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Penelope was having a glass of champagne. Being at events like this exhausted her mostly because there was nowhere to hide. Even though she hadn't worn the horrible yellow dresses her mother bought her for several weeks now, and now she bought pink, green, white, red dresses that fit her better, although very short according to Portia, she still felt out of place and with Eloise sick and, trying to flee from Colon, the desire to hide was greater
-It seems that you were the only one who understood what I said on stage said a man that Penelope did not recognize until she saw her outfit and her hairstyle; he was John Lennon, one of the Beatles. The Bridgertons had started working with them and their musical career had taken off to such an extent that they had played for the Queen of England.
Pardon me? Penelope asked a little nervous
Lennon smiled:
- You were the only one who laughed properly when I said 'For those of you in the cheap seats I'd like ya to clap your hands to this one; the rest of you can just rattle your jewelry!' You understood the irony behind what I said... I like that, Lennon said, taking a sip of the whiskey he had in his hands. Also, you seem to be the only one with a great sense of humor in this place.
Penelope laughed out loud, attracting the gazes of some of the people who were in the place.
I must admit that it was a great moment. They, Penelope said quietly, pointing to the people in the room with them, don't recognize irony and mockery of their own privileges even if you throw it in their faces, Penelope said smiling as she sipped her champagne at the remember her years as Lady Whistledown. She hadn't published for a while and when events happened she missed doing so.
- But you belong to them, right? Said Lennon raising his eyebrow a little and with a slightly ironic smile on his lips
- I am and I am not. I think you have a right to enjoy being teased at his expense when you've always been an outsider... Like me, said Penelope
-Well, then I think that at the end of the day, you and I are on the same side... Miss?
Featherington, Penelope Featherington, Penelope said, smiling.
"My name is Lennon, John Lennon," John said with a little bow that made Penelope laugh.
- I know, said Penelope laughing.
- you know? John asked in a joking tone.
"Of course, can't you see that I've just been at the concert," Penelope said, laughing out loud.
- touche Penny Pen, Touche! John said
-Penny penny? Penelope asked trying not to smile too much.
- Sure, it's a nickname that looks good on you, don't you think so? John said with a big smile on his face.
-Well I do not know. No one had called me that before. Although I admit that I like that it rhymes, said Penelope a little shyly.
-Well Penny Pen let's toast to that said Lennon as he raised his glass
"Cheers to that, Jhonny John," Penelope said, laughing mischievously.
- Johnny John? Lennon said raising his eyebrow.
- Of course, if I have a nickname, you should have one too, don't you think? Said Penelope taking a big sip of champagne.
-I had never seen Penelope smiling like this at an event like this, Anthony told his mother while they watched Penelope talk to Lennon
- What happened to Pen? Colin asked... I haven't been able to talk to her. Do you know where she is?
"She's there son," Violet said, smiling shyly. I've never seen her talk like that to a man, let alone one like Lennon.
-What do you mean Mother, asked Anthony
-Well son, from what I've heard Lennon is a difficult man to deal with but it seems that our Pen managed to soften his heart a little.
Colin watched the scene a bit nervously. It's true what his mother said: Penelope had never shared or laughed like that with any man, well, only with him... And, that worried Colin and when he least realized it was getting closer to them
- Lennon, how are you old friend? Colin said as he patted John on the back.
-Bridgerton! How are you? I see you came back before your trip said Lennon
"That's right," Colin said as he looked at Penelope.
- Do you know each other? asked Lennon
-Hi Pen," Colin said, smiling.
-Colin, hello," Penelope said, ignoring Colin's look.
"Yes, we do know each other," Colin said.
-Oh yeah? Said Lennon in a joking tone
- Yes, we are great friends, right Penelope? Colin asked with a doggy look.
Before Penelope could answer someone started to yell.
- Lennon let's go! Shout McCartney
-Well Penny Pen, I think I have to go now.
-Penny Pen? Who is Penny Pen? asked Colin
- It's me said Penelope smiling shyly
-That you are well Penny Pen told him while he gave her a kiss on her cheek. I hope we can meet again
"Goodbye Johnny John," Penelope said, smiling.
After Lennon left, Colin turned to look at Penelope who was trying to ignore his glare.
- Do you know him from before? Colin seriously asked Penelope... You guys look very familiar.
"No, but I think we could get along," Penelope said with a chuckle as she remembered what John had told her.
"Be careful, Pen," Colin said with an emotion in her eyes that she didn't know how to recognize.
- why? Do you think he can't like me? Penelope asked in a more serious tone than she intended.
- Of course not Pen, only that Lennon is a... Womanizer and you are Pen... Colin said a little blushing, trying to put together a coherent sentence
Penelope began to laugh out loud:
- Colin, yes, I know I'm Pen... I don't count
-Pen, I didn't mean that, Colin said a little nervously.
- You do not have to worry. I'm sure he's not attracted to me that way. I know how I am...Well, I think it's time to go. Be well Mr Bridgerton
Before Colin could say anything Penelope was already heading out of the room.
"You're an incredible woman, Pen... too incredible for a man like him," Colin said in a whisper as he drank what was left of his whiskey in a single sip, trying to understand that feeling that made his chest ache.