Linger in love

(28) A Visitor to Fairaway House

Lady Bridgerton informed the new Viscountess Bridgerton. That she would be away for a day. She was known for telling Kate everything. But she kept Penelope's loss to herself. Simply explaining that she was to visit a friend.

Even though, Kate did not understand the reason for her mama in law being so cryptic, she let her keep her secret. Knowing there must be a reason behind it.

Gavin was please when a caller said showed up for his mistress. He was glad she would see anyone. She had hidden herself away for too long in his opinion.

"You have a visitor malady"

Pen curiously took her head out of the book and looked up. A smile slowly appearing "Lady Bridgerton, how nice it is to see you"

"Of course, my dear. How are you fairing?"

Pen gestured Violet to sit. She chose the seat next to her, in case Pen needed her hand for emotional support.

"Even though Thomas told me of what would happen. It was still a shock"

"You have my deepest sympathies"

"It only seemed like a week before his passing that I had told him I loved him for the first time. Now I never want to feel like that again. I aim to close myself off. Perhaps it will be easier"

"I do not recommend that, Lady Penelope, that is how I dealt with my husband's death. It is ill advised. I alienated myself from all I held dear. I was a bad mother"

Pen held her stomach "At least I have something to remember him by"

"You are with child?" Her eyebrows raised in surprise.

"I am, he is a fighter, I dare say"

"He?" Violet beamed.

"Just an assumption, I wish to name him after his father"

"What a lovely idea, my dear"

Pen suddenly winced. She shuffled uncomfortably in her chair.

Violets arm gestured toward her before she stopped herself. Not wanting to invade her personal space "Has it been awful?"

"I feel as though I am constantly on a rough road and my stomach turns over"

Violet smiled "I was the same with Colin and Gregory. It will soon pass". Violet leant closed "Will you be returning to Mayfair anytime soon, your family must miss you terribly"

"Mama probably does not care I left" Pen flat out.

Violet scorned her "Never say that Penelope. A families love is enduring"

"Yours may be. Mine is a cage of which there is no escape"

Violet needed to change the subject, she could see Pen was forcing her emotions away. She could not hear that she was wrong and how much her absence affected her mother, but it was not her place to say. Nor would she believe the words if they had come from her mamas own voice. She would only assume I was just being kind.

"I am hosting a ball at Aubrey House. Please will you attend. I know Lady Danbury would cherish your appearance"

"I do not know" the thought of going back home, only to realise no one even noticed her departure made her heart ache. She wanted to admit she missed her best friend Eloise and her brother Colin. They were the only ones that truly kept her in Mayfair. Without them as her friends, Mayfair would surely be unrecognisable.

Violet begged "Please, I know there are many that would cherish seeing a friendly face. Also I would be so lonely... " her eyes pleading her to accept. Pen wanted to accept just so her expression would change. Talk about a guilt trip. Geez. How could Lady Violet Bridgerton ever be lonely with so many children. Unless she has married them all off in a year.