LIMERANCE,, benedict bridgerton

xxxviii | new beginnings

Benedict had managed to send word back to his mother and Anthony about him and Alexandria's whereabouts, and that they were both safe. He knew his family well and that they would be going mad with his silence. But they should also trust him enough. Benedict doubted that they would hear back in time, as Alexandria and Benedict departed from My Cottage tomorrow, thinking it was a good time to return.

It was currently the third day at My Cottage, both of them enjoying each others company and the silence. The past couple of days had been spent with a lot of painting, reading, smiles, tears. They had attempted to go for a swim in the lake even though it was November, they had only submerged their bodies in the deep water before shooting up and back out of the water.

The pair were now currently sat in Benedict's room that was dedicated to where he does his painting, it also had floor to ceiling bookshelves lining the walls. This was heaven for Alexandria.

Alexandria lay curled up on an armchair in the corner of the room with her nose stuck in a book that she had nicked from the shelves. She was in direct eyeline to Benedict who was stood at his easel painting a new picture that she was sure he was going to hang up.

Feeling bored, Alexandria snapped her book shut and tossed it on her chair and walked over to Benedict. She rested her chin in the crook of his neck. "This is a nice interruption." Benedict smiled as she kissed his neck.

"Be prepared for more interruptions to come." Alexandria joked. "I will gladly welcome them everytime." Benedict said. "You know what I was thinking." Alexandria started. "What's that, Darling?" He replied.

"I have been thinking that you should go back to the academy." Alexandria said in what seemed like one breath. There, she had said it. Alexandria knew that this was a particularly tricky subject for Benedict, that he didn't like talking about his experience at the academy because his last days were ruined with the news Anthony had donated a generous sum.

"I do not know..." Benedict trailed off thinking for a moment. "Your art is amazing. You should not feel embarrassed because Anthony donated money for them to let you in, that would only be the case if you were terrible. But, you are not terrible your paintings and sketches are wonderful." Alexandria smiled, Benedict shot her a little smile.

"I have so many memories of you with your head stuck in that sketch book, sitting for hours just drawing. Watching your face soften, and all your worries wash away as you got completely immersed. That is how I feel with my writing." Alexandria finished, taking in his most recent project.

"You really think so?" Benedict said chewing at his lip, a trace of insecurity in his tone. "I really do." Alexandria smiled kissing his cheek. "When you paint people, you manage to capture them perfectly. One of the earliest memories I have, is when you painted a portrait of your sisters when they were children. I remember thinking you were brilliant and I was in complete awe." Alexandria said reminiscing.

"I remember that. I had so much fun painting their expressions of little childhood wonder, especially Eloise. She was such an animated child." Benedict said smiling fondly. "See. Now you are remembering the good bits!" Alexandria exclaimed.

"Yes... but the hurt from the Acadamy days is still rather fresh. Even though I have forgiven Anthony." Benedict said. "That is understandable, but now that you have an 'outsiders' point of view I really think you should take my opinion into consideration. Because it is always right!" Alexandria smiled cheekily.

"You will not be an 'outsider' for much longer. I will think about it. Thank you, my love." Benedict smiled kissing Alexandria softly on the lips, a blush coated her cheeks.

"I cannot believe this is our last day, and we have to go back to Mayfair tomorrow!" Alexandria whining throwing her head back like a child. "I know. But we have to face the music eventually." Benedict quipped. "I suppose you are right." Alexandria shrugged and walked back to the chair to read again.