With an evening of indulgence, the company allowing Benedict to indulge in far too many scotches, in hope of relief of social expectation. He was one to enjoy such social gatherings, however, with the Bridgerton name came high expectations. He did not wish it let the family down, his own ambitions often leaving a lot to be desired. His recent behaviours caused his mother despair, he knew this, and thus was doing his best to remain under the radar.
Though, as the night crept onwards, he was succumbed to overstimulation, the noise, the crowds, he had done what he knew best and vacated the vicinity to explore the grounds. However, when he realised he had spent too much time away, not wishing to rose suspicion, he had brought himself back to the familiar ball room. His gaze quickly captures another's, a smile rising almost too swiftly to his lips. He wastes no time in venturing to her, hand held out as he dips a bow to her.
"Forgive me, but what sort of gentleman would I be if I did not invite you to the dancefloor?" He smiled, tilting his head. "You'd be doing me a favour." He pouted his lips, hand held out for her to take.
She hesitated, partly because of the worries she had about how whispers would spread around the ballroom like wildfire to have Benedict Bridgerton dancing with a ladies maid, not that she thought any of the Bridgertons would take offense to it, but also because the last time she had danced with Benedict had been the night of the masquerade ball and her identity had been concealed by a mask - she was afraid that them dancing again would bring those memories back and her identity as the woman from that night would be revealed. But then she looked at him, and saw the way that he smiled at her and offered his hand, making the other ladies gasp and whisper among themselves so much so that she sighed and took it, letting him lead her to the dance floor. "Benedict, people are staring..." she murmured, worried about the looks they were getting as she got closer to him and joined her hand with his as the music started to play.
