Linger in love

(41) Return to Fairaway House

The door opened with a large smile "Lady Fairaway, you are home" the poor gentleman looked relieved to see the mistress. Without a Lord or Lady in the home. It must have been unbelievably quiet. He looked a little disheveled. Concerned even. Pen noticed and stepped forward to embrace the man. That both shocked him and her company.

Penelope smile as she pulled away "Mr Gavin. We have two guest, The Viscount and Viscountess Bridgerton. Would you be so kind to make up a table for them?"

"Certainly" he nodded at Pen. Then at the couple "Please come in. I will take your coats"

Anthony was overwhelmed by the friendly demeanour of the staff here. What a wonderful household they must have led. It was strange to see such a friendly gesture between Pen and the footman. But he must have been there for her after the Lords passing.

Mr Gavin, set them up a lovely spread of sandwiches and cakes for them to nibble at and make themselves at home.

"I hope you do not mind m'aam but I have written a letter to the Lords best friend David. He has assured me that if you require assistance, he will be more than happy to help"

"Thankyou. What would I do without you?"

"Nothing that you could not do on your own"

She smile softened "You sound like Tommy" her head went down. She felt pressure on her hand. She had no idea Kate had sat by her side to hold it.

"Well he was an outstanding judge of character M'lady. Please call if you need anything" Gavin spoke sweetly. Kate nodded at him "That he was"

The walls felt like they were closing in on Pen. The house seemed to shrink with his absence. Echoes of their conversations in this very room. His adoring remarks to her. The way his laughter echoed around the room. The way he would catch her just above her hip and tickle her on the seater before his passions took over.

She looked to the wall. Not long ago Tommy pushed her against it, reminding her for must have felt like the hundredth time, how beautiful she is. He made her heart swell up twice its size every time he did such.

Anthony's voice broke her thoughts. "We are here. Whatever you need"

She shook her memories away, her voice slightly cracked "Thankyou both"

Gavin looked to him, I have a mountain of paperwork in his study, I have not been able to enter since his passing"

Anthony stood up "Lead the way"

With that he left Pen with the Viscountess.

"Well. Mr Gavin is a breath of fresh air I dare say. I have not seen any other staff though" Kate noticed.

"That is because Tommy had none"

Kate's eyes widened "Only one person to manage your home?" Kate had never heard of such a thing.

"He did not wish anyone to see him ill. Mr Gavin had been with him since his parents died. So trusted him with everything including his finances"

"That's highly irregular"

Pen laughed "That's Tommy"

Mr Gavin informed them that a Mr Norton had come by the home throwing false accusations about the Lord and Lady's marriage. Even so far as accusing the Lady of entrapping him and killed him.

After Mr Gavin told him to leave the grounds repeatedly, he had to call the ladyship back to defend herself and the marriage.

He hated forcefully bringing Pen back home with this situation but he felt he had no other choice. The poor Lady, he knew how difficult this would be for her. Coming home so soon.

After many hours in the study. Anthony returned to the small drawing room looking worse for wear. He held some paper to show proof of the wedding and doctor's notes. Tommy may not have been good at his organisation skills. But he indeed kept everything. Kate and Pen were on their fourth cup of tea and looking anxious.

Talking about Tommy was hard for Pen, little flickers of memories hitting her. More so now that she was in their home. His scent still lingers. His gloves still on the table. Brown leather. Without thinking of her company she picked them up. Breathed them in. She let a tear fall.

She looked startled "Apologies, I was in my own thoughts"

Kate reached for her hand "You are allowed to mourn. Everyone is. How dare this man accuse you of such things. If Anthony wouldn't kick the hell out of him. I certainly will!"

Pen chuckled, at Kate, defender of the innocent "If Tommy was still alive he would have beat the man to an inch of his life for even sullying my name"

"He sounded amazing" her warm smile faded a little. Pen was starting to look more worn out the longer she was in the house.

"He was. Truly"

Anthony spoke cautiously "Mr Norton is due this evening to question you, Mr Gavin has informed me. We will stay with you. I refuse to leave you alone with such a monster. Is that clear"

Pen nodded. She had never seen Anthony's face so stern. She felt that if she denied his request, she would regret it.

They sat, mostly in silence. Anthony exchanged looks with Kate. Being in the home seemed rather intrusive. But Pen was glad for their company, he could see it on her face. She would never have made it here on her own. It took great courage for her to reach out to him. Very brave. His sibling always wanted to deal with their own problems. Pen was different, she may not be a Bridgerton but he could not help but feel in some way, she always was.

He found her demeanour and smart wit somehow similar to his mothers and Hyacinths.

Mr Gavin opened the door reluctantly "He is here, m'lady. What room would like to receive him?" He knew there was no 'like' about it.

"The large study, Mr Gavin" Gavin nodded, but she could see in his eyes that this was as difficult for him as it was for her. He felt like family as well and she was certain Tommy felt the same.

"Very well, m'aam"

He left the room.

Anthony stood and pulled Pen up and gave her hand a brotherly squeeze. A reminder she was not alone.

"You ready?"

She smartened her dress "Let the battle commence"

Kate tilted her head at Anthony. Raising her eyebrows in agreement.