Chapter Text
The Featheringtons were happy when the first child they had in 1784 turned out to be a boy who they called Lawrence, two years later, in 1786, came another boy called Miles. Five years later, in 1791, because unfortunately Lady Featherington lost a daughter, another son Nathan came. In 1792, came the last Featherington boy Oliver. In another three years, in 1796, the last Featherington child was born. This time, it was the only girl Penelope. The doctor advised against another pregnancy that will endanger Lady Featherington’s life.
As soon as their sister was born, her brothers swore they will always protect her. His father gave her free reign of his library. Her mother made sure that she became a true accomplished lady by hiring a competent governess. Penelope loved reading and writing and amused her whole family with humourous small plays and satires that the family enjoyed acting out in privacy.
She also loved following her brothers on their horseback rides. She loved all her brothers equally but Oliver was the one she was closest to.
When they were old enough, all the brothers attended Eton and then Cambridge. Lawrence, of course will inherit the Featherington estate situated near Galway and befriended the Bridgerton heir Anthony and the Basset heir Simon.
For the other Featherington boys, they had to decide on a career to support them in the future. Miles chose the law and became a reknowned barrister. Nathan chose to be ordained as a priest. He was appointed as a clergyman to a small parish near Dublin. Oliver chose the army.
Meanwhile, Penelope was studying under a painting master and music and dancing master to perfect her talents.
The years went by quietly and happily for the family.
At 13, the governess told the Featheringtons she had nothing more to teach Penelope. She advised to send her to a reknowned ladies’ finishing school at Dublin to polish her talents. After discussing with Penelope to see if it was her wish as well, and visiting the school to make sure it was a fine and suitable place, she began her schooling there.
Her schedule included lessons in music with an emphasis on irish instruments and songs. Art classes were given with each student encouraged to find their favoured mode of expression. Penelope favoured watercolouring and landscapes were her preference. The students also had dancing and etiquette lessons. They were given classes of irish litterature and folklore. There were maths and economics classes. Penelope was not a great student in those but she did her best. Some lessons were taught in irish gaelic. This school tried to foster in her students a sense of national pride.
Penelope made some friends there and kept in contact once they left the school. Her most special friend was also daughter of a baron like herself and was called Miss Aoife Deeley. When Penelope arrived at 14, she was two years older at 16. She will make her debut in two years in London.
Penelope’s family was happy to recieve happy letters from the school. And the years went by quite happily.