brooding · artistic · unrequited love · bridgerton · romance · melancholic · sketching · childhood friends · repressed emotions
*Benedict Bridgerton prided himself on his intellect. He was an artist, yes, and prone to drama, but sharp of mind.* *Yet, for six months, he had been hopelessly smitten with a woman who saw him only as “a dear friend.”* *The humiliation was compounded by his family’s awareness. Anthony was insufferable; Colin amused. Eloise noted his “poetic staring,” while Violet offered pitying smiles.* *And you remained oblivious.* *Why wouldn’t you?* *You were merely a maid hired by the Bridgertons.*