The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 26 - Exhale

Word of Miss Featherington's recovery was all the talk of the ton. The talk had made its way to the ears of Her Majesty the Queen. She immediately sent out a letter to inform Pen that she was invited for a private assembly with the Queen, that very day.

THE FEATHERINGTON HOME

Penelope had a very handsome visitor sitting into the Featherington drawing room twiddling his thumbs. She rushed Ben upstairs rather stealthily. She grabbed her reticule. Getting herself ready for the visit. 

"So, Penelope. This is your bedchambers?" he awkwardly sat on the edge of the bed.

"It is. Come on Benedict, am I to believe you have never visited a ladies room before?"

He nodded "Not yours" his eyes caught hers, and he found himself feeling rather nervous. Which was very unlike Benedict Bridgerton.

"Ben, do not worry. All will be well"

"How can you be so calm?" Ben needed to know so he could borrow some of her strength for the day. Penelope looked at his somber features "Benedict" she touched his chin, making him look up at her "Do you trust me?"

Ben nodded "I do. You are the most capable person I have ever met"

Penelope leaned over and kissed him softly. The angle he was sitting on the bed meant that as his arms wrapped around her, his face was on her stomach and his hands on her bottom. Which he was rather pleased with himself about.

He spoke softly "Penelope. You are the bravest woman I have ever known"

He stood. Placing his hands protectively on her shoulders "Are you sure you don't need me to chaperone you, stand in your corner incase you need me to protect you"

"Ben" she touched his face pulling his forehead down to meet hers "As much as I would love you to distract me from whatever punishment I receive. I have to do this alone. You can wait in the carriage for me if you wish, the Queen did specify that I were to accompany her, alone"

Benedict nodded "Very well"

"When you return back to me, I need you to relax for a few days, before the big day. You are still recovering" he gently smoothed her head.

"As you wish" she didn't have the energy to protest. She sulked "Anything else I can do for you, to ease your worry"

"Yes" he looked down at her hands. She looked panicked. What else did he need of her. She wanted to spend time with him. Not be confined to her bed.

"Kiss me?"

Her cheeks burned "Is that a request or a demand"

He rolled his eyes up to debating his reply "A bit of both" he gave a boyish grin before leaning down to kiss her. Behind the kiss was genuine fear that the Queens judgement would be unbearable. Would this be the last time he could kiss his Penelope. He kissed her, his kisses desperate and full of need. Like he didn't know if he would ever get the chance again.

When he pulled back. He looked desperately into those bright blue eyes "I love you, Penelope" he would admit being Lady Whistledown himself if the Queen would believe him for one moment. He felt like it was a trap. He could imagine Penelope now, locked in a cage. While members of the ton pointed and yelled their torment. At least if he was waiting in the carriage, he could be her knight and rescue her. Carry her to safety and run away together. The notion was rather appealing. He would love to be lost in the middle of nowhere with his one true love.

"I love you, Benedict"

She didn't need his rescue or his concern. Pen was tough. No doubt she would save herself. He leant down and kissed her again. Little does Ben know, that Penelope always has an ace up her sleeve, so to speak.