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When news came that his sister Eloise had run off to a Sir Phillip Crane, Benedict’s brothers had marched to his doorstep and demanded that all four of them race to Romney Hall and strangle the man.
Had he compromised her? Were they wed already? From the letters Penelope found in Eloise’s desk, Sir Phillip proposed they would suit well together and asked her to visit. What had caused Eloise to do this? Benedict knew his sister was opposed to marriage, she had refused six proposals already. It seemed that she was content on being a spinster. So why now?
As his brothers Anthony, Colin, and Gregory refreshed from their last minute journey to Wiltshire, Benedict went to explain the situation to his wife. Sophie was in her writing room sending a letter.
He rested on the side of her chair as Sophie set down her pen and looked up to her husband. “Sending word to Kate so she knows Anthony and the lot have arrived safely to My Cottage”
“Thank you my love.” he caressed her cheek. “We must leave soon to assure my sister’s honor, we’ll be quick” He promised.
Sophie eyed him with a stern look, “Don’t go and cause a ruckus. You three tend to make a scene out of anything, and with all four Bridgerton brothers together, who knows what chaos will ensue.”
Benedict gave her a crooked grin, “We’ll be on our best behavior.” She giggled and gave him a doubtful hum.
“Say goodbye to the boys first?”
Benedict kissed her gently, “Already on my list.” Then he crouched down to her growing belly, “But before that I must say goodbye to my princess.”
“We don’t even know for sure Benedict! There might just be another Bridgeton boy growing inside of me.”
“Nope. Our Violet is here and she will be as beautiful has her mother, I am sure of it.” He said that the last three times but somehow he knew this was it. Benedict kissed her stomach and looked up at Sophie. “And besides, mother and father had three boys before Daph came along. It’s only a matter of time before we have a daughter of our own.”
Sophie just laughed and nodded.
He hopes his daughter not only looks like his wife, but has her heart as well. Even after all the horrors and hardships she had been through in her life, Sophie chose to be kind. She chose to treat people with compassion and was loyal to the ones she loved most.
Sophie could’ve decided to be vengeful and angry, she could’ve let a stormy cloud roam over her soul and darken the sunlight she radiated.
But she didn’t.
And that was the most admirable thing about his wife Benedict thought.
He sees the strength she exudes in Charles, her calming nature in Alexander, and the joy behind her eyes in William.
They’ve already made three beautiful souls on this earth, and Benedict knows this next one will be just as perfect.
He gave Sophie one last kiss, it was tender and quick. So effortlessly routine because Benedict knew he would do the same thing again when he returned home, and they would continue doing that until the day they part from each other and lay down to rest in the ground.
He headed towards the nursery and as he got to the door he heard a cry, William had just scraped his knee over a toy. Benedict was about to console his son when his eldest, Charles came to the rescue.
“Don’t worry Willy! It is just small scrape. Look, I’ve got one on my arm.” Charles had moved William into his lap and gave him a warm embrace. “Remember what papa says, It’s okay if you get hurt while playing, that means you are having too much fun.” He tickles William and Alexander joins in.
All wrapped up in laughter Benedict interrupts, “But remember that also means you have to slow down.” Three heads snap in his direction and yelp, “PAPA” as they run to him.
Tumbling to the floor Benedict calms down his sons, “Boys, I have a very important task for the three of you.”
“What is it?”
“I’m sure we can do it!”
Alexander and Charles say simultaneously.
“Your uncles and I must attend to business, so I’ll be gone for the afternoon. Would you be so kind and be on your best behavior for mama? I’m trusting you three to keep her and your sister safe while I’m away, can you do that?”
All three nod eagerly, yet William was probably still too young to fully understand his task. “Even when you’re here we know to look after them papa. You shouldn’t worry.” Charles replies with valiant smile.
Benedict looked at them with such love adoration, “I know my princes.” He scooped them up and bear hugged all of them, squeezing as much love and happiness as he could into his boys.
“I won’t be gone too long, I promise.” Benedict kissed each boy on their heads and began to descend down the stairs.
He met his brothers outside and with big sigh Benedict said, “Let’s see what trouble Eloise has gotten herself into now.” Grinning at Anthony “I hope you’re prepared for another Bridgerton wedding brother!”
Anthony gave a groan as all four men entered the carriage.