𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 | benedict bridgerton

►l' acceptation

► Marie's hair

► Marie's dress

They danced for a while, Benedict holding her in a way everybody knew was special. Penelope eyed them, walking out the roof with a piece of paper grasped in her hand. A smile worked its way onto Marie's face. "I love you," Benedict told her softly, his breath tickling her neck. Marie looked at him, adoration clear in her eyes. "I love you too," She said, and then all the grief and pain was gone. All the loneliness and fear of marriage, all the judgement of her parents and her sadness was gone. Her entire body went loose as the internal pain left her body, like a sucction from her heart. "It's called acceptance," Benedict said, her eyes constantly moving as he scanned her relieved face. "I think I'll be okay," Marie whispered, he music slowing to a slow melody. "I know you will. You're a fighter remember?" Benedict smiled, his face scrunching up in happiness. 

The melody picked up again, musical instruments filling up the hall as Marie began spinning in circles again as she span, waiting for the next man to dance with her.

When Marie left the ball, she was drunk on a mix of relief and champagne, Benedict supporting her as they called for a carriage. He placed his coat on her shoulders, the broad shoulders sitting comfortably on her back. A smile planted itself on her face. She waved goodbye to the Bridgerton's with a hiccup of laughter and a smile, immediately slumping into the velvet cushions of the carriage. She waited, smiling drunkenly to herself, grinning as Daphne hopped into the carriage with a wave to her family. This new Marie was a win for the Bridgerton's, the whole family having planned out the evening to make sure Marie was mixing with society again. "Dancing is good for happiness," Eloise said wisely, being pushed lightly by Colin who knew she was trying to sound intelligent.  

Daphne got Marie home, pulling her into the house and slowly but surely getting her up the stairs. She sat Marie down on a plush seat, holding her up as well as pulling the pins and pearls from her head. "You're really pretty you know," Marie giggled, sipping on the cold water Yasmin had brought up. "Why thank you," Daphne smiled at the sweet girl. "You didn't deserve the hand you were dealt," Daphne stated, Marie sober enough to know she wasn't just talking about the late maid. "I read the reports Benedict found about your family. I apologise," Daphne said, making Marie look down. She hid her watery eyes. "I- I always thought I did something wrong. That I wasn't right," Marie said, unable to go on as a few tears streamed down her face, dripping onto her dress. Daphne nodded, pushing the pins onto the desk and pulling her to the bed. "Yasmin, please could you get some sliced oranges?" Daphne asked, pushing Marie into the bed and tucking her under the covers. She then wiped a hot wet rag across Marie's face to get rid of the dusty makeup from her face to hide her eyebags. She then went around the room opening the windows and shutting the curtains. "Fresh air is good for you," Daphne as Marie complained. "I can hear the horses," Marie slurred, making Daphne smile. "I'll always be here for you, you know that right?" Daphne spoke quietly after a moment of silence. She placed herself near Marie's limp body, stroking her arm softly. "Even if you don't marry my brother," She admitted, knowing her emotional attachment to the girl. "Benny?" Marie asked, wiping her eyes with the back of her knuckles. "No, I want to marry him," Marie giggled, pushing her hands out of the covers like a grabby kid when Yasmin brought up the oranges. Daphne handed Marie one orange at a time, hoping the vitamins would help her inevitable morning headache. 

"We'll go through Bea's stuff in the morning," Daphne said, Marie's confession racing through her mind. She pat Marie's snuggling body, letting her fall asleep before leaving and shutting the door quietly.