Chapter 12

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"So tell me my dear." Grandma Vinny said while grabbing Elia's hand in hers. "Have you find any suitor?" She asked, knowing the real reason why she wanted Aelianna to enter this specific season.

"Nana, there's this man.." she started but being interrupted by a knock on the girl's door. Both women turning to look at the doorway. Elaine and Adelié walking inside the room.

"Are you telling a story sister?" Elaine asked while placing herself on the bed, her mother sitting beside her.

"I'm telling nana about Benedict." She told them a small smile on her lips and remembering all the good time they both spend together.

"So his name is Benedict." Grandma Vinny smirked looking at her granddaughter.

"Benedict Bridgerton..."

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The next morning, Daphne Bridgerton was walking beside her maid Rose. Both ladies making their way towards the Duke who was standing outside the Ice cream store. "So, I was thinking about us doing something different. The ice flavors here are divine, yes, but, well, perhaps the two of us..." Daphne started once she was next to the Duke.

"I shall not be joining you today, Miss Bridgerton. Nor tomorrow, nor any longer, for that matter."

"What can you mean?"

" Is it not obvious?" Simon asked her.

"Apparently not, if I require your further elaboration."

"You now have a bevy of suitors at your disposal, and I've been afforded relief from mamas and daughters alike in order to conduct my affairs in peace whilst remaining in London. Thus our arrangement has succeeded, Miss Bridgerton."

"Stop calling me that." Daphne whispered with hurt clearly on her voice.

"These very circumstances prove..."

"What are you doing?" She asked again.

"...our ruse should hereby need to end." He finished.

"Have I done something wrong?" Daphne asked with tears gathering on her eyes.

"No." He simply stated.

"Then tell me why."

"You have the attentions of a prince. He is perfect for you. Your brother was correct. I am and always will be a rake. Before I corrupt you any further..."

"Corrupt me?" She asked in disbelieve. "I assure you, I am quite capable of deciding the bound of my own propriety. I thought you and I were friends."

"We were never friends. I do not believe there could be a more ridiculous notion than that of us ever being friends. A young lady, barely out of her leading strings, You were a convenience a diversion,a pretty one at that, but nothing more. Now that I've concluded my business in town, I shall be moving on. I suggest you do the same.." he stated "You will be very happy with your prince, Miss Bridgerton." And with that Simon left Daphne's side, leaving her with red eyes.

Aelianna who was walking next to Benedict, since previously she had accompanied him to buy materials to paint, saw Daphne. With a knowing look from him, she left his side with a small smile and made her way towards Benedict sister. Him walking the other way.

"Daphne, are you okay?" Elia whispered softly. Taking her arm in her gloved hands.

Daphne couldn't talk, she was in a state of shocked. No sound leaving her mouth. "Come, lest get you home." As fast as she could, she took Daphne home. Once the Bridgerton girl walked through her home doors she ran to her bedroom, rose following not far behind. With a soft whimper she locked herself on her room. "Let me be rose."

Elia was downstairs, after she left a small note for Daphne she mande her way home.

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"Silver and white?" Nana Vinny asked Elia. They were preparing themselves to the ball that evening, Elia was dotted in her chair while her mother was doing her hair. Grandma Vinny was the one choosing what dress Aelianna was wearing that night.

"You are going to look beautiful my dearest." Her mother told her, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

On the other side of the square, Anthony Bridgerton was sat on his office, his mother entering a coupe of minutes before.

"Will you be joining us at tonight's ball, Anthony?" Violet asked her son. "Your brothers are ready to leave."

"I have accepted the invitation." He told her mother without looking at her, a paper sitting on the Viscountess hands.

"Perhaps you might cast your eye over this list before the event, then." She continued.

"What is this?"

"These are names. Fourteen, to be exact. Fourteen single, eligible young ladies, all from excellent families. Lady Leeworth's eldest miss is..." but she didn't finished.

"I shall consider your suggestions. Thank you. Was there something else?" He asked irritated.

"What time do you have?"

"What?"

"The time." She said while pointing at the pocket watch. "You were just checking your father's old watch when I caught you, yes? It is a lovely heirloom."

"It is quarter till, Mother. It's quite late, indeed. At any rate, do let me know who I should introduce you to, my dear. Time, as we both know, is certainly of the essence."

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"Miss Veuilleton, how lovely to see you." Benedict said once she was in the last step of the stairs. Taking her gloved hand him his and kissing the top.

"Benedict." She whispered with a giggle, his smile growing. "Let me introduce you to my grandmother." She said while taking his arm and hooking it with hers, the pair walking towards the refreshments table.

"Nana," Aelianna said trying to grab her grandmother's attention.

"Yes, my dear?"

"This is Lord Bridgerton." She started. "Lord Bridgerton this is my Grandmother Countess Vinniela Veuilleton."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you." He bowed his head. "Lia has told me great stories about her childhood with you." He smiled.

"Like wise." Grandma Vinny smirk making Benedict clear his throat and turn to look at Aelianna.

"Would you like to dance?" He asked, she giggled and followed him to the dance floor.