with your stupid son" but she didn't.

"It is quite alright Mrs Bridgerton, I'm not seeking marriage out right now." Alexandria said letting her down gently. In truth, she was more than ready for marriage specifically to Benedict but knew in a million years that would never happen. Even though he was her bestfriend, it would be wrong considering she was friends with Eloise first and pursuing Benedict would be classified as betrayal.

Violet parted ways with Francesca leaving Alexandria, Benedict, Eloise and Colin altogether again. "I need a drink." Eloise says puffing out her lips. "Me too." Alexandria laughs and they both nurse a flute of champagne.

Alexandria makes her way back over to where Benedict and Colin are and see they are surrounded by ladies. "Ladies!" Benedict says enthusiastically. "And more ladies!" He says as more women accumulate to which all the women giggle in sync.

"They've taken turns hunting in packs." Benedict says turning his head to whisper in Colin's ear and also catching Alexandria's eye as she simply smirks at him.

"Mr Bridgerton, I have yet to see you on the dancefloor." One of the women says to Benedict. "What say you brother. Time for you to dance?" Colin says placing a brotherly hand on Benedict's shoulder who just gives him a look.

"Miss Stowell, may I have the next dance?" Benedict asks and she offers her hand out for Benedict to take as they happily go towards the dancefloor. Alexandria doesn't know why but she suddenly feels a pang of jealous deep in her core? She knows that Benedict doesn't want to dance with Miss Stowell but she can't shake the feeling.

Alexandria is now left standing on her own as everyone has completely deserted her. Her eyes scan around the room and land on the exchange taking place between Colin and Penelope as Colin seems as if he is pushing Penelope towards some men.

Alexandria watches on as Penelope speaks to a group of men and the exchange quickly turns awkward which makes Alexandria wince. By then the dance is over, Benedict bows to Miss Stowell and practically flees.

Eloise and Cressida are talking which makes Alexandria automatically tut. Eloise leaves the conversation and Cressida quickly gathers up a group of women as they speak in whispers while looking at Penelope which then makes Alexandria stand up straighter and more alert.

Penelope begins speaking to a gentleman in a wheelchair and then the conversation is over and by the look on her face it went well as now Colin comes up with a smile on his face.

However, everyone is whispering and looking directly at Penelope. Alexandria didn't catch wind at what was being said but tried to intercept before Penelope could notice but it was too late.

"Pen!" Alexandria said as she ran after Penelope and so did Colin. Alexandria and Colin both ran down the steps before bumping into Eloise who was looking guilty. "Eloise! Did you tell Cressida of my helpings with Penelope." Colin says furiously as now Alexandria puts the pieces together and is now equally as curious.

"No I did not mean to!" Eloise says helplessly. "Which means you did?!" Alexandria cuts in. "I confided in Cressida!" Eloise says not helping her case at all. "Because you thought you could trust her!" Colin shouts.

"Why you are friends with Cressida in place of Penelope I could never understand. What possibly could Penelope have done to warrant such maltreatment!" Colin says and Alexandria looks at Eloise daring her not to say anything. Colin runs off down the steps leaving Alexandria and Eloise.

"Eloise this is.... why would you do that!" Alexandria shouts at Eloise who just remains still. "Confiding in Cressida?! I never thought that sentence would be possible especially coming from you of all people!" Alexandria says practically seething

❀•°❀°•❀

After what happened at the ball, Penelope was not seen for a few days she had resorted to staying in her room. Since no one else had took it upon themselves, Alexandria called on Penelope.

"Miss Featherington is not taking any visitors." The footman had said to Alexandria who just shoved past him to the direction of Penelope's room.

"Alexandria!" Penelope said surprised sitting up a little from her spot on the windowsill.

"I know you do not want to see anyone but I am sick with worry! That ordeal at the ball was malicious!" Alexandria said getting angry all over again. "Thank you." Penelope softly smiled as she hugged Alexandria.

"I must tell you something but you cannot tell anyone especially Eloise." Penelope said desperately.

"Colin called upon me last night to check up on me after the ball.... we shared a kiss." Penelope confessed as she hides her face in her hands.

Alexandria stays still for a moment as she is shocked at the news. But Alexandria loves the drama and the scandal of kissing a man Penelope isn't courting.

"I am so happy for you!" Alexandria bursts out. "You were?" Penelope says weary. "Of course I am! You have loved him since we were children." Alexandria says beaming. "I'm sure he does not feel the same way." Penelope says sadly.

"Penelope, I have seen the way Colin looks at you that is not friendship or lust, that is love." Alexandria says. "Same could apply for Benedict and the way he looks at you." Penelope says deflecting the statement back on Alexandria.

"You are mad!" Alexandria says and Penelope giggles.

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Hello my loves! Long time no see.... i'm so sorry for not posting I have just had absolutely no motivation but hopefully after this chapter is published it will make me want to continue writing. I've noticed in my absence that a lot more people have been voting and adding this story to their favourites and I just want to say I appreciate it so much,, that is the main reason why I posted because that has gave me so much more encouragement! thank you x x