Thank you to those taking the time to comment and review. It is much appreciated and does inspire me to write after a long day at work.
Chapter 4
Penelope sat at the window in the front parlour, watching the world go by, in what was a very quiet morning in the Featheringtons. Again, there had been no visitors this morning.
She yawned and quickly brought her hand up over her mouth to disguise it. She really did not need her mother querying why she was so tired when she had left last night's ball early.
She had been up late working on her Lady Whistledown column. She had plenty of content for the column but she been so distracted by Colin's offer of help that she could barely think straight. It took twice as long to write.
Had she really agreed to be his pupil? To let him mould her into the woman a man desired and wanted to be his wife? She was stuck. The marriage mart was much harder than she thought. No wonder her mother and Lady Bridgerton seemed so stressed at every social event. So why not give his plan a try? What was the worst that could happen?
The door of the front parlour creaked open and Mrs Varley entered. All three sets of Featherington eyes were on her, wondering if she was coming with a calling card from a gentleman. "Ah…one of the Bridgerton servants called with a message for Miss Penelope." Mrs Varley nervously stated.
Portia Featherington groaned and waved her arm towards Penelope. "Well take the message Penelope." Portia sighed, which Penelope did, thanking Mrs Varley with a nod. Mrs Varley quickly exited the room. "Honestly…I miss the days you and Eloise would just run back and forth between the houses. That poor servant…playing messenger. Mrs Varley does not have the time to do the same for you…"
However, Penelope was no longer listening to her mother's rant, a smile forming on her lips as her eyes fell on a very familiar scribble of handwriting. 'Make sure you attend the races this afternoon. School is in session.' The note was unsigned. She did not need a signature. She knew it was from Colin…she would know his handwriting anywhere. She began to smile.
"What has you grinning like a Cheshire cat?" Prudence quipped, distracting her mother from her rant and bringing all attention back onto Penelope.
Penelope inwardly sighed. Why did Prudence suddenly have to be paying attention to her to notice the grin? She had to think fast. She really did not need Prudence or her mother demanding to see the note.
"Eloise was just writing to let me know that she is hoping to attend the races today." Penelope quickly retorted. "I was going to join her and Francesca for afternoon tea today so she just wanted to let me know…as it seems like perfect weather for the races."
"I forgot the races were on this afternoon. "Lady Featherington sighed. "Your father, Lord Featherington, loved to go to the races…granted he normally lost more money than he won but oh…they were so much fun."
"So maybe we should go?" Penelope suggested. "In honour of Papa?"
"Yes, lets!" Portia Feathering replied, standing up. "I need to get ready…Mrs Varley!" She exited the room, calling for Mrs Varley to come to her assistance quickly.
Penelope watched her mother leave, a smile forming on her lips. It had been easier than she thought to convince her mother to attend the races. She could feel Prudence's gaze on her so she turned to face her. "Is everything okay Prudence?" She asked.
"I just find it rather strange that someone like Eloise Bridgerton would openly attend the races." Prudence replied, her eyes questioning Penelope, as if she suspected something. "I mean, surely someone like Eloise thinks the horse racing is supposedly cruel to the horses."
Penelope swallowed, wondering if her dim-witted elder sister was onto her. She needed a quick retort but her words were failing her. She was surprised by Prudence's observations.
"Or maybe Eloise feels her goodwill charity work of being your friend outweighs the supposed cruelty to animals?" Prudence continued. "Either way, it will be much fun! I love the races!"
Prudence left the room and Penelope sighed. Normality had resumed. Prudence had returned to insulting her and was easily distracted. Of course, Prudence did not figure out anything and Penelope silently laughed at even thinking Prudence was capable of that.
xoxoxoxoxoxxoxox
Penelope strolled along amongst the crowds at the races, trying to contain her smiles as the buzz of Lady Whistledown's latest column filled the air. It seemed her late night was worth it; it was a hit.
The 'ton was in horror at the news that a housemaid in Lord Fife's home was with child…his child. There were rumours of Lord Fife's ungentlemanly behaviour for a few years but it had never been put in writing…and so far, he was not denying it so there must be some truth.
Penelope walked pass Lord Debling, who was standing beside a horse that he owned and was putting into race today. Cressida Cowper was hanging to his arm, smiling smugly.
Penelope inwardly groaned; she had hated reporting on Cressida's budding romance with Lord Debling but Penelope knew that Lady Whistledown could not ignore it, even though Cressida deserved no attention.
Lord Debling was giving his horse far more attention than Cressida, which did make Penelope feel a little bit better. And, he did tip his hat and say "Hello" to Penelope as she passed; he was a gentleman after all. Penelope smiled and returned the greeting, taking pleasure in the jealousy in Cressida's eyes.
As Penelope continued strolling along, she turned her attention to the stands. She was trying to keep a subtle look out for Colin, wondering when his 'lesson' was going to begin.
Suddenly, she felt her body crash into a solid body. She felt strong hands grip the top of her arms to steady her as she began apologising "I am so sorry" before she even looked up. As she did look up, she found Marcus Anderson's sparkling grey eyes looking back at her.
"I fear I should be the one apologising Miss Featherington." Marcus Anderson retorted, with a smile. "Afterall, a lady is never wrong."
"Yes, but a lady should watch where she is going." Penelope shot back, returning the smile.
"As should a gentleman." Marcus replied, before his eyes glanced at her feet before returning to her face. "Glad to see you have appropriate footwear for the grass this afternoon."
Penelope began to blush, remembering their first encounter, when Mr Anderson had to help her remove her heel when it became stuck at a garden party. "Yes, I learnt my lesson…hopefully there will be no need for assistance this afternoon."
She watched as Marcus gave his bottom lip a tiny nibble before saying. "That is a pity."
Penelope gave a genuine laugh, her cheeks now crimson. Mr Anderson was definitely a flirt and she liked the affect it was having on her. "Mr Anderson…be careful or you might cause a scandal."
"I am sure Lady Whistledown would quite like that." He stated.
"You um…heard of Lady Whistledown?" Penelope asked.
"Of course…when a mystery woman…or man, reports on one's self and it is quite complimentary, one takes notice." Marcus replied.
"So, you found it complimentary?" Penelope retorted. "I found it quite mysterious…she really did not reveal anything about you."
"That is why I like it." Mr Anderson shot back. "Who does not like a good mystery, Miss Featherington?"
"It depends on the subject matter and if it is worth trying to solve." Penelope replied.
"And do you think this mystery is worth trying to solve?" Marcus Anderson asked.
"That is one thought I am not going to share Mr Anderson." Penelope replied, chewing her lower lip.
"See? Another mystery!" Marcus retorted. "They are such fun, surely you agree Miss Featherington?"
Penelope was surprising herself. She was suddenly brave and flirtatious…she really could not understand the effect Mr Anderson was having on her but she was definitely intrigued…and yes, these mysteries were definitely fun.
xoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxox
Colin stood by one on the stands, keeping his eyes peeled for Penelope, to finally begin his plan to make her desirable again.
However, when his eyes finally found her, he was beginning to think she did not need his help. She was talking to the mysterious Marcus Anderson…and was she flirting? She certainly looked like she was flirting as she made eye contact and chewed her lower lip.
And then there was her laugh…she was actually genuinely laughing with Mr Anderson. Colin could tell…her laugh was not so high pitched and her nose crinkled into her eyes as she laughed. Colin had always teased her when they were children, telling her she looked like a rabbit when she laughed.
Today though, she did not look like a rabbit, she glowed and Colin had to catch his breath as he looked at her. She was not same Penelope Featherington in their nursery, playing marbles with him, Daphne and Eloise.
"Still looking out of Penelope Featherington, I see." He heard Daphne's familiar voice state from behind him, jumping him out of his thoughts.
"What?" He scoffed, his voice a little higher than he attended. "Of course not!"
"I think it is sweet that you look out for Penelope, just like you look out for your sisters." Daphne said, looking ahead but watching Colin from the corner of her eye.
Colin looked down at the ground, studying his shoes to break his gaze on Penelope and Marcus. When Daphne put Penelope amongst his sisters it did not sit right…yes, he looked out for her but not as a sister, but as a friend. He did not think of Penelope as a sister…she had always just been 'Pen'.
"What are you doing here anyway dear sister?" Colin asked. "Should you not be in confinement?"
"Honestly! I am with child…not dying." Daphne hissed. Colin smiled, it had worked, he had shifted attention from his relationship with Penelope. "Confinement is long enough…I am enjoying my freedom before the rest of the 'ton find out baby number 2 is on the way."
"And mother and Simon are okay with you being here?" Colin queried.
"Simon yes, mother…what she does not know will not hurt her." Daphne replied, her eyes narrowing on Colin.
Colin made the gesture of zipping his lips and tossing away the key. There had been many secrets between the two siblings over their lives and this would be another.
Daphne smiled and turned her attention back to Penelope and Mr Anderson. "He is quite flirtatious, that Mr Anderson." Daphne said.
"Yes, quite forward…possibly too forward for the 'ton." Colin agreed, glancing over at Penelope and Mr Anderson.
"Penelope does not seem to mind; in fact, she seems to be giving it back." Daphne stated, watching Colin from the corner of her eye. "Penelope is definitely full of surprises."
"Yes, she definitely is." Colin muttered.
"I do hope she is careful with her heart though." Daphne sighed.
"What do you mean?" Colin asked, his attention fully on Daphne now. "Do you think Mr Anderson could harm her?"
"Well, any relationship she enters could cause harm to such an innocent heart like Penelope's." Daphne replied. "But, well, with Mr Anderson…I would be a little more cautious."
"Why? What have you heard?" Colin asked, his protective mode kicking in.
"Nothing…I have heard nothing." Daphne reassured him, giving his arm a little squeeze. "However, he is new to town…we do not know where he is from, his parentage, his income, his past…"
"Do you think we should try to discourage any further relations?" Colin asked, his eyes filled with concern.
Daphne gave herself a knowing smile as she saw his concern "No, we should not discourage it." She replied. "I will however talk to Eloise to encourage Penelope to act with caution. Mr Anderson could be Penelope's perfect match after all."
Colin grunted in response and Daphne smiled a knowing smile again.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxox
Penelope sat in the stand, her eyes searching for Colin, wondering when the 'lesson' would take place. The afternoon was nearly over and so far, she had not caught sight of him.
Then she spotted Mr Dudley, the florist, pushing his way through the crowd with probably one of the largest bouquets of wildflowers she had ever seen. She heard members of the 'ton gasp and awe at the bouquet. It was strange to see Mr Dudley at the public event, his deliveries were reserved for the lady's home.
Penelope looked around her, wondering which lady was the lucky lady to receive such a public display of affection. Then, her eyes widened as Mr Dudley was heading directly towards her. "Miss Feathington, these are for you." Mr Dudley said, handing the bouquet.
"Um…thank you." She stuttered, in surprise. Her eyes searched for a card but there was none. "Um Mr Dudley, there is no card?"
"The gentleman that placed the order did not request a card." Mr Dudley answered before returning back to his cart.
"Oh!" Penelope sighed, her mind spinning as the crowd around her buzzed about the mystery delivery and why it was to Miss Penelope. Surely, she was not courting anyone.
It was such a mystery but then Penelope thought of her earlier conversation with Mr Anderson…he loved a mystery. Could he be her mystery suitor? And she could not help but smile at the thought.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxox
It was just after dawn and Penelope was curled up at her bedroom window, looking out at the sunrise. She did not get much sleep…her mind was consumed with thoughts of her mystery suitor.
Could it really be Marcus Anderson? Could someone as charming, as handsome and as mysterious as Mr Anderson really be interested in pursuing Penelope Featherington? She found it hard to believe…even though there was a comfortable ease with every interaction they had shared.
Her eyes where suddenly drawn to a figure walking down the road. At this time of the morning, it was normally deliveries but she could tell from the clothing it was a gentleman. Her eyes widened as she realised it was Colin and he was heading towards her home; towards their back garden to be more precise.
The intrigue of his secret visit to the Featherington garden outweighed the fact she was still in her nightgown. She reached from her dressing gown and slipped her feet into her slippers, before heading down the stairs silently. The last thing she needed was her lady's maid or Mrs Varley catching her.
She slipped out into the garden and quickly scanned the garden, looking for him. He stepped out from the shadows and she could feel his eyes looking her up and down, he seemed a little flustered.
She was suddenly very aware she was in her nightie in front of a gentleman, even if that gentleman was Colin. She pulled her dressing gown tighter into her body. "Colin, what are you doing here?" She asked.
"Sorry…I um wanted to speak to you about yesterday and I know you love your garden in the morning dew and…" Colin began to answer.
"You remembered that?" Penelope asked, touched that he could remember such a detail.
He ran his fingers through his hair. "Well…yes." He replied. Was it weird to remember her favourite place in the mornings? She had mentioned it once or twice in her letters to him when he was in Greece last year.
He smiled as he watched her smile and took note of the slight crinkle in her nose. He shook his head, trying to get his thoughts back on track. "I um, just wanted to discuss lesson 2 with you." He continued.
"I am still waiting for my first lesson." Penelope replied.
"But you received it yesterday…" Colin replied, noting the confused look in her eyes. "…with the bunch of flowers."
"Oh!" She sighed, poorly disguising her disappointment that the flowers were not from Mr Anderson. "Of course, the flowers were from you." The bouquet was wildflowers, her favourite flowers…mainly because Colin would always pick her wildflowers on her birthday when he was a little child.
"Pen, I thought you would know…" Colin began to apologise, the guilt clear in his eyes as he saw her disappointment.
"No, of course…I just…I did not get the lesson." Penelope interjected, forcing a smile.
"Well, the flowers were a catalyst for a reaction." Colin began to explain. Penelope looked confused so Colin continued. "Men are fickle beings Pen; we always want what another man has."
"So if a man thinks I have a mystery suitor…you think other men will want to be my suitors?" Penelope retorted. "It is that simple?"
"Men really are that simple Penelope." Colin replied. Penelope looked doubtful. "Trust me Pen…you will have suitors call this morning…I will eat my hat if you do not."
Penelope gave a small smile; she could not help but trust him. "So do you have any sagacious advice to help with lesson 2?" She asked.
He paused, briefly before responding. "Do not be afraid to respond with coolness and aloofness…us men like a challenge." He stated.
Penelope's eyes widened. For years, she had been told to laugh at every joke, no matter how unfunny and act interested, even in the most boring of subjects. This was definitely an education.
They heard one of the doors open and close from the servants' quarters. She knew Mrs Varley was probably about to start her day's work. "I think you better go." She suggested.
"Yes of course." Colin agreed. "We should try to create a plan to meet or communicate."
"Yes, maybe later?" Penelope agreed, trying to urge him to leave. She was on edge, waiting for Mrs Varley to discover them and ruin Penelope's reputation.
He began to walk out of the garden when he paused and turned to face her. "One more tip…" He began. Penelope stared at him, urging him to be quick. "If you are pursuing Mr Anderson, please be careful Pen. He is a mystery, we do not know his parentage, his worth and even though his mysterious ways may seem attractive…I do not want you to get hurt."
She could see the concern in his eyes. He was genuinely worried about her. She smiled warmly, appreciating his concern. "I will act with caution." She promised. She could hear Mrs Varley. She knew she heading to the kitchen, close to the door leading to the gardens. "Now please go."
"Oh yes, of course." Colin nodded and quickly exited, only a few moments before Mrs Varley opened the patio door and Penelope exhaled, noting the close call. A new plan of communication was definitely needed.
"Good morning, Miss Penelope." Mrs Varley said, not surprised to find Penelope in the garden at this time of the morning. "Do you want your tea out here?"
"Yes, please Mrs Varley, that would be lovely." Penelope replied with a smile.
xoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxox
Colin was correct; there was many suitors calling to the Featheringtons that morning, 8 to be exact, all came with flowers; although none of them were wildflowers. Amongst the 8, Lord Debling and Mr Marcus Anderson were included.
Lady Featherington was beside herself, possibly about to burst with joy and happiness. Her youngest, the one she thought would definitely end up a spinster had 8 callers in 1 morning.
Penelope was also delighted. Granted, some of the callers from this morning were definitely non-starters…Penelope would happily live as a spinster than marry Lord Dorchester (far too old at 5 and 40) and Mr Bamford (on the other end of the scale at 8 and 10).
But, Lord Debling and Mr Anderson were amongst the callers and both had requested dances with her at the next ball. Penelope could not wait to write her Lady Whistledown column later today. She would take great joy in reporting Lord Debling's attendance in the Featherington home, if only to annoy Cressida Cowper.
The last suitor, Mr Rainer, the 4th son of Earl Rainer, had only left when Mrs Varley burst into the front parlour, panting for breath, taking all 3 Featheringtons by surprise.
"Mrs Varley, have we another caller?" Lady Featherington asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Ugh…please no." Prudence muttered. "I just want my tea."
Penelope herself was also hoping there was not another caller. She was feeling a little drained and needed to save the energy she had for her writing.
"No, milady…it's the Queen." Mrs Varley replied "She has issued a decree."
"Is there news about the King?" Lady Featherington asked, fearing word of his death. There had been rumours of ill health and he was never in public anymore.
"No milady…she has issued a decree regarding Lady Whistledown." Mrs Varley replied. "She is offering £1000 to the one who unmasks Lady Whistledown."
As her mother, Prudence and Mrs Varley began to speculate, Penelope gulped and swallowed hard. Eloise had been correct. The Queen was launching a man, sorry woman hunt for Lady Whistledown.
When Eloise had first told her about the Queen's plan. She had not been worried but now that the hunt was officially decreed, she was feeling a little nervous. She knew Eloise would never share her secret, even if she did not agree with it.
But she had to be very careful…£1000 was a tempting number for many…and she knew her mother or any servant could happily use the money. And it may even be enough to tempt Madame Delacroix but thankfully, she was already on her way to Paris for a short break.
One thing was for certain…Lady Whistledown could not fold to the Queen's tactics yet. No, she had to show strength and hope the ton would not discover the secret she had been keeping almost 3 years now…because the truth could ruin her, when things had just started going to plan.
To be continued…if you want me to!
Please feel free to review, comment and speculate!