you belong with me (Benedict Bridgerton)

Chpt 11: Empty Streets Of London

"I am sorry i could not bring the carriage" Benedict began. "I believe i'd rather face the devil himself than Lady Danbury if i'd interrupted her sleep."

I laughed at his insolence. "It's fine. I am quite fond of walking" i said. "Really?" he questioned. "Why yes. I usually spend hours walking the fields trying to find something to paint. It gives me the most inspiration" i said in a daze of reminiscence.

"The fields?" he questioned making my heart sink. "Yes!" i almost shouted with fright. Benedict jumped back as i raised my voice. "I mean... My mother used to bring us to the country when i was young. I... I haven't been there for many years."

I wanted to scold myself then and there for being so careless with my truth. Benedict nodded looking slightly confused but he would not irk me to continue. "The man hosting the party we are attending is called Henry Granville. He is another prestigious artist" Benedict said trying to change the subject.

"Another?" i questioned. "That makes three now" he teased. I looked him up and down. "I believe it is just Mr Granville and i. You are over counting" i teased back. Benedict shook his head but couldn't help but smile at my jests.

The rain grew heavy as i shuddered with the cold. Benedict noticed this as he took of his over coat at once.  "Here" he said covering me. "No, i can't i-"

"I insist" he urged. I reluctantly let him cover me, noticing his hands lingering on my skin. He cleared his throat trying to excuse his intentions. But i couldn't help but smile at his nervousness. "I um... I believe this is the address!" he exclaimed nervously.

My smile painted my face as i stood behind him. The door did not take long to open, and when it did, i was greeted by the sound of loud music, the smell of smoke and of course Mr Granville.

"Mr Bridgerton and...Miss Bennet! What a lovely suprise. Come in, come in out of the cold!" the man exclaimed. As we made our way inside, i looked around to see the house was covered in only the best of paintings and candles lighting the dark hall.

The man sighed with what seemed like excitement. "Miss Bennet, i've heads so much about you. I am glad such a talented painter as yourself could make it"  he said. "Thank you for inviting me, Mr Granville" i said looking back to Benedict.

Henry guided us throughout his estate, one room full of people drinking, another full of naked women being painted and another locked. I couldn't help but wonder what happened in that room. "I don't know what i was expecting, but it was certainly not this" i said with excited laughter. "My thoughts exactly" Benedict said with shock looking around the grand house.

"This is just simply a gathering of like minded souls. Here, let me show you what i have been working on" Henry said guiding us through the room. The room was full of all sorts of people. Rich, poor, men and even women. But they all had one thing in common, they all loved art.

"What do you think?" Henry asked showing us his portrait of the women posing. "Well, it's much better than anything i have ever created" i said in disbelief of his talents.

"But Mr Bridgerton said you paint so well" Henry uttered. My eyes turned to him as he looked slightly flushed. "He is giving me too much credit i assure you, Mr Granville."

"Please, call me Henry" the man insisted. I nodded eagerly. "Of course... Henry" i said gleefully. "I must say, i am truly jealous. Is this your life?" Benedict questioned. "There are advantages to being the second born. Heirs have all the responsibility, second sons have all the fun" Henry replied. They both chuckled while i stayed quiet. "So, why not go have fun?" Henry asked this time looking at me only.

There were two empty easels next to each other which were reserved for Benedict and myself. My gaze fell on the woman's painting beside me. The painting was simple yet elegant. It was of a fruit bowel in a maids kitchen. To an untrained eye it looked as if it was easy to paint, but the design was much too complicated for a beginner.