The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 17 - Apart

While Benedict was at the Academy, he would day dream of the beautiful Miss Penelope Featherington.

Her lips. He started to draw them in his sketch pad. Smoothing his fingers over his work with a smile. How had he not realised how plump and kissable they had been through the entirety of her friendship with her family. He would sit chewing on the end of his paint brush, while memories of her lingered.

Kissing Lady Galway with such passion he was growing stiff and eager with every intake of breath. How had he not known it was Penelope, his Penelope.

It was mesmerising how her hair danced along her face with the most coolest of breezes.

All that time being so fascinated by this creature, and he'd seen her nearly every week during the busiest season for the past four or more years. How could he not have known. She was bursting with confidence and possibly even an inch of danger. Nothing was more attractive than that, in his mind.

His thoughts of her never ended.

He tried writing his feeling to paper, poetry had come so easy to him. But how was a man to explain in all the ways how a lady had changed him. Made him see the world in an entirely different way. She was strong, damn sexy and at times she had taken his breath away, and he wasn't sure if he ever got that breath back.

Watching models became more of a job, but with every pair of breasts, he could only think of the pair he squeezed at that party at Mr Granville's home. How they felt soft in his hand as he squeezed and explored.

She had the only body that mattered to him. Only she had those lips. The curve of her hips.

My dearest Penelope,

I hope you are well. I apologise if I have not seemed myself in my writings. You have enraptured me, body and soul. It is hard for me to put into words the joy you bring into my life. Like a flame in a dark day and a warm blanket when it is bitter.
You matter so much to me, I cannot think when you are not around. All I see is you.
Your face is forever on my mind.

I will return in two weeks, Friday commencing

I look forward to seeing your smile. It is all I have been able to think about since we departed.

Yours Truly

Benedict Bridgerton

THE FEATHERINGTON HOME

Penelope opened the letter. Sitting by the window, she started looking at his words.

Clearly he realised I would be concerned with him writing out of character. Good heavens. He thinks of me still.

Pen held Bens writing to her chest. With a tear came a giddy smile. She wasn't sure if his family had heard of his return day so she made haste to see Violet Bridgerton to bring the news.

THE BRIDGERTON HOME

"Penelope, we were not expecting you. Although I am overjoyed to see you, child" Violet put her arms around her "It is a lovely surprise to see you"

"Have you recieved a letter from Benedict?" Pen asked, her smile never falling.

"I have not. Benedict does not like to correspond" she laughed

"He is returning in two weeks, Friday"

"That is wonderful news" Violet looked to Pen. Who looked like she may burst with excitement in any minute. "Come, sit. Sit" she gestures to the chair.