Penelope Bridgerton, formally known as Penelope Featherington, was having a walk together with her sisters, Prudence and Philippa.
The three newly Mothers, were enjoying a much deserved sisters time with each other as their mother decided to take care of their children for today, so the three girls can feel normal for a little while.
"Should we go see if the modiste has anything new?" Philippa asked, "I was about to suggest the same thing actually!" Penelope said.
"Why not, she's on our way... might as well visit her shop." Prudence replied.
"You know! We should do this more often! Go on walks just us three! No mama no babies!" Philippa said giggling, "Oh god yes! I cannot believe I made it so far, who knew children are this much annoying, Ugh!" Prudence replied.
Penelope smiled, "Well I personally find it really enjoyable so far...motherhood I mean." She said.
Rolling her eyes, "Says the esteemed author herself! You always have someone looking out for your child when you write, so you have more breaks from those little troublemakers than what we do." Prudence replied.
"What did you expect, her son is future Lord Featherington, of course he has more people looking after him!" Philippa said, "You two are exaggerating." Penelope replied chuckling.
"Well not as much as they are exaggerating!" Prudence said pointing at two people.
Penelope and Philippa turned Their heads to see something unexpected unfolding just steps outside madam Delacroix's shop.
A well-built dirty blonde haired man was carrying a Tan woman in a green dress over his right shoulder while his left hand carried a cane, the tan woman was cursing and swearing at the man, punching his back trying to free herself but she wasn't successful.
"BLOODY HELL UNHAND ME NOW YOU MAD MAN! DO YOU WISH TO DIE!"
"You can kill me later my lady, I'm not letting you wiggle out of this!" The man said and as soon as he reached madam Delacroix's door, he opened it and went inside with the woman still punching at him.
The whole street was watching, and Penelope watched as the same man exited the shop, now all by himself.
But few moments after he did, a group of surprised and somewhat frightened Mamas and daughters left the modiste shop in a hurry.
"Oh my! I wonder what happened there!" Prudence said almost laughing.
But Penelope was worried, for some reason she felt the need to do something so she hurried towards the shop, her sister saw her rush and rushed to go with her.
...Few moments ago...
As Clara was in the shop speaking with Genevieve, Wolfgang started glaring at Safa, "What is wrong with you?!" He asked.
"Who?! Me?! You are the one glaring daggers at me!" Safa replied.
"Seriously?! Do you really plan to let that poor anxiety riddled girl ridicule herself because you don't want to be seen by the Ton?!" Wolfgang said.
Rolling her eyes, "We already agreed on this!" Safa replied.
"I was hoping since you Asked for your cane, that you would actually go into the shop yourself!" Wolfgang said eyeing the walking stick by Safa's side.
Surprised, "I thought you do not want me to be walking!" Safa asked, "I was going to make an exception today if you had went into the shop with Clara!" He replied.
Scoffing, "Do you ever stick to one opinion! Goodness you are so annoying today! Look how silent Denver is, your negativity is affecting the poor puppy." She said pointing at Denver who was oddly quite.
By now, Wolfgang has had enough.
He grabbed the dog and went outside the carriage, "Where are you going?!" Safa asked.
But he ignored her, and as soon as he exited the carriage he gave Denver to the confused driver who was so taken by surprise he didn't protest having a dog shoved into his embrace.
Once he secured the dog, Wolfgang got back into the carriage and without warning, grabbed Safa's cane, "Hey! What do you think you are doing! Give it back!" Safa nearly shouted at him.
But Wolfgang didn't care, despite having one hand occupied, he reached for Safa and grabbed her from the waist.
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR GODDAMN MIND WOLFGANG?!" Safa cried out as Wolfgang pulled her out of the carriage and threw her over his shoulder like she weights nothing.
"You are going into that shop whether you like it or not!" Wolfgang replied and started walking towards the shop.
Safa began punching him repeatedly, "YOU! TURN BACK NOW! LET ME GO!"
"I suggest you start calming down my Lady."
"BLOODY HELL UNHAND ME NOW YOU MAD MAN! DO YOU WISH TO DIE!"
"You can kill me later my lady, I'm not letting you wiggle out of this!" Wolfgang said and pushed the shop's door open.
Clara was mortified, she saw and heard everything through the glass, she gasped alongside the Mamas and daughters that were standing behind her, even Genevieve was standing with them now watching, and when Wolfgang opened the door, Clara looked at him with wide eyes.
"Wolfgang what are you doing?!" Clara asked.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, ladies." Wolfgang replied before he put Safa back on her feet, "I'm sorry to you too my lady, but you need to understand I'm doing this for you." He added handing Safa her cane.
Safa wasn't screaming anymore but she was glaring with big open eyes, she felt a deep urge to beat the shit out of the man for what he has just done but she managed to hold back, and she turned to look away from Wolfgang as she said.
"Out of my sight, I do not wish to see you at the moment."
Although he was hurt by the fact that she was angry at him, Wolfgang acknowledged this was his fault so he put on a brave face and said, "I understand, I'll be by the carriage Until you're done my Lady." He said and then turned with a smile to look at Genevieve, "Forgive the commotion I just caused, I wish you a lovely day." He said before he left the shop.
Once her manservant was gone, "We will be back later!" One Mama said before she dragged her daughter with her, and right after every other Mama dragged her girls leaving only Safa, Clara and Genevieve standing inside the shop.
"Safa, are you alright? Why did Wolfgang bring you here?!" Clara asked, she was afraid Safa might faint again just like what happened with lady Danbury.
But to her surprise, Safa was now much calmer as she curiously eyed the inside of the shop, and its owner.
"Is she the friend you wanted me to speak to?" Genevieve asked to which Clara nodded to.
Sighing, "So you are madam Delacroix?" Safa asked.
"Yes..."
"I apologize for that man's actions...I see that we scared your customers away."
Genevieve nodded, "Well hopefully they'll be back later." She said, "By the way... you don't seem shy at all." She added with a smile.
"And you are unusually calm, I would have expected that you would ask us to leave after the mess we just caused." Safa replied.
Chuckling lightly, "To be honest...I was feeling bored you just saved me, i enjoy my work, but I usually always get the same type of customers." Genevieve said.
Suddenly, The shop door opened again, The three ladies turned to be met with Penelope and her two sisters standing by the door.
"Genevieve is everything alright?!" Penelope asked immediately.
"Penelope! I mean Mrs Bridgerton!" Genevieve said surprised to see her friend.
Surprised as well, "Penelope? As in the Featherington girl?" Safa asked, "Isn't she Mister Colin Bridergton's Wife?!" Clara whispered in Safa's ear.
Penelope was suddenly feeling embarrassed, she barged into the shop without much thinking.
"Umm, yes?" Penelope said.
Clara almost squealed, "Oh my god! It's lady whistledown!...I...read your column!...oh my god!...I didn't think I would freak out this much upon meeting her!" She said giggling nervously.
Rolling her eyes, "Ugh, great another whistledown enthusiast...you know pen, Phillipa and I will head to the ice cream shop, once you're done with whatever this is, come join us!" Prudence said and dragged a reluctant Philippa away with her.
When she saw her sisters leave, "Maybe I should leave as well...I do not know for sure what made me come here, I guess I saw a lady in distress and thought I could help, but you seem fine so...heh." Penelope said chuckling nervously.
"Thank you for your concern, that was just some silly dispute with my servant...he is like a brother to me honestly, he was just helping me do something I would not have done on my own." Safa replied sighing.
"Why did it take a man to carry you on his shoulder for you to come into my shop?" Genevieve asked.
"I suppose I owe you an explanation." Safa replied then she turned to look at Clara, "Go, have a look around and see what you like while I talk for a bit with the ladies." She said.
Happy, Clara nodded with a smile and began checking the fabrics on display.
...Few minutes later...
Astonished, "So you are the woman who did the gun salute alongside lady Struat's nephew!" Penelope said.
The three ladies all sat together, talking among each other while Clara busied herself searching for what she wanted.
"When I read about the gun salute, I thought to myself only an exceptional woman would do such a thing! Did you know that everyone is talking about it? You and the Struats are celebrities at this point." Genevieve said smiling
"Huh funny, People barley knew of the Struats and now everyone is curious?" Safa replied.
"But why did you do the gun salute?" Genevieve asked.
"I just did what lady Struat did once for my family, when they died." Safa replied, "And before you start giving me words of sympathy, worry not it was long ago, no need to comfort me." She added
Nodding, "I see..." Genevieve said, "To be honest, had my husband not been the one the one to inform me about the gun salute, I would have had a hard time believing it actually happened, it was such a bold and poetic gesture." Penelope stated.
"By the way, why did you not publish my name? I assume your husband told you about me, did he not?" Safa asked Penelope.
"Colin did not tell me everything, he just mentioned you as a family friend to the Struats, he also asked me to be as vague as possible about the whole situation, he was worried about his friend even though it seemed like Mister Kainz did not care about what I wrote." Penelope replied.
"Huh, I see...well it all worked well in the end." Safa said.
"I may not know the reason why you wish to hide from the Ton, but I understand you.
I was just like you once, hiding in the shadows Until I found my place in the light, and I hope you find your place soon enough just like I did, Miss Vega." Penelope replied with a sweet smile.
Smiling back, "Thank you...you are as kind as I imagined you to be, however I am doubtful, I cannot see myself fit anywhere in this country...
I know I am not the only woman living my kind of struggles, but I just feel like hiding is the safest option." Safa said.
"Well I think you're wrong, I have no doubt that you will find your place soon, however for now, let's find you the perfect fabric to make you that gown, because I see your friend has already made her choice which means you're next." Genevieve said as she pointed at Clara who excitedly checked a Royal blue fabric with silver pattern.
"There is no escape then." Safa stood-up reluctantly.
Fun fact: When it comes to making dyed fabrics and textiles, China has led the way as one of the first places in history to starting dyeing textiles, that was around 5000 years ago! They used natural dyes from insects and plants to produce vividly colour silks and linens.
Knocking few times, "Young master? Can I come in? I brought you something to eat?" Gertrude called as she stood by the workshop's door, she was pushing a cart carrying some refreshments for Fabian.
He has been inside that room all by himself for hours already, and she was feeling a bit worried about him, so Gertrude decided to use the tea and cake she brought as an excuse to check on his wellbeing.
"COME IN!" Fabian replied.
Smiling, Gertrude opened the door and began pushing the cart inside, her cheerful expression soon turned into a mischievous one as she grinned at Fabian.
He was standing by the working table, wearing a red apron and his hands were gloved while he worked on something diligently.
"That apron fits well." Gertrude said.
Still with his view focused on what he's working on, "What? Sorry I was not listening?" Fabian replied.
"I said the apron fits well, you and the late Lord do have similar builts." Gertrude said.
"I am taller than him." Fabian said proudly, "And apparently even more arrogant as well." Gertrude mumbled.
"Sorry Gertie, I did not hear you once more?"
"Nothing, I was just wondering...what is that in your hands?"
Fabian smiled at her question, "I thought this would turn out to be boring, but I am taking a liking to this wood crafting thing.
See for yourself, I just made a small boat!" Fabian said excitedly like a little boy as he handed Gertrude a simple enough but pretty neatly crafted boat, the size of his hand.
"You just made this, on your own?" Gertrude was amazed.
"Yes! Well done for a first time? Is it not!" Fabian replied.
"Young master this is actually...brilliant! You might've found a hidden talent of yours!"
"I have decided I will practice every chance I get from now on, I want to be able to make A present for Safa as soon as possible! I want to see her smile when she receives it!" Fabian said without realizing at first, but when Gertrude gave him a confused look, his face turned red.
Embarrassed, "Did I say the last part...out loud?" He asked and she nodded.
"Sorry that was not meant for your ears..." He said.
Sighing, "Listen young master...I'd like to warn you about something." Gertrude spoke-up, handing the boat back to Fabian.
"About What?"
"You already know that lady Vega has decided to stay away from the marriage market."
"I do..."
"So don't do this to yourself."
"Do what Gertie."
"Get your hopes up, chasing after a girl who has no need for a husband." She said, "It is my fault we are having this conversation, I suppose.
I made it that obvious that I was charmed by Safa..." Fabian said, "But I do not plan on chasing her...she might be what I desire now but not what I need.
Not to mention, we are both tragic individuals, I cannot see us united in happiness." He added looking down at his boat with a sad smile.
Sighing again, "I'm just doing my job as your servant, however... Should you both, not just one of you but both you and Safa have a change of heart at the same time and decided to get married, i want you to know my opinion on such Union which i believe would also be the opinion of your late aunt..." Gertrude said.
Curious, Fabian turned to look at Gertrude, "What opinion? My aunt had an opinion about Safa and me?"
"Yes, I think you two would be perfect for one another...i know it's not the healthiest thing to say but I believe you two would be able to heal each other and find happiness, should you both choose to seek it." Gertrude replied.
Blushing, "Oh...I see, I shall keep that in mind." Fabian said.
"Anyhow, eat something, I shall go continue my duties but when i come back again to check on you, I expect at least one eaten piece of cake." Gertrude replied with stern voice before she walked away.
Once she left, Fabian laughed a little, "Haha! What a woman, my Aunt must have adored her." He mumbled to himself before he glanced once more at his boat then at the whole room.
"I do not know if you can hear me, Lord Struat, I still think you were an annoying prick, but thank you for this room..."
...Some time later...
"James?"
"Safa?"
When the carriage carrying Wolfgang and the two girls stopped at Safa's estate, the trio descended from the ride only to find another carriage was already waiting there.
James has just arrived some minutes before the group, but when he noticed that the doors were all locked and no one seems to be inside, he became worried and waited there, hoping that the three just went on a late carriage ride to breath some fresh air.
But the sun was about to set, did they really go on a carriage ride?
"I apologize, did you wait for too long?" Safa asked, but James was busy staring at Clara in her disguise.
While carrying Denver in his arms, "James! I'm sorry I didn't leave you any note or something, I thought you won't be back until well into the night." Wolfgang spoke-up.
"Why are you outside, dressed like this?" James asked Clara.
She smiled nervously as she said, "Safa lent me her things...and then, We went to that famous modiste, Madam Delacroix!"
"My modiste recommended her, and since Clara was eager to have a day at the modiste, we took her there...is there a problem with that?" Safa asked while eyeing James's dumbfounded expression carefully.
Wolfgang can easily see that James was not doing well, so he gave Denver to a confused Clara and said "James, come with me for a second to the garden." before he approached the redhead and started dragging him away.
"Huh, what a strange reaction, I thought that he of all would start flirting relentlessly with you once he sees you all dolled up." Safa said to Clara, "Who?James? He never outright flirted with me to be honest, sometimes he would compliment me but it's often silly innocent compliments like, 'Clara you're so smart!' or 'Clara you're adorable.'...but he also he apologizes." Clara replied.
"Apologizes? What for?"
"Like yesterday, when he apologized because Wolfgang and I did the dishes while you and James talked...he must've been ashamed that we had to clean while he sat comfortably, since we're all supposed to be friends now."
surprised, "James apologizes to you when you do your job as a maid?" Safa asked.
"Not everytime I do my job, but almost every apology he gave was while I was cleaning or doing my work...at first he was apologizing a lot and I think it's because of how young I was, everyone else was mature and old and I was 16 when I started.
He must've felt bad for me.
But after a while, his apologies became less frequent although he Still gives them from time to time, I guess it became a habit for him." Clara explained, she looked down at Denver who started back at her with big eyes making her laugh.
"How peculiar...Anyhow, James would not be James without his peculiarity.
Come, let us go inside the house, I cannot wait to rest my feet, I need my full strength before I decide what punishment I will be giving Wolfgang for the stunt he pulled earlier." Safa said earning a giggle from Clara.
"Aww c'mon the boy meant well! Please let him off the hook this time! You already refused to talk to him the whole ride!" Clara replied smiling.
"I see that You are using your cuteness against me, but I will not be falling for your charms this time, I am adamant about making him pay!" Safa said.
"WOOF!" Denver barked and startled growling at Safa.
"Hehe, Denver doesn't like you talking about punishing his Papa." Clara said giggling.
...Meanwhile...
Why did you bring me here?" James asked, "You were acting strange again." Wolfgang replied.
Sighing, "I'm sorry, it just... Clara never left my side for the past 6 years without me knowing where she is exactly, so I wasn't expecting her to be gone anywhere when I came back." James said.
"She was with me and Safa, besides...You do realize that she is her own person? Clara I mean? Just because she's your maid doesn't mean she has to stay put until you give her permission to go anywhere!" Wolfgang replied.
"I'm well aware of that, I was just worried about her and then I saw her in that dress..."
"I don't understand, you knew she was going to get a gown sooner or later because of Safa, why were you surprised that Clara was wearing an actual gown?"
"Nothing Wolf...I was just surprised because she seemed pretty in that dress..." James replied.
"James, why are you always so caring about her? I've seen how you treat other servants, you're always professional and you keep a distance with them, but Clara... you've always been invested in her.
Does this have something to do with the secret you've been harboring?" Wolfgang asked.
"Wolf... Now is not the time."
"When is time then James? When this whole thing ends up bursting in your face?"
"I'm sorry, I'm really tired I want to rest." James said, "Fine! You can go rest, but I'm going to remind you, that I'm here for you, if you wish to finally unburden yourself from that secret." Wolfgang replied.
"I know..."
"Then, come, let's go inside...I probably have a punishment waiting for me."
"What for?" James asked, "Safa refused to go into madam Delacroix's shop so I threw her over my shoulders and carried her there, and put her inside with Clara." Wolfgang replied.
Surprised, "You did what?! How are you alive?!" James asked.
"I don't know, it's a miracle she didn't kick me out of the carriage...I thought she would at least try to stab me with the cane." Wolfgang replied.
Sniggering, "Hehe, Sounds like you three had quite the day." James said, "We did, Clara was the happiest I've ever seen her today." Wolfgang replied.
"Thank you Wolf."
"For what..."
"I know it's out of your control, but thank you for loving me...your feelings have brought us together this way." James said.
Blushing, "You're really behaving oddly today." Wolfgang replied.
As the color of sky has changed to its last shade of pink before it began darkening, the sun was almost gone now and James gave it a one last long look, "This moment, right here, with you, is all I could ever need right now." He said sighing.
"For a man who isn't sure of his own feelings, you sure do know how to make my feelings stronger for you..." Wolfgang replied with a defeated smile.
Suddenly, he was puzzled when James approached him and wrapped an arm around his waist pulling him closer, their faces were now almost touching.
"James...!"
Wolfgang could hear both their hearts banging in his ears, James was as nervous and as excited as he was.
"Can I kiss you now...or is it still too early Wolf..." James asked.
With a shy nod, "Go ahead." Wolfgang whispered.
...Meanwhile...
"Oh my god! Safa come quick! Hurry!" Said Clara who was spying on the couple from the drawing room's window with Denver in her arms, "What now?!" Safa asked and approached the window.
Despite the dark taking over the sky, The two ladies were able to witness as James and Wolfgang kissed passionately without a care in the world,
"WOOF! WOOF!" Denver barked loudly.
"Shush! I know your Papas are kissing but don't be so loud! They might hear you and stop!" Clara replied.
Grunting, "Dammit, now I lost motivation to punish him! UGH!" Safa said.
Fun fact: Lips are very sensitive because they are filled with nerve endings even more than the neck. That is also why kissing sparks a chemical reaction of neurotransmitters and hormones which is comparable to the response to bungee jumping, working out and taking drugs. Your heart starts beating faster and your breathing becomes deeper.
mwah!
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