Hello, it is me again. I am so sorry for the delay.. I have been meaning to post BOTH chapters of Balance (my other fic) and this one for WEEKS now but (house) work has been draining. A few notes thingies, I cannot remember if I had Philippa was married in the previous chapters and I do not care to search for if I had indeed written her to be married because I sincerely dislike reading my own 'work' as I just CRINGE. Anyway. Please tell me if she is indeed. Hope you like this chapter.. I had fun writing it. Halfway through I wanted a different ending to the chapter, but I kept this one.

As always sorry for shitty grammar. It sucks to be not a native Brit.

P.s. Hoping to post Balance this week, I love that story dearly so, here is me hoping to post that one soon, it is already half written. Half of THIS chapter was written two weeks ago; I just need to finish.

Ps 2. This chapter has Kanthony elements which was fun to write too but FYI.

PS 4. Do not let the end discourage you, OK?

*

One week later

He felt restless, which was not something new to him nevertheless, at the most unexpected moments, he was beset by a slumbering sense of discontent. A feeling of emptiness, or gloominess that took hold of his mind and emotions. He tried to find correlations, to look for something that could explain the feeling, but he couldn't find anything.

And it drove him mad because on the face of it he had everything his heart could want. He didn't have to worry about money if he already had a comfortable sized inheritance waiting for him, sure he had wished to be richer, who wouldn't but it was still better than many a poor sod he met at balls, desperate to marry rich, in search of a nice dowry.

So, what was it that bothered him so much? If Robert had to think about it, it was a feeling of emptiness, something was missing but he wasn't quite sure what... He just got up because his plan to fall asleep again had failed miserably. What day was it again, ah yes... Saturday.

He had to go to a garden party he remembered with displeasure. As if the numerous balls were not already up his nose, a new "trend" of garden parties had emerged, which basically amounted to the same thing however the guests stayed the night instead of going her house.

To be honest he was again surprised to be invited, he really didn't get along well with Anthony Bridgerton, but he suspected the invitation was based more on the fact that it was an 'obligation' than that his presence was really appreciated. And perhaps it was a sign of rubbing it in that the Viscount could afford to hold no less than two major events this summer.

He summoned his butler and ordered a bath to be prepared and his clothes laid out. After this he indulged in a short but hearty breakfast before boarding the carriage ... to Hertfordshire aka Aubrey Hall.

When he arrived in Hertfordshire an hour and a half later, his mood was already not in the best shape, and he cursed himself for not indicating he would not attend. Robert hated long carriage rides, even if they did not even last two hours because they reminded him of the long, awkward carriage rides he had taken with his father... Long hours in which he was expected to tolerate Reginald Fife's underhanded sneers, to tolerate the comparisons with his classmates, how they outperformed him academically.

The coachman turned the corner and there he could see Aubrey Hall in the distance... Robert was already actually impressed by how impressive it was, with its stately columns and timeless design, the building seemed to feel at once classical yet contemporary. He felt a stab of jealousy go through him, whatever the Fife's owned in real estate, this in no way compared to it, they did not have such a building of grandeur.

Once he finally arrived he was given a slightly distant and yet friendly welcome by the Viscount and Viscountess. Well, she was friendly, and Anthony was distant, though he seemed to hide that with his fake smile.

"Welcome Robert," Anthony said as he extended a hand to him.

"Hello, Anthony.. It is good to see you. Thank you for the invitation." said Robert before bowing his head briefly to Kate.

"Thank you for coming" said Kate Bridgerton kindly and at that moment he couldn't help but think that she had an aura of regality about her a degree of confidence in herself that fascinated him immediately. In addition, he could not help but notice that she was rather beautiful. Her glowing skin accommodated her turquoise dress well, her black hair was up but locks framed her delicate face. Her expressive eyes were most alluring, he realized, and Robert wondered what he had been doing last season not to notice her.

Oh yes, spending his time with married women and drinking a stupor, he remembered now.

"It's my pleasure. It is quite nice to be here, I have heard stories of Aubrey Hall and I must admit that there is truth to the rumours."

Robert looked around, taking the estate in from beginning till end.

"I must say that is a magnificent structure" Robert said sincerely.

"I am not sure if it qualifies as magnificent however, I must say I do agree to a large extent. Yet that is not why I enjoy it here so much. We used to spend our summers here growing up and that is why Aubrey Hall is very dear and to my family" Anthony said as he put his arm around his wife with a smile.

"Well, you must be weary after your trip. The butler will take your bags and escort you to your room where you can get some rest, I will also ask him to serve you lunch in the room. The garden party will begin in a few hours..."

Robert nodded politely in thanks and bid him both goodbye as one of the servants was already walking toward him. Robert followed him through Aubrey Hall and took a good look around. The interior was lavish yet tastefully decorated, it wasn't gaudy and flaunting ones wealth, but he knew there must be a fortune in paintings and other valuables in Aubrey Hall, that was obvious.

Robert was assigned a midsized room, also called the blue room, the name deriving from the blue wallpaper and pastel blue interior. The room was not the largest, but it was comfortable and overlooked the yard and the driveway. He realized he could see everyone coming ... and a second later he wondered if she was in attendance. She had surprised him he had to say. Robert had not expected her to ask him a question so openly and directly, but it pleased him on the other hand.

Apparently she felt so comfortable with him those conventions and decorum had receded into the background, at least until now and that pleased him. HE didn't know why but it did.

Anyway, still tired from the journey he wished to have a whiskey and preferably a cigar too, and even more preferably while reading the paper so he inquired with the butler where the study was and headed towards it.

Penelope had been glad to see Aubrey Hall for several reasons. First, she would be relieved of sitting in the carriage, which really had been too small for the journey anyway. She sat knee to knee with Prudence and had had to enduring all the way through the journey the bony limbs of her sister who were in turn pressing themselves into her limbs. Second, she was going to see Eloise again, her best friend and that was a fine prospect...and last, and not third... Colin.

Secretly, she knew she was most looking forward to seeing him. Her stupid heart didn't want to forget him, even after hearing his hurtful words... Is this what people meant by being a "fool in love"? Because she was one; who could possibly love someone who indicated they would never court her? Her pride laughed at her and shook its head, but her heart indicated it still loved him, that no matter how much she wanted to, she could not simply turn off nor erase her feelings.

She had reacted coolly to him though, distant and it had confused him, but Penelope would not let anything show now, not inform him of that she knew what he had said, in opposition to so many others. Someday she might dare confront him but not now, the wound lay open, and the time had not yet come.

"At long last.." Prudence sighed upon seeing Aubrey Hall in the distance.

"I can't wait until I get out of here. It is a severe discomfort to be in a carriage with Penelope, since she is larger than all of us," sneered Prudence.

"I'd rather be larger set than have nothing or substance in my head," and she beckoned to Prudence's forehead.

Prudence's face soured and she was just about to make a caustic remark until Portia intervened.

"Now girls ... I'm telling you now, for the first and last time ... Behave yourselves or else" Portia warned Featherington.

"I don't want any bickering between you...not now that half of London is present here. You will behave like excellently mannered ladies, is that understood? You too Philippa..."

"What haveIdone?" asked the other Featherington indignantly.

"Nothing, my dear but it applies to all three of you" concluded Portia before sighing.

"It has been another unsuccessful season so far and this is our last opportunity to make an impression.. I for one hope Mr. Finch will be present..." said Portia as she gazed at her eldest daughter.

Philippa giggled shyly upon hearing this name to which Portia rolled her eyes.

"I swear to God.. If that boy waits any longer with courting you then you really should set your sights on someone else" said Portia matter-of-factly.

"But mother, I don't want anyone else!" was her daughters reply to which Portia sighed again and

"Fine ... then I hope that he takes something along the lines of an action toward you after our stay here", Portia concluded.

They were finally here. Aubrey Hall.

A nervous knot suddenly formed in Penelope's stomach though she had been glad to finally arrive. It was usually at events she knew Colin would also attend...a feeling came over her then, a mixture of hope and anticipation but at the end of the evening disappointment and jealousy took its place. Oh, he kept dancing solemnly with her and it was always a moment when her heart leapt when he came to ask her, the minutes that followed were also heavenly until the moment when he politely withdrew and then she had to watch him dance with Melinda Carlyle, twice now she had noticed.

Oh no ... now she was thinking about him again when she had resolved not to. To take her mind off it, she began to wonder who the other guests would be, she suspected she would see some familiar faces, though Eloise had assured her it would be in a more intimate atmosphere setting.

She wondered if Lord Fife would also be in attendance, as he was normally a welcome guest at these sorts of parties, but she suspected that Lord Fife and the Bridgerton's didn't get along too well, well apart from Benedict perhaps.

Lord Fife himself was something of an enigma to her. He had deliberately sought her out and several times over and she didn't really understand why. She had wanted answers in a moment of stupidity and lack of decorum, in retrospect she was very ashamed of that, but she had gotten none. Worst of all, they both just stood there at one point, just looking at each other.

It seemed as if neither dared to glance away until Penelope came to her senses, that is.

Should she see him today and be able to speak to him alone for a moment she would apologize for her behaviour, it had been rude. Yes his behaviour on the other hand was also not according to protocol but she had practically ambushed him...

The Featherington's were greeted warmly by Anthony and Kate. Eloise and her mother and the rest of the numerous Bridgerton's would follow later, she had been told.

Philippa and Prudence did not want to rest and stay in their room and left, heading out presumably but Penelope chose to stay alone for a while, to gather her thoughts, as she sometimes felt the need to. That was why writing was so dear to her, it was the only time when she didn't have to think about others and could do her thing undisturbed.

Unfortunately, she didn't get the chance to spend some time in solitude because right after her intention, her mother breezed in. Penelope looked up and then lowered herself with a sigh.

Her mother walked over to her sofa, on which she was currently reclining, and she had a semi-serious look on her face. Penelope sat up straight and looked at Portia in anticipation, but she said nothing, not is what was normal for Portia, and it was a little strange".

"Yes mama?" asked Penelope.

Portia cleared her throat and took a breath before she spoke.

"I understand Lord Fide is also present" she began. Penelope blinked, not understanding however, hearing the name had a jolt of something she couldn't describe, or would admit, either of them.

"Oh... that is nice," she said.

"Indeed," stated Portia.

"I understand there will be something of a mini ball in the evening...after dinner that is... There's a chance he might ask you to dance again".

"Perhaps. I doubt it but perhaps."

"Why?"

"Why what, mama?" asked Penelope frowning.

"Why do you doubt he'll ask you?", Portia pressed on.

"Maybe he wouldn't want to waltz with me this time, since I am so bad at it I wouldn't blame him."

Portia frowned upon hearing this sentence and looked at Penelope intently and she did not quite gather why, nor where this conversation disguised as interrogation was going.

"If why did he ask you to do it last time?".

"How should I know?.. I don't understand, mama as to what are you getting at? I-..."

"He might be interested in you," Portia interrupted to which Penelope's mouth fell open.

"Please forgive me for what I am going to say but are you feeling quite well, mother?".

"I am perfectly fine, I assure you and watch the sarcasm, young lady. Listen... no one was more perplexed than me when he sought you out", oh that is lovely mother, lovely to hear, Penelope thought.

"I gathered he might feel pity for you", she stated, and Penelope rolled her eyes at that notion, even though she too had suspected there might be some truth to that "but he has danced with you twice now".

"So? He has done the same with most of the female population attending these balls. It doesn't mean anything ... just like when Colin dances with me ... it is just ... out of friendship".

"Colin doesn't count," Portia said.

"He does to me!" stated Penelope and the words had come out a bit more angrily and determined than she had hoped and for a second Penelope feared that her mother would mother something. However, Portia stared at her daughter for a long time but refrained from commenting.

"In any case. Lord Fife is a fine match..." Portia saw that Penelope wanted to say something but was ahead of her.

"Do not think of interrupting me again" Portia said sternly.

"All I am saying is... that if he wishes to seek your company tonight as well, do not deny him".

"I haven't till now have I. And I cannot believe I am having this conversation with you right now. Enough please.. Lord Fife is just being kind, you should try it sometime", Penelope said before getting up and barging out of the room, leaving her speechless mother behind.

She didn't really know where she was going as long as she was away. Her mother had gone mad. Crazy. Lord Fife being interested in her and all that nonsense ... it was ridiculous and yet there was a small voice inside her that thought... what if her mother...

Oh great, now she was starting too. Had she not concluded earlier that he was just being friendly towards her. That was it, nothing more, nothing less. Hadn't Eloise arrived by now? It would be by now... if she rushed to the entrance perhaps she could perhaps witness her arrival. She stepped eagerly and hurriedly through, god it seemed to take ages but when she got there she was told by the servants that Eloise and co, were not there yet.

She suspected there had been a delay on the way, they really should have been there by now.

Penelope therefore walked back, aimless, and decided that there was nothing to do but wait since she didn't want to go to see her two sisters. Wait, she thought to herself. Wasn't the study nearby? The one at the end of the building where she had sat with Eloise earlier, wanting to avoid both their families.

Oh yes, she remembered it well now. She could hide there temporarily and perhaps then gather her senses there. Penelope looked back to see if the coast was clear and hurried to the study.

Without looking closely, she opened the door and rushed in but... soon stilled in her movements. For sitting in the fauteuil by the window was none other than Lord Fife himself.

"Oh." Why could she only say 'oh' in the proximity of this man?

"Miss Featherington, hello. What a pleasant surprise? How are you?", he asked kindly while slowly rising.

"I am well thank you. I'm sorry... I didn't know anyone would be here and I just dropped in. I want to leave you to it, then," she murmured, turning a quarter turn to continue her way back.

"I didn't mind... at all. Like I said, it was a pleasant surprise, but may I ask you a question?", to which she nodded a tad nervously, intrigued by what he was going to ask.

"What caused you to seek refuge, here, I presume? "he said as his eyes made a round through the room.

Well, it had to do with you she wanted to say but she just held back.

"Are you alright as you seemed distressed as you entered and are even now".

"No... I mean yes, everything is fine", she nodded.

"Are you certain?", he pressed.

" I am, thank you Lord Fife for inquiring".

"Alright then...", he said but somewhere he didn't seem to quite believe it.

She nodded for a moment and wanted to turn her back on him again until she realised she had yet to apologise.

"I'm sorry..."

He looked at her confused - she had just said sorry, hadn't she?

"For when I saw you last, in the green house. I shouldn't have... questioned you like that" she stated as she bit her lip nervously.

Robert took a few steps towards her and when he was right in front of her, he looked down for a moment and then at her.

"Miss Featherington... Can we agree one thing? That you stop apologising to me. It is unnecessary and besides, I believe I am the one who should apologise here and not you. However, I must confess to you that I am not sorry... After all, I don't think I did anything wrong..."

At this statement she couldn't help but look up directly at him, which was a mistake but no regrets? What did he mean by that?

"I think it would be wise for you to leave now" he said matter-of-factly.

"I gathered from a reliable source that the Viscount was found alone with miss Sheffield last year upon which they were forced to marry. We wouldn't want to see a repeat... or would we?" he said with a smirk.

And there it was again, that teasing... that... something that took her back into confusion but just as well his phrases urged her to quickly make her exit.

She gave him a short nod in farewell and then walked to the door. She opened it carefully and looked both ways intently before seeing that the coast was done and left.

"Pen!" exclaimed Eloise when she saw her best friend before giving her an embrace.

"The wheel of our carriage suddenly snapped off... Luckily we weren't going too fast. Anyway, it's good to see you".

"Likewise.. How unfortunate about the delay.. Did um all of you manage to make it today?."

"Yes, everyone is here.. by enforcement. Anthony said we had to come or else. I am not sure what his deal is, he never seemed to care much for these types of things, but I assume it is different now he is married " Eloise pondered.

"That's good to hear, that you are all here.. Sorry about the threat though," Penelope smiled.

"Seriously. Even Daphne is there... with Auggie and Simon and there were meant to be on a trip she told me. Anyway, I'm going to freshen up, it's quite necessary. We had to wait outside, and I truly believe that I have never sweated so much in my life; Iam certain I smell like a farm animal or worse than.."

"Eloise Bridgerton! A lady doesn't say such a thing," reprimanded Violet who walked in.

Eloise flashed Pen a sneaky smile but then her face shifted back into innocence.

"Will I see you later?", Eloise asked.

Penelope smiled as confirmation and a few seconds later Eloise left. She decided to go back to her room and get ready as well.

The garden party was a success.

The guests spent their time playing games, sitting in the sun, enjoying refreshments. The Bridgerton's along with Kate and her sister Edwina were enjoying themselves in what was called Pall Mall, Penelope knew, and she knew better than to play along since things could get heated between them as none of them liked to lose. Penelope watched them, standing by the table where she had fetched some lemonade.

It was Colin's turn now and she watched as he graciously hit a ball away, unfortunately it didn't get far to the delight of Anthony who, though she couldn't hear, provided him with a snide comment.

"I have been informed that they are playing something like croquet" she heard someone say and she hastily looked up at the person standing next to her.

"But they've come up with their own rules apparently...this doesn't really look like the croquet I'm used to. Do you play as well?" he asked, staring directly at her, his gaze fixed.

"I do not, no."

"That is a good thing I suppose. It looks like it is going to get gnarly over there " and Lord Fife was referring to the fact that Anthony looked like he was going to use his mallet to deliver a smack to a grinning Benedict at any moment.

He gave her a polite nod and a semi smile, then shifted. She glanced quickly around her to see if anyone had seen them and her eyes fell on Portia who was watching Penelope, with something of a look that seemed to proclaim "what did I tell you. Penelope shook her head and then just walked toward Eloise who was in a verbal altercation with Anthony and walked toward their side.

"You cheated. You always do!" she exclaimed tersely.

"Nonsense" remarked Anthony though Penelope saw a small twinkle in his eyes as soon as he had spoken.

"I won fair and square. You just need to prepare yourselves better next time" he gloated.

"My dear, you forget that it is more important to with your family than it is to win" Kate said with a disapproving tone.

"Ohreally, weren't you the one who bragged about how often you used to beat Edwina with playing cards?" Anthony remarked making Kate proceeding to glare at him.

"She used to cheattoo" stated Edwina matter-of-factly.

"I did no such thing!."

"Oh, you so did," smiled Edwina.

The party arrived with the other guests and there Anthony made a little announcement, that one had time until dinner to engage in activities of one's own if one wished. For example, he recommended a walk to the nearest brook or a visit to downtown and let them know they would provide transportation if they so desired.

The Featherington's went back to their rooms, Penelope was allowed by her mother, to her surprise to stay with Eloise but was expected to return in time to prepare for dinner.

Once that was done Penelope had to wear a bright orange dress, at her mother's insistence and she did not gather why her mother persisted that it looked nice in combination with her hair colour because that was far from the truth. Oh well, she was used to walking around in less than flattering dresses and tonight certainly wasn't different.

Dinner was enjoyable and Penelope was enjoying herself, apart from the comment Cressida had made at the sight of her, "oh Penelope matches perfectly with your hair," and she had said these words with difficulty, as if she might burst into laughter at any moment. Penelope had only said thank you politely and ignored her for the rest.

Dinner was flavourful and the company, apart from Cressida then, was pleasant and Penelope was enjoying herself, but the evening was not yet over. They were asked to come to the ballroom where soon the orchestra began to play. Penelope watched how Anthony and Kate were dancing and how lovingly Anthony seemed to be looking at his wife. Then she saw Edwina dancing with Lord Lumley, a guest that no one really knew, and that people were surprised at, but not Penelope. It was clear that Lord Lumley had a crush on Edwina and therefore Kate or Anthony had invited him for a reason. It seemed that Edwina was reciprocating the feeling now. She expected to hear shortly that Lord Lumley and Edwina were engaged.

Penelope glanced around the room looking for Colin to. to see him dancing with Melinda Carlyle. It didn't matter that he came up to her afterwards to dance with her, explaining that Melinda had never been to Aubrey Hall before and he felt it was his duty, or something or other, to dance with her first.

"Of course. how thoughtful of you" she had said but she had seen something, something in her gaze that suggested he liked her for he had smiled at the mention of her name When the dance was over she walked back with lead in her shoes and was on the verge of tears but held back just barely.

"Miss Featherington," she heard someone call after her, a familiar voice by now and that was a strange thought, yet somewhere comforting. She slowly turned to face her him and waited.

"May I have the pleasure of a dance with you?" asked Lord Fife.

"Certainly" she replied politely with a nod, reluctantly for she wanted to disappear into a corner rather than dance, but she walked toward him. There was something ... gentle in his gaze, she noted but she quickly reminded herself of her previous determinate thought that he was only being nice to her.

They assumed the beginner's position but when he rested his palm on her upper back, more emphatically than before she let out a small gasp, one that she hoped he hadn't noticed. The music started and they moved slowly, taking the first few steps carefully, at least he did that on purpose she suspected because she felt nervous again and she contributed that back to him as she did prior.

Eventually though she let herself be led along, trusting his assuring grip and their movements quickened, in coordination, with the music and by the end of this dance Penelope felt a lot better somehow. They bid each other a polite farewell and Penelope re-joined her family, jealously pursued by Cressida but she did not notice this.

"Lord Fife seems to enjoy dancing with Penelope" remarked Violet with a subtle, knowing glance at Portia, while sipping her drink.

"Seems like it... indeed" replied Portia, giving her frenemy an equally subtle but knowing look.

Robert felt hot, uneasily hot. The way she had felt in his arms, when he had pressed his palm on her back, the little gasp she had emitted in her startled state, inadvertently pushing herself closer to him, briefly bumping into him when she did so... it had felt good.

Quite good and it made him want more. Much. Much. MORE. Good God, he didn't mean to fall for the girl,

Robert rushed outside which made no sense because it was still hot outside, he truly detested summer, he noted, autumn and winters were much more to his liking. Robert was just about to turn back inside but no such luck.

"Fife!."

Oh God ... not now. Not now, he had no desire to do this, but he nevertheless turned around with a sigh.

"Colin, hello" he greeted reluctantly but the latter did not greet back, instead he appeared rather unfriendly as he marched over to Robert.

"No greeting back, that seems like a violation of basic decorum to me" he said sarcastically but Colin didn't respond.

"Why are you dancing with Penelope again?", he asked standing a few steps away from Robert.

"Why doyou?" Robert countered.

"I dance with her because she is a family friend of ours, that is why," Colin answered snippily.

"Oh...sorry I didn't know you lot had sole rights to her" drawled Robert.

"Should I ask your permission from now on?" he continued, his irritation only growing.

Honestly, the nerve ... How dare Colin, Robert was many years older than him, even than Anthony, the disrespect of asking him for justification.

"No, I'd rather you not dance with her at all," Colin said angrily.

"And why is that?"

"We both know why," Colin stated with determination.

"I don't, do care to explain to me.

"Fine. It is because of your reputation. I told you before, Penelope is a sweet girl and you-".

"Hold up" Robert said, while making a stop sign with his right palm and at the same time taking a few steps into Colin's direction.

"What do you mean withmy 'reputation'?".

"Do I really have to spell things out for you," Colin said.

"I am asking you to do so, aren't I!" Robert exclaimed.

"Fine then. Let us talk about reputation of having bastard kids throughout all of London shall we?."

It took a few seconds for Robert to compose himself as if he had to process what Colin had just stated but when he did he felt like punching Colin, over and over.

He refrained from doing so but barely and instead he put a couple of fingers on his chest and pushed him backwards.

"Don't youdarespeak of things you know nothing about," Robert stated, enunciating every word.

"Don't. You.Dare.," he repeated while pushing Colin back for the second time.

Colin was just about retaliate, Robert was sure of it and in his mind he was already bracing for the attack and his counterattack, but it did not come to that.

"What's going on here?" the host of the event wanted to know. Colin and Robert continued to grimly stare at each other.

"I believe I asked a question" Anthony remarked. Colin broke eye contact and turned to his brother.

"Nothing, brother" and then he turned to Robert to continue with:

"We had a little misunderstanding, but it has already been cleared up. Right Robert?"

Anthony looked at Robert Fife and he couldn't remember seeing him so angry before but soon Robert seemed to fall back into his usual nonchalance.

"Your brother is right, Viscount. All water under the bridge now" and he gave a faux smile to make his point extra clear.

"Good," Anthony replied "although he didn't believe a word of what they had claimed "then I would advise you to go back inside. Both of you".

Colin nodded at this suggestion and left but not before staring at Robert with the same distaste as earlier. The Viscount followed not long after, thankfully not pressing the matter further, to Robert's relief.

The rest of the evening went by rather uneventful and at some point the guests retreated to their chambers, as did Robert but just like other nights, he felt too restless to sleep as he pondered about what had happened a few hours ago. It was clear to him that Colin was jealous but on the other hand he gathered nothing because... if indeed he was so jealous why hadn't he decided to court Penelope himself? It did not make sense and the only conclusion he could draw was that Colin did not know what he wanted and acted like a petulant boy whose toy had been taken away...

The whole encounter had left a foul taste in his mouth, and he was bent on revenge. He now knew very well the best way to accomplish that.

Tuesday the 26th of May, Featherington house, London

A knock on the door.

"Come in" said Portia as she was busy correcting Philippa's embroidery, my God, she knew her daughter had good qualities and talents, but embroidery was not one of them.

Their butler Morrison walked in with a serious expression on his face.

"Yes, Morrison?" asked Portia.

"There is a suitor downstairs, my Lady."

The words had an instant effect on Portia, who practically threw the embroidery away (to her daughters chagrin) and even Prudence stood up and waited, in anticipation. Penelope didn't however, yes she was surprised but she assumed that Mr. Finch had finally gathered the courage to court her sister.

"Mommy! I told you! It is Mr. Finch! I am so happy," Philippa stated in elation.

"Actually," Morrison said awkwardly.

"It is Lord Fife, and he is here to see Miss Penelope".

Penelope stood up slowly and the only sound to be heard was the thud of the book she was holding which slipped from her hands and fell to the floor.