The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 18 - Return to me

Dearest Gentle Readers,

This author has read in a previous note that her Majesty the Queen has put a price on the head of Lady Whistledown. If you expect me to tremble in fear, I am sorry to disappoint you. This secret will take patience which I fear you all do not posses and rightly so, who does not love a good scandal.

Ask yourself this, esteemed members of the ton. Is that what I am worth, dear readers. A measly Five thousand pounds. People have committed murder for far less. So roll up your sleeves ladies and gentlemen. Catch me if you can.

Yours Truly

Lady Whistledown

BRIDGERTON HOUSE

"Pen are you well?" Eloise looked at Pen with a fearful look while clutching the recent Lady Whistledown pamphlet.

"Whatever do you mean El?"

"Please Pen. I have read Lady Whistledown. I know of the reward, ladies have been tripping over themselves to get the writer out of hiding"

"The Queen does not frighten me"

"She should Pen, you are good at acting like you do not care, don't get me wrong"

"Perhaps, I should take to the stage" she laughed manically.

Which made El giggle hysterically. In the face of the Queen punishment, Pen still seems unfazed. It was rather terrifying to El. She had to laugh to stop herself from screaming in Pen face are you mad??

They both laid back on El's bed. Holding hands. Eloise feared for Pens safety and rightfully so. Pen was too excited to be frightened. Ben was on his way home to her.

"Benedict returns today" Pen smiled

"You may have mentioned that" El sighed "Five or six times"

"I'm sorry Eloise, I must be a terribly annoying"

No more than her younger siblings anyway. Eloise squeezed her hand "Never"

She had to admit, she may not have been surprised by Benedict and Pens friendship. But she was glad for it. It somehow brought Pen back to her and she missed her terribly.

Cressida could be cruel about Pen, and she started to realise how lonely Pen must have felt. Being invisible. Even her own family did not pay her attention. Cressida was a distraction for El. She truly believed that somewhere deep inside her was a caring young lady. How wrong she was.

A carriage pulled up outside.

Violet called up the stairs "Benedict is home"

All the family rushed out. Pen descended the stairs slowly. To let the family greet him.
As she made it to the bottom of the stairs, Benedict walked through.

Their eyes met and Bens smile grew.

"Penelope"

Her eyelashes fluttered. She felt as though her eyes were burning as if she may cry. She spoke his name softly "Ben"

He dropped his bag at the hallway floor and rushed to her. He pulled her close, holding her tightly. He kissed on top of her head, breathing in the floral scent of her head. She grinned into his stomach "You are home"

She could not control the tear that ran down her cheek.

Violet walked in and quickly stepped back out.

"Let's give them a moment"

Colin had not heard Violet on Bens arrival and was about to walk down the stairs. When he saw Pen and Ben embracing.

Pen sniffed, her eyes moved up to Ben's face. Something caught her eye. Beyond Bens face was Colin looking down at her.

He looked heartbroken. When he noticed she saw him. He ran back to his room. He was pacing. He clutched his heart, it felt like it may burst at any moment.

Pull yourself together Colin. You know they care for each other. He cursed himself. I love her. He didn't realise how strong his feelings were until he felt the tightness in his chest. Pen witnessed the pain in his face. He did not want to talk about it. Not to her. Not to anyone. These feelings were his, and his alone.

He thought he had let go, but he did not even have the strength for that.

Back in the hallway. Pen and Benedict were staring into each other's eyes intensely. Benedict released a large sigh "This is the most difficult position I have ever been in"

Pen half smiled curiously "What position is that?"

"I want to take you right now and do all the things I have been dreaming about for the longest time"

Pen swallowed hard "I want that too" she put her hand to his chest "But we can not"

He put his bottom lip out "Then perhaps you should not have worn that dress or had your hair like this" he put one of her lose hairs back "It is driving my crazy"

"It is only clothes Benedict"

"I know which is why they should be removed at once" Pen blushed profusely "stop it!"

He bit his lip a little, looking down at her curves "You can't make me!" He teased

His hand moved to her waist "If you wished I should not look then you should not have dressed so tempting"

Pen looked down, she wore a pretty dull dress because she did not want Ben to think she was trying too hard. Clearly it did not work.
"I wore this precisely became I did not want you to think I was trying too hard"
"Damn Pen, I hate to think what you would have worn if you thought otherwise. I would have laid claim to you right here in this hallway. More specifically, next to that doorway"
She looked behind her "Do not do this to yourself Ben" but secretly she loved it.
"Though I would prefer the table in the drawing room, we could eat cake after to get our strength back"
"Or during" she added.
"Good god Pen, and you trying to seduce me?"
"I would never dream of it Benedict" she pursed her lips and let her fingertips trace his lips. He brought her hand to his lips, kissing her palm, then her knuckles.
Pen closed her eyes and a small moan was released "Who is seducing, whom?"
He heart beat started to thump faster "Ben, I should go"
"I know. So may I have permission to court you?"
"You really have to ask?"
"I am a gentleman, sort of"
"Then yes Benedict"
Two words he hoped he would hear over and over again.