P. A. Featherington

(1) Farewell Mayfair

For everyone else, navigating this world was so easy. What the devil was wrong with her. Perhaps, if she was cruel like Cressida Comper she would be at least given a chance at friendship. Although in truth, Cressida did not have friends. She had pets. They may as well be with the tone Cressida talks to them so.

Yet in reality. I felt stuck. Stuck with a family who did not care while I stand in the shadows hoping one day one may take notice. Why would they. What do I have to offer apart from an honest opinion and at jest at the cost of others.

As for Prudence and Philipa, they were definitely not her sisters by choice. I would make mamas life easier only having my oldest Prudence under her wing this season. Philipa is now the most happiest person in the world with Mr Albion Finch. A great match, to be sure. He is a friendly, charming and caring man, his sweet persona has somehow rubbed off a little to his new wife. Thank god.

There were much more caring families out there who would not see me as a burden. Somewhere out there in the rustle and bustle of a life out in society.

Madam Delacroix for example, I would rather I were here family. Letting her take me under her wing and train me to be a seamstress. I would freely be able to continue my writings and Gen would offer me solitude and above all else gratitude and a feeling self worth.

As for the family Bridgerton. I do not know what to do, in truth. The hatred towards me from both Eloise and Colin was all caused by my own hands. Eloise was hurt by my writings and has retaliated breaking my soul. Colin Bridgerton.

Well Colin had broke my heart. Proving once and for all that no man could ever hold a flame for me. Why would they. I truly believed I was special and Colin thought me a constant in his life. Those were mere lies, possibly to make me feel better about my own shortcomings.

MY heart will never beat for another man again. I have learnt my lesson. Friends and Love was all fake. None of it real. I aim to die alone. A spinster.

This is why I have decided to leave.

I will leave a note for mama. I have had enough. A lady can only take so much before she has truly been broken apart.

Ireland calls to me, and who am I to not raise my hand and greet it so.

The Modeste

"Miss Featherington? You should not be here" Geneviere stood perplexed at Penelope's face. Something was, indeed wrong. She could not in good conscious, keep the lady waiting a moment longer.

"I need to speak with you" Penelope demanded. Madame Delacroix was her only friend. More of an acquaintance really.

They sat in the back room of the Modeste, the most sought out dressmakers that London had to offer. Gen's beautiful illustrations lay along the wall, the pages flickering in the light of the open fire. The warmth took hold fast. Pen sat on the chair, her fingertips feeling the edge of the heat. For the first time in over a week she felt comfortable, at ease in herself. She knew what had to be done.

"Genevieve. I am leaving"

Gen mouth flew open "I do not understand, where are you to go?"

"Ireland"

"Ireland? You cannot do that. Your mother would never allow it, for one reason"

"I am not informing her. I have written her a letter. Explaining that I am to longer be living under her roof and not to look for me"

Gen shook her head "Miss Penelope, this is madness!"

Gens heart burned for Pen, she knew of her mother's and sister's cruelty. But leaving seemed far too spontaneous.

Pen opened her reticule. "This is for you"

"What is this...?" Opening the small package Gen gasped. Her hands flew over her mouth in shock.

Gen held an invitation from an exquisite ladies clothes designer in Paris.

"Its in 6 week. I have also put enough money in the package to get you there and return with accommodation"

"I do not know what to say" she did not. In, earnest she thought a farewell would be enough. But this.Gen had to hold back a grateful tear. Not wanting to show the young miss how emotion she had felt.

Pen reached for her hand "Take your designs with you. Let the world see what you can do"

Gen had to catch her breath before she would faint. How could anyone give such a thoughtful gift without expectation. It was extremely kind. It was hard to find the right words to show her gratitude.

Gen stared at her wide eyes still trying to take it all in "I must go!" Pen whispered.

"Please do not tell my family where I am headed"

She did not however mention the Bridgerton's, who Genevieve knew she held with the greatest esteem.

Before she left Gen called to her "What of Miss Eloise"

Pen fought back a tear "She does not care enough to ask"

Gen knew that whatever the falling out, through Lady Whistledown or otherwise that the two ladies had a long unshakeable bond.

No matter how far Pen would run to escape it that Miss Bridgerton would move heaven and earth to find her. But Penelope's shaky undertone to her leaving words punctured a hole in her heart. No one should ever feel like the pain she must be feeling right this moment.

"I will write" Pen nodded "Let you know I arrived safely"

"Thankyou Miss Featherington" Gen moved over and embraced Pen "Farewell and good luck, Penelope. I will miss you" they both truly meant it. Friendship is such a strange thing. It grown with time and experiences. Shared experiences. Pen had opened up her mind to someone completely. If she had not been seen by Gen, for what feels like a long time passed. Then they would possibly never cross paths. Apart from Gens modeste work.

"As I, you"

For someone who was starting to doubt friendships. Gens kindness made her believe that perhaps anything was possible. It was to be a new chapter in my story. Hopefully filled with love, friendship and possibly a little scandal.

With that she closed the door to the Modeste, from her life, from Colin. Time to start anew.