Chapter Text
“There are so many people, Benedict.”
Her husband merely nodded, his hand on her lower back as they reached one of the many corridors. The Somerset House, where the exhibition of the Royal Academy was taking place, was crowded, to Sophie’s amazement.
“This one looks awful,” Sophie heard Hyacinth say next to her.
“Hyacinth,” Anthony warned her.
“She is right, brother. Why that thing has a good spot?” Eloise cut her oldest brother off. “Benedict, your painting better be have a better spot. No, the best spot.”
Benedict didn’t reply, too nervous about the family outing. No Bridgerton was missing today and for a good reason – it was the inauguration of Benedict’s mysterious painting. Mysterious, because no one had seen it. Not even Sophie. She had tried to take a glance at the artwork, but to no avail. Benedict had made sure to lock the door of his studio every time he left the room.
“Manners, Eloise,” Sophie’s mother-in-law Violet Bridgerton said dryly. “There could be possible suitors for you here. Surely, you want to give them a good impression, right?”
Eloise didn’t reply anything, but clung to Sophie’s free arm. “Don’t let her drag me to talk to one of the gentlemen, Sophie,” the young lady begged in a low voice, which made Sophie grin.
Benedict finally stilled, and cleared his throat. “So there it is…”
Sophie’s eyes slid to the painting and…remained quite speechless. She felt Eloise lean forward, squinting at the picture. “Is that…” her voice trailed.
“The Lady in Silver,” Benedict finished the sentence for his sister.
Indeed it was and the realism was striking – the same mask, the same dress...How did he manage to convey so many things correct, Sophie had no idea. She felt the eyes of her husband lingering on her and, mouth still open, she dared glaring in his direction. “That’s me,” the words managed to free themselves from her lips.
Benedict’s smile widened, obviously amused he had succeeded in tricking her. “There is a bit of resemblance, fair enough.” His hold on her waist tightened and a shiver ran down her spine as he bent forward. “Do you like it?”
Sophie nodded. “You’re unbelievable. People will talk.”
“Manners, Benedict.”
Benedict stepped back, his hand still on his wife’s waist, to Sophie’s pleasure. “Yes Mother.” He turned to look at Hyacinth, her eyes fixated on the artwork like it was the most beautiful the young girl had seen. “You’re alright sister?”
“Beautiful,” Hyacinth sighed, daydreaming. “I can’t wait to read what Lady Whistledown had to say about this.”
***
“Benedict Bridgerton.”
His eyes left the newspapers in his hands. It was late evening, he and Sophie were spending the night in the small place he had next to the family London house.
Sophie stood, mischief in her eyes. “I thought about the matter quite seriously and I think you didn’t catch all my traits correctly.” A dramatic sigh.“Which leaves me no choice but to show you some things properly.” The nightgown fell and she arched an eyebrow, challenging him.
His mouth turned dry as he eyes wandered the curves of his wife. Next, he shall paint her this way. But not tonight. Slowly, Benedict stood as his eyes drank her. “Lock the door.”