As the Bridgerton family made their grand entrance at the Trowbridge ball, Anthony, ever the attentive brother, found himself scanning the crowded hall in search of a familiar redhead. His siblings, accustomed to his occasional bouts of distraction, watched with amused curiosity as he navigated through the throng of guests.
Benedict, always quick to notice his brother's preoccupation, could not resist teasing him. "Anthony, dear brother." He remarked with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Might I inquire as to whom you are searching for so intently?"
The Viscount's response was casual, though his tone betrayed a hint of anticipation. "Penelope." He replied simply, his gaze still scanning the room. "I was hoping to catch sight of her."
Benedict's eyebrows rose in surprise at the mention of their neighbor's name, though he quickly masked his amusement with a playful smirk. "Penelope? You mean Eloise's Pen?" He teased, unable to resist the opportunity for jest. "And here I thought you were only interested in opera singers and horse racing."
Anthony rolled his eyes at his brother's teasing, though he could not help but feel a pang of irritation at the implication. "Just let me know if you see her, Benedict." He instructed curtly, his focus returning to the search at hand.
Meanwhile, Daphne and Simon, the Duchess and Duke of Hastings, exchanged knowing glances as they observed Anthony's uncharacteristic behavior. Something about his demeanor seemed off, and they couldn't help but wonder what had caused their usually composed brother to become so distracted.
It was Benedict who first caught sight of Penelope Featherington, her vibrant presence standing out amidst the sea of guests. "There she is!" He announced, nodding in her direction.
Following his brother's gaze, Anthony's breath caught in his throat as he beheld Penelope in all her resplendent glory. Adorned in a stunning mermaid blue gown, her hair intricately braided in an elegant updo, she was a vision of ethereal beauty.
The Bridgerton family, collectively mesmerized by the sight of a transformed Penelope, watched in awe as she gracefully glided across the dance floor in the arms of Lord Alfred Debling.
But Anthony's joy at seeing Penelope's radiant transformation was tempered by a pang of jealousy and unease as he observed her dancing with another man. His jaw clenched, his hands involuntarily balling into fists at his sides.
Violet Bridgerton, ever attuned to her son's moods, noticed the shift in his demeanor and approached him with concern. "Anthony, dearest." She inquired gently, her eyes filled with maternal warmth. "Are you quite alright?"
Struggling to maintain his composure, Anthony tore his gaze away from Penelope and her dance partner, his eyes burning with a tumult of conflicting emotions. "I'm fine, mother." He replied tersely, his tone strained.
Eloise, Daphne and Simon exchanged worried glances as they observed their brother's uncharacteristic behavior. Something was amiss, and they couldn't help but wonder what had caused Anthony's sudden change in demeanor. However, Simon, being the Duke, was caught by other gentlemen to talk about parliament matters, leaving the Bridgerton siblings bemused as to Anthony's demeanor.
As Eloise's curiosity got the better of her, she turned to Benedict, seeking answers to the mystery surrounding Anthony's tense demeanor. Benedict, the second son, ever the master of subtle hints, suggested that their brother's agitation might be linked to his pursuit for a Viscountess.
Daphne, sensing that there was more to the story, pressed Benedict for further details about Anthony's courtship. Benedict hesitated for a moment, exchanging a knowing glance with their mother, Violet, before deciding to reveal the truth to his sisters.
"It seems.." Benedict began, his tone tinged with amusement. "That Anthony has taken a fancy to none other than our long time friend and neighbor Miss Penelope Featherington." Anthony had never revealed this to Benedict, however, it was their mother, Violet, who were unable to contain her excitement on the thought that Anthony had decided to take on a wife, and that her favorite redhead was her son's prospect, made the matriarch squealed the information to the second Bridgerton son.
Daphne's eyes widened with delight at the news, her heart swelling with excitement for her eldest brother. "Oh, how wonderful!" The Duchess of Hastings exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness. "I had no idea Anthony was considering Penelope. She's such a dear friend, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of the Viscountess title and of his affections."
Eloise, on the other hand, was taken aback by their revelation. Her surprise was evident as she processed the information, her mind racing with questions. "Penelope? My dearest friend Penelope?" She repeated, a note of incredulity in her voice. "But why her, of all people?" Eloise's questioning does not stem from her disapproval of having Anthony as a suitor for her dearest friend, if anything she would offer to say all the prayers to all the Gods out there just to have Penelope become her real sister. Her reservations were coming from the knowledge that with all the years Penelope had been coming in and out at their estate, Anthony had never shown any interest in her.
Violet, sensing her children's reactions, decided to intervene, offering an explanation for Anthony's choice. "My dears." She began, her voice gentle yet firm. "Anthony sees in Penelope the qualities of a remarkable woman, which I believe we all are in agreement with. She is intelligent, kind-hearted, and possesses a strength of character that we all admire."
"But he's not in love with her, is he? Pen deserves someone who loves her! Not with just someone who will choose her out of obligation." Eloise reasons out.
Despite his siblings' mixed reactions with the news, Anthony's attention remained fixated on Penelope, his heart heavy with an inexplicable sense of longing and frustration. Despite his best efforts to quell the rising tide of emotions within him, the sight of Penelope in the arms of another stirred a tumult of conflicting feelings.
With a silent resolve, the Viscount took a step away from his family, his gaze never wavering from Penelope's form as he made his way across the ballroom. Though he couldn't quite understand the turmoil that raged within him, one thing was certain; he could not bear the thought of giving away Penelope to another man.
As Penelope concluded her dance with Lord Debling, Anthony stepped forward with a polite bow, his hand outstretched in invitation. "Miss Featherington, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the refreshments?" He asked, his voice steady despite the flurry of emotions swirling within him.
Lord Debling's brows furrowed at Anthony's sudden intrusion, though he offered no protest as Penelope accepted the Viscount's hand. With a nod of acquiescence, the redhead allowed Anthony to lead her away from the dance floor, her mind buzzing with confusion and curiosity.
As the two made their way towards the refreshment, Anthony could not help but inquire about Penelope's relationship with Lord Debling. "Is Lord Debling courting you, Penelope?" He asked, his voice tinged with a hint of apprehension.
Penelope's brow furrowed in confusion at the question, her mind racing to make sense of the Viscount's sudden interest. "Lord Debling?" She repeated, her tone puzzled. "Oh no, Anthony. He simply asked me for a dance."
Anthony Bridgerton's eyes darkened with a flicker of jealousy and discomfort as they spoke of Lord Debling, prompting Penelope to voice her confusion. "Forgive me for asking, Anthony." She began tentatively. "But why do you seem so concerned about Lord Debling?"
With a heavy sigh, Anthony attempted to explain the complexities of courtship and the emotions it evokes. "When a suitor sees the lady he is wooing with another man, it can cause jealousy and discomfort, Penelope." He admitted, his tone filled with a mixture of frustration and vulnerability.
The youngest Featherington's confusion deepened at the Viscount's words, her mind struggling to grasp their implications. "But I have no suitor, Anthony." She replied honestly. Her voice tinged with bewilderment. "Your statement does not apply to me."
Anthony paused, his gaze locking with the redhead's as he gathered his courage to reveal the truth. "Then, Penelope, what do you think of me?" He asked, his voice earnest as he laid bare his intentions.
Penelope's breath caught in her throat as she stared into Anthony's intent brown eyes, the seriousness of his words washing over her like a wave. "You are the Viscount." She replied hesitantly, her mind reeling with disbelief as she had to state basic information everyone else knew about the man before her. "And you are my best friend's older brother."
With a sense of exasperation, Anthony clarified his intentions with unwavering determination. Anthony remembered Violet's words on how this young red-haired lady might be oblivious to his intentions. "I am your suitor, Miss Featherington." He confessed, his voice filled with sincerity. Despite agreeing to forego formalities, he decided to address her properly to show her the gravity of his words. "My calls upon you were with the intention of courtship."
Penelope was rendered speechless by the revelation, her mind struggling to reconcile Anthony's words with her reality. The idea that the Viscount Bridgerton, a man of such esteemed stature, society's Capital R Rake as what she named him on her Lady Whistledown's gossip papers, could be interested in her seemed utterly absurd. She had never dared to imagine that Anthony's attentions were anything more than casual social calls. And yet, as she looked into his earnest brown eyes, she could not deny the sincerity of his words.
"Courtship? Me?" She repeated incredulously, her voice barely above a whisper. "But.. why? You must be mistaken, my lord."
Anthony's gaze softened as he looked at Penelope's eyes. She has the lightest and the bluest eyes he has seen in his entire life. He could see her innocent and pure soul as her crystal sky blue irises pulled him magnetically. "How can the other men of the ton not see the beauty of this young lady?" He questions his inner self. Anthony could feel his cheeks flushed as his attraction to this young lady starts to grow.
"Penelope, I have decided to take on a wife this season. I've spoken almost to all candidates there can be, and I must admit none passed my standards. But you, you are a remarkable woman in your own right. I truly enjoy our conversations and I can see myself enjoying time spent with you for the rest of my life. I am captivated by your intelligence, wit and kindness."
"You are not just Eloise's best friend to me. I see you as the perfect fit for the role of Viscountess, especially more that my whole family is in good relations with you. And so, I have come to realize that I am deeply drawn and determined for you to become my wife. That is if you agree." Anthony replied earnestly, his voice filled with sincerity. He knew it was presumptuous for him to declare his intentions without considering if Penelope was hoping for a love match rather than that of a marriage for convenience. However, Anthony is adamant and determined to have the redhead become his wife. He wanted her, he wanted Penelope Featherington as his Viscountess, simply because she fits perfectly for the role of the title. Or so he thought.
As his second sister Eloise came to view and approached their spot, Anthony's heart sank as he realized that his conversation with the redhead was about to be interrupted. Before Penelope could respond to his declaration, Eloise swooped in, her presence filling in the space as she addressed the youngest Featherington.
"Pen! There you are! You must save me from all these men mama is trying to introduce me to!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with dread as she tugged Penelope away from Anthony's side. "Come, let's make a turn around the room, shall we?"
With a reluctant glance back at Anthony, Penelope allowed herself to be led away by Eloise, leaving Anthony standing alone at the refreshments table, a sense of frustration gnawing at him.
As he watched Penelope disappear into the crowd with his sister, Anthony could not help but feel annoyed at the untimely interruption. He laid his intentions bare, revealing his plans of marriage with Penelope, only to have their conversation abruptly cut short.
Frustration bubbled within him as he clenched his jaw, wondering what Penelope's response might have been to his heartfelt words. He could not shake the feeling of annoyance at his own sister for inadvertently taking Penelope away from him, just when he had hoped to hear her thoughts on his declaration.
Resigned to the situation, Anthony cast a longing gaze in the direction Penelope had vanished, his heart heavy with uncertainty.
After taking a full turn at the banquet hall, Eloise Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington found themselves sitting together on a stone bench amidst the blooming roses in the garden. The brunette's curiosity got the better of her, and she could not resist probing Penelope about her conversation with Anthony before she arrived.
"So, what were you and Anthony discussing before I came along?" Eloise inquired, her gaze curious as she turned to her friend.
Penelope hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to broach the subject with her best friend. But with a sigh, she decided to be honest. "Anthony.. He was talking about his intentions towards me." She admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Eloise's eyebrows raised in surprise, but to Penelope's astonishment, there was no disapproval in her friend's expression. Instead, the second Bridgerton daughter's eyes softened with understanding as she listened to Penelope's revelation.
"I see." Eloise murmured thoughtfully, her gaze wandering over the garden as she contemplated her brother's unexpected pursuit of her best friend. "I must admit Pen.. I've always hoped that we would grow old together, living in the same house as spinsters. You know, spending long hours discussing whatever books we have read for the day, talk about how unfair it is for women in society to not have just the same rights these imbecile men have been enjoying at the parliament.. But the idea of having you officially become my sister.. It's rather appealing, I must say."
Penelope Featherington could not help but smile at Eloise's words, touched by her friend's acceptance and open-mindedness. "Yes, it is." She agreed softly, though there was really nothing going on between him and Anthony yet, or to any of her brothers, Penelope's heart warmed by the thought of her becoming a part of her most loved Bridgerton family.
However, Eloise's approval came with a hint of reservation which the brunette did not hesitate to voice out. "I may not necessarily approve of Anthony's pursuit if it's not born out of love." She admitted candidly.
"Would you perhaps choose Benedict instead? He would be rather tolerable to live with. Or Colin! Colin will always be out of London, so if he's out of the picture, we can have your house to ourselves!" Chaotic ideas started to race across Eloise's mind as she thinks of the best Bridgerton brother to be paired up with her best friend. "Hm. But I cannot deny that if you were to marry someone, Anthony would be the best match. He could offer you freedom and security away from your mama's influence."
Penelope's smile faltered slightly at Eloise's words, her mind grappling with the implications of her friend's assessment. The mention of Colin's name also weighed heavily on her heart. Though she had decided to end her unrequited love to the third Bridgerton son, Penelope Featherington could not deny the disappointment and regret as she had hoped for years to have Colin take notice of her as a woman, not just as his little sister's friend.
"But Eloise.." Penelope protested gently. "Marrying your brother Anthony.. It's still a premature thought. There must be someone more deserving of his attention than me. His intention for courtship might just have been a passing thought. Surely, he will come to a realization that this would be a mistake. A terrible mistake, I must say."
Eloise's gaze softened as she reached out to squeeze Penelope's hand reassuringly. "Who knows?" She conceded, her voice filled with warmth. "But if it's Anthony, he surely has seen how special you are. And who are we to question it? Just remember Pen, you are my dearest friend and I love you. You are worthy of love and happiness, regardless of what you and your mama might believe and say so."
"Thank you, El. You are my dearest friend and I love you too."
The two longtime childhood friends hugged each other tightly as they concluded their conversation about the Viscount.
"Say Pen, would you be present tomorrow at the Royal Ascot?"
Penelope took a few seconds before she answered her dear friend. She really has not given it a thought yet. She had received an invite to promenade by Lord Debling, but after Anthony's declaration earlier and his statement about his discomfort about seeing her with another man gave the redhead much to think about.
"I'm not really certain yet, El. Lord Debling had invited me to watch the races, but I had not given any confirmation as for my attendance."
"Oh, then you must come! Our family will be going tomorrow. At least, come for me, so I can find any consolation in that boring event." Eloise snorted.
Penelope chuckled at her friend's unladylike habits. "I will give it a thought."