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Benedict liked his space, he loved the tranquility and peace that came with living on his own, but his brother, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton and the new Viscountess, Kate Bridgerton née Sharma had just returned back to Aubrey Hall after their honeymoon, and he felt that it was time that he had a chat with his brother and new sister-in-law. It was not that he missed his elder brother, it was just that he wanted to visit them and see how the two were fairing. Fine, maybe he did miss annoying Anthony in the last six months.
Benedict had sent Anthony a letter, informing him of his visit because he was not foolish enough to visit the newlyweds unannounced. The heated glances the two of them shared even before their engagement gave him a fair idea about what he might have to encounter if he visited the couple without giving them enough time to prepare themselves.
Benedict arrived at Aubrey Hall and the footman showed him to the drawing room, informing him that the Viscount and the Viscountess will arrive soon. He looked around the living room and noted that except for the addition of a new painting, there was little change done. He looked at the painting curiously, it was a beautiful water colour of the orangery at the Aubrey Hall and he noticed Kate's signature at the bottom. He knew from his brother's numerous rants that Kate painted but he was seeing her work in person for the first time, and he was impressed.
He walked towards the window and stood there enjoying the slight breeze coming in. He had missed Aubrey Hall, the greenery, the fresh air and just the feeling of home.
He was lost in thought when he heard the sound of footsteps arriving. He turned around to see Anthony and Kate walk through the door, Anthony's hand casually thrown over Kate’s shoulder, both of their faces split in wide smiles.
Benedict walked towards them, smiling at the two of them as Anthony greeted him enthusiastically.
"Benedict, so good to see you, brother." Anthony shook his hand and gave him a hard pat on his shoulder.
"Good to see you too, brother."
Benedict turned to Kate, "Hello, Kate! How are you?"
"Hi, Benedict. I'm well. Thank you! How are you?"
"I'm well. Actually, I am glad to see that you're well and alive. We were getting suspicious if Anthony was holding you a hostage here, away from everyone else." Benedict chuckled, enjoying Anthony's reaction.
Kate laughed, "Your suspicions are correct. It feels like ages since I've seen anyone other than Anthony," Anthony made a sound of displeasure at that, but Kate continued in mock sorrow, "Unfortunately, it's no one's fault but my own as it was I who fell in love and agreed to marry him." Kate turned towards her husband and smiled cheekily at him, and he smiled back at her.
Benedict felt like he was intruding a far more intimate moment than just two people smiling as the two continued staring at each other and grinning, holding each other tightly. He looked heavenwards for a second, it was going to be a long visit, he thought.
Benedict and Anthony were sitting in the balcony. Kate had excused herself after dinner, leaving the two brothers with a bottle of whiskey taken from the Bridgerton cellar.
"How's art school going?" Anthony had been trying not to push Benedict especially after their last conversation, but he couldn't stop himself from asking him.
Ben looked up, his eyes scanning Anthony’s face, "It's - uh - going well." He saw Anthony nodding his head seriously and realised that Anthony genuinely wanted to know, "I mean, the atmosphere at the Academy is completely different to Eton or a college where you get a degree in Math or Science, I presume. It's art and the professors being artists themselves know when to give us the space and freedom to explore ideas and when to guide us, it's less restrictive yet at the same time there's a discipline in art. I am learning more and more every day and still I discover there's more, more than I can even imagine. It's so fascinating and uhm -" Benedict ran a hand through his hair, "I am happy, brother."
Anthony watched Ben as he gesticulated through his rant and released a sigh of relief when he finished. He had conversations with Kate about his donation to the Royal Academy School and while she understood the well-meaning thought behind Anthony's decision, she also understood why Benedict might have seen it as an act of distrust. Their conversations made him realize how it might have made Ben insecure and doubt himself and his skills.
Anthony nodded and clapped his hand on Benedict's shoulder, "Well, that's great. I am really happy that you're happy, Benedict." Anthony looked down, "I was afraid that I -" "-that I made you turn your back on your dreams through my misguided, ill thought-out, rash decision. You have to know that I didn't do it because I didn't believe in your abilities. I never doubted your skills and I apologize if I made you feel that way. I just -" "- I just did what I could do for making my little brother happy."
"I uh -" Benedict swallowed a lump in his throat as he watched his brother, "I understand why you did it and it means a lot. I am um-" He got up from his chair and hugged Anthony, "- thank you."
Anthony hugged him back tighter, feeling a burning behind his eyes.
Kate got back to see a half empty whiskey bottle, not the one she saw when she left, she noticed and the two brothers sprawled on the sofa, giggling and laughing.
"I see that you guys enjoyed yourself." Kate chuckled.
Anthony tried to stand up from the couch but ended up sliding on to the floor. "Hello, my wife! You're back."
Benedict, who was a little more drunk than Anthony, looked up, smiling widely, "Hello, sister!"
"Hi, Ben." Kate bit her lips to stop from laughing.
"You know Kate, you're an excellent painter." Benedict nodded seriously though the effect was lost in his inebriated state. "Isn't it great that Anthony managed to find someone so incredible?"
"I know, I am lucky." Anthony grinned proudly, looking at Kate.
Benedict continued, "And he deserves it, he has been a good brother." He then turned towards Anthony, "Ant, tell me, did Kate tick all the boxes in your list then?" Benedict's face was screwed up in confusion.
Kate raised her eyebrows as Anthony's eyes widened in alarm, "What list are we talking about, Ben?" She smiled sweetly at Benedict.
Anthony could feel alarms ringing inside his head, clearing his thoughts somewhat and he tried to get a hold of Ben. "Oh, it is nothing, love. Just something stupid. Nothing of import."
His hands shot out and pulled at Benedict's leg, but Ben started speaking, "No, it was not. It was quite in- ingenious. My brother, made a list of qualities his future Vis-contess must have."
Anthony managed to slide next to Benedict on the sofa and Kate watched in amusement.
"That's fascinating, Benedict. What's in the list?"
Benedict batted Anthony's hands away and started to list out, "Uh, yes, she should be tolerable, dutiful and uh-" Anthony clamped Benedict's mouth, but Benedict bit his hand causing him to shout and release his hold. Benedict continued as Anthony nursed his hands shaking his head in defeat, "have suitable hips for child-bring and half a brain, if possible."
Kate laughed out loud at the last part and Benedict grinned, feeling proud of himself and lied on the sofa, tired.
Kate walked to Anthony, smirking, "Half a brain, if possible, huh?"
"He's drunk and making tales." Anthony looked up at her with his best puppy dog eyes, pouting.
Kate laughed and sat down next to him, kissing his cheek, "I'm sure he was, Anthony. I'm sure he was." I'm sure he was not and I'm going to tease you when you're sober enough to feel the humiliation, my darling husband, she thought.