P. A. Featherington

(9) Blake and Pen

Illford House, Galway

Blake sat in his room, looking out the window. He did not know the full reason for her haste departure, but knowing of her sensitivities towards her personal self, he knew whatever people had said to make her make such a rash decision, he was simply glad she was there with him.

Penelope merely told him that she had no friends and did not care for her friends anymore. She had only divulged snippets when she was drinking. Otherwise she kept everything quite close to her chest.

What a mystery she was indeed. I was sure if I asked her questions ahead of time would tell me answers but it is not fair to push her. She had a cloud permanently over that red head of hers.

What Penelope did not realise unfortunately, is that she would be missed. She may not believe such a thing, and their friendship may be brief. But he thought the world of her and he couldn't imagine a world where the opposite would be true.

The Bridgerton Home

Miles from Galway, Miss Eloise sat on her swing set with Benedict.

"So are you going to tell me the truth?"

"What do you mean, brother?"

"You know who the person is" there were times when El felt her brother could indeed read minds. This was no exception.

She leant forward "I cannot tell you, Benedict"

"Why not? It is not like Penelope is returning and we need all the help we can get with helping her return to us"

Eloise lowered her voice leaning closer to her brother "Madame Delacroix"

"Genevieve" Ben gasped, then lowered his voice to her volume "I did not realise Penelope and the modiste had a friendship"

"There is a lot you do not know"

What the devil did that mean, he wondered.

"Then explain"

She frowned "No. plus you would never believe me"

"How would you know if you do not tell me"

He did have a point "Fine!" Eloise adjusted her sitting position.

"Pen and Madame Delacroix" she let the surname smoothly leave her lips "They help each other"

"Very well. Help each other how?"

"Penelope and Madame Delacroix have a business of sorts"

"Pen helps her at the Modiste?" Ben looked at her blankly.

"No" she shook her head. Repeating more sternly "No."

"It is more that Madame Delacroix helps Penelope with her business"

"And what, per chance, is that business"

Eloise frowned. Her business was non of his. But he knew she was keeping something from her "Lady Whistledown business" she winced out.