#i thought he was the muse but...alas...i suppose he isnt

[theregencywriter]

(4) A Gentlemen's Pursuit - Benedict Bridgerton x Reader

an- this isnt as long as the others but i thought i'd post anyways! if you have any requests for oneshots/hc/drabbles lmk! <3

My dear readers,

It is with a heavy heart that I pen this missive, for the events that unfolded at the recent ball have left tongues wagging and speculation running rampant. Alas, it seems that our beloved Y/N, who had been the object of much attention and admiration throughout the evening, abruptly departed the festivities, leaving behind a trail of questions in her wake. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Y/N received some distressing news, causing her to cut short her time at the ball. The specifics of this news remain shrouded in mystery, with whispers circulating amongst the ton, each tale more tantalizing than the last. What could have transpired to prompt such a sudden departure, one can only wonder?

Yet, it is not only Y/N's hasty exit that has raised eyebrows. Reports have also reached my ears of her supposed unladylike behaviour upon returning to the Bridgerton household. Whispers of heated exchanges, slammed doors, and raised voices permeate the air, painting a picture of an impassioned and distraught soul. What could have unfolded within the hallowed halls of the Bridgerton residence to elicit such a reaction from our dear Y/N? Were there words exchanged that wounded her delicate sensibilities? Or could it be that the distressing news she received earlier in the evening continued to haunt her, leading to an outpouring of emotions behind closed doors?

I dare not delve further into conjecture, dear readers, for the truth lies hidden beneath layers of secrecy. However, let us remember that even the most poised and esteemed individuals can find themselves subject to the tumultuous currents of life, facing challenges that test their composure and resilience.

Only time will reveal the true nature of the events that unfolded, and I, Lady Whistledown, shall remain ever watchful, seeking the whispers that will shed light on the mysteries surrounding Y/N's distressing departure and the subsequent display of emotions within the Bridgerton household.

Yours in speculation,

Lady Whistledown

-----

In the quiet sanctuary of the Bridgerton household's study, Colin, Benedict, and Anthony gathered, their minds still reeling from the events of the ball. Their conversation circled around the Y/N’s departure, their thoughts consumed by the lingering questions left in her wake.

"I can't make sense of it," Benedict mused, his brows furrowed in concern. "She left so abruptly, and the butler informed us she retired to her room to sleep. But something feels amiss."

Anthony, the ever-protective older brother, leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the crackling fireplace. "I couldn't help but notice her unease throughout the evening. Perhaps she received troubling news that compelled her to leave in such haste." Colin, the eternal optimist, interjected with a glimmer of hope in his voice. "Let us not jump to conclusions, my brothers. Y/N may simply be in need of some solitude, a chance to collect her thoughts. We should give her the space she requires."

Just as their conversation reached an impasse, a soft whisper drifted from the doorway, catching their attention. "Colin."

The three brothers turned in unison, their eyes widening at the sight of Y/N’s head peeking through the almost closed door, her eyes puffy from tears and her expression filled with a mix of vulnerability and strength. Colin sprang from his seat, crossing the room in quick strides to stand before Y/N. His voice was filled with both relief and concern. "Y/N, what happened? Why did you leave without a word?"

As Colin opened the door further, his eyes widened in surprise at the sight before him. Y/N stood there, clad in his shirt and breeches, an ensemble that clearly did not belong to her. Confusion etched across his face, he couldn't help but voice his bewilderment." Y/N, what on earth are you doing?" Colin asked, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Y/N's gaze met Colin's, her expression filled with determination. "I'm running away," she confessed, her voice quivering ever so slightly with an obvious attempt to mask her nervousness. Colin's eyes widened further, his mind struggling to process Y/N's revelation. "Running away? But why? And why in my clothes?"

Y/N took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving Colin's. "I am set to marry, Colin, to a stranger. My stepmother is set to give a surprise visit tomorrow to oversee the affair, I have no other way." Colin's brow furrowed as he tried to grasp the magnitude of the situation. He reached out, gently touching Y/N's arm, a mixture of concern and disbelief in his voice. "Y/N, running away is a drastic step. Are you certain this is the right path for you?"

Y/N paused, then nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability. "I've thought it through, Colin. I can't stay here any longer, not with the weight on my shoulders. I need to find my own path, free from the expectations and confines of this society." Colin's gaze softened, his concern for Y/N evident in his eyes. "You know I would do anything for you, Y/N. But this? I am not sure of it. However do you plan on getting away?”

Y/N's lips curved into a bittersweet smile, a mixture of gratitude and sadness. “You've always been my confidant and my rock since we first met, and I trust you to be there for me even when I'm far away. But for now I need you to tell me where the stables are." Benedict and Anthony, noticing the intense conversation shared in hushed whispers between Colin and Y/N but only able to hear a few words of such, grew curious and exchanged concerned glances. Sensing their presence, Colin turned to face his brothers, his expression guarded.

"What's going on here?" Benedict inquired, his voice filled with worry. "Why are you both sneaking off to the stable?" Colin hesitated for a moment, contemplating how much to reveal. He knew that Y/N's decision to leave was deeply personal, but he also understood the concern of his brothers. Finally, he spoke, his voice steady yet tinged with sadness.

"Y/N requires assistance outside." He shut the door on his way out, leaving the two brothers left curious. Colin guided y/n out to the garden, unaware of Anthony’s gaze through the window, as he followed them quickly. Before Colin could respond, Anthony seemingly emerged from the shadows. His eyes bore a mix of concern and determination, his voice resolute as he addressed Y/N.

"Y/N, I can't allow you to leave without at least attempting to resolve this situation," Anthony said, his voice steady yet filled with a touch of desperation. "If you promise to stay, I will do everything in my power to end the engagement that has caused you such distress." Y/N's eyes widened, surprise evident on her face. She looked from Anthony to Colin and Benedict who had followed him out, emotions swirling within her. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I will stay, Anthony, but only if you truly commit to ending the engagement and allowing me the freedom to choose my own path." Anthony's expression softened, a mixture of relief and determination shining in his eyes. "I promise, Y/N. I will do whatever it takes to ensure your happiness, even if it means facing the consequences of breaking the engagement."

As they made their way back to the house, a shared sense of relief filled the air, melting away the tension that had been present just a few moments earlier. Laughter spilled from their lips, echoing through the quiet night as they walked arm in arm. Y/N, dressed in Colin's shirt and breeches, couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of her attire. Colin and Anthony bid her goodnight, offering words of reassurance and support, while Benedict lingered behind. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he leaned closer to Y/N and whispered, "You know, Y/N, I think you're mad in the best possible way. And that's precisely what makes you extraordinary." They shared a knowing smile before Benedict turned and joined his brothers, leaving Y/N with a renewed sense of confidence and the knowledge that she had found true allies within the Bridgerton family.