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...
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The next day goes by drearily, spending it with Daphne and Violet in preparation for the next day's ball. We talk all day, gossiping about what might be happening with Kate and Anthony. Eloise rushed inside to tell us about Colin's trip to see Lady Crane, with Penelope at her side. I had always been fond of Penelope, she had a love for romance, much like myself, and was awfully good company.
We stood greeting our guests, which was terribly boring. I was in desperate need for some idle gossip. I usually was not one for gossip but desperate times call for desperate measures. It was sure to be a day full of such gossip, that much I was certain.
As the hunt went out, Miss Edwina decided to play cards with us. Daphne was quick to ask about her sister, to which she quickly informed us had gone out on the hunt along with Anthony.
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The next day, was filled with much more excitement than the last, as we were able to put up all of the decorations, and much more intriguing conversation. We continued to set up for the ball, and it went spectacularly. Everything looked exquisite.
When I arrived for the ball, I found myself next to the lemonade table with Penelope.
"Are you quite enjoying the ball Pen?" I asked,
"Yes, although, Eloise has already left, so I cannot properly enjoy myself. I must stick to the wall, like the insipid wallflower I have become."
"You cannot say such things! You are Penelope Featherington, one of the most intelligent and beautiful young ladies I know, you must not put yourself down just because other members of the ton may do so. They do not truly know you, if they are insulting of you, because you are amazing. People will one day see you for nothing but yourself, and they will be sorry they ever raised a tongue against you." I encourage,
"Thank you Athena, you are a true friend." she grins,
"And," I say only to her, "Colin will one day recognise how amazing you really are."
She almost chocked on her drink, "What?"
"Do not pretend like I do not notice how you look at him. I know love when I see it. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there, love is ultimately rewarding." I smile back, as Benedict catches my eye, he simply grins, his smile lighting his face up.
Pen followed my eyeline, and spotted him, "Perhaps, you should take your own advice with Benedict." her voice trailed off, "Do not pretend like I do not notice how you look at him."
Her words mirroring the ones I spoke just a few moments ago. Colin strides towards us, and I simply look at Pen who has her eyes transfixed on him. He reaches his hand out towards me, "Miss Crauford, would you care for a dance?"
"Why such formalities Colin? But I suppose so, let us adjorn to the floor." I laugh,
I take a quick look back to Pen, and give her a wink, so as to say 'I shall talk to him for you.' she smiles with gratitude.
