Linger in love

(35) Aubrey Hall

Anthony was standing outside the front of the grand home with his wife the Viscountess Kate Bridgerton. As Pen arrived outside in her carriage. She could not help noticing the flirting between the newly weds. It was a beautiful sight to see. Two souls so smitten with one another.

Kate wore a stunning pale blue dress with gold flakes decorated within the fabric. She was breathtaking. She was happy for Anthony finding someone of which he can share all with.

The way he looked at her, brought back some memories of Tommy looking up from his books with a small mischievous smile, one that told her, that the day would be better if they were naked. He was so passionate that she was glad she could not read minds. The dirty thoughts she imagined would flow out of him.

A footman opened the carriage door, Pens foot came out first. The Viscount came straight toward her to help her to the ground. "It is so good to see you"

"You too, my Lord" Pen nodded at Kate "It is an honour to formally meet the beautiful lady that won Lord Bridgerton's heart"

Kate smiled to her "The honour is all mine, Miss Featherington. I have heard so much about you"

Pen was tired of correcting everyone she had spoken to. So she simply said "Thank you. I hear that you are a tough component when it comes to Pall Mall. Is it true that Anthony let you have the 'Mallet of Death"

"Let her?" Anthony barked. Kate laughed hysterically "It is his favourite. What a child!" she laughed again. Anthony face told her that she would regret that statement that night. She just tilted her head. Feeling proud of herself.

"On a visit many years ago, I had to witness him threatening to beat Colin with it" Pen chuckled.

Antony shook his head, looking at Pen deadpan "Do not make me regret the invitation" he scorned, although his smile sneaked in. He regarded these two ladies. He put on his best sarcastic tone "What a challenging evening this will be"

Both ladies laughed at his expense and made their way through the entrance.

Pen entered the grand hall. Had it really been so long. The scent hit her first. Clearly the meal was already being prepared. It made Pens stomach grumble. Which she hid rather well.

"How is your sister, Edwina. Will she be in attendance. I had met her previously at one of Lady Danbury's soiree's"

"Unfortunately, she is travelling. I do miss her so much"

"Perhaps she can travel with Colin on his next adventure"

Their eyes looked at her sorrowfully.

Pen cleared her throat "Apologies, have I said something wrong?" when Pen apologised, she really meant it. Their faces were of confusion. Was something a miss.

"Well, Miss Penelope.." Kate looked to Anthony for his assistance. Anthony shook his head, noticing Kates expression "Yes. Well" he quickly realised he could use another excuse for their confusion "Edwina is engaged"

"Thats wonderful. There is no need to be so awkward. That is good news"

"Edwina has not told many yet" Kate lied. She could not tell Pen that Colin was going to propose before she fled, to go knows where.

"Oh I see. Well, I will keep the secret to myself until it is announced"

"PENELOPE!!" she heard a thud of feet making their way down the stairs. Before Pen had a moment to react. Hyacinth and Gregory had their arms around her with a thud.

"You are here!" Hyacinth declared. Gregory had the same excited tone "We need your assistance!"

"Certainly!" Pen exclaimed "Lead the way!" Pen gestured.

They pulled her along the corridor. Anthony put his arm around Kate secretively "He has not told her" Kate looked at him stern "Apparently not. Bridgerton men and their feelings!" she scorned.

"What does that mean?" he spoke sharply. She huffed "Only when you fear loosing someone, do you step up"

"That is not what happened" he didn't really believe the words that came out his mouth. By Kates expression. Kate did not not believe him either. He leaned forward and kissed her. She pulled back frowning "I think you have lost this round, my Lord"

Kate and Anthony loved to bicker. They were both competitive in their lives and their love making. They challenge each other on a daily basis, making them wonderful at advise but you would not want to be stuck in a room with both of them when they want to, well, make a beast with two back. So to speak.

Pen was pulled into the drawing room. She nearly lost her footing the way she was dragged.

Gregory gestured her at the chair "Sit!" Hyacinth cleared her throat. Making Gregory finish "Please"

Pen sat and looked up at them both "Well, are you going to give me a hint or am I to throttle it out of you!" She looked in between them.

Gregory spoke softly "Hyacinth is having some issues with her language lessons and I was told NOT to assist her. So I"

"We" corrected Hyacinth "Would like you to help me" her eyebrows furrowed "Please"

"Very well. Bring me the book in question" she was surprised when it was behind Hyacinths back "Take a seat. Both of you"

Pen sat with the children either side, explained the vowels, and how the syllables sometimes flow off the tongue. They were watching her intently as if she were their own governess.

They did not, however notice that the family were slowly walking in. Each of them watching Pen in disbelief. Anthony felt something strange, a similar feeling that their mother had. That she was meant to be in their family. She was part of them whether she liked it or not. Colin drank tea, with two much of a slurp. Making Pen's face look up with a jolt. They were all watching her. Gregory put his hands on the table "She was not helping my sister"

"She certainly was not, she was just reading with me, is all. You cannot blame her"

"No you cannot" Greg echoed.

Pen stood up "I am sorry, I did not mean to oversee your governess"

Gregory felt he had to defend the poor lady, he had held against her will. After all was said and done, this was his idea. His fault "She is rather smart"

"Very smart!" Hyacinth corrected Gregory.

Colins eyebrow twitched "She is" The room grew quiet, Colins gaze was on Pen's. She quickly looked down to swallow hard.

Violet interrupted the children to diminish this uncomfortable silence that seemed to have got larger "Dinner is served"

Pen smiled up to her "Thank you, Lady Bridgerton"

Violet asked everyone to leave and make their way to the dinner hall. "Penelope and I will join you in a moment" Colin left, but his mother could read her sons expression that her son did not want to leave her. Not after the longing glances she had noticed, of late.

Violet closed the door after them, not wanting to be heard. She sat opposite Penelope reaching out for her hand.

"Dearest, how are you feeling. Any sickness?" Pen was surprised and glad that Violet avoided hinting at her condition in front of her family.

"I was a little nauseous, but your youngest seemed to have distracted me enough for the sickness to leave"

"I am glad" Violet squeezed her hand a little "Do not apologise for being kind to my children. I know they think a lot of you. It is like you are family, in earnest"

"That is lovely to hear"

"Promise me, never to hide" she touched her chin motherly "You are a breath of fresh air in this home. Edmund would have thought so, to be sure and he was the greatest judge of character"