LIMERANCE,, benedict bridgerton

xxxiv | punisher

Violet was true to her word as Eloise had arrived to help sneak Alexandria out of her house to the ball. She had also let Clara in on the plan, of course.

"I do not want this to end badly for you, Alexandria." Clara stated as she laced up the back of Alexandria's dress. "I have not been able to see anyone for weeks, I do not care about the consequences I will face." Alexandria said honestly, she seen the look of worry mixed with disapproval on Clara's face through the mirror.

"You do not have to cover for me you know." Alexandria spoke up. "I know. You have told me already, but just know I won't feel right for ratting you out" Clara said. "You won't be 'ratting me out' Clara, my parents were bound to find out eventually." Alexandria shrugged.

"I could lose my job..." Clara trailed off quietly. "I will make sure that does not happen. I cannot and my family cannot afford such a great lady's maid like you." Alexandria said reassuringly.

"Finished." Clara said softly. Alexandria took a second to take herself in, considering that this was Philipas ball it was bound to be extravagant. She was wearing a deep blue dress with matching gloves, a colour she would not usually wear as she was used to pastels but Alexandria had to admit she liked the change. The deepness of the blue brung out the darkness of her brown eyes. Her hair was waved rather than in its usual mess of natural curls.

"The housekeeper is even in on this, we are all covering for you. I will get her to distract your parents more specifically your mother." Clara said with a groan. "My father's a soft touch." Alexandria admitted, even though she was beyond angry with her father but he would pretend he did not see her and let her go.

"Footman Alex will escort you out into your carriage where you will meet Eloise." Clara finished. "Sounds like you have this all planned out." Alexandria giggled. "We want the best for you Alexandria." Clara smiled and they left the room, quietly sneaking downstairs.

In the main foyer, Alexandria immediately heard the housekeeper talking to her parents about some nonsense. "Let's go." Footman Alex smiled as he led Alexandria outside and safely into the carriage.

"Eloise!" Alexandria immediately exclaimed as she threw her arms around Eloise. "Oh, Alexandria." Eloise sighed as she returned the gesture. "I have been so worried about you! I was grateful for mama visiting you and giving us all an update." Eloise said and Alexandria nodded.

"Thank you for doing this, helping me sneak out and all." Alexandria smiled weakly. "You do not even need to thank me! You are my best friend I would do anything for you." Eloise said. "This feels a bit like helping you escape prison."

"It certainly does." Alexandria snorted, the comparison wasn't wrong being trapped in her house felt like prison. "Benedict has been going stir crazy." Eloise spoke up. "I miss him." Alexandria pouted sadly. "I know you do, and so does he." Eloise smiled in sympathy.

"My big brother may be the biggest idiot ever, but it is clear he loves you. He will not stop tormenting your parents." Eloise chuckled and Alexandria did the same. It felt nice for Alexandria to know that there was people thinking about her and missing her, it was a great comfort.

"Will Benedict... be there tonight?" Alexandria asked shyly. "Yes." Eloise said simply. "Good..." Alexandria whispered. The sensation of butterflies erupted in her belly, it made her think back to being a teenager with hormones going crazy and her developing her first ever crush on Benedict. How back then, any kindness he showed to Alexandria or being close to her in anyway made butterflies swarm in her gut.

The carriage pulled up outside of the house but Alexandria found she could not move, nerves had overtook her and she was frozen in place. "It will be fine. I will be there and so will my mama, Penelope, Benedict, and Colin." Eloise said trying to comfort Alexandria but when she was still rooted in place Eloise spoke again. "We are all fighting for you, believe me."