Linger in love

(29) Return to me

Lady Penelope Fairaway was making her trip back to Mayfair. She didnt want to return, but she did not want to let Lady Bridgerton down after she had always been so kind to her.

She was glad she no longer needed to be chaperoned. But Pen found herself extremely nervous. Even asked Lady Agatha Danbury to accompany her at the entrance. So she would not have to enter alone.

She stepped of the carriage and immediately felt all the eyes on the ton at her. Agatha rushed to her side. Her arm already out to accept her.

"Lady Fairaway. I have missed you. You look well" Lady Danbury looked exquisite. Pen always felt it odd as the lady never seemed to age. While Pen thought she aged more by the day since Tommy left.

"Thank you Lady Danbury. I must admit it is strange being in the company of society once more"

They started to walk slowly to the entrance "I am certain Lady Violet will be excited that you are attending"

"I felt like I had little choice in the matter. No one likes a pleading mama"

As she walked through the door, it was Colin's eyes that caught her first. She quickly looked away and continued walking by Agatha's side. She beelined to Violet who already had a drink in her hand.

"Penelope" she gasped moving in to embrace her "It is so lovely to see you here. I was debating if you had changed your mind"

"Not at all"

Agatha smiled knowingly at her.

"You have done well, Lady Bridgerton"

"Not all my own doing. The Viscountess has a way with floral arrangements"

"That she does. I am happy for Lord Bridgerton, it is along time coming, to be sure" Pen had always like the Viscount Anthony, and his overly protectiveness toward his siblings.

Eloise was across the dancefloor, she could not help the scowl that started to form, noticing how Pen held herself. Could she be pregnant.

Her eyes met Pens. She could see pain behind her expression. What has happened and where is Mr Fairaway. Perhaps she should ask her mama. Her scowl turned into curiosity.

Eloise stopped her mother before she got to the refreshments "Mama?"

"Eloise dear, what is the matter?"

"Why is she here?" Eloise barked "Why was I not informed"

"Because I invited her!" Violet shot back "It was very difficult for her to come out tonight. If you make things difficult for her in any way, I will make you go to your room early. Do you understand?"

El grimaced "Very well. Where is Lord Fairaway, run off already I see" her tone frustrated. Like Pen must have done something cruel to him.

Violet was not having any of Eloise's temper tantrum's. Not today. Violet grabbed her arm and led her into an empty room.

"Eloise, you will not ask anymore about him. Do you understand me?"

"You are scaring me, what has happened. Has he got a mistress, is he tired of her lies and manipulations..."

"He is dead!" She shouted. Holding her chest with her hand to calm herself down.

"I cannot" her voice shaky "I do not. Do not make me repeat it. You will keep your distance. You understand!?"

El nodded. Still in shock.

"Eloise, Penelope is grieving and she is with child, if you say or do anything that upsets her!"