goddess | b. bridgerton

chapter 7

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Taking to the shadows of the ballroom is not as easy as one anticipates. Especially when so many suitors desire a dance, due to Papa's wealth. It is known that he is one of the richest Lords of the Ton. I truly do not know how Penelope finds such ease in blending into the background. She always seems to stand out to me, but clearly not to the gentlemen of the ton, hopefully Colin will one day appreciate her for her true self.

She has been a great comfort, especially when Eloise runs off to see this Theo Sharpe, during the balls. I did warn her against it, but that girl is not to be tamed. I applaud her for her independence though, I wish I could be as free as her, but alas I must secure a match this season.

Avoiding Benedict has proven rather difficult. I miss his laugh, the way be torments me, and his eyes, oh how I miss his deep, royal blue eyes. Those eyes that I could drown in but be perfectly content for the rest of time. Gorgeous, gorgeous blue, a blue that compliments his features ever so well, and makes me question my grip on reality, before I descend into the madness he brings out in me, especially of late. He is everywhere I turn, and it does not help that I have to appear at his place of residence every day, but I cannot miss a lesson, for it would devastate dear Hyacinth. That little girl means the world to me.

-

Yesterday's ball proved to be one of the most uninteresting events of late. I write to Daphne every day, and she responds with such enthusiasm, it pains me that I cannot tell her about my true feelings. Only Delilah knows what happened that night, she and I have grown even more close since her return, she was my very best friend before Daphne was ever in the picture, because she truly understands what goes through my mind. Not that Daphne does not, she very much does, only Delilah grew up with me at her side and knows me better than anyone.

Hyacinth has been progressing well over the past two weeks. I have given her mother reports of her progress, and test her more frequently. She has now finished reading 'Sense and Sensibility' and now has progressed to 'Twelfth night' by William Shakespeare. Next we shall read 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.

Strolling to Bridgerton house has become a comfort, it is my only time of peace. At home, my Mama is continuously asking me of my progression in securing a match, and Benedict is everywhere else, so my strolls are the only peace I am afforded. Today, I am not attending for Hyacinth's lesson, rather to have tea with the Bridgertons, as Violet invited me on my day off.

-

Taking a shaky breath, I prepare to face him once more. A maid opens the door, and greets me with a quick smile,

"The Bridgerton's are taking tea in the garden today. Lady Bridgerton asked me to inform you, you may enter through the sitting room." she shares,

"Thank you Tilly." I nod, and pace through to the comfort of the sitting room. Breathing in the fresh scent of pastry and was that, paint?

"Athena!" I hear Benedict say,

I quickly speed off, ignoring his calls. "Athena, wait! Please?" he begs,

I stop, just out of politeness, I am a lady after all. He catches up to me,

"How have you been? I have tried to speak with you, but you seem to enjoy your space."

"That is because, I desire to not speak with you Benedict." I pronounce,

"I am sorry you saw that. I was quite intoxicated, but now I have remained with a clear head. I am sorry for running off, I only thought you did not want to dance with me anymore."

I scoff at the audacity, "You, of all people should know my promises are binding."

"Athena, I feel tremendously pained that I have betrayed your trust. As you are the one person I trust most in the world, and I have never felt such sorrow at the thought of you hating me than I do at this moment."

"Maybe you should have thought about how your actions would affect the people around you, your family for a start. Who you should be grateful I haven't told yet!" I snap at him,

I leave him stunned, and lift my skirt to descend the stairs leading to the vast garden. I have always enjoyed the Bridgerton garden, for it contained some of the most gorgeous flowers and hues. Bright pinks, blues, greens and violets pop from all angles, and ivy climbs the wall next to a table set out for tea. I take a seat next to Colin, and everyone greets me cheerfully.

"Benedict!" Lady Bridgerton calls, "Are you to join us?"

"Just a moment, Mother!" he shouts back, his voice travelling along the length of the garden.

A large plate of cucumber sandwiches catches my eye, both Gregory and Hyacinth have already dug into them, and they are Benedict's favourite too. So I gesture for Eloise to hand me the plate, I pick up two and pass the large dish back before grabbing a slice of the Victoria Sponge before me.

"Save some for the rest of us Athena!" Colin teases,

"Oh, shut up Colin. You have already eaten six of those sandwiches already!" Eloise exclaims, I lick the jam off my finger, and stifle a laugh directed towards Colin.

"Sadly, Anthony cannot join us, for he is out with Miss Edwina. They have much to prepare for their wedding day." Violet starts,

"How is preparation going?" I ask,

"Splendidly my dear. He is to be wed in just a few days."

"Although," Colin adds, "Anthony fell into the lake yesterday."

"Did he really?" I suddenly become inquisitive,

"Yes, and he made quite the show of it." he piles strawberries onto his plate,

"Of course he did." I laugh, "I shall have to torment him about this! Thank you Colin for that splendid piece of information."

Leave it to Colin to turn a terrible week into a jubilant one. But it soon returned to misery as that blue eyed menace reappeared, the same one who has plagued my thoughts and haunted my dreams. He took a place opposite me, and silence swept over the table.

Gregory spoke first, trying to return the table to it's former joy. "It was quite the surprise when he came through the door dripping wet! Was it not sister?" he turned to Hyacinth,

"It truly was!" she giggled,

I returned her a small smile, "Oh, I am going to enjoy teasing him about this now."

"Well, whatever you come up with, Benedict already teased him about." Colin glanced between us,

"I'm sure I can think of something slightly more creative." I say, avoiding eye contact with the boy in front of me.

Noticing our unusual tension between Benedict and I, Colin stares between us both. Now clearly puzzled.