Have some love || Bridgerton

My friend, Elenora

Dear Benedict,

I have been told it is your first day at the art school. I wish you the most luck ever been given to anyone. Not that you'll truly need it, but your day will be better with it.

When you finish your lessons, I expect a painting for myself. Perhaps flowers. Although mama would much prefer you draw a butterfly (she is watching me write this over my shoulder, she hopes you have fun achieving dreams!)

Sincerely,
Elenora Clifton

Benedict continued to reread the letter written by Elenora. He was determined to provide the best painting of a bouquet with a butterfly overtop, just for her.

"Eloise." Elenora called out, pulling her gloves up. The maid that followed, rushed behind the girl. "Are you ready for the lecture?" Eloise had told the girl she needed an excuse to escape the house away from her mama. Elenora suggested a flower arrangement lecture that was indeed supposed to happen.

"You are going too?" Violet asked, her eyes moving from Eloise to the new face. Eloise had a plan, she needed to see Theo once more. Whilst Elenora would go to the lake with her family and avoid Violet Bridgerton all day.

"Anastasia suggested it. She said it would be my only choice in my wedding..." Elenora sighed, glancing around the room. She saw different flowers, plates, and fabric laying discarded. This was due to the future wedding between Edwina and Anthony. "Oh, Benedict!"

"Elenora." The two had finally met eyes.

"How was your first day at the academy?" Elenora smiled, her eyes glancing at Eloise as she moved towards the doors.

"Very well, thank you. But, I must disappoint your mother as I have not yet been able to draw her butterfly." He nodded apologetic.

His mind fluttered to the woman who he did draw. The curves of her exposed body. Her mysterious eyes that kept glancing at him. Except, every time his mind thought about her, his eyes found Elenora. It was strange. She let out a breath.

"It will be okay, Benedict. Well, come along Eloise." She offered an arm, which Eloise gratefully took.

"Alexander." Elenora waved at the man, who was currently surrounded by frivolous ladies and their mama's. Whilst Elenora, herself, was with her family. This time accompanied by her mother. The man took the opportunity and walked towards her.

"Elenora." He bowed. "I was wondering if we could venture on the lake?" He smiled, Charlotte pushed her daughter forward.

"Oh, yes, thank you." She stumbled out her words taking his hand.

The two were talking as Alexander controlled the boat they both relaxed upon. Until they heard a loud splash. "Oh, good gracious, is that Anthony Bridgerton?" She giggled, watching him and another man try to climb out the water.

"It seems the viscount had a stumble." The man snorted.

"Who is that?" A man asked from behind Benedict. Benedict had been scribbling and drawing for the past hour. He put whatever his mind could muster to the canvas.

"W-what?" He spun in his chair, almost falling off. The voice had woke him from his trance.

"Sorry if I frightened you, Bridgerton. I was simply wondering who it is you're drawing, she is beautiful." The man looked at the charcoal scribbling. Benedict was confused, he didn't realise he had truly drawn a person.

As soon as he turned he recognised the face instantly. "Elenora? I- my friend, Elenora."

"Your friend?" The man scoffed. "I don't draw my friends at all, let alone like that." He smirked at Benedict, who looked completely red. For the first time Benedict was flustered. He stood walking out of the art room, where he stumbled across the model from before.