goddess | b. bridgerton

chapter 25

The day of the wedding has finally arrived. A day of significance in a young ladies' life. One I have been preparing for since my day of birth. My stomach churns with uneasy sickness, I wish to see Benedict but as Daphne, My Mama and Violet have all warned against it.

-

Both Violet, and Daphne arrive early to help me prepare for the wedding, helping me choose my jewellery and helping my Mama do my hair just as she did hers, for her wedding to Papa. She is still ill, but her heath has improved vastly over the past month since my engagement announcement. I am glad my happiness has lifted her spirits.

"I am terribly nervous." I whisper to Daphne, as she adds gorgeous droplets to my ears, "I know I am to marry my best friend, but it does quicken my pulse vastly."

"You are to have a small ceremony, with few in attendance. I would only worry about the reception," she smiles, resting her head on my shoulder, "I have heard whispers that the Queen herself is meant to be in attendance."

"Oh, yes that has completely settled my nerves, rather than elevate them significantly." I exaggerate,

"Do not fret, my daughter." My Mama says, smiling at me whilst placing an emerald necklace upon herself, "You look beautiful, I am certain your husband will be gawking on site."

"It is true, Benedict is desperate to see you." His mother smiles, helping my Mama clasp the necklace,

I turn to face them all, "And I am desperate to see him."

"You are certainly eager." Daphne smirks,

"Well, I am not sure what will happen after we are married," I say truthfully, "I do not know what happens on a wedding night, but I have heard stories of the husband to perform his 'marital duty.'"

The three women look towards me, now sharing silent information between one another.

"What?" I ask, now concerned, "What happens?"

"I shall try not to give you too vague of a description," Daphne pointedly looks towards her mother, "but not tell you too much, as I suppose Benedict will help... explain."

"Explain? Description?" I am utterly bewildered,

"I was going to tell you last night." My Mama rested a hand upon my shoulder,

"Tell me what? Will someone tell me exactly what you mean?" I look about the room,

-

Papa has already prepared our carriage, ahead of time. He and Delilah take a separate one, to allow us to continue our conversation. I am certain that is not what Mama told him, but he took a separate one anyway.

"But, enough of that. It is your wedding day after all." Daphne smiles,

"Yes, and I am more nervous than before, now." I falter,

"That is normal, my dear." Violet reassures me,

"Everyone feels nervous on their wedding day!" My Mama says,

"I think I shall vomit." I say, feeling queasy,

"That is alright, maybe not... in here though. Or on the dress." Daphne suggests sheepishly,

I blink at her just as we reach the chapel,

"I should like to visit the ladies room." I hold a hand over my mouth, running from the carriage, the other three ladies running just at my heel.

-

Several minutes later, I have vomited twice, Daphne holding my curls back.

"This is completely embarrassing." I smile, as I wipe the excess from my mouth.

"It is normal. I threw up at least three times before I walked down the aisle." Mama says,

I swill some water around my mouth, and spit it out, rinsing the bathroom sink. Taking another sip, Daphne asks,

"Shall we freshen up?"

"Of course," I take her hand, and she leads me to the dressing room.

"Oh!" She gasps, "I almost forgot!" She roots around in a drawer in the corner of the room,

"I left this in here for you." She lifts a dainty necklace, with a silver crystal droplet on it. Daph places the golden chain around my neck, clasping it.

I press a gentle hand to my chest, feeling for the drop. Lifting it, to better examine the small charm.

"It is beautiful, thank you Daph." I embrace my best friend in the largest hug possible.

I draw one last shaky breath, as Hyacinth, my flower girl enters the room. "They are ready for you Athena." she smiles,

"Ok, thank you Hyacinth. I shall follow you in a moment." the small girl removes herself from the room, as I smile at the other ladies in the room, each in turn hugging them.

Violet and my Mama leave to take their seats, Hyacinth shall go first, the Daphne and finally me and Papa, who is waiting just outside the dressing room.

At the end of that aisle waits my future.