The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 14 - Second Chance

Dear Mr Benedict Bridgerton,

Congratulations, you have secured a place in our esteemed Academy of Art.

We look forward to your arrival

Mr. G. Delaware

"I do not understand" Benedict tightly gripped the letter between his fingers. His eyes wide.

"What is it brother?" Anthony peered over his newspaper. While Kate leaned into him.

"It is from the Academy"

His mother Violet spun around "I did not realise you reapplied"

Kate gave a warm smile and rushed to hug him "That is great news, congratulations Benedict"

"Nor I" Anthony looked in shock.

"I did not" Greg and Hyacinths reacted to his words with surprised glances between Benedict then Anthony.

Hyacinth smirked "Perhaps they missed you and wanted you back"

Greg looked at her with tiresome eyes "I do not think that is how these things work"

"Like you would know" she snapped back.

Violet waved them to be silent.

Anthony showed a sly smile at his brother "Miss Penelope"

Benedict rolled his eyes back, looking like he may cry "Penelope Featherington, you angel" he muttered to himself.

Violet looked confused "Why would Penelope have anything to do with this? She's just a young lady. She has no power"

"She sees what other don't" Benedict smiled

"How did she know?" Ben looked overjoyed.

Anthony stood to look at the letter with his brother "Perhaps you mentioned it, and she knew you would never apply yourself after you left"

Benedict smiled "Pen was right. El was right. I would have been accepted on my own"

"Well brother" Anthony patted his shoulder "I believe Penelope needs the largest bunch of flowers in existence"

"I believe you are correct"

"Blue hydrangeas symbolise gratitude , she will be most impressed if she believed you knew that"

"Thank you sister!" He kissed Kate on the head and ran for the door. Anthony pulled his wife back to him with an embrace.

Violet was still in shock. She muttered a few words, but she was thrilled that Benedict would paint again. It broke her a little to see all his hard work fade away.

THE FEATHERINGTON HOME

"Miss Featherington"

"Mr Bridgerton"

"These are for you"

"Thankyou, why the sudden surprise visit?"

"I recieved a letter from the Academy" he smiled.

"You got in" her eyes wide and unblinking.

"I got in" he didn't care for formalities. He embraces her and whispered in her ear "Thank you, Pen"

He swiftly let go "But ...but how??"

"Lady Galway found your original letter and edited it, then sent it back"

"You are a woman of means"

"Indeed. There was no doubt in my mind they would not accept you. Just promise to think of me when your paintings are hanging in the Queens hall"