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The day of Sophie and Benedict’s wedding arrived. Benedict woke in the Summer House, his head just a little thick as he saw his younger brother lying on the chaise a blanket over him, Anthony and Simon had both gone back to the house to their wives and children.

Benedict had a few more drinks with his brother, thanking Colin for helping him get his head out of his arse and realise that his future was Sophie and he was giddy with excitement.

In a few short hours she would be legally his, yes in his heart she was his wife and he missed her down to his core, in his bones last night but to finally have her as Mrs Bridgerton, to have that ending that roared into existence a little over 2 years ago… 

He’d considered sneaking back to the house but he knew his mother would be watching 

 from a small hint from Anthony as he left, as he saw that glint in Benedict’s eye. His older brother had said that maybe… Sophie wasn’t in his old room as he had expected and that Sophie was maybe in the room next to their mother’s suite and maybe their mother was leaving her window open to hear if he decided to try and climb the tree outside.

So he stayed put, he knew it would not do for mother of the Bridgergroom to commit murder on his wedding day. He had waited long enough. One more night he had reasoned and he never had to part from Sophie again.

He decided to get up and donned his jacket and for amusement, he kicked his brothers chaise chasing him to jerk awake in fright “yarghh!”

Colin yelled as he sat up “what the hell!” He blasphemed

“Get up! We need to go back to the house for breakfast before I get married!” Benedict bounced in his heels as Colin chuckled

“You’re more excited than Hyacinth is when it’s her birthday” Colin laughed as he pulled himself to his feet.

“I’ve waited two years to marry Sophie. I am allowed to be excitedable” Benedict said indignantly

Colin laughed “I’m teasing brother. I am aware of your impatience after last night” he teased.

Benedict rolled his eyes “am I ever going to live that down?”

Colin stood and clapped his brother on his back “nope! Come on then let’s go get you married” Colin smirked at his brother as he led him off.

~*~

Sophie Beckett could not believe the changes that had occurred in her life in the last 3 days…

Three days ago she was sitting in a jail cell expecting to be transported but here she was in a large warm fluffy bed, at Aubrey Hall… about to marry the love of her life. The man who stormed said jail cell and along with her step-sister had rescued her and saved her.

In a few short hours she would be a wife… she would belong to a family !

And not just any family…

She would be a Bridgerton.

As she stretched she let out a nervous giggle. She was getting married today. Today!

It was all very surreal.

It has been two days of shopping and running around. Violet had left for Aubrey Hall the morning after Sophie and Benedict got engaged, so the new Lady Bridgerton or Kate as she wanted to be called, had finished her shopping with her. 

Sophie had been overwhelmed at it all, all the changes, all the gifts, the clothes. It was all a little much but Kate had understood and helped Sophie through it.

There was a knock on the door, “Sophie?” Violet's voice came from the door “Sophie, dear are you awake?”

Sophie climbed out of bed and threw on the new green robe that Sophie couldn’t help notice, matched Benedict’s and opened the door.

“Oh you, are awake, good. I’ve asked the maids to bring breakfast up for just the two of us and a bath is being drawn in my room for you. I thought you may like some peace away from everyone this morning” Violet beamed at her.

“Thank you Lady… sorry Violet” she blushed “I will get used to that eventually” she laughed softly

Violet took Sophie’s hands “I know you will. It’s been a strange few days for you I am sure” she smiled.

“It has but I could not be happier I assure you” Sophie smiled as she followed Violet next door into her suite.

It wasn’t a full breakfast but enough to see them through to the wedding reception in a few hours. 

As Sophie sat down with Lady Bridgerton, Sophie remembered the last time the two of them were alone and instantly felt her cheeks redden as she swallowed “er.. V… Violet?”

“Yes dear?” She said as she poured their tea.

“I… I just wanted to apologise for my rather abrupt leaving… or attempt to leave…” Sophie said

“You need not apologise Sophie. It is quite alright”

Sophie shook her head “no. You had shown me nothing but kindness and accepted me into your family without a thought and it was very rude of me not to give notice. I may not have been brought up a servant originally but manners are manners and I should not have just… left”  

Violet smiled at her “Sophie…” she reached out over the table taking Sophie’s hand “when Benedict first brought you home to me… I knew there was something between you, I had no real need for another ladies maid. I kept two out of habit but the girls could have managed, but I saw the two of you… talking or bickering and…” 

Violet took a breath “you both reminded me so much of me and My Edmund… it took my breath away. I saw that look in Benedict’s eyes, the same one Anthony has when he looks at Kate… and I just knew…  he’d found the right one”

Sophie felt tears in her eyes “really?”

Violet nodded and squeezed her hand “despite that rather hideous dress, I could see you were no maid, no servant… it’s why I brought up upstairs, I wanted to find out who you really were and get to know you… my son’s live charmed lives and I wasn’t sure if he would do something stupid … or Honorable…” Violet laughed

“ I suppose it was both in the end… but Sophie please do not be ashamed, I do not think less of you . I know how charming my sons can be…” 

Sophie laughed and nodded, desperately trying to fight back tears.

“Thank you Violet…”

“You need not thank me I speak the truth”

Sophie shook her head “no it’s not just for your words... but for accepting me… not many women of the ton would but you’ve embraced me as one of your own even from day one… and you’ve embraced Posy as well without even a thought… and…” Sophie swallowed

“Thank you for Benedict. He truly is the best man I’ve ever known and a lot of that comes from you. He’s nothing like what he presents to the world and I can only hope to make him half as happy as he has made me… and I want you to know… I…” her voice broke with emotion “I love him so very much. I have from the moment I laid eyes on him and I regret he ever suffered because of me… but I vow to make it up to him”

Violet, usually so stoic, got up and hugged her future daughter in law “oh Sophie. I know you do. It’s evident every time you’re in the same room together. Every little glance you seemed to steal at each other when you thought no one was watching. I saw how he would look for you in the room when he came in…I think that is why I could bring myself to fire you… I had hoped that maybe… if we could uncover your past that it would not be so hopeless… and you could both be happy. You both deserved it… so certainly do” she said softly before adding,”

“ and I am sure they say absence makes the heart grow fonder…” she smiled at Sophie 

“Any pain caused I am sure was reciprocated on your part Sophie and as I said that night, you are the sort of woman I would have liked for my Son… Benedict is not like his brothers. He hides it well but he needed some to see him ”

Sophie smiled at the memory of that day in his living room… when she’d told him just that and nodded “I love Benedict for who he is… I adore your family but I love him. He could be penniless, he could be a nobody and I would still love him so fiercely”

Violet felt tears running down her face and hugged her soon to be daughter in law tightly “that is why I know you’re perfect for him and though I know you will be moving far away… I know you will be happy together. Benedict will finally be at peace. He hates London” she laughed

Sophie laughed and nodded “yes and you and any of the family are always welcome to come visit. You need not write. It will always be open” she said as she returned the hug, for the first time in her wondering if this was what it was like to have a mother…

An hour later Sophie was bathed and her hair was being styled and put up, rather than a ladies maid, Kate and Posy were assisting dress her. Kate, who had liked to do Edwina’s hair when they were younger, had woven Sophie’s hair into a plait. Sophie had confided in Kate that Benedict liked it when Sophie wore her hair in a plait and had wondered if it was possible to have it in set so that it would be easy for her, or Benedict,  as was likely to be the case, to unpick it do it would then fall into the way he loved it best. 

Kate had been thrilled to help. Posy was applying the light rouge to Sophie’s lips and cheeks as she was having the final finishing touches to her appearance before pulling on her wedding gown.

Sophie couldn’t believe it when she looked at her face in the mirror, she’d never thought she was ugly, she spent enough time avoiding men to know she was desirable but today, though she still looked like herself, she felt like she looked beautiful, she was almost glowing.

Posy pressed a kiss to Sophie’s cheek, she was to help Hyacinth with the flowers (and to stop Hyacinth punching or hitting Gregory as she had done at Kate’s), Posy had said it was probably more suitable for Kate to help Sophie dress rather than herself, seen as Kate was a married woman.

Kate and Violet had agreed.

Kate and Violet carried through the box that contained Sophie’s completed wedding gown,  Sophie had not seen it yet, she suspected that Violet thought she might tell Benedict about it if she had seen it once completed.

As the box opened Sophie gasped, it was the most beautiful dress that she had ever seen, and it was entirely perfect for her and she knew it was entirely to Benedict’s taste.

Sophie wasn’t entirely surprised by that, as she knew of Benedict’s history with Madame Delacroix, he’d told her that they’d stopped seeing one another shortly before he had met Sophie, she’d never been his official mistress, just a “friend”.

The dress was simple, the white lace fell elegantly over the silk, the rose and tulip patterns of the lace covering the top half of the bodice only, then it was plain until the hem… which Sophie recognised instantly a Violet’s handy work, she’d seen Violet working on it many an evening in the few weeks she worked for them.

With tears in her eyes she turned to Violet and beamed “thank you” she said as she let her fingers roam over the hem.

“I told you my dear… from the moment I saw you… I had hope” she grinned “I made one for Kate and for Daphne… they also had tulips but in purple… but I thought red would be more appropriate for you…” Violet said looking at Sophie fondly

Sophie gave a watery smile “they mean true love if I remember?” Violet nodded and Kate grinned.

“Perfect then… and if I recall… they’re what arrived for you shortly after you arrived from Number 5 as well” Kate said happily. 

Sophie nodded.

“Shall we get you in this?” Violet asked.

20 minutes later Sophie was in her dress, she had no chemise on so she had tried not to blush as she held onto the front of her dress so as not to reveal her breasts to her very soon to be mother and sister in law…

Once she was in, there was a light knock on the door. 

“That better not be Benedict…” Violet said, staring at the door.

Kate laughed “I've already caught him twice trying to sneak up stairs, Anthony has been told to ensure his brother doesn’t try a third time or I was holding him personally responsible… so it is unlikely he will let Benedict back up” as she walked to the door, opening it a little way.

“Oh it’s Simon” Kate said, opening the door to let him in. Simon had offered to give Sophie away as Anthony was attending his brother and Sophie had no one. Sophie had been blown away by his offer and accepted with grace and humility, Simon had shared with her his past with disappointing parents so she felt like she had a kindred spirit in him.

“Oh Sophie you look beautiful” Simon said, as he walked into the room, holding a box. “I know I was meant to meet you downstairs but your future husband is pacing and requested I bring you part of his wedding present in the hope you will wear it” he said.

Sophie rolled her eyes “you are all spending far too much money on me” she said, as she took the box from him “how… how, is he?” she asked apprehensively, her own nerves just starting to take hold as she was now nearly ready.

“Excited, pacing around, Anthony has had to lock him in his study and give him a brandy. He said he can’t wait” Simon grinned, having learnt last night the full extent of what had previously passed between Sophie and Benedict before their engagement even took place, and what had happened in the few days between.

Sophie smiled brightly and turned as she opened the box and gasped.

In the box lay a delicate heirloom ruby, no bigger than Sophie’s little finger nail in the shape of a peardrop, and a small diamond on the top. Kate peered over her shoulder and gasped “oh my… that is beautiful” she sighed.

“It really is…”

Simon looked at the hem of Sophie’s dress “he must have known”

Violet smiled “that necklace belonged to my grandmama…it suits you perfectly my dear”

Kate and Sophie smiled at her and Sophie felt an overwhelming sense of serenity and happiness. She finally had her family… 

Kate took the necklace and put it on Sophie “there… now you are perfect…”

Simon offered Sophie her arm “shall we?”

Violet and Kate headed down the stairs leaving Simon alone with Sophie for a few minutes before they would make their own way down. 

“How are you feeling?” Simon asked, 

“Excited, nervous, a little sick… it’s a strange well of things going on right now” She grinned.

“I can imagine, though I have a feeling I am about to win the bet I have with Benedict’s brother’s on how soon it will be before he tears up seeing you” Simon laughed.

“Really? What did you bet?” Sophie asked

“As soon as he sees you. Colin thinks as the vows, Anthony said he wouldn’t” Simon laughed.

“Let us see shall we?” Sophie said, a little more confidently than she felt but with a nod Simon led her out.

~*~

It felt like the longest few hours of Benedict’s life when he got back to the house, immediately he had tried to sneak upstairs to get a glimpse of his bride but had been caught by Kate and dragged, rather unceremoniously, into the breakfast room by his waistcoat and been scolded.

His mother was missing from breakfast, so he knew he would have been in trouble if he had even stepped foot near Sophie before she met him at the bottom of the aisle.

He picked at his food, managing some eggs but that was about it, he felt his stomach churning with nerves and Anthony chuckled at him, “are you really that nervous brother?” 

Benedict shook his head “I am not nervous… anxious maybe but no nerves today… I’ve waited two years to marry Sophie… and knowing it’s only a few more hours, it seems all the more real” he smiled.

Anthony nodded as he took a drink of his own juice “understandable. Mother’s asked for a bath to be drawn for you so once you’re done eating, go bath and then come down to my study, i’ve got that item you requested…”

Benedict didn’t need telling twice, he put down his cup and practically ran from the dining room, ignoring the jibes from his siblings as he took the stairs two at a time.

He paused, Sophie would be in her bath now… “Benedict… if you so much as think about going further up the stairs and anywhere other than your room… I shall make Sophie a widower before she even marries” Kate’s voice floated up the stairs threatening him.

Benedict’s spine stiffened as he turned around and flashed her a grin before he went to bathe.

It was probably the quickest bath Benedict had ever taken, as he washed himself, he did feel a bit gross after being in the summer house last night, so he had washed carefully, they would be leaving for the beach cottage after a little while and some much needed and desired for time alone.

He dressed in his new tailored clothing, his mother had been insistent that he also got a new suit for his wedding and he found himself rather unwilling to argue.

Once dressed he tied his cravat himself, he wanted it easy to remove and it wasn’t always the case when the valet did it for him.

He ran down the stairs. He was practically reverberating with excitement as he made his way into Anthony’s study.

“That was quicker than I expected,” Anthony laughed at him.

“I find myself unable to sit still” Benedict said

“When have you ever…” Anthony laughed

“Point taken but did you get it?” Benedict grinned happily at his brother 

“Yes. Mother told me where it was… it is rather stunning” Anthony said, handing his brother the box as he opened it.

“She was the one who suggested it for Sophie. I didn’t want something too flashy or over the top…” Benedict smiled at the box and the back at the door

“No! You’re not going up to give her it… you know it is supposedly bad luck to see the bride before she walks down the aisle and Kate will have my head if you try…” Anthony said pointing a finger warningly at his brother 

“But…!”

“Not buts! Simon can take it up when he goes to collect her” he said, his tone brooking no argument and Benedict sighed.

“Fine… please tell her I can’t wait to see her” he said as he handed over the box and Anthony handed him a brandy.

“Drink that please so it calms you down as all your moving around is making me feel a little sick” Anthony said.

Simon left the room leaving the two brothers alone “so how are you feeling?” Anthony asked

“I can’t wait… but I meant what I said last night. In my heart she is already my wife, this is just making it legal before God and country.” Benedict said with a shrug.

“I am really pleased for you Benedict” Anthony said as he refilled his brothers glass “Sophie could not be a better fit for you if we had made her ourselves”

“You mean like Kate is for you?” Benedict teased

Anthony raised his glass “exactly” 

Benedict smiled “I am truly very grateful for everything you’ve done for me Anthony… not just for me and Sophie but for being there for me and our siblings...it wasn’t easy for you and I never actually thanked you for it” 

Anthony coughed to clear his throat and to hide the sudden swell of emotion from his brother's words “Benedict you don’t have to thank me. We are brothers. If roles had been reversed you would have done the same… hell you and Colin made me see sense about Kate in the end so…”

“Well you were the last one to know” Benedict laughed as he drained his drink.

“I do rather suppose I was” Anthony smiled and leaned over and grabbed the small Boutonniere made of red tulips “mother picked these this morning and sent them for us to wear”

Benedict looked and chuckled “the same ones I sent Sophie…”

“Indeed. Let’s go get you married shall we?” Anthony said with a grin. Benedict nodded with alacrity.

As they came out of the study, their mother and Kate were descending the stairs, both beaming happily. “Well don’t you look handsome” Kate smirked at Benedict as Anthony gave a kiss on the cheek and cleared his throat “as do you dear but it isn’t your wedding day” she rolled her eyes.

Violet smiled brightly at her second son “Oh Benedict I am so pleased you’re finally marrying… and for love, and Sophie is perfectly fine, she loved the necklace before you ask”

Benedict grinned and followed his family through the house to the private chapel on the side of their family estate.

He stood waiting anxiously near the altar, bouncing on his heels and balls of his feet.

“For heaven's sake Benedict, stand still… she will be here in a minute!” Anthony hissed at him as he could hear his family chuckling behind him.

Then the music started, and Benedict felt his heart beating faster as the music started and he heard the rest of the family stand.

He knew he was supposed to wait to turn, he knew he was supposed to wait until Anthony touched him but hearing his niece’s not so quiet whisper of “she looks like an angel!” 

Benedict couldn’t wait… he turned and it was like the whole world dissolved and all he could see was her…

His Sophie.

An absolute vision in lace and silk, her green eyes sparkling with tears and happiness as she walked. He felt his own tears in his eyes, he’d never cried in public, but he did not care… he could hardly believe his luck. He could not believe that this beautiful woman, this beautiful kind hearted and good woman was his…

He could see the smirk on Simon’s face, as he saw Sophie walking closer and closer to him. Her smile radiated as she got closer and mouthed “hi” at him.

~*~

Sophie almost felt her heart beating out of her chest as she stood on the other side of the door, Hyacinth though now 14 still wanted to be a flower girl and Sophie loved the idea so let her. 

The music started and Sophie was rather pleased, for Simon’s arm as she was sure she was going to pass out with her nerves, or she was sure she would fall and trip as she walked down the aisle to her future, into a family… to Benedict.

Hyacinth walked down in front of Posy and Kate and they set off a few steps later “ready?” Simon whispered to her as she nodded.

Her heart and stomach fluttered with each step she took closer to Benedict, she could see Anthony smiling at him, their two boys standing on the chairs to get a view of them and Edmund waved his hands happily at his new aunt. He had become rather attached to Sophie and was really rather pleased she was marrying his uncle and being her Aunt, he was only two, early 3 so hardly understood but it had warmed Sophie’s heart to know even the children accepted her.

She then heard Ameila, Daphne’s almost 4 year old daughter sigh “she looks like an angel!” Sophie's eyes felt the sparkle of tears as she saw Benedict move, his slow turn, she knew he was supposed to wait, but he obviously couldn’t and the moment her green eyes met his…

Sophie hardly remembered any other detail of the ceremony.

She remembered mouthing “Hi” to him as Simon placed her hands in Benedict’s.

She remembered him whispering “you look so beautiful” as he lifted her veil.

She remembered saying words back to the vicar, her eyes never leaving Benedict’s, his hand on hers, she could feel their pulses entwining and beating as one as he slid her glove off her arm, the move so seductive it remembered her of when he removed her stockings all those weeks ago…

She remembered the flush that crept on her cheeks as Benedict gave her the lopsided smirk that caused her stomach to churn and flop and her heart to almost skip a beat… a promise of what was to come.

She remembered the feel of the ring sliding into place on her left hand, binding her to him forever, as if they hadn’t already been bound to one another for the last two years. She remembered the squeeze of his hand as the ring nestled in place, its new home, never to leave her finger.

She remembered the words “I now pronounce you husband and wife… you may…” and then the feel of Benedict’s hand on her waist, pulling her closer to him and his lips on hers, a soft and loving kiss, if Sophie had her wits about her, she would have been embarrassed as it was in front of his family but she felt revered, she felt loved, she was home…

She heard the whistling and a cough from Anthony which caused them to part, Sophie saw as she looked up blushing that Kate was the one that was doing the raunchous whistling, completely undignified for a Viscountess, but Violet next to her looked amused as did two other women, who looked so like the Bridgerton siblings, all looked very amused, and all had tears in their eyes.

The reception was a blur, there weren't many people there, Violet had kept it strictly family and as they were at their country seat, there were not many people there. Daphne and Simon were to throw them a proper party in a few weeks after their honeymoon in London to present the world to the new Mr and Mrs Bridgerton.

Benedict did not let go of her hand throughout the festivities. He had led her over to his Aunt and Uncle, the Earl and Countess of Manston.

“Aunt Billie, Uncle George, can I present my wife, Sophie Bridgerton… Sophie this is my aunt and uncle, the Earl and Countess of Manston” Benedict had said proudly as Sophie curtiesed.

“It is wonderful to meet you,” Sophie said brightly.

Billie smiled warmly at Sophie “Was Violet correct in telling me that you punched Lady Penwood?” 

Sophie went red but nodded “She was”

“Oh my dear, you will do very well… these boys need a firm hand” she said with an affectionate pat on Benedict’s cheek which caused Sophie to laugh

“Come off it Darling, it’s his wedding day, surely you can not tease the poor boy for one day” George said brightly.

“It’s okay Uncle George, this is not as bad as my brother’s have put me through today and yesterday”

“Yes we had heard about your lack of brains boy” Billie grinned at her nephew.

But Benedict was saved by answering by a loud cry of “AUNT SOPI!!!” and a small figure launching themselves onto Sophie’s skirts.

“Ned!” Kate yelled after her eldest son…

“Sorry about him!” Kate as she bustled over to the group.

George roared with laughter “Oh he is so much like his father…”

“If I recall he did the same at another wedding,” Billie laughed as the two turned and took their leave to deal with the clingy two year old

Sophie smiled and turned to Edmund “What is it Ned?” she asked softly as she leant down and picked the boy up and rested him on her hip.

Benedict’s eyes watched happily as she spoke softly to his nephew, his brain taking him in the future and her doing the same with their son or daughter.

“Papa said you and uncy Benni are going soon!!” he sniffled, his little bottom lip quivering as his eyes were full of tears.

Benedict smiled at his nephew. Edmund had become rather attached to Sophie in the last few days and it was amusing to watch him chase after her around the house, watching her play with him and reading to him.

“Ah… well yes… Me and your uncle Ben are going to go on a little trip but we will come back and see you very soon… and we will bring you a present and” she said tickling him lightly “i think we are going to come stay with you for a little while, do you think you would like that?”

He sniffled and wiped his snotty nose on his sleeve and nodded “what present?” he asked, his little eyes wide.

Kate laughed at her son “he is absolutely his father… priorities…”

“Where is he?” Benedict asked.

“Getting the carriages sorted, it is a bit of a drive so he assumed you would want to leave soon” Kate grinned at the newlyweds, who blushed.

“Well it will be a surprise but I promise it will be a very good present and we shall have story time when I come back, but you have to be a good boy for you mama do you understand…?” Sophie smiled

“And Papa?” he asked.

Sophie leaned in and whispered conspiritorially “only if your mama asks you to be a good boy for him” 

Kate and Benedict heard and both snorted with laughter as Edmund beamed and Sophie put him down on the floor and he ran off after his cousins…

Benedict and Sophie spent the next hour taking their leave and then they were finally alone, in their carriage heading towards their honeymoon, and a week’s peace for just the two of them.

Once out of the gates and on the main roads, Benedict leaned in and kissed her softly “How are you feeling my darling wife?” 

Sophie giggled “I am feeling… very happy” she smiled as Benedict’s hand cupped her face “very grateful and very much in love with my husband” she said leaning back in and kissing him.

“Well that is a stroke of good luck as I am feeling very much in love with my wife” he grinned “you look so beautiful in your dress… the necklace looks stunning with it” he said toying with it.

“You spoil me” she said, 

“You’re my wife… you're mine to spoil if I should choose to do so” he grinned “and it’s a family heirloom, you are a Bridgerton now…so you should have family jewels” he smiled as he pulled her closer to him.

“I like the sound of that,” she said.

“Of what my love” he said, entwining her left hand with his and playing with her ring.

“Being yours” she sighed happily.

“You’re mine... “ he whispered pressing a kiss to her neck “you’re mine to love… mine to spoil… mine to have a family of our own with… and mine to cherish and protect” 

Sophie felt herself shiver happily “Oh Benedict… I have never felt such love… such happiness and I don’t think I have ever felt safer than in your arms” 

“Well my love…” he said, wrapping her closer into his arms “you will never not be in these arms… and never know anything but love and devotion from here on out… never have to worry about a thing ever again” he said, pressing a loving kiss into her brow, as the gentle rocking of the carriage lulled them into a light slumber as they headed towards their future… together.