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April 6, 1813
Lord Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, observed the grand ballroom of his godmother, dowager Countess Lady Agatha Danbury, taking in the room crowded with dancing couples, anxious Mama’s hoping for advantageous matches for their unwed daughters and sons. Lords mingling with other gentlemen discussing politics, women, upcoming events and the next meeting at White’s. And young debutants hovering around the edge of the floor anxiously awaiting a gentleman to ask them to dance. He spied his longtime friend Lord Anthony Bridgerton sequestered away with his mother and siblings in the corner of the room near the live orchestra. Simon knew his friend’s younger sister, Miss Daphne Bridgerton, had made her debut into society earlier in the season at the Queen’s palace. And he knew his friends Mama was hoping the diamond of the season would be enough to catch his eye. But Simon was particular about what woman he would take to wife this season. It would be a quick match, but one filled with honesty, compassion, companionship, respect, and hopefully one day love. Miss Bridgerton, while beautiful, was not on who had caught his eye. But rather a younger debutant who debuted, perhaps too early, but rather fetchingly with her older sisters.
Miss Penelope Featherington at almost seven and ten years old was lovely despite the bright yellow dresses her mother undoubtedly forced her in, and the tight curls adhered to her head. She has deep red hair that looked like a halo of fire around her head, with eyes the color of the deep ocean, and a full figure that was pleasing to the eyes. The pink in her yellow dress brought out the light flush to her cheeks, an endearing tell that she was nervous about her first ball. Simon hoped to make her acquaintance tonight and that she would be receptive to a possible courtship with him.
Miss Featherington seemed eager to get away from her Mama and her sisters, who seemed to treat the young lady similar to how his father treated him as a child. He couldn’t bear to watch it, as he made his way over to the young lady he recalled the promise he naively made to his late father. He promised he would never marry, never sire children, and let the Hastings name and title die with him. He realized now that he spoke rashly, that by feeding into his father’s hate he was letting his past control the trajectory of his life. He was eager to take a wife, have a household of children, and raise his title to heights never seen before. Simon stopped before all four Featheringtons’ and bowed before them.
“Oh! Your Grace! How lovely to see you. Would you perhaps like to dance with my daughters Philippa and Prudence? They are excellent dancers, you see, and would be delighted to make your acquaintance. I’m sure one of them would make a fine Duchess.” Baroness Featherington simpered to the delight of her eldest two and embarrassment of her youngest as all four ladies curtsied deeply to the Duke.
Simon raised from his bow and took in each lady. Miss Prudence and Miss Philippa were staring adoringly at the Duke, while Miss Penelope was looking down at the ground, fingers twisted tightly into her dress, and edging a little away from her family.
“I apologize Baroness. But I’m afraid I cannot dance with Miss Prudence or Miss Philippa. I was hoping Miss Penelope would allow me to take her for a turn on the dance floor.” Simon said to the shock of everyone around him.
“Penelope? Why would you want to dance with Penelope when I have two perfectly fine daughters right here?” Lady Featherington stated to the delight of her older daughters and devastation and humiliation of Miss Penelope.
“Yes Miss Penelope. She captured my interest and attention at the debut at Queen Charlotte’s palace. I was taken by her beauty and grace and would like the chance to dance with and speak to her.” Simon stated firmly before turning to Miss Penelope. “Would you do me the honor of the next dance, my lady?” He asked quietly, aware of her nervousness.
Penelope blushed deeply, the red spreading down her cheeks and onto her décolletage. Simon had to focus to keep his eyes on hers as he awaited her response. “It would be an honor, Your Grace” Miss Penelope whispered.
Simon smiled at the girl and gently grabbed her hand leading her through the throngs of people to the middle of the dance floor. He settled one hand on the middle of her back, feeling the silk of her bodice, guided her hand to his shoulder and gripped her other hand securely. Once the lively tempo started Simon led Miss Penelope through the motions of the waltz. He was pleasantly surprised by her grace on the floor. She was a fantastic dancer, light on her feet, and graceful in the movements of the more intimate dance.
“Miss Featherington, I hope I’m not being presumptuous, but may I ask what you’re looking for this season? As well as what your hobbies are?” Simon asked conversationally.
“It’s not presumptuous at all, my lord. I hope to find a match with a gentleman who will be kind, patient, giving, can provide for me and any children we have. I hope to one day fall in love with my future husband but understand that may not be possible. I hope for children one day, my greatest dream is to one day be a mother. My hobbies include the pianoforte, sewing and embroidery, singing, dancing, watercolors, and reading. My father taught my sisters, brother, and I to ride from an early age, so I adore riding my mare Delilah”
“My governess and other teachers have taught me to run a large household, supporting my potential future husband, how to throw balls and host parties. As well as how to manage the finances of the household budget. I was taught multiple languages, arithmetic, geography, and history with Miss Eloise Bridgerton. We were also tutored in philosophy, literature, the sciences, arts, music, political theory, and law. I also help my Papa with managing our accounting books. I have also done my best to stay appraised of the current political climate and how that might change and affect the British Empire.” Miss Penelope responded. “May I ask what you’re looking for this season, Your Grace?” Miss Featherington asked hesitantly.
“I am looking for a wife who can help maintain my vast estate, is well read, would like children, at least three, can help maintain the household finances, will throw various balls and parties to help support the people within my Dukedom. I want a wife who I can trust, have a good relationship with, and eventually love.” Simon answered with a smile.
Penelope looked up at the Duke, blushing when she realized that a lot of his wants in a wife coincided with what she desired in a husband. The waltz slowly came to a stop, and Simon released his hold on Miss Penelope’s waist, but maintained his firm grip on her hand. “My lady, would you be amenable to me calling on you tomorrow?” Simon asked.
“You want to call on me?” Miss Featherington asked quietly, knowing other people were listening in.
“Yes. I think you’re beautiful and incredibly intelligent. I would be honored for a chance to get to know you better” Simon stated seriously while looking into Miss Featherington’s eyes. The young lady blushed, looking down but ultimately nodded her head. “I would like that, Your Grace.” She smiled.
Both Lord Basset and Miss Featherington bowed and curtsied respectively as their dance and conversation came to an end. He grabbed her hand and led her back over to her Mama as the ball came to a close. He was hyper aware of the fact that he was looking forward to tomorrow. Being able to call on Miss Penelope Featherington had been Simon’s ultimate goal of the evening and it was a success. As he took his carriage back to Hastings house he reflected on his desires to take Miss Featherington to wife, have children in the future and live out peacefully in his vast country estate and his London residence as the social season continued on.
April 7, 1813
Baron Featherington Residence, Mayfair, London, UK
Lord Basset stepped out of his carriage after his footman opened the door, taking in the three story townhome that housed the Baron Featherington, his wife, three daughters, and his son. He took in the fact that it was directly across from where his longtime friend Viscount Anthony Bridgerton lived with his family and knew Miss Featherington was a frequent visitor. Simon could understand wanting to escape from a place that did not provide you with love and support.
Simon dressed in some of his best clothes, specifically ordered for the various activities of a possible courtship, he is dressed in black slacks that were tucked into sturdy black leather knee high boots, a white stiff collared dressed shirt that was tucked into his trousers with black suspenders. Over the dress shirt he wore a dark blue waistcoat, with a dark blue cravat tied around his neck and his suit jacket layered over the top to complete the look. In his hand he carried a hardcover book, Pride and Prejudice, that had been released in January of 1813, and a bouquet of light pink peonies that he wanted to present to Miss Penelope Featherington to begin their possible courtship.
He stepped away from his carriage, nodding to his footman that would await his return in the square, before heading up the stone edged porch of the Featherington Mayfair home. He knocked lightly the door, he waited only but a moment before their butler, an older gentleman, opened the door. The Featherington’s butler blinked in surprise at the Duke’s sudden appearance on his Master’s front stoop, but opened the door wider anyways.
“How may I be of service to you, Your Grace?” The butler, Briarly, asked in a smooth tone.
“I am here to call upon Miss Featherington if it pleases your Lord Featherington” Simon stated strongly.
Mister Briarly nodded, a flicker of surprise showing in his eyes for a second, before he gestured the Duke in. Lord Basset nodded thankfully before he stepped into the foyer, taking in the light yellow walls and gaudy decor that was meant to display the wealth of the Featherington Baronetcy, but instead presented visitors with a sense of desperation and inadequacy. Lord Basset did not let the decor color his opinion of Miss Featherington, believing the Baron and Baroness were the ones reaching far above their station, feeding into their ideas of self-importance and grander.
As he was looking over the foyer Briarly had gone to retrieve Lord and Lady Featherington, they both descended the stairs gawking at the Duke’s sudden arrival. “Your Grace! What a delightful surprise. Are you here to see one of our daughters, Prudence or Phillipa perhaps? They are both in the parlor working on their embroidery. Heir Featherington, my youngest, Patrick, is in the school room with his governess, so he will not disturb us, Your Grace.” Lady Featherington gushed as her husband reached forward to shake the Duke’s hand. Simon bowed shallowly to the Baroness but inwardly frowned at the implication he couldn’t be here for the youngest Miss Featherington.
“No Baroness Featherington. I am here to call upon your youngest daughter, Miss Penelope Featherington. We had a very enjoyable conversation last night and I was hoping we could continue it. Is Miss Penelope also in the parlor?” Lord Basset asked while following the Lord and Lady of lower rank. They were both dressed in gaudy yellow and orange that were their signature colors that clashed with Lady Featherington’s muted red hair.
The party of three entered the parlor, painted a light yellow with butterflies stamped across the walls. Miss Philippa and Miss Prudence were seated on the central couch both working on their embroidery, though they seemed to lack intent, patience and talent. Miss Penelope, dressed in a light pink dress that brought out the light pink in her cheeks and highlighted the beautiful blue of her eyes was seated at the window reading a novel. Her hair out of its usual tight curls was brushed out to flow in elegant waves down to her waist. Her generous bust rose and fell with each breath, drawing the Duke’s eyes. He made the conscious effort to keep his eyes on her face. Her pink lips pursed in thought as she read her novel, biting it every time she was intrigued by a new plot point.
“Lord Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings to see Miss Penelope Featherington” Mister Briarly stated to the room. Miss Penelope’s eyes snapped up to focus on the Duke. She blushed when her eyes met his, but she couldn’t keep the smile off her face when she realized that he had kept his word. He actually wanted to see her.
Simon walked over to join the young lady at the settee by the window, taking in the fact that while she was indeed a young lady she was refined, beautiful and clearly intelligent by her reading material. She was currently clutching The Manuscript Found in Saragossa by Jan Potocki that was released in 1805. The novel had only been released in Polish and French, he assumed she was reading the story in fluent French. Another nod to her intelligence that is apparent in the quietest ways.
“How have you been today my lady? Am I the first suitor to call upon you in calling hours?” Lord Basset asked looking over the clock that was ticking on the wall, showing it was only five minutes past ten o’clock. Prime calling hours for potential suitors to call on young ladies that caught their attention. Miss Featherington blushed, looking down in what he could describe as shame and embarrassment. “I have had no other callers or interested parties. You are the only one, Your Grace.” Miss Penelope stated quietly.
“Well their ignorance is my gain, my lady. I think you are lovely.” Simon stated as she blushed again, but this time without the shame or embarrassment. “I brought you these Miss Penelope. I hope you like them.” Simon said as he handed her the beautiful copy of Pride and Prejudice as well as the flowers. Miss Featherington set her current book down and grabbed what he was handing to her. She brought the flowers to her nose, inhaling delicately before handing them off to Mrs. Varely for them to be brought up to her room in a vase. She kept the book clutched tightly in her hand. Lord Basset and Miss Featherington spent the rest of the hour speaking quietly together under the intense gaze of her family. Simon didn’t let the judgement and stares get to him as he spent the time getting to know the woman he was becoming more sure he wanted to marry.
April 9, 1813
Viscount Anthony Bridgerton’s Residence, Mayfair, London, UK
Lord Basset had made the decision to visit his longtime friend Lord Bridgerton’s home to speak with Miss Featherington’s closest friends. He had already been shown into the drawing room where Dowager Lady Bridgerton had been taking tea with her youngest five children.
“Your Grace! What a surprise! Are you here to speak with my son, or perhaps with my daughter?” Lady Bridgerton asked with a hopeful smile. Miss Daphne wrinkled her nose is distaste about the Duke of Hastings possibly being present to call on her. She didn’t want the man who according to the rumors swirling around the ton is a capital R Rake. She did not want him as a potential husband. Thankfully the Duke seemed uninterested in pursuing her hand.
“My apologies, Lady Bridgerton. I am actually here to speak to Miss Eloise Bridgerton and Master Colin Bridgerton about a sensitive matter. Of course yourself or Lord Bridgerton may stay as chaperone. It will be a quick discussion” Simon said to the disappointment and confusion of Lady Bridgerton but delight of Miss Daphne, who had her eye on someone else. A more quiet and modest lord, who could provide her with a quiet and peaceful life.
“Of course. Let me send someone to wake up my son. He returned home late last night from traveling abroad the last few months. Let me get you some tea while you wait. I will send my daughter over to you after my son arrives.” Lady Bridgerton stated firmly. Simon nodded and accepted his tea. As he waited he thought about his visit to call on Miss Featherington yesterday, her birthday he knew before going.
-Flashback April 8, 1813-
Simon had met Miss Penelope Featherington at Featherington House at 10 o’clock exactly with a plan to go on a promenade that day. But first he had known from Lord Bridgerton that Miss Featherington’s birthday fell on the 8th. He could not show up to his potential wife’s residence without the appropriate gifts and dress. So he donned his black slacks, tucked into his leather knee high boots, a silk high collared dress shirt in white tucked into his trousers with black suspenders, a light blue waistcoat with silver detailings, a white cravat, and a black suit jacket. His curls had been cut the day before by his valet and rested lightly on his forehead. He brought Miss Featherington a bouquet of pink Mattiola Incanas with pink and white ranunculus wrapped in a white silk ribbon. He also bought her a delicate diamond bracelet with sapphires imbedded in the silver.
He stepped into the drawing room of Featherington House, taking in Miss Penelope sitting on the central settee speaking quietly to her younger brother. Heir Patrick Featherington, born in January of 1801 had the red hair the Featheringtons were known for, though his curls were cut to rest lightly above his brown eyes, dressed in black slacks, a white dress shirt, black suspenders and a red vest over it. He was dressed down since he would not be presented to society until he was at least eight and ten years of age. Miss Featherington seemed to be tutoring her brother in his school matters. Going over some reading the boy was required to do for his governess.
Her bright red curls fell down her back in ringlets, with the front pinned back with clips right above her ears. She was dressed in a sage green dress today, one she had slyly talked her mother into with the help of Madam Genevieve Delacroix the modiste the week before. Briarly cleared his throat, drawing the attention of both siblings, who jumped up and walked over to the Duke.
“Your Grace! I apologize. I was helping my brother, Heir Patrick Featherington, with some school matters. I wasn’t expecting you for a little while” Miss Penelope stated with a blush. Simon smiled, his eyes moving slowly over her figure that was accentuated by her lovely dress. He bowed quickly to Miss Featherington and shook the hand of the young heir.
“It’s quite alright, my lady. I was simply coming to see if you would like go on a promenade today. The weather is lovely and I would like to get to know you better. And it is a pleasure to finally meet you, Heir Featherington. I have heard a lot about you from your sister” Simon stated.
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Grace. Penny I’ll go inform mother and father that the Duke is here and would like to go on a promenade. Mrs. Varley will stay here as chaperone.” Patrick said with a firm tone and a sharp look at the Duke. Simon smiled and nodded at the young boy, heeding his unspoken warning regarding his sister. Simon would never dishonor his potential bride.
With a few moments of relative privacy Simon led Miss Penelope over to the couch and sat down with her. He handed her the flowers, watching her repeat the process of smelling them and then handing them off to the housekeeper so they could be taken to her room.
“Miss Featherington, Lord Bridgerton informed me that today is your birthday. So happy birthday.” Simon said nervously, while handing the young debutant a long wooden box with a white ribbon. She took it gently, pulling the ribbon and opening the metal clasp. She gasped when she took in the delicate silver bracelet with diamonds and sapphires.
“Your Grace! This is beautiful, but it’s too much. I can’t accept this.” Miss Penelope said with regret lacing her voice.
“Nonsense. This is but a token of my budding affection. As well as a question.” Lord Basset said quietly.
“A question?” Miss Penelope asked.
“Yes. It is my greatest desire and hope you will allow me to court you. With the intention of marriage.” He said smiling. Miss Featherington’s head snapped up to take in the Duke. His serious eyes and a gentle smile on his face. The way he stared at her as he waited on her response. She couldn’t speak, but nodded her head.
-Flashback End-
Simon snapped out of his thoughts by the clearing of a throat. His head snapped up to see Miss Eloise and Master Colin, both dressed in the light blue the ton had dubbed Bridgerton blue. Simon stood and bowed to Miss Eloise and shook Master Colin’s hand before returning to his seat. Both siblings sat opposite of him on a shared sofa.
“How may we help you, Your Grace?” Miss Eloise asked with a tilt of her head.
“For the last few days I have been calling on Miss Featherington with the intention of courting her. Not to spread gossip or speak about our sensitive business, but I wanted to inquire about what sort of activities Miss Penelope would find most engaging.” Lord Basset stated quietly.
The siblings eyebrows rose in shock at the declaration, noting that the Duke was serious in his endeavor of getting to know their mutual friend. They shared a look between themselves, knowing that their answer could potentially hurt or help their friends chances of making the match of the season. They contemplated for a moment before nodding decisively, they would help the Duke in his pursuit of their friend.
“Miss Featherington enjoys music, art, literature, riding, and going on promenades. She’s an authentic lover of expression through various art mediums. She will never turn away someone who showcases their personality through their art. She adores dancing even though her Mama criticizes her dancing ability. Though you know through experience that these criticisms are unneeded. Just show that you are getting to know her for herself and not for the ton and she will be receptive.” Miss Eloise states resolutely with Master Bridgerton nodding along.
Simon takes a moment to absorb everything both siblings are saying before nodding his head. He thanks both siblings, bows to the various ladies in the room and shook the men’s hands. He quickly departed from the Bridgerton Mayfair home with a plan to woo his Lady.
April 10th-April 24th, 1813.
Over the next fourteen days the Duke of Hastings courted Miss Penelope publicly and proudly. He took her on promenades through Hyde Park, to operas, libraries, to Smythe-Smith musicals, to the races, riding on her mare Delilah and his stallion Musket. They attended art galleries that displayed the works of Sir Henry Granville and Mister Benedict Bridgerton in the Royal Gallery. They went to various festivals and balls dancing solely with each other. The ton witnessed two individuals who were so focused on each other that they did not notice any of the other matches and scandals occurring throughout the ton.
Miss Cressida Cowper was caught in a closet with Lord Albert Fife, a recent Baron of the ton, whose Barony was only two generations deep, who were swiftly married with a special license. Miss Daphne was quietly being courted by Lord Edward Lumley, a Viscount in his own right, but a potential couple that were quite enamored with each other.
On Saturday, April 24th, 1813, Duke Simon Basset got down on one knee in the Featherington gardens and asked Miss Penelope Featherington to marry him. He proposed with a diamond and sapphire encrusted ring that matched her bracelet he had presented her in the weeks before. She barely let the enamored Lord finish before she accepted enthusiastically.
Sunday May 2nd, 1813 the bans were read for the marriage announcement for Lord Simon Basset and Miss Penelope Featherington. No objections were raised by any of the members in attendance and they were married a month later on Saturday, June 5th, 1813. And at 2:30 pm Simon and Penelope were introduced as the new Duke and Duchess of Hastings. They had their wedding breakfast held at the Featherington residence before departing to Clyvedon Castle for their honeymoon.
Within nine months the Duchess’s belly swelled with life and in March of 1814 Lady Basset gave birth to twins. Heir Josias Basset the future Duke of Hastings and his sister Miss Emma Basset, the apple of her father’s eye. Over the next fifteen years the Duchess would give birth to seven children. In 1815 Mister Alexander Basset was born. In 1817 Miss Lucy Basset came out screaming. Five years later in 1822 the happy couple was again blessed with twins Masters Harcourt and Lodge Basset. And finally in 1829 the Duke and Duchess welcomed their seventh and final child, Miss Isabel Basset. They all went on to make advantageous and happy matches, securing their mother and father’s legacy.
The Bridgerton brood married their expected spouses with three exceptions, Master Colin Bridgerton married a young debutant three years after the Duke and Duchess married, a Miss Caroline Young, the youngest daughter of Lord Young. They went on to have three children, all boys, Masters Alan, Fredrick, and Louis. Miss Daphne became Viscountess Daphne Lumley and provided her husband with four children, Heir Christopher Lumley and Misses Victoria, Faith, and Beatrice. Miss Eloise Bridgerton married Sir Phillip Crane and became the Lady Crane and provided him with multiple children. Miss Hyacinth Bridgerton married Lord Patrick Featherington and provided him with six children, Heir Benjamin Featherington, Masters Jacob and Arthur, and their three daughters Miss Violet, Miss Theodosia, and Miss Susannah Featherington.
The Duke and Duchess lived peacefully together for sixty years, throwing balls and parties, creating schools and orphanages. Fighting for the rights of the less fortunate and minorities. They doubled the wealth of the Hastings Dukedom to provide for their future generations. In 1874 Duke Simon Basset passed away peacefully in his sleep, with Duchess Penelope Featherington following three years later surrounded by her family and friends. Their legacy and contributions to society would be documented in history books and celebrated by their family for hundreds of years.