Ola it's me. Quick note. I would love to be able to upload more (even write professionally hello dreamjob) but with my current job etc and the fact that it takes ages to write and rewrite, even though I have a translating programme, updates might be slow unfortunately. I have yet to clean today, and it is past 5 now lol. Anyway, I might complain but I did enjoy writing this chapter. It was fun. I am not going to say much, just hope that you will enjoy the chapter, as always do not mind the shitty grammar and the fact that I quite obviously do not live in Britain. A shoutout to anyone and everyone commenting, a special shoutout to the ones that do in Italian or Spanish, I appreciate the free lessons, please keep them coming.
She was practically dragged along and there was little she could do to resist. Who knew that Portia Featherington, her mother possessed such upper arm strength, nothing in her daily routine could have indicated this. A few moments later Penelope was hurried into her mother's bedroom and taken to the place where the vanity was located.
The vanity was situated next to her mother's bed, close to the window and from the position Penelope was standing in, she could easily look out from the large window at the people walking across the street. She did not go into her mother's room very often, so she had not noticed it before. She wondered idly if her mother ever looked outside or was too busy getting herself dolled up to do so.
"Sit," Portia demanded and Penelope meekly sat down. Of rest, however, there was no question of it as Portia not too gently rubbed make up and other embellishments on her youngest daughter's face, causing Penelope to cough as power dispersed everywhere.
"What are youdoing?!" Penelope shrieked.
"What does it look like I am doing? I'm trying to make you presentable for your suitor!" Portia responded.
"He is not my suitor!", Penelope argued.
"Then why is he here and asking to see you! Why are you acting so dense?.. Now shut up and hold still. I am going to need to put some blush on your face", Portia said.
When Portia finished performing her torture, she wanted Penelope to get up to inspect her dress, whether it was adequate but there was no time to change anyway.
"The colour doesn't suit you " concluded Portia with a slanted look. Penelope had put on a pastel blue garment today whose she had been allowed to have made herself for her birthday, after much pleading, more whining to her mother who had only relented at one point, in hopes of shutting Penelope up.
"Yellow looks much better on you" continued Portia and wasn't that ironic? From Portia, she had to wear the most striking colours of dresses that clashed with her hair and skin but pastel blue somehow... was not appropriate. It almost made her laugh, almost but she didn't because she was too nervous to.
"Now listen to me carefully. When you enter the room you shall greet you politely and you shall do the same. He will then proceed what the reasons is for his visit, most likely followed by wishing to give the bouquet he had carefully arranged for you".
"You don't know if he even brought fl.. -", Penelope started but Portia gave her such a glare that she didn't finish the rest of her sentence.
"Afterwards I presume he'll suggest to take a walk and insist there will be a chaperone, of course as is the proper thing to do in these kinds of situations." Portia continued rambling on, but Penelope was already no longer listening.
This was absurd. Absurd. This wasn't happening. This was supposed to be an ordinary day like any other. Reading some books... trying to ignore her family as much as possible. A walk perhaps, together with her best friend Eloise. Then lunch followed by more reading until dinner... and lastly in the comfort of her own room, writing the latest edition of Lady Whistledown as she had picked up on some salacious information at Aubrey Hall and she was eager to convey the information, but it apparently wasn't in the cards.
She knew something very certain, no matter how this day ended, nothing would come of writing today. She absolutely could not. She couldn't even think normally with her mother's incessant chatter and the beating, nay racing of her heart. And she didn't really know what the latter meant. Not at all.
Robert began to question them if he had not made a mistake and reached his hand to his fob, to read the small clock there. Half an hour or close to that. He had been in it for almost half an hour, and she had not yet appeared.
Was this his punishment for his impertinence, his desire to get back at Colin Bridgerton for the words he had uttered? Instantly, he felt annoyed again at the recollection. It was an embarrassment to be called to account by a brat in his twenties. No, Robert would get his sweet revenge. Because this was all it was... revenge. Sure. in a perhaps even to him incomprehensible way, he felt drawn to Penelope. Sure, he had fantasised about kissing her... slowly. He wondered how she would taste, how her skin would feel against his... her chest pressed against his... and he had wondered if she would watch as he took her nipples into his mouth 1 by 1 or avert her eyes in shyness.
He had thought about what it would be like if their bodies made contact as he entered her slowly, all the while looking at her heavily kissed lips, extending himself to kiss her again as they were too tempting. And he might have thought about how it would feel to feel Penelope writhing under him Robert would go his sweet way with her and to bury himself inside of hers, thrusting like a mad man, relishing in the pleasure he would feel until he could no longer contain himself and...
He was digressing and quite a lot as well. Eyes on the goal, Robert, he reminded himself. Eyes on the goal. Teach Colin Bridgerton a lesson.
The door flung open and there they were in the occupants of the house in all their glory.
"Lord Fife, welcome. What an unexpected pleasure" Portia greeted sweetly.
"Thank you Mrs. Featherington. I hope I'm not disturbing you" he replied.
"Not at all Lord Fife. We're happy to have you."
"Misses Featherington", he acknowledged as he brought his attention to the three ladies standing before him.
Prudence and Phillipa responded and greeted him awkwardly yet politely, but Penelope remained silent. She just stood there and stared until she received a not too gentle poke, nay elbow of her mother in her side, admonishing her to speak.
"Lord Fife, welcome. It is good to see you," Penelope croaked.
"Thank you," Robert smiled and he couldn't help but find her endearing at that moment. She had an almost comically large amount of blush on her face, and it was not exactly flattering. It was clear that someone, her mother he suspected, had gone overboard.
Her dress however... he noticed right away how it's cool tone accentuated her skin but also her, the latter falling freely along her neck. Her do was r 'do was less formal than he was and more casual, he suspected they hadn't had time to pay attention to Penelope's locks too, but he didn't mind at all... In fact, he rather liked what he saw.
"I didn't really know what to bring but it seems to me that flowers are always a good choice."
Robert turned backwards and walked over to the small coffee table and then handed out a bouquet one by one to all the Featherington. a trick he had picked up from Anthony Bridgeton, who in turn had copied the move it from his brother-in-law, Simon, he had heard. He thought the idea was quite clever because one obviously had to try to influence the other members of the family as best one could when courting a potential candidate. He wasn't in that aspect, courting her but ... he figured it would make a good impression.
Philippa, Prudence, and Portia graciously accepted and thanked him.
He purposefully stayed a little longer in front of Penelope and handed her the most beautiful set, 1 he had personally chosen, a mix of tulips and roses in all sorts of colours.
"For you, miss Penelope," he said. Not Featherington but Penelope, he had stated, and he had purposely lingered a second too late, making sure he would look into her eyes.
He saw her gulp for a moment before politely accepting the arrangement. Their fingers brushed each other as they handed it over and this time it was his hands that lingered for a moment before hers withdrew, nervously,
Robert walked back, not far away but he remained close, and he addressed the company.
"The weather is lovely today. I was wondering if I may take miss Penelope on a walk, of course with a chaperone that you can provide, perhaps one of you would like to come along, should she not have objections of course."
"I", Penelope said, but her mother was ahead of her.
"She would be delighted to" she replied with a big smile, making Robert pause.
"Thank you but I would like to inquire what your daughter's answer, Mrs Featherington, if you don't mind of course."
Portia frowned for a moment but then pretended nothing was wrong but her tense look towards Penelope suggested otherwise.
"I would like to go for a walk, my Lord " she squeaked; it was squeaking unfortunately because she could barely speak, or so it felt like it.
"Well, that's that settled... Unfortunately, though, we can't chaperone you. Just before you came, in fact, we invited the Cowpers for.. tea" lied Portia.
"Our housekeeper, Mrs. Varley can chaperone if you like".
"That is odd. I wasn't aware of a visit from the Cowpers" Prudence stated clearly puzzled by this sudden change of 'plans'.
Portia smiled sweetly and then, without even glancing around scathingly before speaking with gritted teeth.
"The invitation has just been extended, my dear. I send someone to alert the Cowpers before Lord Fife arrived".
Prudence glanced at Philippa, who stared at her with penetrating expression and eyes wide open and whose had long since gathered what her mother's plan was, until Prudence finally caught on.
"OH, right mama. Silly, silly me I completely forgot. How lovely that the Cowpers are gracing us with their company. Dear,dearfriends of... ours," Prudence stammered hoping that Robert would believe her little act.
"I completely understand. After all I am the one that arrived unannounced. I should have taken your possible plans into account. Please have Mrs Varley accompany us", Robert stated dutifully.
He didn't know what Portia was up to and if there was one thing he detested it was plays and what he had just been a spectator seemed to be a rather bad one.
"Certainly, she and Penelope will meet you downstairs" replied Portia with a rather pleased expression on her face.
"Perfect. I'll have my carriage driven to the front" he replied and with a few polite nods and a glance at a pensive, strike that, rather anxious-looking Penelope, he exited the room and walked downstairs.
"Mrs. Varley!!!" screamed Portia when Robert was out of sight, and she had sent Penelope to her room to apply more blush herself.
The poor woman was besides herself when she walked into the room.
"What is wrong, Ma'am? Please don't tell me there is another death in the family or another heir to reckon with?".
"Far from it.. NO mishaps or a bothersome relative this time.. In fact, might I say it seems like our luck is about to finally change," Portia said cheerfully.
"However, I do need your assistance in something" Portia stated earnestly..
"I am counting on you to help us Mrs. Varley".
The ride was the most awkward one Penelope had experienced in her entire life. Lord Fife, had gallantly helped her into the carriage, reaching for her gloved hand as he stood at the side of the vehicle. That brief touch was enough to make her even more flustered than she already was, there was a barrier of a glove, but the heat of his fingers seemed to penetrate it with ease.
She sat at the edge of the carriage with next to her Mrs Varley, who was appearing just as awkward as Penelope, and across from her was Lord Fife in all his distinguishedness. She didn't look at him but kept looking out of the window, searching for something, a familiar face perhaps. All to distract herself from the nervous feelings that were coursing through her.
The carriage finally arrived at its destination, Hyde Park. Lord Fife got out first and helped Mrs Varley to exit and then did the same to Penelope, once again reaching for her hand.
And there they were outside, Mrs. Varley dutifully took her position taking a few steps behind the couple.
"Shall we? " she heard him say and when she stared at the direction the question came from she saw Lord Fife extending an arm to her. She swallowed away the lump in her throat and interlocked her arm with his...
She quivered while doing so but gladly he didn't appear to notice or pretend not to. They slowly begun walking. He was right, Penelope had to admit, it was indeed a beautiful day as they began strolling through Hyde Park, at a slow stride.
"Beautiful day it is today, wouldn't you agree" he said, after they walked a short distance in complete silence. Startled from her ponderings she turned towards him and for a moment he was mesmerised by her blue eyes and that 'something' was there again. He didn't know what it was... but it couldn't be ignored.
She averted her eyes first as she did the other times prior and looked ahead.
"Yes, my Lord. Indeed, it is.", she said, the sentence followed by a letting out what he presumed was a held breath.
"I am perplexed about something, and I hope you will be so kind to clear things up for me." he asked her, interrupting her internal ponderings once more.
Her brows rose in confusion, and she awaited his question.
"There is no visit planned from the Cowpers, is there?" he asked with an amused smile.
This put Penelope in a tricky situation. She did not want to lie to him, nor did she want to put her family in an awkward position, by revealing Portia's lie.
"The Cowpers are indeed good friends of ours "(not hers, she hated Cressida and vice versa) "but I was not aware of a visit" she replied leaving the truth in the middle. Or well concealing the truth then. He said nothing, looked in front of him for a moment before, abruptly leaning towards her, towards her ear and whispering, in a sultry way:
"I don't believe any of it but it's sweet that you're trying to protect your mother".
Her heart began to beat like crazy, because of the sudden proximity of him close to her or the way he had spoken, she wasn't sure, but it influenced her.
Penelope didn't have much time to recuperate because a few seconds later her attention was caught by something completely different.
"My Lord, Miss Penelope" she heard Mrs Varley say and as if by now they were so used to each other, they both turned at the same time to see a stricken Mrs Varley.
"I am very sorry, but do you mind if I sit down somewhere. It is so hot, and it is starting to affect me" said Mrs Varley and she emphasised her disposition by flicking a fan over her face.
"Of course not. We could sit over there if you'd like" and he pointed to a white bench in the distance.
"Oh no, no! I'd hate to be culprit as to why you can't go on. I will be fine in a few moments. You must feel free to go on without me."
"But that would mean we would no longer have a chaperone. That.. is not appropriate," Penelope remarked with panic in her voice.
Ah, and there we have it - he understood it now. Well played, Mrs Featherington. Well played, fine he thought, I'll play along but I don't know if you're going to get what you want.
"I am aware, but I can't walk further now unfortunately," Mrs. Varley said with a pitiful intonation.
"Miss Featherington is right, Mrs Varley. It wouldn't be appropriate" and he could imagine that something of relief came over Penelope's face.
"That's why I suggest we just walk through and then return. What do you think, miss Penelope?" and he again broke the rule of addressing her directly with her name.
"Whatever you wish my Lord" she replied with doubt in her voice as she glanced at their housekeeper.
"Good, I am glad we have that sorted out. Now Mrs. Varley, let us accompany you to the bench-"
"Oh. No need, thank you, I'll walk there myself," she said and before either Robert or Penelope knew what was happening, she had already walked away, clearly not in any way affected by the 'heat'.
Robert had to do his best not to burst into laughter and barely held back.
Fortunately, the park was not very crowded today to Penelope's relief.
"I hope you weren't taken back by my dropping by and asking to see you, today. " Robert said.
"No, I just was a bit surprised" she lied. She was very, very so and highly astonished if she were honest.
"And why is that?" asked Robert her seriously, gazing at her earnestly in an expectant position.
"I don't get many visits and especially not from not from gentlemen." she replied absentmindedly, figuring out her error much later, now wishing the grounds would open and swallow up whole.
"Then they are fools" he said to which she looked at him with curiosity.
"My contemporaries, the male population of the ton, they are fools, and I unfortunately cannot maintain that I was one of them.
Upon hearing this she halted suddenly causing him to do as well and she proceeded to face him with an inquiring expression on her faces.
"But I am no longer a fool, trust me" he proclaimed as he stared deeply at her.
BRIDGERTON HOUSE, SAME DAY, TWENTY MINUTES PRIOR
If it was one thing Colin loved besides travelling it was food. Travelling and food went well together anyway, and he loved feasting on local cuisine wherever he went including during his trip to Greece.
He was devouring his third... well not third biscuit when he noticed both his brothers staring at him.
"What?" he asked with his mouth full.
"Do youeverstop eating?" asked Anthony with a faux concerned look.
"Seriously Colin, that's already your fourth biscuit I reckon" Benedict gathered.
"It's not. It's my second biscuit and stop checking will you? Bunch of killjoys. Allow me to indulge in the little pleasures I have. I rather not become like you lot. Benedict, for reasons beyond my comprehension or knowledge have been sulky for what the last two years (writers note: shameless plug to my story Balance)"and you," Colin pointed at Anthony" are sulky because you miss Kate".
"That's not true at all" protested Anthony who did not like being spoken to about the truth, yes it was true, he missed Kate. She had been invited, along with Edwina, Daphne and her children, and his mother by Lady Danbury to stay for a week at her estate in Cornwall and he now regretted that he had said she could go, since a note had arrived saying they would stay a few days longer.
"It is, there is no use in lying" Colin grinned.
Anthony was just about to give Colin a smack across the head when Eloise came in who didn't seem quite herself.
"What's the matter Eloise? Something bad happen?" asked Anthony worriedly.
"Nothing bad I suppose", Eloise stated her face expressing nothing but confusion.
"Doesn't look like it," argued Benedict.
"No, it's good news I presume, I am just taken back a bit. I went to see Penelope to see if we could do something together, but she was not there which I found strange as she had not told me she had plans-".
"You can't expect her to be at your beck and call, Eloise nor that she should inform you about her leisure time" chided Anthony. Colin was not really paying attention, more preoccupied with continuing to eat.
"No of course I don't expect her to, she is my best friend and allowed to do what she wants. By the way, I hate it when you interrupt me. I was just going to explain" Eloise reprimanded.
"My apologies, dear,dearestsister. Do continue please.", Anthony stated sarcastically.
Eloise scoffed and rolled her eyes before she spoke once more.
"As I was saying. Pen wasn't home. Prudence said Lord Fife has dropped by with flowers and all and that they are now on a walk together in Hyde Park-"
"I am sorry,what?" Colin asked as he stood up.
"Lord Fife actually presented himself as suitor for Penelope today".
"Oh."
"It's a bit odd no? I am happy for her but to be honest, a bit surprised, in a pleasant way. I'll have to go back to the Featherington's in the evening. I am dying to know what happened" said Eloise before she left the drawing room, leaving the three brothers behind.
"If this meeting is what I suspect it is I suppose Portia Featherington will be overjoyed to have one of her daughters wed soon" noted Benedict.
"Do you really think that there will be a wedding?," asked Colin. Benedict saw Colin's depressed face and realised something which Colin may not have realised himself yet.
"No, it was just a thought in passing," Benedict answered with a brief smile, but the answer didn't seem to convince Colin.
"I... I just remembered that I have an appointment. I must go" and a moment later he too, had exited the room.
Anthony and Benedict glanced at each other briefly.
"Do you think he still has a chance?" asked Benedict and Anthony knew very well what Benedict meant.
" I do not know Robert well but there is one thing of which I am certain. He often gets what or who he wants..".
"What do you mean by that?" she asked him, it was maybe too forward of her, but she had to know.
"I mean by that Iseeyou when others don't. You can be in the farthest corners of the room, but I always spot you, Penelope, and notice. I notice how remarkable you are.".
They were interlocked in staring once more, overcome by the sentiment that overtook them earlier.
"Others may be blind. I amnot." he whispered as his eyes went to her inviting lips, fuelling an urge in him to lean forward, to have his lips meet with hers but they were in a public place and not alone.
There was an earnestness in the way he had uttered the last, something he could not possibly have faked which was the reason for her heart abruptly swelling. That completely overwhelmed her and made it impossible for her to move even an inch.
Robert remained fixated on her mouth, and he had just decided to kiss her, public be damned until he heard an annoying noise, namely someone interrupting them.
"Lord Fife. Pen!".
Robert glanced around and saw and out-of-breath Colin Bridgerton standing there.
"How nice to run into you here".
Robert said nothing but just stared angrily at the intruder.
"Are you alone? Sans chaperone aren't you?" asked Colin as he glanced around faux worriedly.
"We are not alone, Colin. Mrs Varley is close by," Robert spoke with gritted teeth.
" I see, well I don't see her. Where is she at present?" Colin inquired with a smile.
"We left her at the benches s walk over to her then since you are so worried about her," Robert suggested, still highly, supremely annoyed.
Pen could do nothing but meekly walk along, now feeling completely baffled by the day's events. First Lord Fife came along and now, Colin of all people just popped up.
"What are you actually doing here?" asked Robert.
"I was in the neighbourhood. I had an appointment nearby and lucky me, I ran into you" replied Colin cheerfully.
"And with whom did you have the appointment then if I may ask?."
"With a friend," Colin replied.
"Which friend?" Robert pressed.
"Why are you eager to ascertain that information? " Colin countered sharply.
"Just asking. You said you had an appointment with a friend, maybe we have someone in common".
"You don't know him; I can assure you".
"Tryme" Robert stated sweetly but Colin did not want to go any further into it.
"Mrs. Varley, there you are "Colin exclaimed.
"Mr. Bridgerton, hello," a flustered Mrs. Varley greeted.
"I gather you are accompanying Robert and Pen today" Colin stated.
"Yes, yes I am. I was a bit taken back by the heat just now and had to.. sit down for a bit but I am feeling fine."
"That's good to hear although I do not think it is wise to remain outside for much longer if it makes you unwell. I suggest I take you and Pen home. My carriage is just around the corner -"
"Absolutely. I'll take both ladies home. It would be unsuitable ifyouwere to do so as I was the one that brought them here."
"I'm only thinking practically, Robert. I must go home and Pen lives close by. It will be no problem for me to drop her off. Won't it Pen?" asked Colin her.
"I guess not." Penelope weakly agreed.
"Perfect. Then that is settled, now if you want to come with me..." said Colin with a smile, in an expectant position, not liking that Pen and Robert were viewing each other very intently again.
"Thank you, Lord Fife for an enjoyable afternoon."
"It was my pleasure miss Penelope" and on hearing these words Colin seemed quite annoyed, but he recovered quickly.
"Have a nice day, Robert" was the last thing he said before moving and taking a few steps away from Robert. Penelope and Mrs Varley followed him meekly. He felt defeated, outsmarted by a boy, which added insult to injury.
But then she glanced around at him, just for a moment, in the same way as before, and he knew he hadn't lost at all.
In fact, the race had only just begun.