In the other's shoes

Chapter 3

Penelope was in a state of grace... The wonderful burgundy dress wrapped her body in a spectacular way, so much so that Violet had to beat Benedict twice with her fan to make him shut his mouth.
-Penelope you are wonderful, marriage suits you... - said Eloise a little disappointed.
She now she had lost her companion in raids ...
-Yes, it's true .... especially if it's not your wedding ...- she said looking mischievously at Eloise.
Eloise jumped up and went towards Penelope, chasing away Hyacinth who was trotting, with Gregory, around Penelope who was dispensing gifts.
-What do you mean?  -
-That as soon as I arrived in Kent, I didn't find an elderly man looking for a wife but a 25-year-old cadet who, as soon as he saw Felicity, was no longer able to dispense speech!  You had to see my mother when she realized she had to organize a wedding without having the weight of another debut in society ... I didn't think she was religious .. Here's Hyacinth your new hair scrunchies ..-
-I'm happy for you....in the sense I know you didn't want to get married...that is -
-Yes... yes, I understand what you mean- said Penelope laughing
-Darling, lucky you're back, we need your help- Violet said, patting Benedict for the third time.
-Of course Lady Violet, how can I help you?  -
Violet smiled at Penelope and then looked at Benedict.  Benedict shivered.  He knew her mother, but was afraid that poor Penelope would soon be put in front of a great danger .... her brother.
-Mother...I don't think so..-
-Nonsense, only she can help him-
-Holy clouds, I'm worrying who needs my help?  -
-Colin.....it hasn't been the same since you left.  He must be missing his close friend-he knew there was more to it.  Little did little Violet know that she had just sent a little lamb to tame a wolf…
Penelope sighed regretfully.
-I'd really like to think that he missed me, but I know he didn't, but if I have to help you I'll do it for you Violet, I'm very angry with Colin.  A friend does not behave like this... -
-Benedict, please, take Penelope to Colin, by the way where is your brother?  -
-I haven't seen him since this morning... -
Benedict took Penelope to Colin's room and knocked.  They got no answer.  Benedict sighed.
-Will you tell me what's going on, Benedict?  -
-Let me tell you something, Penelope.  You have become a very, very beautiful woman.  Colin is really a fool to let a woman like you slip away…” he said taking a strand of hair and putting it back.
-Benedict, Colin never wanted me, I know.  I thank you for these words, that is, you have always been nice to me.  There's no need... I'll help Colin if I can, but I don't think he really needs me.  I think there was a misunderstanding between us and I want to solve the problem I caused… -
-I don't think he's in the room .... I don't know where he goes to take refuge, sometimes we don't find him for days.  -
-I may know .... he is in your father's office ....-
-But no one has come in since dad is..... he is.. -
Penelope took Benedict's hand and squeezed it.
-Sometimes Colin, in moments of melancholy I know that he takes refuge there ... Once I met him while Eloise and I were playing hide and seek ...-
-If you go... promise me to be careful... Ok?  -then Benedict did something that puzzled Penelope.  He cupped Penelope's face in her hands and kissed her lips affectionately.
-I just hope that Colin repents and understands what a splendid person you are, because, to the detriment of that big head of my brother, I will court you, I promise you-
Penelope was shocked to see Benedict walk away, then she turned and walked into the part furthest from the main courtyard of the Bridgerton house.  She wondered what the hell had happened to the young Bridgertons in the month she'd been out....