"Oh dear, how I truly wished for her to be my daughter in name."

Anthony Bridgerton, the ninth Viscount from their family line, could not help but raise his eyebrows in curiosity as he heard the confession words coming from his loving mother, the dowager Viscountess Violet Bridgerton. It was as if their brood of eight siblings are not annoyingly handful enough, hearing such a want coming from his mother was a first for him and it took him by surprise.

Anthony remained silent as he stood at the back row of his family who had taken a table at one of the corners on Lady Danbury's estate. Him, his mother Violet, his brother Benedict and his first sister Daphne; the newly wedded Duchess of Hastings, were all in attendance for the first ball of the season. Their third brother Colin, was away as he traveled to Greece after the unfortunate breakup of his engagement with Miss Marina Thompson, who was now Lady Crane by marriage. Eloise, who had just debuted this season, remained at home as she feigned sickness from the events that happened at the Queen's palace.

"Was it true then, mama? Is she to marry that old ogre of a lord?"

"Daphne, language!" Violet rebukes her eldest daughter's choice of words. But knowing the subject of her statement, Violet could only agree to the description.

"Apologies, mama. But isn't Lord Brambly too old for her? I believe he is about to be seventy, is he not? He might as well be his grandfather!" Daphne could not help but express her dissatisfaction in the match. Though it is not too uncommon for older men to marry young girls who had just debuted in the society, having a difference of more than fifty years in age was unimaginable.

"I am afraid he is. But there is nothing to be done as her mother seems to have decided." Violet replied. Sadness and disappointment were evident on Lady Bridgerton's eyes as she empathizes with the girl on topic.

"What an unsatisfactory match. Surely, she can do better than Lord Brambly. She is amazingly intelligent, good-mannered, has lots of talents and a good companion. Just look at how she treats our family well." Daphne's emotions were heightened as she itemized the good qualities of the young lady they feel sorry for.

"That, I can totally agree on, dearest." Violet nodded in agreement.

Anthony, who remained quiet as he listened and watched the interaction between his mother and his duchess sister, finally spoke. Daphne's statement on the descriptive qualities of whoever they are talking about piqued his interest. He might not have announced it to his family yet, but he had already decided to look for and take a wife this season. As his relationship failed with the opera singer, the Viscount had decided that he would no longer opt for a love match, and rather just marry out of obligation and duty. But having a title and a lot of responsibilities at hand, he wanted to have a wife who he could tolerate for the rest of his life. And so, upon hearing his sister utter the same qualities he is looking for in a potential bride, he could not help but chime in on their conversation to know the identity of this girl whom they are talking about.

"And who is this poor lady, you both are sorry for, sister?" Anthony speaks in a calm manner.

Daphne looks up to his brother with a furrowed brow. She knew Anthony was not one to indulge himself in rumors and gossip, so having him become interested in their talk was quite new for the duchess. "Oh, it's about Penelope, brother."

"Miss Featherington?" Anthony was quite surprised by the revelation. Though he had not interacted much with the girl, he had long known the redhead as his second sister, Eloise's best friend. He had seen her as a permanent fixture during his mother and his sisters' afternoon tea at the Bridgerton House's drawing room.

"Yes, my darling. News is that her mother, Lady Featherington is working to have her wed with Lord Brambly. Oh, my poor girl. If there is only anything I could do for Penelope.." An obvious ache can be heard from Violet's voice.

"Hmm.. Does Eloise know about this, mother?" Benedict asks, finally joining in his family's conversation. He had already enjoyed himself a few glasses of champagne for the night. "If she were to find out about her best friend's plight, I am sure she would ask us to intervene in any way."

Daphne, worried about whatever their rambunctious sister might do once she hears the news, asks his brother for any insights. She knows Anthony might not be that close to Penelope as to how their siblings Eloise and Colin are, but the duchess knew that Anthony values those who share a special connection with their family. After all, Penelope had long been an honorary member of the Bridgertons since young.

"Anthony, can you do anything to help Pen? I mean.. I could definitely ask what Simon can do.. But knowing that she is an honorary Bridgerton member, it would be best if any help on this matter would be facilitated by you, as the Viscount."

"Daphne is quite right, dearest. You have the connections among men in the ton, surely you may suggest other gentlemen for Penelope. Portia might welcome any introduction from you." Violet added to convince her son.

Anthony, absorbing all his sister and his mother's words, tried to comprehend as much as he could in that short period of time. His surprise for Penelope being the subject of their worry still does not wash over his thoughts. Sure, he knew that Penelope was overly close to his family. He can always see Eloise and his youngest siblings Gregory and Hyacinth crowding over the redhead when she's at their home. Then it just dawned on him that the reason Eloise gets along with Penelope was because the latter is also well-read. They must have shared a common interest in reading books. Penelope was a daughter of a Baron, he shall not question her manners as she sure has been educated properly on society's rules.

These thoughts conflicted with Anthony's resolve. As how his family described Penelope, was just the same as what he is looking for in a wife. He wanted someone who has a brain, he would not settle with a nitwit for a wife. As she will be a Viscountess, his lady should be gentle and well-bred as she will become the lady of the house. She will be someone who would assist in launching his sisters in society and someone who together with him, will be the face of their esteemed family. And as he values and loves his family over anything else, his wife-to-be should be someone who can integrate into good relations with his siblings. All these points, with no doubt, have been marked with a check upon considering Penelope's character.

But there lies a problem. Penelope Featherington is Eloise's best friend. She is his sister's long-time and oldest friend. True, there may be an age difference between them of thirteen years. But it is much more acceptable than that Lord Brambly who is seventy years now. How would his family react to the thoughts playing on his mind? How would Penelope react if he were to approach her?

One thing is for certain. Anthony knew he had to speak with Penelope Featherington. If he is to pursue the idea running on his mind, or the cries of help from his dearest sister and loving mother, he would need to have at least the consent of the lady in question. And so, despite his known inhibitions in participating in such nightly ball activities, he decided to go for a dance.

"Very well, before I can offer any help to Miss Featherington, I must inquire her thoughts about this. If indeed, she would like to be absolved of this match with Lord Brambly, I will use any connections I have to help her secure a better match." He then put down his champagne glass at the table. Noticing that Anthony is preparing to leave, Benedict asks his older brother where he might be off to.

"You going somewhere brother?"

"Why, yes. If I am to speak with our friend Miss Featherington, I must be in her presence, am I not?" Anthony claps at his brother's shoulder as he kisses his mother and his sister's cheeks before he excused himself.

Anthony Bridgerton proceeded to where the dancefloor is and looked for the distinct redheads the Featherington ladies are known for. He had spotted the dowager Baroness Portia Featherington with her eldest Prudence and Philippa, who were also joined in by the latter's betrothed Mister Albion Finch. But there was no Penelope. He scanned the center where pairs and couples had been dancing but there was no redhead to be seen.

Anthony continued to trace the steps at the edge of the ballroom when he finally saw someone dressed in yellow at the back pillar near the refreshments, almost hidden from everyone's view. There she was, dressed in a bright yellow dress over her porcelain white skin. Her red hair was in an updo, leaving only a pair of long strands to frame her face. She was standing silently alone, her gaze lingering over the direction of the dancefloor. He swore, if her mother will cease with the citrusy color for the garments, Penelope will surely prove how beautiful she can be, regardless of her short height and plump body.

He closed their distance with his long strides and as he came in front of her view, greeted the young redhead lady.

"Miss Featherington, a pleasurable evening to see you here." Anthony smiles and bows at Penelope. As he took a closer look, he noticed how innocent and pretty her face was.

"Lord Bridgerton. It is rather a nice evening, yes. And a pleasure to see you too." The young Featherington curtsies as she returns the Viscount's greeting.

"How come I don't see you on the dance floor Miss Featherington? From what I gathered from my siblings, you are such a great dancer, they say."

A small blush appears on Penelope's cheeks as she hears the words coming from the eldest Bridgerton. "Oh, my lord. Eloise might have exaggerated about that. Only a gentleman who had come to dance with me can prove if I have the skills or not. And since there was none, it would be best to think of such praise as a falsehood, my lord." There was an obvious hint of sadness in Penelope's eyes as she responded back to Anthony.

Taking in her words, the Viscount had come to realize that over the last season, the only men Penelope had ever danced with at balls were his brothers Colin and Benedict. And as Colin was out of the picture this season, and Benedict trying to hide his presence away from ambitious matchmaking mamas, there were no other dance partners who had dared to ask for the redhead's hand.

Something tugged on Anthony's heart knowing how lonely and difficult Penelope's societal debut had been. If only her mother had awaited another year to launch Penelope the same time with Eloise, the young Featherington could have at least a friendly companion to face the society head-on. Suddenly, his initial goal came back to his mind as he continued to stare at the young lady in front of him.

"Well, Eloise might be stubborn and challenging. But I never knew her to be someone who could lie. In that sense, I still shall believe for you to be a good dancer, Miss Featherington."

Penelope was speechless at how the Viscount insists on her being good at dancing. Stubborn just like Eloise, she thought. As she knew Anthony would not let go until she accepted the thought, she just thanked him for the good words.

"You are very kind, my lord." Penelope shyly says.

"Anthony."

"I beg your pardon, my lord?" Penelope looks up to him, curious as to why he had to mention his Christian name.

"Just call me Anthony. You have been a long time family friend. Such formalities should not be applied between us."

The youngest Featherington looked at him as if studying his intentions before finally agreeing. "Then you must call me just by Penelope as well.. Or Pen at least, my lord. If we are to forego such formalities."

He finds himself smiling at her retaliation. "Very well, Penelope."

"Anthony." She offers a warm smile at the eldest Bridgerton as she utters his name in return.

Soon, the music started for the next song of the night and a few couples started to re-assemble at the ballroom. Anthony took this opportunity to get to know more of the redhead while away from the prying ears of people around them.

"May I offer you a dance, Penelope?" He extends his hand to offer it to the young redhead.

Penelope was a bit surprised to see Anthony asking her hand for a dance. It was known to her, from his sibling's testimonies, that he is someone who doesn't like to dance. And even with last year, he was barely on the dance floor if not for having to escort Daphne on her season. But as their previous conversation was about her skills, Penelope thought that Anthony might just be wanting to test out the truth about her capacity at dancing. And so, she happily accepts the hand offered to him.

"Sure, Anthony. It would be my honor."

As soon as she placed her hand in his, Penelope found herself being led onto the dance floor by Anthony Bridgerton. Her breath caught in her throat as his strong hand pressed against the small of her back, the fabric of her yellow dress whispering with each moment. Anthony's penetrating gaze locked onto hers, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he pulled her close. She could smell the hints of sandalwood and lavender that clung to the lapels of his tailored jacket.

With a dramatic swell of the violins, they began to waltz. Penelope allowed Anthony to guide her across the floor, her slippered feet gliding effortlessly in time with the rise and fall of the music. Anthony spun her out in a wide arc, the layers of her gown fanning out becomingly, before drawing her back against his chest. He could feel the steady thrum of her heartbeat against his own.

They moved as one, stripped of individual movement, bound together by the rhythms and tradition of the dance. Anthony lost himself in the moment, his eyes drifting closed as he surrendered to the music, feeling the lightness of Penelope's feet. With each pivot and turn, he felt himself captivated by the unconventional beauty before him.

"Now, I can totally agree that my siblings' words were in all honesty after all. You are such a great dancer Penelope." Anthony smilingly praises the redhead.

"Why, thank you Anthony. I'm glad I proved them right." She lets out a soft chuckle. However, as they turned, Penelope's features were turned upside down. This gets Anthony's concern as he took a glance to the direction where Penelope was staring.

There, at the edge of the dance floor stands her mother Lady Portia Featherington with Lord Brambly beside her. Anthony can only imagine the horror running through the mind of Penelope. He remembered what his mother and his sister were conversing with earlier on. Portia seems to make a marriage match between the elderly lord and the young redhead. This gives Anthony an opportunity to ask Penelope about her thoughts on marrying.

"Penelope, are you feeling well?"

"I-I'm fine Anthony.." The Viscount tried to study her reaction. Though she smiled at him with her response, there was still worry and fear instilled on her sky blue eyes.

"Is it something about a match with that Lord Brambly?" The subject of his statement seemed to be the cause of distress on the young lady, for as soon as he mentioned the name of Lord Brambly, Penelope looked at him with surprise.

"Forgive me for intruding.. I seem to hear some rumors about your mother trying to arrange a marriage for you and that Lord."

"You don't have to apologize, Anthony. Those were not just rumors.." She says in defeat. "Mama had come to an agreement with Lord Brambly to have me wed to him if I am unable to get a proper suitor this season."

"That is such an unthinkable idea! Does your mother not know how old that lord is?" A hint of frustration can be heard in Anthony's voice. He did not even care that the other pair of dancers could hear them as they continued to strut for the waltz.

"My mama is determined to have me and Prudence be married off this season. There is only little we can do now that there is no male protector from our house.."

"But still, surely Lady Featherington can get a better match for you! He's as good as your grandfather!" Anthony exclaimed, imitating what just his sister said earlier.

Penelope chuckled at his response. She was delighted that at least somebody else had the same reservation about her marriage prospect. "That, I truly agree."

Seeing a bit of smile on Penelope's lips, no matter how small it is, made Anthony feel calmer despite the irritation on the young redhead's impending marriage match.

"If you were to choose, how would you like your husband-to-be?" He inquires.

It took a few seconds before Penelope could respond. Initially, thoughts of his younger brother Colin came into her mind. She had a long-time crush on the third Bridgerton. However, since he had become engaged and infatuated with her cousin last season, Penelope had come to terms that her feelings for Colin will never be returned.

"As long as he's someone kind and amenable. I do not think I'm in a position to choose more than that, Anthony."

Penelope's answer made Anthony's brow furrowed. He wanted to expound on her remark about her last sentence, but held himself and instead, asked for another thought. "Do you desire children?"

"Of course. I know Eloise might have suggested for both of us to grow together as spinsters.. But if given the chance, I would like to have a family of my own. A child I could call mine, and teach everything there is to this world." Anthony hummed in response.

He could not help but notice how light became the expressions on Penelope's features as she talks about having a family.

Despite being friends with his sister, Penelope is truly an opposite from Eloise. Whilst her sister is challenging, rambunctious and unladylike, Penelope is soft spoken, polite and graceful. It makes him wonder how the other men of the ton do not notice how good of a lady Penelope Featherington is.

"Say, if you were to have a daughter. What kind of education would you instill in her upbringing?" Anthony asked as he thought of his sisters and future children. If he is to consider Penelope as a potential candidate for a bride, he must come to know how she would go on leading a young lady's life under her prerogative. After all, one of the future Viscountess' roles is to help launch his sisters' debut in the society. Whoever he will pick to be his wife would be fully instrumental for the future of his remaining unwed sisters.

Penelope's eyes widened slightly at Anthony's unexpected query about education for a non-existent daughter. She took a moment to collect her thoughts, knowing her progressive views could be seen as untoward in polite society.

Straightening her shoulders, she met Anthony's gaze evenly. "Why, Anthony, you ask a most intriguing question." She began, a hint of her playful wit coloring her tone. "If I were to have a daughter, I would endeavor to provide her with an education befitting a true lady of the modern age."

Penelope paused, noting the raised eyebrow Anthony gave her usage of 'modern age'. Undeterred, she continued. "I would ensure she is well-versed in literature, arithmetic, philosophy and the sciences. An inquisitive mind must be nourished, after all."

"While the traditional pursuits of art, music and language would certainly be part of her studies." Penelope stated firmly. "I would also engage tutors to instruct her in subjects like economics, political theory and law. A truly educated woman needs a fulsome understanding of the world around her."

She noted the Viscount's slight smirk and pushed on. "Moreover, I would impress upon her the importance of independent thought. She should never simply accept coterie's conventions without scrutiny. A daughter of mine must have the courage to form her own opinions, even if they are considered..." She trailed off, offering Anthony a meaningful look.

The redhead's gaze softened then. "Above all, I would nurture her confidence, creativity and sense of self-worth. For what greater gift could a mother provide than empowering her daughter to embrace her infinite potential?"

Anthony regarded Penelope with an appraising look, his expression unreadable. For a long moment, the only sound between them was the gentle murmurs of the crowd and the faint strains of music indicating the nearing end of the song.

Finally, he exhaled a low chuckle, shaking his head almost imperceptibly. "Well, Penelope, I must admit your perspective is.. Refreshingly unconventional." His lips curved into a warm smile. "Though I may not agree with every particular, I admire the conviction behind your ideas."

Leaning in, Anthony's voice took on a more intimate tone. "You are a lady of remarkable fortitude and intellect, it seems. Not cowed by society's censures, but possessed of an admirable willingness to challenge the status quo." His eyes look at the lady before him with unmistakable esteem. "In truth, it is a rare woman indeed who could so firmly advocate her beliefs to a veritable gentleman of the society."

"You are a singular spirit, Penelope, and deserve a life of equal singularity."

Before Penelope Featherington could respond to Anthony's vague compliments, the final notes of the waltz faded away. They stood frozen amidst the crowd, chests rising and falling with the exhilaration of the dance. Anthony's fingers traced featherlight patterns on her back before he finally broke the spell, brushing a whisper of a kiss across her knuckles. "You dance gracefully, Penelope." He murmured huskily against her skin. He then offers his hand and brings her to the side of his family. Seeing that Portia had left Lord Brambly's side, he took his leave and went to the old man.

"Pen, what an amazing dancer you are! I certainly could not believe Anthony made it to the whole song." Benedict teases the redhead just as his brother delivers her to their side. This reaction elicits a hopeful thought on Daphne's and Violet's minds.

The three Bridgertons knew how Anthony hated to dance. It's not as if he doesn't know how to, he just doesn't want to. The Viscount finds the idea absurd. If he so wants to know a lady better, he would just take the time to launch some questions on her rather than spending a dance or two where it would be hard to maintain a coherent conversation whilst their whole bodies moving in the middle of the dance floor.

However, that did not happen with Anthony's dance with Penelope. For Anthony still found the short time to have a meaningful conversation with the redhead as their bodies swayed gracefully along the melodic sound of the orchestra playing amidst Lady Danbury's grand ballroom.

"I must give credit to Anthony. He led the dance with grace." Penelope politely responds, unconsciously addressing the Viscount with familiarity. This did not escape Violet's ears as a mischievous smile forms on the matriarch's lips.

On the other side of the banquet hall, the air was thick with tension as Anthony strode in, his jaw set in a hard line. His eyes immediately fell upon the elderly Lord Brambly, who was appraisingly eyeing Penelope from across the hall.

"Lord Brambly." Anthony's voice cut through the silence like a sword. "I must have a word."

The old lord turned slowly, blinking owlishly at the Viscount through his thick spectacles. "Ah, Lord Bridgerton. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Anthony crossed the space between them in three long strides, crowding into Brambly's personal space intimidatingly. "Your intentions regarding Miss Featherington are transparent, my lord. I'm afraid I cannot allow your.. Pursuit to continue."

Brambly snorted derisively. "I was under the impression Miss Featherington's marital status was her own choice to make."

"Be that as it may." Anthony's voice was low and dangerous. "Miss Featherington will not be marrying you."

The elderly lord drew himself up, his rheumy eyes narrowing speculatively. "And who is to stop me? You? On what grounds?"

For a moment, Anthony's jaw worked silently before pinning Brambly with a look. "On the grounds that she will be my wife."

Brambly coughed out a wheezy laugh. "You? Bridgerton, be serious. Why would an innocent young lady consent to marrying a rake like yourself?"

Anthony remained unruffled, his gaze boring into the older man unblinkingly. "Because I am not so foolish as to fail to recognize the worthiness of the lady before me. Perhaps you require spectacles for your mind as well as your eyes?"

He stepped even closer, their chests nearly brushing. "Make no mistake - Miss Featherington will be my Viscountess. This is not negotiable. You'd be wise to look elsewhere for a bride, old man. If I see or hear you take another step closer to her, I shall use the power and resources that the Bridgerton name has to put you in your resting place. You hear me?"

"We are concluded here." Spinning on his heel, Anthony crossed the room in quick strides back to where his family were gathered.


Author's Note:

The story takes place in 1814 just after the events of Netflix show's season 1.
Daphne just became the new Duchess of Hastings, Eloise debuted into society and Colin left for Greece after his broken engagement with Marina Thompson.

There is no Sharma family that will be involved. This is purely a story focusing on society's Capital R Rake and its resident insipid wallflower.

I have already finished reading all Penthony fanfiction works and I find myself wanting more T^T