I DO NOT OWN BRIDGERTON. ALSO, JUST A QUICK EDITORIAL, WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES; IT AIN'T THE END OF THE WORLD.
Featherington House. London, United Kingdom. 2 weeks later.
As the social season finally came to an end, just as Autumn started to rear its head, the Featherington family was dealt a blow by the loss of its patriarch. I know it may sound rude of me, but I Lord Featherington's passing to be quite inconvenient indeed because I was going to approach Lady Featherington about courting her youngest daughter. However, I did get my chance thanks to Eloise. She decided to go over to the Featheringtons to offer condolences to her best friend and I knew it was the best chance to bring up the idea of a getaway.
"Tommy, I am curious as to why you wanted to come with me." Eloise admitted as we walked across the street to the Featherington house.
"Well...to be honest, I asked Pen to court me and she agreed." I admitted as Eloise looked less than pleased.
"So you are courting my best friend and you didn't even tell me?" Eloise asked incredulously.
"We only made it official at the Hastings Ball and then her father died, we just didn't get a chance to tell you." I protested while Eloise was put off by the idea of any man courting her gal pal.
"We were going to be spinsters together, Pen and I are above the prison that is courtship and marriage." Eloise insisted as her marriage is Hell outlook had finally grew tiresome.
"Look Eloise, if you want to do life as a spinster, I won't talk you out of it..." I started to say.
"As if you could." She snapped which earned her a eye roll.
"But just because that's your dream, doesn't make that Pen's dream; she loves me and I love her back. We all have a right to get whatever happiness we can out of this world." I said as I knocked on the Featherington's door. "Please don't bring this up to Pen, she needs comfort right now." Eloise looked like she wanted to tell me to go fuck myself, but she thankfully held her tongue as the butler came and brought us inside. Portia was donning a black mourning dress as she turned to greet us.
"Lady Featherington, we have come to offer our condolences on your husband's passing." I said with all the respect i could muster. "My sister was hoping she could convey her condolences to Penelope."
"Much appreciated, Mr. Bridgerton. Penelope is in her room." Portia replied with a face of stone as we quickly excused ourselves and headed upstairs. Eloise led me to Pen's room and knocked. When Pen answered, we could see that her eyes were bloodshot from crying. Before she could speak, Eloise quickly enveloped her in a hug as the 2 gal pals held onto each other.
"I am here, Pen, to help you to find a reason, every day, to endure the absence of your dear papa." Eloise said as she wiped her friend's tears from her cheeks. "I know you will miss him."
"Share something good: What happened with Whistledown?" Penelope asked as we sat down on her bed. "Did you save Madame Delacroix?"
"Madame Delacroix is Lady Whistledown?" I asked, feining surprise as this was not the right time to out Pen as the famous scribbler.
"She is brother, and I did Indeed; Now she will be able to put right what she botched this season, I am sure of it." Eloise said with a hint of pride in her voice.
"With Whistledown still on the loose, next season will be far more interesting." Penelope said with a small smile as i knew she was reveling in her ability to fool even her best friend.
"Pen...I wanted to come here to tell your mother that we are courting; despite how horrid the timing is." I admitted as I took her hands in mine. "However, there was something else that I wish to discuss: i've decided to forgo my plans for Greece and instead spend the autumn in France."
"I'm happy for you brother." Eloise said with a gentle smile as she was trying to be a good sport about the whole thing.
"That sounds wonderful Colin, you must write and tell me all about it." Pen replied, putting a grin on her face, even though her eyes revealed the pain of losing me for so long.
"Actually...I was hoping that perhaps you would care to accompany me. I thought it could help get your mind off this...misfortune to spend a month or 2 in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille..." I offered as Pen's face lit up like a light.
"Oh yes, i've never traveled before, I would love to get away from the Ton!" Penelope exclaimed with delight as she embraced me warmly.
"Your mama would never allow you to go off to France with my brother alone; even if you're courting, it would be a scandal." Eloise pointed out as i smiled at her; knowing she would like what I had to say.
"I've already considered that Eloise, which is why I was hoping that you might be willing to accompany us; as a chaperone." I offered as Eloise gave me a hard stare.
"If you are jesting with me..."
"I'm not jesting, i'd like you to come with us."
"Please come Eloise, we may mever get a chance like this again; to travel, to have an adventure!" Penelope pleaded as Eloise finally realized that i was serious. She grinned as she leaned in and embraced me tightly.
"You are my most favorite brother, you know that?" Eloise asked with excitement.
"Words I don't hear often enough." I replied with a smug look on my face.
Later that afternoon.
After our trip had been decided, I had to go downstairs and break the news to Portia. While she was pleased that I was officially courting her daughter, she wasn't as thrilled with the idea of her joining me in France for the next 2 months.
"Mr. Bridgerton, while I am pleased that my daughter has accepted your suit, I don't believe that it is appropriate for her to leave the country with you." Lady Featherington insisted as i tried to be as patient with her as i could.
"I understand your concern, Lady Featherington." I said, trying to be as respectful to tbe old bitch as i possibly could. "However, i assure you that with my sister Eloise acting as chaperone, there will be no cause for scandal. Also...Penelope is in the throes of dispair; a trip to France would raise her spirits greatly." Portia silently thought it over for a few moments before rendering her judgement.
"Very well then...but I hold you responsible to see that my daughter's honor and welfare are kept up." She demanded, as if she was a caring parent.
"I hold myself responsible for Penelope's happiness and safety, Lady Featherington." I assured her as i was thankful that I wouldn't have to sneak her out at night.
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