Author's Note: Sorry for the big delay guys! I will try to not have so long between chapters but I had a bad case of writer's block.

Hope you enjoy

Chapter 4- Whistledown? Do You Read Her?

April 06, 1813- Lady Danbury's Opening Ball

3rd Person POV

Simon and Penelope just stared at Lady Danbury for a minute after her declaration and then turned to each other and laughed.

Once they calmed down Penelope asked, "How do you expect to do that? You know as well as the two of us that the Bridgerton stubbornness is legendary."

"Yes it is. And my first meeting with Daph went pretty much how it went the first time around. So she will not be very open for the foreseeable future." Simon stated sheepishly.

Penelope turned to him in disbelief. "How did you do that? I would have thought you would have swept her off her feet."

Rubbing the back of his neck anxiously he defensively said, "I was in shock. And of course Anthony came over before I could fix it." Then he turned to face Penelope. "And how is your husband?" He asked but wished he hadn't at the way her face dropped. "I'm sorry. I forgot how oblivious he was."

"Yes, well he does have a lot of growth to go through before he becomes the man that stood on your balcony and declared his love." Penelope said sadly.

"And this must be why I am here as well." Lady Danbury broke the silence that settled after that statement. "Because the two of you would just stand by and let everything happen the same way instead of gaining any bit of happiness sooner." Looking around to make sure no one had noticed the trio together. "But this is not the place to have this conversation. We could be discovered or overheard at any moment."
Penelope saw a similar problem and spoke up, "How are we to discuss this at all. There is not an easy way to explain the 3 of us together unless Simon and I were courting." At that both Simon and her made similar expressions of disgust.

"Let me take care of that. But I will be sending your mother an invitation in the morning for you to join me for tea. If the Duke just happens to visit his loving godmother at the same time no one will have anything to say."

"And how will I explain the invitation to my mother?" Penelope questioned.

"I'm sure our most renowned columnist can come up with a believable story." Simon laughed.

"Yes, another topic to converse about tomorrow." The dowager's eyes lit up with the reminder. "But for now we must all make our way back into the ballroom. The bridgertons may have left but there are still many people in there, including your family, Miss Featherington."

Simon groaned. "I'm not going to be able to not dance tonight, am I?"

Penelope giggled. "I was already pushed onto the floor tonight. I believe it's your turn, Your Grace." She quickly stopped laughing when she saw the way he was looking at her. " No, we can't! My mother would never leave me alone if I was seen dancing with a Duke. Especially not the catch of the season."

He said nothing and held out his hand. It was Penelope's turn to groan. "Did you not hear me?" Trying to find a way out of this dance. "She'll probably hound you even more if you do." It was said halfheartedly. She always enjoyed dancing with Simon at the few balls they had been at. They always had great conversations and bonded over the Bridgertons.

"Let's give your alter ego something to talk about." Simon finally said.

"Fine! But we must enter the ballroom and meet again there. I don't want to give my mother any hint that you are interested." Penelope finally relented.

Simon laughed at that but relented. He didn't want to deal with a determined Portia Featherington either.

When they eventually 'bumped' into each other back in the ballroom Simon was running away from another group of hungry mamas. Penelope had to hold back a chuckle when he practically dragged her onto the dancefloor.

"Well you just made it easier to write this into my column." She said while they waited for the music to start. "Dearest Gentle readers, The newly returned Duke of Hastings was seen running from the bloodthirsty mamas and took the first eligible lady to the dance floor. But perhaps he should have checked he was choosing, for the youngest of Lady Featherington's daughters was most likely not the best choice. Lady Featherington is like a dog with a bone and will not stop talking about her daughter being the only one to be escorted to the floor by the duke."

He laughed slightly. "It does practically write itself." After that they didn't have much opportunity to talk. Once the dance started there was too much going on and after the dance ended all eyes seemed to be on them.

Simon POV

Simon decided to leave shortly after their dance. He had done what he had wanted to accomplish, even if it didn't turn out how he had expected. He was happy to find out that two of the people he trusted with his life came back with him. Now he just had to get his wife to fall in love with him again.

When he finally laid down all he could think of was his family. And when he went to sleep he dreamed of playing with his children.

April 7, 1813-Day After the Ball

Penelope POV

Penelope woke up excited for the first time since she came back to the past. She found two other people who returned with her and they were going to make a plan! It didn't seem like anything could bring her excitement down.

Of course because she had that thought, everything had to happen. The first thing that happened was when she came downstairs to break her fast and saw Lady Whistledown had been delivered.

"Whistledown is reporting that you danced with the duke. There is no way he would dance with someone like you." Prudence said before Penelope could even sit.

"Whistledown is correct. He bumped into me and asked. I think he only asked because I was the first eligible dance partner and he was trying to escape someone."
"Yes well we must prepare just in case he decides to come visit you during calling hours." Her mother said excitedly. She spent the rest of the meal trying to convince her mother that she would not be the future duchess of Hastings.

The next thing that happened was during calling hours. Of course Simon did not come which disappointed her mother greatly, especially since no one came to call on any of the Featheringtons. But the worst thing is something she had not thought of until he walked through the door. Colin had come to call at Featherington House, but not for her.

Of course he came to call on Marina. He did almost marry her. But it still broke Penelope's heart when she saw him standing in the line to talk to Marina. She could not wait for calling hours to be over so she wouldn't be tortured by the sight of her husband courting her cousin.

Sophie POV

Needing to be up so early to prepare Cressida for calling hours was exhausting, Sophie thought miserably. Why Araminta thought the elaborate hairstyles were needed for the drawing room, she didn't know.

"You're doing it wrong, idiot girl!" Araminta screeched. "It needs to be bigger. What is wrong with you?"

"I'm sorry Araminta. I will try better." Sophie replied meekly. All she wanted to do was pull all of Cressida's hair out. Especially when she saw her smirk in the mirror. But until she knew of a safe place to go she couldn't risk Araminta kicking her out.

"Posy! I see you lurking. What do you want?" Cressida sneered.

A young girl around 16 walked into the room. "I just wanted to see what you would look like for calling hours, sister. Since I will not be there to see you with all of your many suitors. I also wanted to bring the new Lady Whistledown column that was just delivered. I haven't had a chance to read it, but I thought you might like to see if you are spoken of."

Cressida started to stand but her mother beat her to it. Araminta ripped the paper out of Posy's hands and quickly read through it. "No mention of Cressida at all! The queen's precious diamond, Daphne Bridgerton, was talked about for most of the column. This wretched woman only saved enough space to talk about the horrible Featherington woman's family."

Cressida gasped. "What would she have to say about them? That they have no sense of fashion and that they are stupid. And that ugly duckling Penelope shouldn't even be allowed into the balls. She ruins the scenery just being in the room!"

Sophie had to work really hard to school her features. Her future sister-in-law was beautiful inside and out and to hear Cressida insult her was heartbreaking. To not be able to say anything to defend her was even harder.

Something must have shown on her face because Cressida looked at her and asked, "What is wrong with you? You look like you swallowed a toad."

"I must be coming down with some type of sickness." Sophie said quickly. "But let us finish your hair so you are ready for your suitors."
"You best not get any sick on Cressida, or I will have you polish my shoes for the rest of the day." Araminta said. "I don't care how you feel."

"Forget about her mother. What did Lady Whistledown say about the Featheringtons? Did she at least tear them down? I would love to see their faces!"

Sophie was curious as well. She remembered almost all of the gossip columns publications. It was an escape for her on the really bad days with Araminta and Cressida. She did remember most of what was in the first publication after last night's ball and she didn't remember the Featherington's getting much of a mention.

She was focused on remembering what was said and on making sure not to mess up Cressida's hair that she was startled by the noise that came from Araminta. "How did that ugly little girl do it?"

"Who are you talking about, mother?" Cressida asked quickly. Sophie tried not to show that she was listening but she was curious too. She didn't remember this reaction the first time.

"That Penelope Featherington danced with the duke of Hastings. She must have tricked him. There is no way he would be interested in her." She spit out.

This time Cressida did get up and ripped the paper out of her mother's hands. It was made easier because Sophie's hands had dropped to her sides in shock. She knew for a fact that the dance between Penelope and Simon didn't happen the first time.

Before she knew it she could see a big smile on her face in the mirror. Something changed. And it had to be with one or both of them. She wasn't alone! Her heart soared. She knew where to start to get her life back.

"I can't believe this!" Cressida shrieked. That snapped Sophie back to the present. Her smile dropped before either of the women saw. "This says she also danced with the third Bridgerton son!"

"Well we all know that the Bridgertons pity her. I'm sure Lady Bridgerton forced him to do that." Araminta stated. But she had a nasty look on her face. "You must secure a dance with Colin Bridgerton at the Vauxhall Ball next week. We cannot allow that Featherington girl to be the one to be talked about dancing with him."

Cressida looked at her mother smugly. "It will be no trouble, mother." She continued reading. "This gossipmonger also praised that poor girl that the Featheringtons took in. She only has a four figure dowry. I don't understand what they all saw in her last night!"

"She is a new toy for them to play with." Araminta said. "Once the shininess wears off they will all forget about her. Now let us go to the Drawing Room and be ready to greet the visitors we are sure to have today." And with that Cressida dropped the paper to the floor and followed her mother out of the room.

Sophie reached down to pick the column up so she could read it for herself.

"Sophie," at that Sophie startled. She had forgotten that Posy was still in the room. "If you have the time today can you polish my shoes? I scuffed them up and my mother will murder me if she sees them."

Sophie sighed internally. She really loved Posy but her constant scuffing of her shoes drove her crazy. "Of course Posy. If you set them off to the side in your closet I will get to them right away."

"Thank you." Posy said as she walked out of the room.

Once Sophie checked that there was no one around, she ran up the stairs to her room with the copy of Lady Whistledown. After reading it twice she decided the best plan was to try and talk to Simon. If he danced with Penelope last night that might very well be the sign she was looking for. She would go as soon as the calling hours started. She would not be missed during that time because Araminta would be too focused on who came to see Cressida. Hopefully he would be home and she could talk to him.

With a plan in place she couldn't stop smiling. Thankfully neither Araminta nor Cressida were around to see it. Only a few hours left until she hopefully talked to her brother-in-law.

Town in India

Kate POV

Kate started making arrangements for travel for England the same day she sent the letter. She didn't see why Lady Danbury wouldn't accept her request. It may have been a little earlier than when they originally came but not by much. The only other difference is the fact that Kate herself wrote the letter instead of Mary. Since the dowager didn't know Kate it might make her hesitant.

Sighing to herself as she looked at everything that was in front of her. Since they were leaving earlier this time they will have a little more money for travel. The other issue that she is realizing is the Sheffields. She will not be contacting them this time. She cannot stand to see the disappointment on Mary's face again. But without the Sheffields they do not have a dowry for Edwina. Anthony put one together for her originally but if he doesn't remember then she will have to find another way.

The next thing to do is to tell Mary and Edwina that they will be traveling early. The last few days of teaching Edwina again showed that she is ready. Kate just hoped that they wouldn't question why the change in travel dates?

Later that day when the three of them were having tea Kate decided to bring it up.

"I sent a letter to your friend Lady Danbury." She said looking at Mary. "Requesting if she could sponsor Edwina for the next season. But I also asked if we would be able to come earlier. Maybe before this current season is over. That way Edwina is able to go to one or two social events without the pressure of being out. So she can prepare herself."

Mary looked at her with shock in her eyes. "I did not realize I had told you of my idea to ask Lady Danbury about sponsor Edwina. And if she is willing to host us for longer then I have no objection. But when were you planning on us setting sail after we hear her response?"

"I would like to leave as soon as possible so as long as the letter isn't delayed then in just about two weeks. Maybe three weeks at most."

"But, Didi, do you think I'm ready? Leaving so soon will have us in London in just about 2 months. I don't want to disappoint either of you." Edwina said worriedly.

"You are ready, Bon. And we will still have the time on the boat to review." Kate stated honestly. "You will be amazing. I just know you are going to dazzle everyone." She added happily.

Edwina seemed to release some of the tension she had building up. "Well if we are going to be leaving in the next few weeks then we need to start packing." she said smiling. "I, for one, have much to pack." And with that she walked out of the room.

After a few minutes of silence Mary turned to face Kate with a serious expression on her face. "Now why don't you tell me the real reason you want to move up our travel time."

Kate had thought about Mary being suspicious and had come up with a half truth answer to satisfy her. "We are running low on funds and I am worried that if we wait too long then we will not have the money to travel." She stated honestly. It was a worry that Kate had the first time as well but she hadn't wanted to voice her fears then. Now she needed a reason and this was the most plausible.

Mary's face dropped in surprise. "I knew that we were not in the best place financially but are we truly that bad?"

"We would most likely be able to make it but I would feel more comfortable moving the travel date forward and not having that worry over our heads. And if your friend agrees to sponsor us then we will be in a much better situation."

"Well let us hope we hear from her soon." Mary said as she got up to leave the room.

When Kate was finally alone in the room she let out a sigh of relief and tears started to fall. "Only a few more months until we'll be together again, my love."

Author's Note: Please review!

Just realized I never gave ages for the siblings and spouses!
In 1813:
Anthony-27
Simon-27
Benedict-25
Kate-24
Colin-21
Sophie-20 (so right at the age that Araminta can get rid of her)
Daphne-19
Penelope-18
Eloise-18
Francesca-15
Gregory-12
Hyacinth-10

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