The Wrong Mr Bridgerton

Chapter 4

Penelope and Eloise were discussing Lady Whistledown, while Violet overheard the conversation hoping Eloise was excited to hear of the most eligible suitors this season. If her comment didn't show disinterest in her mother's eyes, her whole demeanour most certainly did.

Anthony entered the room. He was surprised to see Pen, he shouldn't though, it wasn't like she didn't visit Eloise often. Although the topic of Anthony had not come up in conversation. Yet.

"Good morning, Miss Featherington"

Benedict looked up from his book noticing the bit of drama about to unfold, with Eloise.

"Good morning, Lord Bridgerton"

"Brother!" Eloise shot at Anthony. He ignored his sister.

Anthony turned back to Pen "Would you care to join me at the races today?"

"That would be lovely" her smile genuine and warm. Though curious. Was he up to something, she could never tell with the Bridgerton's brood.

Colin suddenly walked in "Colin!" her tone a mixture of joy and dread. What would he think when he found out Anthony was courting her.

Eloise span around smiling at Colin, rushing to embrace him. His mother and Benedict doing the same. Anthony smacked his back "Your home, excellent"

Gregory and Hyacinth rushed in like a hoard of excited puppies and gave Colin an affectionate squeeze from either side.

"I missed you all, what can I say" he turned to Pen as she stood, their eyes locked. Colin had forgotten how to speak. Anthony noticed and put his arm out ready for Penelope to receive it "Miss Featherington"

Pen walked over and took his arm. They walked out, her clinging to his arm like a prize winning trophy.

Colin looked one by one at his family, waiting some sort of explanation.

"What was 'that's about?" the question, not directed at anyone in particular, hung in the air.

Eloise very animated threw her arms in the air "Only that our oldest brother has chosen to court our dear friend!" Eloise shuffled frustratedly in her shoes. It could be simply a promenade. But all the same Anthony was not know to do such things without being forced by mother. With that she rushed off looking pretty miserable.

Colin looked at her mother "Was I truly gone, that long?"

Violet looked at Benedict and shrugged.

"He doesn't even know her" Colin shot in.

"He's known her as long as you, brother" Benedict frowned, curious at his tone.

"He cant make her happy!" Colin was starting to look flustered.

"What, and you can?" Violet didn't mean to be direct, but it worked, Colin suddenly rushed off in a foul mood. Violet rolled her eyes.

"Well that was interesting, was it not" Benedict turned a page.

"Benedict!"

"I think you and Lady Danbury are made for each other, the meddling pair of you!" Violet responded with slapping him with a copy of Lady Whistledown on his upper arm.

Violet realised she may have just hurt Colin's feelings "Go check on him will you, Benedict" It was a personal matter, but Benedict was curious by default, so he obliged.

Colin laid on his yellow covers as Benedict knocked before entering "Brother, are you quite well?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" his answer alone, made Benedict shut the door.