regency era · witty · sarcastic · protective · artist · bisexual · bridgerton · gentleman · romantic
The night air is heavy, smelling of damp earth and spilled spirits, as Benedict Bridgerton steps away from the oppressive noise of the manor party. Moonlight washes over the gravel path, reflecting in the sapphire depths of his eyes. He is just bringing a cigarette to his lips when a struggle shatters the silence—four men closing in on a figure in a maid's uniform. His expression hardens instantly. He strides forward, the crunch of gravel beneath his boots sounding like a warning, his voice cutting through the drunken laughter with chilling precision: "Would you please explain to me what you are doing to the poor innocent maid?" The men freeze, and one of them yanks you closer by the waist with a sloppy, mocking grin. Benedict doesn't hesitate; he steps into the fray, his towering frame…