— it's a bridgerton fic so y'all
start expecting some smut <33

warning: nsfw-ish—

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"I have always thought that an appreciation of the arts is what lifts us beyond mere animals. It stirs the passions and moves the spirit, and, this author hopes, inspires more newsworthy pursuits."

Standing in front of her wardrobe, Aurora clasped her hands and tucked them under her chin as she eyed her dresses. Her eyes settled upon a pale blue colored dress, immediately reaching for it and shutting the wardrobe. She laid the gown atop her bed, beaming at the garment.

"A new wing at Somerset House is to be opened today, where several attractions will be on display... like the lovely Miss Marina Thompson, newly recovered from her mysterious illness and expected to finally rejoin the season."

Benjamin Bridgerton stared longingly out his bedroom window. He held the layers of white fabric aside as he hoped to spot his love's carriage. She was set to ride with him and Benedict to the gallery viewing. It would be their first outing since they've started their courtship, the blue eyed male couldn't wait. He was ready to announce their romance, eager to show everyone he'd secured a future with the woman of his dreams.

"Of course, there is today's royal attraction as well, Prince Friedrich of Prussia. His Highness has come to our shores in want of a fine Fräulein. Could this be the reason a certain language tutor has been visiting Cowper House all week?"

He was enchanted by her. She stared out at the scenery, a content smile upon her face. He adored how the sunlight reflected in her eyes, Benjamin wasn't an artist and had he been, the captivating young woman beside him would be his muse. He noted her hands placed gingerly in her lap and he reached for her, wanting to hold her in some way. Without hesitating, she enveloped his much longer hand with both of hers. Her thumbs rubbed soothing circles into his skin, still her gaze never leaving the outside view.

When he leaned closer to her, placing a soft kiss upon her head, she relaxed into his touch. He relaxed to his full height as she turned her head and placed her own tender kiss upon his clothed arm. He tensed when she looked away, just one little touch from her had his cock ready to burst. He tried to subtly shift in his seat, ignoring the cheeky grin from Benedict as he tried to keep his laughter in. With a fixed glare upon his younger twin, he tried to think of something to help ease his situation.

Thankfully, the lady beside him spoke up. "They announced that the Prince of Prussia will be in attendance at the gallery."

"We shall pray he keeps the attention upon himself and allow me to have a break." Benedict clasped his hands together as he clenched his eyes shut.

"I forget how dramatic your brother can be," Aurora whispered to Benjamin. A soft laugh left her lips as she watched the shorter twin mumble a prayer for himself.

"A privilege i wish for myself," Aurora giggled at his slightly less dramatics.

"I see now how you two are twins," his head whipped to her in shock as she joked at him. A smirk spread across his face as he regarded the mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"My, oh my, Miss Hanford," he leaned closer to her, his shoulder nudging hers. "Your wit will forever keep me on my toes. I'm happy to know my future with you shall never be dull." His lips grazed her ear as he spoke, his tone was husky, a few octaves deeper as he tried to control himself. He spotted her reddened cheeks, the color traveling down her neck and into her cleavage. He wanted to see how much farther it went and as he trailed his lips upon her exposed neck, he knew her current headspace would be willing to let him do with her as he pleases.

She squirmed slightly in her seat as his lips brushed softly against her skin. Her chest rose as soft pants left her lips. He picked his head up and turned her face to his with a finger. His hand moved to cup her cheek, his thumb pulling her bottom lip from between her teeth. Her eyes pleaded with him to continue, she needed a release. He placed a chaste kiss upon her forehead, pulling her hands into his lap. He felt her melt into his side, neither of them moving until the carriage pulled to a stop.

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The newfound couple chose to round up the end of their group. Aurora's arm was tucked in Benjamin's. He held his head high as he noticed stares directed their way. He simply looked away, his own gaze settling upon the beauty beside him as she marveled at the paintings. He allowed her to lead them through the room, letting her view the pieces at her own pace. He didn't care for the art, using the event as an opportunity to be in her presence.

They soon stood beside Benedict as he glared upon a painting. "Are you mad at the art?" Aurora eyed him curiously, her head ducking to his as she sought to see what had made him so angry. One twin rolled his eyes as the other huffed out a laugh at her words.

"No," Benedict grunted. "What do you think of it?" Aurora analyzed the painting but she wasn't an art connoisseur so she truthfully had no idea what the painting was intended to be to.

"What is it?" Aurora mumbled to him. Benjamin chuckled to himself as Benedict gaped at her. "Also, why are all the paintings dark in color? Do you suppose the artist is depressed or simply allergic to bright colors?"

"A match made in heaven the two of you," Benedict huffed and stormed away. Benjamin chuckled again, Aurora looking up at him curiously. "Let's move on." He guided her that time, his body maneuvering them through the small crowds. He searched for an empty viewing room, wanting a moment alone with his favorite girl.

He finally found one, the room small but still had art high upon the walls. Aurora walked further into the room, her hand leaving the curly haired male by the entryway. His eyes followed her every movement as she looked over each portrait. He moved to her side, reaching for her hand. Their fingers intertwined  as she lead them through the room.

He couldn't wait another second. He pulled her to him, her hands bracing against his chest to balance herself. He waited for her to make the first move, wanting to go at the pace she allowed. Her face fell against his chest as her arms wound around his waist. He was good with a hug. He held onto her just as tightly as she held him. His muscled frame encompassed her body, shielding her away from society. They pulled apart and he kissed her forehead tenderly.

"I must tell you," Aurora spoke softly to him. "I carried slight doubt and I've felt intense guilt over it."

"What doubt? I cannot ease your thoughts if you keep them from me," he tilted her chin up so she could meet his gaze and see the genuine love and trust he held for her.

"Of the feelings you have for me. I could have ever imagined you'd share my same feelings. I am merely your sister's best friend, I didn't even you had ever noticed me."

"Aurora," he was gentle with his words. "You are my forever. I will never want another. If you need these words said everyday to help ease your wariness of me, then I will tell them to you until my dying breath." Tears welled in her eyes upon his soft but stern declaration. "I was waiting for a better moment but this will prove my love to you."

She watched as he took a small step away from her, lowering himself to kneel on one knee. Her gloved hands flew to her mouth as he pulled a small box out of his pocket. He flipped it open and she gasped at the bright opal stone. The stone was her mother's favorite and she felt a tear fall down her cheek at how he remembered.

"Aurora Hanford," he nervously looked upon her. Because of their height difference, she wasn't much taller than he was and he found himself loving the sight. "I promise to love you, even past our dying days. Will you let me have the honor of being your husband?"

"I will marry you, Mr. Bridgerton," she smiled brightly as he slid the ring onto her finger. He stood to his full height and shoved the box into his pocket. "Mr. Bridgerton?"

He loved how the words rolled off her tongue, his cock slowly springing to life once again. He hummed in response.

"Will you please kiss me?" She pled with her eyes, her lips curling upwards as she smiled lovingly.

"A request I'd rather die than deny,"

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"These days, the modern young lady must display a miscellany of talents in her quest for a suitor. She must be a witty conversationalist, an accomplished musician, and an expert in the art of the swoon. For managing to faint with nary a petticoat out of place is a most coveted talent indeed."

Aurora sat beside Daphne as they read the latest scandal sheet. The two girls had been told not to but they desperately longed for the words written about their family. It was addicting for them, another shared secret they had. It was quite a cute display of girlhood, one the grinning mother couldn't break apart as she watched from the doorway.

"Of course, not everyone has fallen victim to the royal fever sweeping through London Town. One diamond in particular seems quite immune... making this author wonder if the crown has lost its luster."

It was later into the night that the blue eyed male stood in the shadows surrounding the rear entrance to the gardens of the Hanford home. It wouldn't be but a moment before he saw the gate get pushed open, his jaw slacking at the sight of his love wearing a sheer pink tulle dressing gown with a matching robe draped around her body. She peered around for him and he stalked toward her, his gaze heavy as she matched his lustful stare. She immediately wound her arms around his waist as she kissed his clothed chest.

"I missed your company, Benjamin," she mumbled into his chest.

"I am here now," he grinned. "We need more seclusion." She chewed on her lip as she firmly held his hand, pulling him behind her as she guided him through the large property. Her family's gardens held more trees where his grew rose bushes. She continued to pull him along a small path, one that unless you knew it existed, you'd never look for. She didn't take him too far in, stopping as they came upon a little play home for children built a couple feet off the ground. The walls were built into the trunks of the trees, a little ladder attached as a way to climb in.

"My father built it when we were children. Jasper forgets its existence. We won't be disturbed," she smiled nervously at him.

"I'll cherish every second I have alone with you," he nudged her towards the tree home. Once she was in, he carefully climbed in behind her. A hole in the roof allowed the moonlight to shine throughout the small space. A blanket was already spread across the floor, Benjamin's chest ached with pride as he realized the small preparations she'd made. She truly was too good for him but he'd spend everyday of his life trying to be the best man he could be for her.

"I'm shy to confess I've never done anything of this sorts," her cheeks reddened. He sat himself on the blanket, pulling her into his lap. Her hands gripped his shoulders as she steadied herself, shocked by his sudden movement. "I know more than a lady of my status in society should so I'm not uneducated, just nervous."

"We won't do anything you are not comfortable with, I would never push myself upon you that way. You will make the pace, tell me no when I've moved too quickly."

"Are you certain?" She cupped his face in her hands. "I know of the control men require in intimate situations."

"You will have control until you are ready to switch it over to me. But know this darling," his eyes darkened when she squirmed in his lap, his cock hardening between them. "You will forever hold power over me."

She couldn't deny her urges. She acted upon instinct. Her hips pressed harder into his as she placed her lips onto his. His arms wrapped around her waist as he shuddered and groaned at her actions. They broke apart for air though his lips instantly latched onto the skin of her collarbone. Her hands moved back to his shoulders as his tongue drew patterns across her skin.

"Benjamin," her shaky tone sounded off to his ears. He stopped and pulled back from her, catching the hesitant look in her eyes.

"What is it darling?" Worry etched across his face.

"I think this is how fast I'm comfortable with going at the moment," she avoided his gaze as she spoke though she had no reason to worry.

"Darling," the name drew her attention. He wore a tender smile, his blue eyes shining brightly in the moonlight. "My mother raised me to be a gentleman and to respect a woman's boundaries. We will stop, I simply wish to hold you in my arms as we sleep, would you want that?"

She adored him so much for the patience he had. She wanted nothing more than to make her nightly dreams become reality but she'd made a promise to her father as a young girl to wait for marriage. So she had. She was grateful he understood that.

"Stella will come fetch us right before sunrise so no one will see us," she whispered to him. He laid back, pulling her small body into his side. He held her firmly, not wanting to let go. "Goodnight Mr. Bridgerton." She placed a soft kiss upon his chest, him realizing that she craved to feel just his touch as much as he craved hers. Her quick kisses on any part of him she can reach are his new favorite thing and he couldn't wait for a lifetime of those moments.

"Goodnight darling," no other noise was heard as the couple fell into a deep sleep. It would be quite a scandal in the Hanford home come morning when both children are caught sneaking back into the home by their father and cackling uncle.