The So-Called Engagement

The Blooming Relationship

Elizabeth's POV

I turn around to see a young lady with blondish hair with an uptight hairstyle that left me wondering whether she will end up with a headache afterward. She seems to be rather annoyingly focused on Penelope with her cheeky smirk which makes me irritated instead even though she not targeting me.

"I never thought that I would see you in the public after what happened previously with the Bridgerton family"

The unknown lady keeps on talking to Penelope even if Penelope doesn't seem to be listening to her. But if you very clearly, you can see that Penelope's eyebrows twitched slightly while her beautiful smile slowly withers away when that lady mentioned that family name.

'Bridgerton? Means my fiancee's family? Did they do something wrong toward Penelope? Or did she do something to them? I need to ask my siblings later on.'

"Hmm" I gently clear up my throat to divert the unknown young lady's attention from Penelope.

"Oh, pardon me. I'm sorry that I didn't notice you since I'm simply shocked to see Miss Featherington outside her room after the scandal. Nice to meet you, I'm Miss Cressida Cowper" She moved her hand toward me for a handshake.

'Remember your manner, Elizabeth'

I gently yet tightly squeeze her hand until I can see she is quite surprised when she frowns for a bit before presenting her wicked smile again.

"Likewise, I'm Miss Elizabeth Rochelle"

"Rochelle!? You are the second daughter of the Duke of Leo? I'm so happy to be your acquaintance. Are you here for the new season?" Her smile grows bigger as she learns about my family.

The Rochelle family is very well-known in London for being a family with titles and wealth. The family goes from a few years ago when my great-grandfather started his business (with his title) to make our family thrive even greater as well as more powerful.

Penelope seems to be as surprised as Cressida as if she just found out about my family. She looks very nervous that she slowly tries to get away from the conversation but her attempt gets interrupted when I reach out for her hand.

"Stay" Both of us stare at each other for a few seconds before Cressida cut into us.

"Miss Elizabeth, perhaps you should let her go since you do not want to let her disgraceful scandal stain your pure reputation. You must join my company for more prestige standing"

'Keep your hands to yourself, Elizabeth. But I wish to tug her hair harshly for making Penelope look sad'

"I bet your pardon?"

"Oh, you must not hear about the news. Miss Featherington got rejected and dumped by her so-called friend and love interest. In my opinion, Miss Bridgerton simply realizes that being a friend to Miss Featherington will bring nothing but shame to her that she ends up dumping her. While Mr. Bridgeton proudly declared that he never wish to court Miss Featherington loudly in public. If I were her, I can never show my face to others after the disgrace"

Penelope's face turns even paler than before as soon as Cressida finished her statement. Her eyes get quite teary as she tries to maintain her facial expressions. I calmly squeeze her hands for comfort.

"Well, Miss Pauper. I'm sorry but I think I'm smart enough to choose whomever I want to be friends with. But, thank you for your so-called sincere suggestion. Look at the time, I need to get going since I need to choose a new fabric for the dresses. Hope to not see you again, Miss Pauper. Penny, let's go"

I hold Penelope's hand gently to drag her away from Cressida. As I realize something, I walk back toward my earlier spot to seize the fabric bundle that I'm eyeing before nodding my head toward Cressida.

Penelope's POV

My eyes widen when Elizabeth helps me by speaking out to Cressida. Then, she proceeds to drag me away before halting to grab the fabric she recommends to me earlier. I try my best not to laugh at Cressida's facial expressions and Elizabeth's stunts as she politely yet jokingly nods her head to Cressida (calling her Miss Pauper).

"I never like a bully. How did you manage to keep quiet when she keeps on talking badly to you?" Elizabeth whispers gently as we walk closely toward our mothers (I assumed the older woman to be Elizabeth's mother as they look very similar) and Cressida's mother (of course) who surprisingly seem to be conversing happily with each other while Prudence makes heart eyes toward a handsome young gentleman standing near Elizabeth's mother.

"Well, there she is. Ellie, come here"

Elizabeth seems very confused when she let go of my hand to get closer to her mother. I slowly make my way toward my mother who looks quite surprised when she saw us together.

"Your grace, this is my youngest daughter, Penelope" I gently bow toward the smiling older lady.

"She is such a beauty. Are you agree, Alex?"
The Duchess of Leo turns to face her son who keeps on staring at me since we accidentally make eye contact earlier on.

"Indeed, mother" He smiles sincerely at me while bowing his head gently. My cheeks blush as he stares intensely at me.

'I never met any guy that can fight with Colin in terms of looks before. This gentleman is very indeed gorgeous. The Rochelle family may stand up against the Bridgerton family in terms of everything. Heavenly looks, tremendous wealth,  strong influence, and great reputation. Unlike me.'

Elizabeth's POV

Only a blind person (or a very stupid/oblivious person) can never notice the way my older brother stares at my new friend, Miss Penelope.

'Perhaps it is time for my matchmaking process to start. Plus, I need to get more information regarding Penelope's relationship with the Bridgertons.'