CHAPTER THREE
THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL

After a few hours of travel, the carriage finally rolled to a stop beneath the grand portico of Aubrey Hall, and Victoria couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over her as she stared out the carriage window. When she stepped out of society four years ago, deciding to focus on herself and enjoy her freedom a bit longer, she had given up a lot of things, one being the honor to attend the Bridgerton's annual Hearts and Flowers ball.

It used to be her favorite event, where she was able to enjoy the spring air and nature alongside with her family and some of her best friends as they danced the night away. She had missed it terribly, but now, after several springs of mostly being away in Scotland and staying with her mother's distant family, she was finally back, and the familiar sight of the manor stirred memories of laughter and lively gatherings.

"You are rather elated, aren't you?"

Victoria turned her head to look at her brother Arthur, chuckling happily. "Is it that obvious?"

"Oh, yes, it is," Elliot chimed in, chuckling as well.

"What can I say... I am really looking forward to kicking your asses at pall mall again."

"Victoria Evangeline Crawford!" Lillian scolded her. "Language!"

"Sorry, mother," she apologized, trying her best to stop herself from laughing, just like her brothers.

"We have again been given the honor to spend a few days here at Aubrey Hall before the annual ball Lady Bridgerton gives takes place, so I ask you to please behave yourselves," Walter announced.

"Certainly. I know they are family friends, but that does not mean you can act however you please. Understood?"

All four Crawford children nodded their heads at their parents' words.

Walter smiled slightly. "But you can still have some fun," he said, stepping outside, Lillian chuckling as she followed him.

Noah was the first to emerge, extending his hand to assist his sister as she gracefully stepped down from the carriage, and Arthur and Elliot quickly followed suit.

The Bridgerton family was already at the entrance, waiting to greet their guests.

"Lord Essex, Lady Essex," Anthony greeted the Marquess and Marchioness with a bow of his head. "It is a pleasure to see you."

"The pleasure is all ours, Lord Bridgerton," Walter said, reciprocating the bow.

"Yes. Thank you so much for having us," Lillian smiled, approaching Violet. "It is so good to see you again, Violet. Especially for the Hearts and Flowers ball. I can not wait to see how you exceed yourself."

"You flatter me, Lillian," Violet chuckled, embracing her friend. "And it is lovely to see you again as well."

"I am assuming we are not the first to arrive?" Walter asked. "After all, it did take us a bit longer to get everything ready for the trip."

"Do not worry about that," Violet answered. "But yes, everyone else is already inside. The Daltons and The Davisons arrived early today."

"Ah, it will be nice to spend some time with the Davisons again," Lillian said, excited to spend some time with her other friend.

"And to meet the Daltons," Walter added.

"Yes," Lillian nodded in agreement. "I hear you are courting Miss Dalton, Lord Bridgerton?"

"I am, yes," Anthony nodded.

"She seems like a wonderful nice lady."

"She is," he smiled politely at Lillian's words.

While the parents, and Anthony, talked to one other, the Crawford children approached the Bridgerton children.

"It is nice to see you again," Noah spoke, a small smile on his face. "And to be here at Aubrey Hall together after my siblings missed it last year."

"And after Victoria missed it the last four years," Arthur said teasingly, chuckling.

"Hey, at least that means we'll have a proper rematch of pall mall now that everyone is back," Colin smirked.

"Exactly," Arthur chuckled.

"I, for one, cannot wait to retake my crown as winner," Victoria said, smiling rather smugly.

"We will see, Lady Victoria. Last year it was up against Anthony, Benedict and Emmaline, but of course I was the one to win," Colin chuckled.

"Hmm, I assume that was solely because of your cheating schemes," the brown-haired girl chuckled.

"What? I do not cheat!" Colin exclaimed, a teasing smile on his face.

"Yes, you do," Elliot chuckled. "And I find it quite funny."

"Just like it was funny last year until Anthony, Benedict and Emmaline started to bicker with one another and with Colin," a chuckling Daphne said as she walked outside to greet the Crawfords.

"Daphne!" Victoria smiled widely at her friend. "It is delightful to see you again. It has been so long."

The eldest Bridgerton daughter's eyes sparkled with joy as she stepped forward, enveloping Victoria in a warm embrace. "I know! A whole year feels like an eternity," she exclaimed, pulling back to look at her face. "You haven't changed a bit!"

Victoria laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Neither have you! I was worried we'd both look completely different after all this time."

Daphne chuckled at her friend's joke. "I am so glad you are here. All of you," she said, also turning to look at Victoria's brothers.

"The feeling is mutual," Elliot smiled.

"I am going to go greet your parents now, but please go inside. I imagine you must all be tired from the long travel," Daphne smiled, and before she walked away, she looked at Victoria one more time. "After you've gotten some rest, you and I need to catch up. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," Victoria answered jokingly, both girls laughing before Daphne approached the Marquess and Marchioness of Essex.

As she watched her friend walk away, she didn't notice the second eldest Bridgerton was looking at her before he decided to approach her.

"It is good to see you."

And Victoria couldn't help but smile. "It is good to see you too, Benedict."

After the two had come up with a plan of playing matchmakers for their younger siblings, and their first mission going well, Victoria was excited to see how everything would plan out during their stay at Aubrey Hall.

Benedict too was curious to see how the events would unfold, and holding an arm out to her, he asked. "Shall we go in?"

Her smile widened as she nodded, holding into his arm as the two walked inside.

Arthur just blinked at the scene that unfolded in front of him. "What was that?"

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"Okay, you need to tell me everything," Victoria exclaimed as she grabbed her cup of tea.

After the Crawfords had gotten some needed rest, her and Daphne were now sitting in the drawing room of Aubrey Hall, ready for some tea time. Both figuratively and literally.

"Where do I even start?" the redhead chuckled. "I am sure you have heard about my marriage to Simon."

"Of course I have! That was the first thing my mama told me in her letters. And Emmaline confirmed it to me back at royal horse races," Victoria explained. "I also heard you have a child!"

"Oh, I do," Daphne smiled sweetly. "His name's August, but we call him Augie. Mama is actually taking care of him right now, but I would love for you to meet him later!"

"Please, I would love that," the brown-haired girl smiled. "But before that... You need to tell me about you and Simon's love story! You know I love a good romance."

Daphne chuckled. "I definitely know that. You and Emmaline have that in common."

"And that's why I love her," the two girls chuckled alongside each other.

"But okay, I will give you the details," Daphne sipped her tea. "When I first met Simon, Anthony was set on me marrying Lord Berbrooke."

"What?" Victoria's eyes widened. "But... he's old!"

"And a pervert it turns out," she shook her head. "Anthony just wanted me to find a wealthy match, but he was completely blind to the truth. Lord Berbrooke even tried to... force himself onto me."

"Oh no! But you were okay, right? Nothing bad happened?"

Daphne shook her head again. "Thankfully not. I punched him in the face."

Victoria felt a surge of pride, though Daphne's actions came as no surprise. "Of course you did," she chuckled. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, thank you," Daphne chuckled too. "I learned from the best not to accept any mistreatment from men."

Both girls shared a small yet soft smile, a silent acknowledgment of their bond. Four years ago, after a fateful night at Vauxhall, Victoria had rushed to the Bridgerton house, desperate to confide in her best friend. She recounted how one gentleman had made her feel like nothing more than an ornament at his side, a moment that symbolized the end of her time out in society.

Having shared her experience with Daphne, Victoria was determined that her friend would not endure the same mistreatment, and so she made her promise never to let anyone diminish her worth. In turn, Daphne insisted that Victoria make the same vow, solidifying their commitment to support one another.

"Where did Simon come in?" Victoria asked, the two returning to their conversation.

"Well, he was there when everything went down with Lord Berbrooke, and we both decided to start pretending to be courting each other, him wanting to seem off limits, and me wanting to seem more desirable," Daphne explained.

The Crawford girl's eyes lit up. "Oh, so it was all pretend at the beginning."

"It was," the Bridgerton girl chuckled. "But as we spent time with one another, I... started to realize I was falling for him."

"That's so romantic!" Victoria exclaimed happily, leaning back on the couch.

"Perhaps. But Simon kept pushing me away because of his past, despite also having developed feelings for me. And then everything got kind of intense when Anthony found out."

"Was he angry?"

"Angry? He was furious! He even challenged Simon to a duel! Can you imagine? I was so worried I had to intervene."

"Good heavens! You have to admit, Daphne, this story sounds like something taken straight out of a Shakespearen play."

The other girl laughed wholeheartedly. "You certainly have a point there, Victoria."

"Of course I do," she chuckled. "But it seems everything worked out in the end."

Daphne smiled. "It did. It might have been a rollercoaster of emotions, but it ended with me marrying the love of my life, so... I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Aw! Again, that's so romantic!" Victoria exclaimed, grabbing a hold of Daphne's shoulders and gently shaking them, both girls bursting into a happy laughter.

"Okay, okay, it really is romantic!"

"I am so happy for you, Daphne. You deserve nothing but happiness, and I hope Simon provides you with it."

"Thank you, Victoria. That means a lot to me coming from you," she smiled widely. "And trust me, he does. I have never been happier."

Victoria observed her friend, a soft smile on her face. She could only hope she would find a love match like Daphne's one day.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and both girls turned around to find none other than Benedict Bridgerton there.

"I do not mean to disrupt you, but I simply wanted to let you know we are starting pall mall in a few minutes."

"Oh! Time does fly rather quickly," Victoria chuckled slightly. "But thank you, Mr. Bridgerton."

"Yes, thank you, brother. I certainly do not want the others to pester us about our tardiness," Daphne nodded, standing up along with Victoria.

Benedict chuckled. "I imagined, sister. But... I will see you both soon, then."

Once he walked away, Victoria and Daphne finished their teas and fixed their dresses before heading to the garden.

There, they found it filled with people. Violet was sitting underneath a tent, playing with her grandson. Lillian Crawford, Eleanor and Augusta Davison, and Susan Zhang Dalton were next to Violet, while the fathers of all three families were talking with one another. Victoria and Daphne walked over to the women as the families' children made their way outside, the youngest — Cecilia, Gregory and Hyacinth — playing amongst each others while the oldest chatted.

"Where is my little boy?" Daphne said, approaching her mother and taking Augie from her arms. "I want you to meet a dear friend of mine."

Victoria smiled at the sight of her best friend and her son, waving slightly at the baby. "Well, hello there, Augie. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Daphne smiled too as she handed Augie to Victoria, who held him instantly, bouncing him slightly on her hip.

"Aren't you the sweetest boy out there?" she said, and Augie let out a small laugh.

"I knew he would like you," the boy's mother chuckled.

"You're a natural, honey," Lillian said softly, observing the scene with a small smile on her face.

Victoria smiled at her mother before Daphne took Augie back, holding him close.

"I would have let you hold him longer, but I just saw Anthony place the mallet basket on the grass, and you know what that means," she chuckled.

"Oh! You are not playing?" Victoria asked.

"No, I am going to take care of Augie over here. Besides, you lot would not have a chance of winning with me there."

"Touché," the brown-haired girl laughed.

"But do not forget we need to continue our talk before dinner!" Daphne called out as Victoria started to make her way towards the others. "I must know all about your travels."

"Oh! May I join you?" Emmaline, having heard Daphne's almost scream, looked at Victoria. "I would also love to learn about the countries you visited last season.

"Of course you may, Emma!" she exclaimed happily, wrapping an arm over the girl's shoulder. "That way you can tell us about your trip to Spain too."

The Davison girl smiled. "Sounds good."

Reciprocating her smile, Victoria looked at her brothers, finding only Arthur and Elliot on the grass.

"Where is Noah?" she asked Arthur.

"Over there, with father," he replied, and Victoria looked in their direction before looking back at Arthur. "He and I are not playing today."

"Are you sure? We both know how competitive you are," she said, earning a soft chuckle from Emmaline.

Arthur nodded, glancing at Emmaline with a soft smile. "I am, yes. But I will just observe this time."

"As you wish, brother."

With a small nod, Emmaline excused herself before she went and approached her brothers, and Victoria turned to look at Elliot, who had just appeared behind Arthur.

"What about you? You usually prefer not to play," she said, a teasing tone in her voice.

"And trust me, I do not want to play, but mother has insisted I join," Elliot answered with a slight groan as the three siblings walked over to the center of the backyard, where the mallet basket had been placed.

Victoria smirked knowingly at Elliot's words, looking around until her eyes found Benedict. She knew Eloise was playing — as did her mother apparently — and with both of their siblings on the game, maybe her and Benedict could continue their matchmaking endeavors.

"Is this everyone who is playing?" Anthony asked as he looked around, seeing Cornelius, Joshua, and Oliver on the side alongside Arthur, Noah and Colin.

"Brothers, are you not joining us?" Emmaline asked them.

Cornelius shook his head. "I will join next round."

"Besides," Oliver joined in, a playful and teasing smile on his face. "We do not want to be a part of the bloodbath that is about to take place, sister."

His comment made everyone laugh.

"Agreed," Joshua chuckled.

"If that is your way of telling your sister you don't want to lose to her, just say it!" Daphne yelled from under the tent, also laughing.

Anthony shook his head slightly, looking at the people that were joining the annual game of pall mall: Aiya and Samuel Dalton, Emmaline Davison, Elliot and Victoria Crawford, and Benedict, Eloise and Anthony Bridgerton.

"Okay, is everyone familiar with the rules?" Anthony asked the group as he stood next to the basket with all the available mallets.

Aiya hummed, nodding. "Yes, it has been a while, but I do know the rules."

"Yes, brothers, we know the rules," Eloise said exasperatedly. "Now, can we choose our mallets and get started? This year I will beat you."

"We will see about that, sister," Anthony chuckled slightly.

Emmaline nodded, agreeing with Eloise. "I do not know about you, but I am ready for my rendemption. Benedict, I am looking at you, you better not throw my ball off the course again!"

Benedict just laughed, grabbing a mallet from the basket after Aiya and Samuel had been granted first pick, since they were this year's new guests. "No promises, Miss Emmaline."

"It has been a few years since I last played," Victoria spoke, answering Anthony's question from before as she grabbed the blue mallet. "But I am very excited to play again."

"Me too!" Elliot exclaimed, even if it was a lie.

"I am so happy you two are back," Emmaline laughed, grabbing a mallet before her eyes widened once she saw which one she had grabbed.

"The mallet of death," Eloise whispered, her eyes slightly widening.

"T-The what?" Aiya asked.

"Anthony's lucky mallet," Victoria leaned in closer to Aiya as she whispered the meaning behind the black mallet.

The usual owner of that certain mallet glared slightly at Emmaline. "Miss Emmaline... I am afraid that is not your mallet."

"Well, would you look at that brother?" Colin said from the side, trying his best not to grin.

Meanwhile, Emmaline started laughing before she looked at Anthony with the biggest smirk on her face. "Oh, Lord Bridgerton, I believe today it is. Besides, I thought us guests get to pick first?"

Victoria smiled to herself. The Crawfords and the Davisons were not considered guests since years ago, but knowing Emma just wanted to tease Anthony, she decided to stay quiet.

Anthony pressed his lips together, clenching his jaw before he looked to the side and licked the inside of his cheek. "Very well then."

"You threatened to beat me the last time I touched–"

"You exaggerate," Anthony shut Colin up.

"Wait. You are not the superstitious sort, are you Lord Bridgerton?" Emmaline asked, pretending to act dumb. "I know some men cannot perform without their familiar tools. Like a child with a blanket."

Victoria couldn't stop herself from laughing, covering her mouth in an attempt to hide it. However, there was no need for that, for the other players laughed as well.

"There is no stopping her now!" Oliver exclaimed with a chuckle.

Anthony was the only one to not find her comment funny, and so he simply glared at her. "I am not superstitious, Miss Emmaline. And I can assure I will be winning this game with or without my mallet."

"Are we to stand around deliberating all day, or shall we play?" Eloise yelled slightly as she looked at everyone, having had enough talking.

"Yes, let us begin," Samuel nodded in agreement.

"To the field of combat!" Emmaline exclaimed as she raised her mallet in the sky and headed more into the garden, the others following her.

Victoria stayed slightly behind, noticing Elliot and Eloise walking next to one another. Glancing at Benedict, and finding him already looking at her, she smirked slightly. It appeared Benedict was also thinking about progressing with their mission, for he winked at her before the two followed suit.

"Shall we play oldest to youngest?" Eloise suggested once everyone had placed their respective wooden balls down near the starting point.

"I am okay with that," Aiya nodded.

Elliot looked at Eloise. "You are probably the youngest, right?"

She looked back at Elliot and nodded, leaning over so she could whisper. "This tactic gives me a chance to observe everyone while I can figure out a winning strategy."

"Clever," he nodded, a small smirk on his face.

"Thank you," Eloise smiled proudly before she nodded her head in the direction of Anthony and Emmaline. "And if you want a piece of advice, you need to watch out for these two and get them off the course."

"Got it," Elliot nodded again. "Thanks for the advice."

"You better not let me regret it, Elliot. Wouldn't want you turning against me," she said jokingly.

"I guess we will see what happens, Miss Bridgerton," he said, a teasing smirk on his face.

Victoria couldn't help but smile at the interaction between both Elliot and Eloise. It seemed the matchmaking was slowly yielding results. "I am fine with the oldest starting too."

Anthony nodded, happy his sister's idea.

"That means you are up then, brother."

"Patience, Eloise. I need to think my move through," he said, observing the terrain.

She rolled her eyes, feeling annoyed already. "You are the first person, what is there to observe?"

"I know what I'm doing," he simply stated, and a few minutes later, he used the mallet to hit his ball, it crossing the first wicket and making him smile proudly.

"Mr. Bridgerton, I believe you are up next," Emmaline said.

"Ah yes, thank you," Benedict nodded as he approached his ball and hit it with the mallet, it crossing the first wicket and knocking Anthony's ball out of line.

"Benedict!" The oldest exclaimed angrily while the second oldest simply smirked.

"Oh, it has begun," Eloise said, smirking as well.

Victoria just chuckled at the scene. The Bridgerton's antics never got old, and truth be told, she had missed this while away.

"Nice shot!" Emmaline chuckled.

"Why, thank you!" Benedict smiled. "Now, who's next?"

"I believe it is Mr. Dalton's turn," Eloise said.

And Samuel nodded. "Very well," he went up to his ball, it hitting the wicket and knocking towards the other side. "Hmm... oh well."

"Sister, you're up next!" Elliot said with a smile.

Nodding, Victoria positioned herself to her ball, concentrating on it as she moved her mallet, hitting the ball with a loud thud. Then, she watched it go through the first mallet and hit Benedict's ball.

"Oops. Sorry, Mr. Bridgerton," she chuckled slightly.

Benedict blinked, a smile appearing on his face. "Oh, is that how you want to play it Lady Victoria?"

"Maybe," she replied with a small smirk,

"I think I need to watch out for you, Victoria" Emmaline smiled, wasting no time as she walked over to her ball and hit it, it going through the wallet and passing Anthony's ball — who rolled his eyes and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Miss Dalton, it's your turn."

Aiya went up to her ball, knocking it with the mallet and getting it past two wickets.

Anthony's eyes widened at that, but he also smiled, approaching Aiya. "That was an incredible shot, Miss Dalton. I did not know you were versed in the art of pall mall."

"Why, thank you, Lord Bridgerton."

"Of course," he smiled.

"Yes, well done," Benedict smiled. "Who knows, the winner might already determined."

Victoria nodded in agreement, clapping softly for the girl before she looked at her brother. "Elliot, I believe it is your turn now."

"Oh! You are right, sister," he chuckled slightly, hitting his ball with the mallet harshly. However, it did not work the way he wanted it to. Instead of going through two of the wickets, like Aiya had done, his ball hit the wicket and flew right back to him, landing exactly where it was again. "Oops."

Eloise couldn't help but laugh softly, rolling her eyes in a playful manner as she shook her head. "Let me show you how it's actually done, Lord Elliot. Watch and learn." After having observed observing everyone, she had already came up with a plan. With a quick swing, her ball passed through the first wicket while knocking down both Emmaline and Benedict's ball.

Her brother simply chuckled. "Very good sister."

And so did Emmaline. "I'm keeping my eyes on you, Eloise."

"What can I say? I learned from the best," she chuckled.

The first few rounds were indeed friendly, with polite applause and shared smiles. However, as the game progressed, the once jovial mood gave way to a palpable tension. Everyone became increasingly focused, eyes narrowing with determination. As their third to last round approached, the stakes felt higher than ever.

Having finished her turn, Victoria sighed, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The tension that was hanging in the air could be cut with a knife, and to be honest... Despite the tension, this competition between the families was something that she always seemed to enjoy.  Once her ball passed through the wicket, she smiled. One step closer to victory. "Emmaline, your turn."

The Davison girl approached her ball, and as she was about to swing her mallet, it slipped up her hand slightly. "Ugh, I cannot get a bloody grip with these gloves on," she muttered, proceeding to take off her gloves. However, the mallet slipped again.

Victoria noticed Anthony about to take a step forward, but someone else beat him to it.

"Miss Emmaline, are you alright? Do you require any sort of assitance?" Her brother Arthur approached her, a sweet smile on his face.

Victoria raised an eyebrow. What was that?

"I would really appreciate that, Lord Crawford, thank you."

Arthur's smile widened as he positioned himself behind her, his hands hovering over hers. "May I?"

"You may," Emmaline chuckled as she nodded, gripping her mallet again.

And gently, the Crawford boy placed his hands over hers. "Ready?"

"Ready."

Nodding, Arthur tightened his grip slightly before he helped Emmaline move the mallet back and then towards the ball, hitting it until it made it through the wicket and landed right in between Anthony and Eloise's balls.

As soon as that occurred, Emmaline let out an excited squeal and jumped around in happiness, turning around and hugging Arthur. However, she quickly realized what she had done, so she let go of Arthur and backed away a bit, her eyes wide as she cleared her throat. "Thank you again, Lord Crawford. I did not know you had some skills up your sleeve."

Arthur smiled at her. "Happy to impress, Miss Emmaline."

"You might have to teach me more though," she chuckled. "After all, you could be my secret weapon on winning."

He blushed slightly. "It would be an honor, Miss Emmaline."

Emmaline looked down at her feet while she blushed as well and Victoria looked between her and her brother. Something was going on and she needed to find out what.

"Whenever you are ready, Miss Dalton," Emmaline said with a smile, subconsciously leaning her head against Arthur's shoulder.

Aiya went back up to her ball, sighing to herself before she hit the ball with her mallet once more, it going through two more wickets and ending the game for her.

"Bravo, Miss Dalton!!" Eloise cheered as everyone clapped.

"Thank you," she answered quietly, stepping back.

"Lord Elliot," Anthony said. "You're up."

Knowing the game was slowly nearing its end, Victoria glanced at Benedict, and almost knowing she was looking at him, he instantly turned around to face her, their eyes meeting as they both thought the same thing.

"Brother, are you sure you do not need any help?" she asked Elliot, slightly approaching him. "After all, today is really not your day."

"Yes," Benedict added. "Maybe Eloise can be a good host and give you a hand. Just like Arthur did with Emmaline."

Elliot blinked, looking at Eloise. "Uh..."

Surprisingly, the Bridgerton girl agreed, approaching Elliot from behind. "Listen, there is no way you are winning this, you are not even getting second place. Therefore, this is what we will do..."

She placed her hands over his, and with one swing, his ball was flying again, harshly hitting Emmaline's ball and sending it far away.

Elliot's eyes widened at that, looking at Eloise before he looked at Emmaline. "I apologize, Miss Emmaline! T-That was not my intention." He then turned to look at Eloise, angrily whispering at her. "What was that?"

"Just look," she smirked slightly, walking over to her ball and hitting it as hard as she could — just like she had done with Elliot's —, it hitting Anthony's and sending it flying the same direction Emmaline's ball had.

Elliot covered his mouth, trying to hide his laughter while Anthony glared at Eloise. "Thank you, sister."

"You two better go fetch them," Eloise looked at both Anthony and Emmaline. "Unless you would like to quit, here and now?"

"Never," the eldest Bridgerton answered instantly, walking after his ball with his mallet in hand.

"Absolutely not. I am not letting him win," Emmaline answered at the same time, following after him.

"Well," Eloise spoke again once they had disappeared into the trees. "Now that that's dealt with... Shall we keep on?"

"So that was your plan," Elliot nodded, smirking slightly. "Well done, Miss Bridgerton."

"Thank you," she answered, and the two walked towards their balls, while Samuel and Aiya stood to the side and talked.

"Oh, that was glorious," Benedict said, chuckling slightly.

Victoria chuckled alongside him. "You can say that again, Mr. Bridgerton. But at least it seems like our work is slowly showing results."

They both glanced in Elliot and Eloise's direction, seeing them engaged in conversation.

Benedict smiled, back to looking at her. "I agree. Perhaps we really are good at this matchmaking thing."

She let out a small laugh. "We ought to make a business out of it then."

Her comment made Benedict laugh too, their laughter filling the air until Eloise's voice interrupted broke the moment, yelling at them to make haste and continue the game.

"Duty calls," Benedict quipped with a playful grin.

"Indeed it does," Victoria replied, matching his lighthearted tone as they strolled back to the others.

Still, a part of her secretly longed for a few more precious moments alone with Benedict.

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"This room is exceptionally well-lit," Benedict said as he looked around the room, his eyes then landing on his younger brother. "Have you noticed, Col? The twinkle of the candles, it is as... It's as if... we sit among the stars."

The second day of their stay at Aubrey Hall, the four families could be found in the dining room,  where the soft flicker of candlelight danced across the polished table, casting a warm and inviting glow throughout the space.

Glancing at Benedict, who was sitting next to her, Victoria raised an eyebrow when she noticed his pupils were dilated. A knowing thought crossed her mind; given his unusual demeanor and the state of his eyes, it was clear that opium had likely played a role in his current condition.

"What is wrong with you?" Eloise asked, a slight teasing tone on her voice.

"I was just telling Benedict how brilliant the stars were in Greece," Colin explained before Arthur leaned in, smirking.

"Are you sure, Colin? Because I would have assumed something else is going on."

Aware of what Arthur was about to mention, Daphne promptly chose to steer the conversation in a different direction, turning her attention to Aiya instead. "Are you enjoying your time here, Miss Dalton?"

As the attention shifted to Aiya and most of the parents and eldest siblings listened attentively to what she had to say, Arthur returned to his teasing.

"In fact, I would have assumed there is opium involved in Benedict's behavior. I recognize that look."

"Because you wore it on your own face for most of the nights we were abroad," Elliot replied with a smirk, taking a sip of his drink as laughter erupted from the others.

"Opium? Here?" Oliver asked teasingly. "You must be out of your mind, Bridgerton."

"There is no opium involved," Colin retorted, glaring at his companions. "I can assure you of that."

"Right," Noah laughed, the other men joining in as they decided to drop the matter.

"In any case," Victoria looked at Eloise and Emmaline, preferring to change the subject. "Have you two heard about Jane Austen's new novel? Pride and Prejudice?"

"I have!" Emmaline exclaimed happily. "I cannot stop reading it."

"Meanwhile, I have not bothered to pick it up," Eloise sighed, taking a sip of her drink. "You know I am not one for silly romances."

"I do know that," Victoria chuckled slightly, her attention now fully shifting to Emmaline. "Can you tell me more about it? It is next on my reading list."

"I wouldn't want to spoil it for you," the girl chuckled. "But I can share this: the book suggests that love has the power to transform us. However, true change comes only when one learns to accept themselves first before embracing another."

"Hmm," Victoria said, looking down at the table before looking back at Emmaline. "Now I can't wait to read it."

"Please tell me what you think about it once you do!"

"Speaking of Pride and Prejudice," Colin intervened. "Do you remember all the several journeys undertook by the characters? Well–"

"Wait," Joshua interrupted him, now joining the conversation with a teasing smile on his face. "You've read Pride and Prejudice?"

The Bridgerton boy's cheeks turned a bright pink as the other people on the table chuckled.

"I-I never said that. And that does not matter. What matters is my trip to Greece," he quickly changed the subject, eager to talk about his travels again. "It was a revelation, really. Made all the better by the knowledge that I may have been the only Briton to see it in decades."

As she looked over at Colin, Victoria's gaze shifted to Benedict, who was sitting in between the two. He was fully focused on eating his food, moaning loudly at the taste.

"Hmm," he exclaimed, content with the meal as he reached for his wine glass. However, he was not successful, instead knocking the glass over.

But his reaction was the opposite of flustered. Instead, he giggled and covered his face with his hands, turning to look at Victoria, who couldn't wipe the smile off her face. Cute.

"Benedict, dear, you alarm our guests," Violet said, looking around the large table and silently apologizing to everyone present for her son's behavior.

"It is quite alright, Lady Bridgerton," Victoria smiled at her before looking at Benedict again, trying her best not to chuckle — just like the other young adults on the table .

"Perhaps," Thomas Davison's loud voice echoed around the room as he clinked his glass with his knife and looked at Violet. "It is time for a toast."

"A good idea" Violet nodded. "To cheer our guests."

"Or to tend to other pressing matters," now it was turn for Eleanor Davison to intervene, her eyes focused on Anthony, who stared off into the distance before he finally stood up.

"A toast. Yes," he cleared his throat as everyone turned to look at him. "My sincere gratitude to the Daltons for joining us, along with our long time friends the Crawfords and the Davisons. It has been splendid having you here to witness what is now my second annual loss at pall-mall." His comment caused a light laughter. "Not to be repeated, I assure you. And my special gratitude to Miss Dalton," he turned to look at Aiya, raising his glass in her direction. "It has certainly been a privilege to truly make your acquaintance these past days. In fact, I believe there is a question I would like to ask you."

Victoria looked between him and Aiya expectantly, just like everyone else in the room. His words hinted at a proposal, which was no surprise given he was courting the lady. Nevertheless, Anthony stole a short glance in Emmaline's direction, and Victoria turned to look at her friend, noticing the distraught look on her face even if she was looking down at her plate.

"I should like to, uh..." Anthony gulped, looking back at Aiya. "I should like to ask you to please refrain from telling anyone back in London about yesterday's loss. I fear the harm to my reputation would simply be too great." He then looked ahead, facing the rest of the guests, who were now awkwardly chuckling. "To the pleasant days ahead."

"Uh, pleasant days," Daphne raised her glass, everyone doing the same despite the weird tension that had been left in the air.

"Hear! Hear!"

After such an interesting meal, all families parted and retreated to their respective rooms. When it came to the Crawfords, the family reunited in the parents' room, exchanging gossip about the events that had transpired during the dinner. It seemed Victoria wasn't the only member of the family who enjoyed some gossip.

Once that was settled, the siblings wished their parents good night and made their way to their rooms. Victoria took a slight detour, though; she wanted to check on Emmaline before turning in. Concerned for her friend after the near-proposal between Anthony and Aiya, she felt compelled to see how Emmaline was holding up. After all, Victoria understood the profound connection between Anthony and Emmaline, and she wanted to ensure her friend was alright.

However, she ended up somewhere else.

"The Royal Schools have accepted me as a student," she could hear Benedict's voice, and subconsciously, she followed it. "I got in!"

"I thought they were not the arbiters of taste?" Then she heard Colin's voice.

"They must see great promise in my work," Benedict exclaimed. "Oh my! You shall all bear witness to my talents!"

Reaching the door of the room the Bridgerton siblings were in — Benedict, Colin, and Eloise it turned out —, Victoria watched as Benedict rushed over to one of the windows, opening it before he shouted the last sentence out into the world.

And she couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

"What is going on here?" she asked, a teasing tone in her voice as she slowly entered the room.

At the sound of her voice, Benedict turned around to face her. "Victoria!" He yelled happily as his smile widened and he ran over to her, hugging her tightly and catching the girl off guard.

"Benedict!" Colin exclaimed, his eyes widening slightly as he approached the two and pulled Benedict off Victoria before looking at her. "I am so sorry, Lady Victoria. I have no idea what he was thinking."

"I-It is alright, Mr. Bridgerton," Victoria stammered, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "But may I ask what caused all the commotion?"

"Oh, you see, Benedict here got accepted into the Royal Academy Schools," Eloise explained.

"You did?" Victoria turned to Benedict again, a smile on her face. "That is fantastic! You are going to learn so much."

"I know!" Benedict returned her smile before he went back to the window, sitting down on the sill and looking outside as he talked to himself. "'I am honored to accept... your acceptance.'"

Victoria let out a soft chuckle as she turned her attention to what she presumed was one of Benedict's paintings, momentarily tuning out Colin and Eloise's lively conversation. Her gaze was drawn to the canvas, where vibrant colors danced in a mesmerizing swirl, each hue blending seamlessly into the next, almost creating a kaleidoscope that captured the essence of the rainbow.

She had not seen anything like it before, but she could feel all the emotions showcased in it, ranging from joy and exuberance to melancholy and longing. Each stroke seemed to pulse with life, inviting her to delve deeper into its meaning. The chaotic yet harmonious blend of hues spoke of passion and freedom, capturing fleeting moments of human experience.

It was as if Benedict had poured his very soul onto the canvas, creating a visual symphony that resonated with her own unspoken desires and awakened something within her that she never knew was missing.

Subconsciously, Victoria turned around to glance at Benedict once more, smiling to herself as a new emotion began to paint itself across the canvas of her heart, each brushstroke vibrant and alive, and mirroring the vivid colors of Benedict's art.

『••✎••』

benevic is back!! & it seems feelings are starting to blossom... 🤭

i'm sorry it took me so long to update, but life can get in the way sometimes haha; i'll try to update more frequently though!

also, i really like how this chapter turned out☺️ i just really enjoy everyone's dynamics😂

as mentioned in the introduction & last chapter, emmaline & aiya (& their families) are my friends' ocs, so if you want to learn more about them, check out their accounts! we have a lot of things planned for this series...

& before i say goodbye, bridgerton season four is going to be about benedict!! i am so excited about these news that i have decided this fic will continue until season four despite me originally wanting to end it at season three, & the ideas that are running through my mind already... you're not ready🤭

anyways, don't be a ghost reader & i'll see you the next chapter! 💙

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