Benedict was the second born child of the Bridgerton family, Artistic, introspective and loyal, even being rebellious in a quiet way, in his own way. Not particularly looking for love, especially since he was the last of the men in his family to marry. But that was when he laid eyes on you.

You were the sister of Simon Basset, adopted of course since you both looked nothing alike, only sharing personality traits that involved keeping to yourself and having the same sharp stare when it came to situations that did not impress you. And it wasn’t just your looks that captivated him, but it was the way you held yourself.

And now with your brother being married to his sister, Daphne, they tended to gist and this time you came with them, staying in the same house just across the hallway.

In his mind it was never quite, always busy, thoughts flowing past one after another only further keeping him up at night if now there wasn’t another reason he couldn’t sleep, and that reason was you.

Because you had captivated his entire mind, taking it over every single second of the day, when he’d paint, sleep or even be surrounded by a flood of women he’d always keep his eyes out for you, not caring to pay attention but still remaining polite.

And now it was late at night, Benedict was still up, of course, sitting downstairs in the living room ever so focused as his hands glided effortlessly over the canvas he had used to paint upon, the only thing pulling him away being the sound of soft footsteps.

Pulling him away from his trance he looked at you only to pause, and for him mind to go blank, because when he laid his eyes upon you, it was the only time his mind quietened.

“You’re awake.” He spoke quietly, voice low from hours of silence. “Most sensible people are abed at this hour.”