A Wallflower's Discoveren

Chapter 7 - Confessions

As the evening's performance continued, Anthony and Penelope found solace in their private box, a refuge from the prying eyes and ears of their families. The first interval passed in a comfortable silence, the melodies of the opera enveloping them in a shared experience. Penelope Featherington reveled in the music, her senses alive to the beauty of the performance and the warmth of Anthony's presence beside her.

However, as the second interval commenced, Penelope noticed a change in Anthony's demeanor. His previously relaxed features had grown tense, his eyes fixed intently on the stage where the prima donna, a raven-haired beauty, was captivating the audience with her voice. The realization struck Penelope like a cold wave. She remembered the rumors that had swirled through the ton about Anthony's relations with an opera singer last season.

A lump formed in Penelope's throat as she tried to gather the courage to address the matter. She knew that if their courtship was to proceed towards marriage, she had to understand his past, even if it meant confronting painful truths. Penelope's heart pounded as she glanced between Anthony and the stage, her thoughts a whirl of uncertainty and resolve.

Finally, the redhead swallowed hard and broke the silence. "My lord.." She began softly, her voice barely audible over the music. "Is she.. The one? The one whom you were with before?"

Anthony turned to her, surprise and concern evident in his brown eyes. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words, his gaze searching hers for understanding. Penelope held his gaze, her heart aching with a mixture of anxiety and empathy.

"W-Whatever do you mean?" He stammered, clearly struggling to find the right words.

Penelope offered him a small, understanding smile. "I've heard the rumors, Anthony. About you.. And an opera singer. And seeing your reaction when that prima donna took the stage.. It gave me a clue that there might be something between you."

Anthony looked away, his expression conflicted. "Siena Rosso." He finally said, his voice tinged with a mix of regret and longing. "That's her name. We had a.. Connection, yes. But it was all in the past."

Penelope nodded, her heart heavy but resolute. It was not as if she had no idea, she knew. Just not all the details about it. They were just merely acquaintances up until the start of this season, so she finds no merit for Anthony to confide in her the intricacies and complexities of his romantic relations. Even his own siblings were not even aware of what has been going on in Anthony's private life.

"I see." She replied quietly. "I just.. I needed to know. If we are to continue this courtship and eventually marry, I need to understand your past, your heart. I won't prohibit you from having mistresses, Anthony. I know my shortcomings, and I understand that you may seek.. Fulfillment elsewhere. But I needed to hear it from you."

Anthony Bridgerton's eyes snapped back to hers, a mixture of guilt and determination in his gaze. "Penelope." He said, his voice firm but gentle. "I have no intention of keeping a mistress. My relationship with Siena was complicated, but it ended for a reason. I am committed to our courtship, to building a future with you. You are not a placeholder for anyone. I will never dare sully your name with any infidelity on my part."

Tears welled up in Penelope's eyes at his words, and she blinked them back, not wanting to let them fall. "Thank you, Anthony." She whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Your words mean more to me than you can imagine."

Seeing how deeply affected Penelope was by the mere mention of Siena's name, Anthony felt an inexplicable guilt gnawing at his core. Though his interest in Penelope hadn't started outright from love, he had come to admire and respect her for all the qualities she embodied as a lady of society. With time and interactions, Anthony's affections for Penelope had grown, and he knew he could not keep the truth of his past dalliance with the opera singer from her.