Chapter Text
After being named the Diamond and dancing with half the men at the ball, Edwina felt quite overwhelmed by all the attention. She excused herself from an excruciatingly boring conversation with Lord Hatley to fetch herself lemonade, then hurriedly slipped out of the ballroom and into the gardens.
Edwina breathed deeply as she walked down the garden path, sipping the tart drink and wondering if being the diamond was really all it was rumored to be. Kate had been so delighted for her, but Edwina was already exhausted from the party, and so many people had demanded her attention. She really wished she were home, reading a book.
On her next turn, she discovered a dark haired man lounging on a stone bench, slowly smoking a cigarette, and reading a book. Edwina paused, looking him over curiously. He was quite handsome, she thought. Then she looked at the book and tried to determine what the title was.
Just then the man looked up at her. He smiled warmly at her, and her heart fluttered.
“Are you lost, little gem?”
“No, I simply wished to take in the fresh air.”
“You look tired,” he said frankly, surprising her. Most of the men inside hadn’t noticed, instead complimenting her for her beauty and grace.
“I am,” Edwina admitted. “It’s quite exhausting. Suddenly every man in there wants to win my favor, and just because the queen named me the diamond!”
The gentleman chuckled and closed his book, setting it down beside him.
“Having the queen’s favor is going to change your life. It’ll be overwhelming at times, believe me. My sister Daphne was named the diamond last year, and the sheer amount of suitors she had was absurd... until our brother Anthony scared them off.”
Edwina couldn’t help but laugh at that. So this was one of the Bridgertons! No wonder, he was quite handsome... even more so than the Viscount.
“It seems like my new title is more of a curse than a blessing.”
“I’m afraid you’re right,” the mysterious Bridgerton said wryly. He tilted his head to the side and looked at her keenly. “I feel I should warn you that my older brother swore to win the diamond before you were even announced.”
“You mean Viscount Bridgerton?"
“Then you have met him. Prepare to be interrogated, because Anthony is after the perfect wife to be Viscountess.”
Edwina couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m afraid your warning came too late. The questioning already began during our dance.”
The man laughed and took another pull on his cigarette.
“Anthony can be rather intense. I’m afraid that he’s already scared off most of this season’s debutantes.”
“Perhaps I should stay in the gardens, then, and avoid him - and all of my other empty-headed suitors.” Edwina smiled when he laughed at that. "I never got your name, my lord."
"I am Benedict Bridgerton, a humble second son.” His mouth turned up in self-deprecating amusement. He noticed her looking at his cigarette, and held it out to her. “Would you like some?”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Bridgerton,” Edwina decided, feeling bold and daring. She took the cigarette and brought it to her lips. She inhaled deeply, and was surprised to be suddenly flooded with smoke. She nearly coughed, but managed to hold it back, attempting to be ladylike.
Benedict watched her with amusement. “You’ll get used to it. It just takes some practice."
Edwina tried again, and this time was able to hold more in her lungs. Benedict Bridgerton was far more likable than his brother, Edwina thought to herself - and easier to talk to than any gentleman she’d met so far. He was honest and spoke openly with her.
“They all seem to say the same things,” Edwina said after a moment.
“Hmm?”
“The gentlemen here, they all seem so similar. They talk about their hobbies like hunting or riding, neither of which interest me one jot - and then enquire after my accomplishments. The conversations are all so rote and dull.”
Benedict laughed with delight. “Well then, I feel obliged to change that. What about art, Miss Edwina, do you find that dull?”
Edwina perked up as she passed his cigarette back to him. “I love art! I assume you do as well?”
“I do - admiring it, and making it. I mostly sketch, and sometimes paint."
“I love to draw,” Edwina blurted out.
Benedict smiled, his face lighting up. “What do you like to draw?”
“Animals and objects and landscapes,” she said shyly. “I struggle more with faces.”
“People are difficult - to draw and to interact with,” Benedict said wryly as he took another hit. “Hence, why you have found me hiding out in the gardens.”
“I wish I could hide out here all night,” Edwina confessed. “I would much rather be curled up with a book than in there, forced into the center of attention.”
“Then I’m truly sorry you were named the diamond.” Benedict said sincerely.
“As am I,” she sighed. “My sister and mother are counting on me to make a good match, but I’m not sure I want the kind of ‘good match’ that the Ton seems to offer.”
“Familial pressure can be difficult to deal with,” Benedict said sincerely. “I’m fortunate that as the second son, I have little responsibility, and can spend my time drawing and painting.”
“That sounds lovely,” Edwina said wistfully. “I think I would enjoy the life of an artist. I like reading and drawing more than anything else.”
“I see, both artistic and intellectual,” Benedict grinned at her. “I think we shall be good friends, Miss Edwina.”
Edwina smiled back at him hopefully. “I would like that. You seem more real than anyone I have met so far.”
“I would hate to be false,” Benedict agreed, offering the cigarette to her again. “Now, can you keep a secret?”
“Absolutely,” she assured him as she took the small stick and breathed in the smoke.
“I’m applying to the Royal Academy of Art.”
“That’s wonderful,” Edwina said immediately. “I hope you get in! Oh, I’m sure you will.”
“You’ve never even seen my work.” Benedict teased her.
“Do you have any with you?” She asked eagerly.
“Well, actually...” Benedict reached for the book at his side and opened it.
Edwina realized with delight that it was an unlined journal that he’d been using as a small sketchpad. Eager to see his drawings, she sat down beside Benedict on the stone bench. Part of her knew she shouldn’t be out here alone with him, but another part of her couldn’t resist. Benedict handed her the sketchbook, and she traded it for his cigarette. Edwina opened the pad, slowly looking through its pages. There were sketches of people, animals, and a few scenes of life - men and women dancing, riding horses, even sword fighting!
“These are wonderful,” Edwina said in awe. “I’m sure you’ll get in. If you don’t, then they are fools.”
“Thank you.” Benedict grinned at her, and her belly swooped. “I do hope you are right.”
Edwina slowly flipped through the pictures, enjoying them all. At the end, she gasped at the picture of a man and woman, both naked, entwined together.
“Ah - I’m sorry,” Benedict said with a blush, reaching for the pad. “I forgot that was in there -”
Edwina quickly moved it out of his reach, her heart racing. “Don’t be, this is real art.” She admired the sketch for a minute, then turned the page.
“Really, you don’t need to see any more,” Benedict insisted, but she stood up, smiling as she moved out of his reach and stared at the drawing of a naked woman pinning a half clothed man to a couch and kissing him thoroughly.
“You are quite an artist,” Edwina murmured, her mouth rather dry. "All your lines are just right.”
“Miss Edwina -” There was a note of panic in his voice now.
Edwina just giggled and pulled away, flipping the page again, then gasped.
The next sketch was of two men, quite naked, kissing and touching each other intimately. She stared, riveted, her heart racing in excitement and heat flooding through her. Benedict swallowed harshly, his panic growing.
“I’m sorry, Miss Edwina. I didn’t intend for you to see any of these -”
“Don’t be sorry,” Edwina said breathlessly. He looked at her and saw how her eyes were blown wide, quite dark. “They are beautiful."
“Thank you,” Benedict managed to say, quite stunned by her reaction.
Edwina turned the page again, and stared at the next picture of two women, both utterly naked, entwined, one taking the others’ breast into her mouth. She moaned softly, helplessly.
“They’re gorgeous,” Edwina breathed, looking up to meet his eyes. “Did you draw these from models?”
“Yes,” Benedict admitted after a moment, staring back at her in awe. “Artists’ parties, you must know, are rather wild and open minded affairs.”
Edwina absently licked her lips, her heart pounding. She turned another page, and let out a soft moan at the next one - a woman between two men, both of them pushing inside her. She’d read books where the marital act was mentioned, but nothing like this.
“All of your sketches are stunning. I feel as if I am right there... watching them.” Her voice was low, and full of awe and arousal.
Benedict swallowed hard, staring at her in awe. Miss Edwina had not panicked, or run away - she was intrigued with every one of his sketches. Another flip of the page, and Edwina sighed breathlessly. She saw a man tied to a bed, while one woman rode his cock, the other sat herself on his mouth.
“Your parties seem far more fun than these balls,” Edwina gasped, shivering with anticipation.
“They really are,” Benedict said hoarsely.
Edwina turned the page again, and felt disappointed that there weren’t any more. She looked up at Benedict, her eyes dark and her heart pounding.
“I didn’t even know there were so many possible... combinations.”
“Yes, well, it’s not normally something young ladies are exposed to.” Benedict said wryly. He was corrupting the diamond.
“I’m glad I saw them,” Edwina said boldly, meeting his gaze.
“You are nothing like I expected,” Benedict admitted, staring right back at her. “I trust that you won’t mention my sketches to anyone?”
“Of course not,” Edwina assured him. “As long as you take me to one of these parties sometime.”
Benedict's jaw dropped. “Miss Edwina... That wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“Come now,” Edwina said, licking her lips as she flipped through the pictures again. “This is the most interesting thing that I’ve seen all season.”
“The season’s just begun...”
“And everything else is shockingly dull.” Edwina lifted her chin and stared him down. “Don’t tell me you like these balls.”
“Of course not. I usually hide in the gardens, drink too much to get through them, or sneak out early to find a better party.”
“What makes you think I don’t feel the same way? Now everyone is staring at me because I’ve been named as the diamond!” Edwina said in frustration. “They see me as an object and not as me. I would rather be somewhere I would enjoy myself.”
“I understand completely,” Benedict replied honestly. He looked at Edwina Sharma in amazement. She was stunning, clever, and interested in all his favorite things. “I will try to take you to one of the parties if I can, but it will be hard to take you there alone.”
“Then we will simply need a chaperone as open-minded as we are,” Edwina declared. She stepped closer, finally offering his sketchpad back to him. Benedict took it and quickly tucked it back into his suit jacket.
“A chaperone,” he repeated in disbelief.
“Keep up, Mr. Bridgerton,” Edwina teased him, feeling livelier than she had all night. “I’ve heard you have many siblings. Surely you have one that could accompany us, and would fit in at the party. You could take me somewhere, like the theater, and then we could duck out early to visit this artists’ gathering.”
Benedict thought suddenly of Eloise. She would likely enjoy one of the Granvilles’ parties. Sometimes he suspected that she might be similar to him in matters of romantic preferences.
“That’s an interesting plan, Miss Edwina.”
Edwina smiled at him boldly, something flirtatious and exciting in it.
“I’m glad you see it that way. Now, I know I should get back to the ball before my sister starts to panic about my absence. I hope to see you inside. We could continue our conversation over a dance.” Edwina finished hopefully.
Benedict looked at her in surprise, slowly beginning to grin. “Are you asking me to dance, Miss Edwina?”
“Well, you are the only man who I have actually enjoyed conversing with tonight. I dread the thought of returning to banal conversations with men who only hope to win me like I’m a prized horse. From what I’ve seen of your interests... I thought you wouldn’t mind a little boldness.”
“You are quite right, Miss Edwina.” Benedict agreed warmly. “Make your way inside, and I will follow you soon.”
Edwina smiled at him. “You had better keep your promise, Mr. Bridgerton.”
Benedict swallowed, his throat feeling rather dry. “I would not dream of leaving a lady waiting.”
"Good," Edwina said, and walked away. Benedict watched her go, stunned and very attracted by her.
“Well, damn,” Benedict said in awe.
Edwina Sharma was the most fascinating young lady he’d ever met. He quickly put out his cigarette and tossed the rest on the ground, tucked his sketchbook into his jacket pocket, and headed back to the ball.
Benedict scanned the ballroom, and located Miss Edwina talking with a few women, two of whom looked rather like her. Lady Danbury was talking with them.
“ - cannot just disappear like that, Edwina, you are the diamond now -” The other young lady was hissing at her sister.
“All the attention was overwhelming,” Edwina admitted to her sister. “I needed a moment to myself.”
Benedict approached the quartet of women, bowing respectfully to Lady Danbury.
“Good evening, Lady Danbury. Might I beg for an introduction?”
Lady Danbury arched an eyebrow in surprise, unused to the second Bridgerton son being so solicitous.
“Of course, Mr. Bridgerton. This is Lady Mary Sharma, and her daughters, Miss Sharma, and Miss Edwina Sharma. Ladies, this is Mr. Benedict Bridgerton. Miss Edwina, I believe you met his older brother, the Viscount, earlier this evening.”
They all curtsied for him. Edwina was beaming at him, Mary had a soft smile, and Kate was smiling with very pinched eyes, as if she would rather glare at him.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” Benedict said with his most charming smile. “I‘ve heard that you recently traveled from India. Which part do you hail from?"
“We are from Bombay,” Edwina answered eagerly.
“I’ve read about Bombay, but I have never been there. I should like to remedy that one day. For now, though, I would love to hear tales about it - if you could spare me a dance, Miss Edwina?” Benedict asked smoothly, offering his hand.
Edwina smiled widely at him. “I would like that, Mr. Bridgerton.”
Benedict bowed politely to the other women. Lady Danbury was looking at him shrewdly, but he merely smiled and gave his attention to Edwina as they moved to the floor.
As the music started, Benedict realized with delight that it was a waltz. Edwina had a similar realization and smiled as she realized that she would get to dance it with Benedict. They began to move together, quite close to each other. It was nothing like waltzing with her sister, Edwina realized immediately. It felt so close and intimate... Benedict quickly began to speak to distract himself from the perfect feeling of her petite, curvy body in his arms.
“What was your favorite part of Bombay?”
“I loved the gardens near where we lived,” Edwina said wistfully. “I could spend hours walking through them, or simply sit amongst the flowers and read."
"That sounds beautiful. Do you have sketches of the gardens? Perhaps I could see it that way."
"I do," Edwina said excitedly. "I will show you sometime."
Benedict smiled warmly at her. Edwina felt her heart racing as she swayed in his arms.
"What do you miss the most from home?"
"The food," Edwina confessed. "English food is so bland in comparison.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Benedict said in surprise. “Have you found any Indian shops or restaurants in the city?”
“I have not been able to explore as I wish,” Edwina admitted. “The life of an English lady seems rather constrained to only a few homes and social events.”
“My sister Eloise feels quite the same way.”
“She debuted this year as well,” Edwina recalled.
“Yes, and she is likely hiding somewhere to avoid dancing.”
“A girl after my own heart! I am glad she is fortunate enough to be able to escape.”
Benedict smiled at her. “I suspect you two would get along.”
“Then you will have to introduce us,” Edwina said eagerly.
“I will try to do so, then - though I fear the mischief you might get into together.”
Edwina laughed with delight. “Why do I suspect you might enjoy getting into such mischief as well?”
Benedict's eyes twinkled as he leaned in closer. “You have ascertained my character rather quickly, Miss Edwina.”
Her breath caught at the sensation of him so close to her. Edwina felt sparks in her body where they touched. They were so close, and she felt warm and like she was blushing all over.
“I’ve heard you have a number of siblings,” she managed to say. “Are there more besides you and Eloise and the Viscount?”
“Yes, there are five more of us,” Benedict said wryly.
“Goodness, eight children! That must be a lot for your mother to handle.”
“Yes. She has done admirably despite the loss of our father.”
“I’m sorry,” Edwina said softly. “How long ago was it?”
“Ten years ago. I was only seventeen.”
“It is always dreadful to lose a parent. My father died eight years ago, when I was ten. I wish I had more time with him.”
Benedict looked at her compassionately. “I’m sorry that you lost him so young.”
Edwina smiled sadly. “At least I had Kate. When our mother was lost in her grief, Kate raised me and ensured that we still lived comfortably.”
“That sounds quite familiar to me,” Benedict admitted quietly. “My mother was also devastated when my father died. They were a love match, you see.”
“As were my parents,” Edwina said softly. “Mama gave up everything, and was even disowned by her parents for throwing over the Earl they wished for her to marry for my appa.”
“Good for her,” Benedict grinned.
Edwina looked at him almost shyly as he spun her and pulled her in close.
“All I have ever wanted was to find a love like mama and appa shared. I know Kate wishes for me to make a grand match, but I wish to only marry for love.” Edwina confided in him.
“I feel quite the same way,” Benedict admitted, his voice low as he held her gaze.
Edwina beamed at him, feeling hope growing inside her. She’d never felt such a connection with a man before. Was this what her mother always talked about happening to her when she met Appa? This desire to be with him, no matter what?
“You had a chance to see my sketches, but I still don’t know what you like to draw.” Benedict said after a long moment.
“All sorts of things,” Edwina said, her lashes lowering. “You must visit me at Danbury house tomorrow, and I can show you my sketchpad. I have several drawings of my home in India that you might like."
Benedict smiled broadly. Was Edwina asking him to call on her? He loved her boldness.
“I will make sure to do that,” Benedict replied warmly.
“I look forward to it,” Edwina replied hopefully. Then her lashes lowered, and she looked up at him through them. His breath caught at the pretty and flirtatious look she gave him. “Don’t forget, you still have to take me to one of your parties.”
“I will not forget that anytime soon,” Benedict replied, his voice low and husky with anticipation.
The music ended just then, to Benedict’s frustration. As he bowed and Edwina curtsied, he opened his mouth to ask her for another dance.
Lord Ashby stepped up to them, offering his hand to Edwina.
“I believe this dance is ours, Miss Edwina,” Lord Ashby declared pompously.
“I suppose it is,” Edwina said, accepting his hand, though her gaze lingered on her former partner.
“Until tomorrow, Miss Edwina.” Benedict promised.
“Until then, Mr. Bridgerton,” she said breathlessly.
Edwina beamed at Benedict even as Lord Ashby spun her away, and he couldn’t help but smile back.
Benedict walked to the lemonade table, musing to himself and glancing at Edwina Sharma as she danced. Every so often she looked away from her dancing partner, and met Benedict’s eyes. He smiled back at her, his heart racing. He had not wanted to court anyone this season, yet now he was impossibly intrigued. Edwina had a spark to her that he’d never found before. He wanted to take her back in her arms and keep her to himself for the rest of the evening, talking about anything and everything with her. Was this what it felt like, he wondered in awe, to fall for someone?
“What do you think of the Diamond, Bridgerton?” Lord Fife asked from nearby, and Benedict looked up and turned to where his brother stood with the other lord.
“She is the perfect lady, and will make a perfect viscountess.” Anthony declared with certainty.
Benedict stared at his brother in shock, gritting his teeth in frustration. Edwina was not a perfect lady. She loved his erotic sketches, and was bolder in her desires than any lady he’d ever met. Edwina was, however, perfect for him , he thought suddenly. Benedict would not let his older brother marry the one lady he’d ever found fascinating, not when Anthony clearly didn’t even see her for who she was - only what she was.
Yes, Benedict decided, glancing back at the dance floor and smiling as Edwina looked over at him, blushing as their eyes met again. Edwina wanted a love match, well, he was halfway there already. Benedict was determined to court her properly and ensure she joined him in this thrilling new feeling.