Thanks again to everyone taking the time to read, review and comment on this fic. It means a lot.
Chapter 6
Colin sat at his regular table in Mondrich's Gentlemen's Club, nursing the glass of whiskey before him. He kept his eyes on the door, awaiting the arrival of his guest. Finally, Harry Dankworth walked into the room.
"Bridgerton!" Harry exclaimed, walking towards Colin, his arms open, awaiting an embrace.
"Danky!" Colin retorted, standing to feet to embrace Harry for a manly hug. "Thank you for finally making it to the ton."
"My aunt was eager for me to make it for the season but my uncle, Lord Huntley wanted me in the country, to learn the running of his estate." Harry stated, sitting in the chair opposite Colin.
"Yes, I heard you will be Lord when the time comes." Colin said, signalling the barkeep to bring another whiskey to the table for Harry.
"It is all very boring…he expects me to do accounts and remember the tenants' names." Harry continued. "I just do not get it. My aunt thinks he should just put an estate manager in place and I agree." Harry nodded at the barkeep as the drink arrived.
"Yes, it is a lot of work." Colin agreed. He knew that Anthony had to take on a lot when their father passed away, and that was with the help of the estate manager. Colin knew Harry's aunt was probably pushing for an estate manager as she knew Harry was not capable. The boy never had the head for figures or agriculture at Eton. He was a sports and hunting man.
"Although it sounds like surviving the season is a lot of work as well." Harry continued. "I think that is why my aunt wanted me to come back…she wants me to make an appropriate match…the dreaded marriage mart." He took a sip of his whiskey.
"It is not that bad." Colin said, knowing he had to make Harry consider the idea of settling down. "We all need to take a wife at some time."
"Yes, I think there is quite a lot from our year already settled." Harry agreed.
"In fact, while we are discussing possibly finding a match…" Colin started to say.
"Bridgerton, now you sound like my aunt." Harry interjected.
"Hear me out Danky." Colin pleaded. "I know a lady who is currently on the marriage mart. She's witty, kind, caring, quietly confident…"
"I am not hearing attractive, or pretty or beautiful…" Harry interrupted.
Colin paused. He had never really thought of Penelope in that way. She was always just Pen. Yes, her red hair was striking against her pale skin, her blue eyes were big and sparkling, her smile could light up a room and he always enjoyed watching her laugh, with the scrunching of her nose and eyes and her body was quite curvy and womanly. He shook his head, trying to get his thoughts back on track.
"Bridge, it is always a bad sign when a man pushes a lady's personality traits first." Harry continued.
"Of course, she is pretty!" Colin exclaimed.
"So, if this lady is all of these traits, why are you not marrying her?" Harry asked, taking another sip.
Colin paused for a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing. He was not sure how to answer the question, or if he even had an answer. Finally, he spoke. "She is a friend of my younger sister and I had previously stated I had no romantic interest in her…"
"So, you want me to take your cast offs to ease you guilt?" Harry questioned.
"She was never mine to begin with." Colin replied softly as he studied his empty glass of whiskey. He finally looked back at Harry. "She currently has a number of potential suitors from respectable backgrounds but I do not think they will be a good fit."
"And you think I will?" Harry queried.
"I trust that you will not hurt her." Colin replied. "And I do think she will compliment you in your future role of Lord."
"You are going to a lot of effort for your sister's friend." Harry said, his eyes questioning Colin. "I mean, if this is how you conduct yourself for your sister's friend, then what would you do for your sister?"
"I would tell you to stay well clear!" Colin quickly retorted. "I would never wish Eloise on my worst enemy, never mind a close friend like you."
Harry smiled. "Fine, I will meet this girl but I am not promising anything." Harry replied.
Colin relaxed and smiled. "That is all I am asking." Colin said. "Oh, and please do not tell her we had this discussion?"
"Fine." Harry muttered. "But that is actually 2 things you are asking of me."
"Yes, it is." Colin agreed, quietly laughing,
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo
Penelope walked along the promenade with her lady's maid. She had delivered her latest copy of Lady Whistledown to the publisher in the early hours of the morning, although it had not been easy to make her way into town without being noticed. She was really looking forward to Madame Delacroix's return from Paris, if she could still trust her with the Queen's decree hanging above her.
"Miss Featherington!" She heard a familiar voice call. She turned to face Mr Anderson jogging towards her, removing his hat.
"Mr Anderson, hello." She replied, a little taken back. She had not expected to see him today.
"I called to your home and your mother said you were promenading." He said.
Penelope's eyes widened. He had called for her? After their two dances at the Dashwood ball, open carriage ride and a house call, where they actually courting? Surely, she would know if they were officially courting?
"Do you mind if I join you?" Mr Anderson added.
"N…no, of course not!" Penelope stuttered, nodding for her lady's maid to fall in behind them. "So, um…what brings you looking for me today Mr Anderson?"
She heard him take a deep breath and she felt the panic rise within her. Was he going to propose? This was for too soon! She was not ready…or sure that he was what she wanted. She knew nothing about his family or his income…and if he was a fortune hunter, he was certainly chasing the wrong girl.
"I think I owe you an apology for my discussion topics on our carriage ride." Mr Anderson finally spoke and Penelope exhaled with relief. "I am sure you left my carriage with more questions than answers."
"Well honestly yes, I did." Penelope replied, glancing at him.
"And I know you are fond of questions Miss Featherington but I also know you can get answers." Mr Anderson said. Penelope's eyes widened as he leaned in closer to her ear. "And I know you are quite a good secret keeper too Lady W."
Penelope's jaw dropped open and she stopped walking, instinctively looking around her to ensure no one, including her lady's maid heard him. She signalled for her lady's maid to drop back further. "I do not understand what you are insinuating Mr Anderson." She quickly retorted. "I think you are mistaken."
"Do not worry Miss Featherington, I am not going to tell the Queen." Mr Anderson whispered. "Although I have only been in town a few weeks and I figured it out, while others have not figured it out over the years."
"Mr Anderson I…" Penelope stuttered.
"Does this town really not see you? And all your intelligence, wit and skill?" He continued. "You really are the master of deception."
"Mr Anderson, if you are trying to blackmail me by wrongly outing me as Lady Whistledown…" Penelope began.
"I would never blackmail a genius like you." Mr Anderson retorted. "Frankly, I do not need your money…I am a self-made man, £12,000 a year."
Penelope's eyes widened even further. That was a lot of money for a man without a title. "So, what exactly do you want?" Penelope asked.
"I need your help to track down a lady…a widow." Mr Anderson replied.
"Is that how you made your fortune?" Penelope scoffed. "Scamming poor widows out of their fortunes because I would rather die than help…"
"Miss Featherington, I am disgusted that you could actually think I would be that despicable!" Mr Anderson shot back. "If you must know, I am a bastard and my father was a Lord in town."
"So, you are trying to become a legitimate heir?" Penelope queried.
"Of course not, I do not need the responsibility of a title when I have my own money." Mr Anderson stated. "I simply want to find his widow and thank her."
"Thank her?" Penelope asked confused.
"Despite what my mother did with the Lord while she was a house maid in their home, my mother told me the Lady of the house showed her great kindness towards her, me and my future, especially after the Lord's own mother chased my mother out of town." Mr Anderson explained. "I did not know this until my mother was on her deathbed and well, I need to pay my respects…thank her for giving me a future."
"Of course." Penelope sighed. "I am so sorry…and I am sorry for questioning your character."
"It was understandable, under these circumstances." Mr Anderson replied. "But, I would really appreciate your help Miss Featherington…and I think you are the only one with the skills and the wit in this town to help me."
"Thank you for such high esteem...but it does not make me Lady Whistledown." Penelope stated.
"Of course it does not." Mr Anderson agreed, fighting the urge to smirk.
"But I will try to help you." Penelope replied.
"Thank you." Mr Anderson stated and Penelope nodded in reply.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxo
Lady Rothering's Garden Party was in full swing and thankfully, most of the 'ton had turned up, except for one person and Colin Bridgerton was getting nervous. He could not believe that Penelope had not come; she had told him she would.
He looked down the steps to the next level of the garden, keeping his eyes on Harry Dankworth, who was surrounded by a lot of ladies and their mothers. He knew Harry was considered very handsome but this was too much. Harry was not that handsome, was he?
Colin had been so obsessed with matching Harry with Penelope; he forgot that the other ladies of the 'ton would be interested in the fresh new blood of Harry. He just hoped Harry was not so easily swayed that he would give Penelope a fair chance.
Then he heard Prudence Featherington whinnying voice and he spun around to find the Featheringtons had arrived, and Prudence was already complaining, most likely about the heat and her dress, which seemed quite a thick material.
Penelope was behind her sister and mother, wearing a simple, lemon organza gown embroidered with daisies. Her red hair was pinned up, with fresh flowers weaved through.
Colin smiled as he watched her enter, looking perfect for a garden party but he was not the only one that noticed her entrance, a few men were already making their way towards her, including Lord Debling and Harry.
Colin sighed with relief. He had told Harry that Penelope was a red head and thankfully, Harry had noticed her and carried through with his promise to meet her. He watched as Penelope's eyes widened at the sight of Harry, and then her nose crinkled up with the biggest smile.
She looked instantly smitten as she took Harry's hand, instead of Lord Debling's to make her way through the gardens. Colin knew he should be happy that the moment he orchestrated was finally happening but he did not feel happy, instead, he had a weird ache in his stomach.
xoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxxoxox
Penelope stood at the refreshment table, engaged in conversation with Harry Dankworth, well aware of the glares she was receiving from many of the other ladies and their mothers for occupying his time but she did not care.
Harry Dankworth was probably the most handsome man she had ever seen and he wanted to talk to her. Yes, he did not seem very smart but he was funny and seemed to be caring and thoughtful.
She could see Eloise heading straight for her and she inwardly groaned. She really did not want this moment interrupted but there was no stopping Eloise Bridgerton when she was on a mission.
"Penelope, we need to talk." Eloise stated, reaching for Penelope's arm, getting ready to pull her way.
"Um Eloise Bridgerton…did you meet Harry Dankworth?" Penelope stated, trying to act with manners.
"No, but I think you were at Eton with my brother Colin…" Eloise said, not even lifting her head to look at Harry but when she did, her lips formed the word "Wow!" silently.
Penelope tilted her head with confusion. Did Eloise just say Harry was at Eton with Colin? Why had Colin not told her this when he looked at her little black book? Was it because he did not think Harry would make it in to town for the season? Or did he actually invite him to town?
"It was nice to meet you Harry but I really need my friend." Eloise said, already pulling Penelope away.
"Of course. It was nice to meet you too…" Harry began to say but they were already away, with Eloise mouthing her apologies. Harry shook his head. Colin was right; his sister definitely seemed a challenge but Penelope seemed to live up to his praises.
"Eloise, that was so rude!" Penelope chastised Eloise as they finally came to a stop, away from the other guests of the party.
"Penelope, please…for my own sanity, please stop with Lady Whistledown or least put a pause to it until everyone moves on from the Queen's decree." Eloise pleaded.
"Why would I do that?" Penelope asked. "The latest column was a hit!"
"Yes, and you threw down your gauntlet, practically challenging people to come for you." Eloise shot back, crossing her arms. "Only they are coming for me!"
"Why does everyone suspect you?" Penelope stated, with disappointment. Marcus Anderson was right; this town did not see her. He had figured it out so quickly.
"Do you want me to point them in your direction?" Eloise shot back.
"No of course not." Penelope replied. "And I really do appreciate you keeping my secret."
"Penelope, please reconsider." Eloise pleaded again. "This decree has people going crazy. Even my own family think it is me. Hyacinth fell on her arm, falling through my door, trying to listen into what I was doing in my room."
"Is she okay?" Penelope asked, concerned.
"Yes…although a little injury would have served her right for eavesdropping." Eloise replied. "I mean it Penelope, please reconsider walking away…before it is too late."
xoxoxoxoxxooxoxxo
Colin decided to join his family at Bridgerton House for a late dinner after the garden party…and everyone, especially Francesca, Hyacinth and Gregory seemed in high spirits as they were also allowed to attend the garden party.
He took his seat beside Benedict, who, like Colin had his own home but seemed to be at Bridgerton House for every meal.
"I think Lady Rothering's garden party was quite a success today." Violet Bridgerton stated.
"It definitely seemed a productive day for Miss Penelope." Kate observed.
"Yes, look at what can happen if you put in the effort Eloise." Anthony said, glancing over at Eloise.
"Just because Penelope has given into society, does not mean I will." Eloise shot back. "Please respect my wishes to be a spinster."
"Penelope is definitely making progress in her search for a husband." Violet said, watching Colin out of the corner of her eye. "I would not be surprised if there is a proposal before the season's end."
"Yes, so it seems." Colin agreed, knowing his mother was waiting for a reaction.
"And that Harry Dankworth…he definitely seemed interested in our Penelope." Francesca said.
"And imagine how beautiful their babies would be?" Hyacinth stated. "I mean, Harry Dankworth is the most handsome man ever!"
"Hyacinth!" Violet scoffed, choking on her wine.
"You see…you keep saying I will be the death of you mother but Hyacinth will be the real threat." Eloise said, waving her knife in the direction of her brothers. "Good luck chaperoning her when she comes out!"
"Was Harry Dankworth not in your year at Eton?" Benedict asked, looking at Colin.
"Um yeah…I guess." Colin replied, not meeting Benedict's eye. Instead, he used his fork to push the peas around his plate.
"Mr Dankworth would be a good catch for Penelope." Kate said, looking at Anthony. "If I am correct, he is next in line for Lord Huntley's title and estate." Anthony nodded, letting his wife know she was correct.
"Yes, I am sure Harry could make Penelope very happy…" Benedict said, looking at Colin out of the side of eyes. "…as long as there is no meddling."
"Who would want to meddle with a sensible match?" Colin stated, glaring at Benedict. What was he trying to insinuate?
"Hopefully no one…" Benedict replied, looking at Colin. "…we would not want anyone to get hurt…even those who meddle with the best intentions."
Colin looked back down at his plate, ignoring his brother. Benedict did not understand. He never wanted Pen to get hurt; this was his way of protecting her. How could anyone end up hurt?
To be continued…if you want me to!
Please feel free to comment, speculate and review…it helps the writing process!