A Wallflower's Discoveren

Chapter 12 - Bridgerton Ball

The Bridgerton mansion stood resplendent against the inky London sky, its windows ablaze with candlelight and the sounds of merriment spilling forth into the cool evening air. Carriages lined the cobblestone drive, depositing finely dressed ladies and gentlemen for the annual Bridgerton Ball, an event eagerly anticipated by all of London society.

As the Featherington carriage drew to a halt, footmen rushed forward to assist the ladies in their descent. Penelope Featherington emerged, a vision in pale green silk, her fiery curls artfully arranged beneath a delicate hairpiece adorned with pearls.

At the entrance stood the Viscount Bridgerton and his mother, Lady Violet, greeting their esteemed guests. Anthony's eyes lit up as he caught sight of Penelope, and he stepped forward to welcome her.

"Miss Featherington." He murmured, taking her gloved hand in his. "You look positively radiant this evening." His lips lingered a moment longer than strictly proper as he pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

Penelope felt a rush of warmth suffuse her cheeks. "My lord." She replied, her voice soft. "I thank you for your kind welcome."

Anthony's gaze held hers, conveying a wealth of unspoken sentiment. "I trust you'll save a waltz for me?"

"But of course." Penelope answered, her eyes twinkling. "I should be most disappointed if you failed to claim one."

With obvious reluctance, Anthony released her hand. "Until then, Miss Featherington. I'm afraid duty calls."

With a final shared glance, Anthony moved onto his duties as host, mingling with the guests. Penelope watched him go, feeling both pride and a pang of longing. She understood the responsibilities that came with his title and was content to enjoy the evening among the company of her family and friends.

As the evening progressed, Penelope found herself alone with her mother, Lady Portia Featherington, after Philippa was whisked away by Mister Finch and Prudence by Mister Huxley for a dance. Lady Portia wasted no time in interrogating her daughter about the status of her courtship with the Viscount.

"Well, Penelope." Lady Featherington hissed, her voice low but urgent. "What news of your courtship? Surely the Viscount must be close to making an offer?"

Penelope felt her throat constrict. "Mama, please. These things take time. Lord Bridgerton has been nothing but attentive and honorable in his intentions."

Lady Featherington's eyes narrowed. "Time? We haven't the luxury of time, girl. If needs must, I give you leave to... expedite matters. A compromising situation, perhaps?"

"Mama!" Penelope gasped, scandalized even as unbidden images of such a scenario flashed through her mind. Her eyes widened in shock and embarrassment, her face flushing at the implication. "You cannot be serious. I would never compromise myself in such a manner."

"Desperate times call for desperate measures, Penelope." Lady Portia retorted, her tone unapologetic. "It is for the security of your future and of our family."

Penelope shook her head, her voice firm. "I will not entrap Anthony. Our courtship will proceed at its natural pace. If Anthony wishes to marry me, he will do so because he wants it, not because he was forced into it."

Before Lady Featherington could respond, a familiar voice cut through the crowd. "Penelope! Might I have the pleasure of this dance?"

Colin Bridgerton stood before them, hand extended, his trademark charming smile firmly in place. Penelope hesitated for a moment, acutely aware of the potential for gossip should she refuse. With a small nod, she placed her hand in his. "I would be delighted, Mister Bridgerton."