Linger in love

(53) Hunger Strikes

Violet was relieved when she saw Pen enter the drawing room. It had been a while since they had seen each other when Pen was not bed ridden and uncomfortable. The bump was more prominent and Pen was practically glowing. 

Mrs Wilson poured the tea, Violet looked up to her and smiled "Does she not look a picture of beauty Mrs Wilson"

"Indeed she does, I will make sure I bring in extra cakes and biscuits" Mrs Wilson had two children of her own and she knew that when hunger strikes, one needs more of a tray then a small plate.

Pen felt her eyes get wide, she had to stop herself from salivating right there with impatience. The cakes were extra nice at the Bridgerton home and Pen was famished. She hoped they had the juicy lemon and poppy sponge they had not long ago. Pen had to hold herself back from devouring the entire thing herself. Luckily Colin was there at the time and managed about half the cake on his own.

Violet took her hand "It is lovely to see you dear"

"Violet, am I a good person?" Inside, with her identity known and living with the choice to marry Colin after she had been in love with him for so many years had taken hold. She loved him when she was with Tommy. She still loved Tommy now, even though she is with Colin. So it is all a terribly confusing time.

"Dear what a question" She took a small breath "What has brought this on?"

"I feel I was unfair and unjust to Colin and Tommy" her eyes went down for a moment at saying his name out loud. "How could I be so heartless, I compared them both all the time. To define who would be more suitable. What gave me the right to do that, Violet" Pen sobbed feeling a complete villain. She knew Colin cared for her but was she good enough for him.

"You are a women. We have to make our own decisions with all the facts. Being thorough does not make you a horrid lady it makes you sensible, that is all"

"Is it right to love two men in equal measure?" there is was. Admitting it to herself was the first step to recovering from her grief. Tommy was gone. Colin was not.

"I would only hope for such a thing" she smiled warmly and held Pens hand.

"May I ask you a personal question, if you do not mind"

Violet nodded "Of course"

"Why did you never remarry?"

She thought it an unusual question. One that even her own children had never had the courage to ask and Violet could never bring herself to think about.

Violet took a deep breath "because, Penelope, I could not find any man alive that I could love as much as Edmund. You dearest, had two great loves. Your story is far from over. One lives on in the eyes of your beautiful child and the other, well to be quite honest.. took his time about it"

Pen leaned in and smiled mischievously "And you accuse me of being too thorough"

"Don't get me wrong I love my children, but they sometimes have difficulty seeing the obvious"

"That is why they have us, to be sure" Pen smirked

"Are you going to take to writing again?"

"I do not know. Many were hurt"

"Indeed. But many were helped... " Pen turned to face Violet her eyes wide with disbelief.

"... Ask yourself this dear girl. Why did you start the column to begin with?"

"To give a voice to those who have none"

"It does not matter if you write as your synonym or as yourself. You have a voice that commands the attention it deserves"

"You're starting to sound like Lady Danbury" Pen laughed.

Violet slammed her foot down mimicking Agatha's cane. "More accurate" they both laughed. Just as they heard a loud tap.

"Sorry for my tardiness ladies" Violet and Penelope paused, stifling a laugh.

"My hearing may not be the best, but my ears are burning" she looked at both of them accusingly.

"Lady Danbury" Pen stood and embraced her, Violet followed suit.

"I don't think I have ever felt so needed. I rather like our afternoon teas" She smiled into the embraces. She was not used to such affection towards her. 

"As do I" Violet looked down at Pen. Whose bump was more noticeable under the stretchy fabric.

Lady Danbury looked around the room "And where is Lady Featherington?"

"Chaperoning Prudence and Lord Dankworth" Pen declared proudly.

"Another wedding on the cards, aye! She must be elated"

"Indeed. It is strange to see her so happy. I can't remember ever seeing her as such" She really didn't, her mother forced pleasantries when perhaps she should have found better ladies to associate with. Then maybe she would have had a little light in her life.

Agatha took Pens hand and spun her "Look at you dear, practically a woman in bloom"

"It is strange how pregnancy has made her even more the beauty, do you not think Agatha"

Pen pierced her eyes at both of them "As much as I enjoy all the flattery, I am in need of cake, this little one.." touching her belly ".. keeps kicking me. For some reason cake is the remedy"

"Wise child!" Agatha laughed. "Not long now. You must be excited?"

"The prospect at bending down without feeling the urge to wet myself, is exciting enough" they all laughed.

Agatha chuckled "Oh I remember those days" Violet laughed ".. as do I!"

"Gen has told me that she has found some perfect fabric for your dress. Some cream silk from Paris"

"The size I am at the moment, I hope it is a long roll"

Agatha laughed "I know baby weight does not come off straight away, but whatever size the child leaves you with. You will be a fine bride, to be sure"

"I could not agree more, Lady Danbury" the ladies all turned when they could hear footsteps. Mrs Wilson came into the room with the cake "Thank goodness!" Pen expelled

The two ladies chuckled at her.