The Reluctant Fall

Two.

Penelope pulled out her large suitcase form under her bed. If she was spending two weeks with the Bridgerton's she'd fill this case and more. Thank goodness Simon drove a big enough car for all the luggage, otherwise there would be zero chance her and Daphne's stuff would fit, let alone Simon's additions as well. She pondered through her wardrobe, she had some nice dresses for dinners, a special one of course for the Bridgerton Christmas Eve bash, and NYE. (One was picked by Sophie, the other by Francesca).

Christmas day in the Bridgerton's holiday home consisted of matching Pyjamas (normally stitched with names and given out on Christmas eve by Violet) and lots of Christmas movies and of course food. Lots and lots of food. Violet Bridgerton never held back over the holidays. Especially at Christmas.

Daphne: Remember your swim stuff!
Ahh, that's right. The midnight swims. Penelope had forgot the traditional drunken nights at the indoor pool on the bottom floor of Aubrey Hall. Daphne for some reason found it hilarious to throw a midnight 'summers' dream party, 'inside' during 'winter'. She came up with the idea four years ago, the same time Penelope had attended her first and last Bridgerton Christmas. But now it was a welcomed tradition, and Penelope had been told all the stories from past few years.

When it first happened four years ago, Penelope had been so scared to show off her body in a swimsuit, she had managed to avoid the water successfully the full night. So, she sat on the edge of the pool in a coverup just dipping her feet in and out. Eloise tried and pleaded with her to jump in, but Penelope was far too self-conscious for that back then.

Now?

Penelope Featherington was different.

She was confident, and fully embraced every dip and curve she had. Her mother would always call her plump, round and 'jiggly'. So obviously, a young Penelope Featherington took that to heart for so many years and covered herself away in every type of baggy jumper and boyfriend jean combo she could find. But since university, well, she found herself changing. She started to wear tight jumpers, miniskirts, and even the occasional tight dress. She wasn't scared to wear something a little more 'revealing'. It became evident when she started dressing different, she felt a newfound confidence, and with that... brought male attention. She was unsure how to handle it all at first, as it was all foreign waters to Penelope, but thanks to Daphne she managed to navigate away from the sharks.

Daphne: You better be bringing the red dress? 🙄

Daphne: If you don't, I'll send you back from Kent to pick it up.

Daphne: Warning you Featherington.

Penelope: It's in my case.

Daphne: Good, see you in the morning! 🧡

Penelope managed to pack everything she needed and some extra. She just had to pick a nice travelling outfit. The drive was only two or so hours, and normally everyone arrived 'dressed' and ready for welcome drinks. It was smart/casual usually according to Daphne. She pulled her tartan skirt from the bottom of her wardrobe, "you'll do nicely" she muttered. It was a red checked pleated mini skirt that flared out quite nicely, she then found a square neckline ribbed black jumper to pair it with and then pulled out her high heeled Chelsea boots. A perfect choice, a little bit festive, and very Penelope. She snapped a picture of the outfit and sent it to Fran for approval.

The jumper might be a light tight though, and maybe a little too revealing.

Fran: YES.

Fran: Love that skirt on you 😌.

Fran: I'm wearing that short green ribbed dress with a pair of loubs I think.

Penelope: Oo The one you wore last week?