Everyone was quick to leave after Lady Whistledown's most recent publication was revealed to us, I only felt apologetic for the young girl. She only did what she thought right, but as society deems it improper, I can only become irritated that whoever Lady Whistledown may be, decided to send the Bridgerton name into even more ruin than before.
-
Next morning, a soft knock on my door awakes me.
"Miss, your bath is ready!" My ladies maid Joan calls,
"Come in Joan." I call, as I sit up and rub my eyes from the sleep collected in them from last night's rest.
A long hot soak in the bath is exactly what I need to clear my head. I think of El, and how Lady Whistledown's gossip sheet has affected her, and the rest of Bridgerton house. She must be devastated. I rub a lavender soap along the length of my legs, and wash it off with the scolding hot water.
Dressing into one of my simpler gowns, I allow Joan to clip my hair up into a bun at the top of my head. I was to wear an exquisite dress to the Featherington ball, made of lovely golden fabric, laced with golden beads on the bodice, Mama insisted I was to wear it, for what reason I cannot fathom.
One of the other maids popped her head into my room,
"You have a caller Miss, I am certain you do not wish to get rid of him." she giggles,
-
Walking down the staircase, I spot Benedict, flowers in hand.
"Benedict!" I laugh,
"I thought it may be quite nice for me to formally call on you."
"You do not need to. I know of your feelings." I smile, her holds out the bouquet,
It is one of lilies and orchids, my favourite flowers since I was a child. They grew just outside my childhood home, and I have always admired them.
"They are your favourite flowers, are they not?" he asks, as I blankly stare at the beautiful arrangement before me,
"Yes, they are. How did you remember?"
"I do have some memory of our childhood." he says,
"Unexpected." I smile, "However much appreciated. Thank you." I take the bouquet from him,
-
That night, I dressed up in my beautiful gown, Joan created a slightly messier bun, with curls coming out of it, and we accessorised the dress with golden jewellery. My makeup was consisted of a golden shade of eyeshadow, blended with a brown towards the end. Blusher coated my cheeks, and my lashes darkened with a black paste.
Lady Featherington certainly knew how to throw an excellent ball, I shall give her that much credit. Benedict took Eloise's arm to lead her into the room, I saw them appear at the entrance, quickly making my way over to them.
"El, I hope this scandal has not caused you dismay, though how could it not?" I give a half-hearted smile to appease her,
"Well, I am not in the greatest of spirits currently." she gave one back, then turning to her older brother, she says, "Brother. Ask her to dance rather than just gawk at her!"
I watch Benedict's cheeks flush red, as Eloise leaves to find Penelope. "Athena, would you care to dance?" he asks,
"Why, certainly." he leads me onto the dancefloor, as the music starts up once more into a soft ballad. We dance around each other, before he pulls me into a whisper,
"I found out that my acceptance to the Royal Schools was aided by Anthony." he admits,
"How so?"
"He donated a generous some to the Academy, that secured my place. I feel as though I am but an imposter."
"You, Benedict Bridgerton are no imposter. Anthony shouldn't've meddled but that does not mean you should all of a sudden give up!" I exclaim,
"It is much too late for that, I have taken my leave. Instead, I shall paint for pleasure. I am still able to use what I have learned in my art studies and apply it myself."
"That is truly, a shame. I know how hard you worked and how much you desired to stay on at that school."
"Well, now I have a much larger portion of time devoted to my... new desires." he looks longingly at my lips, I draw a shaky breath as the music ends,
-
As the music ends, Benedict leads me for a walk along the gardens. We talk of how he might pursue art in other ways now that his time at the Royal Schools has indeed ended.
I watch as many others are lead outside, Benedict leads me to a secluded corner of the garden.
"There is a question, I have been waiting a long time to ask." Ben gets down onto one knee,
I clasp a hand over my mouth, my eyes even now brimming with tears. He reaches into his pocket, his hand pulling out a small velvet box. Benny opens the small box to reveal the ring my grandmother once wore, the ring I admired for so long, he had even gotten my family's approval.
"You are the person I love, Athena Crauford. I wish to wake up next to you every morning, to be the father of your children, to be your husband. Will you spend the rest of your life with me? Will you marry me?" he giddily smiles up towards me, emotions flood through me, my pulse quickening,
"I have no words, other than... yes!" I scream, he places the ring upon my finger, I lace my hands together at his neck, he holds my waist delicately as I kiss him. The kiss is filled with passion, love and excitement. It solidifies us, Benedict Bridgerton is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. He will be my husband, a father to my children, and I shall be his bride.
We rest our heads upon the other's, and just then a large display of fireworks pops in the air. We smile into one another, before we kiss once more. Passionately, lovingly.
YOU ARE READING
goddess | b. bridgerton
Romansaathena 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...
