A Wallflower's Discoveren

Chapter 5 - Dinner with the Bridgertons

After the exhilarating event at the Royal Ascot, Penelope Featherington found herself being invited at the stately Bridgerton residence. Her mother, Lady Portia Featherington, never one to overlook a social opportunity, had eagerly accepted the Bridgertons' invitation for Penelope to join them for dinner. With Lord Brambly withdrawing his intentions of marriage, Portia saw Anthony Bridgerton as the most promising suitor for her youngest daughter. After all, it was her dream to have any of her daughters to be wed off to the esteemed and wealthy Bridgerton family.

Anthony, on the other hand, was beset by nerves. Penelope had dined with his family before, but this evening felt different. This would be the first dinner with her as his intended - at least, the lady he planned to court, for all the numerous times she had joined before was only being his sister Eloise's dearest friend.

While some of his siblings suspected his intentions, he had yet to make any formal declaration. The uncertainty gnawed at him, for he had not received any response from Penelope since the night he expressed his wish to become her suitor.

As the grandfather clock in the foyer loomed, its chimes waiting to resound through the hall, Anthony paced back and forth, his hands clasped behind his back. He intended to fetch Penelope from the Featherington estate and escort her to his home, but he was wary of arriving too early, fearing she might not be ready yet.

The sound of the front door opening caused Anthony to halt mid-stride. His second brother, Benedict, entered, a smirk playing on his lips. "Anthony, you appear as if you're about to face a firing squad. Are you quite alright, brother?"

Anthony managed a tight smile. "Benedict. I am merely.. Preparing myself for the evening."

Benedict chuckled, leaning casually against the wall. "Is that what we're calling it now? Preparing? You look more like a caged lion."

Anthony shot his brother with a reproachful look. "Must you always tease?"

"Only when it is so easy, brother." Benedict's expression softened. Despite his playful manner towards his older sibling, Ben feels sympathy for the man. "Are you worried about Penelope?"

Anthony sighed, running a hand through his chestnut hair. "I have yet to hear her thoughts on my proposal. I cannot help but feel anxious."

Benedict nodded thoughtfully. "Pen has always been fond of our family, Ant. Give her time. She will come around."

Just then, the clock struck the hour, its chimes echoing through the grand hall. Anthony straightened his coat, drawing a deep breath. "It is time. I must go fetch Penelope."

As Anthony made his way to the door, his mother, Violet, appeared, her eyes twinkling with maternal warmth. "Dearest, you look dashing. Penelope will be charmed, I am certain."

Anthony smiled gratefully at his mother. "Thank you, mother. I hope you are right."

With a final glance at his family, he stepped out into the cool evening air, he took the steps to the Featherington estate. The journey felt both interminably long and fleetingly short, his mind racing with thoughts of Penelope.

Upon arriving at the Featherington household, Anthony was greeted by the ever enthusiastic dowager baroness, Lady Portia. "Ah, Lord Bridgerton, what a pleasure to see you. Penelope will be down shortly. Do come in."

Anthony nodded politely, stepping inside. His eyes were drawn to the grand staircase, and soon enough, Penelope appeared at the top, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She descended gracefully, her gaze meeting the Viscount's.