Wild Uncharted Waters

Four

"Do you remember what she looks like?" Eloise questioned, pulling her cloak tighter around her body as the cool wind from the docks blew.

"Of course, she was beautiful."

"Benedict, dear, we need actual details. What were some features? We could ask around about a girl who looks like her." Loren explained, glancing around at the surroundings. The small town was not busy today, they expected to be surrounded by a hoarding crowd, thankfully that was not the case.

They'd have a better chance finding Lady Campbell now, with less people to ask, they could be given more time to discuss the women who live here and see if they could find a match.

"She had dark hair, but you knew that, these intense dark eyes-"

"Good God Benedict! Specific details!" Eloise groaned, slapping her brother's arm. "I'm thinking!" Benedict shot back. Last night was a blur, but he was trying his best, "She was taller then average, if that means anything, she had higher cheekbones then most ladies.. I believe she had dimples as well.."

And that was really all he could remember that stood out about the mysterious Lady Campbell.

"Well that is not much to go off of, Benny."

"I'm trying, Loren." He paused, running a hand through his dark hair. "Maybe this wasn't the best idea... maybe we should've waited for Mother to visit Lady Danbury."

"Do not speak that way, Benedict. We will find her." Loren assured, she then glanced over at Eloise, who was approaching one of the vendors, "Excuse me, sir?"

"Hello ma'am! What can I do for you today?" The vendor asked kindly, to which Eloise beckoned her brother over in response, "Hello, you see, sir, my brother here is searching for a woman. We saw her yesterday, and believe she lives here."

"Oh?"

"Do you know anyone by the name of Lady Campbell?" Benedict questioned. The vendor thought for a moment, stroking his beard in thought, "I don't know about 'Lady', but the Campbells live down near the docks."

"The Campbells..?" Loren asked, to which the vendor nodded, "A family of sailors. Goes back generations." Benedict suddenly felt hopeful, happiness swelling in his chest, "Is there a daughter?"

"Arielle? Oh that girl's a good one. Kindest person you'll ever meet, a voice like an angel."

That was her.

Arielle. What a beautiful name. Written in the stars. Written across his heart.

"That has to be her!" Loren exclaimed, reaching into her clutch to retrieve some coins, "Thank you so much for your help, kind sir, is there anyway we could get an address?" The man gratefully took the money, but shook his head, a toothy grin on his face, "Just head toward the docks, listen for her song."

Benedict knew it by heart.

The trio thanked the man again wrote heading toward the docks. Loren nudged the Bridgerton man, "Are you excited?" The man only nodded.

His stomach churned with nervousness and excitement. He was going to find her. And as much as it seemed like this was what he wanted, he couldn't help but worry.

How would she react? Would she find it strange? He embarked on this adventure with his sisters not only because he was 'in love' like they believed, but he wanted to make sure she was alright. He hadn't told anyone what he seen on her handkerchief.

But he knew something was severely wrong if she was coughing up blood.

Eloise led the way, and soon the salty smell of the sea hit, causing Benedict to smile. He'd rarely spent time near the ocean, but he'd always wanted too. It was something that he enjoyed painting. The scenery of the ocean was so beautiful, and one of his hopes was that he'd one day be able to explore the wild uncharted waters.