Benedict had never been one to seek advice, least of all from a doctor. But today, his feet had carried him here, and as he stood outside the door to Dr. Dunlop's office, he hesitated for only a moment before entering. The doctor had a reputation for being unorthodox, but Benedict trusted him. He had always been straightforward, no-nonsense-and today, he seemed to need that more than ever.
As the door opened, Dr. Dunlop looked up from his desk and smiled warmly. "Ah, Benedict, what brings you to my humble practice today? Feeling unwell?"
Benedict shifted uncomfortably and signed. "Maybe. It's just that... well, there's something odd happening whenever I'm near someone."
The doctor's eyebrows arched in curiosity, but he motioned for Benedict to sit across from him. "Odd? Go on."
Benedict signed quickly, a slight frown tugging at his lips. "Whenever she's near... I feel strange. It's like... my heart races, and my chest tightens. I don't know what it means."
Dr. Dunlop blinked, leaning back in his chair with a knowing smile. He crossed his arms, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah. I think I know exactly what it is."
Benedict's eyes widened, a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck and signed. "You do?"
"Of course!" Dr. Dunlop laughed, clearly amused by the confusion on his patient's face. "It's quite simple, really. You're in love, Benedict."
Benedict froze, his hands falling still in his lap as he stared at the doctor in disbelief. "In love?" He signed the words as if trying to see if they fit his own feelings. They didn't seem to fit-at least, not in the way he expected.
The doctor grinned at him, clearly enjoying the situation. "Yes, you're in love. It's a perfectly natural reaction. It's the way people feel when they are drawn to someone-emotionally, physically, mentally." He gave a slight shrug. "It's just part of the human condition."
Benedict raised his hands to argue, but the doctor continued before he could sign. "I've seen it before. The racing heart, the odd feeling in your chest... you're clearly affected by this person in a way that's not like anyone else. My guess is you're particularly fond of the Duchess, yes?"
Benedict's eyes flickered toward the floor, a slight flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. He know he shouldn't but he did. The fall in love part, the admiration and all. She's a duchess and I'm just a footmen, he thought. what am I going to do with this feeling.
He quickly signed to the doctor, his hands moving urgently, "It's a secret. Don't tell anyone."
Dr. Dunlop raised an eyebrow, then chuckled softly. "Ah, so this is something you're keeping to yourself, then? I see." He leaned back in his chair again, crossing his arms with a knowing smile. "Don't worry, Benedict. Your secret is safe with me."
Benedict signed again, his gesture more serious, "I don't know what to do about it. It's... strange."
Dr. Dunlop leaned forward, his expression softening. "There's not much to do, Benedict. It's the way love works. You can either embrace it or fight it, but eventually, you'll have to deal with it. That's the nature of emotions."
Benedict nodded slowly, though his mind was still racing. "Thank you, doctor."
"Of course," Dr. Dunlop said with a wink. "Good luck with... your feelings."
---
That afternoon, Seraphina's aunt, Lady Winifred, had made an announcement that would shake things up for everyone. She was planning a grand charity ball-one that would gather the highest echelons of society in a show of wealth and benevolence. Lady Winifred was known for her extravagant parties, and this one would be no different.
Seraphina, as usual, was caught between excitement and trepidation. The event would raise funds for causes she deeply cared about, but it was also an event that would force her to navigate the delicate politics of the aristocracy.
"You must attend, dear," Lady Winifred said, her voice booming through the corridors as she found Seraphina in the drawing room. "It will be the event of the season. I'm counting on you to host it with all the grace you're known for."
Seraphina smiled thinly, already imagining the dance of diplomacy she'd have to engage in. "I'll do my best, Aunt."
Lady Winifred nodded approvingly. "That's my girl. But, remember, this isn't just any ball. It's your chance to shine. You'll need to impress them all-especially the right people." She gave Seraphina a pointed look, as if she expected the young duchess to use the event as a way to solidify her place among the aristocracy.
Seraphina bit her lip, trying to avoid the flash of frustration that rose in her chest. "I will. But this is about the charity, Aunt. It's not about impressing anyone."
Lady Winifred laughed heartily, the sound ringing in the air. "Oh, sweet girl. Of course it's about the charity. But people need to see your charm, your beauty, your potential. And I'm sure Benedict Grey will be an excellent addition to the staff. He's reliable, efficient... and quite the handsome fellow."
Seraphina's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Benedict. The thought of him at the ball, up close in the midst of the event, was enough to make her stomach flutter. She tried to push the thought away, focusing on the more pressing concerns at hand.
"Benedict will be an excellent footman," she said, though there was an edge to her voice that she couldn't quite mask.
"Good," Lady Winifred said, nodding as if her approval were the only thing that mattered. "Make sure he's there. We'll need all the help we can get."
As Seraphina nodded, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. The ball would certainly be a challenge, but it might also be the perfect opportunity for her to prove herself. She just hoped that in the chaos of the evening, her feelings for Benedict wouldn't get in the way.