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.
✧︎
My days at Bridgerton house were returning to normality, or as close as possible when it comes to the Bridgertons, they are to say the least unpredictable. However, that it what makes them so special, because every day is a new adventure, a new chapter in our lives. There is never a dull day in Bridgerton house.
Miss Edwina was out with Anthony, I had seen much less of him since his proposal to her, I did not miss his presence when he was around but, found myself missing his acceptance to my teasing.
After our lessons, Hyacinth has begun teaching me of all the gossip her friends have, it is not as interesting as that of Lady Whistledown writes, but is good entertainment. They do get up to some ridiculous things, she is becoming extremely articulate however and expresses herself with confidence and clarity. I feel if I have helped mould a young girl into a most gifted woman, then surely I should have no problem raising a little girl of my own. I had wished for children since a young age, but I would mostly love to have a beautiful baby girl, not that I would not be overjoyed at having a heathy baby boy; I only wish for a connection that I have had with my own mother and a similar one to how I have connected to Hyacinth.
"So, that is why Esther is not friends with me anymore. Have you and Benedict become friends again?" the girl perks up,
I raise my brow slightly, "How do you know of that?"
"Well," she observes, "I suppose I have noticed you did not speak to him at all over these past weeks, it has become somewhat of a concern for me!"
"Why might that be?" I smile,
"It is only, I wish for you to be content, and Benedict makes you so happy. I only wish to gain what the two of you have when I am older." she rests her head upon my shoulder and nestles into my arm,
I hold her arms, and lift her chin up slightly, "You shall Hyacinth, any boy would be lucky to have you. I know I certainly am proud to teach such a bright and astute lady."
Her smile spreads across her entire face, as she flashes a toothy grin. "Well, did the two of you finally become friends once more?"
Laughing, I nod and she smiles her approval. Lowering her voice just slightly, "I do hope the two of you one day admit how you feel."
I give her a baffled look, before she returns to chittering away about Esther and the rest of her friends. Did Benedict have feelings for me?
-
For today, Violet lets me stay for dinner, I graciously thank her and turn to head out towards the garden when she stops me once more.
"Athena, I need to discuss another matter with you." she sternly asserts,
"Of course."
"I must ask of you, do you have any underlying feeling towards my son?" she prompts,
"Which one?" I am simply confused,
"Benedict." she enunciates,
"Oh." I utter, and she places a palm unto my outstretched hand,
"You may not wish to speak of this, but I must tell you that he cares for you, deeply, and has done since he was just a boy."
"Violet, I do care for him too, but emotions are flooding through me like tidal waves and I cannot comprehend what I feel for him. When I am near him, the whole world seems simple, yet also a most confusing place. He ignites a spark inside me and I feel as if every cell in my body is simply set on fire by his presence. I cannot breathe when he is near, and he understands me so perfectly. It is nauseating just being in the same room as him." I breathe,
She has a look of clarity, pure and simply spread across her face. "I shall not tell you exactly what you feel, but it sounds to me my dear that you are in love. Truly, I remember thinking quite similar thoughts of Edmund, before he plucked up the courage to tell me his feelings. Do not be afraid to tell him of your feelings, it will not hurt to ask."
"That is what I am afraid of. Your son is my best friend, and I fear rejection as it could ruin our friendship completely, I cannot lose him." I cry,
"My dear, I am certain, that he will think the same of you and, your friendship means the world to him. He will not sacrifice it. It is probable, I am biased because if the two of you married, you would truly be part of our family, and I know all of my sons and daughters would love that, Daphne especially." I smile at her praise,
"I am grateful for your wisdom, thank you Violet." I embrace the older woman, I love as a mother. Truthfully, I do wish to be a part of this family as well, it is only my fear that holds me back.
