The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 5 - Of Love and Blunder

BRIDGERTON HOUSE

Colin was pacing like a wild animal for about five minutes before he finally got his words out "So... are you going to tell me?"

"You were spying on us, were you not??" Benedict could not help the look of disappointment etching his features.

"Did you compromise her?" Colin's hand on his hips, like a teacher that was not too proud of his student.

"Certainly not. I'm disappointed that you would think otherwise!"

"Then what is going on?"

"You heard of Penelope's feelings. did you not?"

"I heard also of yours!"

"But you heard hers. She loves you and has always loved you. You, who promised to protect her, insulted her in front of your peers, yet still she loves you. Here you are brother, trying to start an argument with me instead of visiting Pen and telling her how you feel!"

"And what of you?" he asked in earnest.

"It does not matter"

"What if she also carries a torch for you?"

"She does not, she only has space in her heart for one man. You seem to be the only one she wants. So the question still remains, what are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing. She does not care for me anymore"

"You know you are sounding rather pathetic"

"Indeed" He drank dawn a glass of whisky "I just cant think when she's around, I do not know what to do for the best, by her"

Benedict laid a supportive hand on Colin's shoulder "Like I said" his lips raised at one side. "Pathetic" he sniggered

"Fact lot of good you are, brother!"

"To making mistakes and falling for ones best friend" Ben tapped Colins glass with his own.

Colin's voice softened "Benedict do you care for her?"

"Any man would be a fool not to" Colin could see in Benedict's expression that he truly meant it. There was something about Penelope that intrigued Ben. She was witty, pretty and always seemed to know what to say.

She was not self centred and craving for attention like a lot of the young ladies. She may find herself awkward but Ben found her not only delightful but a breath of fresh air. She brightened up every room she entered, not just because of the hideous fabrics her mama forced her to wear.

There was something extremely attractive about a woman who is smart. She could hold her own in conversation. A battle of wits.
Ben wished that Pen no longer had feelings for Colin. Benedict never wanted any of it. One woman to be his whole life or the prospect of marriage. He could also never admit to her that he could see a future where she was in it. That he would proudly be the father of her children. The only man to make love to her. Was this it. Was he jealous of Colin. His brother who can't even admit he cares for her. When Benedict would charge to her home right now if her heart was not occupied.

"I should go see her"

Benedict pulled Colin off the chair. Finally the boy sees sense. He pushed him toward the door "Well there is no time like the present"

THE FEATHERINGTON HOME

Rae knocked on Pen's Door.

"Miss, you have a visitor"

Rae led Penelope to the gardens.

Colin was standing, his hands were twitching. His eyes watched her as she leant against the stone doorway.