The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 1 - Mr Bridgertons return

Colin made his arrival outside the Bridgerton family home. He glanced across Grovonous Square like his eyes always had when returning home.

There she was, a vision, like sunshine looking back at him. He quickly turned his head back to his welcoming family. Pen had not written to him while he was away. She always had before. Did she no longer regard him as a friend. While he was away his mind was busy with thoughts of his friend. He had missed her terribly, but was too much of a stubborn man to admit. Or to at least visit her and question their distance, not only geographically speaking.

He found himself getting angry at the distance, and even attempting to change everything about himself. Making himself part of society and not just on the sideline. He needed to become a gentleman like all others. He felt it was a force against his better nature but he could not fathom why his own flesh and blood did not write him. Pen was his home. He had lost her. Lost Pen, lost her words. Her judgement, kindness and warmth.

He was looking forward to seeing her at the next social assembly. He tried talking with her, she was her usual polite self but something was off. Very off. She walked off rather directly. Stopping him from making any other conversation.

She would so enjoy talking about his travels, but she did not ask him anything about it. Perhaps this was Eloise's doing. She was afterall taking a turn with Cressida Cowper of all people. Perhaps, the Danbury first ball of the season he will be able to see Penelope. Talk to her. Perhaps, she was just having a bad day. Although he had never seen Pen like this. Eloise informed him that her and Pen, simply grew apart.

The ball was fast approaching. Colin and the family greeted the lioness Lady Danbury before descending the staircase.

He had yet not know of Penelope's arrival. Although when he did, what an entrance it was. Pen wore a stunning emerald green dress, with a beautifully elegant side up do. Colin felt encaptured in her beauty. Unable to look away fast enough before Lord Cho took note of his change of demeanor. So he drank down his drink to stop the dry mouth he seemed to be inflicted by.

Moments later into the ball he was at the exit when he saw Pen run off distraught. It was only then, that she told him of his cruelty he spoke about her before he had left. She thought he was mocking her, embarrassed by her, nothing, it would seem was further from the truth. Before she ran to her carriage just to get away from the mere sight of him.

What a fool he was. How dare he be such a bloody unforgiven imbecile.

Benedict knew of his foolish act, after seeing Penelope run off last season. Benedict visited her the very next say to ask of her wellbeing. They became more acquainted, he thought of her as a friend, a confidant. He appreciated her wit and warmth and they promenade frequently. With Eloise and Penelope's uncharacteristic falling out. Benedict stood up and showed her affection when the once, close friends of hers, did not.

He informed his sister of their friendship, in hope she would one day allow her to come over again for tea. El told Ben that he was glad she has a friend. Benedict felt obligated to tell her of the events of the Featheringtons ball last season. Which made El feel horrid. They may not be friends, but she truly did not believe Pen deserved such cruelty. Especially by Colin who she held in great esteem. Pen was the only one that would listen to her brother drone on about his adventures.

Colin decided to pay Pen a visit to apologise.

Pen disregarded his apology, thinking it false. She kindly asked him to leave. The words "I do not wish us to be friends" cut him like a knife. For a moment she swore he was the one who looked heartbroken.

Benedict was due to meet Pen at Rotten Row to Promenade. While he walked with Colin and Eloise, he saw her in a beautiful light green frock. He rushed to be at her side. Colin looked at her with a heart full of sadness. Had Benedict replaced him.

Colin shared glances with El "I did not realise they had a friendship"

Eloise shot back at him "From the unkind words you spoke of her last season, are you the least bit surprised, brother" her snarky tone catching Colin off guard.

"You know about that"

"I do"

"That night, Benedict saw the whole thing unravel. Ending with Pen shooken and in tears"

If Colin wasn't already feeling like he was having the worst day of his life, surely he did now.

Benedict and Pen walked around the market after their stroll. Ben was a comedian, that wasnt just her assumpion. That was fact. All the looks, the giggles. He may be a rake. He was a fun one at that. He had a warmth around him which made her feel at ease.

"Colin visited me, Ben"

Ben pierced his eyes "Did you get him with a good left hook?"

She giggled seductively "No, but I didnt leave him completely unscathed"

"Whatever did you say?"

"I told him, I wish us not to be friends"

"Well done!" he applauded her back bone "... and did you mean it?"

"I did. But"

"..but?"

"The hurt in his eyes made me almost pity him"

"Almost?"

"Your brother has always been a confident and charming sort and I felt I may have broken him a little"

He announced quite proudly "Miss Penelope Featherington" his arms held outward "Breaker of Men"

She just laughed at him, pulling his arms down. He was starting to look like a cute pigeon.

Rae, Pen's maid looked on her with a keen interest. Ben had brought so many smiles to her face since last season. Only he, could lift her spirits. She couldn't fault the man, she even found herself fluttering her eyelids at him a few times.

"Ben, I wish to get married this season..."

"Well if you ask nicely.." he smirked

"Not YOU Benedict" she let out a hearty laugh "... I did not mean to laugh"

He clutched his heart pretending to have a heart attack, before looking at her closely.

Her eyes caught his "I only mean can you help me?"

"No"

She placed her hands on her hips "What do you mean NO?"

"I cannot help you, your a charming, witty, beautiful lady, god knows what you think I can do"

She froze. Unknowing of what words he just spoke. "Good god Pen, are you well?"

"I am fine" she blushed

"Lets find you a seat" he sat on a bench, with her next to him. He looked really concerned.

"What is wrong? you must tell me"

"You called me beautiful"

He suddenly realised his blunder. "I do not get compliments, ever. Not even from my own family. So sorry if I seem..." she paused trying to think of the best term "discomposed"

"Well I make ladies blush on a daily basis, so I apologise"

"Trust me, it was the compliment" she fanned her face "Not you"

"Are you flirting with me, Pen?" Benedict had a grin from ear to ear.

"Far from it sir, but I will allow you to have false hope. Even though the way the ladies follow you with doe eyes, I doubt you need such"

"Fair enough" he cut in, but in earnest he quite liked the idea of Miss Featherington flirting with him. A sparring partner of sorts.

Rae raised her eyebrow's at Penelope "I should head back. I will see you at the next ball" she curtsies.

"Indeed, I will need a shield when the mams push their young girls on me" he bowed at her exit before she adds a hint of mischief.

"I aim to please"