Chapter 15

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Walking inside the ball, Daphne was in a state of shocked, her brother was guiding her towards Colin and Violet. "Our sister has a headache. I am taking her home." Anthony told the pair that were conversing with some people. "See to Mother, will you?" He continued.

With a malicious grin Cressida said, "Daphne, you look unwell. Did you catch a chill in the garden?"

With a hasta look from Anthony he took Daphne's arm and took her out of the room, leading her toward the carriages.

On the other hand, in the Granville Household, Benedict was having a great time, but struggling with his portrait.

"Hmm."

"You have great potential." Ms. Granville told him but he interjected,

"It's nothing."

But Ms. Granville continued. "Though, for such a staunch critic of others, you certainly lacka clear eye for your own work."

"It's the lines. Not what they're supposed to be."

"Take the compliment, Bridgerton." Henry told the man, "There is no expectation or judgment here. You left all of that back in Mayfair. You can feel free to be yourself here if that's what you should like.It's what works for me, at least. And I haven't been dissatisfied with my lines in... well, quite some time."

Benedict laugh. "Well, I've done worse, I suppose, really."

"Mm. Fair enough."

"I seem to have enjoyed myself too much this evening. I should be on my way." Benedict stated while looking at the clock, Viscount Veuilleton parted his way a couple of minutes prior.

"As you wish. But know you are welcome back any time for practice or even conversation." Benedict just smiled and thank him again before making his way towards the door.

Entering the Bridgerton Household Anthony said. "Thank you, Humboldt. No need to send anyone up."  Then proceed to talk to Daphne who was still on a rate of shock.  "I want you to know I am not angry with you. I do not blame you for what transpired."

"Do not treat me like a child." She grumbled. "I did this."

"He took advantage of you." Anthony stated.

"No less than I took liberties with him."

"You do not understand." Anthony intervene. "I should have protected you better. I knew his true nature from the start."

"You think that just because I am a woman, I am incapable of making my own choices? Is that it, brother? Do you even care that Simon has dishonored me, as you say, or is it your own male pride that you seek to satisfy?" Daphne said, with a tint of offense on her voice.

"You are to go on up to bed." He said.

"You cannot duel him." She told him with a steer gaze. "It is illegal, to name but one reason. You could both be arrested, let alone killed. There must be another way."

"What would you have me do? I do not take this decision lightly, but this is the way things are handled amongst gentlemen. If this were to become known..."

She interrupted. " I could live with that. What I could not live with is the duke's death on my hands. Nor yours, however tempting that may be at this very moment."

"It is more than just your honor at stake. It is your sisters', too, the entire family name. It has been decided." He stated.

"Oh, this is madness!" Daphne yelled. Just on that perfect moment Benedict arrived, going on his was to tell his older brother that he has Viscount Veuilleton blessing.

"What is it?" Benedict asked in confusion. Clearly finding out that her sientes and brother were having a heated fight.

"You and I need to talk." Anthony told Benedict in a hashtag tone, in a fast pace he walked towards Benedict and grabbed his arm pulling him towards the office. "Daphne, bed."

"I will need you to stand as my second." Anthony told Benedict once they were inside the office.

Benedict was pacing around the room while Anthony took a gun from a cabinet.

"What? What if you get yourself killed?" Benedict asked in a preoccupied tone.

"Then the title and estates will pass to you."

"And what if I said no? If you preoccupied about your other siblings you would now that I have Viscount Veuilleton's blessing. I can marry her, and now, I can't even ask her because you are dueling the duke?" He told him.

"I need you brother." Anthony told him in a state of desseperation.

Benedict sighed, "And if you kill Hastings?"

"I shall have to leave the country. You'll be head of the family in every way that matters."

From outside of the office both brothers could hear some giggling and stumbling so they decided to go check it out.

"Of course not. You are clearly sober." Colin told his mother.

"And I'm sober enough to know when you're being impertinent." Violet told his kid. "Good night, dear."

"Good night, Mother."

From the door Anthony whispered-yelled "Come here."

"Good God. Did someone die?" Colin sighed.

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"Samson?" Lady Adelié asked him once he open their bedroom door. A big smile on his face.

"Benedict Bridgerton asked me for Elia's hand."