P. A. Featherington

(8) From Galway, with love

With Pen's second novel being printed. She acquired a copy of both to send back home to Genevieve. Gen had yet to correspond on her meeting with the designer in France and Pen was eagerly awaiting a response.

My Dearest Genevieve Delacroix,

I hope you are well. I bring wonderful tidings. My second novel has been printed and I have sent you both. As a subtle reminder that it is you that helped me make all this a possibility. I have never been so thankful. I am most fortunate to have a friend like you. I have been eager to hear of your time in Paris, France. I wish to know all that has occured. I do hope you are happy and work is booming. All my best.

From Galway, with love

Penelope Featherington

or now known P. A. Featherington

Gen opened the package with much gusto. Her hand touched her lips in excitement. She sniffed back a tear as she held the novels close to her chest. Internally wishing her friend was well.

The Bridgerton Home

Anthony sat at his desk in the study going over the ledgers. Kate joined him momentarily.

"You came to bed rather late last night Anthony"

"Apologise, it is only"

"Only what?"

"It has been a long time since Miss Featherington. I am aware my brother Colin and Eloise are in desperate need of answers but so am I. Where is she?"

She had not seen him like this. It pained her to see him as such.

"You are very good to her, but Anthony dearest. She is not your responsibility. She has her own family for that. I am sure they are doing everything they can"

Am I not. She is cherished by my entire family. Eloise and Colin are beside themselves and poor mother feels as though she is grieving for a child who is not hers, and is merely missing, not deceased. What kind of Viscount and Elder brother am I if I do not lead by example. She may not be family, but who am I to deny my family, the opportunity to at least try.

He looked inconsolable "You are probably right" he tapped her hand that was over his shoulder. She leaned down and kissed his cheek.

"You are not going to fight me on this?" She looked bewildered.

"You are my conscience, my voice of reason. I seek no other council then one of my beautiful wife" he gave her a dotting kiss on her palm.

"I am also. Not always right... mostly, but not always" she turned his chair around so she could sit on his lap "If searching for her will give you some sort of closure or peace, then I will help you" her hands were either side of his cheeks "only allow me to assist you. I cannot bare this black cloud hanging over you any longer"

Viscountess Kate Bridgerton, was a wise woman indeed, I feel blessed every single moment I get to be in the presence of my brown eyes goddess.

He gave a small adoring smile "How did I get so lucky?"

She kissed him softly on the lips. "Now take a respite. If your bags under your eyes get darker, the entire ton will think I am an abusive wife" she scorned.