LIMERANCE,, benedict bridgerton

xvi | friendships lost

"Dearest Gentle Reader, Did you miss me?"

After a long winter, Alexandria was delighted for the new season to begin. They were now at the start of spring with the sky looking bluer and the flowers blooming, Mayfair looked picturesque. All winter had been spend dividing her time between Penelope and Eloise and equal parts Benedict when she could sneak away from Eloise's side and see him.

Truthfully, splitting her time between the two women was utterly exhausting. Eloise was still a little bitter over Alexandria not choosing sides which Alexandria had to kindly remind her that they were infact not children anymore and she should grow up. It seemed when Alexandria spent her time with Penelope, she would spend their time together wallowing, Alexandria thought she was just a reminder to Penelope of her friendship with Eloise. However, what both Eloise and Penelope had in common in this loss was that they both bad mouthed eachother off to Alexandria.

At some point during the winter Penelope had left Mayfair with her family and informed her of their return in the new season, and Eloise during this time had took up a friendship with the villainous Cressida Cowper. Alexandria didn't take this news well and let Eloise know of her disapproval.

"Is this to spite me or something?" Alexandria questioned when Eloise broke the awful news. "What! No why would you think that?" Eloise said in utter confusion.

"Because I am friends with you and Penelope and I know you hate that I split my time between the both of you!" Alexandria shouted and Eloise stayed quiet, which confirmed Alexandria's suspicions.

"How could you do this?" Alexandria asked. "Do what? I'm simply making new friends I didn't know I wasn't allowed to!" Eloise shouted and Alexandria let out a huge sigh.

"You know what I mean, El." Alexandria said sighing in defeat. "What would poor Penelope make of this new found friendship?" Alexandria asked.

"Sod what she thinks!" Eloise said throwing up her hands. "Eloise I knew you could be cruel, but I never imagined just how cruel you could be." Alexandria said stepping closer to Eloise, so close she could hear Eloise's breathing.

"I think this is the worse decision you've ever made, this friendship will end in tears Bridgerton." Alexandria said practically bringing her voice down to a whisper and she stormed out the Bridgerton sitting room.

"Are you alright?" Benedict asked when he saw Alexandria pacing around relentlessly and her knuckles going white. "Your sister is the problem." She said breathing angrily. They moved off to find a bench where Alexandria told Benedict everything.

Since that moment, the women had made up with eachother but it wasn't the same. Alexandria told Eloise she would never befriend Cressida or ever be with Eloise when Cressida was there.

The Avalons made their way to the annual ball the Queen hosted when women made their debut into society. Francesca Bridgerton had looked absolutely ethereal walking down that aisle.

Alexandria was wandering around aimlessly in the garden with her champagne glass clutched firmly in her hand, she looked at all the new debutants conversing with eachother which made her smile fondly.

"Pen!" Alexandria shouted when she saw Penelope. "Lex!" Penelope shouted back and the two women embraced. "You need to tell me everything about your travels! I am desperate for a good story it has been so boring around here." Alexandria said and the two women talked.

When Penelope finished talking Alexandria decided she would break the news. "Penelope." Alexandria said suddenly and quiet making Penelope look at her with worry. "I'm only telling you this so you don't need to witness it for yourself." Alexandria began.