The Bridgerton family's dining hall was abuzz with the usual chatter and clattering of silver on china. The second Bridgerton son, Benedict, was enthusiastically recounting one of his recent adventurous exploits to their youngest siblings when Anthony strode in, drawing the attention of all present.
"Well, don't you look refreshed this morning, dearest?" The dowager Viscountess Violet Bridgerton remarked with an arched brow, taking in Anthony's newly barbered appearance. His dark locks were neatly trimmed, and his strong jaw was cleanly shaven - quite the transformation from his usual slightly rumpled visage.
Anthony offered his mother a tight smile as he took his seat at the head of the table. "I have... affairs to attend to after breakfast. It's only best I present myself properly."
His siblings traded curious looks, for it was unlike the Viscount to be conscientious about his grooming unless an important societal function was imminent. Anthony Bridgerton just waved off their silent inquiries as he tucked into his meal with uncharacteristic haste.
True to form, his insatiably inquisitive and teasing brother Benedict could not resist prodding. "Just what pressing 'affair' has you primpring like a prospective groom this fine morning, brother?"
Anthony leveled his younger brother with a look that could feel lesser men. "I will be going out to call on a lady after breaking my fast. It is only proper I make an effort, though I don't expect you to understand such niceties. Given you do not declare any plans of settling down anytime soon."
A hush fell over the breakfast table as Anthony subtly announced his intention for marriage. Violet, keeping to herself the delight and excitement on the news, posed the question on everyone's minds; just which lady had captured Anthony's sudden interest.
"Now dearest, who is this fortunate lady you intend to call upon, my son?" Violet gives a conspiratorial smile.
Before Anthony could respond, however, Eloise's puckish voice piped up from down the table. "Fortunate? I dare say unlucky is more fitting for whichever poor woman has found herself the target of Anthony's mercurial affections."
Anthony simply shook his head with a fond but exasperated look. Leave it to Eloise to gleefully puncture any romantic notions with her characteristically blunt barbs. "Now, now, no need to frighten the poor girl off before I've even begun my suit." He knew his family meant well, but their teasing could be relentless.
"Oh come now, surely you can tell your own mother!" Violet cajoled. "We are all just delighted to see you finally taking an interest in this season."
Benedict chimed in slyly. "Yes, do enlighten us brother. Unless the lady in question is a potential source of scandal?" He quirked an amused brow.
Squaring his shoulders, Anthony replied evenly. "I assure you, the lady's reputation is above reproach. She's intelligent and kind, just perfect for the role of Viscountess." His gaze drifted momentarily as he thought of his interaction with Penelope, her gentle smile, her soft voice and her beautiful crystal sky blue eyes. "She is the very picture of grace and propriety."
Eloise caught the oddly wistful tone in her brother's voice and her protective instincts kicked in. There are only a few among the ladies of the ton who can be considered intelligent. But before she could probe further, Anthony excused himself. "I'm afraid I must now attend to this matter. I have a visit to the florist that needs to be done. It would not be good to come calling on the lady's house empty-handed, wouldn't it? We'll have to continue this inquisition another time."
Without awaiting a response, Anthony swept from the room, the rhythmic click of his boot heels fading down the hall. Benedict watched him go, bemused skepticism written across his features.
"Flowers and a clandestine call? Since when does our brother do anything by half-measure?" He mused aloud. "This should prove.. Interesting."
Eloise hummed in reluctant agreement beside him as the rest of the Bridgertons exchanged weighted looks. The final, unspoken words hung heavy in the air. Whatever Anthony's intentions, they were sure to send reverberations throughout the ton.
As Anthony Bridgerton alighted from his carriage, his heart quickened with anticipation. Clutching the bouquet of flowers and a small box of chocolates, he ascended the steps to the grand entrance of the Featherington residence in Mayfair.
The butler, Briarly, greeted him with a polite nod as he opened the door. "Good morning, Lord Bridgerton. May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?" Briarly's voice held a note of curiosity, perhaps surprised by Anthony's unexpected appearance.
With a charming smile, Anthony replied. "Good morning, Briarly. I have come to call upon Miss Penelope Featherington." He watched as a flicker of surprise danced across the butler's features, though he maintained his professional demeanor.
"Of course, my lord." Briarly responded, stepping aside to allow Anthony entry to the estate. "Please, do come in. I shall inform Lady Featherington and Miss Penelope of your arrival."
Anthony followed the butler into the opulent drawing room, his senses assailed by the chaotic colors of the rich furnishings and decor. As Briarly excused himself to convey the message to the Featherington ladies, Anthony took a moment to compose himself, smoothing down to the front of his coat and adjusting his cravat with practiced precision.
Minutes passed before Briarly returned, his expression polite but inscrutable. "My lord, Lady Portia and Miss Penelope will receive you presently. If you would kindly wait here."
With a nod of gratitude, Anthony settled into one of the plush armchairs, his heart fluttering with nervous anticipation. It was known how aggressive Portia is when it comes to procuring suitors for her daughters. He can only hope that spending a conversation with Penelope will alleviate whatever discomfort might arise by her imposing mama.
Moments later, the dowager Baroness Lady Portia Featherington swept into the drawing room with an air of esteem, her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the Viscount seated before her. "Viscount Bridgerton." She exclaimed, her voice a melodious blend of astonishment and curiosity. "What a delightful surprise, my lord. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" Her gaze flickered between Anthony and the bouquet of flowers clutched in his hand, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected turn of events.
Anthony rose from his seat, a charming yet awkward smile gracing his lips as he greeted the baroness with a respectful bow. "Lady Featherington, it is a pleasure to see you." He replied, his tone warm and courteous. "I have come to call upon your daughter, Miss Penelope. I hope you do not mind the suddenness of my visit."
Portia's surprise deepened at his words, her mind racing to comprehend the significance of Anthony's visit. "Penelope?" She echoed, her tone laced with disbelief. "Are you sure, my lord? Not Prudence or Philippa?"
Before Anthony could offer a response, the door to the drawing room swung open once more, and Penelope Featherington entered, her cheeks flushed with color and her eyes wide with bewilderment at the sight before her.
"Mama, what is.." Penelope began, her words trailing off as she caught the sight of Anthony standing before her, a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates in hand.
"Anthony.. I-I mean my lord." She exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief. Though the two of them just agreed on abandoning formalities with each other, Penelope had to address their guest by his title as her mother gave her a stern look. "What are you doing here?"
Unconsciously, the Viscount's smile widened at the sight of Penelope, and he could feel his heart skipping a beat at the sheer radiance of her presence. Penelope was dressed in a light pink day dress adorned by white and yellow linings. Her hair was laid down to her back and was clipped both sides just above her ears to free her face from her red locks, her beauty illuminated by the soft glow of the drawing room. Gathering his composure, Anthony stepped forward and gave a respectful bow to the young lady. Penelope curtsies in return for the greeting. "Miss Featherington." He said softly, stepping forward to greet her. He offers his hand and when the young redhead places hers in his, he plants a kiss on her knuckles. "I have come to call upon you."
Portia Featherington exchanged a bemused glance with her daughter, clearly taken aback by Anthony's unexpected visit and purpose. "Call upon Penelope?" She echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion. "But whatever for, my lord? I trust it is not a matter of urgency?"
The Viscount Bridgerton tries hard to hide his now growing annoyance towards the baroness. "Must she be this difficult?" He thinks to himself. It was no wonder Penelope had been enjoying her time and visits to the Bridgerton house, if only to avoid her terrible mother. Despite his inner turmoil, Anthony met Portia's gaze with sincerity, his expression earnest as he addressed her question. "Lady Featherington, I assure you, my intentions are entirely honorable." The Viscount explained, his voice soft yet resolute. "I simply wished to have a moment with Miss Penelope to.. To converse and perhaps enjoy a stroll in your lovely garden, if she so pleases."
Lady Featherington regarded Anthony for a moment, her expression softening. Finally, she nodded graciously. "Very well, my lord. You may have a moment with Penelope." She then instructs Mrs. Varley to have a maid chaperone the two to their gardens.
With a grateful nod, Anthony turned his attention back to Penelope, his heart brimming with joy as they were now freed from Portia's presence. Penelope, who had received the bearing gifts of Anthony handed them to Mrs. Varley so she can put the flowers in a vase and have everything delivered at the safety of her bedchambers.
Afterwards, Anthony offered his arm to Penelope and placed her hand at the crook of his elbow as they took the steps to the garden. As they found themselves alone in the gardens, with only Penelope's maid lingering a respectful distance away, Penelope wasted no time in addressing the matter that weighed heavily on her mind, thinking that it must be the reason for the Viscount's visit.
"Anthony." She began, her voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "I cannot help but wonder if you had a hand in Lord Brambly's sudden withdrawal of his marriage proposal."
Anthony met Penelope's gaze with a solemn expression. He did not want to overstep his bounds, but there was no regret in his decision in using his station to halt whatever marriage plans Portia Featherington was brewing between her youngest daughter and that old senile lord. After all, if he is to pursue Penelope as his intended, he must eliminate other prospects around her, in which he would be willing to do so.
"I must confess, Penelope, that I did have a conversation with Lord Brambly last night." He admitted, his voice tinged with sincerity. "And I am relieved to hear that you will no longer be bound to such an undesirable match."
Penelope's eyes widened in surprise at Anthony's admission, though a sense of gratitude washed over her. There was no way for him to know the marriage agreement between her mother and the old lord. And even if he does, there is simply just no reason for him to be interested in putting a stop on the match. The redhead then thought of her friend Eloise, a plausible cause for his assistance. "Thank you, Anthony." She said softly, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Your intervention means more to me than you could ever know."
With a gentle smile, Anthony reached out to take Penelope's hand on his own, taking a bit of liberties as he blocked her maid's view on them. The redhead could feel his touch warm and reassuring underneath their gloved hands.
"It was my pleasure to assist you, Penelope. And if ever you find yourself in need of assistance in the future, you need only ask."
The youngest Featherington's heart fluttered at Anthony's words. She could not truly believe how kind and how noble Anthony is. He had known the man for too long as her best friend's eldest brother. Yes, they have exchanged greetings now and then whenever she comes across him during her visits at the Bridgerton House. But it was only last night when she first held an actual conversation with Anthony. Though the flow of their exchange was a bit different from how the normal interaction between a gentleman and a lady goes, it brought her a sense of joy as she was able to converse with a man, other than Benedict and Colin. Though still a Bridgerton, a distinguished man in the form of Viscount no less.
"Thank you Anthony." She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I am truly grateful for your kindness. If ever the day should come when you find yourself in need of my assistance, do not hesitate to call upon me. I would be honored to return the favor in any way that I can." She smiles so sweetly that it almost melts Anthony's heart. He swallows as he stares at her warmly.
"Then, I would take you up on that offer, Penelope." As he spoke those words, Anthony found himself envisioning a future in which Penelope stood by his side as his equal, his partner and as his wife. He soon started to think that marrying Penelope would really be a good idea after all.
As they continued to stroll through the gardens for the Featherington residence, Penelope could not help but notice the subtle changes in Anthony's appearance. His once tousled hair had been neatly trimmed, and his face was now cleanly shaven, accentuating his handsome features with a newfound refinement.
"Anthony." She remarked with a playful twinkle in her eye. "I must say, you are positively glowing this morning. What have you done with the Viscount Bridgerton?"
Anthony chuckled at her observation, a hint of self-satisfaction evident in his expression. "Ah, Penelope." He replied with a grin. "It appears that even I am not immune to the whims of fashion. I decided it was high time to part ways with my sideburns and embrace a more polished appearance."
Penelope laughed at his jest, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I must say, the transformation suits you, my lord." She teased, her gaze lingering on his newly refined countenance. "Though I must admit, the ladies might rather miss the rugged charm of the old Viscount."
Anthony raised an eyebrow in mock indignation, though a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Is that so, Miss Featherington?" He replied, his tone teasing. "Perhaps I shall have to reconsider my grooming habits in the future, lest I lose my appeal entirely."
As they continued to banter, Anthony Bridgerton could not help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. The redhead's lighthearted compliments and playful teasing served as a balm to his earlier anxieties, reaffirming his decision to undergo his transformation. Never he expected that her approval would mean so much to him than he cared to admit. And sharing such banter with Penelope was much more enjoyable than he had ever imagined. Deep down, he felt a bit of disappointment and regret to himself that he only took notice of Penelope now, for if he knew that she was this pleasing and lovely of a company, he would have made his advances years prior to their acquaintance.
Back at the Bridgerton House
As Anthony Bridgerton settled into his study after his morning call on the Featherington household, he was soon interrupted by a soft knock on the door. At his bidding, his mother, the dowager Viscountess Violet Bridgerton, entered the room, her graceful presence filling the room with warmth and familiarity as she took a seat in front of his desk.
"Anthony, my dear." Violet began, her voice tinged with curiosity and affection. "How did your morning visit fare? I trust it went well?"
Anthony smiled at his mother's inquiry, a sense of contentment settling over his features. "It went splendidly, mother." He replied, his tone filled with satisfaction. "I enjoyed our conversation immensely and found myself eager to continue our acquaintance."
Violet's interest was piqued by her son's response. She had been aware of her son's previous calls among the fresh and old debutantes of the society, which led to no fruition as no lady seemed to satisfy the Viscount's interest. But seeing how her son seems to be positively glowing as he speaks of the lady, she could not help but inquire further. "And may I ask, Anthony, who is this charming young lady who has captured your attention?"
The Viscount Bridgerton met his mother's gaze with a smile, knowing that his revelation might come as a surprise. "I believe you have known her all too well, mother. She is none other than Eloise's dear friend and our longtime neighbor. Miss Penelope Featherington." He replied with a tinge of pride in his voice.
Violet's eyebrows raised in surprise at the mention of Penelope's name, though her expression quickly softened into one of approval. "Penelope?" She repeated, a thoughtful look crossing her features. "Well, that is indeed a delightful choice, my dear. Pen possesses all the qualities one could desire in a potential bride."
Anthony nodded in agreement, his admiration for the young redhead evident in his expression. "Indeed, mother. She is intelligent, witty, well-bred, and her heart is filled with kindness. I believe she would make an excellent addition to our family. Proven as she had long been an honorary member of ours."
The mother of eight listened attentively as Anthony laid out his reasons for pursuing Penelope's hand, her heart swelling with pride at her son's thoughtful consideration. "I must admit, son." She confessed, her voice filled with warmth and care. "I am pleasantly surprised by your choice. I have known the girl since young, have seen her grow up together with your sister Eloise. Truly, such a lady with intelligence and good-nature like hers is hard to come by. She is a fine choice, indeed. If only not for her mother." Both chuckled on Violet's last statement. "I cannot deny that I am also thrilled by the prospect of having her as a daughter-in-law. Surely, you must have seen how your younger siblings love to be around her. Especially how she dotes on Gregory and Hyacinth." Violet added.
Anthony's smile widened at his mother's words, a sense of relief washing over him. He can only agree on her mother's observation. Whenever Penelope is around, the two of their youngest siblings tend to be on their best behavior as they try to get and pin themselves for Penelope's attention, sometimes to the dismay of their second sister Eloise. The three of them; Eloise, Gregory and Hyacinth are equally attracted to the sunny personality of the redhead and have constantly wanted to be around the young lady's presence.
"Thank you, mother. Your support means everything to me." He replied gratefully.
As they shared a moment of familial affection, Anthony could not help but express his apprehension about his siblings' reactions to his intended courtship. "I can only imagine Eloise's reaction once she learns of my intentions." He remarked with a chuckle. "She may never forgive me for stealing her best friend away." As he said those words, Anthony realized that he had already been claiming Penelope as his wife even though he just started to call on her. His face reddens at the idea and it does not escape his mother's watchful eye.
Violet Bridgerton chuckled softly at her son's jest, though her expression remained reassuring. "Do not worry, son. I have no doubt that your siblings will be surprised, but they shall not oppose your decision. After all, Penelope is loved by the whole of our family."
"Knowing Eloise, she might share a lot of words, but regardless she will be delighted to have Pen finally become her sister by name. You know she adores Pen so much. As long as you will not hurt her friend, you'd be in your sister's good graces." She added with a smile.
As their conversation continued, Violet's curiosity turned towards Penelope's perspective on Anthony's visit. With a furrowed brow, she inquired. "Well, what did Miss Featherington think of your visit, Anthony? Did she give any indication of her feelings or to your suit?"
Anthony's expression faltered slightly as he realized he had not made his intentions clear to Penelope during their morning call. "I'm not entirely certain, mother." He admitted, a hint of uncertainty coloring his tone. "I fear I may have left her with the impression that my visit was merely a social call."
Violet's gentle understanding, albeit worried gaze met his, and she offered her insight to her eldest son. "Oh my, Anthony. Penelope may not be accustomed to the attentions of gentlemen callers, especially if your intentions were not made explicitly clear. Her mother, Portia, may have an idea, but the young girl would not be so assuming on the matter."
Realization dawned on Anthony as he absorbed his mother's words. "You're right, mother." He conceded, a sense of determination settling over him. "I must rectify this misunderstanding and make my intentions known to Penelope."
Violet nodded in agreement, her expression supportive. "Indeed, you must Anthony. It is imperative that you clarify your intentions and present yourself to Penelope as a suitor, lest she only perceives you as her best friend's older brother."
With a renewed sense of purpose, Anthony resolved to solidify his standing as a suitor for the youngest Featherington. "I shall do just that, mother. I will continue my morning calls and ask her to join me for a promenade, where I will make my intentions known." He vowed, his determination evident in his voice.
Violet smiled at her son's resolve and her heart swelling with pride. "I have every confidence in you, Anthony. The Featheringtons would be fortunate indeed to have you as Pen's suitor. It will also help stop Portia putting her daughters on such undesirable matches like that of Lord Brambly."
With his mother's support and blessing, Anthony felt encouraged to set forth his path to win Penelope's hand in marriage. He became most determined to make his intentions known and secure himself a future with a good choice of a Viscountess. He might have chosen Penelope out of convenience, duty and obligation, but he has decided that once the woman agrees to marry him, he will make their marriage tolerable and accompanied with friendship and security.
