Romancing Mister Bridgerton Read Online Free PDF

mind.”
    â€œPenelope!” But Eloise was grinning.
    â€œI love my mother,” Penelope said.
    â€œI know you do,” Eloise said, in a rather placating sort of voice.
    â€œNo, I really do.”
    The left corner of Eloise’s mouth began to twitch. “I know you really do. Really.”
    â€œIt’s just that—”
    Eloise put up a hand. “You don’t need to say any more. I understand perfectly. I—Oh! Good day, Mrs. Featherington!”
    â€œEloise,” Portia said, bustling down the hall. “I didn’t realize you were here.”
    â€œI’m sneaky as always,” Eloise said. “Cheeky, even.”
    Portia gave her an indulgent smile. “I heard your brother is back in town.”
    â€œYes, we are all overjoyed.”
    â€œI’m sure you must be, especially your mother.”
    â€œIndeed. She is beside herself. I believe she is drawing up a list right now.”
    Portia’s entire aspect perked up, as it did at the mention of anything that might be construed as gossip. “A list? What sort of list?”
    â€œOh, you know, the same list she has made for all of her adult children. Prospective spouses and all that.”
    â€œIt makes me wonder,” Penelope said in a dry voice, “what constitutes ‘all that.’ ”
    â€œSometimes she includes one or two people who are hopelessly unsuitable so as to highlight the qualities of the real possibilities.”
    Portia laughed. “Perhaps she’ll put you on Colin’s list, Penelope!”
    Penelope didn’t laugh. Neither did Eloise. Portia didn’t seem to notice.
    â€œWell, I’d best be off,” Eloise said, clearing her throat to cover a moment that was awkward to two of the three people in the hall. “Colin is expected for tea. Mother wants the entire family in attendance.”
    â€œWill you all fit?” Penelope asked. Lady Bridgerton’s home was large, but the Bridgerton children, spouses, and grandchildren numbered twenty-one. It was a large brood, indeed.
    â€œWe’re going to Bridgerton House,” Eloise explained. Her mother had moved out of the Bridgertons’ official London residence after her eldest son had married. Anthony, who had been viscount since the age of eighteen, had told Violet thatshe needn’t go, but she had insisted that he and his wife needed their privacy. As a result, Anthony and Kate lived with their three children in Bridgerton House, while Violet lived with her unmarried children (with the exception of Colin, who kept his own lodgings) just a few blocks away at 5 Bruton Street. After a year or so of unsuccessful attempts to name Lady Bridgerton’s new home, the family had taken to calling it simply Number Five.
    â€œDo enjoy yourself,” Portia said. “I must go and find Felicity. We are late for an appointment at the modiste.”
    Eloise watched Portia disappear up the stairs, then said to Penelope, “Your sister seems to spend a great deal of time at the modiste.”
    Penelope shrugged. “Felicity is going mad with all the fittings, but she’s Mother’s only hope for a truly grand match. I’m afraid she’s convinced that Felicity will catch a duke if she’s wearing the right gown.”
    â€œIsn’t she practically engaged to Mr. Albansdale?”
    â€œI imagine he’ll make a formal offer next week. But until then, Mother is keeping her options open.” She rolled her eyes. “You’d best warn your brother to keep his distance.”
    â€œGregory?” Eloise asked in disbelief. “He’s not even out of university.”
    â€œColin.”
    â€œColin?” Eloise exploded with laughter. “Oh, that’s rich.”
    â€œThat’s what I told her, but you know how she is once she gets an idea in her head.”
    Eloise chuckled. “Rather like me, I imagine.”
    â€œTenacious to the