It is said that second-born sons have all the fun. This much is certainly true for Benedict Bridgerton, free from the burdens held by his eldest brother, the Viscount. One must wonder, how does the second eldest Bridgerton spend his time?
To the to...
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"How about a game of pall mall, hm?" Benedict raised his eyebrows, standing up. The family had just finished lunch, which they enjoyed on the back patio outside.
"Oh, are you in a losing mood brother?" Eloise smirked up at him, raising an eyebrow.
"If I remember correctly, I was the one who won last year. I think I might continue that pattern." Daphne observed, an amused smile on her face.
She and Eloise exchanged a quick glance before both jumped up, racing toward the mallets. Violet yelled after them not to run but it was drowned out by the siblings' chatter, all racing to get their preferred mallets.
"Eloise! Do not pick yet." Benedict scolded sternly, the girl rolling her eyes and halting her movements.
"How do you suggest we choose?" She gave her brother a fake smile and he returned it, mockingly.
"Let us toss a coin." Colin suggested, looking around at the group. Eloise huffed in frustration and shook her head.
"Last year we agreed to let the youngest pick first!" Eloise protested, crossing her arms. Anthony was quick to object, pointing his finger at the girl.
"We pick based on alphabetical order." He stated, placing his hands on his hips proudly as he knew that meant he would pick first.
"That is the precedent." Benedict agreed, earning a glare from Eloise.
"Easy for you to agree with that, that puts you two first to pick!" She glowered at them, refusing to let up.
"Everyone, please! Now, I think it is only fair to let the newlyweds choose their mallets first. After all, they have welcomed us into their home for the day." Daphne smirked, knowing it would agitate Anthony to call Aubrey Hall 'their home'.
"Thank you, sister. I agree entirely. Mads, go ahead." Benedict turned to her, gesturing to the pallets. She gave him a malicious smirk, going straight for the green mallet. Benedict stared at her jaw slack with a shocked expression, watching as she grabbed his mallet.
"What? What's mine is yours, is it not?" She smirked at him. He gave her a pointed look, grabbing the blue mallet.
"You are going down." He whispered once he was back to her side and she scoffed, swatting his arm.
"In your dreams, Bridgerton."
By the first hour of the game, Madeleine was leading with Benedict and Daphne close on her toes.
"What was that about me going down, hm?" She teased, walking back to her husband after she had just had a rather successful turn.
"Oh, my dear, I am going to remember your teasing when you are begging for me to touch you tonight." He spoke lowly, smirking as her eyes widened. Her lips parted to respond but no words came out, shocked by his promiscuous words.
He grinned at her reaction, stepping up to take his turn. It was a rather good hit, but it did not put him above Madeleine in the lead. It was her turn to smirk now, but she bit her tongue to keep herself from saying anything.
"Nothing to say, my dear?" He walked over to her, sliding his arm around her waist. She pursed her lips and shook her head, glaring at him. He smirked and kissed her forehead, pulling her closer to him.
"You are adorable when you're flustered." He winked, earning a nudge to his side. He only laughed as they watched Eloise take her turn.
-
Two hours later, all seven of them were absolutely exhausted. Madeleine sighed, collapsing into one of the patio chairs with a smile on her face. She had won the game, beating Daphne by only a couple of points. Benedict had come in third, Anthony right behind him.
"Well, that was quite entertaining. I believe we should be heading back, though. It is going to be dark soon." Violet noted, making the two youngest children groan in protest.
"She's right. We will come to visit very soon though, I promise. And maybe you two can even join us in a game this summer." Madeleine winked, the two children smiling excitedly at this idea. The group gathered their things and walked toward the front of the house where the carriage was waiting.
"You promise you will come to visit soon?" Eloise raised her eyebrows. Madeleine and Benedict visiting meant that all the attention would be on them rather than her. Madeleine laughed and nodded, holding out her pinky to link with the girl's.
"I promise, El. You will go back to being sick of us in no time." She smiled, giving her a hug. The family packed into the carriages after everyone said their goodbyes, and Madeleine and Benedict were once again alone.
The two walked inside and Benedict turned to Madeleine, a wicked smirk on his face.
"Time for you to pay for all that teasing today." He grinned, grabbing her by the waist. She gasped, looking up at him with innocent eyes.
"Me? Teasing? I do not recall doing such a thing." She gave him her best puppy eyes but he only smirked in return, pulling her to the bedroom.
