✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚ 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐒 ˚｡⋆ ༘˚✧
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𝐢𝐯.

"𝐇𝐎𝐖 do you take your tea, Athena?" Eloise asked as she carefully poured two cups, one for herself and the other for Athena.

Athena, absorbed in examining the details of the drawing room, didn't immediately register Eloise's question.

"Athena?" Eloise raised her voice slightly, catching Athena's attention.

"Pardon me," Athena cleared her throat. "With a little milk, please. I prefer it not too white.

Eloise nodded, adding a splash of milk to Athena's tea before handing her the cup. "There you go," she said with a smile.

"Thank you, Eloise," Athena replied warmly, accepting the tea and taking a sip. The fragrant aroma of the brew filled the air, blending with the soft scent of cherries from the nearby box they had brought from the market.

As they sat in the cozy sitting room of the Bridgerton house, Athena couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility settle over her. The afternoon sun cast a gentle glow through the lace curtains, creating patterns of light and shadow on the polished wood floor. The room was adorned with elegant furnishings and tasteful decor, reflecting the refined taste of its occupants.

"So," Eloise began, setting her own cup down on the small table between them, "tell me more about this lip color you mentioned earlier. How exactly do you make it from cherries?"

Athena's eyes lit up with enthusiasm, her cheeks tinged with a hint of excitement. "Oh, it's quite simple, really," she explained, setting her tea aside momentarily. "You take fresh cherries and crush them to extract the juice. Then, you mix the juice with a bit of beeswax and almond oil to create a smooth paste. It's not just lovely in color but also feels wonderfully nourishing on the lips."

Eloise listened attentively, intrigued by Athena's description. "That sounds delightful," she remarked. "And the color does it stay on all day?"

"Yes, exactly!" Athena nodded eagerly, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "It gives a very natural tint of red, and because it's mixed with almond oil, it has this lovely glossiness look, which I really prefer."

Eloise leaned forward, intrigued. "That sounds wonderful, Athena. Have you experimented with any other fruits or natural ingredients for beauty products?"

Athena smiled, delighted by Eloise's interest. "Oh, yes! I've tried using strawberries for a blush, and avocado for a hydrating face mask. There's so much you can create from what nature provides."  

Outside the doors of the drawing room, Benedict and Colin had just returned from their respective engagements. Colin had spent the afternoon at the club, catching up with Anthony, who was still reveling in the joys of marriage with Kate. Benedict had joined them later at the club, following his unsuccessful visit to the Huxleys' house.

Back at the club, he had recounted his visit to Colin and Anthony. As expected, they had teased him relentlessly about it. Benedict couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment at his lack of success, especially among the Bridgerton brothers who were known for their charm and confidence.

Colin leaned against the bar, a teasing glint in his eye. "Ah, Benedict, not quite the suitor you hoped to be?"

Anthony chuckled, sipping his drink. "Perhaps you need a more strategic approach, my friend. Or better timing."

Benedict shrugged, trying to maintain his composure. "It was a minor setback. I'll just have to try again another day."

"Benedict?" Colin's voice broke through Benedict's reverie, pulling him back from his thoughts. They stood outside their family's drawing room, the familiar surroundings bringing a sense of comfort despite Benedict's earlier distractions.

Benedict blinked, refocusing on Colin's expectant gaze. "Yes, Colin?"

"Shall we join the others in the drawing room, or would you prefer going home to continue your daydreaming... maybe about a certain girl?" Colin raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk playing on his lips.

Benedict chuckled softly, appreciating Colin's teasing. "Oh, very well, let's not keep everyone waiting." He gestured towards the drawing room door with a nod, indicating they should proceed.

Colin grinned mischievously and followed Benedict into the drawing room. As they entered, they expected to see their family seated or standing about, engaged in conversation. Instead, they found Eloise and another young woman facing away from them. Benedict could only see the back of the girl's head, her hair cascading in waves down her back.

"Eloise?" Benedict called out, curiosity piqued as he approached.

Eloise turned, a smile spreading across her face. "Benedict, Colin, you're back!" She gestured towards the girl beside her. "I was just enjoying tea with Athena. Benedict, you must remember her from the ball, but Colin, this is my friend Athena Huxley."

Athena turned to face them, a polite smile on her lips. Benedict's heart skipped a beat as he locked eyes with her, the memory of her from the masquerade ball flooding his mind. He managed a nod of greeting, his gaze lingering on her features, captivated by her presence.

Colin, ever the charmer, stepped forward with a grin. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Huxley."

Athena's smile widened slightly, and she nodded in acknowledgment. "Likewise, Mr. Bridgerton."

Benedict found himself at a loss for words, struck by Athena's grace and the sudden realization that fate had given him another chance. He glanced at Colin, who winked knowingly before turning to engage Eloise in conversation. Benedict took a moment to compose himself, grateful for Colin's presence and the unexpected turn of events that brought Athena into their midst once more.

"Would you care to join us for tea, brothers?" Eloise inquired, settling gracefully into her chair once more and pouring herself a fresh cup. Her gaze flickered between Benedict and Colin, awaiting their response with a mixture of curiosity and impatience. "Or are you planning to depart again so soon?"

Colin, ever the embodiment of charm, maintained his mischievous grin as he seated himself beside Eloise. "I'll take a cup, thank you kindly. What say you, Benedict?" He glanced up at Benedict, who remained transfixed, his eyes lingering upon Athena in a manner that might be considered a touch too intense.

Athena, occupied with cooling her tea, remained oblivious to Benedict's gaze fixed upon her. The cherries on her lips left a faint stain on the delicate porcelain cup as she brought it to her lips, causing Benedict to again observe her. He had not seen anyone with lips tinted that shade before, a subtle crimson that complemented her fair complexion. The faint aroma of cherries drifted through the air, mingling with the fragrance of tea and adding a touch of sweetness to the room.

"Did you visit the market today?" Benedict asked as he sat down, his gaze shifting to the bowl of cherries on the table. He knew the market well and recognized the vibrant fruits immediately.

Athena looked up, surprised by his question. "Yes, we did," she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. "Eloise and I found these lovely cherries and couldn't resist bringing some home."

Eloise, pleased by the conversation's turn, added, "Athena was just telling me about how she makes a lip color from cherries. Quite fascinating, isn't it?"

Benedict's eyes lit up with interest. "Indeed, it is. I have never heard of such a thing before. You must tell me more about it, Miss Huxley."

"It really is not that exciting," Athena replied modestly, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks. "I just learned it a couple of years ago when I visited Turkey with my dear brother. They can make anything with fruits and vegetables. It is quite fascinating how they can just create things with what they have. I could never have come up with the idea of making lip color with cherries on my own."

They all stayed quiet for a moment. Eloise was busy thinking about how she would later tell Penelope all about her discoveries. Colin, on the other hand, was thinking about how much he would tease Benedict when Athena Huxley left; Benedict looked like someone who wanted to throw himself at her. Benedict himself was, of course, busy picturing her travels in Turkey, imagining how beautiful the country must have been.

Finally, Colin broke the silence, "So, Miss Huxley, what do you like to do in your free time?"

Athena's eyes lit up with enthusiasm as she answered, "I love to paint. It's one of my greatest passions. Just as much as I love spending hours in our flower garden back home in Windsor. I just love walking around, watering plants, and smelling each of them while I pick a new bouquet of the day."

"When did you start painting?" Benedict asked, his interest clearly piqued. Everyone in his family knew of his passion for painting. He had recently completed a brief but intense course at the Royal Academy of Art, just before the season started. The experience had been transformative for him, deepening his love for the craft. He painted whenever he could, even dedicating an entire room in his apartment to his art.

Athena's eyes sparkled as she answered, "I began painting when I was quite young, perhaps around eight or nine. My mother introduced me to it, and it quickly became a beloved pastime. Over the years, it has evolved into a true passion, much like your own, it seems."

He nodded in understanding. 

"It would not even come to my surprise if you could paint with these cherries as well," Eloise giggled, picking up a cherry and taking a bite. Her eyes widened with delight. "They're amazing," she exclaimed, her face lighting up. Just as Athena had described, the cherries were sweet but not overly so, with a soft interior and a tiny stone in the middle that needed to be spat out.

Athena laughed softly, "They are quite versatile, aren't they?"

Colin, ever curious, picked up a cherry and examined it thoughtfully before popping it into his mouth. "I can see why you like them, Athena. They have a unique charm."

"But to answer your presumption, yes, I have painted with cherries and other things such as berries," Athena reminisced, a faraway look in her eyes. "In Turkey, I visited a family of eight—a mother and her seven children. Sadly, their father had passed away, so whenever the mother had to work, she would smash fruits from her garden and let the children paint on the walls while she was away for the day. Over the years, the walls became filled with colorful drawings, and remarkably, they did not smell or rot. It was beautiful. I asked her to teach me, and ever since, I have enjoyed using our own berries and fruits to create paintings."

Benedict, who had been captivated by Athena's story, snapped back to the present as Colin offered him a glass of cognac. He glanced at Colin briefly, then turned his attention back to Athena as she made eye contact with him. Her gaze was warm and inviting, and Benedict found himself momentarily at a loss for words, struck by her presence.

"Ah, yes, thank you," Benedict replied to Colin absentmindedly, reaching out to accept the glass of cognac. He took a sip, the warmth of the liquor contrasting with the warmth he felt from Athena's gaze. Clearing his throat, he sought to regain his composure.

Athena stood up gracefully, her delicate fingers brushing off imaginary specks from her light pink dress. Her hair, styled in a half up, half down arrangement, framed her face with effortless elegance. Benedict couldn't help but notice how radiant she looked in the soft afternoon light filtering through the window.

As she moved, the fabric of her dress swayed gently, emphasizing her poise and grace. Benedict felt a stirring within him, a mixture of admiration and a growing fascination with this captivating woman before him. He found himself momentarily lost in her presence, wondering at the effect she had on him.

Colin, ever the observer, shot a knowing glance at Benedict, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he noticed Benedict's reaction to Athena's simple movement. He took another sip of cognac, content to watch the unfolding dynamics between his brother and their new acquaintance.

Eloise, still by the window, noticed the subtle shift in the room's atmosphere. She smiled to herself, sensing the unspoken connection between Benedict and Athena. Her heart warmed at the prospect of her dear friend finding someone who seemed to appreciate Athena's charm and spirit.

In that moment, as Athena stood there so elegantly, Benedict found himself captivated not just by her outward beauty, but by the grace and warmth she exuded. It was as if time had momentarily paused, allowing him to fully appreciate the enchanting presence of Athena Huxley in the room.

Athena gracefully excused herself, a slight blush adorning her cheeks as she addressed the Bridgerton brothers and Eloise. "I must take my leave. I did not expect to be away from my family for this long. It has been lovely to see you two, Mr. Bridgertons, again. And Eloise, thank you for inviting me to the market."

With a gentle nod and a faint curtsy, Athena turned and walked out of the drawing room, her departure leaving a quiet and contemplative atmosphere in her wake. Benedict watched her leave, his thoughts lingering on the brief but enchanting encounter they had shared.

Colin raised his glass in a casual salute, a knowing smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Benedict. "Well, brother, it seems she has made quite an impression on you." 

Benedict chuckled softly, his gaze still fixed on the doorway through which Athena had disappeared. "Oh, Colin, give it a rest."

Colin grinned mischievously, taking a sip of his cognac. "I'm just saying, you looked like you were ready to write a sonnet right then and there."

Eloise, amused by their banter, interjected with a playful tone, "Oh, Benedict, don't be so coy. It's not often you're struck speechless."

Benedict rolled his eyes good-naturedly, though a smile played at his lips. "She's just... intriguing, that's all."

As they continued to jest and share their impressions of Athena's visit, Benedict couldn't shake the lingering thought of her elegance and the unexpected connection he felt. He wondered if fate would indeed offer another chance encounter with Athena Huxley, leaving him eagerly anticipating what the future might hold.

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