The night had settled over the Bridgerton House, cloaking the grounds in a veil of tranquil silence. Anthony Bridgerton, however, found himself sequestered in his study, the flickering candlelight casting elongated shadows upon the piles of paperwork that demanded his attention. Try as he might, his focus eluded him, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that he could scarcely contain.
Partially, he blamed his brother Benedict for the lingering effects of their evening's indulgence, the whiskey having flowed more freely than intended. Yet, even as the rest of the household succumbed to the embrace of slumber, Anthony's restless spirit yearned for respite.
Abandoning his desk, he ventured forth into the gardens, seeking the solace of the night air and the gentle caress of the breeze. His steps carried him towards Eloise's favored swing, a cherished spot where he had often found solace in his younger days.
As he approached, a young lady's silhouette caught his eye, basked in the ethereal glow of the moonlight. At first, he assumed it to be Eloise, the lilac silk shawl a familiar sight - a gift from his own hand. Yet, as he drew nearer, the unmistakable cascade of fiery tresses revealed the figure's true identity: Penelope Featherington, lost in contemplation amidst the fragrant rose bushes.
Unwilling to startle her, Anthony cleared his throat, the gentle sound announcing his presence. Penelope turned towards him, her eyes widening momentarily before a warm smile graced her features.
"May I join you, Penelope?" Anthony inquired, his voice a rich baritone that seemed to caress the night air.
"You hardly need to ask permission in your own home, Anthony." Penelope replied, her tone laced with a gentle teasing that belied the apprehension etched upon her delicate features.
Anthony chuckled, lowering himself onto the vacant swing beside her. For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, the gentle sway of the swings punctuated by the melodic chirping of crickets and the whisper of the breeze through the foliage.
Yet, Anthony could not ignore the pensive furrow of Penelope's brow, the unspoken worries that seemed to weigh heavily upon her mind. "Is something troubling you, my lady?" He ventured, his voice soft and reassuring.
Penelope hesitated, her teeth worrying her lower lip as she wrestled with the notion of confiding in him. Finally, she released a soft sigh, her shoulders sagging ever so slightly as the words tumbled forth.
"I fear the weight of my newfound position as the season's Emerald." She admitted, her voice tinged with trepidation. "I understand the scrutiny that will be cast upon me, the expectations that must be met, the judgmental eyes that will follow my every move."
Anthony nodded, his expression one of gentle understanding, for he had weathered such storms himself - the burden of responsibility thrust upon him at the tender age of nine and ten, forcing him to stand tall and unwavering, a bulwark against the cruelties of society.
"Yet, what troubles me most." Penelope continued, her voice growing softer. "Is the fear that my memory loss will cloud my judgment, rendering me incapable of discerning the true intentions of those who seek my hand. And should this affliction become widely known, I dread the repercussions it may have upon my family's already tenuous standing within the ton."
Anthony's heart ached for her, this woman of such strength and resilience, burdened by the weight of expectations and the cruelties of circumstance. Without hesitation, he reached across the divide, his calloused fingers enveloping her slender hand in a gentle reassuring squeeze.
His touch stirred something inside of Penelope. The warmth of his hands, as the bare skin of their palms pressed together, runs an electric feeling, a burning desire within her. Penelope's cheeks reddened as she moves her eyes away from their touching hands towards his charming handsome face.
"You need not shoulder this burden alone, Penelope." He murmured, his voice rich with conviction. "I vow to stand by your side, to shield you from the judgments of the ton, and to ensure that no harm befalls you or your family."
The redhead draws a warm smile on her features as she feels the sincerity from Anthony's words. She could not fully explain why, but whenever the Viscount is around her, she feels her worries melt away. His words put her troubles at ease, making her forget her incapabilities. His words give her encouragement, and his smiles.. By God, his smiles were truly enchanting. She could not help but want to see him smile at her every time. His promise of protecting her and her family was one thing Penelope could only be grateful for. For he keeps him safe. With Anthony, Penelope Featherington could only feel safe and secure, entirely happy that such a good man would look out for her.
"Oh, my lord. You need not do that. Being the Viscount - I am fully aware of the great responsibilities you bear with your title, with your family. I no longer want to impose." Penelope says. "You and Eloise had splendidly provided me good company, despite the lack of my bearings. I can no longer ask for anything else, and you can do nothing more."
"Allow me to court you, Penelope." Anthony said, his voice rich and resonant, carrying the weight of his conviction. "In doing so, we shall deter the advances of those unfamiliar suitors granting you the respite and clarity to discern your true desires."
Penelope's eyes widened, her lips parting in a silent gasp as she processed the implications of his suggestion. Anthony seized the opportunity to elaborate, his gaze never wavering from her captivating countenance.
"I shall be your armor, your shield against the unwanted attentions of the ton." He vowed, his words ringing with sincerity. "As your suitor, I shall escort you to social gatherings, safeguarding you from any untoward situations or uncomfortable encounters."
A glimmer of understanding dawned upon Penelope's features as she recognized the multitude of advantages inherent in Anthony's proposal. Not only would it provide her with a measure of protection, but it would satisfy the expectations of the Queen, who undoubtedly anticipated a suitable match for the season's Emerald.
Anthony allowed the weight of his words to settle, giving the redhead a moment to absorb the gravity of his offer. Then, with a steadying breath, he pressed onward, his heart laid bare before her.
"I do not make this proposal out of pity or obligation, Penelope." He murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Rather, it is born of a profound admiration, a burgeoning affection that grows stronger with each passing day."
A flush crept across Anthony's cheeks as he mustered the courage to bare his soul, to give voice to the feelings that had taken root within his heart.
"You are a woman of unparalleled grace, intelligence, and strength." He proclaimed, his gaze unwavering. "Your kindness and compassion know no bounds, and your wit is a constant source of delight. You possess all the qualities that would make an exemplary Viscountess, a loving wife and a devoted mother."
Anthony's fingers trembled ever so slightly as he envelops Penelope's slender hand in his own once again. "I find myself inexorably drawn to you, Miss Penelope Featherington." He confessed, his voice a reverent whisper. "And with each passing moment in your company, I fall deeper under your enchanting spell."
The words hung in the air, laden with the weight of his sincerity, his vulnerability laid bare before her. Anthony's heart thundered in his chest as he awaited her response, his very soul teetering on the precipice of hope and trepidation.
The atmosphere in the gardens became thick with the gravity of Anthony's unveiled emotions. Penelope found herself utterly enraptured, her mind awhirl with the deluge of feelings that cascaded through her being.
"Anthony, I.." She began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the words to express the tumult within her heart. To be the object of such profound affection from a gentleman of his stature was overwhelming, leaving her both elated and trepidatious in equal measure.
A soft sigh escaped her parted lips as she gathered her thoughts, her gaze never wavering from the depths of his unwavering stare. "I must confess, the idea of your courtship is most delightful." She admitted, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Yet, I cannot help but feel it an unfair proposition for you, my lord."
Anthony's brow furrowed ever so slightly, his lips parting to interject, but Penelope raised a slender hand, gently stilling his words.
"Hear me out, I beg of you." She implored, her voice laced with a tender sincerity. "While the benefits of such an arrangement would undoubtedly favor me, shielding me from the unwanted attentions of the ton, I fear it would be an uneven exchange."
Her gaze drifted momentarily, her eyes reflecting the weight of her contemplations. "You are a remarkable man, Anthony - devilishly handsome, attentive, and possessed of an impeccable lineage and considerable means. Any woman would be fortunate to bask in your affections. And I.. I'm just me. A Featherington, with nothing to be proud of."
A wistful smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she returned her gaze to his. "And I cannot ignore the stories I have heard of the Bridgerton marriages - unions forged upon the foundation of true love and deep affection. You deserve no less than that, Anthony."
Penelope's fingers twisted together in her lap, a nervous gesture that belied the turbulence within her soul. "While I find you utterly irresistible, and our friendship is blossoming into something far deeper, I cannot say with certainty that my feelings for you now extend beyond the bounds of fondness and admiration."
Her voice grew softer, tinged with a hint of sorrow and regret. "My memories of our past interactions remain elusive, and I fear I may not be the woman you deserve, the woman capable of returning your ardent affections in kind."
A heavy silence settled between them, punctuated only by the gentle sway of the swings and the distant chirping of crickets. Anthony's expression was unreadable, a tempest of emotions flickering across his features.
Finally, he inhaled a steadying breath, his gaze softening with understanding and resolution.
"Penelope.." He murmured, his voice rich and soothing. "I would never presume to force your affections, nor would I bind you to a courtship against your will."
He enveloped both her slender hands within his own, his touch gentle yet unyielding. "However, I cannot deny the depth of my growing feelings for you, nor can I simply surrender without first endeavoring to win your heart."
A spark ignited in his eyes, a flame of determination that buried bright and true "If you will grant me the privilege of courting you, I vow to leave no stone unturned in my pursuit of your affections. Yet, should the day come when you find another who has captured your heart, I shall step aside without hesitation, content in the knowledge that I have given my all."
Penelope's breath caught in her throat, her heart thundering beneath her breast as she gazed upon this remarkable man, this unwavering embodiment of strength and vulnerability intertwined. With a tremulous nod, she granted her consent, sealing their fate with a whisper. "Alright, Anthony. I'll give your courtship a chance." She said, with a soft smile.
A radiant smile blossomed across Anthony's features, his eyes alight with unbridled joy. Gently, he raised her knuckles to his lips, bestowing a featherlight kiss upon her flesh, a wordless vow that set Penelope's soul aflame with the promise of what was to come.