✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚ 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐒 ˚｡⋆ ༘˚✧
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𝐢𝐱.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 much-anticipated Huxley Five Day Event has drawn to a close, and what an event it was! Society is left buzzing with tales of splendor, delight, and a few intriguing mysteries.

The festivities were nothing short of spectacular, with the grand ball dazzling all in attendance. Yet, one could not help but notice that Miss Athena Huxley, usually the life of the party, seemed rather distant. Could it be that our dear Miss Huxley has something on her mind, or perhaps someone?

Speaking of captivating pairs, Mr. Benedict Bridgerton was seen dancing quite frequently with the charming Miss Waterloo. Might we dare hope that Mr. Bridgerton is finally on the verge of finding a bride? This author certainly believes that the signs are promising.

In contrast, Miss Eloise Bridgerton and Miss Penelope Featherington once again managed to deftly avoid the attentions of the season's eligible bachelors. One wonders if these two determined ladies will ever succumb to the societal pressures of matrimony.

As always, dear readers, your faithful correspondent shall keep a vigilant eye on all developments. Until then, continue to sparkle and shine in our ever-fascinating society.

Lady Whistledown's Society Papers,
27 June 1815

𝐀𝐋𝐋 the guests had departed, leaving only Athena and her family within the once bustling house. Athena found herself laying outside on a blanket, an act of defiance that would surely incur her mama's wrath were she not preoccupied with packing down her extensive wardrobe.

Her mama, ever concerned with propriety and the relentless march of time, had insisted they return to London. The season was far from over, and Athena's age had become a point of contention. "Next year," her mama had argued, "no one will want to marry a girl of your age."

She had not even returned to London yet, and already her thoughts turned to escaping once more. Last night, she and Lord Beaumont had spoken for hours about their respective futures. Her mama had been adamant: marry Lord Beaumont, whether she wished to or not.

Athena's feelings towards Lord Beaumont were complex. While she found his company agreeable, she did not love him. There was no spark, no yearning for his presence. It was a connection of convenience and propriety, not of the heart.

They had both agreed to announce their engagement at the Somerset House gallery outing next Tuesday, a mere four days away. The weight of this decision pressed upon her, yet Athena knew that a life with Lord Beaumont would be comfortable and secure.

"Athena, you are ruining your dress, sweetheart," her mama admonished as she stepped outside, a small fan in her hand. "Why aren't you packing for our departure?"

Athena ignored her, her gaze still fixed on the clouds drifting lazily above.

Her mama walked closer and bent down so they faced each other. "Athena Huxley, do not ignore your mother."

Athena took a deep breath and propped herself up on her elbows. "I am already packed and finished. Can I not just enjoy the fresh air?" She crossed her arms, a flicker of defiance in her eyes.

Her mama's expression softened slightly, though her tone remained firm. "You know that a proper lady does not lay on a blanket on the grass; she sits in a chair."

"Nobody is watching me," Athena replied, laying back down and closing her eyes, savoring the fresh smell of flowers.

Her mama chuckled softly. "Oh honey, they are always watching you."

Athena sighed, feeling the weight of her mother's words. In their world, appearances were everything, and even a moment of private indulgence could become fodder for gossip. "But I do not see a person from the ton here."

"Actually," her mama chuckled, "there is someone here to see you."

Athena opened her eyes and looked up at her mother, intrigued. "Who?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Her mama's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Lord Bridgerton is here."

"Lord Bridgerton?" Athena quickly got up, brushing off any remnants of grass from her dress. "The eldest brother?"

Her mama nodded, stepping aside to reveal the tall, chestnut-haired Bridgerton standing in the doorway. He was impeccably dressed, his posture calm and dignified as he waited for the appropriate moment to speak.

"Miss Huxley," he said with a courteous nod, "I hope I am not intruding upon you."

Athena, still taken aback by his unexpected arrival, momentarily forgot to respond.

"You are not intruding, Lord Bridgerton," her mother interjected, her voice carrying a hint of propriety. "If you will excuse me, I have some packing to attend to." With a nod of acknowledgment, she turned and made her way back inside, leaving Athena and Anthony Bridgerton alone in the garden.

As her mama departed, Anthony stepped fully into the garden, his presence commanding yet serene. He offered Athena a warm, reassuring smile. "Miss Huxley, I trust I have not caught you at an inconvenient time?"

Athena found her composure and returned his smile with a nod. "Not at all, Lord Bridgerton. I am simply surprised to see you here. I thought you had already departed with your wife, Kate."

He nodded, a hint of seriousness in his expression. "I was meant to, but I realized, as the head of the Bridgerton household, I had to speak to you."

"About what?" Athena frowned, her curiosity piqued.

Anthony's gaze remained steady, his tone earnest. "Perhaps we could discuss this further over a walk?"

Athena nodded, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension. She stood and followed him as he led the way towards the serene lake nearby.

As they strolled along the path, the tranquil surroundings seemed to offer a momentary reprieve from the weight of their conversation. The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft lapping of water against the shore provided a calming backdrop.

Anthony glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "I have been told that you are to marry Lord Beaumont, if I am not mistaken."

Athena nodded, her voice soft but resolute. "Yes, I am."

Anthony's gaze remained steady as he processed her response. "Given this engagement, it's clear that you have important decisions ahead. My concern is that Benedict's recent behavior might complicate matters."

Athena's brow furrowed. "How so?"

Anthony took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Benedict has been unusually distant lately, which is not characteristic of him. I've observed a change in his demeanor, suggesting that his feelings are now focused elsewhere. I know it may seem presumptuous of me, but from your brief interactions, I cannot help but think you have had an impact on him."

Athena's eyes widened slightly, and she looked at him, her thoughts whirling. "You believe that my interactions with Benedict have influenced him?"

Anthony nodded, his expression earnest. "It seems that way. The change in his behavior coincides with the time you've spent together, and his demeanor suggests that his affections are now directed elsewhere. I wanted to tell you this only because Benedict has never acted this way over a woman before. And, as someone who ended up marrying a person I hadn't initially intended to, I really think you should give Benedict a second thought."

Athena's eyes widened slightly as she took in his words. "You think I am like you? And that I should do as you did?"

He stuttered, finding himself momentarily at a loss for words, a rarity for him. "I did not say that," he replied, a touch of firmness in his voice as he regarded the brunette debutante before him. She was smiling broadly at his uncharacteristic embarrassment.

Athena tilted her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Oh, but you did imply it, Lord Bridgerton."

Anthony found himself momentarily speechless, an unusual occurrence for him.

Seeing his discomfort, she continued, "But I will take your suggestion to heart."

Anthony cleared his throat, regaining some of his composure. "My intention was merely to encourage you to consider all your options, Miss Huxley. Only you can truly know what will bring you happiness."

Her smile softened, a touch of gratitude in her expression. "I appreciate your concern and your candor. It is not often one speaks so freely of matters of the heart."

Anthony nodded, relieved to see her taking his words seriously. "Sometimes, candid advice is the most necessary. Remember, whatever decision you make, it should be for your own contentment and not merely out of duty. I learned that, and look where I am now."

Athena looked at him thoughtfully. "I suppose you do present an excellent example, and I suppose it will not harm to seek out your younger brother once more."

Anthony's expression brightened with approval. "I am delighted to hear that. However, I must return to London, as I have much work to attend to, especially after Kate and my honeymoon."

Athena smiled. "Of course, Lord Bridgerton. I wish you safe travels and much success in your endeavors."

Anthony inclined his head, a warm smile on his face. "Thank you, Miss Huxley. I wish you the very best in your decisions. May you find the happiness you seek."

With a final nod, Anthony turned and made his way back toward the house, leaving Athena to her thoughts by the lake. She watched him go, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and a glimmer of hope for the future.

"What should I do?" she mumbled to herself. Athena had pondered this question not once or twice, but at least a hundred times.

Upon returning to her room, she found a paper and a pen and began to organize her thoughts. With a steady hand, she drew a vertical line down the center of the page, labeling one side "Benedict" and the other "Nathaniel." Then, she drew a horizontal line across the page, creating four squares.

In the first two squares, she wrote down the qualities she admired about Benedict and Nathaniel. Beneath "Benedict," she noted qualities such as "kind," "thoughtful," "creative," and "has a genuine regard for me." Under "Nathaniel," she wrote, "dignified," "steady," "well-connected," and "financially secure."

In the remaining two squares, she recorded aspects she found less appealing. Under "Benedict," she noted "uncertain about his future" and "less conventional." Under "Nathaniel," she wrote "lack of personal connection" and "more focused on social status."

Athena stared at the divided page, the clarity of her thoughts beginning to form a more coherent picture. The list did not resolve her feelings entirely, but it offered a clearer view of the contrasts between the two suitors and the choices she faced.

"This is wrong," she mumbled to herself after what felt like minutes of silence. Athena stared at the crumpled paper on the floor, her frustration mounting. "I should not be choosing over a list."

With a sigh, she stood up and walked over to the discarded paper. She picked it up, smoothing it out with a gentle touch, and set it aside. The exercise had not provided the clarity she had hoped for; it only made her feel more confused and disconnected from her emotions.

"What are you doing on the floor?" Archibald asked, peeking inside her room. "Are you alright?"

Athena looked up, quickly hiding the paper behind her back. She forced a smile and nodded. "Yes, perfectly fine."

Archibald raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Liar. What are you hiding?" He walked into the room and sat down on her bed, crossing his arms with a determined look. "I will not leave until you tell me."

"You truly can do nothing, Archibald, even if I disclose it to you," she remarked.

He rolled his eyes and implored, "Just tell me, I beseech you, Atty."

She remained silent for a spell, pondering whether to confide in him or not. His gaze remained fixed upon her, staring almost intently.

"Who do you think I should wed?" Athena abruptly inquired, her hands folded in her lap, clutching the paper.

Archibald smiled at her query, "Was that what you feared to disclose?"

Athena shook her head. "Nay, but do answer me, Archibald."

He drew a deep breath and cleared his throat. "Well, I know not if my counsel will avail you, but methinks, by the manner in which you regard him and the frequency with which you seek his company, that Benedict Bridgerton is the one you should marry."

His words echoed her own hopes. She yearned for him to assure her that Lord Beaumont was not the proper match.

"I can perceive your thoughts, Atty, and I can also see your discontent. Perhaps you should reconsider your betrothal to Lord Beaumont," he smiled, rising from his seat. "I have intruded upon you long enough; I shall take my leave."

She smiled and watched him depart, leaving her to solitude once more. Athena knew his words held truth, yet she felt a deep apprehension. Nevertheless, she resolved to visit Benedict's residence and converse with him. She needed to hear his desires, for she had never before allowed him the opportunity.

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