P. A. Featherington

(12) Outcry

The Kent Estate

The Mondrich's first ball. It was an exciting time and it was the first ball of the season that many of the Bridgertons were in attendance for the first time this season. Colin and Benedict needed to support their long time friend. They all met during Will's boxing days and were so glad when they became noble. The only disappointment was that Will would have to sell the bar that he had put so much hard work into.

Alice had decided on the decorations herself with the wonderful Lady Danbury's influence. Making a large flower decoration at the centre of the hall. Mechanics making in flourish, to bloom to come to life with the Queen much impressed.

The Duke and Duchess arrived at Hastings house a few day previous for the Duke to catch up with his friend, Will. Having one last drink at his bar. Colin, Benedict, Francesca's fiance John Sterling, Simon and Will. The bar was an unfortunate victim of his new life.

His young boy Nicolas had been made a Baron by inheriting the title from Alice's great aunt, the Lady of Kent after her death. They now had land, an estate and their new titles. Will and Alice were glad for the Bridgertons helping them be one with the ton. Letting them come out of their own skin and be themselves.

Not all the Bridgerton's attended the balls, sometimes the Featherington's would not either. Lady Danbury had even absented herself from a few. Which concern her majesty. Who could not fathom how one young girl could crumble her walls. Cressida's anger that everything was not resuming as usual. The ton was at a stand still. Her absence was noted and this had not angered anyone more than Cressida Cowper. So the Mondich's ball was the exception where all the families had arrived to help support the new nobles to the ton.

Miss Goring walked cautiously towards Eloise "Miss Eloise, have you any news of Miss Penelope?"

"Pen has still not been found" Eloise was informing the young ladies who were making enquiries.

"So what? Miss Featherington has probably ran off specifically so people will miss her. So when she returns everyone would show her more attention"

"I beg your pardon!" Eloise temper grew. She did not shout but all eyes were on her.

"She is a wallflower, Eloise. No one noticed her before and are we really to believe they care now" Cressida looked proud on her own observations, not realising the daggers she was shot in the room. Surprisingly it was the sound of Lady Danbury's cane hitting the hard floor than made her look around the room. Realising her blunder.

The young ladies looked down. Disappointed in their own actions in the past. For letting someone be so overlooked.

Lady Agatha Danbury's irritation was imminent. She would allow Eloise to bite back and she would stay close by incase Cressida retaliated.

"Do not confuse their minds with your own, Cressida. For yours is as clouded as your heart" Eloise snapped. If looks could kill, Cressida would be lying on the ground right now.

Cressida had decidedly started some gossip that Pen had ran off with Jack Featherington. Considering she had left a week after him. Those who knew Pen, knew that the notion wasn't just a stretch, it was impossible. Now all that cruelty was aimed at her. Lady Violet Bridgerton corrected the hurtful statement. She was always in Penelope's corner. She found herself extremely disappointed that Lady Cowper had not corrected her herself. Then again, Cressida had become the mirror image of her mother in beauty and in spite.

The more rumours that Cressida let out with a snark, the more the other young ladies regretted the respect they had ever shown Miss Cowper.

The Queen sat, looking to Brimsley to find out all the lies the young lady had spread throughout town. It was obvious that Miss Cressida Cowper was perhaps jealous of the young Miss who disappeared. Her majesty watched in wonder how long the cruelty would go on before someone finally spoke up. Queen Charlotte looked to Miss Eloise Bridgerton, so strong willed in her convictions. How dare Cressida hurt her friend. Especially when no one knew where she was. She could have been in real danger, still Miss Cowper would show her no heed.

The Queen had summoned Miss Cowper to her box with her mother.

"Your majesty" her tone inked with sweet acid.

The Queen looked to her mother "Lady Cowper, I think you should control your daughter in the future before she puts a target on her back"

"I was only saying... " Cressida started explaining. The Queen did not wish to sully the ball. So she directed her tone sharp toward Cressida.

"Miss Cowper. Hold your tongue. Before I get someone to remove it" her tone, steady and threatening.

Cressida stood as still as stone. Brimsley stood to her side.

"Escort Miss Cowper from the ball"

With that her family and herself were marched to their carriage. With much disappointment to Lord and Lady Cowper.

Lady Danbury looked to Eloise "Very well done Miss Bridgerton" she smiled mischievously "If you had no other retort, I was standing by to assist. You definitely knocked her down of her high horse. One does not belittle those who are not around to stand their own ground. Thank you for staying in Miss Penelope's corner"

"Always, Lady Danbury" El smirked, her lips pursed. This is the longest she had ever spoken to the matriarch.

"I do loathe that Cowper chit"

"You're not the only one, I hear" she motioned up to the Queen "The Queen seemed furious" she could help but chuckle a little.

She had never liked Cressida. She was always so cruel to Pen. Cressida had tried to be her friend, and Eloise really tried. She was so angry that she wanted to play dirty. Hurt Pen as much as she hurt her. Thinking back, it was so childish.

"She hold her own well and that my dear is the power of being The Queen. I can't help but be a little proud" she tapped her cane and left Eloise to her thoughts. She looked to the Queen who gave her a small nod and a smirk.