Ahem, listen I am really sorry. Really sorry. I had writer's block among other things, I was ill for a week and work drained the hell out of me but that is no excuse. II will try to update more frequently now, I mean I'll try. Mind you, this won't be a long story, I always intended to wrap things up around 10/11. I HOPE this long chapter will make up things, I started writing it weeks ago, then stopped and now have finally finished. I will admit that I do find it a bit difficult to know what happens next if that makes sense. if you excuse me I'll go clean my house now because I ignored it, and this took 7 hours. Spoiler: Penelope is still a bit unsure as what to do, please excuse her.
Thank you for commenting btw, makes me happy and as always sorry for shitty grammar and stuff.
None other than Anthony Bridgerton and he did not look entirely happy to put it mildly. What Penelope could not have known was that the Bridgerton's did intend to attend the ball, but they were only slightly late. In fact, there was joyous news, Lord Lumley had come to ask for Edwina's hand in marriage and that occasion had to be celebrated.
"Anthony, I mean Viscount..," Penelope croaked, still in shock.
"Penelope" replied Anthony measuredly before he continued, "I think it would be wise for you to leave as soon as possible. Your mother could not find you and I offered to look for you. I had figured you might have gotten lost, but this is.. certainly not what I was expecting."
Penelope was going to faint from embarrassment, right there on the spot if she continued to stay here any longer.
"Should you get lost... take the left corridor and follow the music back to the ballroom Anthony continued.
Without saying a word and not even daring to look up at either gentleman, Penelope ran away, leaving the aforementioned gentlemen alone.
Robert prepared for what he assumed would be a spirited conversation.
"What are you doing, Robert?", Anthony asked with gritted teeth.
Robert stared at him in confusion although he very well gathered what Anthony was referring to.
"I am not following," he lied.
Anthony took a few steps forward to Robert.
"Oh, I am certain that you do follow. Penelope Featherington? She isn't akin to of your usual conquests.."
"What is wrong with Penelope Featherington?", Fife asked defensively.
"Nothing, absolutely nothing but she is not the same as one of the... ladies you choose to affiliate yourself with".
He knew very well what Anthony meant by the emphasis on 'ladies', inwardly he began to be moderately annoyed by the arrogance of the man in front of him.
" Are you pretending, Viscount, that you were known for your affiliations? I seem to recall you having an affinity for going to the opera, or not?," Robert reminded.
And now it was Anthony's turn to get angry as the Bridgerton's shifted in annoyance and his mouth settled into a thin line.
"Those.. affiliations belong to my past and I don't appreciate you calling me on it, Fife," he said.
"Well, I don't appreciate you pretending to be holier than me because, quite frankly you are not ".
Anthony was going to make a scathing remark in return but decided that this would only make things worse so instead he took a deep breath and decided to change tactics.
"Penelope is a girl who has been raised in a sheltered fashion, she has no father to stand up for or intercede for her so therefore she is vulnerable to.. men's intentions. The girl is innocent to a fault, Robert."
He begged to differ, there was something about Penelope Featherington that was not innocent at all. He supposed that to an outsider she did come across as doe eyed and precious, but he could see through that. In part she was certainly good-hearted, but people didn't give her enough credit, reckoned that the wallflower was simply that, a wallflower who didn't stand out, but Robert knew better.
"So, what exactly are you trying to say here, Anthony," Fife asked with a bored intonation.
"I am saying that I don't like it when you take advantage of her virtue", Anthony explained angrily.
"Virtue? I only kiss-".
"And with that kiss you broke an important rule of engagement, I shouldn't be having to tell you that surely," Anthony interrupted before Robert could make an addition.
"The hypocrisy, once more I must note, is staggering, Anthony. Weren't you the one that got caught in the gardens of Aubrey Hall, practically suckling on Miss Kate Sharma's, now Mrs. Bridgerton's, breasts last year? Do you honestly expect me to believe the nonsense that there was a ' sudden swift engagement' between the two of you?."
Robert knew he had hit a sore spot by the look of Anthony's expression, as he seemed visibly upset.
"I thought she was going to.., she was bitten by a.. You wouldn't understand," Anthony stated shakenly. Robert thought he seemed out of it, and this was the first time he had seen the Viscount losing his composure. However, it was not long before Anthony again assumed his haughty posture as he now faced Robert sternly.
"I have no time to explain but I will say this. I did what I had to do, I did the right thing and married Kate. I am fortunate that I did marry her as I feel contentment in my marriage, but I would have done the same with any other lady I was found to be in a compromising situation with".
A moment of tension hung in the air as the two men locked eyes. They both held their gaze, refusing to break the silent challenge until Robert did.
"If you were expecting me to marry miss Featherington, why did you make her leave?", Robert wanted to know because if Anthony was so keen on codes of conduct then he should have urged him to marry him.
"That would have been the right thing to do, yes but in this case I feel somehow that it is not", Anthony replied.
Robert blinked in confusion, genuinely surprised by the statement.
"Why not if I may ask?", Robert inquired. He knew damn well it probably had to do with his current reputation in London of having illegitimate children, but the truth was, not one of them were his. Still, he wanted to see if Anthony had the balls to address him on this so hence the direct demand for an explanation.
Anthony didn't reply instantly but rather before he did.
"Because I feel there are others that might be more suited to marry her", Anthony stated evenly.
"Like whom? Colin? When he finally decides to get his head out of his-".
"You shut your l mouth about my brother!", Anthony warned as he pointed a finger at Robert.
"Our fathers may have been good friends, but I assure you I would have no qualms of knocking your teeth out at present", he continued menacingly.
"And as for Penelope, for future reference, you shall not seek her out. You will leave her alone. If I catch you behaving inappropriately next time, I will not be this lenient. I will call you out on your honour, in front of everyone."
Robert remained silent but stared sternly at the man in front of him.
"Is that clear?" asked Anthony. Robert wanted to say that Anthony could bugger off to off and that he wasn't a man that allowed others to determine what he should do.
However, he did realise he was in a precarious situation. If he denied Anthony's wishes, it would not be long before Anthony would undoubtedly inform his father and the last thing Robert wanted at the moment was interference from Fife Senior.
"Yes," he replied, with venom coursing through his voice.
"Perfect. Then I'll see you back in the ballroom or perhaps you might it suitable to make an early departure," Anthony suggested before turning and walking away, leaving Robert alone.
That damned Bridgerton. He once more was reminded that out of the three male offspring in that family, he only liked Benedict.
How dare Anthony interrupt him? Just when he had barely taken a taste of her sweet and lips. He ran his fingers over his, looking for something he couldn't describe, perhaps an impression of her on his lips but obviously couldn't find anything and until this irritated him.
He had kissed her and enjoyed it, which on the one hand he had expected but not the extent of Robert could not remember, in all his 33 years that he had enjoyed kissing someone so much, which was a sobering thought. On the other hand, he was more the 'let's skip the unnecessary and move on to what mattered' type of man, intercourse that is, and had had a lot to do with the notion up to now anyway but this had been completely different.
And it made him want more. You see, Anthony could tell he needed to leave Penelope alone. It was perhaps the noble thing to do but damn it, he didn't want to and if she were as affected as he was now... well then the Viscount could forget it. Because, if he knew one thing for sure was that Robert, wanted more, much more.
"You silly child!" reprimanded Portia. "We were so worried. Thankfully, the Viscount offered to look for you. Where have you been?".
"I am so sorry mother. On my way back from the ladies room, I saw that the door to the library was open and got distracted", Penelope fibbed.
In actuality the ladies room wasn't near the library at all.
"Typical, Penelope! Typical, I ought to remove every book from your room because it is quite clear that has become some sort of horrible... habit to you, all you do is bury your head in books", Portia complained.
"Mama, no! Please, I shall be more careful from now on and not wonder off. Please forgive me", Penelope pleaded.
"Pardon me for interjecting but it seems to me that no harm or foul was done here, Portia", Penelope heard, and she looked up to see Violet Bridgerton joining them.
" I believe it would a cruel punishment to take away Penelope's books, especially since she seemed to enjoy reading" Violet suggested. Good old Violet Bridgerton, Penelope thought
"Thank you, I will keep that in mind" Portia replied to a tad too briskly for Penelope's liking.
" Now" and Portia turned to her daughters "let's go home. Everyone has talked enough about us I would reckon" and Penelope could tell her mother was quite peeved that they had been the centre of (negative) attention.
Penelope and her mother and sisters started walking towards the door of the ballroom, as inconspicuously as possible. Thankfully, the orchestra had begun playing again once more and the exit was therefore a bit easier than she had expected but then, just as she was nearing the door, she saw him standing... in one of the corners of her ballroom, staring at her in a way she couldn't quite decipher. She avoided his gaze shortly after, but it felt like his eyes were following her throughout.
When they finally made it home and Penelope was in the circumference of her safe heaven, her bedroom she tried her best to sleep but could not, and in all honesty who could blame her. She had just had her first kiss and al she could do was replay the moment in her mind, when they both couldn't look away but this time there had been something inescapable and then he had bent over and kissed her.. Never in a million years had she expected to be kissed by Lord Fife.
There was always the hope that someone else would do this, someone, in the form of Colin Bridgerton but still it had not been him. Hope was different from reality however and the one who had first touched her lips was someone the opposite of Colin in that many things.
She was confused, still so confused. Why had he kissed her in the first place?
His lips had been soft, and he had been gentle as if he did not want to scare her, as if he wanted to put her at ease. He had not been coercive in any way but when he leaned in closer, she couldn't escape him, and it was at that moment she kissed him back.
And it had been a sweet moment. nothing wrong or inappropriate about it. Penelope realised one thing, that not the question had to be, why had he kissed her but more... why had she enjoyed it?
This confused her because wasn't she still in love with Colin? Right?
She closed her eyes stiffly in an attempt to sleep but all she thought about was tonight's kiss, replaying it over and over in her head and with each replay she found herself getting more flustered at the memory.
It took quite a while before Penelope finally fell asleep.
He had not expected his father's visit, so he was unpleasantly surprised when Fife Senior visited him a few days later after the ball.. Still, he did his best to seem enthusiastic.
"Father, what a fine surprise" lied Robert as he stood up.
"Sit down, please and join me" Robert stated with great difficulty, he had no desire for this meeting, and he was having such a nice breakfast before. It was not long before his father too enjoyed the exquisite poached eggs.
"Your cook is very talented, I might have to steal him from you," William Fife said with a sly smile.
"You must be mad if you think I'd allow that to happen. Not a chance old man" Robert said with a smile.
"We'll see..." William said and then made haste to consume the rest of his breakfast. When they got to the coffee afterwards, Robert decided not to bother.
"May I ask what the reason is for this spontaneous visit, Father? "Robert asked him innocently.
William blinked in faux confusion.
"Do I have to have a reason to visit my son?" he replied innocently.
"Of course not but it is peculiar considering our previous rapport of what.. two monthly? appointments. We saw each other just two weeks back so you must have a special reason, I presume." stated Robert evenly.
Something of hesitation and uncertainty flashed in Reginald eyes and that gave Robert the incentive to continue.
"Let me guess, Anthony Bridgerton has sent you a letter," Robert stated as he stared sternly at his father.
William said nothing but his face spoke volumes.
"That pompous idiot," Robert said, shaking his head.
"He did inform me of your questionable encounter with miss Featherington, if that is what you are referring to".
"There was nothing questionable about my encounter" bit Robert snapped, himself a little surprised at the intensity with which he had uttered the words.
"No need to get angry, Anthony no doubt meant well at informing me."
"No, he did not, he just wanted to tell on me like a petulant little boy" to which William sighed.
"Listen, I had more in common with Bridgerton senior. I find Anthony far too haughty, and I am not really a fan of him either, but I do think he has a point, Robert", William stated and then paused for a moment.
"However, the scandal would be great if people found out you comprised the Featherington girl, especially since we already don't have a best reputation", William continued.
I wonder who is responsible for said reputation Robert wanted to say but he bit his tongue last second.
"I did not compromise her, Father, I-".
"You did, Rober and you were lucky that Anthony saved your hide and didn't INSIST you marry her.".
" Anthony didn't save shite, father! There was nothing to save in the first place ", Robert countered feeling his irritation getting the best of him.
Fife senior sighed and shook his head.
"Look son, I get it, I do. The married women you usually engage with must bore you after a while but there are plenty of young girls to be found if you look hard.. enough," William said with a smirk.
Robert felt himself getting queasy after seeing his father's face, that opportunistic smile, that calculating demeanour. He recognised it in himself too, but it was the first time a sense of disgust was associated with it.
His father was referring to the barely 16-year-old girls, some just under sixteen in the brothels of London, selling themselves to make ends meet, to feed their families. The thought of a man in his sixties sleeping with them, it was disgusting.
Penelope was indeed still young too and there was a 10-year age difference between them, Penelope 18, and Robert 28 but it was different from what his father did.
At least to Robert it was.
"What are your intentions with miss Featherington?" suddenly William asked him directly.
His intentions? Well, if it was up to him a lot of driving himself inside her, over and over again, just until he was sated and she too, oops, apparently he was not so quite different from his father, he realised.
And yet... it didn't feel the same. Yes, he also had opportunistic motives but were they malicious ones? He couldn't say for sure now.
"Since you did not answer I assume she doesn't mean much to you, other than perhaps an enjoyable fling so to speak."
"Just be careful. We cannot afford a commotion and besides, that Portia Featherington wife is absolutely horrible. Imagine being acquainted to her for the rest of your life," William stressed sternly.
"Thank you Father for your concern. I will heed your words," lied Robert who had enough of William's presence.
William stared at him inquiringly, clearly doubting that statement, but refrained from proving Robert wrong.
"Very well, now if you will excuse me, I have an appointment with Lord Branley. He wants to work together and look at expansion. Would you care to join me?" asked William, with a twinge of hope spilling through in his voice.
"Unfortunately, no, I have to address other engagements today". It was once more a lie, perhaps one for good measure.
William seemed disappointed but he quickly steeled his face and pretended nothing was wrong.
"Then I still see you next time", William smiled. HE stood up and extended a hand to Robert, which he shook and then left, leaving Robert to ponder alone.
And he did so for an hour or two until someone knocked on the door.
"Come in" shouted Fife. It was his butler bringing him the latest edition of Lady Whistledown's, something he secretly looked forward to every time.
He supposed that he enjoyed Lady Whistledown ragging into his contemporaries, seeing her making fun of the 'ton', even though he was also among those she mocked.
He had been mentioned a couple of times too, but he could not deny that what she had written about him was not true.
Robert had now been an enthusiastic in his endeavours, rake and he could not help smiling when she ranted about him. For the last few editions, however, she had stopped talking about him to his disappointment. There was a paragraph dedicated to the Carlyle ball though:
"Alas, Miss Carlyle did not find her match at her own ball either. I cannot decide if I find Miss Carlyle to be sensible or perhaps rather too fussy in her endeavours, at this point.
The event was lovely, I am told, apart from the fact that the youngest Miss Featherington, was absent for some time and could not be found. In case you were expecting a scandal dearest Reader, I must disappoint you. Rumour has it that Miss Featherington had lost track of time in a library. Could she be any more boring, I wonder? Her only redeeming feature is that she sans the ugly yellow dresses looks slightly better than usual with the emphasis on 'slightly'."
Robert frowned on reading these words. It was not the first time Lady Whistledown had targeted Penelope and he did not understand why.
This time, the little gossip sheet had a less fine impression on him, in fact it caused him to get into a foul mood. In the process, he also remembered Anthony's actions and that only made things worse.
It was fairly early to drink but he felt like it. Yet he didn't want to do that at home, something told him to go outside, even though it looked pretty cold today, from the look of his window.
Robert had heard that a new gentleman's club had been opened by Will Mondrich, a friend or the Duke of Hastings, aka Simon Basset. Fife did not know Simon well, but the latter had always been cordial whenever they had encountered each other.
Robert decided to give it a go and soon he was on his way to Mondrich's gentlemen's club. It took him a while to get there, the club was, to his surprise, located in one of the industrial hubs of the city, in this region, he knew, there were many newspaper and book publishers in addition to factories.
Arriving at the club, he was kindly welcomed by Mondrich and his wife. Not long after, he saw Sir Cransworth and Sir Blake, not exactly his friends but not enemies either and they had invited him to join them.
Miraculously Robert enjoyed the evening and his foul mood disappeared. It was getting late though, past midnight and he still had quite a way to travel back.
He parted with Sir Cransworth and Blake and went outside, there he cursed himself for not asking his coachman to wait for him, for where was he to find a carriage now, in this part of town?
"Are you in need of a ride home, Lord Fife?" Mondrich asked and Robert turned to face him.
"Um yes, I am actually. So foolish of me, I forgot to ask my coachman to wait".
"No problem, Lord Fife. I will send for a friend of mine, and he will take you to your house, if you have a moment's patience" said Will.
"I am sorry to trouble you Mr Mondrich, but I would be very grateful if you would".
Will smiled and nodded. A few minutes later, a carriage stopped in front of Mondrich's club door.
"Thank you very much. I'll be sure to tell my friends about the excellent hospitality I received at your establishment, and I shall urge them to visit. ".
"I would appreciate that Lord Fife" said Will kindly and then said hello to Robert as the latter got into the carriage.
The journey back was without issues, Robert had had a little too much to drink, he realised, and the precursors of a massive hangover were already slowly beginning to form. He rested his head against the side and closed his eyes for a moment.
When he opened them he saw... another carriage pass them and in that split second he saw something he probably shouldn't have seen. Oh, it was probably meant to be hidden under the hood of the cloak, but it was unmistakenly there, a red lock of hair, which he recognised because there was only one person around him who had that kind of hair colour. He looked again but the person, of small stature he saw, sitting in the carriage pulled her cloak slightly more towards her so that a second, more inquisitive look was denied and before he knew it she had disappeared from his field of vision.
Was that... no it couldn't be. Penelope? The alcohol had to be playing tricks on him for what would it be doing here at this hour? And in this part of London, where the factories and the ... publishing houses were.
The realisation struck him like thunder suddenly and overwhelmed him. He had always suspected that there was more to the demure wallflower that although at first she seemed to indeed be a wallflower, he would see her peer around in an observant manner. Taking things in. He had caught her doing so on several occasions, as if she were listening, and sometimes he would see her develop a slightly sinister but knowing smile, only to quickly camouflage it again with her usual nonchalant behaviour.
But how? How did she arrange to hand in her stories twice a week, under the watchful eye of Portia? How did she manage to sneak out of the building? She had to have an accomplice in the form of a butler or servant.
Even then, the risk was high. Doubt began to strike him as he understood how realistic the chances were that Penelope could be Lady Whistledown. Theoretically, of course, she could be, and the notion was actually brilliant because no one of the 'ton' would ever suspect her.
However, there was a difference between theory and practice and that made him doubt it. Anyway... he would do his best to find out the truth, Robert was nothing but tenacious after all.
At the publishing house, Penelope stepped out in a hurry, quickly handed in her copy to address Matthews, her servant, on her return.
"Matthews... this is the second time you have been late," Penelope said in a hurried manner.
" I am sorry miss Penelope; I was delayed at the house; your sister requested more wood for the fireplace ".
"It's alright Matthews but please be earlier next time. We were already far too late tonight. You know how important it is that no one knows who I am. I got a bad feeling just now. Someone in the carriages passing us seemed to be watching me".
"Chances are slim that anyone will recognise you, miss Penelope but let them leave and go to us quickly".
Penelope nodded and entered the carriage. Perhaps Matthews had a point, the chances that she had been recognised were close to nil because what would the members of the 'ton' be doing in this part of town, at this hour, far from the usual clubs, theatres, museums they frequented... but then why didn't she feel reassured.
A few weeks later
"Dearest gentle reader.
I never thought I would write about him again but here I am, to my shock. This author was certain she would never hear about the person in question, especially since they have been absent for quite some time now and London is a marvellous city but not a forgiving one.
But let me no longer keep you in suspense, out with it, I say.
Lord Berbrooke is organising a Christmas ball. Yes, dearest reader yes that Lord Berbrooke you know, the one who left town a year or two ago with all haste, tail between his legs. Now it so happens that his uncle Earl Berbrooke died recently. Since the Earl had no descendants you can already guess who will bear the new, noble title. Loose tongues will say that he has not earned this title, I will not comment on that. But I can say that with this ball, the new Earl Berbrooke wants to make a triumphant return to grand society. We shall see if he will succeed, I have my grave doubts, but we will see.".
Robert did not want to go. He had had his fill of insipid balls but, on the other hand, he felt like he couldn't refuse the invitation either. Especially since the slimy git was now elevated to Count and that could only be beneficial, even for a possible partnership but he inwardly detested the man. There had always been something slimy about the man, a ready case of an overgrown Napoleon complex, Robert imagined that it would only be worse now but... he had heard some rumours that Nigel was eager to invest among his former acquaintances, to get back into their good graces after all.
So, he trotted meekly to the new mansion, the money squandering had begun early Robert concluded, from Nigel with a chagrined look, though he seemed to be doing his best to hide that.
In the hall, Nigel and his wife were waiting for guests.
"Fife! So good of you to come" Nigel said with an arrogant, condescending smile and Robert suddenly felt much like punching said smile away.
"Good to see you too, Nigel. My congratulations on both the wedding as becoming the new Earl of Westbrook".
"Thank you" Nigel replied complacently.
"May I introduce you to my dearest wife Ethel?" and Nigel turned to face his spouse.
Ethel Berbrooke was small in stature and had mahogany brown, curly hair that framed her face. He could see that an attempt had been made to tame the thick hair, but the result was messy, the curls not carefully groomed to perfection. On sight, Ethel looked many years older than Nigel, which was later contradicted when Robert picked up in the murmur that there was only two years difference between the two. She also had a drab-looking complexion and beady eyes, otherwise he could not describe. Ethel had a dark blue, almost black-looking frumpy dress that did her look no favours and only exacerbated the chagrin expression on her face.
"It is lovely to make your acquaintance" lied Robert as he bent down to kiss Ethel's hand that had taken him from head to toe just before.
"Likewise, Lord...?
"Fife, dearest. Robert is an old friend of mine," Nigel complemented.
Not really, Fife thought but it was probably rude to object.
"Well, do go in and enjoy yourself, Robert. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask. I brought some grade A quality cigars from my uncle's residence in Kent, do let me know when you're keen on enjoying one together later this evening", Nigel suggested.
"That sounds enticing, Nigel. I might take you on that offer", Robert replied with a fake smile.
He probably wouldn't as he didn't want to suck up to Nigel anyway, he had just decided, business opportunity be damned. The last few minutes in his company had already been enough torment.
Robert entered the ballroom and was immediately approached by a servant with a glass of champagne. Hhm, service was at least on point. He looked around the room and saw that the Christmas motto had been implemented everywhere. Red, green, and gold ribbons and bows adorned the room and in the centre of the hall was a rather large Christmas tree, also tastefully decorated Robert had to admit, under the tree there were numerous presents/ party favours.
It was clear that Nigel wanted to make a good impression tonight.
The usual suspects of the ton were present, the Cowper's, the Carlyle's, the Millers and to his great surprise... the Bridgerton's, although Anthony did not seem at all happy to be here.
"I can't believe you talked us into coming, Mother," Anthony seethed.
"We were given an invitation dear, and so were you", Violet countered calmly.
"I know but we could have refused. I have no interest in spending an evening with that pompous blob".
"I understand Anthony but the whole of London is here tonight. Might I remind you that there will be few more balls this winter and that events like this are the best opportunity to find a suitor. Don't forget that you have two sisters of marriageable age," Violet argued.
"Well, I do not see Eloise getting married anytime soon, mother." Anthony stated.
"I know but what about Francesca, who has debuted this season?" Violet asked.
Robert did not catch the rest of the conversation between mother and son as he had been standing by the table of refreshments for too long as it was and retreated. Anthony's eye caught Robert by chance and he stared at him warily, but Robert didn't care at all. Instead, he warmly greeted Violet from a distance, not paying Anthony any mind and walked away.
Robert said hello to some friends and to the Cowper's, the latter a little more casually, Miss Cowper in particular always had a habit of getting a little too close to him, which he did not appreciate. There was something about her that displeased him, she was a beautiful woman on the outside, but he suspected she was not so beautiful on the inside. There was something snide about her, Robert had caught her several times making fun of the clothes of ladies less well-endowed than herself. He did not like it, so this time he made a quick exit, avoiding Lady Cowper's disappointed gaze..
He took a seat in the corner near some acquaintances and sipped his champagne. Bored, he was already bored. Robert didn't really understand why he felt the need to attend these balls every time, he hoped this would be the last one for a while. There were better ways to spend his time than with people who could only talk about the same things, their wealth, or the latest debutante. He sighed and just as he was preparing to leave with an excuse, he saw her enter.
Most of the guests had already arrived, so Robert had not expected her, but there she was, as always, along with her sisters and mother. She was wearing a light green dress with gold threaded elements, and one side she wore a golden coloured hairpiece, clip which had the shape of a sun.
The colour of her dress accentuated her porcelain skin, and whether he liked it or not, his eyes were drawn to her cleavage, to the prominent breasts that stood out in the foreground.
She was beautiful, he could conclude nothing else. It was obvious that he was not the only one who had noticed the change, for many a man now looked at Penelope, he saw to the dismay of the female company. He saw Miss Cowper's sour face and almost laughed.
The Featherington's quickly mingled with the audience, and he soon saw Penelope disappear from his view. He had expected the orchestra to resume playing, but instead he saw Nigel standing with them, obviously about to say something.
"Dear guests, welcome again this evening. It is good to see you all again. I hope you enjoy yourselves. If you have looked, you will find some presents under the Christmas tree, I have taken the liberty of making sure there is a present for everyone. So, before you leave tonight, please check the tree. Please join me now raising your glass in a toast' Nigel said and the crowd followed suit.
"To the renewal of our friendship," Nigel stated.
After that little interruption, the ball was in full swing. Robert knew it was the unwritten rule that he would dance, and he saw many a girl, including her mother, looking at him somewhat pleadingly, but he did not feel like dancing, at least not with them.
"Not enjoying yourself, Robert?" and he instinctively recognised Nigel's slimy voice and turned to him.
"On the contrary, Nigel. I'm having the time of my life," but at that moment his eyes fell on Sir Cransworth, who was standing next to Penelope, no doubt to ask her to dance. Robert didn't know why, but it irritated him considerably, partly because he knew that these gentlemen had never REALLY noticed Penelope before, but Robert had. He had noticed her before.
He could tell that she didn't really honour the request, but she said politely that she would.
"Your champagne is excellent Nigel," Robert said as he sipped and drained the last of it.
"Thank you."
"I think I shall get a refill," Robert said, using that as an excuse to leave.
His boredom did not improve as the evening wore on. He saw Penelope dancing with Sir Cransworth and him continuously staring at her breasts which annoyed him. He did it in a subtle way, but it was visible to Robert. HE could see that it also annoyed Colin Bridgerton, who had no right to speak at all he thought because he saw the dunce talking genially to Sir Carlyle and his daughter.
Penelope walked back to her sisters and mother. Her sisters had another equally displeased look on their faces that they found difficult to hide, which was amusing.
"Lord Fife" he heard someone say and his someone was drawn to Lady Cowper
"I see you have not danced to date, should you be interested, my daughter is still available."
Robert blinked a few times before he got the message.
"Certainly, miss Cowper. Would you do me the honour?" he said kindly. Miss Cowper smiled sufficiently and then held out her hand to him.
As they danced, he felt eyes burning on him. A stare. It took a while before he could identify who the stare came from until he saw Penelope looking at him in the crowd. She averted her eyes, but he could see that she looked hurt, well it looked like... jealousy.
He saw her walk away shortly afterwards, easily avoiding her mother and sisters as she did. Something told him to go after her.
The moment the dance ended he hurriedly said goodbye and walked away in the same direction. Not that he was afraid of the twat, but he glanced around to see where Anthony Bridgerton was. The latter was too busy whispering sweet words in his wife's ear, which made her blush. Anthony didn't notice him leaving.
He walked down two corridors, somehow relying on his feelings, and then took a sharp turn to the right. He saw one of the doors close and Robert knew she must be in there.
As he opened the door he saw two things, that the room was a library and her standing in the distance with her hands at her sides and her head downwards.
Damn, thought Penelope, if it hadn't been bad enough to see Colin doing love eyes with Melinda again now Lord Fife Cressida too?
Somehow now though she found the latter much worse than the first.
The door opened and closed, and Penelope turned with a jerk and saw him standing there, speak of the devil.
She was unable to speak for a long moment and stared at him with shock.
"You shouldn't be here, If, if we.. we get caught again it will be over for us.".
"We won't" said Robert and he turned to lock the door and then back to her. The door was locked, oh God the door was locked, and she was now actively alone with him without anyone being able to come in. There was a silence between him as if both were unsure what to say. There was tension in the air, and it seemed to be increasing by the second.
" I don't like Cressida", he finally said, in an almost whispering manner. There was something smooth and silky about the way he had spoken the words that she found hard to ignore.
"I don't care if you or do not" lied Penelope.
Robert smiled in a knowing way.
"Oh, you do, I am sure you do. Anyway... we meet again. How have you been since... last time" and it was the way he had pronounced 'last time' that made it clear to her which memory he was referring to, but she said nothing about it.
"Well, thank you" she replied briefly without asking him how he was doing.
"I noticed" he said as he narrowed the distance between her and me and walked a few steps forward "that we don't actually know each other that well".
That was a statement that surprised her a little.
"Excuse me?
"We have had conversations, but I don't know what your hobbies are, for instance."
"Why do you want to know? "asked Penelope. "I can guarantee that what I do in my spare time is not very exciting.
"Do enlighten me," smiled Robert.
Apparently he was insistent. Penelope swallowed a few times to compose her nerves.
"I like spending time with my family", (blatant lie) "and reading", she replied.
"Oh, I see, do you have preferences for a genre?".
"Not particularly... no but again why do you want to-"
"And writing? Do you write yourself too? "Robert interrupted her.
"I do not write" she said but the sweat was breaking out on her, and she felt them even more flustered by the fact that he had moved even closer and was now standing in front of her.
"Pity, somehow thinking you would make a good writer. ", he stated earnestly, examining her once more.
"And perhaps one who could keep minds busy, one whose publications are awaited with trepidation every week."
"I have no idea what you mean."
"Once again I feel you do but it's alright. You can lie to me if you want".
She didn't know when he had come so close, but he was. Close. Too close.
"However," he said softly and again with that intonation, silk and smooth once more "if you tell me your secrets, I'll tell you mine, Penelope".
She didn't reply. A feeling of recognition returned within them as they stood the way the way before and again something seemed like it would crack or bend.
"Let me take the lead and tell you more ...", he spoke slowly enunciating the words slowly.
" You might think I am horrible for what I am about to confess. You asked about my intentions in our earlier conversations, and I will be honest they were not honourable. Not at all, in fact, all I wanted to do is take you to my bed and ruin you, because you seemed so innocent, so pristine and I thought it would be a lovely challenge. ".
She was planning to move backwards, clearly shocked at his words but he stopped her by putting his arm on her lower back and giving her a push, which meant that she nearly was positioned in his arms, staring at his chest rather than at him.
"I am not finished. I soon realised though that I was fooling myself into thinking my earlier intent was still valid as I felt myself more drawn to you every time. I tried to ignore the feeling, but I couldn't and then I kissed you and it all made sense, all made sense to me. "
And since I am confessing", he took a deep breath "I must say that you look absolutely gorgeous tonight and also... that I am dying to kiss you".
She kept on at this and... there was a mutual unspoken understanding, a permission of some sort, a joint decision and his lips descended to hers.
And there it was. A culmination of everything and anything, of weeks and months of unspoken feelings and desire had led again to this moment. He kissed her slowly but deeply, with little intervals, it was kiss, remove lips and then kiss again, he felt like he needed to 'go slow' as to not scare her.
Despite good intentions he lost his control after the third kiss and it was then that he pushed her closer to him, against his chest and started to ravish her. It was maddening, it was as if he could not get enough of her sweet lips, he kept on kissing her and she kissed him back, just like last time a little unsure but evidently.
Kissing wasn't enough for him enough, he needed to feel her. His arms who were resting on her lower back started to climb upwards and she shivered as his touch become more adamant. Just as his hands were at his sides below her chest and wishing to upwards they heard a deafening scream.
"PENELOPE FEATHERINGTON!"
They both retreated at the same time and saw standing there before them Portia, Prudence, Phillippa, Lady Bridgerton and the Viscount & Viscountess, and the evening's host, Nigel Berbrooke.
The rest of the evening was a blur. Unknown to them, the library apparently also had another entrance. Unknown to them, they had not heard that there had been attempts to open the door.
Unknown to them was that Penelope's absence had again been noticed and with Anthony, also Robert's and they went looking for them.
Portia was besides herself and demanded marriage.
"What?" was all Robert could say.
"You have disgraced her. A marriage must take place and swiftly too," she said firmly.
Marriage? They couldn't be serious right, if he had to marry everyone he kissed he would have been married thirty times already.
"You have no other choice, Lord Fife. If I were I would quickly apply for a marriage licence," Anthony said.
And Robert could only stare at the Viscount.
Penelope still felt completely lost for a few days and it would only get worse, this feeling of not knowing at all what was going on because a second later Colin stormed in.
She was alone as her mother was off to the Bridgerton's to discuss the nuptials as she wanted to know what kind of fabric was used for Daphne's wedding dress. Portia was so overjoyed with the prospect of a marriage happening soon, she didn't even ask the bride to be to come with.
AS for Philippa and Prudence, they had fled the strange atmosphere in the house and gone to Marina, their cousin in Kent.
And there suddenly stood Colin Bridgerton in front of her, out of breath, as if he had been running...
"Colin. " she said as she stood up. He walked on in her direction.
"Penelope... forgive me for barging in like this but it... just hit me."
She looked at him, not understanding..
"I realised. I realised something just now, when I saw her mother discussing your wedding with my mother is that I didn't like the conversation and first I didn't understand why I didn't but then I did. And the reason is Penelope, is not that I to hear about your wedding but it is because your wedding that you are going to partake in is... contains a groom... that... that is not me."
Her heart could stop beating at any moment.
"I realised just now " he said, still breathing heavily "that I was so foolish and blind, Penelope because... it is you that I want, Not Melinda or anyone else. You have been there for me all these years and I; I am so sorry that I didn't see it before."
"What are you trying to say, Colin?" she asked as her voice trembled.
Colin took a deep breath and smiled and then shook his head. Colin then proceeded to walk over her and put her hand in his.
"I am saying that I finally realised that I love you and I want you to marry me not him. He played games with you I am sure, to manipulate you and that's the only reason you were found with him. Don't marry him just because you have to... I know I made mistakes, but I will make up for it if you let me. I, I said horrible things to you that you are a friend, but you do Penelope. I understand now that you do. So please think about it, just consider alright. Please".
She did not know why she had done it, but she had nodded as a response.
Not long after, Colin left but she did not have much time to recover because in the room stood her fiancé, Lord Fife, my god it was bizarre to have him call him her fiancé even though they had not yet made an official announcement towards the 'ton' instead of letting the bomb burst.
It had seemed better to Robert nom at the next event, unfortunately another ball, to start announcing things. For him, that felt better because he had some time to put his 'affairs' in good order, both business and private AND inform his father the news but for Penelope, it felt like he didn't want to share the news and he was embarrassed for her.
"Did I see Colin Bridgerton leave just now?" he asked, his expression not amused at all.
"Yes... yes he was here", Penelope admitted.
"I assume he was here to see you" to which Penlope nodded.
"And what did he want pray tell?."
How could she explain it to him? How?
"Let me guess, since you are silent and refuse to answer, he has some sort of epiphany and realises he loves you, am I right?"
Her face spoke volumes.
"And let me guess, he told you to marry him not me? To reconsider".
She nodded as she stared her to feet.
"What was your answer to this preposition?".
Silence.
"Allow me to ask again. What. DID. YOU. SAY, Penelope?" he asked slightly more insistently now.
His face was full of disbelief.
"You are considering his offer... aren't you? Will you... will you look at me, Penelope? Have the decency to look at me "and she did but barely.
"Just tell me the truth".
She felt horrible, just very confused because this wedding it wasn't supposed to be with Robert, it was supposed to be with Colin but now everything seemed a mess. Her heart told her one thing and then another, her mind had already given up.
"It is just that I feel confused. Things happened so quickly, all of the sudden and I need time to think".
"Do you know?" he asked sarcastically.
"Yes, I do," she replied annoyed.
" Well that is just brilliant, truly because I don't understand. We kissed. Twice and the last time, we got caught and-"
"Yes, that is exactly why this wedding is taking place isn't it? You don't need to remind me because if we hadn't got caught you wouldn't even THINK about the possibility. Didn't you admit to saying you only wanted to ruin you and that was all?"
"That was in the beginning, I told you that things changed and I just... I_"
" Just stop. I don't believe you at all. You are lying to yourself or to me, I don't know which is worse".
"Do not make the assumption that you know I feel", he stated grimly.
"I will because it seems you're ashamed of having to marry me, wanting to postpone the announcement".
"That has nothing to do with anything, I asked you for time to get my affairs in order and-"
"Affairs. What a fitting word. All of London knows of your affairs, of your unwanted children".
She could tell they were going too far by the way he looked at her.
An awkward silence filled the room.
"You know what... Let me make it easy, take away your confusion... Just accept Colin's offer... I am sure he will make you happy. I'm sorry if I came between you but looking at it this way, it seems to have worked out for the best because you finally have what you want. I wish you lots of happiness together ".
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"Goodbye."
HE looked at her once more and then pivoted to walk away. Arriving at the door, he suddenly stopped and turned to face her for a moment.
"And oh, I would appreciate it if you don't write about me anymore, Lady Whistledown".
A second later, it seemed, he had left, and Penelope was alone again, except for the chaos around her that kept her company.