The Wrong Mr Bridgerton

Chapter 8

Dear Gentle Readers,

The art gallery, a wonderful day indeed. Ruined only by Miss Lady Cowper who boasted rather loudly that Miss Penelope Featherington was throwing herself at the Bridgerton men. A horrid rumour to be witnessed. She looked like she realised her blunder a mere second after.

When Lord Bridgerton, himself, charged at her, informing her that if she did not leave that very second he would get one of the Queens guards to escort her out personally. The Queen is not too impressed with such vulgar inclinations. So who would have thought we would see the day when Viscount Anthony Bridgerton would come to Miss Penelope's sweet rescue. The Queen was seen looking between the two, almost as if her heart was bursting for joy. Not something, one, would easily admit.

One may wager that the young ladies motive may be simply jealousy. But who am I to make such a bold claim without proof. Perhaps Miss Cressida Cowper would lean to hold her tongue in future before tarnishing another Lady's impeccable reputation. One can only guess that Miss Cowper will be looking for a whole deep enough to hide herself from such unladylike behaviour. The lady in question has been disinvited from the Bridgerton Ball. While all others would hate to miss such a splendid occasion.

Yours Truly 

Lady Whistledown

All eyes were on Lord Viscount Bridgerton and Miss Penelope Featherington who were seen promenading with all smiles and a cheerful demeanour. Men found themselves jealous while ladies, envious of the Viscounts attention. One man in particular was looking with such jealousy it would of flustered Miss Featherington, herself. 

None other than Colin Bridgerton. Who stood with his family as his eldest brother moved towards Pen, taking her arm in his.
They started to walk ahead. Lady Violet and Pen's over excited mother walked together talking about what all mothers did 'The proposal' which Violet could tell Portia doubted such a thing. After all the Featherington's and Bridgerton's had known of each other for a long time. Never seeing any kind of loving looks and glances between the pair before.

"Penelope Featherington, I have just read the latest sheet. Rather beautifully written. If I do say so myself"
"It was, wasn't it" confidence and pride was a good look on a Lady, Anthony had always thought, and felt honoured to see her true self. That others, sadly, were not accustomed to.
"If only we knew the author's identity, I would surely tell her how proud I am"
"And she would surely be happy to accept such a compliment, from a Viscount. Very high appreciation indeed"
Anthony and Penelope without giving anything away, were now happy in their own secret. The secret being Lady Whistledown.
Penelope loved the two and fro of conversation with the Viscount. It was a game. Their own private game. Their smiles and laughs were not gone unnoticed by their families.
"Pen, would you like me to get that for you?"
Pen had a small strand of grass that must have flown into her hair. As he reached for it, Penelope blushed. Violet held her hand over her heart as Portia gave a little gasp.
It was an innocent movement, but with all the ton watching, it may have seemed the opposite.
His fingers gently pulled the strand from between her hair. He smiled down at her.
"Thank you"
"You are welcome, Miss Penelope"
He noticed she had blushed and realised how close to her he must have stepped, so gave a small step back giving her, her space.
They started walking again. Pen whipped out her fan and started fanning her face.
"That was great..." she cleared her throat flirtatiously "...acting, Lord Bridgerton"
"Yes it was, Pen"
Another blush she looked down. Pen was his friend. She was although, not used to a gentleman's attention so he couldn't fault her if she felt a little embarrassed.
Colin's face looked stern. Benedict knocked him "Brother, are you quite well?"
Violet looked over and saw the look on Colin's face. She knew that look well. When her and Edmund had started courting, she remembered masking a similar expression. Jealousy. Did he care for Penelope more than he let on. Violet mumbled "Oh dear"
Benedict looked at her. It was becoming increasingly obvious that Colin was the only one who didn't know that he was falling in love with his best friend, and it was torture.