The Wallflower

Conversations

A/N:
Hello hello my loves!! Sorry this took so long. It's another dialogue heavy chapter (like I used to do lol) and I wanted to make sure each "conversation" seemed plausible and was able to propel the story forward! Fear not! We're nearing the end of this story and I'm already almost finished with the next update!!! Thank you for your patience! Enjoy!
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Two months later, Anthony found himself standing in the main drawing room at Winterbourne Manor. He had tried, in vain, to stay away and let this thing with Penelope and Colin work itself out. At first, he believed Penelope just needed time to process it all and allowed Colin to stay with him while she recovered. Anthony and Kate both had tried to get Colin to explain what happened between the newlyweds, but it was no use.

Kate mused that Colin's silence on the topic could have been because he didn't understand the situation entirely, himself. Anthony tried to remain understanding but now, he was downright irritated. Colin had spent a month and a half sulking around Aubrey Hall in a drunken stupor half the time and a fit of rage the other half. Anthony finally had to cut his little brother off and force him to sober up when Colin woke the entire household one night with his very loud and very offkey singing.

Within three days, Colin had packed his things, mumbled an apology for his behavior, a thanks for his stay and left for Scotland. That had been almost a month ago and while helping Francesca with an ailing John had been a good distraction for him, Anthony knew Colin was still miserable.

Kate had implored him to leave it be, but it wasn't in his nature to leave things be. A fact that Viscountess Bridgerton was learning quite well in their marriage. And so here he stood waiting for someone to drag the latest addition to the Bridgerton family, out of her bedchambers so he could talk some sense into her. Or at the very least, try to. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, a maid entered the drawing room with an exasperated look on her face.

"Forgive me my Lord, but the mistress refuses to leave her room. Maybe it is best to come back another time," she spoke softly. Anthony shook his head and ran his hand over his face in frustration.

"Absolutely not. Take me to her,' he demanded as he walked to the door and gestured for the maid to lead the way.

Soon after, there was a knock-on Penelope's bedroom door, followed by the sound of the door creaking open and someone entering the room. Penelope let out a loud groan, expressing her frustration at being disturbed.

"I told you to leave me be Vivian. Why can no one listen to a simple command?" Penelope all but growled.

"Well, I am not Vivian, so I do not have to listen to such commands. Now listen up, Penelope! You need to get downstairs this instant before I call for assistance from one of the burly footmen posted at every corner in this estate who will not hesitate to scoop you over their shoulders like a sack of potatoes if necessary." Penelope sat up abruptly as she realized it was Anthony.

"An...Lord Bridgerton," Penelope corrected herself. She was still unsure of the formalities of addressing her brother-in-law. "I did not realize you were the visitor in question," she wrapped her robe tighter around her body trying to remain modest. Anthony grunted.

"I require your presence in the drawing room at a time not later than 10 minutes from this moment. Keeping me waiting will only lead to undesirable consequences," he finished curtly and then turned on his heel and exited her room. Penelope let her head fall into her hands. She wanted to scream and cry and lay back down but she knew not to challenge Anthony Bridgerton. If he threatened to have a footman carry her downstairs, then he would deliver on said threat more than willingly.

Penelope pulled herself out of bed and allowed Vivian to help her get somewhat presentable. 15 minutes later she was making her way down the stairs and into the main drawing room. Anthony checked his pocket watch as she entered the room with a sigh.