"I found a love, for me
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me"
Perfect by Ed Sheeran
London. Early morning. The Queen's Residence.
The Queen sat in her exquisite chair, holding the latest issue of Lady Whistledown's column in front of her. Her face was furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line. After a few moments, she lowered the paper and stared at the young woman standing before her.
"And you think your queen deserves to learn of such news from a column? Alongside everyone else?" Her voice was as sharp as a dagger, her gaze never leaving Penelope.
Penelope stood with a slight hunch, a tense expression on her face. She swallowed nervously, searching for the right words.
"I... it was a surprise for me too, Your Majesty. But I made sure you received the column first. So you were the first to know... after me and Colin," she replied, trying to sound confident.
The Queen raised an eyebrow, her gaze becoming even more penetrating.
"Hmm. How thoughtful of you, Miss Featherington," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Penelope tried to collect herself, lifting her chin, while the Queen continued.
"If you haven't forgotten, after the end of the season, you are to accompany me on a journey. But I don't just want you collecting gossip and reporting on social events for me." She leaned forward, her voice lowering to a near whisper. "I need you to be my eyes and ears at court. My secret agent, keeping me informed about all things concerning my children's personal affairs."
She continued, her intense gaze fixed on Penelope:
"They too often resist my wishes, evade my instructions, and try to hide their intentions. But if I want to see them produce heirs quickly, I need to know everything happening in their lives. You could say that now the future of my children, and perhaps the future of the crown, depends on you. You wouldn't want that future to be put at risk, would you?"
Penelope swallowed hard and quickly nodded:
"By no means, Your Majesty. Of course, I remember my duty and will be there. I haven't had time to think through every detail yet, but I promise to find a solution."
The Queen offered a faint smile, though her gaze remained piercing.
"Best you do so quickly. I have said that your personal relationships do not concern me, but I cannot allow all of Mayfair to find out who Lady Whistledown is and deprive me of the pleasure of receiving information about all court subjects. So decide how much you trust your future husband to reveal this secret to him," her voice was measured, but it carried an underlying threat.
Penelope took a step toward the door, preparing to leave the room, but the Queen stopped her again:
"And yes, Miss Featherington," she added with a smile, "I must admit, I don't entirely understand your family's obsession with the third Bridgerton, but I approve nonetheless. Although, personally, I prefer the second one. Quite as talented, but less predictable."
Penelope couldn't help but smile, and, making a deep curtsy, she headed for the exit.
Breakfast at the Bridgerton House. The Great Hall.
The Bridgerton family gathered around the large table. The cheerful hum of voices filled the room, the scent of freshly baked buns and hot tea creating an atmosphere of comfort. Everyone was present except for Benedict and Colin.
YOU ARE READING
Reflections of the choices
Fanfiction״I fell in love with him at first sight. From the very first day. And I continued to love him always, even when he didn't pay me any attention. I waited and hoped that he would choose me when we grew older. But he chose not me, but my cousin. And my...
