𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 | benedict bridgerton

►danser avec un autre frère

"Oh Gosh Simon, it hasn't been so long that we return to formalities has it?" Marie smirked, curtseying to the taller man in front of her. Simon Bassett had grown up with Marie under the care of Lady Danbury when Marie's mother got sick. It was only for a year, but the two children had got so close that they sent letters to each other, across the British seas. 

"Of course not, Rie," Simon smiled. "How have you been?" She rolled her eyes at his question, the Duke admitting that he was entertained by her French headlines. "Well, now I have been sent here to acquire myself some sorry excuse for a husband. And what of you? I hear you have been getting close to the Diamond of this Season," Marie nudged her elbow into Simon's, making him laugh. 

"Don't marry her, Simon. Not unless she knows about your oath," Marie stared up at him with a pointed look. "And do not look at me like my father would," Simon snapped cheekily at her. Marie pretended to be offended before shoving him off in the direction of Daphne who had just exited the floor with Lord Addington.  

The younger Bridgerton girl that entered with the whole family, walked around with her nose stuck in a book. Lady Bridgerton smiled and walked over to a group of Mamas who smiled as she joined, clearly anointing her not a victim to their judgemental gazes. Benedict strolled in after, giving a lop-sided grin to a bunch of girls who laughed in the presence of his attention and waves, fluttering their fans helplessly. "Pathetic," Marie whispered as she watched them. 

"Couldn't agree more," A loud British voice entered Marie's ears making her jump. She spun around, taking in the girl before her. She was the one who walked in with Violet, in her hand, a copy of Macbeth. Her fan hung, unused, on her pale wrist. 

"You are of the Bridgerton family? I saw you walk in with them," Marie queried, eyebrows raised. "Oh yes, Eloise Bridgerton," The smiley girl brought out a gloved hand and shook Marie's. "Your family seem to like to give me frights," Marie tried breaking the ice, her face smiling at Eloise.

"Yes, well, you seem to have caught the attention of a few of my family members. I thought I'd introduce myself. Daphne seems to like you, although I don't usually trust her taste. Benedict talks about you too," Eloise bobbed her head, making her thick fringe wobbly with her. "Not- not like a lot or anything," Eloise stuttered when she saw Marie's raised eyebrows. "Beside the point, Lady Whistledown writes about you a lot. She favours you a bit too," Eloise changed the subject, analysing Marie's facial expressions, wondering if maybe she could be this mystery woman she was invested in seeking. 

"Oui, I haven't heard of her before. Although I usually thrive in making the drama, I have not read about it in a while," Marie laughed, Eloise's smile brightening. "Yes, well, Anthony would agree, he's not your biggest fan," She laughed obnoxiously, grabbing a glass of alcohol. "Yes please," Marie smiled as she also grabbed a glass, pouring the liquid down her throat. 

Eloise stared at her, ignoring the disgusted stares from other ladies. "Cheers," Marie chuckled, wiping her mouth with her white glove. Eloise raised her thin-rimmed glass and poured the drink down her throat in one go as well. "Gosh, that is awful, never again," Eloise cringed, pinching her features together. Marie laughed gently. "It takes some getting used to."

"Oh, my brother is coming over here. I'd be worried, he doesn't shut up about you," Eloise exposed him once again, walking off to go and find another person to interrogate about the upcoming Lady Whistledown. Marie turned in surprise, to see Benedict walking her way. Her brown eyes widened so she swiftly took to the dance floor, Benedict's eyes widening as she grabbed a man's hand and asked him to dance. 

"Excuse my distasteful manners, will you dance with me?" Marie offered, pulling the man to the dancefloor. The man smiled mischievously and took her to the floor, holding her hand gracefully. 

"Well this is a first," He smiled, his cheeks rounding into red circles. "I have that effect. Princess Marie Howard of France. Lovely to meet you," Marie introduced herself whilst spinning under the gentleman's arm. "I have heard quite a lot about you," The man noted, making her laugh. "Like what?" She asked, putting herself in the beginning position for the waltz. 

"Well, you seem to have a lot of mentions in Lady Whistledown with my brothers," He chuckled and Marie froze. "You are a Bridgerton also?" She stared unbelievingly. The man chortled, adjusting his collar as they span around each other. "Colin Bridgerton, the third Bridgerton brother, although I can assure you I am much better in every way, personality and looks, than the rest of my brothers," He smiled at her, Marie laughing once more. "Very well, I think I will have to put that to the test," She dared and they danced some more. 

Once the dance was over, Marie walked over to a secluded area, outside, only to be pestered by more voices. She lit a cigarette, blowing out the smoke and rolling her eyes at the voice in her ears. "So, it is the Bridgerton's you have a taste for," Lady Danbury smirked and Marie huffed. 

Her first response was the take another drag of the cigar, letting the smoke billow from her lips. Lady Danbury waited for an answer, as persistent and stubborn as Marie's father - the creator of the word. "I didn't know who he was," She insisted but Lady Danbury gave her a disbelieving look. "I wanted to get away from his brother."

Benedict stormed over to his brother, angrily. He grabbed Colin's shoulder, pulling him away from some flirting ladies and their Mamas. "Colin, why were you dancing with that..." Benedict could find the word, "Girl," He admitted finally. "Who? Marie?" Colin smiled as he recalled his previous dancing partner's face. 

"Yes," Benedict sneered at her name, disliking the way it sounded. "She asked me to dance with her and I agreed. She's not as villainous as you make her out to be Brother, but I wouldn't know since you talk about her all the time," Colin laughed and his brother glared at him. 

"Brother, I do not see what this quarrel is over, she is a perfectly respectable Princess who you would get along with well," Colin told Benedict, eyes wide. "You are not usually this irritated brother," He mentioned also. "She vexes me," Benedict huffed, loosening his tie with the heat of the ballroom. "I cannot stand her, she thinks she is better than me and doesn't care if she insults our family," Benedict explained angrily. 

"Let's get drunk," Colin decided that he wasn't going to convince Benedict and so instead handed his brother a large glass of whiskey from a tray. 

This Author is quite surprised to note that Her Royal Highness was dancing with, once again, another Bridgerton. We could count down the siblings left on one hand. Is Colin Bridgerton taking over This Author's hopes for a foreign romance, or will my hopes for the second brother be upheld? 

Yours Truly, Lady Whistledown.