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The day after Sophie and Benedict had gotten engaged, there was a whirlwind of activity at Number 5 Bruton Street. Sophie had been dragged away to get her wedding dress, wedding trousseau and all the things she would need, including a lot of new clothing.
Benedict had spoken to his brother, and his brother to tell him he had finally decided to marry and that he was marrying Sophie but he had not told his brother that Sophie was his Lady In Silver. Colin remained the only Bridgerton to know Sophie’s identity.
During their 3am chat, well after Sophie initiated a second bout of loving making and they were spent and sweating again, they had talked about telling his family about her past, he’d asked her what she wanted them to know. Benedict had wanted to make sure that she was comfortable, that she was happy and she could do it all in her own time.
Sophie had said she wanted to think about it, she knew they wouldn’t judge, they knew she was a maid but only Violet and Colin knew she was the Bastard daughter of the Earl of Penwood. Benedict had told Sophie about his fencing session with Colin and how Colin had made him see sense about the entire thing.
Over breakfast that morning with Violet, they had made the decision to tell the family at dinner that night. Violet sent a message to Hastings House to tell Daphne and Simon their presence was required, Benedict would tell Anthony, as the head of the household, Anthony needed to know he was getting married, and Anthony was his best friend and he really wanted to make sure he got his brother’s approval, he would have married Sophie without it but he would rather he didn’t have to. Anthony had been thrilled to know that his brother was finally marrying, finally moving on from the lady in silver, and finally going to marry.
Her past was all Sophie had thought about all day. She knew the Bridgerton’s wouldn’t care, she knew they all seemed to like her, and Violet had explained, she had seen the way Benedict had been around her, how smitten and clearly in love with her he was from the moment she had seen their interaction a month ago when Benedict asked her to find Sophie a job, it was why Violet had wanted to find out more about her, why she had asked about her past, why she had introduced her to the family, and let her have tea with the girls, she knew that Benedict had finally found the right girl.
Sophie had burst into tears at this, in the knowledge that from the moment Violet had seen her she had accepted her, she didn’t care that she was a maid, she didn’t care about any of her past, only that Sophie loved her son and loved him for who he was not who is family was.
It had warmed Sophie’s heart and she was sure she would never be able to pay Violet back for the kindness she had shown over the last 4 weeks, what she was now doing for Posy and how she had just accepted her warts and all… and fought for her so staunchly in the jail.
When they returned to Number 5 after a morning of shopping, Sophie was laden down with boxes, bags and it was just a lot to take in. Though Madame Delacroix had agreed to make some dresses in record time just for Sophie, fitting perfectly just for Sophie, she did have some dresses that were nearly ready for orders that had been cancelled or changed that didn’t need much modification for Sophie’s frame.
She had a few new dresses that fit her, something she hadn’t had since before her father died. It felt very surreal.
Benedict was loitering in Number 5, hiding in the study and waited until his mother had given the orders for Sophie’s clothing to be taken to her room by the maids, and had headed off to the drawing room in search of Posy and her daughters, leaving Sophie to make her way up to her room after she finished handing over the boxes.
Violet had explained to Francesca, Eloise and Hyacinth that morning before she left to go shopping with Sophie, that due to a change in circumstances, Sophie was no longer their maid, she was part of the family as was Posy as the situation at the jail had been resolved with Sophie and Lady Penwood.
Eloise had demanded to know more and spent the entire day getting to know Posy and trying to find out what had happened but out of loyalty to her sister, had said to Eloise, she would let Sophie tell the story when she was good and ready.
Benedict peered through the doors, waiting until his mother was out of the way and snuck out of the room, and snuck up to Sophie who had closed to her eyes for a moment, taking a steading breath and was about to walk away when a pair of arms wrapped around her waist and a hand snuck up to her mouth and she was about to squeal loudly out of fear, until she smelled the familiar scent of “Benedict…” she said with a quiet voice, her heart racing “are you trying to give me heart failure!” she admonished.
Benedict chuckled and pressed his lips to her neck “no, I had rather thought you had heard me and that was why you waited…” he said, smiling into her neck, pressing a kiss to her skin.
“We can’t, people might see” she said, though her traterious body leaned against him as he held her close.
Benedict smirked and not letting go of her waist, steered her into the recess under the stairs “here should be safe” he said, twirling her around to face him, the smile on his face blinding.
“The maids…?” she said, blinking as she tried to ignore the feeling that her legs were turning to water.
“Are all taking your new clothes and everything else up to your room, we have a few moments” he said leaning down, his lips trailing over her brow as she shivered. “And I missed you today,” he said, holding her still, holding her close.
“I missed you too, your mother has spent a fortune on me, it is a little overwhelming” she admitted.
Benedict leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek “you are worth every penny, but I know it will be overwhelming but I promise, she just wants to ensure you have the things that should have always been your due, the things you need and the things you deserve , I shall take care of after our wedding”
“I want for nothing” she said, her hands trailing up to hold to his waist coat “other than perhaps a kiss?” she said with a sly smile on her lips.
Benedict smirked and moved to press his lips to hers, sharing a sweet and tender kiss, the kiss secretive and shared between the lovers, between the future man and wife, loving and tender as they huddled in the secluded recess beneath the stairs.
It was only when they heard the noises from above that they broke apart, both out of breath, their eyes gazing lovingly at each other, their lips swollen from their loving kiss. “I should go, I need to change before dinner this eve” he said brightly, his eyes sparkling with happiness.
Sophie nodded “I should change also… if I ever decide on something to wear. I have too much choice now”
Benedict smiled “if you have it, something dark green would look stunning my love, and really bring out your eyes”
“Not silver then?” she teased.
Benedict laughed “perhaps save Silver for after the wedding” he grinned.
The voices grew louder so Benedict took a step back and moved her back to the hallway, waiting at the bottom of the stairs, so they were respectable and Benedict did fear the wrath of his mother after this morning.
“I shall see you for dinner my love” he said as he took her hand and pressed a kiss to her wrist as was custom, and when he was sure no one was watching leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips again.
Three hours later the Bridgerton’s had all arrived and were waiting in the drawing room, all wondering what the reason for the family dinner was, Saturday nights did not normally warrant a family dinner. Only Anthony knew the truth. Benedict was fidgeting nervously in the hallway waiting for Sophie to come down the stairs. They were going to make their announcement, or Benedict was, and then it was up to Sophie if she wanted to tell them the truth.
She had decided she was going to, but she hadn’t told Benedict yet, she had been rather distracted and had been kissed senseless again by Benedict and hadn’t had a chance.
She had managed to find a deep green dress, in a soft fabric, not quite velvet but far finer than anything she had ever held, and she knew she shouldn’t have been surprised but it had brought out the colours in her cheeks, her eyes seemed to glow and her hair shimmered, and it complimented her perfectly, like Benedict had said.
The maid knocked on the door and told Sophie that everyone was gathered, everyone bar Gregory who wasn’t able to get back from Eton at such short notice that is. Sophie smoothed her skirts and made her way down, not expecting Benedict to be waiting for her as she made her way down she blinked as she saw him, waiting much like he had two years ago at the ball, watching as she made her way down the stairs but this time, instead of a group of men, there was nothing and no one between them, their future was starting in earnest and he knew that the wide and happy smile on her face was just for him.
Benedict let out a breath he didn’t realise he was holding as Sophie had appeared, she looked radiant and beautiful and he knew he had to thank his maker, god and his lucky stars for such a stunningly beautiful woman, for this woman agreeing to be his wife.
“You…” he said as he met her on the stairs, staying two steps below her, so they were the perfect height and took her hands in his “are so stunningly beautiful” he said, his voice hoarse and breathy. She had well and truly taken his breath away.
Sophie smiled at him “well my husband has wonderful taste” she said, her own breath catching at the intensity of his gaze, the heat she could feel as his eyes looked over her.
Benedict chuckled, he had told her last night she was his wife, in his heart she was his wife. During their late night chat, she said the same thing to him. She was her husband, in mind, body and spirit, and in two days time, it would be in the eyes of God and Country.
Benedict leaned in and stole another kiss, secret kisses shared again as they smiled into each other's lips. “When it comes to you my love,” he said as he pulled away “I have great taste” he grinned.
Sophie smiled at him as she took his arm and they walked down the stairs. “Are you ready?” he asked her, Sophie nodded.
She felt a little sick, her stomach was swirling but she knew that the Bridgerton’s were a wonderful and welcoming family, she hoped they wouldn’t disapprove of her. “Benedict…” she said, holding them in the hallway for a moment.
Benedict looked at her, repeating her name in response to his name, her name a question wondering what was wrong. “I want to tell them, I do not wish to hide my past from them, they deserve to know” she said, taking a deep breath.
Benedict blinked in shock, he hadn’t expected her to want to say everything but he nodded “i… okay” he said “are… are you sure?”
Sophie blinked “do you not think it is a good idea?”
Benedict shook his head “no… no I think it's wonderful I just didn’t… i guess i didn’t think you would want to share everything with them straight away” he said stammering to cover up his initial reaction, giving her hand a squeeze.
“Oh okay, I just… I don’t want to hide anymore. Your family has been wonderful to me, I don’t want to hide my past from them, it is not fair after everything they have done for me” she said.
Benedict smiled and leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips again. “I love you so much. You never cease to amaze me” he said as he looked at her adoringly.
“Shall we do this?” she asked, her voice sounding a little unsteady but sure.
Benedict nodded and led her towards the door, Sophie was to wait outside for a moment whilst Benedict announced the news, and then Sophie was going to come in.
With a squeeze of her hand, Benedict let go and made his way into the room, leaving the door open so Sophie could come in on her cue, but close enough that the family would not be able to see her.
As he walked in, he was hit with a barrage of questions, Eloise, Fran and Hyacinth wanting to know what happened at the jail, Kate and Daphne wanting to know what was going on, Colin eating a biscuit watching Benedict and Anthony being just calm and chilled. Violet sat watching the carnage with a knowing smirk on her face. She knew her family would love Sophie, they loved her already but as Benedict’s wife, it was going to be fun to watch.
“If you all just shut up for a few minutes, everything will be explained!” Benedict yelled over the top of his family. He loved his family but they were exhausting him.
“BUT!” Eloise said.
“Eloise, just sit down, shut up and let Benedict talk!” Anthony said with a knowing look at his brother.
Benedict nodded his thanks to his brother. Kate’s eyes flashed and narrowed at her husband “you are being far too calm…”
“Kate. please just, sit down and let me explain and you will all know everything shortly, I promise you” Benedict said to his sister in law with a soft smile.
Kate scowled but sat back down next to her husband and waited.
Once they had all shut up and looked at Benedict expectantly, he licked his lips, took a breath and started “So, I guess first and foremost… I can’t do most of this explanation alone” he said, smirking at his family. “But thankfully, I do not need to do this alone” he said, the confusion rife on everyone’s face bar his mother and brother.
“Benedict what are you prattling on about” Francesca said with a sullen huff.
“I am getting married. On Monday” he announced.
“TO WHO??” came from all of his family at different times, different tones and looks of surprise and annoyance on their faces.
“If I bring her in, do you promise to be nice to her? I assure you, you all know her and I think you like her so won’t be too displeased” he said with a jovial smirk, rather enjoying his siblings' annoyance.
Colin could see the mirth on his brother’s face and beamed, realising what it must mean.
There was gentle disgruntled grunt through the group, wanting to know who it was, Bridgerton’s did not like surprises, but the lack of response from their mother and their brother had them confused.
“You must promise or I'm not bringing her in,” he said, crossing his arms.
“Fine” Eloise cried, throwing her arms in the air “we promise!!”
Benedict smirked triumphantly, unfolded his arms “Darling, do you want to come in?” he said, holding his hand out of the door.
Sophie was desperately trying not to nervously giggle as she listened and felt a little sick as Benedict’s hand held out for her, with a deep breath she pushed the door.
As she made her way through the door, she felt her stomach flip but she only had eyes for Benedict.
As the door opened fully, revealing her to the Bridgerton’s, Benedict grinned “may I present, Miss Sophia Beckett, my fiancée” he grinned.
The noise that came through the room was almost deafening. Hyacinth squealed happily and her 14 year old legs had thrown herself across the room and wrapped her arms around Sophie before anyone else had a chance to move. Eloise was calling “I KNEW IT!” Francesca was just beaming happily, almost bouncing on their seats.
Kate and Daphne gasped happily and Colin cheered.
Once the news settled down Kate turned to her husband who had not reacted, “You knew?!”
“Of course I did… Benedict came to tell me this morning” he said, standing up and walking to Sophie and Benedict, shaking his brother’s hand and kissing Sophie’s cheek “welcome to the family, Sophie” he said warmly.
“Thank you my Lord” she replied blushing.
“None of that, we are family now, it’s Anthony” he said as each of the family offered their congratulations. Kate hugged her tightly and happily whispered “Oh I am pleased you are joining this family, we are going to be wonderful friends and sisters” she said pressing her own kiss to Sophie’s cheek.
Sophie beamed happily
“So what happened yesterday” Francesca asked a little impatiently “we saw Benedict and mother leaving for Jail and then we knew nothing, she came back with Posy, no you, no Benedict and she and Posy have infuriatingly tight lipped on the matter and mother has been out of the house for the most part of the day” she said glaring at her mother.
Posy had agreed to wait until after the announcement to come down and join the family for dinner so Francesa’s frustration was aimed directly at her mother.
“Jail??” Kate and Daphne exclaimed
“The news in Whistledown… about the maid… it… it was me” Sophie explained, her cheeks went bright red.
The two women gasped.
Sophie nodded knowingly, “well it is a bit of a story, if you are all prepared to listen, and not interrupt… then i shall explain it all” she said, looking around her eyes glaring at each of the Bridgerton’s who nodded in turn, knowing their penchant for interrupting.
Sophie took a deep breath and with a small smile began her story.
She explained about her background, her father, her mother, Lady Penwood and what she did to her… true to their word no one actually verbally interrupted but there was a growl from Anthony at the news of Sophie being made to be a servant at the age of 14.
Hyacinth was the most audible, gasping and squeaking in her annoyance.
Sophie missed out the ball, she wanted to save that for the grand finale, she just explained Lady Penwood threw her out, and then she explained about the Cavender’s.
Benedict squeezed her arms as she paused in her story, swallowing at the thought of what could have happened, what would have happened if Benedict hadn’t shown up in time.
Benedict took over and explained that part of the story, Violet knew about this part and she felt sick at hearing about it again.
“WHAT?” Anthony had roared, looking totally furious when Benedict had explained about Cavender and what his two friends had nearly done, and had tried to do to Sophie.
“Yes, needless to say if I ever see Cavender again…” Benedict snarled.
Simon flexed his knuckles and was looking murderous as well. “You’ll have company,” he said.
Anthony and Colin both nodded and Sophie felt tears forming in her eyes. Happiness at suddenly having this huge messy, if slightly scary family behind her, it was a little overwhelming, Benedict squeezed her and then Sophie continued her story, how Benedict took poorly, how she had cared for him, and then rather than explain the blackmail and coercion at getting her to come to London, she skipped over it and then about coming to London.
She explained that she had left, and she had been going the front of the house to wait for the coach when she had walked straight into Lady Penwood, how she had called thief and Sophie had taken off at a run and how she’d been arrested and then between she and Benedict they explained what happened in Jail, in detail.
Kate and Daphne’s mouth opened in shock, the men blinked in shock at the news of Violet’s machiavellian streak, that was until Benedict talked about Sophie’s punch on Lady Penwood, to which everyone gasped “you didn’t!?”
“She did,” Violet added. “It was rather magnificent”
“Will would have been proud” Benedict said to Simon.
The Bridgerton’s looked at Sophie in awe.
“But why did you leave?!” Hyacinth asked, sounding confused. “What happened when Benedict came into the nursery? He looked like he had seen a ghost?!” she said.
Sophie swallowed “he sort of did… he… well…” she said nervously. Benedict rubbed her arm as she cleared her throat.
“What do you mean? He sort of did?” Kate asked, looking at the flush on Sophie’s face.
“Well, I erm… I…” she said looking around nervously as she exhaled “He realised that I was… I erm…” she looked up at Benedict, her eyes pleading with him as she was struggling to find the words.
“What she’s trying to say is that I finally realised why she was so familiar to me… Why I hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that I had met her before… and that afternoon in the nursery I realised exactly where I knew Sophie from” he said, looking a little sheepish.
“Where?” Eloise asked.
“The Masquerade” Sophie managed to say, swallowing.
Colin smirked, he already knew but there was a slow series of gasps through the family as people seemed to realise what that meant.
“You… you’re…?” Anthony said, looking incredulous.
“What? Who!?” Hyacinth asked, the only one who didn’t really know what had happened, she knew Benedict had met a woman that night but nothing more, having not been at the ball. Francesca knew thanks to Eloise but the rest, had at some point or other had Benedict questioning them and Kate had had Benedict complaining to her for the last two years as he looked for her.
“You’re the lady in silver?” Kate said, incredulously.
Sophie glanced at Benedict and nodded her head.
Kate got out of her chair and hugged her tightly “oh thank god you’re real! I honestly thought Benedict had lost his mind!!” she said as she hugged Sophie tightly.
“How on earth did you not recognise her?!” Eloise asked, shaking her head.
Colin burst out laughing, “I mean, I spent all of about 5 minutes in her presence and I can tell…” he said with a smirk at his brother who was looking put out.
Benedict grumbled “yes it’s easier to see the lady in silver when she’s dressed like this… but come on, I mean, her hair is shorter and looks darker, half her face was covered and she was a lot leaner than she was at the time” he said sounding very grumpy.
Sophie squeezed his hand “it matters not that he didn’t recognise me then, all that matters is that he knows now…” Sophie said reassuringly, they had talked about this last night, he had assured her it didn’t matter.
“Why didn’t you tell him who you were?” Daphne asked, “if you met again a month ago, surely you knew it was him?”
Sophie nodded “Yes, but I never ever dreamt that any of this would be possible, I’ve been a maid since the age of 14, I’m a bastard at best, the faux guardian of an earl and I knew what the option was, what the question would be… and I had no intention of being anyone’s mistress, so I did not tell him in a poor effort to protect my heart”
Benedict flushed at this, Anthony noticed and narrowed his eyes at his brother “You didn’t?”
Benedict’s gaze averted from everyone, his eyes resolutely staring at the floor. Everyone bar Hyacinth seemed to understand what it meant when he didn’t respond but his entire face went red.
“What’s a mistress?” Hyacinth asked, looking confused.
Francesca and Eloise started to explain but with a sharp “GIRLS!” They shut up and went red.
Violet glared at her son, “I can’t believe you!” she snapped at him “I thought I raised you better than that!”
“Lady Br… Violet…” Sophie cut off “I am not angry at him for asking so please do not be angry at him. I understood why he asked, as far as he was aware I was a maid, I can’t imagine you, or Lord...Anthony I mean would have been thrilled at the idea of your son and brother marrying a maid…” she said “it is what it is and it does not signify as i refused the offer” she said softly, still squeezing Benedict’s hand
“I was half in love with her already by the time we left My Cottage and did not want to part from her… it was the only way I could think of having her in my life, or at least all I thought at the time, seeing her, realising it was her, I was confused, I was angry and I had ran out after we had it out in the nursery” he said
“And that was why I left, I didn’t, I couldn’t be around him anymore knowing he knew the truth, thinking he hated me when I loved him so much. I didn’t want to leave, you all made me feel so welcome, made me feel like I had a family for the first time in my life…” she said softly. “But as I said, it all went to hell when I left… and I am a little thankful for it…”
“Is that why you were thrown out?” Simon asked.
Sophie nodded “After Benedict worked out the glove I had worn had belonged to my grandmother, Lady Penwood realised the scuff to her shoes were because I'd worn them to the ball, she locked me in the cupboard having thrown me around the house a little. I was locked in there until Posy let me out and I escaped” she said “I got on the first coach to the country and stayed there til the night Benedict found me again…” she said, her eyes gazing up at Benedict lovingly.
“I still can’t believe you didn’t recognise her” Colin laughed.
Anthony chuckled “Colin, I think you, of all people, will not be able to talk…” he smirked
“What do you mean by that!?” he asked, hoping that his brother wasn’t about to mention the incident from two days ago.
“I think,” Kate said with mischief in her eyes “that your future wife has been in front of your eyes for a long time already…”
Colin started to gape like a fish and splutter.
“Well I think I can safely say, this might be the most romantic love match” Daphne grinned at Benedict, saving Colin from his embarrassment, “though trust you Benedict to have to have the most dramatic and short courtship of us all” she teased
Benedict laughed “well after waiting 2 years, i don’t want to wait any longer” he said smiling back at Sophie.
There was a general chatter of happiness when the bell rang for dinner, as everyone began moving into the dining room, Benedict held onto Sophie to stop her moving, a little glint in his eye as he watched his entire family beaming and chatting about his upcoming wedding and Sophie and their story, Daphne and Kate talking about ensuring Araminta was never invited to another party in London ever again, pestering Violet about her part in it all.
Anthony and Simon talking about ensuring the ton would not scorn Benedict for his choice of wife, talking about how Sophie was worth more than all the current debutantes put together and how to ensure she was safe.
Eloise and Francesca arguing over the details, and who guessed it right, who was closest about what had happened.
Hyacinth was shouting to everyone and anyone who would listen, which was no one, that she was going to be a bridesmaid again and this time Gregory wouldn’t be there to stop her with her petals.
Colin was trying to tell Eloise and Francesca that Benedict only came after Sophie and found out about Sophie being in Jail because he had talked Benedict into seeing sense whilst Fencing that morning.
Benedict just chuckled as the left and wrapped an arm around Sophie’s waist “well that went well”
“They all took it a lot better than I think I expected” she said a little sheepishly.
“I told you, they loved you, even if you had just been a maid they would have still loved you… you are incredible Soph and I cannot believe that you are my wife” he said leaning down and stealing another kiss from her.
It was light, tender and loving and brief as Violet yelled “BENEDICT!” and he straightened.
“Coming mother!” he called out looking disgruntled.
Sophie giggled and they made their way into dinner, Posy was hounded by questions by Eloise and Francesca, wanting her side of everything. Kate and Daphne asked questions about Sophie, her past and what she had learned, wanting to know as much as possible about their future sister in law.
The wedding was discussed, it was planned and arranged all before the fish course was done. Benedict kept one hand on Sophie’s under the table, his hand stroking hers, stolen moments of calm, stolen moments in the madness of the family.
When dinner was done and over, Violet made sure Benedict was aware that he was not to step foot back in the house the next day, he was not to see Sophie again after tonight until she walked down the aisle.
Benedict had tried to argue but as what had already happened between him and Sophie was secret, only Violet and Anthony were aware that they had jumped the gun, but the look he was given by his mother, he sighed and nodded.
As he left he managed to sneak in one last kiss, his mother watching at the top of the stairs to make sure Benedict left, forgetting that Sophie’s room had the tree outside.
20 minutes after Sophie retired to her new room, and changed into her nightgown, she heard a tapping on the window which caused her to jump and rush to the window “Benedict!” she hissed quietly “what are you doing!” she said as she opened the window and watched as her large fiancée folded himself through the window.
“I had no intention of spending tonight by myself, i’ll be gone before breakfast so my mother will never know” he grinned wrapping his arms around her waist.
“You are ridiculous” she said, smiling up at him, unable to bring herself to scold him as she really did want to sleep next to him again.
“Perhaps but you do love me” he said as he snuck another kiss before stripping himself down to his breeches.
“Are you not sleeping nude?” she asked, blushing as she realised she asked her question out loud as Benedict moved to the bed to climb in.
He chuckled and smirked “i will if you will” he grinned, his eyes roaming over her clothed for.
Sophie blushed but nodded. She had a feeling when they married, she’d rarely be given the chance to sleep in clothes anyway and she did want to feel Benedict’s skin on hers.
She slipped her gown from her shoulders, seeing the hunger flash in Benedict’s eyes as she climbed in next to him.
Benedict divested himself of his breeches and as he climbed into the bed, he pulled Sophie in, his lips brushing hers, stealing yet more kisses and savouring these stolen moments and kisses with his soon to be wife as they fell asleep in each other’s arms.
Ridiculously happy and in love, and Sophie knew her life would never be the same again and she was thrilled.