goddess | b. bridgerton

chapter 22

When I arrived home, I ran to Mama, who sat up in bed reading as I entered.

"Mama!" I call quietly, "Are you awake?" I push open her door,

"Yes, dearest. How was the ball?"

"Well, you make like to know." I sit next to her, upon the bed, "I am now engaged to be married." I giggle, flashing the diamond upon my ring finger.

"That is wonderful news my dear!" she says, slightly less excitedly that I had hoped for,

"What is it?" I ask,

"Benedict already asked all three of us for our blessing to marry you. I am over the moon that he finally proposed."

"Did he now?" I question, happy that my husband-to-be asked for my entire family's blessing, rather than only Papa's.

-

Benedict and I decided to tell our families about the engagement tomorrow, when I arrive to teach Hyacinth violin. I was extremely nervous, but I knew I would be doing it all with the love of my life. Joan helped me pick out a nice dress to wear to see my future family-in-law, that sounded strange. I've known them all for 9 years, but today was different, I knew they would all still be extremely supportive, but it still unnerves me.

My whole world is about to change, and I'm not sure that I am ready for it.

Joan accompanied me to the Bridgerton house, much like any day but I talked to her the entire walk of my concerns, which she listened to intently, offering small pieces of advice for me to calm myself. Excitement and anxiety, the only two emotions I was feeling presently.

Tilly greeted me at the door, and took my coat much like any other day. Benedict stood waiting for me,

"Are you ready to tell them?"

"Not in the slightest, are you?"

"No, but as long as I am with you, nothing else matters. I already have your family's approval, I believe mine will approve of you too."

"Since I have know them all for 9 years, I'm certain they would not object to our engagement." I chuckle, as he allows me to slide my arm through his.

I took a deep breath as we strode into the sitting room, with the entire Bridgerton house in residence. Benedict spoke first,

"We have," he looked towards me, "an announcement. If you would all care to listen."

Hyacinth sat up immediately, a smile already spread across her face as if she knows exactly what has happened.

I add, "I'm sure you all know of our admitted feelings for one another." I see Violet gasp, with delight, Eloise has even put her book down to hear us.

"Yes, yes you two have been in love for years, we get it!" Anthony encourages,

"Brother, do not rush them!" Colin scolds,

I pull my arm from my future husband's, and hold my hand out extending the ring. "We are engaged to be wed!" I exclaim, and before I know it, Hyacinth has almost knocked me over in an embrace, the rest of the Bridgerton house examines my ring. Violet giving me a long hug,

"I cannot believe you are to be my daughter! I have hoped for this for years." she giggles, taking a closer look at the diamond on my finger.

Anthony pats his brother on the back, resting a hand upon his shoulder he asks, "How did you afford such a beautiful ring?"

"It was the ring my grandfather, gave to my grandmother when they were engaged. I used to always look at it as a child, my father gave it to Benedict after my family gave their blessing." I explain,

"I cannot believe you are to be my sister!" Hyacinth squeals with joy,

"I am glad too!" I exclaim, giving the girl another hug.

Eloise approaches me, pulling me too into a hug. When she finally lets go, she smiles gladly, "It will be most exciting to have another intelligent woman in the house."

"Why, thank you!" I giggle, before Violet suddenly gasps,

"What is is?" I ask,

She smiles, "Daphne! She does not know yet!"

"Well, I called her to the house today. She is arriving within the hour." I address the room, "Not one of you is to utter a single word!"

"She will be most excited!" Colin smiles, before embracing me too,

Even Anthony comes to give me a hug, to congratulate me.

"I will be able to tease you even more senselessly now Anthony." I smile,

"Fair enough." he smiles,

"No retort?" I am taken aback, "You must be in a good mood."

"I too am in love. With Miss Kate Sharma."

"WHAT?!" I scream with excitement, "When did this new development come to pass?"

"Just last night." he smiles,

"I am so proud of you. You finally found something worth more than your pride." I giggle,

He chuckles, "I shall never hear the end of this, will I?"

"No, no you will not."

"I think this calls for celebration, you and Hyacinth my resume your lessons another day, by today is a day we welcome you into the Bridgerton family." Violet says,

"May I ask that we do not celebrate before Daphne arrives?" I ask,

"Well, of course." The Viscountess agrees,

-

Daphne arrives swiftly, and she is no sooner out the door than she is rushing down the steps into the garden. She has Simon on her tail, holding their son.

"ATHENA!" she squeals, as we embrace.

"I have something to tell you." I hide my hands behind my back, Simon appears with Augie.

I giggle, as I hug Simon carefully, so as not to crush the toddler between us. I wave my finger just above the little boy's head and he giggles trying to catch it in his tiny hands.

"Wait, Athena." Daphne exclaims, taking my hand examining the ring, "Are you engaged?"

"Yes." I nod, tears slowly brim at my eyes, "Yes I am!"

"To who?" she demands,

"Benedict." I smile, biting my lip.

"Really?!" she says, embracing me, tears now welling at her own eyes, "I have been in anticipation for his proposal for years! Oh that is amazing, we shall be sisters!" A tear of joy rolls down her cheek, and I wipe it away smiling giddily.

"We must celebrate! Your Mama has already prepared some food, we held off our celebrations until you arrived. Then Anthony has insisted we dance, he is in quite a good mood."

"That is unlike him." Simon says, "What has gotten into him lately?"

"I'm certain he wishes to tell you himself." I smile, leading the couple over to the rest of their - our family.