ceo of bellamy blake

“How was your travels, dear?”

“So we’re on speaking terms again? How wonderful, they were rather boring without my wife there with me.”

The jab didn’t go unnoticed, but you wanted Henry in high spirits for what you were about to say.

“Well, I had time to think about what you said… I was hopeful we would be able to discuss such things over dinner tonight?” Which isn’t a lie. For the remaining two days your husband had been gone, Benedict had come to visit each day to solidify your choice. And he most certainly did every time.

Henry’s lips tipped up into a smile, “Sounds lovely my dear.”

“Splendid. I invited Lord Bridgerton to join us, is that quite alright with you?”

“Lord Bridgerton you say? Benedict?” The suspicion in his voice was not meant to be hidden, “Does this mean you’ve decided to…” He was quite sure how to finish the question in a proper manner.

“I believe I stated we would be discussing this over dinner,” you smiled, mischief behind it, “For now I have an appointment at the modiste, I should be back in two hours time. I will see you tonight. Valerie had the cook make roast, your favorite.”

And with that you left your husband to his own affairs.

- - -

Your lady maid, Valerie, followed you into the house with your new wardrobe in hand. After how hard these past few days had been for you, you believed you deserved a reward. so did the boys. And you were most certainly excited to wear your favorite of the few dresses tonight.

Every time you thought it, you always wondered what Benedict would think. Excited for his approval.

Shouldn’t you be concerned with your husband’s approval? You shook that thought out of your head after Valerie finished with your hair.

“Thank you Valerie, please take home some food for your girls and give them my love,” Valerie had been with you since you’d entered the marriage market. So this wasn’t an unusual occurrence, you did your best to help her as much as she does for you.

“Oh you sweet girl, thank you. I hope you have a wonderful night with your guest,” she sends you a sly smile. She might be old enough to be your mother but she never treated you beneath her. “Thank you for letting me have the rest of the night with my family.”

And with that she’s gone, leaving you to take your final deep breaths before making your way downstairs to the dining room.

Taking your last step off of the stairs, Benedict makes his way through the door. His eyes immediately raking over you to appreciate the sight in front of him.

“Lady Y/N, is that a new dress? You look absolutely ravishing,” he leans in pressing an innocent kiss to your cheek before whispering in your ear, “Almost as stunning as the woman who wears it.”

Then he pulls away.

“Benedict, it’s wonderful to see you,” Smiling widely you lead him to the dining area, confused to see your husband missing from the head of the table. “He must have lost time in his study, let me go fetch him quickly.”

“If you wish too. I’ll do my best to wait patiently for you,” Neither of you could contain your ridiculous smiles.

You had an odd feeling as you walked away, turning back to look, you could see Benedict leaning against the table watching you leave. Admittedly it made you feel giddy.

Henry had never done that before.

Once you’d made it to the door of his study you’d knocked once expecting him to answer, a second time to make sure he hadn’t fallen asleep at his desk once more. When he hadn’t answered that’s when you opened the door finally, only to see your husband on the ground limp.

And you’d let out a blood curdling scream.

Some of the house workers came running after your scream, quickly followed by a frightened Benedict, who became down right terrified once he laid eyes on the sight before you.

Frozen in place you both stared at the man who started this whole... ordeal? Situation? Relationship?

You could feel the bustling around you, the people running in and out of the room. Someone calling for a doctor. Others crouched by your husband to aid.

It was as if the world around you was moving at double speed and you were paused, watching every movement, listening to every sound, your knees unsteady.

Somewhere, someone was faintly calling for you, but your teary eyes were stuck on Henry's lifeless body. Thankfully, his eyes were closed, you couldn't even think if you had to see his eyes grayed over.

"Y/N, you shouldn't be seeing this, come," There were arms wrapped around your waist pulling you in another direction. And you had not the strength to fight.

You weren't even sure how, or when, but suddenly you were sat on a bed, staring at the wall that divided you and Henry.

That's when you realize, you will forever regret this night. You created a wall between yourself and your husband before he died and even though you made an attempt to reconcile, t wasn't soon enough. You spent his last hours comparing him and criticizing him.

And you will never be able to take that back. That's when the floodgates open. Tears streak your face, the guilt creeping in.

Someone else is in the room with you, you presume correctly of it being Benedict.

Oh Benedict... you can't imagine what's going on in his head. He didn't even get to see him once he'd come home.

Selfishly, you think he's lucky that technically, he got to say goodbye.

"... Benedict? Are you alright?" Turning to face him, you quickly wipe the tears off your face knowing you're not the only one grieving Henry.

He shakes his head no, "No, no I am not... neither are you."

You took a moment before speaking again, trying to find the words, "I don't believe either of us will be for quite some time. You should go home. Find comfort in your family."

Benedict looked up to you, a single tear on his cheek, you wiped it away with your thumb, hoping he finds a shred of comfort in you. No matter how selfish that may be.

"And what of you? Who will comfort you in this time of need?"

"I suppose I have the next few moons to take care of myself. Don't worry yourself, I'll have the staff... I'm certain my father will make an appearance."

You knew what was right to do, societal standards declare you must remain in widowed solitude for a few months. No visitors, only wear black cloth, become secluded, isolated.

The look between the two of you said that you wanted each other's company in this time of grief. However you knew better, and so did he.

"Go home Benedict... You're grieving the closest kind of friend. I take no offense in your absence, please don't take offense in mine."

"Y/N..."

"It will be alright, you will make it through this. I promise," Wiping another tear off your face you stand, "I'll write to you after all arrangements are made for Henry's-" you hiccupped, "For Henry's funeral."

Benedict stood facing you, "Please. Don't become a stranger."

"I fear I wouldn't be able to escape you in any lifetime Benedict Bridgerton."

With that, he nods, "Henry would want us to be happy, Y/N. Do not forget that. I'll wait to hear from you soon," He lifts your hand, pressing a gentle and loving kiss to it, giving it a squeeze, before leaving you alone in that room.