Chapter Text
Rae had often wondered what it must be like to be a lady of the Ton. With their elaborate attires, endless balls and strict social rules, she figured some parts of it might be fun, at least.
She was, after all, a domestic servant and as such her life consisted of chores, there was always something that must be mended, prepared, executed. And yet she didn’t quite mind. Her life, though ordinary, was a calm one. At the end of the previous season, she received a letter from her mama’s dear cousin asking her to leave Kew for London, the family she worked for was in need of a lady’s maid for the youngest mistress of the house.
And so, she made the trip and had joined a family of somewhat respectable social standing soon after.
The Featheringtons, with their penchant for flamboyance and a seemingly unbreakable love for dresses the colors of ripe citrus fruits, were not a bad family for her to have joined. She had heard horror stories of other maids around the Ton whose employers were abusive, and she was thankful that particular fate seemed to have evaded her.
The Featherington matriarch, Lady Portia, only wished for her three daughters to marry and had so far succeeded with the eldest two. There was only Miss Penelope left at home for Rae to help and look over. She quite liked her. She was kind, polite and terribly witty. And yet, despite having been born into it, she seemed as out of place in society as Rae and the rest of London’s servants were.
It was her third year in the marriage mart and with no prospects to show for it, it seemed she should be doomed to spinsterhood.
Dearest Gentle Reader, we have been apart for far too long.
Today was an important day, London’s high society was due back from their country estates, a new marriage season would open soon with the presentation of fresh-faced debutantes in front of Her Majesty, The Queen. An act in which yet another Bridgerton, Miss Francesca, would partake.
Rae learned very early on upon joining the Featherington household that for Miss Penelope, the Bridgertons had not only been important, but essential. Her mistress’s oldest friends, Mister Colin and Miss Eloise belonged to the family; Miss Penelope had spent so much time over the years at their main residence, Number Five, as was known amongst everyone, that she was allowed to go over for Sunday tea unchaperoned.
For years, Miss Penelope could be found at the arm of a Bridgerton, talking, walking, playing, laughing and even dancing.
And yet, for the past few months that routine had changed. Rae had heard from Mrs. Varley, her mama’s cousin and Featherington housekeeper, that at the end of the previous season, during the Featherington Ball, Miss Eloise had gone up to Miss Penelope’s bedchamber and the night had ended with the two misses having a falling out, one big enough in nature to require the lifelong friends halt speaking immediately and for Miss Penelope’s ransacked quarters to be put back together.
As for Mister Colin, he seemed to be in what she had learned had become an annual tradition of travelling the continent after the marriage season ended. Miss Penelope had received plenty of letters in the past 4 months from him, all stamped from a different destination.
Letters, Rae noticed, her mistress had not answered. Rae wasn’t exactly sure what had transpired between Miss Penelope and her two closest friends, but it seemed that all relations were cut at present.
The family was due back from the country any minute and Rae stood with the other staff, all decked in green, the Featherington House colors, on the front steps waiting for the carriage carrying Lady Portia and Miss Penelope. They were quite a large staff this season, with a lady’s maid, 2 housemaids, a scullery maid, a chef, a housekeeper, 2 valets, 2 footmen, and 3 coachmen. Rae sometimes thought they were far too many for as few people were left in the property, but she learned very early on that appearances were everything in the Ton, having a full staff gave the perception of stability, which for a family like the Featheringtons, who had been embroiled in more than one scandal over the last few seasons, was imperative.
Gambling addictions, a suspicious death, fraudulent investments, an out of wedlock pregnancy, a foiled marriage due to an attempt at entrapment, and the depletion of their funds, no one could say the Featheringtons had not experienced their share of falling from social graces.
But now they were back. Their debts paid thanks to Cousin Jack signing bequeathing the estate to the next-born male heir before running off the Americas, and the very well-timed death of dear Aunt Petunia, who seemed to have spent her life saving every penny she came across - as she had lived for many years, that meant she had saved quite a lot of pennies - restoring the family’s fortune yet again.
At last, London’s fashionable set has made its return.
“Here they come,” said Mrs. Varley, excitedly, “I can see the carriage, everyone look their best.”
The family carriage came to a stop in front of them; one of the valets helped Miss Penelope down as her mama followed suit.
“It’s good to be home.” Smiled Lady Featherington as she opened her cloak-covered arms.
Miss Penelope stood next to her mother with a sly smile, her brilliant blue eyes shifting to-and-fro as members of society walked around Grosvenor Square with the latest copy of Lady Whistledown in their hands, “It certainly is.”
And so too, has this author.
-
The next few days were spent with the ladies and their mother at the modiste, a new season meant new fashions. Lady Featherington came home time and time again with boxes from the shoppes they visited for the day.
It was Presentation Day and though by virtue of being out in society already Miss Penelope should not be expected to attend, she did seem keenly aware of the activities of the house across the square. Rae had seen her spend much of the last few days gazing out the sitting-room window in the direction of Number Five, book in hand. Almost as if she was waiting for something or someone. Hours upon hours of sitting there and glancing up from her book from time to time.
“I should like to go outside, mama, to the atrium,” called Miss Penelope suddenly, book promptly forgotten on the settee. Her mama simply waved her off and asked that Rae accompany her.
Miss Penelope was walking slowly, half-hiding with the help of the tall bushes in the atrium in the middle of the square. Rae had thought perhaps Miss Penelope had wanted to trade the settee for one of the benches to get closer to nature but as she watched her battle between being seen and remaining hidden she understood her mistress’s sudden need to go outside.
The front door to Bridgerton House was open, indicating the impending departure of the family to the castle for Miss Francesca’s presentation. Standing behind her, Rae could not see Miss Penelope’s face, but her body language spoke loudly enough for her to understand she was nervous, this would be the first time she would see her former best friend, as well as the family as a whole.
She watched as they descended the stairs and stood on the footpath, all dressed in the finest clothing and the highest of spirits. A rambunctious noise caught everyone’s attention, the youngest miss, whose name Rae believed was Hyacinth brought her arm to her face, focusing her gaze on the gaggle of ladies standing a few meters away.
From the group emerged a tall figure clad in clothing Rae found to be far too casual for the importance of the day. The tall figure wore a brown leather jacket that came down to his shins, it was unopened and flowed with his steps, making him look almost like a pirate. His boots, she noticed even from this distance, were unclean with dry mud. He could not have looked like he belonged to this family less. He said something she couldn’t hear to the group, and Miss Hyacinth, Viscount Bridgerton and Mister Benedict stepped forward to hug him.
Miss Penelope, Rae noticed, also stepped forward, as if she too wanted to be closer to this mysterious man but stopped herself, arms lying down beside her. She saw the man hug Miss Eloise and then look in the direction of Featherington House for a few seconds before his attention went back to his family. It was unclear to Rae if he had noticed her mistress, though her dress was certainly loud, the trees were very tall and may be effectively obscuring her.
Rae saw Miss Penelope hang her head briefly and take two steps back, once again retreating into the shadows.
She understood then that man must be Mr. Colin Bridgerton.
-
“I do not wish to see a citrus color ever again,” said Miss Penelope, irritation clear in her voice.
“Sour colors, indeed,” called the modiste as she draped a lilac fabric over her mistress’s shoulder.
That morning as she had entered Miss Penelope’s bedchamber to help her get ready for the day, Rae found the young woman shoving her dresses in a box. “I cannot keep wearing these dresses Rae,” she had exclaimed upon seeing her, “please ensure they are donated to a church, someone might find them useful. And please be ready,” she said, “after breaking fast we shall visit the modiste.”
Rae controlled her expression, she was surprised at the sudden need for change, especially as the young miss’s wardrobe seemed to be comprised entirely of the most extravagant greens and yellows, there was the odd pink dress or two, but Lady Featherington did not seem to approve of any colour that made her youngest daughter not look like a tropical fruit.
“But what has brought on this sudden desire for change?” asked the Frenchwoman.
“I cannot live at home any longer,” Miss Penelope answered. “It’s been hard enough living under my mother’s rules. But my sisters… To live at the whim of either the most cruel or the most simple person I know…I must take a husband before that happens.”
Things fell into place for Rae then. Her mistress was tired of the treatment she received from her family, her mother overlooked her, and her sisters often mocked and abused her, even comparing her to dear Aunt Petunia, a tiresome spinster who always had her nose in a book. Miss Penelope was ready to embrace a change in her life, and if that meant changing her wardrobe to attract a suitor then that’s what she would do.
“It is time,” Miss Penelope said with what Rae thought was a resigned tone.
“I see.”
Rae turned back and picked up a pamphlet left on the table behind her, though she had heard the whole conversation it was not her place to share any opinion on her mistress’s life choices, even if the opinion she had at the moment was to praise the young lady for her resolution.
“And does my lady have a certain suitor in mind?” asked the modiste as she swapped the lilac fabric for a pale green one.
“I should like to be sensible. Someone kind, who allows me my privacy for obvious reasons.”
“Then a new look is just the thing.”
She heard her mistress sigh in agreement. “Perhaps,” she began, “something like what they are wearing in Paris?” Her tone was wistful.
Rae remembered then that more than one letter Miss Penelope had received from Mister Colin had been sent from that very city and she wondered if his arrival had a bigger impact on her mistress’s desire for change than she might have let on.
-
They were on their way out of the modiste when Miss Penelope and Miss Eloise came face to face. The former trepidatious, the latter acrimonious. She had been asked to wait in the carriage to allow the young misses their privacy while they conversed, with her hands full of packages she waited but a few minutes before Miss Featherington joined her again, her previous good mood gone. It seemed the talk had not gone well.
-
The Four Seasons Ball was that night, the first ball of the season hosted by Lady Danbury as was tradition. All the Featherington family would be attending, even Mr. Dankworth and Mr. Finch, the elder Featherington sisters’ husbands.
Miss Penelope was in her room, sitting in front of the looking glass, waiting for Rae to help her get ready.
Comb in hand Rae moved toward her fiery tresses when her mistress’s eyes met hers. “I should like to try something a little different tonight,” she said, a hairstyle booklet in her hand. Rae crouched down next to her to read the steps to achieve the new look Miss Penelope desired. A small smile escaped her.
It took some time. When Miss Penelope said she wanted to try something different she meant it, from her head to her toes everything was new and different, the colour of her dress, the hairstyle, the makeup, the accessories.
Her mistress went from looking like a girl in childish dresses to a woman ready to take on whatever the Ton had in store for her.
Rae was excited for Miss Penelope and what this new change might bring her. She was saddened, however, when hours later she had seen her come back home alone and head straight for her bedchamber.
“She left the ball in tears,” one of the coachmen told her as he came into the house to hand her Miss Penelope’s reticule, she had forgotten it in her haste. “Seems like someone stepped on her dress and then she had a discussion with Mr. Colin Bridgerton outside the venue, I could not hear what was said but she was clearly upset with him.”
Rae nodded and thanked him for the information. She did not know Mister Colin, but by virtue of making her mistress upset twice, she was not sure she should entirely like him.
-
“I need to speak with Miss Featherington,” Mister Colin was at the door, it was still early enough in the morning that the house staff was occupied with preparing breakfast, the elder Featherington ladies would be joining today. Her mistress had awoken early, and she had gotten ready, Rae was happy to note that despite the previous night’s disenchantment Miss Penelope did not revert to her old colours, despite her old dresses still being in the box available to her if she so chose.
To Rae, the light mint dress Miss Penelope had chosen for the day made her look lovely, indeed.
“It is not yet calling hour, sir,” she said.
“Please, I must speak with her, I must…” he looked at the floor, “I must apologise to her.”
Rae took a second to look at him, he was wearing the same coat he had on during his arrival, though this time his cravat and vest were tied and buttoned, he looked quite dashing. There was an earnestness in his eyes that told Rae that his need to make amends with Miss Penelope was true and real.
Still, she did not offer him any refreshments, though the cook had just finished a tray of biscuits and scones, because she was still unclear if he was truly friend or foe.
“She is in the garden; I shall escort you.”
He followed her silently.
She found the young miss sitting on a bench, she was fanning herself despite the weather being quite nice, a book lying discarded next to her.
She looked back at the company once before approaching her. “You have a visitor, miss.”
Miss Penelope turned toward her as Mister Colin was advancing. Rae looked at him once then toward Miss Penelope unsure if she had done the right thing leading him to her. She stepped to the side; hands clasped together to let Mister Colin come into full view.
“I’m sorry for intruding,” he said as he stopped just a bit closer to the bench than Rae had.
Miss Penelope looked at him quietly and regarded him for a few seconds before nodding toward Rae. “It’s all right.” She assured her and Rae took her leave of them, she remained close by, next to the rose bushel and saw him move toward the bench, apologising for a callous comment he had made the previous year.
“It pains me to see you upset.”
“Then perhaps you should not have come.” Rae almost snorted at her mistress’s cheek.
They continued talking, him saying he was not the man he was last season and that he was certainly not ashamed of her, Mister Colin carried on saying how he sought her out at every social assembly because he knew she would lift his spirits and make him see the world in ways he could not have imagined. He called her clever, and warm, and said he was proud to call her his very good friend.
Her tone was still clipped. “It has been vexing… watching you walk back into society with such ease.” Rae noticed that Mr. Bridgerton looked uncomfortable at her praise of his falling back into society with ease, he looked away from her and gulped but she was not sure if Miss Penelope had noticed for she was still talking. “When every year, I pray I might finally feel that way amidst the marriage mart, and that comfort never materializes.”
His posture changed at her words. “Well, if a husband is what you seek…” he sat down on the bench next to her, “then…let me help you.”
Mister Colin then explained that from his travels he had learned that charm could be taught, when Miss Penelope argued that she could not have him whisper into her ear at every ballroom, he argued back that would not be necessary for they would have lessons. Lessons on charm that he believed she would quickly master.
Miss Featherington did not respond.
His voice softened. “There is nothing more I want than to earn back the favor of the one person who has always truly made me feel…appreciated.”
He stood again, quickly and extended his hand toward her.
“You want me to shake your hand?” Miss Penelope’s shocked tone mirrored Rae’s reaction to such bold an act. Were it not for her chaperoning them, two young unmarried people of the opposite sex shaking hands, what’s worse, hers ungloved, would surely be cause for social commentary.
The act was regarded as incredibly intimate.
“It is perhaps unusual, but… are we not friends?” He asked. Mr. Colin Bridgerton was a charmer, Rae noticed, a charmer through and through.
She saw Miss Penelope stand and extend a hand to him, it shook a little she noticed, but the young miss placed her ungloved hand in his and looked up at him in silence.
“Friends.” She said after a few seconds, the word hanging heavy between them.
His other hand cupped theirs and he leaned down, “I shall see you soon.” With that, he let go of Miss Penelope’s hand and turned to leave.
He nodded toward Rae on his way out. Miss Penelope remained in the garden, sighing and seemingly trying to control her breathing then suddenly ran inside when it was announced a new Whistledown was out.
There were many things Rae was unaware of in this life, she didn’t know how many countries there were in the world, she didn’t really know how to stitch or embroider all that well, she didn't know how creamed ice was made and kept cold or what pineapples tasted like.
But there was one thing she did know; she had never in her life met any… friends… that acted the way Mr. Colin Bridgerton and Miss Penelope Featherington just had.