Chapter 24

The following evening, Bridget stepped out of her room, her heart aflutter and a distinct bounce in her step as she made her way towards the dining room, the soft glow of candlelight illuminating her path.

At last, the family was reunited, and the evening would be the first dinner together they had had in a while, a momentous occasion, indeed.

Hector, with a twinkle in his eyes, had returned from his worldly travels while Olivia and Elliot had just gotten back from their blissful honeymoon.

To celebrate, the family planned a feast. As Bridget approached the dining room, the fragrant aroma of a sumptuous meal filled the air. The table was adorned with their finest china, sparkling crystal, and exquisite floral arrangements.

The air was thick with joy, but beneath Bridget's radiant smile, a hint of nervousness lingered. She had made the decision to share the news of her departure that evening.

She took a deep breath, her delicate fingers trembling slightly as she clutched her dress, hoping the protests would not be of magnitude.

As she entered the dining room at last, her eyes met Olivia's, and a beaming smile graced her face.

"Dearest Bridget!" Olivia's loving voice rang out as she rushed forward to envelop her in a warm embrace.

Bridget returned the hug, holding her sister-in-law tightly, and she couldn't help but let out a joyful laugh.

"Oh, Olivia, once again, it's so good to see you!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection. "Did you manage to get a good night's rest? I hope you're feeling well refreshed."

Olivia nodded, her eyes twinkling happily. "Yes, indeed! I had the most luxurious slumber, thanks to the divine comfort of our feather-filled mattresses. I felt like a pampered princess, I must say." She gestured to the table in awe. "And this feast looks absolutely fabulous. Not to mention the arrangements and decor!"

Bridget chuckled, her cheeks dimpling with amusement. "Ah, the Fadden family certainly knows how to throw even the simplest parties like royalty. However, I fear I didn't inherit the knack for party planning. That talent lies solely with my dear mother."

Olivia playfully rolled her eyes, a playful smirk gracing her lips. "Oh, Bridget, don't be so modest. Your grace and charm are far more captivating than any lavish decorations. Besides, we all know the true highlight of these gatherings is the company we keep."

Bridget's eyes sparkled with warmth as she regarded her. "You seem to always know how to bring a smile to my face, dear sister."

The two women beamed at the affectionate address, and Olivia clasped Bridget's hands in appreciation. "Ever the pleasure, dearest sister."

Just then, Elliot approached with a wide smile on his face. He seemed to look happier than ever.

"Bridget, dear sister," he greeted with a charming smile. "It's wonderful to see you, once again, especially now that I am wide-eyed enough to mean it. How have you been faring?"

"Oh, Brother, I've just been keeping myself quite occupied with the endless tasks of running this estate." Bridget returned his smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "But enough about me, you seemed too tired for me to ask earlier. How was your honeymoon? The both of you?"

Olivia's face lit up with joy as she clasped her husband's hands, excitement evident in her voice. "Bridget, it was an absolute dream! The lovely sand beaches, the moonlit strolls, and the enchanting serenades of the local musicians."

She let out a fulfilled sigh. "It was everything I had ever dreamed of and more. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect start to our married life."

Bridget watched the couple, her heart swelling with happiness for their obvious love and affection. "Dear sister, it warms my heart to see the sheer bliss on your faces. May your love continue to blossom and fill your lives with endless joy."

"At last, I have arrived. You may save your applause. It would be appreciated indeed, but there is hardly any need."

Hector sauntered into the room, his steps slow and languid, and the others couldn't help but exchange questioning glances.

"Hector, dear brother, it appears you have finally graced us with your presence. How delightful," Bridget teased, a mocking twinkle in her eyes. "How is it that you still look so weary, despite having indulged in a lengthy slumber?"

Hector let out a lazy yawn and playfully rubbed his eyes, feigning exhaustion. "Ah, Bridget, my dear, sleep is a treacherous mistress. The more I embrace her, the more she demands of me. But fear not, for I have arrived, albeit in a rather lackadaisical fashion."

Bridget couldn't help but chuckle, her gaze drifting towards his attire. "And yet, sweet brother, you manage to overdress for dinner. Pray tell, did you mistake this gathering for a grand ball? Your sartorial elegance will know no bounds."

Hector grinned, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, sweetest sister, a gentleman must always present himself with the utmost refinement, you know this. Even if it means donning his finest attire for a simple meal. One must never underestimate the power of a well-tailored coat."

He let out a theatrical sigh as he continued with his usual flair of melodrama. "Now, Sister, I know you've been itching to know. I tell you, the horrors and trials I endured on my recent excursion would surely leave you breathless. I say, it's only natural I want to sleep even till this moment."

Bridget scoffed and shook her head, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Oh, please, Hector, I highly doubt your escapades were as treacherous as you claim. And perhaps if you spent less time rummaging through your wardrobe for extravagant attire, you would have more energy for dinner."

Olivia and Elliot joined in with laughter, their mirth echoing through the room.

Hector flashed Bridget a lazy grin, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "It is not my fault that I simply excel in matters of fashion. All my outfits are extravagant. What shall I do?"

Bridget rolled her eyes and chuckled right as Elliot did the same. "Indeed, Brother," he chimed in, his tone filled with sarcasm. "No one can rival your exquisite taste in fashion. You claim the throne as king of the frills."

Hector twirled with a flourish, winking at his siblings and grinning unabashedly. "There was a void waiting to be filled, and I gladly stepped into the role. It is my duty, my dear followers."

The four of them laughed in unison, their shared camaraderie and playful banter filling the room as their conversations went on.

Finally, their parents arrived at the dining room, and the family settled around the table, ready to indulge in a sumptuous feast. Laughter and joyous conversations filled the air as the area filled with warmth and togetherness.

In the midst of this merry atmosphere, Bridget's heart swelled with bittersweet emotions. She glanced around the table, taking in the familiar faces of her loved ones, and she realized that moments like these would be dearly missed.

The thought of leaving her family behind tugged at her heartstrings, but she resolved not to dwell on it too much. She did not want sadness to overshadow the joyous occasion.

With a determined smile gracing her lips, she tapped her wine glass gently, capturing the attention of everyone at the table. The room fell into a hushed silence, all eyes turning expectantly towards her.

Bridget took a deep breath, gathering her courage, and without wasting another second, she shared her momentous news.

"My dear family," she began, doing her best to keep her voice steady, "I have a most important announcement to make."

Her smile radiated her resolve as she continued, "I have made the decision to embark on a new chapter in my life, far away from our beloved estate. I will be leaving to our second estate for a simpler life."

She glanced at her father, who already knew of her plans, and then back at everyone else. She took a moment to catch her breath before finally revealing, "I requested Father's blessing on this, and he graciously agreed already. Thus, it is settled."

Bridget's words were met with shocked faces and dropped jaws all across the dining table. Leonard was the only one who managed to maintain a smile, his eyes filled with support.

Her mother was the first to break the heavy silence that descended on the room. Her voice cracked with disbelief as she addressed her. "Bridget, my dear, tell me this is but a jest. You cannot be serious."

Everyone seemed to find their voice after that.

Elliot leaned forward, his eyes raging with confusion and protest. "Why on earth would you choose to leave us in such a manner, Sister? Where… How… Where is this coming from?"

Ruth nodded in agreement, her voice tinged with worry. "Indeed. We cannot support this idea of yours." She shook her head vehemently. "You will be too far away from the family, and we will be constantly plagued with concern for your well-being."

Olivia chimed in softly, her voice barely above a whisper, "When… when will you be leaving, Bridget?"

Bridget sighed, feeling the weight of their piercing gazes on her. "I am leaving… tomorrow," she finally admitted, her voice filled with determination and sorrow.

The room immediately erupted in a chorus of shocked exclamations.

"Tomorrow?!" they all exclaimed, their voices blending together in a symphony of disbelief.

"Have you perchance taken a tumble and struck your head, Bridget? How else could you come up with such an absurd notion?" Hector's eyes were wide and flashing with disbelief as he finally spoke up.

As the intense dialogue unfolded, the expressions and emotions of each character became more pronounced. Ruth's eyes welled up with tears, Elliot's frustration turned into anger, Olivia clutched her hands tightly, and Hector's disbelief was etched on his face.

Bridget's laughter echoed through the room as she shook her head at his words. "Oh, Brother," she said, trying to mask her nervousness with a light tone, "always with a flair for the dramatic. I assure you, I am very serious about this."

Her gaze shifted to the rest of her family as she continued, her voice steady but filled with determination, "I have made up my mind, and nothing will sway me."

Hector scoffed, his eyes betraying his heavy sadness. "And who am I supposed to take on my grand adventures and daring schemes now? What will become of our frightening duo, Sister?"

Bridget's heart clenched at the thought of leaving her brother. She realized at that moment that she would miss him the most. Hiding her tears, she cleared her throat and let out another laugh.

"Oh, dear brother, fear not. You are far too mischievous to stay idle for long. I have no doubt you will find a new partner in cr?—"

Before she could continue, Leonard suddenly interjected with a firm declaration. "Indeed, Hector, you shall have to seek another partner for your… schemes. The matter is settled. Bridget shall no longer be available."

The room fell silent, and everyone's eyes turned to Leonard in bewilderment.

Ruth glared at her husband with accusatory eyes, her voice filled with disbelief as she asked, "How could you agree to this? Our daughter is leaving us!"

Leonard met his wife's gaze, his expression mirroring her sorrow. Ruth seemed caught off guard by the vulnerability in his expression.

With a heavy sigh, he responded, "I agreed to it because it is what our daughter desires. Her happiness is of utmost importance to me." He paused, his eyes scanning the faces of each family member seated at the table. "I fully support Bridget in her decision, and I hope that all of you will do the same."

Bridget's eyes met her father's, and a grateful smile graced her lips. At the exchange of warm smiles between the two, everyone in the room was left astonished. Their eyes darted back and forth, searching for answers in this unexpected development.

At last, the shocked silence was finally broken by Hector, who let out a long, low whistle before speaking the thoughts that lingered on everyone's minds.

"I never thought I would see the day," he murmured, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and amusement.

Laughter erupted in the room, like a sweet melody instantly chasing away the tension that had filled the air moments before. It was a collective, much-needed release, and Bridget's face brightened with a smile at her brother.

She knew she would miss this ability of his to always lighten every situation. She wondered how she would truly survive without him.

Thankfully, before she could get lost in her sad thoughts, her mother let out a weary sigh, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty as she spoke.

"I do believe there might be other paths to consider," Ruth began, her gaze filled with motherly concern. She hesitated, then added, "But if this is truly what your heart desires, my dear Bridget, then I shall stand by your side and support you."

The rest of the family nodded in agreement, their expressions a mix of understanding and acceptance. Bridget's eyes welled up with tears of gratitude as she glanced around the table.

With a heartfelt nod, she silently thanked her mother and every member of her family, feeling a bittersweet joy in her heart.

As the realization settled in that her departure was imminent, a wave of emotions washed over her. Happiness swelled within her, knowing that she had the unwavering support of her loved ones.

Yet, there was also a tinge of sadness, a realization of how much she would miss them once she embarked on her new journey.

Dinner carried on, and with her heart soaring and a sense of purpose burning within her, Bridget cherished the precious moments before her. She knew that their unwavering support would be her strength as she ventured into her new life, carrying their love with her every step of the way.