P. A. Featherington

(7) Authors note

For the friend who helped me

leave normality and find

my way to imaginary lands.

As Penelope wrote a small note on the front page of her second manuscript. Hoping that Gen would see it and realise it was her for which she wrote. It was magical how easy writing was to her. As soon as quil hit paper, words rolled off the page. She had written the new novel in less than two week. Pen sat in the study finishing the last page. She looked down with a smile. "Rather a large accomplishment, if I do say so myself"

A knock at the door. Blake entered with a tray.

"Thank you Blake"

He looked down at the page, which she played on top of the pile with a happy thump.

"You are finished?"

"A am"

Then forget the tea, we are going to the tavern. A time for celebration, indeed.

"I have nothing to wear!" She declared, which Blake frowned, and shook his head. He tutted, rather sarcastically.

"Never fear! I am here" he stood up rather proud. He rushed back with a skirt and blouse in his arms. "You do know!"

"Where did you find this?"

"Annie at the hat makers was giving away some clothes because she lost the weight after having little Theodore. I gave her a few pennies, and that is the end of that" he smirked mischievously.

Pen reached around him and gave him a joyous hug "You really are an extremely good man, do you know that"

"Indeed" he pushed her away, started to clap his hands eagerly "Now, chop chop" 

Blake helped her on with a corset, to be honest though, Pen was glad for rarely needing to wear one.

He looked at her once she was changed. He put his finger up and circled it, motioning for her to spin. "Pretty as a picture m'lady" he bowed. She curtsied "Handsome sir!" they giggled.

They made their way to the tavern. She could hear the sweet shanty from outside. All eyes were on Pen as she walked in. Billy leant on the bar. Still with a shade of dirt and grime on his face from work. But he looked dashing, none the less. He walked up to her. "I did not realise you would have been out tonight, I would have put a clean shirt on"

She smiled, or possibly washed the dirt from your face. She grabbed a hanky and stroked it down his cheek. She paused when she realised what she had done.

"Apologies"

"Whatever for. It is not everyday a beautiful lady wants to give me a rub down" he has a disarming twinkle in his eyes. Pen started to feel a bit wobbly. He held her arm with a laugh "Looks like you and Blake started the party early"

Pen shook her head "I only had two"

Blake held up a hand and mimed to Billy "Five"

"May I interest you in a dance?"

Pen nodded. As she got escorted into the middle of the small room. The music grew louder and Pen and Billy linked on as they danced around in circles. Only stopping briefly being passed a drink in the other hand to drink by the town folk. People were joining in and laughing at Pen, every time Billy spun her too fast and she looked as though she may fall.