The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 4 - Friends?

Penelope couldn't wait to see the Bridgertons. All of them. Although she didn't know how she would deal with Colin and El. But she would cross that bridge when she got to it, physically and mentally. The Palladian Bridge was a work of beauty. There was nothing more relaxing then looking down at the stream below.

Her mama would never allow her a private moment to breathe in the beauty. A lady should only ever promenade looking for suitor. She would be with Benedict though, so perhaps she would be allowed to take in the scenery.

She would take Rae, instead of her own family, at least then she wouldn't feel so stressed. Feeling her mama's judging eyes on her like a constipated tree frog.

Pen wore a grey dress, with a purple shawl, draped over her arms.

Benedict ran to her as soon as he saw her.

"Pen!"

"Benedict" she looked around, not seeing his family "How far did you run?"

"Not far!" his breathing rapid

She gave a small giggle "The glow in your cheeks says otherwise"

He smiled between the rasped breaths. "Exercise is good for you, I hear"

She smiled at his exhausted demeanor "You will be glad to know my family is not here, so you can put the Master Rakington away"

"But I practised some lines in front of the mirror, just for you" Pen was finding his defeated pout rather adorable.

She laughed "Fair enough. Go on then. Impress me" she sounded unphased.

He opened a small notebook and cleared his throat "Miss Featherington, my Penelope"

Penelope already looked impressed and he hadn't even started yet "Strong start"

"Thank you" he smirked "Now may I continue" his attempted gruff tone was very attractive.

She nodded her approval.

"The angels themselves dropped their wings at you feet for they had not seen such a beautiful delicate creature in all the heavens above. With hair of sunsets, eyes of deep waters and lips as rosy as a rose bud coming into bloom"

Pen's eye's went wide, her breathing deeper. She was amazed at his beautiful words. Ben was feeling pretty proud of himself, he continued.

"You are the reason men will fight for your favour, the reason why mens mouths forget to breath and the only reason why minds become muddled in your mere presence. Men will admire you. I admire you. Your wit and you, Penelope, being the most clever and wondrous lady in the room. You are a goddess"

"errr" Penelope, was at a loss for words. Which confused Benedict dramatically. He unintentionally touched her shoulder "Are you well, Pen?"

She nodded. But he still wasn't satisfied "Too much?"

"No no, if you said that to any woman" she cleared her throat "err.. lady. They would do pretty much anything you would like?"

"Anything?"

"Yes well I, if a man spoke those words to me I think I would want to marry him there and then"

"Truly, but Pen they are merely words"

"No they are not. They are perfect words" Pen eyes looked glassy. "Apologies, I never get compliments, so using me as a test got to me, I suppose"

"Oh Pen, you will get all the attention you deserve. I know it!"

She took a big breath to calm her nerves "So who is the lucky lady, you will try the speech with"