Somewhere Only We Know

Henry grinned widely over at his older brother upon seeing how he acted before the Dubois girl but he only spoke once she was further away from them. He may love to flirt but he did have his manners.

“My, I am in bliss. My brother is capable of flirting.” Henry teased playfully, Ben’s expression returning to its serious features.

“I wasn’t flirting, I was being polite.” He replied.

Henry patted his back “There’s nothing wrong with playful or even innocent flirting, Ben.” He said
“And there’s wrong about admitting it either. Who can blame you for flirting with her? Twenty-one years hidden from society and look what greets our eyes, she is gorgeous.”

Ben’s eyes craved into Henry’s and the young man wished his lips were sealed. Clearly something was up with his brother but Henry couldn’t understand what it could be. Nonetheless, he knew when his brother was lying or even hiding something and that was happening now.

“Women are more than just beauty and you know that I have no eyes or time for something so superficial. I have other things to focus on.”

“Here come your morals and your job-driven motivations.” Henry said with a sigh “You don’t know this girl Ben, but she clearly made an impression on you. You may not want to admit it but I know it and I have been dying to see this happen. I have been anxiously waiting for something to interest you more than Medicine. Girls always seem to be the last thing you think about and if this one is an exception, I love her already. You can’t let the past keep you back forever. Jocelyn happened years ago, it’s time you move on.”

With a quiet groan, Ben turned away. He didn’t want to admit that his brother was right. For a minute, he had forgotten everything when his eyes set on Camille. That had happened once before with Jocelyn and Ben didn’t want to admit that it was possibly happening again. Henry knew about Jocelyn but he didn’t think this was the same thing because honestly, to him, it wasn’t. Jocelyn and Camille were two completely different women and, despite what Jocelyn did, Camille deserved a chance if Ben really was interested.

“That’s enough Henry.” Ben said, taking one last glance at Camille “I don’t want to hear more about it tonight and Jocelyn’s name is not to be mentioned. Ever.” He added before he started to walk away from his family.

“Fine. You won’t mind if I dance with Camille then.” Henry smirked, watching carefully as his brother tensed while walking away, without looking back.

Henry loved to be a tease, especially to Ben. Seeing him show just a little peek of his fun side, of his more relaxed side as his guard went down for a girl, hardly any of them knew, was something Henry hadn’t seen in years so he wasn’t just going to drop it.

Camille’s cheeks hurt from smiling so much by the time she was able to return to her mother’s side. Going with her father meant greeting every single person present and it had taken her over an hour just with the greetings and then some more time when she reached her grandparents and close family. Her mother gave her a small smile as Camille sat down.

“Eat now sweetheart. Your father has kept you standing for too long but you did wonderfully.” Carol said quietly to her daughter and Camille smiled over to her mother, bowing her head as a thank you while her father asked for music to start playing.

The dance floor filled within minutes and Camille took her opportunity to eat, as she watched some of her cousins dancing with guests. She would chuckle at how excited the girls were for all the male presences.

While her mother and father spoke, joined by the Cumberbatchs, Henry approached the seat next to Camille.

“May I?”

Her eyes glanced up at him and she smiled. With a nod, she motioned for him to sit.

“Forgive me,” She chuckled, wiping her lips before speaking. She knew her manners had to be the best that evening or her mother would throw a fit.

“Oh no, please forgive me for interrupting your meal.” Henry said politely. He had already eaten and, spotting the girl pretty much silent, he took his opportunity.

“Don’t worry, it’s alright.” Camille excused him softly, actually surprised about having a rather attractive young man speak to her.

She had grown up away from most social occasions, Claude was the boy she spoke to for most of her life, aside from her cousins so this was new to her and she couldn’t help but to flush. Henry seemed genuinely nice and she didn’t mind the attention. With age she had wondered what it felt like to have someone, a boyfriend, and to fall in love. She had never loved someone in her life, not seriously, and she really wanted to experience all of it.

“I hope it’s not rude of me to eat while you just sit.” She added and Henry chuckled.

“Trust me, it’s alright. While you went around, I had my time to eat and now you have yours.” He said, observing her features and how pretty she looked.

For the first time in a while, Henry’s mind didn’t wander to anything naughty, like how she might look under her dress and undergarments, how beautiful she was by the size of her chest and considerable youth. In any other circumstance, her age would also be something that would motivate Henry to flirt, to be playful, a tease, because he usually loved girls that were younger than him, beautiful and seemingly innocent. Yet his brother’s earlier interest in Camille held Henry back. Though he meant to be nice, a good guest and dance with her, he wanted above all things to pester his brother and make him act, make him show what Henry felt he was hiding.

Still, the ball was filled with pretty girls so Henry wouldn’t lose much by giving Camille his attention first and then going off to his usual little playing.

“I appreciate your understanding,” Camille smiled and Henry’s eyes landed on hers.

“Anything for the birthday girl.” Henry smiled “Please, allow me to compliment your accent. You sound as British as myself or even my brother.”

“Thank you.” Camille chuckled “My mother will be ecstatic to hear it.”She added as she kept small talk with Henry, unaware of her father’s occasional gaze on them. Much like Benedict, Camille had no idea of her father’s plans to get her a husband from that night forwards and Henry was still a good candidate to get her father’s favour. While Henry sat with Camille, enjoying their conversation, Ben had made his way back to the balcony. It was a surprisingly cold night, which reminded him of England. With a sigh, he took another cigarette and lit it.

In truth, Ben had no idea of what had come over him earlier. He wasn’t one to brag or even do things to try and impress but Camille had something that called him to her. Ever since he had seen her that afternoon that he had been caught and now that he knew that she wasn’t a servant, everything seemed to be even more intense. His heart was racing ever since his lips pressed to her knuckles and the way she smiled at him looked so genuine.

Taking a deep puff from his cigarette, Ben stared at the sky in thought. He had come in hopes to distract himself and not get more problems or concerns, so he shouldn’t give Camille much thought. He was going home in a couple of days anyways. There was no point in bothering or letting his attraction towards Camille take proportions it shouldn’t.

Clapping along with her cousins, Camille watched happily as the couples danced gracefully and she was eager to dance herself. As much as the parties could be over the roof, the dancing was definitely her favourite part.

Henry was dancing with one of her younger cousins and once he took his final bow, he made his way for Camille before anyone else could. He knew she would be the most requested dancer of the evening but he wanted the first dance.

“Did you actually run here Henry?” Camille chuckled softly, playfully looking at him as the beautiful young Cumberbatch offered her his arm.

“I had to or someone could steal my dancing partner. I danced with most of your cousins, I assume that proves my part of our deal?”

“It certainly does.” Camille smiled, taking his arm as he lead her.

While she ate, he tried to convince her to have her first dance but Camille was a smart girl herself. It was her birthday so she was meant to be noticed and if Henry had the first dance, they would be spoken about for the whole evening. Nonetheless, he kept insisting and she had nothing to lose, he was pleasant and he was enjoying his company. So, they made a deal. She’d save him her first dance but only if he managed to dance with most of her cousins beforehand. He had succeeded so Camille was going to dance with him.

Taking a bow, Camille smiled over at Henry as they laced their arms and started off the dance. It was quite a happy one at first, with singing and clapping. Keeping their chatting going, Henry succeeded in making Camille twirl around gratefully and into the arms of another partner, since that danced involved the couples switching between themselves.

Camille felt a strong arm wrap around her slender waist and when she looked up, her cheeks heated up.

It was Benedict.

Henry’s teasing wouldn’t stop pounding on Ben’s head so when he had turned to glance back inside the ball room, his eyes widened. Camille was being led to the dance floor by Henry and she seemed delighted to be in his company. Ben wasn’t surprised with his brother’s success, nonetheless, he put his cigarette away and made his way inside. Now that she was in her arms, he knew he had made the right decision in sneaking into the dance.

His other warm hand grasped hers as he lead her, never letting her get too apart from him but always keep a polite distance. This was his moment to be with her, just them, and he didn’t want to waste it, especially now that his blood was pumping and he was so filled with courage. He had wanted to steal his brother’s place for the first dance but he knew what that could mean, so he played safe there.

His posture was perfect and he stood tall in front of her. She noticed how pale his skin was but seemingly smooth along with a few aging lines that didn’t take any beauty from him, they actually added to it. His short hair was blonde but perfectly combed and he had no sideburns or any traces of facial hair. He clearly gave his appearance attention and Camille couldn’t lie and say that she didn’t find him attractive when, in fact, he was very attractive.

His face was somewhat serious, almost stoic and, to Camille, he looked like one of those magnificent statues she had so often seen in her father’s Art books. Seeing her blush while her eyes studied him so intently, Ben smiled softly down at her. He didn’t want to see too serious or intimating, not to her. Her light blue eyes were a contrast with his and she seemed to lose herself in the immensity of dark blue that looked down at her. The little streaks of golden in his irises fascinated her almost immediately.

They didn’t share a word while they danced, losing themselves in one another and, when it was time, Ben gently twirled Camille around to go back to Henry’s arm. Her eyes almost pleaded for him not to do it but he had to. She smiled softly his way before Henry’s happy chatter filled her ears again.

When the dance was over, Camille bowed to Henry and as her eyes darted to look for Ben, he was gone. With a sigh, she felt her heart hammer again on her chest. Why didn’t she speak to him? He probably found her to be an idiot now after all that silent during their dance.

Aaron walked towards his daughter, already having asked for the cake to be brought out so everyone could sing happy birthday before more dancing could ensue. Camille smiled as the candles were lit up.

Ben stood behind the crowd, where he knew she wouldn’t be able to spot him. His heart was racing and he was beyond mad at himself now. Acting on impulse one was normal but twice? What was he thinking? First the French talking and now the dancing? What would people think? What would Camille think? He was almost certain she didn’t approve of him in the least but Henry seemed to be giving attention to someone else now, so Ben was slightly relieved. He wasn’t sure of how he’d feel if Henry was able to sweep Camille of her feet in the first few hours of them being there. Suddenly everyone started to sing happy birthday for the shy but smiling birthday girl. Ben joined with his low baritone voice, watching her with a small smile as he unconsciously closed his hand. It was almost as if he could still feel her hand on his.

Camille blew out her candles while servants lost no time in serving slices afterwards. While she saw everyone sitting down, she finally spotted Ben making his way outside and without cake. Taking her opportunity, she picked up a plate with a slice and walked outside calmly, so nobody would go after her or inquire what she was doing.

She spotted him immediately. He was standing with his back to her, facing the gardens while his hand rested on the stone railway of the balcony.

“Benedict?” She calmed softly, feeling her heart nearly leap from her chest as she attempted to establish a conversation.

Ben straightened up before he turned around and he eyed her with curiosity.

“Camille,” He said softly, observing her as she approached him with cake. She looked a bit flustered again but he couldn’t help but to find all of it extremely sweet.

“I’m sorry if I’m disturbing you but I... I noticed you came outside without cake. As a host, I thought it would be nice to bring you some.” Camille smiled, feeling like he seemed less and less intimidating.

Ben smiled warmly and reached to take the plate from her hands, it was mostly filled with cream and strawberries. A combination he loved.

“Thank you, that is very thoughtful of you.” He said, resting the plate on the railway without ever taking his eyes from her as she moved to stand beside him “Have you had any cake? It’s your birthday after all." Camille chuckled “I’ll have it in a bit, don’t worry.” She said, glancing up to look at him “You are a fantastic dancer.”

It was Ben’s turn to blush a bit “Why thank you, that’s very kind of you to say. I must admit that you are much better than me though, you made me look better than I am. You dance beautifully.” He said, overshadowing a bit of what he had seen earlier that day and what had called him to her in the first place. She had been just as graceful back when they danced together.

“Thank you, you hm... flatter me.” She said, struggling a bit to find her words and sound coherent. The last thing she needed was to have her English fail on her in his presence.

“You’re welcome. I spoke the truth, though.” Ben smiled sliding his plate towards her. “Do you want the first bite, Camille?”

Her eyes nearly lit up every time he said her name. Aside from her parents, very few people actually pronounced it correctly and Ben had joined that exception. She felt butterflies on her stomach as she thought for a minute, nibbling a bit before she took a strawberry from the plate.

Ben chuckled and took a bit of the cake to taste it and he was marvelled at the taste “Hmm, this is fantastic.” He said and Camille grinned proudly, intending to tell Luz how her cake had been so complimented.

“Are you having fun?” Camille asked casually, trying to keep the conversation going.

“I am.” Ben replied, not really wanting to get into detail that he had been surprised more than anything else “I had never been to this part of France before and I love it. Also, I have never seen a birthday party like yours.”

“My parents take it very seriously.” Camille explained as she told him more about her other birthdays.
Just then, she was interrupted by three voices speaking in French. Peeking down, both Camille and Benedict spotted Camille’s maid, Mel, with another girl, Luz, and a young man, Claude. They were setting up a cake by the garden and when they saw the birthday girl peering in the balcony, they all waved happily.

Speaking in hurried French towards Camille, they all called her down for their celebration and Camille glanced up at Ben nervously while trying to tell them that she couldn’t yet. The guests were still mostly in the house and she had company. She wasn’t sure of what Ben would think of this and she knew he was fluent in French, so he understood everything that had been said.

“You can go.” He soothed her, seeing how she was close to her servants but also how she seemed to be nervous about it in front of him “I won’t tell a word to anyone, if they ask about you. You can trust me, I swear to you.”

"Are you certain that you don't mind?" She asked cautiously, feeling terrible to leave him now that they were finally managing to speak.

"I am absolutely certain. I can come and visit you tomorrow, if you'd like. I won't be going back to England within the next few days."

Camille’s smile brightly.

“Oh Benedict, that would be wonderful. Please, do come tomorrow... thank you.” She said happily, leaning up to peck his cheek, her lips gently pressed to his cheekbone and he gasped a bit in surprise. She seemed so shy, yet she managed to surprise him.

He smiled over at her and Camille turned with a blush at what she had just done as Claude approached to help her down. Benedict made sure she got down safely and their eyes locked for one last time before she darted off with her friends.

Benedict watched her for a moment while he ate his cake. They lit up candles and sang happy birthday again before they ate the cake that looked far more delicious than the one he was eating. Then they shared gifts.

His heart warmed up as he saw her, laughing and hugging her friends before they all danced and just fooled around. Ben felt strange, though. It was like he was allowing himself to feel again and, for now, he was frightened and insecure if it meant something good, if he wasn’t just driving himself towards a painful road again.