The Wrong Mr Bridgerton

Chapter 20

"Good morning Madame Delacroix"

"Good morning Lady Bridgerton. How may I assist you today?"

"I am here to inquire on Miss Penelope"

"Ah" Gen's voice went lower to almost a whisper "To be honest with you, I am growing rather concerned"

"May I see her"

"But of course" Violet put a doting hand on Madame Delacroix's arms.

"Thank you"

Gen escorted her to the back room quietly. Some ladies were awaiting her attention so she called back "I will assist you in just a moment ladies"

Pens eyes looked up to a very familiar smile "Penelope"

Pen stood up "Lady Bridgerton"

Violet wrapped her arms around her so tight. Pen breathed in her warm scent "I've been so worried about you dear"

"Thank you for coming. But my mind is made up"

"... is it truly?"

Penelope forced a smile. Violet with her large hoard of children, could see right through it.

"Of course"

Penelope pulled her to sit on the seat opposite her, clenching her hand.

"I do not believe you. I cannot believe this is what you truly want for yourself. To be alone. What about your family?"

"I am not naive. I know what my family thinks of me, and I believe so do you"

"Then look to mine. What of my oldest children, what of Eloise? She is your best friend. You two have been joined at the hip ever since you moved in directly opposite"

"Lady Bridgerton, all I do is hurt the ones I love"

"If you leave Penelope. Then that will certainly be true." Violets eyes looked really worried

"Look Penelope" She pulled the chair a little closer to Pen "I am sorry, for whatever conspired between the two of you. You, Penelope may not be blood. But you... "

She squeezed Pens hand and spoke softly
".. are our family. It pains me that you do not see it as such. I wish the same for you as I do my own children. A love that is stronger than any fight can break. A love that even with differences can be together, perfect"

"I have hurt him. I am not right for him"

"... because you are Lady Whistledown?"

"He told you?!" Pen gasped

"Please don't hate him for that. He loves you. He threw all his cards on the table, because even after he has failed before, he still bets all his money on you"

"I don't deserve him"

"You belong together. Edmund and I were the same. We were friend and it was so hard for us to hide such feeling from each other. But when you know what your heart wants. Then you know. There will always be obstacles but at the end of the day, you are a team"

Violet was loosing her composure "Losing that, is the hardest thing in all the world. We cant lose another Bridgerton"

"He told you?"

"Told me what, dear?" her eyebrow twerked.

Pens eyes went down "Penelope?" Violet blinked rapidly "Are you ... ?"

"I am"

Violet couldn't control her excitement she pulled Pen to her feet "Ah. Pen, this makes me so happy you do not believe" she put her hands either side of Pens face "Sweet girl" they both started to cry.

Pen looked frazzled "Did Colin not tell you?"

"No he did not"

"But you said 'We cant lose another Bridgerton'?"

"I was talking about you, dear" Violet was weeping with joy "Please stay"

Pen let out a relieved sigh "I will stay"

At the Featherton home, Portia was pacing. Her face, pure malice.

"Where the devil is she?"

Varley looked concerned "She will be home shortly im positive, maam"

"Well, do you know something I don't?" Portia spat out "I didn't think so Varley" Varley had been with the family a long time. She had become accustomed to Lady Featherington's ton to not show any heed.

Phillipa looked frustrated "She better return by this afternoon. We have a ball to attend and Mr Finch may ask me for another dance" she smirked. "Mr Finch is so sweet, do you not think mama?"

"Yes, yes" Portia waved her arms away dismissively. She was glad that Lady Whistledown hadn't published in a week. She was trying to keep the information about Penelope under wraps.

Portia looked out the window and muttered to herself "Where is that girl?"

"Good morning Mother"

Portia span around so fast she nearly fell and had to brace herself.

"Penelope. Where have you been??" Pointing her fan in her daughter's face "I've been worried to death?"

Penelope was taken aback, she truly looked relieved. Her mother would have been the subject of scrutiny. No wonder she was relieved. It was never about her. It was always about her mother.

"I assure you, I am quite well mother. I went for a walk and hit my head, Madam Delacroix found me and nursed me back to health. Before sending me home"

"The Modiste?" She groaned.

"The very one. She couldn't move me as I was very ill and would not wake up. You see I am well now mama"

Varley smiled warmly and put her hand on Pens shoulder "I am glad you are well Miss"

"Thank you Varley"

"Wont you be the talk of the ton" Phillipa chirped in. More excited that they would be attending the ball of the day.

"I will have to send Madame Delacroix my thanks" Portia was being sincere, with the story Pen was making on the spot seemed to bring out a warm and thankful demeanor. It was odd, indeed.

"I wish to go and see the Bridgertons today. Colin must be extremely worried"

"I am sure he is" she could hide her detest for the man. Perhaps, he was the reason she fled. He had mentioned an argument.

Penelope didn't want to inform her mother of her condition, otherwise her mood toward Colin would be even more sour than the expression she had already revealed.

She needed to talk to Colin, but she was also terrified. Nothing, it would seem scared her more.

A Greek god like Colin Bridgerton could never really love a girl like her. Perhaps, she was just merely a crush. A temporary distraction from life. Maybe Mr Bridgerton did not know the difference between a crush and love.

He was willing to marry Marina after a few encounters. Can she simply trust a man whose intentions were rushed and unjust. One thing was for sure. She loved him still.

Even when he was so angry at her, she feared for her own heart. She didn't have the patience, and in her condition the time, for such concerns.