LIMERANCE,, benedict bridgerton

xxiii | ire

"Im free!" Alexandria exclaimed twirling around as her and Penelope were approaching the Hawkins balloon to see the launch of it. In all honesty, Alexandria could not give a toss, what was so special about a hot air balloon lifting off? But she only agreed to go with Penelope and Benedict respectively, just so she wasn't holed up in her room when she didn't need to be anymore. She had also missed both her best friends terribly. She did also miss Eloise, but she wouldn't call them best friends or even on speaking terms at the moment. Alexandria had not seen Penelope since before she took off to My Cottage with Benedict.

Of course Alexandria told Penelope all about the events that had went on during her trip in the safety of her room, she couldn't risk being heard in public or bear the thought of Benedict overhearing her childlike fantasies when it came to him. "Do not put this in whistle down." Alexandria whispered only half joking, Penelope looked a little hurt at the remark but recovered quickly. "Of course not!" Penelope exclaimed. Alexandria went on to detail the kiss which she had just been bursting to tell Penelope. Penelope smiled and hugged Alexandria knowing that she had wanted this all of her life. "So are you to be wed?" Penelope asked abruptly. "Pen!" Alexandria said shocked, but it was also a good question. "No we are not yet for the moment." Alexandria said simply.

"For the moment, that sounds promising at least." Penelope said trying to reassure Alexandria. "I do not know his intentions yet. We haven't really spoken about it." Alexandria said shrugging her shoulders, now indicating she was finished talking about this subject. Penelope just let out a long sigh.

"Tell me about this Debling fellow." Alexandria enquired as they walked arm in arm. "Lord, that's very important." Penelope said pointedly and Alexandria rolled her eyes. Of course it is just like Penelope to make sure every detail is right. Alexandria made a hand motion signalling to keep the conversation going. "Well he is a naturist and a vegetarian. Mama approves only because he is rich." Penelope chuckled. "Very different to your normal type then!" Alexandria exclaimed. "And what would that be." Penelope said glaring at Alexandria. "Colin Bridgerton." Alexandria said simply. "Hush!" Penelope said shushing Alexandria darting her eyes around madly to see if anyone heard. "Oh for goodness sake, he's not going to pop out the bushes!" Alexandria said sarcastically.

"He may." Penelope said and Alexandria laughed. "Alfred is an outsider like me, he's a good match for me. I think I would be very happy with him." Penelope smiled, Alexandria noticed a trace of pain in Penelope's words on the last sentence. Alexandria knew she loved Penelope loved Colin and always would but she had to move on. Alexandria could deeply sympathise and relate as she's going through similar with Benedict. Except the only difference is that her and Benedict actually pushed the boundaries of their relationship further, way beyond friendship.

"I hope you will be happy with him too, Pen. Truly you deserve it." Alexandria smiled and Penelope hugged her appreciatively. Alexandria also happened to be bestfriends with Colin and even though he never exclusively said he liked Penelope in that way, that love was always there in some form whether it be in actions or words. Alexandria knew Colin inside out like she did with Eloise and Benedict. Colin was easier to crack as deep down he was a sensitive soul.

"I forgot to tell you me and Colin made up, we're friends again." Penelope said stopping to talk infront of the entrance. "I'm glad." Alexandria said letting out a sigh of relief. Penelope caught Alexandria up on everything that had happened.

"Oh you could be getting somewhere!" Alexandria exclaimed after hearing about Colin and Penelope's exchange. "What? Don't be silly." Penelope said. "I want this to work between me and Debling."

They got further into the park, both their families and the Bridgertons trailing in front. Alexandria felt Penelope staring at something and Alexandra looked to see what caught her attention, Penelope had subtly gestured Colin to follow her which he was doing. Alexandria took her hand away from Penelope's. "I will see you in a bit." Alexandria whispered walking off in the opposite direction.