𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐒

𝐓𝐄𝐍 - 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚ 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐒 ˚｡⋆ ༘˚✧
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𝐱.

𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐀 had departed but a few hours after Lord Bridgerton, her heart set on speaking with him before time rendered the opportunity impossible. There was a quiet desperation in her wish for him to reveal whether Lord Beaumont was indeed the man destined to secure her happiness.

She had rehearsed the conversation countless times in her mind, each scenario unfolding differently. The most dreadful outcome she envisioned was his admission that Miss Waterloo, not she, was the object of his affections, and that Benedict Bridgerton had been nothing more than a purveyor of falsehoods. In such an event, Athena had resolved never to rejoin the season, lest she subject herself to the mortification that would surely follow. She could already picture Lady Whistledown's quill scribbling the tale in her notorious society paper.

Now, Athena found herself seated in her family's drawing room, a delicate china cup of tea in hand, nibbling on biscuits as she awaited Benedict Bridgerton's arrival. Upon returning home, she had wasted no time in dispatching a note, requesting his immediate presence. It had been twenty-four hours since then, and she expected his arrival at any moment. The clock had ticked away two full hours as she sat, her impatience growing with every chime, but this had only strengthened her resolve, solidifying the words she intended to speak.

Rising from her seat, she moved to summon the maids. Within moments, they appeared, standing attentively by the door, awaiting her command.

"Could I trouble you for another pot of tea and a fresh tray of ginger biscuits?" Athena asked with a polite smile, lingering a moment to see the maids nod before they quietly exited the room.

Athena wished for the ginger biscuits to be present when Benedict arrived, alongside a freshly brewed pot of tea, to avoid the appearance that she had been waiting excessively. Just as she resumed her seat, the door opened once more, and the maid swiftly entered, setting down the requested items with practiced efficiency.

"That was astonishingly quick," Athena remarked with a light laugh.

The maid returned her smile, replying, "We endeavour to work with haste, madam. I am pleased to hear you found it satisfactory."

Athena's smile softened with a touch of sympathy. "Oh, very quick indeed. You must be weary."

The maid turned slightly, her demeanor composed. "It is my duty, madam. I am well accustomed to it."

A pang of empathy stirred within Athena. She could only imagine how taxing it must be to serve in such a capacity in these demanding times. "Please, take a biscuit," Athena offered, extending the tray towards the maid. "I insist."

"Madam, I could not possibly—these are not meant for me," the maid protested, taking a step back.

"Nonsense," Athena replied firmly, yet kindly. "In fact, I insist you take two." She placed the biscuits into the maid's hand. "Eat them, if you please. That is an order."