The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 12 - Icarus

HOME OF MR AND MRS GRANVILLE

Pen smoothed her wig back and knocked on the door.

"Mr Granville"

"Lady Galway, I am sorry I do not mean to show unannounced" he looked pleased to see her if not rather surprised.

"Like I told you before, you are always welcome"

Pen stepped inside. Her wig tied back.

"My wife is out im afraid, so I am still not able to formally introduce you both, though she has heard all about you and would be glad one day for an introduction"

Pen nodded with a smile.

"Drink?"

"Yes please, that would be lovely"

He passed her a glass of the cool liquid as he sat opposite "So tell me Lady Galway, what brings you to my charming abode"

"Benedict"

His smiled warmly "Ah Mr Benedict Bridgerton, I remember you got rather close at my last party" his face showed concern "He is alright, is he not?"

Pen smiled "yes, he is well. I require a favour"

"A favour? i'm intrigued"

"I will do anything you require, if you answer me" he put his index finger up "One question"

"That's a deal"

Mr Granville spoke softly "Why do you play make believe with this persona. Miss Featherington?"

"How did you know?"

"I saw you with the young Eloise Bridgerton at a gallery. Sure, you have no bright colours so you can easily hide your identity and your accent is on point. But why?"

"Have you ever felt different, like no one in the world understands you?"

His eyes got glassy "Like if they knew the real you, they would hate you or not understand? I know that feeling well Miss Featherington"

He reached for her hand.

"You are not alone. So What is this favour?"

"Can you write a recommendation for Ben for the Art Academy?"

"That isn't such a big ask. Why the secrecy?"

"I do not wish him to know until he got accepted. So he would know for certain that he could get in on his own without his older brothers money"

"You are a good person, not many would travel so far from home unchaperoned"

"He was there for me when I needed him"

"You love him?"

Pen voice cracked "of course not" she pushed a hair out of her face. Unable to look him in the eye "We are friends"

Henry looked her up and down "I see"

Henry Granville was no fool. He knew what love looked like. What it felt like. The young lady sitting a mere two feet away from him. Her lips and hand trembling. Trying to make sense of her feelings herself. Love was not kind. Love was madness. It makes us foolish, simple creatures.

Benedict was a good man, naive to the world, but a good man. He could not fault him for not understanding that love isn't always simple and logical. Sometimes it would be frowned upon, discriminated against and difficult.

"Miss Featherington"

"Penelope, please" she offered

"Penelope. It is unfair in this world that women are judged on every aspects of life, you hide as do I. Society does not allow you or I to even speak. What a silly notion indeed"

"And behind what rock do you hide?"

"Penelope I enjoy the company of other men"

"So do all me.."

"As a partner" he quickly finished

Pen went quiet. Looked positively stunned

Shit. Had he said to much

"I did not believe such a thing possible. That is wonderful. Just when I think I have encountered all the surprises the world has to offer, you throw me another"

She took his hand softly

"Thank you for sharing your secret with me" her voice quickened in pace as she mumbled a little excitedly "Now I know that I indeed know nothing at all"

"Are you not repulsed?"

"Good heavens no. You are fascinating Henry. You have opened my eyes to all possibilities. Are you in love?" Her face positively flushed.

"I am" he smiled warmly

"I am glad"

He regarded her. She truly meant it. What a wonderful lady indeed. No wonder Benedict was infatuated with the young Miss.

"And you?"

"I was in love with Colin Bridgerton, for almost half of my life"

"Benedict's brother?"

Pen nodded

"Penelope. The most important word in that reply is 'was'. Perhaps, another man can take his place if you wish it. Was, is a word of past tense. Do you still believe you do?"

"I am unsure"

"I ask again. Do you love Benedict?"

She replied in the same was "I am unsure"

"Would you like to be?"

"Yes" Penelope loved his friendship, his smile, his quirkiness and he always surprised her. Being in love, is a terrifying thought indeed and she did not know if she was ready to be.

"Customary to what you believe, you can love more than one person at one time. Ladies in the ton are taught to believe they cannot kiss or be with any man until they are wed.

Yet, us men are allowed multiple partners. Unfair, is it not. That is why I organise my parties. Everyone can be whomever they choose"

"You are like me, Mr Granville"

He looked confused, but hung on her every word, nonetheless.

"We do not play the games of society. We push ourselves" she gave a warm smile "Like Icarus"

"Always waiting to be burned, yet we still fly"

"We do. Even wanting our freedom comes with consequences"

Well I never. She is extremely smart. I feel if I crack her head open, all manner of secrets would fall out.

"Please do visit again soon Miss Penelope. My wife will get a thrill out of you"

"I will"

THE FEATHERINGTON HOME

Pen looked out her window, the post was arriving. Her smile got large as she rushed down the stairs to look through the letters.

There it was, a letter for Lady Galway. The footman looked confused when he saw the name on the envelope. Pen paid it no heed and rushed back to her room to read the contents.

Dear Lady Galway,

We have kindly received your recommendation from yourself and the esteemed Mr Granville. Considering a Mr Benedict Bridgerton.

We had high hopes for the young man on his previous acceptance and were disappointed at his sudden departure.

If we decide on his future we will pend a letter to him discreetly and promise not to divulge where the recommendation was received from.

Yours Truly

The Academy of Art

Mr G. Delaware

Penelope was elated. It was not a definite yes, or indeed a no. But she had high hopes for Ben.

He had talent, and she wished nothing more than for him to show the world. Watch his family proud and see Benedict happy. She may not understand what she feels for him. His happiness, however was her greatest wish. He had been so kind and warm to her. There was something deeply special about him.