athena crauford has been best friends with daphne bridgerton since childhood, they spend every waking moment together. which means the bridgerton's have become very acquainted with the crauford's, benedict bridgerton has always had an eye for athena...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
✧︎
"SO, MISS SHARMA... what do you think of Anthony, well the Viscount?" I say, to which she gives me a slightly puzzled look, "Sorry, Daphne told me of your interactions with him, and I need something else to tease him with, it is one of my favourite hobbies. I was just discussing it with Romeo over there otherwise known as Benedict." I chuckle, She laughs, "I believe Lady Danbury was right, we shall get along well!"
I take her arm and lead her out to the garden where Daphne is waiting. I squeal as we reach her and pull her into another hug, just as Colin walks past. "You both saw each other just a few minutes ago!" he exclaims, "Come here!" I tackle him into a hug, which is becoming more and more difficult, we are the same age, but he seems to grow every time I see him. "Oh I have missed you!" I say, Colin and I have always been close because we have birthdays within days of each other, so we sometimes shared the parties, as a result we have quite a special bond.
"I have missed you too! How was Italy? I am to go there next on my travels." He smiles, already pelting me with questions about my trip. "Oh it was gorgeous. I am to give you all your gifts after our game of Pal Mal." I poke his shoulder, nudging him along, a signal that he should leave as Daphne wishes to start setting up.
"I shall look forward to it, and hearing more of your adventures!" "And I of yours!" I exclaim excitedly,
I turn my attention back to Kate, "I actually have something for yourself, Edwina and your Mama. Daphne informed me before I came that you would be here, and I did not want to show up empty handed. They might not be as personal as the other's but I do hope you like them!" I clap my hands together, "Oh, that is not necessary!" she exclaims, "Nonsense, I will hear no more of this politeness. Everybody loves gifts, especially mine!" I wave my hands about, disregarding her protests. "It is true, she gives the best gifts!" Daphne laughs, a glimmer of joy in her eyes.
Another girl appears, dressed in pink she had beautiful curls pinned up in a beautiful array and looked stunning. "You must be Miss Edwina, I am Athena. This is Daphne, the Viscount's sister, and my best friend." I giggle, as I gesture to her. She smiles, before starting to explain the rules of Pall Mal to the two newcomers.
"Pall-mall is less about the rules, more about the goal. Which is, of course, to hit your ball through each wicket. The first player to send their ball through the last wicket wins. Simple enough. Though, if you are feeling devilish, you can use your turn to knock an opponent's ball as far away from their next wicket as you would like." Daphne explains, "Why waste a turn if the point is to get one's own ball through the wicket?" Edwina questions, "To infuriate your opponent, I gather?" Kate answers, "Precisely. It is a poor player who plays the game, and a wise one who plays their opponent." I say, interjecting Kate smiles, "I believe I shall rather enjoy this game." She raises an eyebrow slightly, a smir slowly creeping along her face, lighting it up.
