The Blossoming of Penelope Featherington | A BRIDGERTON Fanfic

Chapter 5

It is to be expected that the ball of the Marquis and Marquess of Riverdale would be the light in the long tunnel of the entire season. But the excitement that came along with the renowned performers and delectable food is no match from the prominent guests alone: Lady Danbury, the aunt of the marquis and infamous source of trepidation among Londoners; Duke and Duchess of Ashbourne, who just married a year ago, causing waves within the ton with the news of the duchess staying in England despite being an heiress in America; and a number of sought after bachelors such as the Duke of Bretton and two of the Bridgerton brothers, Mr. Benedict and Mr. Colin Bridgerton.

The Duke of Bretton had not only caught the eye of half the ballroom, but also that of the Season's Incomparable Miss Gwendolyn Passmore. Meanwhile, Mr. Benedict Bridgerton was present for but a few minutes before disappearing, much to the dismay of some ladies who would wish for his name to be listed in their dance card. While Mr. Colin Bridgerton danced with only the Bridgerton ladies and Miss Penelope Featherington, as was expected- not that that stopped the young ladies from looking unto him with hopeful eyes whenever he passed by them.

Alas, the season is ending but still, there is little to no news about a promising love match among the gentlemen and ladies of the ton. One can only hope for a less tedious season.

-Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, 17 June 1817

"I do not understand how Colin Bridgerton could dance with you yet no one came after." Portia Featherington had just finished reading Whistledown's article before folding it primly and laying it down back on their lemon yellow linen. She had just gone shopping the other day when she came and pulled out the fabric and, despite Penelope and Felicity's moaning, decided to replace their completely acceptable white tablecloths.

"What do you mean, mother?" Felicity absentmindedly asked while she was busy with her watercolors. She did not seem to have heard Penelope's subtle groan.

"It is far known that men act like sheep, where the flock would follow in the steps of a leader," Lady Featherington explained. "Maybe the third Bridgerton is losing his touch."

"Maybe it isn't the 'leader' that's the problem, mother. They would only follow had they been curious of the reason as to why he danced with a young lady. Colin's reason for dancing with me is not much of a secret." Penelope sighed, knowing that had Lady Bridgerton been absent from the ball, she would not have had a dance offer at all.

Lady Featherington did not hear her- or maybe chose not to. "If only the Duke of Bretton had offered you a dance, maybe it would have worked. He is the biggest catch of the season. Surely he would have a flock." Portia paused to ask their butler, Briarly, to fetch them some more tea. "If only he'd take some interest in dancing and more than betting on horses, that is."

"Mother..." then Penelope stopped. She would do no good arguing with her mother about such matters. She heaved a sigh. "Mother, would it be alright if I take a stroll in Hyde Park?"

"Hm?" Portia looked at her daughter as if just remembering she was there. "Oh sure, go ahead. Why don't you take Felicity with you?" She gestured towards her youngest daughter. "I might go and call upon your sisters." Both her elder sisters had both snatched up husbands of their own some time ago. With them married off, Penelope not having any callers or potential suitors, and Felicity being far too young to entertain any, their mother's days have started to feel too long. Gossip and acting as the prophet of Lady Whistledown was her only solace as of late.

"Oh no, thank you. I should like to finish this before anything else." Penelope smiled at her younger sister. She was the same age as Hyacinth Bridgerton, and they were becoming quite as fast of friends as she was with Eloise. Unlike their other sisters, Felicity had shown more promise in both arts and intellect and still remained kind and lovely, which is why Penelope is most fond of her than anyone else within their family.