The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 21 - Romancing Miss Featherington

Benedict walked her over to her home. As he stood at her steps, Pen said quietly to him.

"I have always loved Colin. But I would be lying to myself if I did not admit that I care for you a lot. Are you sure you still wish to court me?"

"Penelope. You are everything to me, and those feeling you have for me. Is there a chance they may grow in time?"

"Yes, I believe they could"

He seemed glad of her answer "Good night, Penelope" he kissed her knuckles.

"Good night, Benedict"

THE FEATHERINGTON HOME

Why didn't I tell him that I love him. What a fool I am. Like Mr Granville explained, you can love more than one person at once. I do not want to hurt either of them. But I was to choose, I choose Benedict. I love him more than everything in the world. I love Colin, but I believe in was just merely an infatuation. More friendly than anything else. I see a future with Ben. I want Ben.

Pen paced her bedroom, feeling anxious. She didn't want to tell Ben how she truly felt. For risking him thinking that she was just saying what he wanted her to say. She wanted him so much. She would marry him right this moment if he asked.

"You have a visitor miss" Varley looked excited "A very handsome one if I do say so myself"

Pen smirked. Bens here. Pen walked into the drawing room. Benedict sat looking very handsome in a blue coat. Very fetching indeed.

"Miss featherington "

"Mr Bridgerton, you clean up nice"

"Thankyou. You, always look beautiful"
He cleared his throat "Would you like to go on an adventure?"

"More than anything in my life" she smiled ear to ear.

"Correct answer" he smirked.

She linked onto him,

"What are you planning to do with me, Ben?"

His mind as always went to a naughty place.
"It is surprise"

"I hate surprises"

"Well that's a shame"

They got into the carriage.

Half an hour later, they arrived at a beautiful area with a lake, Pen didn't recognise it. But it was beautiful. Ben helped her from the carriage.

THE FALLAWAY ESTATE

Where are we?"

"This is a friends family estate, it is empty for the weekend and thought you may like to visit"

Pen looked confused.

"They have a large library, one of the largest in the whole of London"

Pens eyes grew wide and smiled

"That was the look I was waiting for. We are to tour the house, have a picnic on the veranda and finish with a swim in the lake"

Pen swallowed hard "In the lake?"

"Hmm" he nodded eagerly

"I have nothing to wear"

"Nor do I"

"Benedict Bridgerton?"

"Yes Penelope Featherington"

"You're a nightmare. We cannot"

"We have swimsuits. I was only joking"

She took a breath

"... well sort of"