LIMERANCE,, benedict bridgerton

xxxxiii | wedding prep

Alexandria and Benedict gathered almost everyone— with the exception of Anthony, Francesca, and Eloise— at the Bridgerton home. Celine, Marianne and Emmeline were also there too, feeling just as confused why a meeting as such was called.

"Do you care to tell us what this about?" Hyacinth said rather forward, Emmeline was sat at her side and nodded in agreement with Hyacinth.

"Yes! Um... Well...." Alexandria started, struggling to get the words out as nerves had overcame her which was very out of character. Benedict sensing this, decided he should be the one to announce the news. "We are to be married by the end of the month!"

The room filled with an uncomfortable silence. Many pairs of blinking eyes staring back at the pair. "So soon?" Violet blinked, choking on her tea. "The same end of the month that is in... precisely three weeks?" Celine asked slowly, raising a questioning eyebrow.

"Exactly!" Alexandria exclaimed, acting more frantically than usual. Penelope sensed this and instantly knew that something was up.

"There is something suspicious going on with the two of you." Daphne said, darting her eyes between Benedict and Alexandria. Alexandria was more nervous to say anything infront of Daphne, as she always picked up on things before anyone else. "Daph." Simon warned.

"It is just odd is all." Daphne shrugged. "How so?" Benedict asked, immediately jumping on the defensive. "The fact that the wedding was meant to be in April and you have brought it forward three months earlier than scheduled." Daphne said.

There was a collective murmur of agreement which made Alexandria groan inwardly, wanting the ground to open up and swallow her whole just so she could get away from the many curious looks and prying eyes.

"We just love eachother so much that we simply could not wait. It has been a long time coming.... And I just want to get the wedding over with so we can spend the rest of our life together." Alexandria said, softening at the last bit. "Is that a problem?"

Alexandria had said that with attitude laced in her voice. Everyone didn't disagree with that and many "No's" could be heard within the room. "God forbid." Alexandria whispered to herself.

Alexandria looked at Marianne for a bit of help, her elder sister so far hadn't said a word. Marianne looked into Alexandria's pleading eyes and immediately jumped to defend the idea. "I for one, think it is a tremendous idea that the wedding has been brought forward."

"Yes of course it is!" Violet started, sitting up straighter. "But we do not have enough time for planning."

"There will not be that much planning. We have decided to have the wedding at My Cottage, it will only be a small affair." Benedict said. "That sounds wonderful." Colin agreed.

"And we are still to go to Madame Delacroix to get our dresses." Celine said trying to reason. "I am sure Madame Delacroix will be most accommodating, no?" Alexandria stated. From then on, everyone knew to leave the subject at that. Benedict could not help but chuckle lightly at Alexandria's ability to shut everyone up.

"I am most delighted for you both, bringing our wedding forward was the best thing we ever did." Colin smiled proudly, walking over to the two and embracing them.

"Will Eloise be in attendance?" Penelope asked, as Eloise had only just left for Scotland. "I have sent a letter and I am waiting for her response. As well as Francesca and Johns too." Alexandria explained.

"Colin we—well, I— actually have something to ask of you?" Alexandria asked nervously, everyone's eyes immediately falling on her again. "Go on..."

"Would you do the honour of walking me down the aisle." Alexandria said expectantly, looking at Colin whose expression had shifted. Celine and Violet had both let out gasps of delight.