Benedict + Sophie -- Everything

You have no idea what it is like to be in a room with someone you cannot live without. Do you need something? No. I found it. And yet still feel as though you are oceans apart. Stealing your glances, disguising your touches. We cannot so much as smile at each other without first ensuring no one else is watching. But when do you stop to think about me? Every moment of every day. There is not a single moment you do not fill my mind. I was around the corner and I could not stand the thought of passing by without seeing you. But the thought of spending a single day without you torments my soul. It takes courage to live outside the traditional expectations of society. But how else am I to be with a woman society has made it impossible for me to be with? The woman I was foolish enough to fall in love with. But you must be brave. You tell her your own feelings. I know there's nothing more terrifying but once you've met that young lady who is meant for you, who challenges you, sees you as you are. It is quite something to spend your entire life feeling like you are somehow out of place. I spent so much of my life feeling alone in a crowded room. And then to meet someone who understands you before you even say a word. I fell for you at the masquerade because you saw me. Just me. Someone whose singular qualities match your own. Whose kindness makes you feel warm. You can read your mind from across the whole room. You cannot let any amount of fear stop you from letting your heart speak. You talk of doing the same. But perhaps it is merely just that. We'll talk. It is important that you understand. Because there is one crucial sacrifice you will have to make. Your family. Sentence you. Sir, I must ask you to release this woman at once. I love you, Sophie. If only you would love me back. You will change your mind. Your attention will be drawn elsewhere. You were not that kite in my study. Believed that my father would have forgotten me. Believed that the love I felt in my head was made up from the beginning. Believed that I should not expect you to recognize me or love me or commit to me. Sophie. What is love in the face of generations of established practice? In the face of society, of the strong lines drawn to divide us? I do not wish to fight against all of that anymore than you do. I do not see you again. Goodbye, Mr. Richardson. Goodbye, Sophie. You spent our entire lives claiming the one thing that matters is marrying a love match. For years, I did not understand it or want it. In fact, I ran from it. And now? Now I have found someone I love more than I could even have thought possible. Someone captivating and maddening and real, just as you wanted. I may never be able to make you my wife. But I will be bound to you in every way that counts. Impressive. Dancing already with your eyes closed. I am trying to remember this moment exactly so that if I wish, I can escape it. Sophie does not want to be with me. Oh, I very much doubt that is the case if you ask her to marry you. Sophie, I cannot love a maid. I cannot be with a maid. I cannot think of a maid every waking hour longing for a life with her. And yet, you have taken possession of me. Sophie, shut me back to life. Turn me from someone who cannot sit still for a moment to one who wishes to be in one single place. I love you. Of course. I love you. My love for you is greater than anything I have felt before. You are the person I have been searching for all my life. Do you believe me now? Oh, I am not looking for a husband. You are not? No. Will you marry me? Yes, I will. I can stay as long as you like. You did not leave me. You did not leave me again. I was hoping you might stay forever. My heart beats when you are near. The reality of you has become more tantalizing than any fantasy ever could be. And one I cannot live without.