P. A. Featherington

(4) P. A. Featherington

Dearest Miss Penelope Featherington

I wish you well in your endeavours. But from what you have written, I do not believe you need such. I am extremely proud of you. I know your family would be also.

Miss Francesca Bridgerton has been announced as this seasons diamond. Which is not surprising to say the least. She has received attention from a lot of gentle folk. Miss Bridgerton however seems to keep her options practical as opposed to searching for a love match. If anyone could be so fortunate to find in times such as these.

My business has been thriving, although there have been talks of the missing Lady Whistledown who has seemed to disappear altogether. It is fortunate that if they knew she went in search for greener pastures there would be riots in the street.

Take care of yourself, my friend

Yours truly

Gen Delacroix

The fact that Gen thought her family would actually proud of her, proved that perhaps, Gen did not know her well or it was merely a ploy to make me feel a sense of guilt for leaving without a word to all she held in the highest esteem. What must Lady Bridgerton think of my rushed exit. If there is anyone who noted her departure first. All bets are on the beautiful Violet. Who had more appreciation in her finger than her own mam had showed her, her entire life.

Pen missed the rain. Not just because of the wonderfully Billy having to return for repairs. But because of the peace and quiet. One thing she did not miss at all from Mayfair. She would sit on her window seat and watch the droplets hit the glass on her window. Focusing on the drops running down. Almost like tears. The world behind blurring. As much as the silence was a blessing, she still found that Eloise troubled her mind. She wished to say goodbye to her, most of all. Her friend had stated that she never wanted to see or speak to her again. El probably wishes I had travelled away sooner so she would not have to lock her eyes on me again. 

Penelope missed their friendship, the warmth and humour. El may hate her, but by all accounts, Pen felt the opposite of her dearest and only friend. Her mind flew back to when they were playing with sticks at the Bridgerton family estate. El declaring so loud and proud that they were knights, who did not need rescuing from any man. Like some damsel in distress, who stubbornly refused help. That was just who Eloise was. A fighter, who believed everyone should be allowed to fight for their family and more importantly, themselves. 

Perhaps, I should have taken her advise long ago. I should have walked straight up to Mr Colin Bridgerton at my mothers ball and said proudly and without wavering "How dare you speak of me in such cruel terms, Mr Bridgerton. Whatever made you think I would even accept your courtship, even if you wished it!" that would have surely shut him up fast. Make Colin the villian to all other ladies. So any chance of a young miss interested would be minimum to none. How I could have easily ruin his day, as he ruined mine.

Although, that would not b e me. I put on a front, as it were. Hide my true feeling and intensions. Even from those closest to me. One day. Colin may need a friend. I hope he will be hurt when he realises how far away I am and how lacking in kindness I will, surely be.

So Pen sat for a mere moment longer, before setting a table for her and Blake.

The Modeste

"Madame Delacroix. I don't suppose you have heard anything about Miss Penelope Featherington around the shop"

"I am afraid not, Lady Bridgerton. I heard Miss Cowper speaking of her, but that young lady can have a serpent tongue at times"

"Penelope, would not leave without a word. That is not her. There would have had an explanation for her fast departure"

Violet grimaced "As for Miss Cowper, she knows nothing of that sweet girl and if I hear of her speaking harshly again, I may reprimand her, myself" she could not hide her annoyance with Miss Cowper. She was a bully. She was rude and cruel to her daughter Daphne also.

Gen subtaly side eyes Violet "Have Miss Eloise or Colin heard anything from Miss Featherington?"

Violet sadly put her hand over her chest to calm herself "They have not. I do worry about her" her tone weak. Even Gen was taking aback at her honesty "I know I have no right, she is not my child or my responsibility, but sometimes I wish she were"

"You have as much right as anyone. She is a smart, capable woman. Trust, wherever she is. She is well"

"Madame Delacroix, how well you see her, when few do"

Gen gave a weak smile "I see her clearly. As you do" she decided to show a side to a customer she had not shown before. She kept her voice low so they could not be overheard "I miss her too, Lady Bridgerton, but please keep that to yourself"

Violet squeezed Gen's hand "You have my word" 

Francesca took note of her mother "Mother"

She stood tall like a princess, being used as a pin cushion. She had already glanced at herself a few times in the mirror. With uncertainty.

Violet's eyes shot up "Dearest!" she noticed Fran had been waiting for her mothers input on her outfit. She smiled, touching the fabric "As always Madame Delacroix, you have outdone yourself" her tone was a little trembled.

"There is no need for tears" Fran shook her head with a smirk.

"I apologise Francesca, it has been a long day" she briefly looked down at her reticule before looking back at her daughter "Has it not"

"It is still morning. Perhaps, you should take a respite when we return home"

Violet smiled at Gen, then back at Fran "I believe you are correct"

What Violet did not realise is that Eloise was listening on from the front desk of the shop. A ball of nervousness and guilt grew in her throat.

Is she gone because of me?

Am I the reason she left the ton, and me along with it?

My mother will never forgive me if anything happens to Pen. Worst of all. Will I ever forgive myself.