Tea Party
Though it was merely a few estates away, Penelope Featherington had taken their family carriage as she goes to the residence of the formidable Lady Agatha Danbury. She had been led by the housekeeper, Mrs. Coral, to the main drawing room where today's host had already been enjoying the start of the afternoon.
Penelope quickly examines the room, yet subtly not to make it seem obvious to Danbury. The room had been given a lot of thought she noticed. The furniture, the wallpapers and the decorations were in shades of purple representing Danbury's wealth and independence. She was quick to notice that there is also a familiar person sitting opposite of Agatha. That said person seemed to give her a warm smile upon seeing her enter the room.
"Good afternoon, Lady Danbury, Mrs. Bridgerton. It is truly an honor to be in the presence of such distinguished company. I trust you are both in good health and spirits on this fine day." Penelope Featherington offered a deep and respectful curtsey to the two esteemed ladies of the gathering.
The two women warmly smiled back to welcome the young lady.
"Ah, Miss Featherington, dearest." Agatha says, her voice carrying the warmth of genuine affection. "What a pleasure it is to have you grace us with your presence. Welcome to my humble abode. Pray, allow me to express my sincerest gratitude for honoring us with your company today." She motions for the youngest Featherington to take her seat on the vacant chair between her and Violet Bridgerton. "I trust you shall find our gathering most delightful, filled with stimulating conversation and the finest of refreshments. Please do make yourself comfortable."
The ginger head had politely taken her seat and glanced at the curate placed on the table. A lot of appetizing finger sandwiches, scones with spreads and mouth-watering eclairs were provided for the ladies to enjoy along with the tea. Penelope innocently smiled at the sight of such delights. Violet Bridgerton have of course, noticed this and shared a wink with Lady Danbury. After spending tea a countless time with Penelope, the Bridgerton matriarch had already known the latter's preferences; sharing it with Agatha Danbury to help the dowager provide the best hospitality for the Featherington miss.
Agatha then poured the young lady some freshly brewed tea she recently had from China. Its aroma was a treat to their noses as the smell filled the room. "Miss Featherington, pray tell, how have you been faring as of late? I trust life has treated you more kindly this year."
Violet had joined Danbury in inquiring how the young lady had been faring in life. It has been a long while since Penelope had joined in on her weekly tea gathering at the Number Five estate in Mayfair Street. "Do share with us your news, dear Penelope. It has been a while since we shared life over tea." The Bridgerton matriarch smiles softly at the red-haired girl.
Penelope Featherington sadly smiled back at Violet. She had been intentionally skipping the invitations extended by the latter for tea time at the Bridgerton house, mainly to avoid Eloise and not to hear news or anything about Colin. "You can just call me Penelope, Lady Danbury." The youngest Featherington smiles softly at the old woman. She picks up her tea and puts it near her mouth before she answered to their request.
"I must admit, life has been filled with its usual twists and turns, yet amidst it all, I find myself blessed with unexpected turn of events, my lady." Penelope says as she sips her cup of tea.
Agatha looks at Penelope with her keen eyesight, as if scanning her whole being before having her mischievous smile painted on her wrinkled face. She began, with her tone gentle yet laced with curiosity, "That so? I heard you have gained a lot of suitors since the start of this season, would that be true?"
"Yes indeed, my lady. I may have to thank her Majesty for that." Penelope shyly answers the question raised for her.
"Being proclaimed by the Queen as the jewel of the season might've helped Penelope, but surely those suitors have probably realized how kind and beautiful you are. A woman worthy of admiration, indeed." Violet added, so to raise the young lady's confidence and self-esteem.
"I totally agree with Mrs. Bridgerton, Penelope. Being an emerald, sure, is a title worthy of prestige. But having intelligence, wit and beauty inside and out, is something that would propel a true man to see how desirable you are for a marriage partner." Agatha's words made the young Featherington miss blush from her cheeks. She still has not been used to getting compliments, more so if it conveys her as one that is beautiful. But if those thoughts have come directly from the tongue of the famed lioness of the ton, it is something Penelope could totally believe. For Lady Agatha Danbury truly meant those words.
"Those words are truly kind, my ladies." Was all Penelope could say, being humbled in front of the two dowagers in front of her. She helps herself on an éclair and delightfully savors the sweet taste of it.
But of course, Agatha's mission on getting to know details about the young lady is not yet close to finish. She had waited for Penelope to consume the entirety of the pastry before coming to inquire her about a particular someone.
"Now Miss Penelope, I don't mean to intrude but this lady had been curious about London's most eligible man. How does Lord Debling fare in your esteem? I have heard whispers of his affections towards you, and I cannot help but wonder how your heart responds to his courtship."
Penelope almost choked on the lady's query. She knew that being invited for a private audience with Agatha Danbury, means that she is to share news about herself. Knowing that Danbury has the Queen's ears, it was only a matter of time for her to have an exchange of words with Her Majesty's aide. Especially after becoming a jewel of the season. As the Queen is occupied at the royal palace, it is Agatha's duty to be her Majesty's eyes and ears as to what ever is happening inside high society.
"Forgive me if I speak out of turn." Agatha added with a chuckle. "But 'tis a subject of great interest amongst the ton, and I find myself eager to hear your thoughts on the matter."
Violet nodded her head as to agree with what Lady Danbury had said. The two widowed mothers looked at Penelope with curious eyes, anticipating for her answer.
Penelope slowly speaks, her voice almost a whisper. Her gaze turns to the brewed drink inside of the cup she's holding. "Lord Debling.. He has proven himself to be a gentleman of the highest calibre, I must say. His attentiveness and uniqueness have been a source of comfort and joy. He possesses a kind heart, a noble spirit and wisdom I could not compare, which are qualities that I deeply admire."
"As we've spent time together, I've come to appreciate the depth of his character and the sincerity of his intentions." Penelope added, a soft blush continues to grace her plump cheeks. "I believe Lord Debling to be a fine match, and I am grateful even just for an opportunity to be courted by him, imagining any possibility of a future together."
"Truly, I am fortunate to have his attention and even a bit of his affections. I am filled with hope for what the future may hold." Penelope Featherington glanced towards Lady Danbury with a heartfelt smile as she concluded.
Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton were at awe hearing Penelope's confession. Agatha was overjoyed to hear that the Earl was able to advance his standing on the young lady's heart. Whilst Violet was on the side of sadness as she then knew, that her son Colin, might never have a good chance to end up with the youngest Featherington. Violet dotes on Penelope Featherington as she sees her younger self on her; being a wallflower during her youth. Truly, she wanted Penelope to attain happiness. But there's always a part of her that wishes for Penelope to find that happiness with her third born son.
"Oh my, dear Penelope. I am so truly happy for you." Violet softly smiles at the red-haired girl despite having her heart broken. She holds Penelope's arm and squeezes it ever so gently, letting her feel her maternal love.
"Why, thank you Mrs. Bridgerton. But I think it still too early to say that. Lord Debling and I just started courting. There is no telling, if he will continue to have interest in asking for my hand in marriage." Penelope says as a matter-of-factly. Though Debling had already told her that it was his true intention, Penelope tries not to let her hopes up, as she still feels a bit insecure of their difference in status between her and the Earl of Beverley.
"Oh Miss Featherington! Allow me to assuage any doubts that may linger in your heart. From what I have observed of Thomas' demeanor and conduct, his intentions towards you are as steadfast as the northern star." Lady Danbury conveys her thoughts to Penelope with a reassuring smile.
Agatha continues, "I know the man for quite a time now. I have seen the admiration in his eyes, the tenderness in his gestures. He sees in you not only a woman of grace and beauty, but a soul worthy of his deepest devotion."
Lady Danbury reaches out, gently grasping Penelope's hand in a gesture of solidarity. "Fear not, Miss Penelope," the dowager assures her, her voice soft yet resolute. "For if Lord Debling's heart beats in harmony with you, then rest assured, his commitment with you shall weather any storm that may come your way. Trust in the bond that blossoms, Miss Featherington. For love, when true, knows no bounds and cannot be swayed by doubt or uncertainty." Agatha offers a final reassurance.
Penelope Featherington's features soften as she listens to Lady Danbury's words, her doubts gradually dissipating like morning mist beneath the sun's gentle rays. A sense of relief washes over her, mingled with gratitude for the wisdom and comfort offered by her esteemed host.
"Thank you, Lady Danbury." Penelope murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with heartfelt sincerity. "Your words bring me comfort and solace in a time of uncertainty. I shall hold fast to your counsel and trust in the strength of Lord Debling's affections."
A smile, tinged with newfound confidence, graces Penelope's lips as she meets Lady Danbury's gaze with renewed determination.
The three ladies continued to enjoy the rest of the afternoon discussing other topics women of nobility enjoy.
Back at the Featherington estate
Coming back home, Penelope Featherington had skipped dinner with her family as she finds herself full from her outing at the Danbury estate. She had truly enjoyed spending time with Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton. At first, she was hesitant and awkward as she does not know why Agatha invited her to her residence. But as the afternoon went along, their discussions became pleasing and entertaining; talking about ladylike passions and pursuits, and of course gossip among the society.
As she changed into her nightgown and lays herself down to bed, Penelope could not help but recall today's events. She had somehow expected that questions about courtship would be raised for her, as it was truly an ongoing mystery unraveled for the ton. But what makes the discussion striking earlier, was when Lady Danbury attesting for Lord Thomas Debling.
The old woman had said that she knew the Earl for a long while now, thus vouching for the man's intentions. But since when did Agatha know Thomas? Thomas Debling had not been active and was invisible at the high society for the past years, letting the man be acquainted with only a few of the titled lords among the ton. Penelope was sure that even his late father, Lord Archibald Featherington was not aware of the identity of the Earl of Beverley. So just when did Lady Danbury knew of him? Was it from when he was not yet titled as the Earl, or from when he was but a child living in the far north territory of England? Penelope's thoughts were running wild in her mind as she could not help but think of Thomas Debling.
She then remembered the gift that Lord Debling had given her on his second day of visit at their residence. It was a book describing all there is about Northumberland. She grabbed the volume from her bedside table and flipped the pages open, turning to where she had left it off the last time she read. She was almost done finishing the book, and Penelope could say that it was an interesting book, despite just being a guide to the northern place.
Penelope was able to learn about the customs, traditions and culture of how the people live on the English territory that borders that of Scotland. She finds it enjoyable as the writing was suited for a reader who would very much like to experience the sensation of travelling to the said place. A brief history had also been added on the pages so to show how important and how powerful a peerage Northumberland is.
She continued to read the printed work the rest of the night, as Penelope finds herself immersed in the knowledge being shared by the pages. As she goes along with the chapters, she can only imagine a child version of Thomas Debling playing along the magnificent landscapes that can be found in that northeastern part of England.
Half an hour later, she had already completed reading the rest of the book. But instead of having a relaxed mind to help herself lull to sleep, Penelope Featherington was left speechless and overwhelmed by the contents of the last pages of the book.
She could not truly believe it.
