The Wrong Mr Bridgerton

Chapter 22

As Penelope opened the door, Eloise took one look at her frazzled appearance. Which she thought she hid quite well. Was not well enough.

"Pen, are you okay?" El inquired.

"Quite well"

Eloise looked her up and down "... hmmm"

Colin hadn't even realised til then how much lower her bodice was since she arrived.

"I.. err.. tripped over while coming down the stairs"

Benedict nearly spat out his tea, giving a small cough.

"At least you had Colin to sturdy you" Benedict sly smile was eminent.

"Indeed" Colin smiled back at Ben with his jaw tightened.

"Is Anthony about, I would very much like to speak to him and you brother"
Looking at Benedict.
"He's in his study"
"Very well"
They left Eloise and Pen wondering what, indeed was so important that they could not be told.

"Was it something we said" Eloise huffed

She turned her attention to Pen. Who she hadnt had a lot of time to talk to her. It seemed like forever and it was only her conversation that she craved. "What are you reading?"

Pen smiled and linked her arm in hers. Eloise had a sense of peace around her. 

Being among her family made her feel at ease. Unlike her own home which was dramatic at best, scandalous at worst. Pens ony dream would be that her own mother would show her common decency and treat her how she should be treated. Like a daughter. Even Lady Bridgerton treated her better and with respect. 

I don't think that the Bridgertons would ever describe Eloise Bridgerton as calm, but then, they did not have a family like hers.

"Colin, we weren't expecting you today"

Colin and Benedict took a seat. Anthony looked very worried indeed. What the devil, could be wrong.

"Speak" Anthony ordered.

"I do not want Pen to get word of this because it is extremely important and I need it shut down at once"

".... Before Lady Whistledown interest would be peaked"

Colin and Anthony shared a glance "Indeed"

"Lord Featherington is not what he appears. I have looked into him and he's a charlatan. A common thief"

Anthony's jaw tightened "Looks like he had that in common with the late Lord Featherington"

Anthony knew that Colin had put a small fund on him hoping for an investment of sorts.

Colin went on "There are no Ruby Mines in Georgia. That man is a fraud. I do not wish for Pen to know the week of our wedding, she would only be distraught"

A scandal just before the upcoming nuptials. The Featheringtons already had their reputations tarnished multiple times. Colin would not forgive himself if he was result of the next one.

"What will you do?"

"I will need to confront him, with your support"

"Then you have it"

It was strange, if Pen and himself were merely still friends, he would have pulled her into a room and had a private conversation. He would dream of repeating such actions now.

Being alone in a room with Pen, was too much. He would imagine the things he would do, he would be out of control. An animal even. For Colin, the wedding couldn't come faster.