The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 11 - Ceasefire

How could she have seen Benedict so often, and never got to know him before. He was charming, talented, witty and kind.

All those traits he shared with his father. Ben caught her by surprise. If only she was not so distracted by Colin. She would have seen that he was not the only good man in the world.

All those cherished memories of Colin were fading. Not in anyway because she hated him but because his apologies were too little, too late.

There was something about Ben. He would never hurt her, he had boasted how pretty she looked to other gentleman, who looked at him as though he had gone mad. Yet, he still did it regardless of their opinions.

The kiss they shared at the studio took her breath away and no matter how hard she tried, she hadn't gotten it back yet.

She wanted to show her appreciation for all his kindness, after much deliberation. There was but one answer. He loved to paint and draw, even when he would pretend to merely dabble. She knew different. The feeling he had when he showed her how to draw. How he explained each movement like it was a dance. Benedict missed it.

She would get Benedict back into the academy. She didn't know how yet. But she was sure to think of something.

Pen would relish the day when Benedict's Artistic Pursuits had paid off.

After rolling around in bed now for over an hour. She had decided to try and make amends with Colin. Only because she really wanted to be with Benedict and she didn't wish there to be bad blood between them.

Eloise was her best friend, she had to be back in her good graces before she would tell Ben of the feelings that were growing.

She wasn't sure what the feelings were exactly. It was a completely separate feeling than what she had for Colin.

What if Ben didn't feel the same.

He is a good man and would not dismiss her because of them. If he didn't really feel anything, she wouldn't know what to do. She could still be friends, for sure. Perhaps, telling him was not for the best. For now she would keep her thoughts under wraps.

BRIDGERTON HOME

"Sir, you have a visitor" he wasn't expecting anyone. So who could be visiting?

"I will receive them in the study"

Colin's eyes lit up.

"Pen?"

"Colin"

"What are you doing here?"

"I am here for a ceasefire"

"What has brought this on?"

"You have shown distaste toward mine and Benedict's friendship for too long. I do not wish that to continue. If we have a truce then we can all be friends again"

"Agreed"

She looked on the desk, there was a map and his journal.

Pen sat. Colin ordered refreshment and sweets.

"Are you going on your travels this year?"

"I am. I am not sure where though, in truth"

"Why not return to Greece, you could get lost in the Greek islands again. You did write that you missed it terribly when you knew you were to return home"