Intention

Chapter 9: The Announcement

All I am gonna say is.. nothing. Sorry for the very long wait, it has been a long year..Ps. I hope to write more frequently. Here's hoping. Next chapter will focus on Pen more. Ps 2: I always had this convo in mind between Robert and a certain someone that shows up later. It may be a bit hard to believe but hey, you do know me, I like to twist arcs and storylines to benefit my laziness! :)

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It was not his intention to read the newspaper carefully. He was not really paying attention, but rather aimlessly leafing through it out of boredom. It was an unusually warm day in May, and it made him feel sluggish, bored, and uninspired to do anything. Robert had picked up the newspaper, forgetting that he had deliberately not opened it for the last few days so as not to come across what he thought he would see. It was a foolish move because a wave of irritation immediately washed over him when he read...

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT

'Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton will be married this Sunday, the 25th of May, at St. James' Church. The joyous couple..."

He did not read any further.

When he regained the ability to think again, Robert concluded that he should be happy for her. It was clear that she had had feelings for him for several years, even though that idiot had not noticed. Robert could not understand how the man could have been so oblivious, and somehow that made his dislike for Colin even greater. He had already felt that way when, a summer or two ago, he had asked out of curiosity what exactly was going on between Colin and Penelope, and the former had replied, 'I would never, ever court Penelope Featherington.'

He had never spoken to Penelope at the time, but somehow the answer had irritated him, and he didn't like that he had made that comment about the girl who stood miserably in a corner of the room at every ball, waiting for him to make a move, waiting for him while he danced with one attractive debutante after another.

Robert supposed that was when his resentment towards Colin had begun. Nevertheless, he could not help but admit that it was a good match. The Bridgerton's were a nice, upstanding family. He was sure Penelope would be thrilled to be a part of said family. For her, it was a win-win situation; her honour was 'saved,' although there was not anything to save. He had already planned to do the honourable thing and marry her. But now Colin could play the knight in shining armour, and he hated that.

Robert threw the newspaper into a corner and stood up. Suddenly, the room felt even more stifling, and he had to leave. He stood up and stormed out of the room, racing past his confused butler.

'Going out, Sir?' Robert heard, but a few seconds later he was already out the door. He walked into Hyde Park but had completely forgotten that today was Sunday, also known as "Promenade Day," as he mockingly called it. He thoroughly disliked this day because, despite his reputation, there was always a desperate mother with her young, impressionable daughter who would approach him and invite him to some insufferable soirée he had no interest in attending. He turned around to leave quickly, but unfortunately, he had already been spotted.

'Fife! 'He heard, and he turned back automatically.

'It's been a while"' said the man who came towards him.

Not long enough, thought Fife, because he had seen the man recently as he had encountered him in a gentleman's club Robert rarely went to. Nigel being there was enough reason to never visit that establishment again.

'Berbrooke, good to see you,' Robert lied.

Rumour had it that Daphne Hastings, then Bridgerton had knocked out Nigel a few years ago when he got touchy-feely with her, which she did not appreciate. Nigel had walked around with a glorious black eye for weeks afterwards. Robert suspected that, given Nigel's despicable character, the incident had taken place and his respect for Daphne had grown, because this man was indeed extremely punchable.