-

And then just like that, one week passed. Elena was already in their new bedroom, getting comfortable and settling in. The newlyweds arrived in their new home just this morning. Maids and servants all gathered up at the entrance, ready to greet them.

Feeling relaxed, Elena got out of the bed and went towards the window and opened it, inhaling the fresh air of the countryside. She turned around when she heard a knock on the door, and saw Miranda entering with a smile.

"Are you settling in well, miss?" She asked.

Elena returned the smile and answered. "Yes, thank you, Miranda."

"I've also set up your own room, just in case you wanted your own privacy and your office as well."

"I think I might start working now. Do you have the documents that my father sent you?"

Benedict and Elena decided that they wouldn't be taking Elena's parents' title just yet. They agreed to take it when one of the parents pass away. But that is in a very long time. In exchange, they offered to help the Bennets' out with any kind of work.

"Are you sure, Miss?" Miranda asked. "Your husband specifically told me not to give you any work for the moment."

"I just wish to take some pressure off of him, it will only be a f--"

Elena was interrupted when Benedict came running in the room, out of breath. He had a worried face with a whistledown paper gripped in his hands.

"Is everything alright, darling?" Elena walked towards her husband, concerned.

"Uh.. no, not quite. We must leave for London, immediately." He looked down and paused. "It seems that might family has been involved in a scandal."

"Shall I prepare the carriages?" Miranda asked.

"Would you, Miranda? Thank you." Elena replied and Miranda left the room.

"Darling, I'm sorry this happened. I mean, we just arrived and I had so much to tell you." Benedict whispered disappointedly.

"Don't worry, love. This isn't your fault, you couldn't control this." She took her hands in his. "Wherever we go, I'm happy... as long as I am with you."

-

Elena and Benedict got to London as soon as possible. Benedict got off at the Bridgerton household to check on his family and Elena went to visit her parents. It seems that their visit became longer than expected, so they got settled in their own house in London.

A few days later, at Buckingham palace, the garden was filled so many happy guests chatting and enjoying the beautiful weather and music.

The Bennets arrived at the luncheon with the Bridgerton's alongside Simon. Benedict and Elena walk arm in arm with a smile as the guests glanced at them.

"Oh, is this not lovely?" Lady Bridgerton stated, wrapping her arms around Hyacinth and Gregory. "All of us together again."

"Lovely indeed, we should attempt scandal more often." Colin commented.

Then, two well dressed ladies made their way towards Daphne and Simon and bowed. "Duchess, may I say how well you look?" one said.

"Oh, you are too kind." Daphne replied with a faint smile.

"Is it not marvellous to be wed?" The other asked.

"It is both a joy and wonder indeed." Simon replied, hiding his sarcasm.

"Make way!" A loud voice was heard through the crowd. Everyone cleared out the path and bowed as the queen passed in front of them.

"Must you all act like sheep flocking to the through." Both families curtsied as she stood in front of them.

"I have 100 guineas wagered on there being a Hastings heir within the year. Are you yet with child?" She asked Daphne and Simon.

"We have certainly been devoting our energies to the endeavour, your majesty. We should have hope to see our queen soon satisfied." Simon answered.

"See to it that you do."

Then, the queen took a step forward towards Elena and Benedict who bowed as well.

"And you, my dearest Elena?" The Queen stated. "Are you with child, yet?"

"We are planning on having one before the end of the season, your majesty. Do not fret." Benedict replied for Elena, gently caressing her stomach.

But Elena seemed uneasy and gave the queen a light smile.

"Very well." She said and walked away.

Benedict took Elena's hand and joined Mr. Granville with his wife.

"I've missed you at the studio of late." Mr. Granville stated. "You must join me for another drawing lesson."

"I'm sure he would love that, Mr. Granville." Elena said, placing a hand on Benedict's chest.

"Well, you know, as I said.. improvement is all a matter of practise."

"At least that is the excuse he gives for coming home with paint in all kinds of peculiar places." Lucy added and smirked at her husband, which made Benedict awkwardly laugh.

He looked up and his eyes gazed at Lord Wetherby, speaking to Cressida, from across the garden.

"Ah! Were you able to meet my friend Wetherby at my party? Come, I shall introduce you." Mr. Granville tried pulling Benedict.

"No! Thank you. I-- my wife," Benedict put his hand on Elena's forehead, "She's gotten a fever, we should get going."

Elena stared at the man with a puzzled face. "I'm completely fi--"

"Come now, Darling." Benedict grabbed her waist, pulling her far from the Granvilles.

"What has gotten into y-" Elena was cut off again, but this time by Lady Danbury.

"So, you have returned." She made her way towards them. "Excellent timing what with all the tittle-tattle concerning your brother." She looked at Benedict.

"Oh, a mere coincidence, Lady Danbury, I am sure." Benedict replied.

"I must congratulate you both again on your marriage, how are things between the two of you?" Lady Danbury asked.

"So far, the only thing that's coming between us is this scandal." Elena signed.

"I'm not surprised... Oh, I almost forgot. I am hosting a party I would very much like you to attend."

"We love a good party." Benedict said.

"Apologies, Lord Bridgerton. It is an invitation for one." Lady Danbury eyes gazed at Elena. "Only you, Miss Bennet. A special soiree with the married ladies of the ton, of which you are the newest member, alongside with your sister-in-law."

-

That same night, the Hastings carriage pulled up outside Lady Danbury's estate. Daphne got off and followed a servant through the house. She was lead in a large hazy drawing room where she saw wild women sitting in separate round tables, drinking and gambling.

Lady Danbury spotted her and walked towards her with a grin. "Your Grace. Welcome to my den of iniquity." She took Daphne's arm and brought her to a table where there were two seats open.

Daphne feels safer when she spots Elena already sitting there, talking to the other ladies and having fun.

"I believe you already know Lady Trowbridge, Your Grace, but have you met Lucy Granville? And this is Kitty Langham."

Kitty took a sip of her drink and stared at Daphne with a smile.

"The general's wife, yes." Daphne smiled back.

"And of course, you already know Miss Elena Bennet. The woman who stole your brother's heart." Lady Danbury said.

"Well, it was not hard." Elena said which made all of the ladies laugh. Elena took a sip of her drink and patted the seat that was between her and Kitty.

"Come, Daphne." She smiled and went to sit next to her friend.

"We shall teach you the rules." Lady Granville said.

"Really easy to learn, get used to it and you'll be gambling like an expert." Elena explained to Daphne.

"The marchioness has been winning ever since her arrival..." Kitty stated. "Seems like luck is on her side tonight." She grinned at Elena.

"First a woman takes her wedding vows, then we gamblers take her virtue." Lady Trowbridge said.

"If her husband has left any to be taken." Mrs. Granville added which made the ladies laugh again.

"Have no fear." Lady Danbury told Daphne. "All you have to do is set your token on the card you believe the dealer will turn over. Now, ladies. Place your bets."

The dealer turned one the cards and all of the ladies groaned in disappointment except for Elena and Daphne who won."

"The earl would have my head if he knew how much money I have lost." Lady Trowbridge groaned.

Kitty rolled her eyes. "The earl is but two years old."

"Hmm. Well, then, I'm in luck, am I not?" She replied and got up and walked away with Lucy and Kitty.

"It seems I have been blessed with some beginner's luck." Daphne told her friend.

"Oh, aren't we both?" Elena replied and finished her glass, placing another token on a card.

"How are you, Elena? We haven't talked in so long I feel like we're drifting apart."

"Do not worry, Your Grace. You are not losing me anytime soon. You must know that, when Elena Bennet makes a friend, she has no intention of letting them go." Elena chuckled, pouring more champagne in her glass.

"Well, I feel much assured now, thank you." There was a moment of silence before Daphne spoke again. "I hear you and your husband are planning to have a child."

"." Elena corrected.

"I'm sorry." Daphne looked down.

"Well, third time may not have been a charm... but who said the fourth one can't?"

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