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Chapter Text

April 16^th, 1815

While the evening sun soon began to set, Penelope begins to carefully craft the final words of her new edition of Whistledown for this season. Once her final word was written, she hastily put down her quill and scrambled to fold the sheet into her stays – not daring to question whether the freshly wet ink would smudge as it was crumbled into her chest. She was on a deadline, and needed to make post haste to ensure her sheet was printed by early next morning.

She ran to the cupboard about a feet away from her bed, opened it, then grabbed a bright dark blue coat and draped it over her shoulders. After encountering Madame Delacroix last season far from her home in Mayfair, she knew that her wardrobe this season needed to be discreet.

Then she rushed to the rusty floorboard near her window, and lifted the wooden board to reach down to grab some pin money. It was quite heavy, therefore loud, and knowing her sister Prudence could possibly walk into her bedchambers any minute, she needed to ensure her actions were discreet and most importantly silent. It helped that Prudence and her mother were in their own bedchambers, readying them for sleep.

Carefully, she began to slowly open her door, without merely a sound – not even a creek. She poked her head out and turned her head side to side to ensure the hallways were empty. The coast was clear, so she stepped out of her bed chambers, slowly closed the door and began to ascending down the spiral stairs.

This was not Penelope’s first time sneaking out of her home unnoticed, so why was she so nervous? Each time she took a step it felt like someone was grabbing her by the hood and pulling her back. She had an arching pain in her stomach but she ignored it and continue to descend down the staircase.

Once she reached her final step, she walked into the kitchen. Since many of the staff were clearing out the dining table, she was able to slip out of the back doors unnoticed.

As she was lifting her dress, she saw a flicker of light from the corner of her eye. She lifted her head and saw the hired sack arrived as per request. And the coachman was signaling her of his arrival. She looked around one more time, then rushed to her carriage.

Then with a whip of the reins, the carriage rattled against the bumpy pavement heading to the outskirts part of town. Once they arrived, Penelope slightly rose the curtain to see the London Post, the new printer shop she chose after her former printer shop was compromised by the Queen and her royal guards. 

Her coachman opened the carriage, and Penelope stepped out into the streets with the sunlight casting a shadow upon the cobble streets. Once she stepped out she rushed to the printer shop.

“I need this issue print by morning,” Penelope asked in her Irish maid accent the shop keeper standing behind the counter. He was young, about the same age as Theo Sharpe. She shook when his name came to mind, but she did not bare an expression on her face, and ignored that thought immediately.

“That would be tough order at this late hour, Ma’am.”

“I will give ye 2 pence per issue.”

“ 5 pence.”

“2 pence,” Penelope countered with the same offer. Trust me friend, ye shall accept this offer. My mistress is very well known in the streets of Mayfair. You’ll shall be quite profitable from this agreement” Penelope replied.

“Be wise, and take the deal” she commanded still in her Irish accent.

“I’ll shall have these printed by 6 am sharp.”

Penelope has the pin money to the shopkeeper, “pleasure doing business with you. I shall see you tomorrow… Mister?”

“Minister Percy” he replied to her question.

Penelope gave a quick nod, turned around and rush out the door to her carriage.

On her way back home she began to ponder whether the decision to continue Whistledown was a good idea. She missed Eloise, more than ever, and she sent letters during the off season to her but no response. While Colin send numerous letters to her which she did not respond to.

But Penelope knew this was her season. All her life she succumbed to others’ needs, well not anymore she thought. ‘I will be focusing on myself this season. I shall find myself a husband and escape from my mother and sisters’ she thought.

Her thoughts were quickly interrupted when her carriage arrived home. It was pitch dark so the lanterns were flickering in the night, so her family must be asleep. The coachman of her hired sack opened the door and she quickly scrambled out of the carriage. Then gave him the remaining pin money for the trip back.

Once she entered her home, she went through the same route she left to return to her bed chamber. When she returned to her bed chambers, she closed the door then immediately removed the coat by getting it over her head. Then grazed her hand to one side of her shoulder to push down her puff sleeve. It allowed her to slip her neon green gown to the floor. She stepped out and kicked her dress, then moved to the back of her dress and began to untie the ribbons in the back of her dress. Her fingers began to fumble she tried to remove her stays. This was so much harder without her lady’s maid but she knew if she called for one she would have to speak about her late night travels.

After she removed her stays, she put on the nightgown and laid on her bed. She looked up at the ceiling for while and then without her knowing she slowly closed her eyes and drift to sleep.

Chapter Text

April 14^th, 1815

The new social season has finally begun and the ton are returning to the city of Mayfair for an ever so scandalous season. Lady Goring is quite certain that her daughter Miss Margaret Goring will secure a match this season after noticing her daughter’s girlish figure is blossoming more and more into a young woman. While Lady Clifton fears her daughter Miss Clifton will remain on the shelf for another season despite the ample amount of dance lessons given to her during the off season.

As for the gentleman of the ton, they believe the whole social season has turned into a bit of a farce. In fact Lord Cho swore that if he heard one more lady ramble on about needlepointing he would cut his ears.

It seems there are lot of opinions by ton the season, but none would compare to that of Lady Whistledown’s – whom unbeknownst to the ton is none other than Miss. Penelope Featherington. The third youngest daughter of the Featherington family who are not quiet well-liked or well-respected in this society. In fact, just last season, the former Lord Jack Featherington swindled the ton by selling fake jewelry from his so called mine in America. Not much is known about what happened to him after his sudden disappearance last season but it is fair to say that the Featherington ladies has fallen prey to his scheme.

At least, that’s what the ton believe. If they known cunning but intelligent Lady Featherington was behind the whole scheme, she and her three daughters would be shunned out of society. But thankfully, given the ton’s nativity, Lady Featherington’s words, given a few days after the Featherington Ball last season, on how Jack Featherington’s scheme has burden her and her daughter, the ton took pity on them. All none the wiser, that it was in fact Lady Featherington who sent the former Lord ever, even convincing the ton with forge documentary by Mrs. Varley that gave her Jack’s earnings. In addition, to secure the Featherington line, with one of her daughters needing to produce a son heir to claim the Featherington estate.

Even though Portia Featherington approach may have been deemed selfish, she was successful. Despite not showing it, she cared about her daughters. And it is easy to see the similarities between Portia and Penelope. Sure though Penelope has a conscience while Portia lacks sympathy for the victims she hurts through her schemes, they’re both clever woman who are often underestimated for their brilliance.

Lady Featherington spite towards the ton motivates her to plan ways to make her family more prominent in the ton, such as the Bridgerton family are, even if it were to cause their family scandal. While Penelope, provides a lens of the flaws that people in the ton have. Thus, after all the scandal their family face, their return to the 1815 social season was more important to them than ever.

March 25^th, 1815

Lady Portia Featherington, Miss. Prudence Featherington and Miss Penelope Featherington return to their estate upon their carriage. The ladies’ maids, footmen, and butlers have been rehired because they are able to fund themselves because of the money she obtained through the scheme and receiving a generous inheritance from their Great Aunt. As well as the funds obtained from Jack Featherington’s ‘business’. This allowed them to update their wardrobe to yellowish-green frocks towards the end of the 1814 season. Each lady stepped out of the carriage one by one, and when Penelope stepped out she looked up at her estate and followed her mother and sister inside.

“Mama, why must return to Mayfair so soon, the social season has not even started yet” Prudence said while fanning herself to rid of the spring heat.

“We must prepare ourselves, and find you a match this season” Lady Featherington replied as she walked behind Prudence.

Then she sped up and stood in front of Prudence. “After hearing word from Phillipa and Mr. Finch inability to conceive an heir to the Featherington estate, we must ensure that you will secure our place in this society.”

“Does that mean I will get new dress?” Prudence asked with a hopeful gleam in her eyes.

“Yes,” Portia replied and Prudence squealed and jumped up and down in delight.

“Calm yourself child, there is a lot of work to be done.” Lady Featherington scolded then linked her arm into Prudence’s arm and headed towards the staircase to go to their bedchambers.

“Mama,” Penelope innocently asked from a distance. Lady Featherington slightly turned her head to look at Penelope while still interlocking her arm in Prudence’s arm.

“When might we go to the modiste? I shall like to purchase some new dress.”

“Maybe tomorrow, Penelope” she replied with an uninterested look in her face and immediately turned around to head up the steps.

Penelope stood in place for a few minutes till her sister and mother were near the top of the stairs before she started to climb up the steps herself. After the incidents that occurred in the Featherington Ball she knew this season she needed to step up and find a suitable match this season. When Eloise found out that she was Lady Whistledown she could hear the heartbreak in Eloise’s voice. She betrayed her but she was only trying to save Eloise from the Queen’s wrath. Maybe Eloise was jealous of her accomplishments but she knew that scandalizing her best friend was not okay.

She wrote several letters during the off season to her asking for her forgiveness but she did not reply to any of her letters. The only letters that arrived were from Colin. After he proclaimed that he never court her in front of his gentlemen friend, she swore that she would distance herself from Colin. No matter how much she wanted to read and reply to his letters, she knew that this was for the best. Colin will never see her as anything more than a friend or companion that he could talk to.

When Penelope entered her bedchambers with her ladies maid carry her satchel with her writing stationaries and letters she received from Colin, she turned around and her ladies maid, Mary, handed her satchel and walked out her door.

She immediately open it and spilled the letters she received from Colin on to her bed. She stared at it for a minute, before pushing them to the ground. Then she lied on her bed and looked at the ceiling.

She was alone this season, no Eloise or Colin, so she began planning her grand return to reenter the marriage mart all by herself. ‘This season I will secure a match, who respects me … who I can trust … so I could continue my life as Lady Whistledown” she thought. ‘They do not have to love me, as long as we could respect each other all will be well.’

Chapter Text

July 22^nd, 1814

This was the beginning of Colin’s travels across the European countries before returning to next social season. He promised his mother that he would return since his sister Francesca was to debuting next season. So he needed to make use of his time abroad by annotating his experiences in his journals.

His tour began in the desolate grounds of Paque del Buen Retiro in Madrid, Spain that was suffered the aftermaths of the Peninsular War. Regardless, Colin enjoyed walking along the fairgrounds of the park and often seek shade under the canopy of trees where he would sit down an journal his observations.

August 21^st, 1814

After exploring the city of Madrid for three weeks he ventured off to France. He visited the southeastern region in France to explore the towns and picturesque sites off the shores of the seaside. The people in Provence was truly remarkable, with so many people walking down the cobble streets to the vendors selling fresh pastries at the crack of dawn.

Colin’s favorite places to visit were the bakeries. In fact, he would leave his inn early in the morning to eat at a local bakery shop where he was staying. He visited the café so often that local shopkeeper new him by name. And he happened to stumble upon two tourists were there to explore the city.

“My you are certain have quite a large appetite,” commented a tall slender gentleman sitting across from Colin in another table.

“Hmph…” Colin replied while chewing his food. “These pastries are some of the best I’ve had.”

“We can see” replied another gentleman sitting next to the first gentleman who commented on Colin’s eating habit.

“Nicolas Cane” replied the first gentleman.

“Marcus Anderson” replied the second gentleman.

“Colin Bridgerton”

“Aghhh, you family is quite well known in England,” replied Marcus. “I attended Eton with your eldest brother, Anthony.”

“Did you?” Colin asked with astonishment to come in contact with someone who is familiar with his family during his trip.

“Oh yes, your brother had quite a reputation as a prankster.”

“Are you speaking of my brother, Anthony?” Colin asked with confusion. “He has always been such a stickler to the rules of the society and very autocratic. In fact, just last month he kept yelling at my siblings and I every time we asked him a question. Now that he is expecting a child in a few months, he seems to think that we are his children that he could just simply boss around”

“The Viscount has married?” Marcus asked with a surprising yet delightful reply in his tone.

“Yes, Kate – he has finally met his match, because my sister-in-law gave on hard lecture and he was nothing but the picture of grace.”

“Haaaa haaaa,” both gentlemen laughed. “Well he certainly must be in love,” Nicolas replied. “Only a man in love will be so eager to listen to his wife’s beckoning commands.”

“Haaaa haaaa, this I must see,” Marcus commented. “I did had plans to return to the next social season after years of travel. The scandals each season have seem more adventurous and interesting than all my travels combined.”

Marcus, Nicolas and Colin all began to laugh for another minute before their laughter settled down.

“Say Colin, are you planning to return next social season?” Marcus asked.

Colin nodded and replied, “yes, I promised my mother than I would return for my sister Francesca presentation to the Queen.”

“Plan to throw yourself into the marriage mart this season?” asked Nicolas.

“Oh no, I am not planning to marry anytime soon. After my engagement ending two seasons ago, I feel that I should focus on myself more before finding myself a wife.”

“You were engaged,” Nicolas replied with shock in his voice. “You barely look like you’re out of leading strings!”

“Yes, I may have naively asked a woman in her hand in marriage despite being out for only a year prior. But she tricked me, and it was not till Lady Whistledown’s column did I find out that she was with child with another man.”

“WOW, you certainly got yourself into quite mess?” Nicolas replied with amusement in his voice.

“Who is Lady Whistledown?” asked Marcus.

“She is this gossip mongering columnist that has been writing about scandals that are occurring each social season. Even the Queen is threatened by her presence and capability to manipulate the ton.”

“My, what a woman! I would certainly like to meet her.” Marcus said.

“Her identity is not known,” replied Colin. “But I feel she is probably a bitter old spinster who has nothing better to do than prey on the downfall of others.”

“Well, regardless she certainly sounds like someone I would enjoy conversing with. Not like the woman whom presented during my first social season… I could not bare hearing about another discussion on needlepointing,” Marcus said with exasperation in his voice.

“Do all the ladies of the ton believe we care about how well they curtsey or how well they are able to play the pianoforte?” Nicolas asked.

“I blame the Mama’s of the ton, for filling their daughter’s heads with absolute gibberish,” Colin responded.

“Well, I shall see when I return to Mayfair this season” Nicolas responds.

“You are seeking to find a wife, Nicolas?” Colin asked.

“I am only going cause this nitwit is making me,” Nicolas responded while nudging Marcus in the elbow.

“Well somebody needs to be with me while I am conversing with tactless Mamas about their daughters. I wish their daughters would be more experienced in the matters of marriage instead of the falsities these mamas fill into their daughters’ heads”

“Then you would be better of marrying a widowed woman,” Nicolas replied with a smirk on his face. “Their assets are far more entertaining than of a gentle-bred debutante.”

“You are such an ass,” Marcus replied and nudged Nicolas back.

They laughed while Colin just gave a slight chuckle to their conversation. “Say Colin, how would you like to join Marcus and I for a late night drink.”

“I would love to,” Colin replied.

“Perfect, meet us at Le Chabanis at quarter past ten.” Nicolas said.

“I am looking forward to it,” Colin replied as he raised his cup of tea to his lips before he took a sip.

After exploring for a few more hours, and grabbing a ‘light dinner’, Colin ventured of to the Le Chabanis to meet Marcus and Nicolas. Once he entered he was greeted by woman in colorful attire in a very flirtatious voice. He gave the ladies a half-smile as he entered, and continue to observe the extravagancy of the place. He noticed several women half-naked and he notice a man and woman walking out from a door laughing while their clothing were crumpled.

Colin slowly became aware that his new found friends have invited him to a brothels. His brother Anthony insist that he attend brothels once he left Eton but Colin did not feel comfortable in partaking – even though he is well aware of the activities that take place. In fact, often overhears his brothers, Anthony and Benedict, discuss about the several mistresses he had a fling with.

While walking further into the establishment he notices Marcus and Nicolas, whom were surrounded by two woman.

“Mr. Colin Bridgerton,” exclaimed Nicolas. “Join us!”

Colin walked over slowly and took a seat at their table. “Gentlemen, good to see you again” Colin replied with a sense of hesitancy in his voice.

“What is with that look on your face?” Marcus asked. “You look like a lost deer,” he continued as he swagged from side to side with a cup of liquor in his hand.

‘Clearly he is drunk’, Colin thought. “Do not tell me that this is your first time at a brothel?” Nicolas asked while grazing his hand on one of the woman’s thighs.

“Umm…yes, I am afraid so,” Colin responds nervously.

“HAVE… you met Amélieeeeeeeeeee,” Marcus spoke then grasped the woman’s hand and gave it a kiss. “She is a wild one you see.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Sir,” Amélie said as she walked over to rub Colin’s shoulder. ‘This is becoming…very uncomfortable, I should leave. But what would they think of me.’

Nicolas began to kiss the unnamed woman while Marcus patted Colin on the knees. “What did I tell you!” Marcus exclaimed. “The mistresses here are far more entertaining than the ones in Mayfair” he reaches over Colin’s head and drags Amélie hastily to his lap. Then she began to move in a circular motion against his member. “Plus fort, macheire!” Marcus yelled with excitement. 

“Oui, Monsieur” Amélie responded with an arousal tone in her voice while continuously moving her hips over his member as started to kiss passionately. Colin was stunned then he turned his head over to Nicolas only to find him sucking face with his mistress, while simultaneously grazing his hand over another woman’s breast.

‘If I leave now, maybe they would not notice,” Colin thought. After a minute, Colin slowly got up and left the establishment without uttering a word to his new companions on his sudden departure. With his now only companion being his shadow casted by the moon as it walked besides him.

Once he returned to his inn, he did not bother to change instead just deciding to discard his shirt, revealing his new chiseled chest from months of traveling on bare foot, and laid on his bed. ‘This certainly was an….interesting day’ he pondered. Colin has always been a bit of a romantic, the charming Bridgerton boy the ton always say - a kind gentleman not a rake like most gentlemen. Even though being a rake is not necessarily a bad thing, he always felt these sort of intimacies should be shared with some special, especially if it’s your first. ‘Tomorrow is a new day’ dismissing the unexpected incident that happened a mere hour ago. ‘I shall continue on my tour as planned.’ Later in a few minutes, he slowly drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

August 22^nd, 1814

As the luminescent moon dimmed the sun began to rise behind the clouds, arraying a cast of sunlight through Colin’s bedroom windowsill. While being bathed in the warm morning sun for an hour, Colin finally woke up from his slumber It was time to venture into the city of Venice, Italy – as it was his final destination in his summer travels. Though he did not want part from his silky sheets and pillows, he stretched both his arms above his head and rose from his bed.

As he walked over to his wardrobe to choose the attire for the day, he suddenly remember that he was due to write another letter to Penelope. Though she had not replied to the past ten to twelve letters he has sent her, he still felt the need to still inform Penelope about his travels.

With only his undershirt worn from the night before, Colin paused a few inches from reaching his wardrobe and walked over to his writing station. He opened the drawer and pulled out a paper to write his letter to Penelope then immediately sat down on his chair to pick up a quill dipped in black ink.

Dear Penelope, he wrote then paused. Though he written to her many times, at this moment he was not sure on what to say. ‘What would you say to your most dearest friend who has not responded to any of your correspondents?’ he thought. Initially he planned to just write this letter as any other letter of his, by diving straight into the feelings he felt during his scenic explorations – but this letter was going to be different.

Suddenly the bustle of inn caretakers roaming outside his door force him to turn his attention away from the letter. Regardless of the interruption it was brief, because since he was immediately brought him back to reality as he sharply turned his head back to his stationary. He quickly crumbled up the letter and threw it on the floor so fast that it almost was like he had an epiphany. With another sheet immediately below the previously tossed one, he began to write again.

My Dearest Penelope,  

I hope you are well. It has been so long since we have spoken. I have written several letters to you but I have not received any word back from you. Your commentaries in responses to my letters are truly the highlight of my travel.  

The way your words intertwine with mine is remarkable! Do you remember when I wrote to you about my travels through Greece? I mentioned swimming in the warm waters of the Petalioi Gulf yet you were able to help recapture that memory much better than me. It was as if I was already there whilst reading your letter.

I  wish my family was as enthusiastic as you are about my travels. Speaking of family, I asked my sister Eloise if she was aware about your whereabouts. I was worried that my letters were not reaching to you directly. Yet she did not shed light on the matter. She dismissed my question completely, and did not once mention your name.

Have you two fallen out? Is that why you do not wish to write to me? Whatever it is I am sure you and Eloise will get through it. She can be quite stubborn but I am sure she will come around eventually…to whatever spat you and her been dealing with.

Anyways, I would like to let you know that I have finished my tours in France and Spain. You would have loved the beautiful rose gardens that I saw in the Paque del Buen Retiro in Madrid. The flowers smelled as lovely as you and despite the desolate condition you could not imagine a place more beautiful.

Colin paused once more and looked at the clock. It was half past nine, he needed to go to the docks to board the ship headed to Venice, Italy.

I wish I could continue to write more in this letter but I am afraid I need to catch my ship to Venice, Italy. But I promise to write to you soon as I can. I do hope this letter reaches to you. Looking forward from hearing from you again.

Yours Truly,

Colin

A warm smile crept across his face, feeling satisfied about his letter. Then he gently folded it two, placed it in an envelope and sealed it. Colin then felt his writing station to get ready to leave the inn. As he was heading downstairs he stumbled upon the innkeeper.

“Leaving so soon, Sir?” the innkeeper asked.

“I am afraid so Mr. Hughes, but I do plan to visit here again soon,” Colin replied.

“Glad to hear that Sir.” And before Mr. Hughes plan to ascend up the stairs to tend another guest, Colin stopped him by reaching his arm out to block him.

“Could you deliver this letter, please? It’s quite important that it gets delivered today.”

“Is this for that friend you’ve been writing to?”

“Yes!”

“I’ve delivered many letters from you but I have no received any response letter from him. The only responds I’ve received were from your family.”

“She is probably has not found the time to write back.”

“She?” asked Mr. Hughes and Colin nodded in acknowledgement.  

“You’ve written quite the number of letters to this young miss, and only a few were to your family.”

“My family does not indulge in my travels as she does.”

“She sounds special.”

“Yes…she is” Colin replied with a warm smile on his face as he diverge his eyes away from Mr. Hudges.

“I see … I will be sure to deliver this letter later this evening, Sir.”

“Thank you kindly” Colin replied.

After a brief exchange, they both headed to opposite directions of the stairs until something or rather someone caught his eye. Marcus Anderson was standing on the other side of the window looking inside, as if he was searching for someone.

During their last encounter had he mention the location of his lodgings? Though he was not tipped over as his ‘friends’ last night surely he could not revealed such personal details about himself. Should he find a back door to sneak out? Was this question about his sudden departure? Most likely but would it be odd to mention his discomfort. After all they are the one who extended their invitation to join him, and it would be rude of him not to thank them. ‘I shall be do the gentlemanly thing, and apologize. Besides I am expected to leave in a mere two hours,’ he thought.

“Anderson!” Colin exclaimed as he stepped out of the inn with Marcus turning his head towards him to greet him.

“Bridgerton, I did not know you were staying here?”

“You did not? You were looking through the window?”

“I was looking for a friend, he is staying here as well.”

“Who would that be?” Colin asked unsure whether this was a lie.

“Marcus!” exclaimed a man who stepped out of the inn.

“John!” Marcus walked over to greet his friend with a pat on the back. “Good to see you friend.”

“Likewise.”

“John I would like you to meet Mr. Colin Bridgerton. Colin this is John Stirling.”

“Pleasure to meet Mr. Bridgerton.”

“John Striling, as in the Earl of Kilmartin John Striling.”

“That would me.”

“Cousin, next time give a warning before you leave me, I was standing by myself with people thinking I was delusional” said a second gentlemen who stepped out of the inn right after John.

“Apologies cousin,” John replied with sincerity.

“Gentlemen this is my cousin, Michael. This my closest friend Marcus Anderson and this is Mr. Colin Bridgerton that I met a mere minute ago”

“Good to finally meet you,” Marcus replied with his hand extended out to greet him.

“It was good to meet you all but I am afraid I must take my leave. I need to catch a ship heading to Italy” Colin said.

“No worries, will I be seeing you in a few months for the London social season?” John asked.

“Yes, you will. I am to help my sister Francesca present this season.”

“Well, I am looking forward to meet her and your family” said John.

“As am I,” responded Michael.

“Then this is not a goodbye, it’s a see you soon. And with a quick nod Colin left while the other three gentlemen continued their conversation. As he was off to continue his travels before he returns for the upcoming social season.

September 9^th, 1814

Venice, Italy known for its beautiful bridges, gondolas and many festivities. It was far more exotic than the other countries he visited. A few weeks into his visit, he got to know people of Italy and he thought they were quiet extroverted. He especially thought the women were confident, well-cultured and very flirtatious.

While passing through different households to explore the town’s destinations, several mothers would deliberately drag him without warning to meet their daughters. Quite similar to the Mamas of the Ton insisting gentlemen to engage in conversation with their daughters, dance with their daughters and call on their daughters the very next day at their home.

Only the English debutantes would maintain propriety in company of a gentlemen whereas many of the Italian women he was forced to interact with did not mind to be caught in compromising positions. In fact, it was revered that young lady entrap a man with her seductive nature.

Colin being the gentlemen he is politely declined before any advances were to take place. By other excusing himself to an urgent matter or dismissing himself as a suitable pursuit of interest.

Despite him being the ideal gentlemen every girl dreams of he did not feel as if he appeared as man to society. To any one with eyes it was not a surprise that he is handsome, yet Colin felt less of a man in the presence of other gentlemen or even his brothers.

Since he is still rather green, unlike his brothers and many gentlemen in the ton, he was not aware on the ways to please a woman. He always believed that his first should be with a woman who he loves and would spend eternity with. Taking care of her by providing protection for her and growing a family through love – he felt that this was the way to a woman’s heart.

By securing her trust, he would prove himself to her through his action and deeds. Thus ratifying their union through marriage, so they could live harmoniously with each other.

Though that seemed so far out of reach since he did not feel ready to race to alter once more. After the deception and betrayal Miss. Thompson caused him and his family – he knew he should be cautious. Sure he flirted with almost every girl in London, but he never fancied anymore than a brief fling.

Besides he needed to find himself before he settled down. Unlike Anthony he was not granted ownership to his family estate, so he would need to seek some sort of income instead of depending on his oldest brother for monetary support. The guilt of last season’s investment on Jack Featherington’s ruby mine still eluded him to this day even though his intentions to secure a deal was not genuine. No it was the look Anthony gave him that day in front of his siblings when he asked about his substantial withdrawal from the family’s accounts. He never felt more embarrassed but he was too adamant to show it.

As his evening sun began to set he wandered to a near by tavern to ease the burdens of the day. Aimlessly wandered the past few weeks and only had satisfaction through his journaling of his destinations. Maybe drinking away his problems would lessen the burden.

He took a seat on the stool, and reached into his pocket only to find a few pences in his pocket. A huge sigh of exhaustion and frustration left his breath for the whole tavern to hear.

“Troubled day, friend?” asked a gentleman in a dark black navy coat seated next to him. His sailors cap was quite extravagant that only a captain of a ship would wear.

“If only this beer could drown me” responded Colin.

“Aye know plenty of such topic.”

“Pardon?”

“Aye I am a shipmaster, with 11 crewmen on board” the captain responded while Colin kept his head down on the table.

“I be always looking for new crewmen. Our vessel is expecting a whole boat load of exports for the next three months.” Colin was intrigued then the Captain continued. “We could use more crewmen. I pay my crew well.”

“I have no doubt about it,” assured Colin. “Captain….?”

“Captain Giovanni Lombardi!”

“Colin Bridgerton” he responded with his hand extended outward to shake his head.

“Well Mr. Bridgerton, what do you say?” asked Captain Lombardi with his hand still in Colin’s hand.

“When do I start?”

Chapter Text

April 17^th, 1815

Dearest Gentle Reader,

We been apart for far too long. At last, London smart set has made its return and so too has this author. As the season begins, the question on everyone's minds is, of course: Which newly minted debutant will shine the brightest? The crop this year, appears to be rather dazzling indeed. Unfortunately, not every young lady can attract the light.

That decision has been entirely left to Her Majesty The Queen. But do not fret, this author has taken pity on those of you who have felt unseen and unheard. Especially to those who have not graced my pages, this is your warning.

For so you see dear readers, not all my findings will be in your favor. Perhaps I may stumble upon on young lady that might outshine this Season’s Diamond. Or a scandal that would be the talk of the ton.

So be wary of who you can trust because what is done in the dark always comes to light.

Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, 17 April 1815

Her hands began to tighten as her eyes fixated on the words written in front of her until she could not bare it no longer. As she slowly began to crumble the sheet, Eloise anger from last season began to emerge.

It has only been a few months since learning that her former best friend, Penelope Featherington, was none other than Lady Whistledown, however it seems the encounter as occurred yesterday. Penelope said she stopped writing after betraying Eloise yet here she is still reporting on the same gossip.

Were they ever truly friends? Penelope was the friend she went to whenever Eloise felt unheard by her family. But now… all of that seems a lie, because based on what she read – Penelope never understood her at all.

There are far more greater issues than leg shackling a man into marriage or being the diamond of the season. For instance, women rights! Allowing women the free will to speak their minds and not be confined to societal expectations.

She remembers the times she went to political rallies with Theo. For once in her life she felt heard. It was not outlandish to seek to nurture the mind or demand to be treated with the same level of respect that was given to a man.

‘I wonder if he still works at the printershop?’ she thought. Maybe they could continue their friendship, because after Penelope’s ….nay “Lady Whistledown’s Edition” that revealed her interest in political rallies the rumors have died down and the ton has moved on to other scandalous tit-bits.

“Ridiculous,” huffed Eloise as she shook her head side to side with exasperation.

“Miss Eloise,” called a young man near her door.

Eloise quickly turned around, to see it was her Footman John. “Yes?” she replied.

“You have a letter… from Miss. Penelope Featherington.”

“I do not wish to receive it” she scoffed as she turned her head to the side.

“ Pardon me Miss Eloise, for I do not wish to over step,” Footman John said as she stepped into her bed chamber a bit. “but do you not think you are overreacting?”

“OVERREACTING?” Eloise shouted as she rose from her chair.  

“I only mean that…” he briefly paused trying to choose his words carefully. “only a remorseful person who knows they have wronged someone would try to reach out to the one they have wronged.”

Eloise eyebrows furrowed slightly, not because she was angry at him, but because she was interested in what he had to say.

“She has sent over twenty letters to you” he continued and Eloise continued staring at him with the same expression on her face.

“You must be curious to what she has to say.”

His words echoed in her head. ‘Maybe I should keep an open mind and read at least one of her letters’ she thought. Below her mattress were piles and piles of letters from Penelope, unopened, waiting to be read.

Eloise then paced quickly across the room and snatched the letter from Footman John.

“I am only reading this because you have peeked my interest,” Eloise said then John immediately flashed a genuine smile at her as he backed out of her room.

Once he left, Eloise tour open the corner of the letter, unfolded the letter and began to read it.

Dear Eloise,

I know you have not read my letters, and I do not blame you for it but I do hope that we make our amends. I apologize for all the hurt I caused you. I genuinely did not want to write about you that way but I had no choice. You may call me a coward but I did what I believed was right at the time.

Since you chose to end our friendship, I have continued to write. I should have told you but I wanted to keep Lady Whistledown to myself. I am overlooked by everyone in society, and writing these “scandal sheets” was my way of revealing to the ton that we all have flaws. That not everyone has to follow these idealistic expectations to be seen.

I am a wallflower and from a family with little regard in society. Your family were the only ones to truly accept me, and I felt like I was part of a family. I know I have forsaken them through my words but I do not regret my actions.

Daphne secured a love match with the Duke of Hastings, Anthony rakish status was removed once he married Kate, and your brother escaped from a loveless marriage.

I am not saying I have no fault but I would like to point out that my words were not in vain.

I wish you the best of luck this social season even though you despise every gentlemen caller your mother sets you up with. I do wish you all the happiness and love in the world.

Maybe if you can, we could speak about this further, in private of course. I shall eagerly await your response.

Love,

Penelope

A tear rolled down her cheek. Before it reach her chin she began wiping the tear from her face. She still did not understand why Penelope choose to begin Whistledown in the first place but she knew that she needed answers.

If she were to continue her exploitation of the ton, she needed to know why even after her confrontation of the betrayal Penelope ensued to her and her family.

Despite not wanting to admit, she did miss her. Maybe when they are away from the prying ears of the ton they could speak to each other in private. Possibly during a ball, where everyone is gossiping and mocking individuals.

Until then all she could do was cry.

Chapter Text

April 17^th, 1815

“Benedict Dear, do you know where your sister Eloise might be?” Violet spoke with both sense of urgency and excitement in her voice.

“No, is everything is all right mother?”

“Oh yes” she responded in haste whilst pacing towards Francesca, who was perfecting her piano forte teachings taught by her Aunty Whinny last season. “We are to head to the modiste” she spoke the last words in glee then placed her hand gently on Francesca’s shoulder without deterring from her playing.

“I know not why you insist on Eloise to come along,” Benedict voiced.

“She has not been herself lately, Mother” Francesca replied innocently whilst still continuing to play the piano.

“Yes,” Violet responded with a sigh. “it seems her falling out with Penelope has put her in a damper mood.”

“Or perhaps this has always been her, and we just did not know” Gregory chimed into the conversation. “Didst you know she threaten to beat me with her book yesterday?”

“You were glancing over her shoulder several times whilst she was reading,” Hyacinth explained.

“That does not mean she could hit me!” Gregory exclaimed in frustration.

“Children!” Violet scolded at her two youngest children. “Agh Eloise you are here!”

Eloise entered with a demeanor expression on her face with her eldest brother Anthony and her new sister-in-law following directly behind her.

Anthony was not pleased as well, after all it took him nearly 15 minutes to escort his most stubborn sister out of her bed chambers. With Kate’s help of course. Thankfully she and Eloise were most agreeable ever since they met, which Anthony is eternally grateful.

It lessens his familial responsibilities, that he was placed upon him ever since his father’s passing. But it did not mean that it prevented it from existing completely.

“Care to explain mother for your delay?” Eloise responded by sharply turning her head ever so slightly at her brother’s direction, crossing her arms across her chest as she pierced irritatingly into her brother’s eyes.  

With no response from her, Anthony continued “It seems she take issue with her Ladies Maid”.

“What was wrong with your ladies maid?” Violet asked in shock.

“Nothing Mama” With hopes to end this miserable conversation so she could return to more intellective recreations…in her own bedchambers. Not in a room with her siblings, who took no matter of interest in her pursuits.  

“Yet you still manage to scare her off, when you refuse her to dress you” Anthony continued.

“I told you brother, I do not wish to leave my room!” Eloise scolded.

“You do not have a choice in the mat..” Anthony began to raise his voice until Kate stopped him by gently placing her hand on his shoulder.

“What he means to say, is that we understand you have other matters to tend to, but we do prefer if you would leave your room once in while”. Kate responded in a more gentler tone which caused Eloise to soften her glare at them.

“It is a beautiful day! A quick trip to the modiste would be most refreshing” Kate responded with glee.

Eloise pout, then Kate slowly walked over to her sister-in-law and whispered, “you may walk paths of your former friend.”

She suddenly turned her head to face her. “I know she miss you too.”

“Did you read her letters to me?” She hoped her brother’s viscountess did not betray her trust by snooping through her letters.

“No, I was not aware she sent you any letters. That would make sense as to why your temper is not as boisterous as it has been this past week” Kate response was genuine and Eloise sensed that and gave her pleasing smile and nod to her sister-in-law.

Kate and Eloise got along well with each other when they first met last season. In Eloise’s words, it is a boon to have another intelligent woman in the house. Though she rarely admit to caring for her siblings, she did not feel they truly understood her as well as Kate. She was grateful for her and appreciated her voicing her opinions and especially being the only person to be able to get Anthony to listen.

“Well then, shall we go?” Violet exclaimed while looking at Eloise, Francesca, and Kate.

“This is a beautiful gown Madam Delcroix,” Francesca spoke.

“ Ma Chere it is not the gown that highlights a woman’s beauty, it is the young lady wearing it” Madam Delcroix replied with her fake-French accent.

“You do look lovely, dear. Does she not Eloise?” asked Violet which Eloise replied by putting a fake smile on her face while laying on the couch. Her sister is beautiful but she still never understood why ladies make such a fuss about ones clothing attire. But to see the modiste and her mother complicating her sister, she could not help but be a little bit jealous.

“Indeed, this silhouette flatters your figure and the jewels adorned on the sleeves is quite a spectacle” responded Kate with glee. “I have no doubt that you will have plenty of suitors to chose from” she continued.

“Perhaps even be this season’s diamond” Violet exclaimed. “Oh if Daphne was here to see you,” she said as she walked over to Francesca to hold her hand, “she would be so proud to see the woman you have become.”

“Thank you Mother, but I am not Daphne. I would be happy to just marry man who treats me with respect and love … being the diamond does not interest me, but if I do I shall be most grateful.” Eloise slowly rose her head with a neutral expression on her face to her sister’s comment, but soon she was distracted when the modiste’s door opened.

The Dowager Baroness Portia Featherington walked in with her eldest daughter in her arms, with Penelope directly behind them.

Madam Delcroix peeked behind the curtain. “Oh Madame Delcroix, I do hope you have the dresses I have ordered for Prudence.”

“Oui, Lady Featherington, I just need one moment and I shall be with you.”

Shortly, everyone stepped out to the main entrance of the modiste’s shop to greet the Featheringtons.

“Lady Featherington, it is good to see you again,” Violet said with as much genuinity she could muster.  Though she had some animosity towards the matriarch for tricking her third son into a swift marriage, she did believe she had her reason. Even it were cruel to deceive others to better her own family. But despite her selfish ways, she was somewhat appreciative that, unlike her, Portia did extend her sympathies when her eldest son wedding ceremony caused scandal last season. As well as extending an invitation to them to attend The Featherington Ball even if it was to glorify her success.

“Yes…I suppose it is, Lady Violet Bridgerton” Portia replied with joy and a slightly snarkiness in her voice. “It is good to see you all again, after such a tragic season we had last, is that not right Viscountess Bridgerton?” she spoke to Kate.

“Let’s not let dwell on the past Lady Featherington” said Kate with a smile. “When there is much to look forward to.”

“I could not agree more!” Portia exclaimed whilst shaking her finger in the acknowledgement then she turned to Prudence. “In fact, Prudence here is most hopeful that this shall be her season, is that not so… Prudence?”

To no one’s surprised, Prudence was distracted but eventually regained her composure once her mother addressed her once more, “Oh, yes most hopeful.”

While the Bridgertons and Featherington ladies were talking, Penelope peeked behind her mother to notice Eloise was looking at her every few minutes. Soon, the ladies began looking at fabrics, Penelope used this opportunity to walk over to Eloise, which Kate noticed as she walked past her.  

“It is good to see you” Penelope said but Eloise was silent.

“I read your most recent letter,” Eloise said without looking at Penelope.

Penelope however turned towards her former friend and Eloise continued. “I am still hurting you know, but I suppose I could forgive you.”

“You forgive me?”

“Perhaps some day I may fully understand you but as of now I feel in need of a companion, and well… I miss you.”

“I miss you too Eloise.”

“But…you still continue to … pursue your secret endeavors. So I am not sure if our friendship will return to as it once were.”

Penelope was starting to feel hopeful but something about Eloise’s words prevented her from rejoicing so quickly.

“We start with you accompanying me during balls whilst we hide away from my family.” Eloise still maintained her composure by looking at their families on-going conversation rather than Penelope who was starting to question her former friend sincerity to rekindle their friendship. “I cannot stand to gentlemen she partners me with, and with Kate assisting us this season it may be far more difficult to escape alone.”

“Well Eloise, I …..”

“We shall go to the garden!” Eloise said with slight excitement, before returning to her neutral tone of voice.

“That might give you a chance to explain to me as to why you continue to tarnish the reputation of the ton.”

“I did no such ….”

“You tried to ruin my family’s reputation with your words, with no consideration to no one else’s feelings but your own.”  

“I had no choice! You did not listen to me, and continue your pursuits of Lady Whistledown’s identity. Besides, your reputation was not tarnished, I bet very few remember.” Penelope responded in frustration.

“I highly doubt that. Considering all the scandals you wrote about my family.”

Penelope brows furrowed causing her forehead to crinkle in response. She could not believe that after all these months, Eloise still did not understood her intentions behind Whistledown. The regret that she felt when writing about her or the sacrifices she made for her after Eloise refused to heed her warnings.

“If you are insisting in continuing this pursuit of yours, we shall discuss our plans to make Lady Whistledown a success”.

“Lady Whistledown is a success!”

“It would be more of a success if we spoke of things that truly matter.”

Penelope’s anger started to boil even further, and she could not bare to listen to another word.

“There is no we!” Her eyebrows began to furrow more into her eye socket and her voice deepened slightly. “It is mine and mine alone, I do not wish to share it!”

“I understand” Eloise responded. “Maybe you are jealous that I might bring forth something worth mentioning, rather than the tit bit you scribble.”

“How dare you still put the blame on me! I did what I did to protect but you do not see that. You only think about yourself!” Penelope exclaimed and just loud enough for Kate to turn her head, which Penelope noticed then immediately noticed and lowered her voice.

“Do not dare fault me for your mistakes.” Eloise just glared at her friend while she spoke then she replied. “Do you know why I did not tell you? Because you believe that your thoughts are mine as well.”

“I never said that!”

“You did not have to, Eloise. Did you even know that I wish to marry this season…That I wish to find myself a husband! What do you have to say?”

“You said we be spinsters together?” Eloise was confused, did Penelope act interested in the words she spoke.

“No you said that we would! I wish to escape from the confines of my homes and secure a husband whom would care for me.”

There was brief pause between the girls until Eloise responded, “You changed - I thought you were my friend. I was a fool, entrapped by your pretty words.”

She could not bare another second in Eloise presence, so she left without even uttering a farewell to her former best friend. Penelope began to huff pass the carefully stacked fabrics before being stopped by Genevieve.

“Is everything alright Miss Penelope.” Madam Delcroix asked.

“Quite” Penelope responded with a snap in her voice. “Do you have the gowns I requested for?”

“Yes, they are right over here. There are a few more that are in the works but these are the ones I managed to scrape up.”

Penelope opened the box and lifted the gown, shocked by the what she is seeing. “Oh Genevieve … I thought?”

“I was experimenting with new fabrics and colors. The gowns you requested for were similar to many debutantes this season. I wanted you to stand out.”

“I do not know what to say.”

"You need say not.”

“But the deposit I made does not seem to cover…”

“Do not worry Miss Penelope, these are my gift to you.”

“Thank you.”

“Penelope let us go, we are to meet with Phillipa and Mr. Finch later this evening.” Her mother shouted in the distance, which signaled that it was time for her to take her leave.

She nodded at Madam Delcroix and acknowledged her departure to Violet, Kate and Francesca when she left. The conversation between her and Eloise still lingered in her mind. She has pleased Eloise’s fantasies and thoughts her whole life, but now she needed to think about herself. And if that made her selfish so be it.

April 18^th, 1815

Today was the day marriage minded Miss were to be presented to the Queen. The Bridgertons were none the less excited as they stepped out of their home with Francesca following directly behind them.

She is beautiful, the picture of innocence and grace. Francesca is excited of the possibility of securing a match. She wished her sister Daphne was able to take part this season, but unfortunately she is expecting her second child and was instructed by her doctor to continue residing at Hastings House and rest until her baby arrives.

As Francesca glided down the staircase, she was greeted with warm hugs and compliments by her mother and siblings. Soon a carriage started rolling down the cobble streets that came to a halt. The door flew open and there emerged a man with a dark rusty brown coat, dark blue shirt half tucked and half untucked, black boots, and maroon-red gloves. “I hope you were not to leave without me,” he spoke with a huge grin on his face.

“Brother” Hyacinth and Gregory replied in unison as they rushed towards their brother for a hug.

“It is never a dull moment with you two. And Gregory… you are almost tall as your big brother.”

“Did you buy me any gifts? I do hope they are exotic” Hyacinth interrupted.

“Yes” he replied.

“Do I have some too?” responded Gregory.

“They are in the back of the carria….” he said as he pointed to his carriage but his younger siblings released from their embraced and rushed to see. He was glad to see his siblings not changing much other than their height. It was nice to see them regal him, even if it was temporary.

Violet soon approached her son after the departure of the two youngest Bridgerton siblings to greet her son. “Colin, it is so wonderful to see you back home so soon”.

“Well you did not think I would miss my dear sister Francesca’s debut this season, now did you Mother?”

Francesca only a few inches nearby overheard the conversation between him and his mother before she arrived to greet her brother.

“Wonderful to see you brother, thank you for coming”.

“I would not miss it for the world. Considering I travel through far much of it these past few months.”

“I do look forward to hearing about it.”

Francesca laughed then she hugged and kissed her brother on the cheek before walking over to where Gregory and Hyacinth are standing, with Violet following directly behind her.

Immediately after Violet and Francesca left, his eldest brother soon followed in the arms of his new Viscountess with his other eldest brother following directly behind them.

Upon a few inches from Colin, Kate released from Anthony’s arm to hug her new brother-in-law. “Good to see you, Colin.”

“You as well Kate,” he responds as he hugs her back.  

“Brother! You surely are not going to attend dressed like that” Anthony questioned his brother’s recent fashion choice by tugging on loose blue tie hanging off his dark blue shirt.

“What is wrong with I am wearing?”

“It is not gentlemen’s attire”.

“And those shoes do not go well with that coat,” Benedict mocked as soon as he arrived within ears distance.

“Well, I do not have time to change, so shall we be off.” Colin responds with a smile on his face.

Anthony gently places his hand over his chest, “brother, our family could only endure so much scandal, please go change. We have plenty of time before we depart.”

Colin sighed, “if I must.” But as he was about to head back into the Bridgerton he started to serve his head around when he soon realized that he has not been greeted by another one of his siblings.

“Brother, where is Eloise? She does not appear to be here.”

“Is she? I had not noticed?” Benedict joked but Anthony elbow him in the arm.

“She says she is unwell,” Kate said.

“Aghhh, I am sorry to hear” Colin responds with sincerity. “I shall make sure to see her once we return. As of now, I best get dressed then” he responds with a smile at Anthony.

Everyone begins to converse amongst themselves, as Colin starts to head to his home the corner of his eye catches a young lady with bright red hair. He could not help but turn and glance at her direction, as she walked down the stairs of her home, with her mother, sisters and ladies maid all directly in front of them.

His body begin to swift slowly towards her direction that he could not help but smile at her. Penelope is radiant as ever, he thought. With no other indication at all beside Colin’s gaze towards her, Penelope noticed him observing her but she looked at him briefly before turning her eyes away from him. He could not help but whimper at his friend’s sudden demeaner. Penelope would not even meet his gaze, and that bothered him.

A footman tapped him on his shoulder, then he immediately came to attention as to head upstairs the steps of his home to change into more appropriate attire, before his family departs without him.

Each marriage minded Miss was presented to Queen Charlotte. There were many beautiful young ladies being presented, all unique in their own way. Even those who presented last season were even in attendance.

Colin never cared from the ton’s investment in hoisting eager and sometimes clueless debutantes to seek her Majesty’s grace but at this moment he was grateful that he was able to witness yet another sister succeed in the marriage mart this season.

Debutante after debutante entered to present themselves to the Queen, and all Colin could do was lower his head and fidget with his fingers.

“Now presenting, Miss Prudence Featherington and Miss Penelope Featherington.”

Colin’s head shot up in an instance, “all presented by their mother, the Right Honorable the Dowager Baroness Featherington.”

The double doors opened, as he saw his best friend standing on the other side of it. Two seasons ago, Penelope was nervous and occasionally looked around the room. She even looked at him and his family while she walking. But right now, she was looking straight  ahead. In a beautiful empire line dress that flattered her curves exceptionally.

Like many gentleman, Colin has never had an eye for fashion, however, he noticed that her fabric was significantly different from season priors. The cut of her neckline outlined her chest, highlighting her assets without it being deemed scandalous.

Unlike observing her briefly from afar at the Bridgerton manor, he was able to look at her more closely. For instance, the color of lips looked softer almost untouched, the curls of her hair were not as tight as previously season and the sunlight hit her face ever so gently to reveal the most radiant deep sky blue eyes he has ever seen.

Suddenly his head began to spin. She is radiant. Has she always been this beautiful? He must have truly missed his friend after being away for so long because he could keep his eyes off her. Unfortunately for him, Penelope did not notice.

Once they bowed to the Queen, she looked at Prudence then immediately shifted her gaze to Penelope. While Penelope tried to keep her curtesy as steady as possible, the Queen gave a smile and nod. It most unnoticed by the ton, since they were immersed in their converse but Portia noticed immediately. She was pleased, her daughters were starting to gain some recognition.

After the Featheringtons presented themselves, several other young ladies presented themselves. Queen Charlotte tried to keep her face as neutral as possible, with hopes that she is able to convince the ton that she has not made her decision.   

When Francesca was announced, the doors opened and everyone was at awe.

“She looks just like the Duchess when she presented two seasons ago,” a matriarch spoke to another matriarch standing next to her.

“She most certainly is going to be this season’s diamond” responded an older married gentleman standing behind them. They all nod in acknowledge.

Her Majesty was impressed to say the least, but she did not reveal her decision. However despite trying to maintaining her unbiased demeanor, she was unable to bare it for long because as soon as Francesca curtsied to the Queen, she displayed a small smile towards the young Miss.

Several more young ladies presented but the Queen did not announce her diamond, or even gave a hint to who it maybe. Despite giving a small grinning at Penelope and Francesca, she did not waive from her neutral face. She certainly is more careful this time around. Last time she announced the diamond too early, only to have Lady Whistledown denounce her judgement publicly.

Many young ladies were sadden that not hint of favoritism was given. Francesca on the other hand was delighted and ever so pleased with herself. This was her first step to securing her match. And now all that was left was to secure a dance with a suitor at Lady Danbury’s Ball. ‘That should not be too hard,’ she thought. Yes, she was certainly looking forward for this social season.  

Chapter Text

April 18^th, 1815

“Brimnsley, my snuff!”

Queen Charlotte beckoned to her right hand man as she scurried to sit her empty sofa cushion chair, with Lady Danbury a mere inches behind her.

Unlike her Majesty, who was in quite a bit of a rut after the morning festivities, Brimnsley simply walked over to the tea station gracefully, took a small pinch of the finely-grounded power onto a teaspoon and carefully set it aside on a small metal gray tray.

After being by her side for so long, ever since her arrival to England, he has known the likes and dislikes of her Majesty. Even be aware about the amount of snuff she wish to have during her afternoon tea. Not too much, but not too little.

Whilst he was prepping the royal tea station, Lady Danbury took a seat in a smaller and much harder chair facing Queen Charlotte’s luxuriously soft cushion couch.

“I wish privacy!” exclaimed her Majesty.

Brimnsely signaled the staff to leave the corridors, and once every footmen and ladies maid left, he shut the double doors to allow the two ladies to converse freely. He should feel offended that after all these years, Queen Charlotte still chose to withhold secrets from him but he did not. After all, his duties were to serve her Majesty’s every word without question, without doubt, without offense.

“I shall need your help in choosing this season’s diamond.”

“I…” she paused briefly before she continued. It is important to never keep her Majesty waiting too long for a response, “am most flattered your Majesty but selecting a diamond has always been your duty.”

“Of course” Queen Charlotte replied hastily. “But today we shall decide together as we discuss each debutante presentation today in detail.”

“Is that why all the footmen and ladies maid were sent away?”

“To gossip about ladies attributes and flaws is highly frowned upon, especially if those converse we’re to be revealed publicly. What will the ton think? They would believe me to be no better than Lady Whistledown.”

“Speaking of Lady Whistledown, I plan to get best her at her own game this season” Queen Charlotte continued. “With your help we shall choose a diamond that would outshine all the other young ladies present. She shall be graceful, witty, and great conversationist. Thus making Lady Whistledown unable to find fault in my chose, and hopefully revealing the gossip mongering writer once an for all.”

“To choose a lady with no flaws or scandals to her name will be challenge but I do love a good challenge” Lady Danbury responded. She was intrigued about where this discussion would be leading to.

“Well we have to try, for instance what do you think of Miss Jane Hotchkiss?”

“She made an adequate presentation to you, Ma’am but this is her first season.”

“You are right, she is too plain. My diamond must be perfection. How about Miss Francesca Bridgerton? She made quite an entrance during her presentation.”

“I did hear Miss Bridgerton receive numerous praises from certain matriarchs, some even claiming her presentation was similar to the Duchess of Hastings – when she first debuted.”

“Oh Daphne was wonderful diamond. Pray tell Lady Danbury is she making her returns to Mayfair this season.”

“Alas, she is lodge at Hastings homes expecting her second child.”

“That’s too bad, she would have been a perfect mentor to her sister.”

For several minutes, Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury continued listing newly minted debutantes only to be left with no diamond, which disheartened the Queen greatly.

“That is all the newly marriage minded Miss this season?”

“Yes your Majesty.”

Queen Charlotte sighed and slumped into her couch a little further. Her arms crossed tightly across her chest with a small pout on her face.

Her expression of discontent was all to familiar to Lady Danbury. It was as if it was not too long ago when she would console young Charlotte, in the early days of her marriage to King George III, about the hardships a ruler must endure for the sake of the people.

“I cannot let Lady Whistledown get the best of me this season. We must find ourselves a diamond!”

“May speak freely your Majesty?” Queen Charlotte acknowledged her with a quick nod. “Have you read Lady Whistledown’s latest addition?”

“Of course, I read all her editions the moment it arrives to Buckingham Palace.” Lady Danbury was not surprised by this revelation. Though her Majesty reveals great discontent over the writer’s challenges to her and the crown, she knew that Charlotte secretly enjoyed reading her editions.

She would recount certain quotes of Whistledown word for word. For someone who claims to dislike her candid persona it is odd that she still finds the manner very intriguing – even if she is too stubborn to admit it.

“She acknowledged that certain debutantes who have not graced your Majesty’s eyes, would be mentioned on her sheets.”

“She is clearly bluffing. What possible dirt could see write about them? They are unnoticed for a reason. The debutantes that secure a marriage within their first season, that is the highlight of the season. Not some simpering girl who is unable to converse with a gentlemen.”

“If I may speak freely again your Majesty.” Lady Danbury continued when Queen Charlotte made no objections. “I do not believe a lady should be deemed unattainable just because she does not secure a match during her first season. Sometimes a lady may need to find herself before she is able to find another.”

“A lady is trained from birth to become a suitable wife, Lady Danbury. She has a duty to fulfill just as I had to duty to fulfill when I married George – securing his lineage with many children.”

“That is true, but should a lady not be given a choice just as men are given a choice when choosing a desirable partner. I was never given a choice when I married Lord Danbury. I sired four children, those of which that have no spoken to be in a long time, only to be left alone after my husband’s passing.”

Queen Charlotte understood the difficulties Lady Danbury faced during her marriage to Lord Danbury. It may have taken her years but at this moment she knew that she needed to be respectful to her martial struggles. Afterall, Agatha was there for her when she was forlorn about her marriage before coming to terms with it.

“Marriage should be an union between two people who care about one another. Not a competition amongst young ladies to see whom can secure a match the fastest or deem which lady to be the most incomparable of the season.”

“What are you trying to say, Agatha.”

“That we forgo choosing a diamond. I am sure Lady Whistledown would be pleased to hear that your Majesty is not simply choosing a diamond for their beauty and grace.”

“I do not simply choose a diamond for their beauty and grace! They must also outshine other debutantes through their presence!”

“Thus putting your Majesty at greater esteem?”

“Exactly!”

“The ton already values your opinions and commands. Even if you were to choose a debutante that most gentlemen overlook, with your Majesty’s favor and support, she may be able to outshine. Thus giving hope to other unheard and unseen young ladies who have not graced your presence.”

Charlotte was getting slightly irritated at Lady Danbury’s words, but overall she was mostly confused on what her oldest friend was trying to say. “Speak plainly, what are you trying to tell me?”

“All I ask, is to either forgo this whole diamond of the season farce or choose a young lady that not many would expect to be the diamond, perhaps someone who is in their second or even third season in the marriage mart.”

“Choose my diamond, from someone who already presented?” Charlotte exclaimed in shock.

“Lady Whistledown might even favor your Majesty’s decision.”

“I am not seeking her validation! I am only interested choosing the most suitable diamond that would silence her from questioning my decision. That way I could pay heed to the other tad bits she scribbles on her sheets so I could finally punish her for crimes.”

“Let’s not make hasty decisions.”

“Are you questioning my judgement?”

“Of course not your Majesty, but surely you must not be thinking about executing the woman.”

“Prisonment or banishment at best.”

“If we do find her identity I do think you should hear her out. Yes, she has painted the ton in a bad light, but all she has done is reveal the flaws we deem shameful and show us that no matter our status we make mistakes.”

Charlottee ponder for a bit, maybe she should not make such hasty decision without hearing the full story. "Alright, I shall hear her out once her identity is revealed but this still does not help me choose a diamond.”

“Like I said earlier Ma’am we could select a young lady that has already experienced the social season either during the previous season or past seasons before that.”

“That will not do. A diamond has always been some new to the marriage mart.”

“Actually a diamond is the most eligible maiden of the marriage mart season. It does not state that the lady must be new to the social season.”

Queen Charlotte was appreciative of Lady Danbury’s honesty but she still felt that she needed to play safe. Especially if she wanted to find the true identity of Lady Whistledown.

“You like competitions, yes?”

“I relish in them, Ma’am.”

“I shall announce my diamond that I deem as the most eligible at your ball whilst you choose a young debutante that you feel would succeed more than my diamond, and then we shall reveal whom is victor.”

“You have already chosen your diamond.”

“I have not but there are not many newly debutantes this season so the choice would be fairly simple. You on the other hand, insist that even a lady that presented themselves multiple times into the marriage mart scene would out shine any newly minted debutante.”

“They have experienced a social season or two so they might be aware of what to do or not do when attracting a gentlemen.”

“We shall see.”

Queen Charlotte took a long sip of her tea then immediately snorted her snuff. If she were to prove Lady Danbury wrong she needed all the help she could get.

Lady Danbury on the other hand was thrilled to take part in such a challenge. Now all she needed to do was choose her protégée for the season.

Chapter Text

April 17^th, 1815

“Anthony Dear could you fetch me my chamber pot.”

The viscount immediately rose from his bed and bent over the side of their bed to reach for the empty chamber pot. Then he directly placed in on Kate’s lap that she used to cast up one’s accounts. Anthony rubbed her back gently to aid in the process to occur faster.

“Still sick as a cushion, I see.” Kate continued discarding her stomach contents into the chamber pot.

Then Kate sat up, wiped her mouth and sighed “Yess..ompf” she continued once more whilst Anthony pressed small circles around her back.

“I wish I could be more of a service to you.”

“You could fetch me a new chamber pot.” Anthony smiled before setting the used chamber pot aside on the floor of their bed then placed his right hand on her stomach causing Kate to unconsciously hum.

“This will pass, in fact it took Mother mere two months. Then again this will be your second month so I reckon it shan't be too long till your illness transpires. Then we will soon be blessed with our child.”

“I cannot wait to meet him,” Kate said as she placed her right hand over his hand as she caressed the knuckles of his hand.

“You believe it to be a boy?”

“I do, and he shall continue in your footsteps.” Anthony placed a kiss on his wife’s forehead. He did not believe that he would ever find love after his father’s passing. The burdens as the head of the family and the 9^th Viscount Bridgerton caused him to make reckless decisions that made in distant. That all changed the second he met Kate during their early morning ‘race.’

Though their feelings were unrequited, because of Kate’s desire to secure her sister Edwina a successful match and Anthony’s rigid requirements in finding a wife for the sake of duty, they eventually admit their feelings for each after months of longing.

As soon as her placed a kiss on his wife’s forehead he was soon reminiscing about the kiss he placed on her forehead after their wedding nuptials. The feeling was similar, almost nostalgic of the exact emotions he experienced during their wedding.

“Darling, do you remember our wedding?”

“Of course, pray tell did you thing I would not remember such an occasion?” Kate asked sarcastically.

“No…I just briefly felt like we were at our wedding. It was an intimate ceremony with our a few of our friends and family, and we exchanged our vows, do you remember?”

Kate laughed, “Anthony, I was there.”

“Ohhhh and our six month tour to India,” Anthony said as leaned his back against his pillow and his head tilted upwards. “It was unlike anything I have ever seen! The lotus flowers were full in bloom, just as you are my dear. I wonder which of our excursions lead you to become with child?”

“I believe it was we were in London when I came to be with child, but we did have quite an adventure during our tour across India.”

“Indeed.” Anthony was still beaming reminiscing about their journey as couple. He felt happier and more at peace with himself.

January 7^th, 1815

Anthony gently lowered Kate on to their bed. It’s been two days since they returned from their travels and they were more than delighted to continue their honeymoon from the comforts of their home. Though they partake in many martial activities during their honeymoon, it still felt as it were their first time.

Even though their first time was not ideal, consider the risky location, it did not stop them from engaging in such activities even in India. In fact, they partake in martial relations inside a small boat in a pond of pink lotus flowers. The peaceful serenity of warm water soon was filled with multiple ripples and splashes as their small row boat rocked against to the rhythm of their movements.

It was surprising they were not absconded for their public indecency, even though they were married, it was still not respectable to engage in such acts in public locations. It is almost as if they enjoyed engaging in such a risk manner in the hopes of being caught. In the hopes, that their love for each other was in full display after being hidden for so long.

However, today was not one of those days. Today, Lord and Lady Bridgerton forgo their usual risky intimate relations to a more secluded location – their bed chambers at Aubrey Hall.

A strangled moan escaped from their lips as they rocked their unclothed bodies mesh together generating a heat warmth against their skin. Anthony muffled their moans by pressing his lips against hers. He traced the corners of her lips with his tongue before quickly released his lips from hers and immediately placing his lips on her neck.

Kate hummed with enjoyment as she tighten the roots of his coiffed dark brown hair which soon became tangled within the tips of her fingers. This caused Anthony to jolt upwards to place another kiss on her lips, this time harder causing Kate to gasp before he wrapped his tongue around hers.

It was hot and heavy, neither one wishing to part. Then in a few minutes, Anthony parted from Kate’s lips once more and placed fast soft kisses along her belly downwards to her womanhood.

“Ohhh Anthony!” Kate squirmed in delight once Anthony seared his lips against her folds. His tongue was both pressing against her clitoris, thus helping her chase for her release. Once Anthony felt a gush of wetness release from his wife, he immediately lined his member alongst her entrance.

Though Kate knew the depth of which his member could reach it still shocked her every time. “Anthony you are so deep inside me.”

“I apologize, I did not mean to cause you discomfort.”

“No no no,” Kate said reassuringly. “I like when you are inside me so deeply, ummmmm it feels so good.”

“I know how to make it even more pleasurable my love.” Anthony pressed his lips against her neck causing her to pulsate while simultaneously thrusting rapidly into her.

Anthony’s member began to ache as he quicken his thrust into her, and it did not help when her walls clenched around it. It generated a heated friction between them made it even more pleasurable.

Soon, her release came once more with his following a few minutes after. His heavy thick cum filling her up as his member twitched inside of her. They spent in each other for another few minutes, not wishing to part.

Then Anthony slowly removed his members but as soon as more of his release started to dip out of her cunt, her slide the tip of his member back inside her to ensure that his release would remain inside her.

“Lord Bridgerton” Kate moaned his name that cause Anthony to hum in response. “Shall we go again?”

He laughed, “I need about 2 hours to recover, but after that I have no problem to ravish you once more.” Anthony tilted his head to nibble on her ear causing Kate to giggle in response.

April 17^th, 1815

“When shall we announce that you are expecting?” Anthony turned his head to ask Kate.

“During the quickening I presume. Besides this is my first official introduction into London society, since I did not present myself during the marriage mart this season. Beside your sister is making her debut this season, and I do not want to make this all about me.”

“You may possibly be carrying the future heir of the Bridgerton estate, soon all the attention will be turned to you. Even if our sisters are still in the midst of their courtship.”

“I suppose you are right, dear. Oh that reminds me I am to accompany your sisters and mother to the modiste this morning.”

“Ummm, that’s not for a few hours.” Anthony turned to the side and wrapped his arms around his wife’s chest. “Plenty of time before we need to tend to our siblings needs. Until then we shall remain here until you feel well enough to do so.”

Kate turned over to the side of her back facing Anthony. This allowed him to inch closer to her, wrapping his arm right below her stomach.

“Thank you, dear.”

“Anything for you, my love.” He placed a kiss on her shoulder and soon they drifted off to short slumber.

Chapter Text

April 18^th, 1815

Though its matter been a matter of mere hours, the converse of choosing the season’s diamond lingered in Queen Charlotte as it were anew. As to as her wager – no friendly competition - against her closest friend and confidante Lady Danbury.  

Her Majesty’s thoughts soon were interrupted as her carriage came to a halt in front of the Danbury estate. It was very reminiscent of her youth when her and King George III attend the late Lord Danbury and Lady Danbury’s newly appointed home, as they were the host of the very first ball of the social season.

A long time has passed since then, however, that did not deter the Queen’s joy to seeing the progress that has been made since her betrothal to her husband. The thought of her husband caused her to slightly turned her neck to the side and glanced over at the empty space of her carriage seat. But she then turned her attention back to the carriage window where she overlooked the families of the ton in merriment and her somber demeanor soon turned into a smile.

Once she entered the ballroom she was acknowledged by a few members of the ton before making her way to the hostess of the Danbury Ball, who decides to occupy herself in the corner of the ballroom.

“Surely you are not expecting to seek a diamond at the edge of the ballroom?”

“Far from it, I am seeking someone far more rare,” Lady Danbury responds whilst looking across the ballroom floor.

Charlotte laughed but not in a sarcastic way but rather amusement that her friend seems to believe that she is able to beat her at her own game. “So you are seeking an emerald, they are quite rare.”

“Perhaps.” Lady Danbury finally turns towards Queen Charlotte to continue their conversation. “How goes your evening, your Majesty.”

“It is wonderful!” she exclaimed. “I shall claim as victor in this little game of ours.”  

“Not if I claim victory first.” Queen Charlotte linked her arm around Lady Danbury’s arm and they laughed like two young debutantes gossiping about the ton.

Soon the Bridgertons arrived garnering many warm welcomes from the ton as they entered the lavish ballroom floor. Anthony and Kate were arm in arm as they were the first to enter with Violet directly behind them. Followed by Benedict whom was standing between Francesca on the right of him and Eloise on the left of him. While Colin was staggering slowly behind them not paying heed to the conversation that would soon follow their families arrival.

The Lord and Lady Hockings were the first to greet them. They owned an estate in the countryside that was not as lavish as Aubrey Hall but still in similar standing to majority of the ton. They sired two kind and polite children with their daughter who actually married Lord Corning last season whilst their son, Richard Hockings, was still seeking a respectable wife to leg-shackle into marriage.

“Bridgertons, it is to good see you all again,” Lord Hockings spoke.

“Likewise, Lord Hockings,” Anthony replied with Kate’s arm wrapped around his. Both of them gleaming with joy that last year’s scandal involving his family has simmered down quite a lot.

“Lady Bridgerton you look positively breathtaking, the fabric of your gown in exquisite.” Lady Hockings compliment towards the new Viscountess Bridgerton was genuine which warmed Kate’s heart. “As is yours Lady Hockings.”

“You are too kind, but your fabrics do not seem to originate from England.”

“You are correct, it was imported from India.”

“Oh your honeymoon was in India as well if I remember correctly. Oh I hope you do not mind sharing your journey with us.”

Kate looks at her husband who gave an acknowledging smile before she responds with “we would love to.”

Whilst Anthony and Kate stepped further into the ballroom with Lord and Lady Hockings, Richard Hockings stayed behind as he was bewitched by Francesca’s beauty.

“Lady Violet Bridgerton, I hope I am not being forward but I would like to dance with your daughter.” His glance soon turned to Francesca. She turned to her mother who responded with, “she would love to.”

Francesca curtsied then took the kind gentleman’s hand to the ballroom dance floor.

“We barely entered into the ballroom and she has already secured a dance with a suitor,” Benedict responded. He was quite impressed that his sister secured a possible gentlemen caller so quickly during her first season.

“She embodies Daphne so well, she shall be the talk of the ton,” Violet gleamed with joy before turning to her other daughter who was glaring at her mother in annoyance. “you shall as well dear.”

“I am not sure I want to be.” After being exposed for associating with so called ‘political radicals’ she did not want to garner any unwanted attention to her this season.

Soon there heads turned as they heard the slamming of the wooden cane against the hardwood floor approaching Violet, Eloise and Benedict with Colin still lingering a mere foot behind them.

“I was wondering when you were going to make your arrival” Lady Danbury spoke as she tapped her cane on the floor with enjoyment.

“You have out done yourself once again, Lady Danbury” Violet responded with glee. She has always held the matriarch in the highest of regards ever since she was a young girl. Always fascinated by her ability to engage the crowd with her words and confidence.

“You are too Lady Violet Bridgerton, but I must admit I am rather impressed myself that I am able to accomplish such a grand soiree as an old maid.”

Everyone laughed expect for Colin who seemed to not pay any heed to the ongoing conversation, which Benedict immediately takes note when he slightly his head. Out of his siblings, Colin tends to be the happiest, but at this moment his demeanor was sourer than this mornings not so rye bread.

However Colin’s expression soon shifted to more of curiosity and depression. Benedict followed his Colin’s eyes to see where his attentions truly lied then immediately shifted it back to him. His younger brother’s calf-love expression was all he needed to know that he was seeking out the company of Miss Penelope Featherington.

He smiled well aware of his brother’s obviousness. Benedict was about to approach him before when Lady Danbury redirected him back into their ongoing conversation.

Meanwhile, Colin eyes’ were fixated on Penelope the moment she arrived to the spiral staircase leading to the ballroom floor. It’s been a few months since he has seen her but something about her seemed different. Her dress was certainly different but not too far off from her family colors, because her lime green gown with floral patterns on the hem were similar in color to her sisters but slightly varied in its design. Seeing his sisters squeal over their trousseaus every seasons prior made him aware, unfortunately, about different forms of empire silhouette patterns.

Once Lady Featherington and Prudence reached their final step they immediately ran over to accompany other matriarchs and their daughters in converse. While Penelope began to walk over slowly to the refreshments table.

Colin immediately used this opportunity to make his way over to Penelope since he was not able to call on her after his arrival to Mayfair. He needed answers to Penelope’s lack of correspondence during his travels, by whatever means necessary.

Meanwhile, Penelope was contemplating on ways to secure an eligible suitor. Despite promising herself this morning to converse with other young debutantes and securing a dance with at least two gentlemen, her feet betrayed her as she paced slowly to the refreshments tables. Relaying to her old habits by grabbing the first batch of lemonade from the footmen’s tray. But before she is able to take her first sip she hears a familiar voice calling her name, which made her tighten the grasp of her drink.

“Pen, Pen!” Colin rushed over to her side and patted his hand on her arm twice before continuing. “I am glad you are here, I have been meaning to talk to you.”

“I can see that” Penelope replied sarcastically.

“Why have you not responded to my correspondence? Has your mother made aware of our letters to one another or is it your cousin? I do hope he is not continuing to bring trouble to your family.”

“He has left to America, and the funds have been returned to the ton.”

“And…what of you? Does your family have enough funds for you this season?”

“Yes, my Great Aunt has passed and left us with a great fortune.” She tried to sound optimist about it but it just came off as just another statement.  

Colin sighed in relief, “that is good to hear. Well not about your Great Aunt’s passing but to hear the threat of your cousin no longer being a concern is good to hear.”

Penelope gave him a smile that did not quite reach her eyes. “That still does not answer my question, why have you not responded to my correspondences.”

“I have been busy.” Her reply was not genuine and Colin sensed that immediately. In addition, to the way she stood while you spoke to him. She was not facing him or even looking at him while they were conversing.

“Have I done something to offend you?”

“I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Well if you need someone to talk to you have me and Eloise.” Penelope flinched at the mention of her former best friend’s name. “Oh wait I forgot, Benedict informed me that you and my sister are no longer on speaking terms. What happened between you two? Is that why you have not been writing to me?”

Penelope shifted slightly to face him but did not give him a response. She began to study him closely. This morning when he returned, it was difficult to see his physique from a distance but his figure has become more defined. His arms seemed to fill out the sleeves of his dark blue coat more and his dark brown hair was much more fuller. She foresworn that she would no longer hold any feeling she had for Colin but his concern for her made her melt. Yet her demeanor still remained stagnant and somewhat cold towards him.

Colin continued, “you need not reply if you do not feel comfortable to do so, but know that I am always here if you need someone to speak to. I am your friend you could tell me, when you feel ready.”

“I appreciate the gesture.” Penelope replied with somewhat genuinity but still was hesitant to allow Colin back into her life so easily. Then she began to look around the room to see many young debutantes looking over at their direction and giggling. She began to look down her dress to see if she spilled her drink unconsciously while speaking with Colin.

Whilst she was searching for any spilled stain marks on her dress she noticed a young lady that was new to this season was speaking with Colin. She did not seem to pay any heed to Penelope’s presence, as she was openly flirting with him. With Colin being the gentleman he is he reciprocated her advances towards him.

Then she noticed more and more young ladies began to swarm around Colin, slowly pushing her aside. Soon she realized that Colin’s new found appearance has garnered the attention of many marriage minded Miss, and that many of the ladies giggling in the beginning were not even paying attention to her but instead admiring Colin.

She glanced up at him again to see him signing his name of several dance cards, and she could not help twisted her dance card vigorously. After all the dance she had with him, he has never once signed her dance card. Penelope was not surprised to say the least, after all he did not see her as a women. He has plenty of young ladies to choose from when he decides to no longer foreswear women and enter a formal courtship. Unlike the one he had with her cousin which ended with a broken engagement and ever so broken hearted Colin.

Not wanting to be part of the mist of girls surrounding him, she quickly stepped away and walked even further into the ballroom. This time her pace was quicker, and her head was hanging low. Too low it seemed for she accidently bumped into someone causing her drink to spill slightly on the individual, a gentlemen.

“My apologies, Sir. I should have been more mindful of my steps.”

“It is quite alright.” The tone of his voice was gentle, which made Penelope feel more reassured that she did not offend the gentlemen.

“Faith seemed to have us cross paths with each other, I think a proper introduction seems necessary. Lord Samuel Debling, and you are Miss.”

“Miss. Penelope Featherington” Penelope replied hesitantly, still shaken by the fact that she accidentally spilled a few drops of her drink on him.

“Pleasure to meet you Miss. Featherington.” He bowed and Penelope curtsied in response and replied, “likewise.”

“Are you new to Mayfair? I do not believe I have seen you here before?”

“I am” he confirmed. “When you’re a man fairly flush in the pockets you take any opportunity you can to partake in many forms of entertainment that Mayfair lacks to offer.”

“Such as?” Penelope was curious to learn about certain activities gentlemen engage in since so little is known to many young ladies in the ton.

“Well similar to most gentlemen I seek comfort in gentlemen clubs, brothels, art exhibitions, but my preferred side passion is collecting sheep guts.”

“I beg your pardon.” She wondered what a gentleman of his stature was doing with intestines of a barn animal.

He suddenly got uncomfortable realizing the blunder of his word. Samuel used the sheep guts to assist his gentlemen friends who release to completion far to early inside a ladies commodity. He could not discuss such excretion with a young gentle bred lady, and he needed to change the topic of discussion immediately.

“Ohhh ….. aghh the next dance is about to start. May I escort you for a quadrille?” Lord Debling bowed slightly and tended his hand towards her.

Penelope nodded and immediately realized he did not feel discussing on the matter any further, even if she was curious to know. She raised her hand signaling him to sign her dance card which he immediately does. Something Colin has never done so when accompanying her to a dance.

As she escorted her to the dance floor, she noticed that Colin was speaking with two young ladies in delight. She could not help but feel jealous. Penelope hoped that maybe he would take notice of her whilst she was accompanied in another person.

Soon as the violinist began to strum the first notes, each gentlemen and lady in the dance room floor began to move.

“Miss. Featherington, what do you most like about Mayfair?”

“Well, I do enjoy the bustle of city life. There is are wonderful scenic parks and art exhibitions.”

“Any particular interests, Miss. Featherington?”

“I do like to read.”

“I meant any interests you do in Mayfair.”

“Oh, I tend to promenade with my family.”

“And that interest you?”

“I suppose.”

Penelope casted her eyes downward towards her feet then hastily shifted her eyes across the room. She would only seem to look at him briefly before turning away. For some reason, she felt unsteady with her steps and felt all the eyes of the ton were watching her as they spin around the dancefloor.

Lord Debling took notice her discomfort and lack of attention and tried to reengage her back to him. “That is a beautiful gown, Miss. Featherington. You wear it well.”

“Thank you but there are far more beautiful debutante than I. For I have been on the marriage mart for two seasons with nary a caller, since my Mama insist me on dressing as an overripe citrus fruit until this season.”

“I disagree, you are quite breathtaking.”

“You do not need to lie Lord Debling, I know what I am.”

Lord Debling was shocked by the sudden revelation that Miss Penelope Featherington thought so lowly of herself. “I promise you Miss Featherington, my words are the utmost sincerity."

Penelope slightly shocked but politely thanks him, “thank you my Lord.” Then continues to look around the room.

“My my your eyes wonder far more than I. Tell what has peeked the curiosity of the youngest Miss Featherington.”

“It is nothing of interest my Lord.”

“Then if you do not mind, would you be able to cast them on me as we finish our final steps.”

Penelope nods and looks at him briefly before shifting her eyes once more, this time past his arm. This made Lord Debling let out a soft sigh.

Once the dance was completed, Lord Debling bowed with a small grin on his face while Penelope curtsied but could not seem to control her form and swayed side to side, slightly, to maintain her balance.

Before they are able to regain to their normal posture, Colin suddenly approached Penelope and patted her on the shoulder and began to speak as if she was not present with another company.

“Pen, there you are. I almost thought I lost you.” Colin continued to talk about his dances with other young ladies that he barely had a chance to speak with Penelope.

Lord Debling noticed that he was not going to be acknowledged by either of them so he excused himself and left.

"I shall take my leave Miss. Featherington.” He bowed to her and Penelope acknowledged him with a quick nod then he stepped away.

“Who was that?” Colin asked curiously.

“Lord Debling, he accompanied me for a quadrille.” 

“I just realized we have not taken to the danc…” before he is able to continue another young lady showed up. She fluttered her fan towards herself in hopes of him accompanying her to a dance. And Colin being the gentlemen he is gladly accepted and left without giving Penelope even an acknowledgement of his sudden departure.

She sighed in dismay then began to walk along the corners of the ballroom floor. Penelope tried to walk near other gentlemen in hopes to find Lord Debling again and profusely apologies for Colin’s interruptions but he was no where to be found. ‘Great, you scared away a gentleman,’ Penelope thought.

This went on for another few minutes. Penelope would grab a drink and try to approach other young ladies or gentlemen but hesitated on approaching them last minute when she realized how close she was to them.

Penelope looked down once more, until she heard an annoying ear piercing individual call out her name. She did not need to turn around to know who was speaking to her.

“Miss Featherington, my my you look lovely. Madam Delacroix truly is a miracle worker to make you look somewhat presentable.” The other ladies who accompanied let out a small giggle in response.

“Lovely to see you too, Miss Cowper.” Penelope sarcastic tone did not pass over Cressida, so she gave Penelope a petty grin in response but Penelope’s eyes once again shifted to Colin who was escorting the same young lady who interrupted Colin to a dance.

Cressida immediately noticed and could not help but comment. “I see Mr. Bridgerton has return from his travels with a more mature look.” Cressida began to eye Colin much to Penelope’s annoyance. “I am not surprised, after months of travel he was bound to return looking like more of man.”

“Yes, Mr. Bridgerton has changed … physically.”

“Not surprised that so many young ladies want to secure a dance with him. After last season, I was not sure Mr. Bridgerton would be interesting in reentering the marriage mart but it seems my doubts have been proven wrong.”

“Yes.” Penelope gave a one word acknowledgement, as her face began to tighten.

Cressida turned her head towards Penelope’s expression and smirk. “Do not worry, Mr. Bridgerton may secure a dance with you, after me of course. But I doubt he would after all the young ladies he has dance with. He may not have time to accompany you for dance in pity.”

Penelope grasped her dress and tighten it with her fist and scowling even more, but Cressida still continued even after she gained such an unpleasant reaction from Penelope. “Besides you may want to work on your quadrille. You seemed to have trouble with your footwork when dance with that gentleman earlier.”

“Cressida, I am well aware of my misstep. I do not need to be reminded of it.” Penelope spoke with irritation which caused Miss Cowper to grin once more.

“I do not mean to offend you” Cressida responded in her fake sympathetic tone. “I was just advising you to reconsider relearning ballroom dance lessons once more, so you do not take another misstep whilst dancing.”

Penelope was well aware of her insincerity but thanked Cressida for the advice. However, as she was about to walk away from the conversation she suddenly tripped. Penelope fell face flat on the floor, and when she turned she noticed Cressida’s foot was slightly extended out.

Many of the ton members noticed the commotion, which cause Cressida to exclaim with fake concern. “Oh Miss Featherington, are you alright?” She begins to help Penelope up to avoid scrutiny for her actions. “Do be carefully when you walk.”

Once Penelope gets up Cressida leans close to whisper to her ear, “after all not everyone is able to be light on our feet.”

Penelope could not believe the nerve of her. She knew Cressida has always been envious and petty of others but she never knew how truly vile her words were until this very moment.

The spectators nearby soon resumed their conversation as if nothing had occurred, and soon after Cressida and her friends left. Penelope never felt so mortified in her life. She notices a footman holding a tray of lemonade near by so she immediately grabbed the drink in her hand and began to tight her grasp on the glass.

Her plans to securing a marriage proposal, let alone courtship, with another gentleman gone. Every time she tried to converse with other members of the ton it failed miserably. And with her friends Eloise and Colin no longer by her side, she left more lonely than ever.

Tears soon began to weld up in her eyes causing them to sting. She tried to push back the tears but her blinking caused them to fall against her face even further. The tears were hot, leaving small microscopic burn marks across her cheeks. She quickly whipped them away, because a lady was not suppose to engage in hysterics.

However, it was getting difficult to maintain her composure and soon it was about to fall apart in an instant.

“Pen, I seem to have let time escape me. So many young ladies insisted on dancing with me, and who am I to refuse.”

Penelope was silently steaming, as Colin spoke. “I got speak about my travels, oh Pen did I tell you about my time in Italy. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced during my travels.” 

Colin kept rambling off for another few minutes, boasting about his travels and the accomplishments he has made. He even told her that he is no longer forswearing women after tonight, and he spoke of other things as well but his words soon faded out because her anger towards him and everyone began to drown out his words. It was not until he grabbed her wrist causing her to step unconsciously towards his direction did she realize that he was still in her presence.

“Let us have the last dance of the night together.”

Penelope tried to pull away from his wrist but his grip was too strong. He was not hurting her but his grip was firm. “I do not wish to dance with you.”

“Do not tell me you are tired, Pen?” Colin responded jokingly. “You cannot be more tired than I have, I have dance with an ample number of women.”

“Then dance with them.” Her irritation did not go unnoticed by him, but he still proceeded to joke on her rejection. “Pen, you have always saved your last dance for me, or rather your first.”

“I danced with an gentlemen mere moments ago which you so rudely inputted!”

Penelope’s eyes began to wield even faster with tears, itching to run down her cheeks. “You did? I did not notice. No matter, we shall dance this last quadrille together.” Colin began to pull her wrist once more but Penelope stood firm.

“You are not listening, I do not wish to dance with you Mr. Bridgerton so release my wrist this instance!” Her exclaim was so loud that it garnered her more attention than when she fell on the floor moments ago.

Colin still held on to her wrist, and looked at her in confusion. “But Pen, I just wan…” before he is able to finish his sentence Penelope threw the drink in her hand at his face. This uttered several gasps from the ton.

He immediately released her wrist, and she ran away from him in tears.

Chapter Text

There was immediate whispers and chatter amongst several members of the ton, theorizing possible reasons to Miss Penelope Featherington’s sudden outburst. Each one seemed more far fetched than the other.

One such theory include that Miss Penelope Featherington was manipulated by some gentlemen to outcast one of their own for the sack of entertainment. Another was that Mr. Colin Bridgerton has accompanied a mistress in the garden that Miss Penelope happen to witness.

With each passing second more and more individuals in the far outreaches of the ballroom floor became aware of the incident. Moving amongst themselves to engage in converse with individuals outside their social circle.

Meanwhile, Colin remained station at the very same spot he was standing when Penelope rapidly threw her drink at him.

Despite the anguishing pain he felt on his face after Penelope threw her beverage at his face, his eyes widen. Letting the liquid drip from the tips of his hair into his eyes, but it became to much to bare so he immediately shut his eyes.

Soon the room began to spin as the voices of the ton echoed in his ear, but that soon came to halt when he heard a muffled sobbing from a distance. That caused Colin to open his eyes to search for the direction of the familiar cries of despair when he saw Penelope rushing out the ballroom doors.

‘Have I done something untoward to have her forsake me?’ Colin thought.

Then as if he was struck by a lightening bolt, he soon realized all the events that have taken place the moment his eyes landed on Penelope. He was seeking her out to ask about her lack of correspondents but instead he neglected her. Choosing to dance with multiple women whom had no meaning to him whatsoever other than to fuel his ever growing ego. He made a terrible mistake, and he must make right of it.

But before he is able to, there was a tight grasp on his shoulder which he immediately recognized.

“Brother, we must make depart immediately!”

“Anthony, please …. I have to speak to her.” His voice waivered with each syllable as he watched her slowly fade away from his sight. It did not help that his vision was masked beneath his unfallen tears.

“You will do no such thing, we must leave.”

Without resisting, he allowed Anthony to guide him out of the ballroom. They were trying to be discrete but the unwavering judgmental glares did not help with their departure.

Soon he felt a cold breeze softening the tears beneath his eyes. This allowed Colin to let them slowly trickle down his face until his vision return to his normal state. Through this state he was able to see the family carriage were drawn.

“Kate, Benedict, Eloise, Mother and Francesca will remain in the ball to control the damage that has occurred. To avoid the ton to believe you commit a far more tantalizing scandal to the youngest Miss Featherington. No offense Colin but I do not trust you in the company of others in your state.”

Colin did not utter a word or even nod in acknowledgement to his brother’s words. He simple just quivered his lips and blankly stared at the carriage in front of him.

Anthony entered the carriage first then he signaled Colin to enter as well, but Colin just turned to see whether Penelope would be on the steps of the Danbury estate but she was no where to be seen, and neither was her carriage.

With his head hanging low, he climbed into the carriage, waiting the heated punishment that was awaiting from him.

Penelope was dashing through the ballroom floor not paying much attention to the guest conversing on the edge of the ballroom. As tears streamed down her face a whirlwind of thoughts flooded through her mind. She could not believe that she capable of such an act.

Portia, just as other onlookers, became wary of her youngest daughter’s outburst. Penelope soon dashed passed her mother without so much of a glance. This forced Lady Featherington to plaster an uncomfortably smiled at other matriarchs with whom she was speaking with before hastily departing. Not too hastily though, she did not want to appear in complete disarray.

As a dowager baroness, she feels that she need to prove her worth everyday to the people of the ton. After all, not everyone is as fortunate as the Bridgertons, who seem to escape from scandal due to their title, nobility and status.

Sure not many spoken about the scandal the Featheringtons caused by hiding Miss Thompson’s (now Lady Crane) condition from the ton since two seasons ago, but Portia was sure such gossip still remained lingering in the tongues of few.

Just as this particular incident by her youngest daughter would be if she does not act swiftly. This seemed very probable, because after all, Portia is a very calculated woman. She would be able to manipulate this situation in her favor just as she did when she entrapped Jack Featherington into marrying Prudence.

Well, that may not be a fair example, since it was a foolish pursuit to entrap a man with no money – even if she had no knowledge of it. However, her scheme to sell counterfeit jewelry then forge a document to ensure her percentage of the profit and the Featherington estate – now that was well-calculated scheme.

And it seems that she needed to manipulate this situation between the third Bridgerton son and her youngest daughter as a mere disagreement rather than an untoward encounter.

Though, she did not suspect Penelope to prone to such hysterics. To her, Penelope is the least difficult daughter to take care of. Yet here she was chasing after her with Prudence following directly behind her.

Portia and Prudence soon ,caught up to Penelope, who has entered the Featherington carriage and slammed the carriage door shut which Portia opened immediately after.

“Mama I wish to return home.” Penelope voice quivered as she spoke, still reeling in the shock of the situation that unfolded. She was expecting her mother to scold at her but she merely nod and signaled Prudence to enter the carriage.

“But Mama I want to stay,” Prudence whined.

“Unless you want to answer to your sister’s hysterics you will do no such thing.” Portia signaled once more for Prudence to enter, which she did as she threw a small fit as she entered the carriage with Portia following directly behind her.  

“COLIN! What did have you done?” Anthony scolded at Colin the moment he ushered him, Benedict, Kate and Violet into his study after leaving the dance so hastily. Francesca decided to take an early rest in her bed chambers, dancing with multiple suitors tired her out greatly. While Eloise, with not much convincing from Anthony, also returned to her bed chambers – mostly because she did not want to partake in discourse pertaining to her former best friend.

“Anthony,” Colin replied shamelessly. He could not meet his brother’s eyes so Colin casted them towards the floor.

Benedict soon chimed in, “you truly must have forsaken Miss Penelope for her to throw her drink at you.”

“Quick to take sides are we now brother,” Colin gave a quick remark to her brother.

“Hush you” Anthony silenced Colin. “Do you have any idea of the damage you have caused?”

“Why are you quick to presume that I am at fault here?”

Anthony rested his hands on his hips and widen his eyes at his brother, “well are you at fault?”

Colin was silent before responding with, “I….I do not know.”

“Surely you must have done something to upset her,” Anthony continued. “As Benedict said, Miss Penelope is not prone to hysterics, so what pray tell have YOU DONE!”

“Dear please stay calm, shouting will not make the situation better.” Kate put her arm on his shoulder and Anthony took a deep breath and nodded.

“Colin, think back to the night of the ball.” Kate lead the direction of the conversation trying to piece together the events that lend up to the incident. She was firm about what she wanted to hear, and Colin spoke chronologically about his evening.

He mentioned his desires to seek out Penelope, his dances with eligible young ladies, and when asking Penelope for her final dance she threw her drink at him.

“I see…what was Miss Penelope doing?” Kate asked.

“She danced with a suitor… Lord Debling I believe. Then I asked her to dance but she refused, and well you know what happens next”

There was a brief silence before Violet chimed in, “dear it seems to me you may have snubbed her.”

This made Colin confused. “she is a young lady out in the marriage mart, and you may have robbed her of that opportunity by seeking her out,” Violet continued.

“She has always saved her last dance for me.”

“Dances are reserved for suitors intended to court,” Violet replied.

“Do you have intentions of courting her,” Kate continued of Violet’s response.

“She is my friend.”

“She is also a lady seeking to marry, Colin. You constantly interfere with her prospects will be harmful to her.” Violent acknowledged Kate’s response immediately as well as Benedict with a nod.

Once Anthony calmed down a bit he replied. “Brother, I know you have known her since you two were in leading strings, but you both have now entered good society. You must allow her to pursue potential suitors that she is willing to court. Your friendship with the youngest Miss Featherington will no longer be as it once was, especially when she marries.” He hoped his point was clear.

“What do you mean?” Colin was baffled by the sentiments coming from his families mouths. ‘His and Penelope’s friendship will no longer be as it once was? What did he mean? Pen has always been in my life’ he thought.

“Colin surely you do not expect me to believe that you plan on continuing this friendship even after she marries. Do you think her husband will approve such a relationship?”

“She is my friend, she has always been part of my life? Pen has been my playmate since we were in leading strings. We entered the marriage mart together. We share witty remarks about the members of the ton. We have danced together. We converse with each other of our purpose. She is the only one who has replied to my letters and genuinely cares about my travels. And you expect me to give that up!”

“You speak of her as if she were your soulmate,” Benedict replied with a whimsical expression on his face.

“She is my dearest friend.”

“That may be, but you must remain cordial. To avoid any further scandal you must keep your distance from her.”

“But Anthony…”

“Perhaps you could still remain in amicable terms with her as long as you are not bringing unwanted attention to her. Especially if you do not plans on courting her. Miss Penelope has bloomed exquisitely this season, so she will have plenty of suitors to choose from. Therefore if a suitable match falls upon her must part ways amicably.”

Colin’s lips quivered before succumbing to his brother’s demand with a sorrowful nod. The thought of ending his friendship Penelope was heartbreaking for him. But if that is what will take for her to forgive him then so be it.

Unfortunately for him it was not going to be so easy. After his family’s confrontation towards him, Colin began to jostle back and forth against his cotton bed linen sheets. Picturesque moments of the Danbury ball flashed through his mind.

It almost felt as he were there at this very moment. He begins to reminisce about his early encounters with Penelope at the ball. They were rather brief he thought. Despite yearning to seek her out ever since his arrival to Mayfair, he realized he only spent mere few minutes speaking with her.

He could kick himself. How could he dishonor in such a manner?  She is a young lady, out in society after all seeking for suitor after all.

Suddenly, his eyes gaped open as an idea struck him. He immediately forgo his linen sheets and rushed out of his bed chambers. Colin he decided to venture into the Featherington home at the pitch of night so he may speak to Penelope. He must speak to Penelope, for the sack of his sanity.

His sister, Eloise, mentioned times when she would meet Penelope in secret in her gardens – close to the servant’s entrance. Since her window was directly within that area. So he decided there would be the perfect place to speak with her in private. Waiting to call on her in the morning would be too late – he needed to speak to her.

Eloise mentioned in passing that she sometimes threw pebbles on her window, so that is what Colin did. He threw pebble after pebble hoping she was still awake despite the window to her bed chambers being darkened by the night sky.

After throwing continuous pebbles to her window to must avail Penelope opened her window to look out to see the commotion he was causing. With a frustrated expression on her face she hope her friend’s antiques did not alert the staff. To prevent him from causing any more of a ruckus she signaled to him that she was coming downstairs to meet him.

This spread a warmth smile across his face. It was plastered for many minutes until Penelope opened the servants’ corridors’ door and signaled him to move towards the shady willow tree in her garden. It was smaller than the other trees but it was confined to corners of her garden walls, so it was the perfect place to comfort Colin.

“It is the middle of the night! Your little stunt could have alert the staff.” Her breath was fast yet quiet, as she was trying to wrap her head around the thought that Colin Bridgerton was in her garden.

“I am sorry Pen, but I needed to speak with you.”

“Well I do not!”

“Please…Pen.” Colin pleaded hoping that his friend would listen to reason.

“This is not proper Mr. Bridgerton.”

“Pen I am sorry for not spending more time with you at the ball.”

“I did not ask for your company, Mr. Bridgerton.”

“Then you threw your drink at me.”

“If you are here to seek an apology from me you shall not receive one.”

“It is I who must apologize.” Colin bends down and grabs her hand. “Pen, I truly am sorry and you have right to be mad at me.”

“What are you sorry for Mr. Bridgerton?”

“For not spending more time with you. I miss our conversations. I miss our dances. I miss you.”

“Alright, I forgive you.” She replied hastily. “You may leave.” She pulls back her hand from his, but as she starts heading back to her home Colin blocks her path.

“Your forgiveness does not seem sincere Pen. Have I offended you in anyway?”

“If you do not know, you do not deserve to know.” Penelope has always been quick at giving quick, witty remarks to those who offend her, but he is her friend…or was her friend. The thought of losing her tighten his arching chest. It was almost as if she did not trust him.

“Please tell me what I have done. Was it because I did not acknowledge that you danced with a suitor? If so I am sor…”

“Mr. Bridgerton.” Almost as his name was a command, he stopped talking and looked at her with a worried look on his face.

“If I tell you the reason behind my behavior will you promise to leave.”

“As long as there is some sort of resolution to this tiff…then I would.”

Penelope took a deep breath in, causing her chest to rise. Without out her stays, it was easier to intake more air but it also caused her bosoms to move freely. This did not go unnoticed by Colin when his eyes quickly glanced over torso before reverting it back to her face.

“We known each other for quite some time, and had wonderful times during our early years. However, you and I come from two separate worlds. Your family is highly prolific in the eyes of the ton – well known and well connected. Whereas my family has to scrape the bare ends of a barrel to make ends meet.”

Colin opens his mouth to try and deny Penelope’s claim but she raised up her hand to silence him before she continued. “There is nary a scandal that could tarnish the reputation of your family, where as mine would be damaged in an instant. You are afforded the luxuries of protection by your name and title, whereas I be tarnished with even the smallest of scandals.”

“Pen, I am not sure what is to mean of this.” Penelope continued speaking to Colin in calm and proper tone, which she surprised her considering all the flood emotions that were pounding on her brain.

“You seeking me out is breeching propriety and painting me under false pretenses. Calling me by my Christian name, seeking me out to dance, corresponding with me through letters during the off season. This makes it difficult for me to set my cap at someone when you constantly chase me around as if I am a cattle livestock.”

“You…you wish for a husband?”

“I seek what many women desire. A husband whom will provide me protection and independence. However, that is difficult to do since this is my third season. And to make matters worse my wallflower persona furthers insinuate me as undesirable and unattainable. Not to mention my family’s ill reputation, though its not spoken aloud it lingers through the air in whispers.”  

“What of love?” Colin gaze on her began to soften from confusion to sorrow. He was hurt that Penelope saw herself in such a manner. And he especially could not understand how their friendship would hinder her chances in seeking a life long companion. However, he did feel guilty for the part he played in her reputation.

Penelope shook her head as she spoke, “love is the last thing I wish to seek.”

“But Penelope, you deserve someone who treasures you as you are. Someone who is willing to go to all lengths to protect you and your honor.”

“That has long past since my honor has been tarnished.”

Colin furrowed his eyebrows, “who tarnished your honor?” he said irritatingly. Penelope glanced to the side, hoping her face did not give away the fact that Colin’s words at the Featherington Ball is the reason her hopes for a love match were gone. Instead she redirected that miscomment to herself by saying, “I have. By refusing your hand in a dance, and dishonoring your reputation by throwing my drink at you.”

“No, you are mistaken. If anything I am the one who will be reprimanded. In fact, my family condemned by behavior just moments ago, saying that I have taken advantage of you. The ton will see me as a couth, and you as an innocent young lady falling victim to my advances.”

“Even if that were true, I fear I have scared away many gentlemen by my stunt.”

Penelope lowered her head till her chin touched her chest. She closed her eyes shut which released tears down her chest, tears that she was not aware she was holding. Colin was sadden to see his closest friend in such a state. He titled his head to the side, lifted her chin with his two fingers, and said, “I highly doubt that, and even if you did … you have me.”

Penelope sniffled then back up instantly causing his fingers to slip away from her chin. “Col….Mr. Bridgerton I fear you do not understand, we can no longer be friends. Our friendship is forbidden in good society.”

“We have never cared about the opinions of the ton,” Colin laughed this sentiments however Penelope was not assumed.

“AND THAT IS THE PROBLEM!”

Colin was stunned by her sudden outburst. “You do not seemed to care how this would affect ME! This is my third season, I cannot afford to let this chance go to waste!”

“Then I shall help you.”

“Mr. Bridgerton, how much clear must I be, we can n…”

Colin interrupts her before she finishes, “I shall help you find a husband.” He could not let their friendship end this way, not like this. Penelope has been helpful to him, now it is his chance to be helpful to her. If seeking a husband was her desire, then he would go to all lengths to ensure that wish is fulfilled.

Penelope scoffed at his remark. “How will you do that?”

“As a gentleman, I am able to gain insight into a man desires in a wife. I will give you pointers to help you navigate the season, so you may find yourself a husband.”

Penelope looked at Colin for a few seconds in disbelief before coming to the realization that his input would be helpful. “All right I accept. How shall you accomplish this?”

“I will give you lessons. We could spend time together and …” Colin excitement almost caused him to rambled but Colin paused when he saw Penelope raising her eyebrow. He seemed to forgot that she wish propriety if he wished to speak to her.

“Chaperoned, of course. We could conduct them in your drawing room.”

“That is acceptable.”

Colin sighed with relief and giddy, “Okay, good…I am glad we came to an agreement.”

And for a moment, Colin thought he got his friend back when they both stared deeply into each others eyes, causing them to smile. However, Penelope broke it off when back away from him and shifted her gaze down. Colin did not realize that the distance between them were so close until she back away from him.

Penelope then immediately curtsied and without so much of a goodbye, headed back inside her home. Colin stood in her garden the entire time to make sure she returned to her bed chambers safely. It was not until she blew out her candles, causing her room to darken did he decide to return back to his home.

He knew that he would be disobeying his brothers, but Penelope was too important to him. Colin was not going to let this second chance go to waste.

Tomorrow, he will call on her, and hoping their friendship could return to as it once was.

Chapter Text

April 19^th, 1815

There was a knock on his bed chamber door. Colin immediately adjusted his cravat before he opened his door.

“Sir, these are the flowers you have requested.”

“Thank you Humboldt.” Colin grabbed the beautiful bouquet of yellow and white tulips from him before closing his bed chamber’s door.

“You are a little overdressed for tea and scorns, and flowers for me oh brother you should not have.” Benedict displayed a touched grin with his hand over his heart as he tries to grab the bouquet, but Colin immediately served it away from his reach. The day does not seem to beginning without Benedict delightful remarks Colin thought.

“You wish. These are for Penelope.”

"Aghhh of course, my mistake.” Benedict retracts his hand from the direction of the bouquet before moving it back to his side. “But you wish to call on her at this hour?”

“I agree it is quite early in the day, but I promised that I would call her tomorrow. Actually I do not think I specified when I would visit her but given the circumstances the sooner the better.”

Benedict grin soon turned into a smirk, “I see…and when exactly did you make such a claim. I do not remember much conversing happening between the two of you at the Danbury ball.”

Colin became stiff from this comment. Benedict may be more lenient with his reckless behaviors compared to his eldest brother Anthony, however, Colin feared that him breaching propriety with a lady and calling her at such late hours would constitute him to receive further discipline from him than he did from Anthony last night.

“Well, look at the time brother, I must be off. You may have my scorns.” Colin said as he began to walk down the hall.

Benedict moved the hand that was behind his back to the front, seemingly holding the scorn Colin offered mere moments ago. He took a large bite of it before speaking, “alw rewdie hawe” he spoke unclearly while chewing the soft dough in his mouth.

Colin looked at his brother, shook his head and laughed as he headed towards the spiral staircase.

Since Colin called on the Featherington home so early, the footman was unsure whether to allow him until Lady Featherington, who happened to be walking down the spiral steps, ushered him to let Mr. Bridgerton in.

“Mr. Bridgerton, I do apologize for my daughter’s behavior last night. I hope this visit does not come with ill intentions.”

“It is I who should apologize. I have offended her, and see had every right to take that anger out on me. I truly am sorry, Lady Featherington.”

Portia was amused, a Bridgerton was apologizing to her and her family, oh how the tables have turned. She laughed, “well I must say I am surprised, given her outburst I was expecting you and the Viscount to barge into my home last night and berede my daughter’s actions.”

“You should not have to fear about that, Lady Featherington. My brother believes Miss. Penelope’s actions towards me were just. I received quite an earful.”

They both laughed as they entered the drawing room. Portia informed Mrs. Varley that Mr. Bridgerton requested Penelope’s presence while Colin took a seat at his usual spot while we waited for Penelope’s arrival.

While he was waiting, Colin began to open the petals of the close tulips in hopes to make the bouquet to appear more fuller. But he soon paused when he heard several footsteps approaching the drawing room, and this causing him to immediately stand up.

But when he tried to greet her, it seemed he was unable to utter a single word. Penelope was wearing an olive green daytime dress with white floral prints embroidered on the over lace of the gown. The soft color contrasted with Lady Featherington’s gown which was bright lime with heavy embellishments of silver jewels and dark green floral patterns. She could not look more perfect, and Colin could not help but stare at her in awe. She seemed more herself with this attire, and her glowing smile was proof of that.

“Mr. Bridgerton.” Penelope gave him a small curtesy before resuming her original state.

“Ughh…morning Pe….Miss Penelope.” He uttered nervously as he gave her quick bow. But seemed to quickly collect himself before saying, “you look lovely.”

“You look quite dashing as well, Mr. Bridgerton.

“You are most welcome, I…uhh mean…thank you.” Colin stuttering made her smile even wide. She was probably enjoying his uncomfortable demeanor, Colin thought.

Penelope began to walk over to the couch opposite of where Colin was sitting. Meanwhile he was still stunned upon seeing her, and even more shocked that she decided to sit opposite from him. There distance was more than arms length – well his at least for Penelope it would be three arm lengths. But he decided not to protest and plopped back down a few seconds after she sat.

On the other corner of the room – near the windows, Lady Featherington and Mrs. Varley were conversing amongst themselves, not taking paying much attention to the interaction that was happening within her drawing room with the third Bridgerton son and her third and youngest daughter. Though, Portia did occasionally glance from time to time to ensure propriety was maintained but given the distance between she did not think too much of it.

“So, what is my first lesson for today, Mr. Bridgerton.”

“Pen, it is just me – you do not need to call me by my given name. And your mother does not seem to pay much heed to our conversation.”

Penelope glanced over at her mother briefly, disappointed that her mother did not believe she was worth the extra attention. Her smile slowly fade, to a more grimace demeanor before she continued speaking and ignoring Colin’s suggestion to call him by his Christian name. “You said you were to conduct some lessons to help me succeed in the marriage mart this season.” She paused before continue with, “yes Mr. Bridgerton “which spoke ever so sternly.

Colin let out a short sigh “yes Miss. Penelope.” He looked down briefly before looking back up at Penelope.

“All right then, what is my lesson?”

“Well, you mentioned that you dance with a gentleman at Danbury Ball, however you believe you may have fall flat in winning his affections.”

“Yes, that is correct.” Penelope was not too pleased with reliving last night's incident, but she knew that it was necessary if she wanted to land a husband this season.

 “Why do you believe you fell short in garnering his affections.”

“I was having difficulty coming up with topics to discuss during our quadrille”

Colin blinked very quickly, he was surprised to hear that Penelope was not to engage in small talk. “I find that hard to believe, you are great conversationalist.”

“Apparently not with gentlemen.”

“You are able to speak to me.”

“You do not count. You are my friend.” To that testament, Colin felt a quick sharp pain in his chest. He was not sure why but her comment wounded him.

“I see…well perhaps you could start engaging in small talk that pertains to their hobbies or passions. Us gentlemen admire when a woman seeks interest in us.”

“What if I want to speak of my passions and interests?”

“You can, but most gentlemen prefer when a woman admires them. Not many are interested in listening to lady like pursuits.”

Penelope frowned, “that hardly seems fair, especially considering the training young ladies go through to have a successful courtship.”

“I agree. In fact, I seek a woman who is able to speak her mind, a good sense of humor and intelligent.”

‘I wish you seek me’ Penelope thought. She shook her head side to side quickly before resuming. “All right, anything else Mr. Bridgerton.”

“Well, were there other unintentional incidents that you feel you could have avoided during your dance with him?”

“I could not look him in the eye while dancing.” She looked down and began to fidget her fingers, “and I may have spoken poorly about myself.”

“Why ever for?”

“I am not exactly pleasant to look at. I lack many qualities that many debutantes possess. No suitor would find me pleasing not even in their fantasies. I am nothing but a wallflower.”  

“Penelope,” Colin spoke with softness and sorrow in his voice. He immediately got up from his seat and quickly walked over to where she was sitting. Propriety be damned, his friend was hurting and he needed to reassure her. “You are too hard on yourself. You are every much deserving of a love match – even more in fact. You are so articulate that when you speak your words come alive every time you open your mouth. Why do you think I seek you every ball? You are an incredible conversationalist.”

“With you, but I fear my words fail me when I speak with a gentleman.”

“That is because you have little faith in yourself.” He took a deep breathe before continuing, “you are far more worthy than you realize, Pen.”

“How so? I am short in stature compared to many debutantes which is notable when dancing with a suitor. I have to lean my head back and lift my chin high to meet eyes with a gentleman. And my figure …”

“angers woman and entices gentleman that lay their eyes upon you.” Penelope opened her mouth slightly then shook her head in disbelief and disagreement but Colin would not let her get a word in edge wise so he could expand on his previous comment. “You have voluptuous figure and ample bosoms,” Colin spoke gleefully as he eyed her up and down causing Penelope to gasp.

Colin regain his composure and cleared his throat, “you have many physical attributes you could contribute in enticing a gentleman, NOT in compromising way of course, not that you will ever be compromised… NOT that you do not have the qualities to be compromised, wait no that is not what I meant….ummmm.” He stumbled on his words before Penelope reached over and place her hand on top his hand. “If this were true, I would have plenty of suitors calling on me.”

“Appearance is not everything a gentleman looks for in a wife. Men seek for a life long partner to speak to, to spend the rest of his life with, to care for – hence courtship. It is used to get to know one another, their likes and dislikes. And once you find that special person, you feel as though you are connected …someone you are able to bare soul to … for eternity.” He spoke these last sentiments with a pure softness and serenity in his voice that Penelope almost forgot that she was even mad at him.

Colin and Penelope stare into each others eyes, until “MAMAAAAAAAA, the seam of my gown has loosen and fabric is causing blemishes on my skin.” Prudence did not seemed to notice the presence of Mr. Bridgerton and frankly she did not seem to care.

“We shall go to the modiste straightaway. Mrs. Varley call us a carriage.” Prudence stomped off, presumably to the carriage her mother requested for.

“Penelope, bid your farewells to Mr. Bridgerton.” Portia said as she was rushing out the drawing room door. This sudden interruption brought Penelope back to reality. That her sister’s pursuits on securing a marriage was far more important to her mother than hers.

Colin and Penelope quickly followed suit heading towards the spiral staircase that led to the main entrance door.

“I wish to call you for promenade, this afternoon – so we may continue where we left off,” Colin said as they were walking down the staircase.

“That is not wise, Mr. Bridgerton,” Penelope said steps directly ahead of him. “I shall inform my ladies maid when its best for us to resume my lessons again.”

“All right…I understand,” Colin responded sorrowfully. Once they reached the door Colin said, “I will be awaiting till then, Miss. Penelope.” He bowed to her, which Penelope did not reciprocate with a curtesy, then walked out the door opened by one of the Featherington footman.   

Chapter Text

April 19^th, 1815

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It seems this season’s batch of debutante failed to impress the Queen, for Her Majesty has yet to announce this season’s incomparable. Perhaps a further investigation of this season crop is needed before a decision is made.

This author would gladly extend her services. Miss Eleanor Adlington, a beautiful, wealthy, and fashionable young lady, though her curtesy was far lower than need be and her smile was far to wide.  I suspect an etiquette lesson in greetings and manners is needed, for the young miss was far too high in the instep. As she was seen conversing privately to her mother that no other young lady stood a chance after her presentation. It is true that not all the wealth in the world is able to conceal one’s true character.

“Miss. Bridgerton.” Eloise looked up from the pamphlet, shifting her eyes in every direction, before twisting the cords of the swing backwards to see Footman John standing several feet behind her. “Lady Bridgerton has requested you to join her for morning tea.”

Eloise scrunches her face, she was not in the mood to break fast with her family. Especially if her mother and Francesca were in attendance. No doubt they would discuss about Francesca’s successful debut, for she danced with several suitors last night at Danbury’s Ball.

As if Footman John read her mind, “At the moment, the Dowager Viscountess is chaperoning Miss Francesca and The Earl of Hampton, Lord Clement at Hyde Park. And since Lord Bridgerton is meeting with the solicitors, Lady Bridgerton is in need of some company.”

Her eyes widen slightly and she raise one eyebrow, then immediately regain her normal composure, “I suppose I could spare a few minutes.”

Footman John bowed, but before he was able to head back inside Eloise called on him. “Has Penelope send word for me?” John blinked in slight shock, it has been two days since he last spoke to Eloise about Penelope, but her anger towards her former friend seemed to be dissipating. “It is not as if I want her to send word for me, our most recent exchange was not so pleasant, but I … I was wondering if she had reached out to speak to me.”  

“Miss Penelope has yet to send word,” he replied.  

Eloise sighed and looked at the Whistledown pamphlet. John tried to head back inside once more but she called him again once more. “Have you read the latest Whistledown?”

“I have not, Miss. Bridgerton.”

Eloise abruptly got up from the swing, rushed over to John who was startled by her actions and she brought the pamphlet closer to him so he was able to read it with her. “Look at what it says over hear” she said as she pointed to section pertaining to what she was referring to. “She insist that she is far more capable than the Queen in selecting a diamond.”

John eyes glance across the sentence she was referring to. “And look, over here … she mentions that a wealthier a lady is the more arrogant she is.”

His eyes continued to scan the page, “I believe it says that despite ones wealth, no amount is able cloak ones true personality.”  

“And you believe that to be true?” Eloise exclaimed.

“Most noble men and women that tend to be blind-sighted by their wealth and power believe that they deem themselves as superior.” 

Elose shocked by the footman’s blunt remarks, “so you believe my family to lack empathy because of our wealth?”

“Of course not, Miss Bridgerton. I merely mean that certain members of the ton tend to flaunt their wealth through their attire, jewelry, land, or title to gain respect and validation. Those that get praised heavily with positive remarks tend to believe themselves as far more superior. When in reality most remarks are disingenuous, often out of jealous.

He continued, “Your family is one of the most prolific families of the ton, yet your family has not once displaced people because of their wealth and status. Which is why your family is so well-respected by the ton and the staff of the estate.”

Elose pondered his every word before shifting her glance to the pamphlet that she was beginning to fold back up. John stepped back a few inches and cleared his throat. “We really mustn’t keep the Viscountess waiting, Miss. Bridgerton.

She looked up and gave him a half-smile and a nod as she head back inside. John waited a few seconds before he also stepped back into the estate.

Colin continued to give Penelope lessons in her family drawing room for the next few days. Penelope hoped that Colin’s lessons would eventually come to go use. It was important for her now more than ever, especially after the scene she caused at Lady Danbury’s Ball.

Hopefully her latest of Whistledown dim the light that shone on her for a while. Sure she did mention about herself,  there was no way of avoiding it, her actions were in full display. But she hoping that the other scandals caused by certain members of the ton was enough to stay hidden for a little longer. Afterall, she was still seeking for a husband, and hiding was not an option.

She was thankful to have Colin’s support, and she did feel bad at times when she acted cold and distant to him during her lessons. But this was for the best, Colin only saw her as his friend, nothing more. Even though, there were brief moments where she felt that his feelings for her was also mutual.

One time, Colin suggested that she should flutter her eyes every few minutes to appear interested, and she could have sworn that he was staring into her eyes in awe. However, she would always quickly dismissed her thoughts, and change the direction of the conversation.

Little did she know, every time she dismissed Colin advances that were unbeknownst to him, his heart would begin to throb in despair. And he did not know why these interactions between him and Penelope were feeling different. Colin just assumed it was because of her indifference towards him, and his behavior at the Danbury Ball this season.

Soon it was time for the Queen’s Ball, and everyone was anticipating for Her Majesty to announce the season’s diamond. Though it was not proclaimed that she would, it’s been several days since the young ladies debutante so it was bound to happen soon.

April 24^th, 1815

It was only a matter of time till the Queen announced her season’s pick. Even though she never proclaimed such event were to take place this evening, the possibility of finding out the season’s diamond tonight was very high.

Many began to speculate whom amongst the debutantes this season would be chosen. Mrs. Margaret Stapleton, a newcomer to the Mayfair Social Season, was hoping her only daughter Miss Madelene Stapleton would be fortunate enough to grace the Queen’s eyes. However, that hope was shattered when Lady Harriet Haddington and other matriarchs such as Lady Mary Sinclair, Mrs. Henrietta Buxton and of course Lady Cowper all mocked Mrs. Stapleton to believing a society newcomer to obtain the title of “Season’s Diamond.” Seeming to forget when Miss Edwina Sharma accomplished such an honor during her first season.

It was not long before gentlemen began to ask to escort young ladies to the ballroom dance floor. The festivities barely begun but there was a lot of excitement in the air. And that excitement seemed to grow as soon as the Bridgertons arrived.

As soon as Francesca glided down the staircase with Colin on arm and Benedict on the other arm, all heads turned towards her. She barely reached the last few steps of the ballroom floor and there were a line of gentlemen seeking to have a turn about the dance floor.

Francesca was shocked by the response but this did not surprised their family one bit. She made such a great impression that people took notice. She secured her first dance with Lord Henry Weston, 5^th Earl of Leicester the only son of his late father Lord Robert Weston who was a noble businessman and politician. Quite an impressive feet for someone in their first season, and so many took notice.

Violet beamed with joy to see her daughter’s potential suitors, that she immediately got called into a conversation with other matriarchs. Anthony and Kate was speaking with a few couples that were married last season to most likely discuss about each others marriage. Benedict headed to a group of gentlemen near the refreshments.   

Which left Eloise and Colin who were aimlessly walking in the same direction, each searching for the same person but neither of them wanted to admit it.

“I am surprised mother did not drag me along with her. I guess I should thank Francesca for taking some of the pressure of me.” Colin eyes wandered around the dancefloor not even realizing that his sister was even speaking to him.

“Brother did you hear? Wha…who are you searching for? Eloise nudged her elbow on his arm. “Owww, El! What was that for?”

“For not listening!” Colin huffed in annoyance, “I do not have time for your games sister. Now please stop being so stubborn and leave me be.”

“Why? So you could seek Penelope.” Colin narrow eyes immediately shot up when he heard Penelope’s name, “where is she here?”

“No, she is not. I do not understand why you have suddenly taken an interest in her.”

“She is my friend, just as she was yours. Speaking of what happened between the two of you. Ever since last season you have been bitter more than your usual.”

“That is none of your concern.”

“Fine. Do not tell me. She shall tell me once I find her.”

Eloise huffed and replied sarcastically, “Sure she will.” Colin turned around again to his sister, opened his mouth to respond until a gentlemen of the name of Mr. Charles Rowley walked up and requested Eloise for a dance.

Colin accepted on his sister’s behalf, much to her dismay. But he needed to part ways with Eloise in order to assist Penelope. He knew that if his sister were to tag along the tension between the two former friends would be odd. And Colin was especially sure that she would try to convince Penelope not seek for a husband.

However as soon as his sister left, a familiar face began to approach him. “Mr. Bridgerton, I was hoping we run into each other soon.”

“Lord Stirling!” Colin said with a beaming smile on his face as he gave him a quick hug and pat on the arm. “It is good to see you. How have you been?”

“I have been well. And yourself.”

“Fine as well, how are you fairing with the Mayfair social season?”

“Oh terrible, I fear may have to go to the infirmary with the amount of times these young ladies have stepped on my foot whilst dancing,” John said sarcastically which made both of them laugh.

“Not everyone can gracefully carry out a conversation whilst turning about the dance. Such as that young lady over there, she garnered quite the number of suitors upon her arrival.”

“Oh that is my sister, Francesca.”

“She beguiling, I hope her dance card is not too full.”

“The first dance is nearly over, let us go and ask her shall we.” Both Colin and John approached Francesca. Colin introduced his sister to John and she reciprocated his presence with a curtesy. When asked about whether her dance card had any available space, she mentioned that she has one more slot available – the waltz.

He signed her dance card as a smile beamed across both their faces. Colin was glad that his sister was enjoying her first season. He was expecting a line of gentlemen callers tomorrow morning to see her. Now all he needed to do was do the same for Penelope. ‘Penelope,’ he thought as John dismissed himself once he signed Francesca’s card and took her next dance partner to the floor.

‘Where was Penelope? It was high time that she should have been here already’ he continued his thought. His prayers were soon answered when he heard silence falling in different corners of the ball. Many began to mutter quite loudly for Colin to be able to hear.

“That can not be her?”

“I did not think she would show her face after that little stunt.”

“Quiet! He is looking in our direction.” One of the woman warned the other two ladies when she noticed Colin was near by.

He looked around some more to see people pointing, chattering, and gasping in shock, “is that really her, she looks so different.”

Curiosity took over him and he soon caught sight of the very thing everyone was looking at. The woman a top the gold spiral staircase captured the attention of so many of the guest.

Colin chest tight and his breath began to heave at the mere sight of her. His beloved friend seemed to have shed her former image. Her once tightly wounded copper-red curls were now loosely cascaded down her shoulders. Her rose tinted full lips and bright blue eyes were on full display through her soften makeup. And her seafoam green empire line dress shimmered under the crystal chandelier dangling from the ceiling.

Once she reached the final step, she beamed a glimmering smile to the groups of people in the most seductive stance he has ever seen. And unbeknownst to him, Colin began to gravitate slowly towards the woman, however….

“Mama, look they are looking at me,” Prudence exclaimed.

Portia wanted to acknowledge her but she followed the gaze of the Queen’s guest to notice that several of them were looking past her and Prudence whom were standing next to each other. So she turned her head around to see Penelope many steps behind which made her stand out even more.

Immediately after a gentlemen, whom Penelope recognized instantly began to walk towards her.

“Lady Featherington,” he bowed. “It would be my honor to escort your daughter to a dance.”

“Which one of my daughters, my Lord?”

“Mama, he obviously mea…”

“Miss Penelope. I would like to finish where we left of.”

“It would be my honor Lord Debling,” Penelope responded. She extend out her dance card which Lord Debling signed immediately. Then when he offered her arm to him she slowly slipped her arm through the opening by brushing her hand along his muscles. Once she was safely secured in his arm, Lord Debling escorted her to the refreshments whilst they wait for their dance.

As Penelope grabbed the golden chalice from the tray she could not help but notice that Colin’s eyes were fixated on her the moment she arrived – and he looked stern. ‘Perhaps he was merely observing…evaluating her to see if she was putting his teachings into practice,’ she thought.

Her gaze return to Lord Debling, ”how are you finding the evening, My Lord?”

“Well, especially after your arrival. You look quite lovely this evening.”

“Thank you. You look quite dashing as well, My Lord.” Penelope spoke this while looking up at him and quickly fluttering her eyes. Colin involuntarily twitched at the sight of it.

“Might we take our turn about the dancefloor, Miss Featherington.” Penelope nod as she grasped his arm once more as he escorted her to the dancefloor.

They were dancing the waltz, the perfect time for Penelope to practice her flirtation on Lord Debling. He suddenly winced at the thought of Penelope flirting with a gentlemen. He has always been his innocent, childhood friend, but now she was turning about the dancefloor with a gentlemen that was not him.

And it was not too long till other gentlemen began to take notice. Three more gentlemen decided to request a dance with Penelope, all of whom were of noble standing and little scandal to their name. Colin was glad that Penelope was securing more gentlemen callers, but for some reason he seemed bothered.

From the distance, Colin observed her as she openly yet subtly flirted with each gentleman. Whenever they made a humorous remark – even if it was not to her, she laughed. When they complimented on her appearance, she reciprocated by tailoring an unique compliment to each gentlemen she was in the company with.

She was doing everything he taught her, and he should be proud of her triumph. Yet he felt that her advances were not equally reciprocated back. Penelope deserves a gentleman that equally reciprocated their affections to her, but instead it seem to Colin that they were considering Penelope as another debutante.

‘They are not right for her,’ he thought. He knew that she wanted to courted by multiple suitors but at to what cost if they were not suitable enough to be their husband.

He needed to tell her this, so as soon as she finished dancing he swiftly approached her. ‘Pen.. ugh Miss Featherington.

Penelope slowly turned around and curtsied to him, “Mr. Bridgerton. I have been meaning to thank you. Your advice as greatly helped expedite my chances in securing a husband.”

“I…”

“Did you see the way Lord Fitzherbert face when I complimented on his winery collection? He was quite pleased to know a lady was able to converse in that topic. And he said he wished to call on me tomorrow morning, he plans on courting me!”

“You barely know the gentlemen!” Colin jittered out the response which made Penelope confused.

“That is why he is calling on me,” she said this sentiment slowly hoping to let that sink in. This was his idea after all, to help her secure a husband in the marriage mart. “Besides, several gentlemen expressed their intentions tonight to me. I shall have a plethora of suitors to choose from. And it is all thanks to you Mr. Bridgerton.”

Colin lip began to quiver, trying to speak but no words seemed to come out. “I….you….I…..ummm.”

“Aghh, I see Lord Debling is approaching this way,” Penelope said with a smile on her face. “He requested another dance with me before the evening conclude.” She turned back to Colin, “thank you again Mr. Bridgerton.”

Penelope began to turn away from him but Colin gently grabbed her wrist, “Wait Mrs. Featheri…Pen.” She displayed a confused expression on her face. “I…” but before he was able to finish the royal horns began to triumph and every soon stopped what they were doing.

“Thank you all for attending my ball,” the Queen’s voice boomed across the room. “After careful consideration I have finally chosen by season’s diamond to be …. Miss Francesca Bridgerton!”

The ton gasped then soon applauded with delight. Colin was grateful that his sister was chosen as the diamond. He turned to Penelope to see her reaction but during the announcement she seemed to slip away from his grasp and was walking towards Lord Debling.

His bright expression soon began to darken with both shock and despair. He slowly began to head to the edges of the ballroom as he hid behind the shadows of the guest while Penelope began to shift into the light. And despite his sister being granted the highest of honor, Penelope was the one who shined the brightest.

Chapter Text

April 25^th, 1815

“How are you finding the season, My Lord.”

“Quite well in fact, especially in your presence Miss Bridgerton. I am finding it most enjoyable,” replied Lord Kempston, a wealthy elitest who is as vane as he is rich.   

It was quite early in the morning at the Bridgerton’s Number 5 resident. After being announced as the season’s diamond last evening at the Queen’s Ball, there were a line of gentlemen callers from the family drawing room all the way to the foyer. All attempting to set their cap on the young Miss Francesca Bridgerton.

There were a few callers for Eloise Bridgerton as well, however, not many were able to stay in her company for long. Either because they were displeased by her manner or afraid to carry out a conversation with her in the fear of being reprimanded by her.

Feeling defended the gentlemen parted ways, and Eloise continued reading a book titled A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft.

“If then women are not a swarm of ephemeron triflers, why should they be kept in ignorance under the specious name of innocence? Men complain, and with reason, of the follies and caprices of our sex, when they do not keenly satirize our headstrong passions and groveling vices. Behold, I should answer, the natural effect of ignora…”

“Our sister has garnered more suitors than Daphne when she was announced as the diamond.” Benedict sat down next to his sister Eloise and leaned over to see what she was reading. This unfortunately

Eloise groaned with annoyance and rolled her eyes, “I do not care, who our sister choose to waste her time with. I have more important matters at hand,” she said as she waved the book in front of Benedict’s face.

Violet rushed over with a beaming smile over her face. “Is this not wonderful? It shall not be long till our dear Francesca finds a suitor worthy enough to marry her.”

“Yes because a woman is only worthy once they marry” Eloise replied sarcastically while looking at her book. She was not reading it anymore after Benedict’s rude interruption, but she felt this was a better use of time. Pretending to read, to avoid witnessing a flock of aimless, one track minded suitors gawking over her sister.

“Eloise dear, maybe you could join your sister. Perhaps you might find someone that interest you. I am sure Francesca would not mind.”

“That is not wise mother, especially after she scared away three of her suitors not moments ago.” Benedict’s comments were overheard by Gregory and Hyacinth, and it made them pass a light chuckle in agreement.

“It is not my fault men expect women to be nothing more than absent-minded creatures, who do nothing more than feed to their ego.”

Violet sighed then slowly walked back over to Francesca, who was talking to another suitor that called on her.

“I think you hurt mother’s feelings, sister,” the youngest Bridgerton Hyacinth replied.

“I did not mean to, but I prefer to spend my time nurturing my mind not a child.”

Hyacinth looked at Gregory then turned around to resume eating their mini cakes and biscuits. Benedict continued to poke his head into Eloise’s book, to see what she was reading, hoping it would explain the reason behind her sudden outburst. But she did not grant him that by shifting her book away from him. So feeling defeated he got up, and left out of the drawing room.

As Benedict was coming down the stairs, he heard heavy footsteps several steps behind him. He turned around to see his brother Colin, rushing down the stairs with a bouquet in his hand.

“Visiting the Featheringtons, are we?” Benedict smirked knowing very well that Colin was paying a visit to their family’s childhood neighbor.

“Yes.” Colin replied hastily as he walked pasted Benedict. But he caught up to him as they headed towards the door and raced down the steps.

“What is the rush brother? It is only dawn, they may not be even expecting callers at this hour.”

“I doubt that, as I was heading towards the stairs, I heard a couple of the gentlemen whispering amongst each other that they may call upon Penelope after speaking to our sister. So I do not have a second to waste.”

“That is not surprising,” Benedict said as they both each towards the gate. “There were a lot of chatter about Miss Penelope upon her arrival. And several gentlemen did dance with her, so of course they have plans to call on her as well.”

“Which is why I must go see Penelope, now.” Colin was a few steps ahead of him, so he turned around completely and placed both hands on his shoulder. “Wish me luck.” Then he gave Benedict a quick pat before rushing the Featherington’s estate.

As Colin approached the Featherington drawing room, he noticed three gentlemen lined up outside each of them were holding flowers in one hand and small trinket underneath their arm. When they turned around to acknowledge them he gave each of them quick smile and stood behind them.

In a few minutes upon his arrival, a familiar gentlemen stepped out as the next caller stepped in Lord Debling. “You look familiar, have we met?” he said as he looked at Colin with a smirk.

“Yes, at Lady Danbury’s Ball.” Then he extended his hand, “Colin Bridgerton.”

“Aghh, yes now I remember. Lord Debling,” he replied extending his hand to shake Colin’s hand. ‘His grip was quite firm’, Colin thought. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise.”

“I do apologize for the wait, gentlemen” he said to Colin and the other two gentlemen outside the drawing room. “Miss Featherington and I seemed to have gotten carried away in our discussion on my land, wealth and hobbies.”

“I did not know you were calling on Miss Prudence.”

Lord Debling laughed, “of course not, I was calling on Miss Penelope. Unlike her sister she is quite the conversationalist, you know apart from her wonderful dancing.”

“ I am a close personal friend of Miss Penelope, so I am well aware of it.”

“Are you? I did not believe so after she threw her drink at you” This made Colin display several frown lines appear across his forehead.

“We have made mends.”

“I am glad to hear … good day Mr. Bridgerton.”

‘He is such an ass,’ Colin thought.

Soon, it was his turn, he stepped forward and turned the corner with his hand down. When he looked up, he saw Penelope elegantly sitting on the couch in a mint green gown and her hair was in a loose updo with two light pink floral hairpiece in the side of her hair.

She looked so calm and poised, Colin mouth gaped open a little as he stared at her, not aware that he was announced by one of her footman. “Mr. Bridgerton, is everything alright.”

Colin blinked then replied, “umm, yes all is well.” His palms started to become sweaty, ‘why am I more nervous now than I was at the Queen’s Ball,’ he thought. “These…these are for you,” he approached her and handed her a bouquet of purple and white lilacs.

“Thank you, they are lovely.” Penelope was beaming at him, and he could help but return the same affectionate smile back at her. “May I?” Penelope nod and gestured him to sit down next to her.

As he was sitting down, he notice a small beam of sunlight shown upon a crystal vase behind her that caused him to pause midway. It was angled in a way that allowed the beam of light to perfectly ricochet off the edge of the rim and bounce that light towards her back. The light caused her glow, as if a spotlight has suddenly shone upon her.

He was mesmerized, as he stared into her blue eyes sparkled under the light, her smile beaming up at him. Unfortunately for him the light seem to fade the lower he got to sit on the soft cushion beside her, as did her smile.

Penelope was not foolish, being Lady Whistledown allowed her to be aware of certain looks men give to young ladies they are interested in. It was the same look Colin gave her when she gestured him to sit down. But she also knew that men were charmers, and Colin was one of the most charming gentleman in the ton.

Even though she was capture for a second when he looked at her, she knew he would never see her the way she sees him. This attraction was bound to fleet over time.

She shifted her eyes downward for a brief second to collect her thoughts, before she spoke to him. “Mr. Bridgerton, what an unexpected surprise. I did not think you would call on me so early in the morning.”

“I wanted to see to you.” He let out a breathy sigh that he was not aware that he was holding. “We did not get a chance to speak last night. You were occupied and I did not want to make the same mistake I did last time.”

Penelope gaped her mouth open slightly, “Col…Mr. Bridgerton after all the times we meant I never really truly apologize for my behavior. I was hurt by your action, but I should not have humiliated you like that.” She placed her gloved hand on top of his bare hand, which made Colin shift his gaze immediately to it, “I truly am sorry.”

He shook his head, “No…I am the one who should apologize. I do not know what came over me.” He raised his head and could not help but stare into her eyes once more. Now that they were at eye level, he noticed that her eyes were a deeper shade of blue than his – periwinkle blue.

“Your eyes….is the most loveliest shade of blue I have ever seen. Even the bluest oceans and skies would be envious of them.” The pupils of her eyes slowly began to darken, without covering her blue iris eyes,  as they shifted back and forth. No one has ever complimented her beauty before let alone her eyes – it overwhelmed her. Her vision became clouded with tears but she turned away from his gaze and blinked them away in an instance.

She cleared her throat and changed the topic of conversation, “I never got to congratulate your sister, Francesca. She shall be a wonderful diamond.”

Colin smiled, “yes, Franny is overjoyed but mostly surprised to be bestowed such an honor.”

Penelope looked at him confused, “I cannot imagine why? Her Majesty could not have chosen better – she is beautiful, kind and talented. She plays piano forte far more proficiently than I ever could.”

He gave a smile and a small chuckle. “That reminds me, before Her Majesty announced your sister as the season’s incomparable you were trying to tell me something. What was it?”

Colin got slightly nervous, he was so busy staring at her that he completely forgot the whole reason he decided to come call on her. ‘Why am I behaving in this manner,’ he thought. “Oh… I wished to speak to you about more tips I could provide you for the season, but Lord Featherington was approaching you for another dance.” He cleared his throat and his voice became hoarse, “several gentlemen in fact.”

Penelope raised her eyebrow, “each gentlemen signed by dance card, securing themselves in the que.” She knew full well of where this conversation was heading but she gave Colin the benefit of the doubt to let him continue before interrupting him.

“Yes, that is true but you had several suitors that night who wished to take you to the floor, and I do not believe it is proper for a lady to engage with multiple suitors in a single night.”

She stared at him, as if she were to pounce on him for his words. “And I do not believe I exceeded the allowable limit of suitors who wished to dance with me! What I did was no different from any young lady seeking to find a suitor. Each gentlemen was allocated a specific time with me, no more … no less!”

“What of Lord Debling?” he yelled. “He secured two dances with you in one night!”

“You have done the same!” She felt her chest beginning to rise and fall rapidly. “Spoken for me when I did not speak! Danced with me without signing my dance card! You have taken far more liberties with me than deemed allowable but I disregard such actions since you were my friend!”

“I am your friend! It is because I am your friend that I believe these gentlemen do not have their best interest at heart.”

“So a man could not be seen with me unless their have ill intentions towards me. She paused waiting for a response but his silenced, despite it being brief made it worse, “IS IT?!”  

He sighed, “you have not heard, what I have heard. How these gentlemen speak of young ladies behind closed doors.” Penelope gazed stiffened and he knew that he needed to provide a better explanation.

She stared at him emotionlessly, wondering why Colin is suddenly dismissing the suitors he so claimed to help her get. “Enlighten me then.”

April 24^th, 1815

“Mr. Bridgerton!” Will Mondrich exclaimed. “I see the late night festivities fagged you to death so much that you wish to seek solitude here in my establishment.” Colin grinned at his remarks as he sat down on the stool and rest his arms on the cold mahogany booth.

“Here, an ale to ease your mind.” Will poured the beer into a silver pint cup that Colin drank in an instant before slamming it on the table. His head sank to the table before signaling Will to pour him another shot.

Colin drank it immediately the second her poured it back into the cup, then signaled for another. “You are dipping rather deep tonight, Mr. Bridgerton.”  Colin gulped another beer which gave him another burning sensation down his throat causing him to ,”Ahhh.” But it’s burning sensation was nothing to the one he was feeling after tonight’s ball.

Will looked concerned that he declined to offer him another round when he signal with his hand to do so. “Will your brothers be in attendance soon?”

“Aghhhh,” he sighed as he felt the lingering effects of drinking four to five cups beers at once without stopping. “Anthony left the ball early to escort Kate home while Benedict stayed behind to escort my sisters and mother home later.”

Colin head hung lower and lower not wishing to engage in more small talk but quickly raised his head. “I apologize Mr. Mondrich, but my mind is not where it needs to be.”

“I know it is not my place, but if you are comfortable you can speak freely. Perhaps I could offer some insight that could be of some use.”

He sighed but before he was about to speak he heard a loud unison laughter from a group of gentlemen a few tables away from him.

“Were they truly the size of cannons Mr. Dawson?”

“Oh yes! The chit’s bosoms were so large that even if I were to cover them with my palms they would seep through my fingers.”

The candle lights shone brightly over them as if a spotlight was casted upon them the moment Colin casted his gazes upon them. He noticed that the gentlemen speaking was one of the gentlemen that Penelope danced with that evening.

Amongst him were four other gentlemen surrounding him, with whom he did not bother to remember their names. But there were two gentlemen that he recognized right away Lord Cho and Lord Fife. Will noticed this but was called away by another patron at his establishment. His departure was not noted by Colin, because he was glaring at them coldly as they spoke and laugh. They were loud enough for those near by to hear them so he was not technically eavesdropping, but soon he would later wish that was not the case.

“Who knew the young lady possessed such assets,” Lord Fife claimed. “If Lady Featherington knew she would be confined to her chambers like an indentured servant.” Colin eyes shot up wide open, they were speaking about Penelope.

Lord Cho commented, “perhaps that is why her mother chooses to dress her in those horrendous frocks. She certainly have more shape to her than most young ladies do.”

All the gentlemen exclaimed in agreement. “ I have been with several mistresses and none possessed such hips wide as her.”

“Quite true Mr. Barington! I should know I held her while we were dancing. Her curves fit my hands so perfectly. If we were not bound to rules of good society I would have taken her to the nearest chambers, lifted her by the arse, slam her against the wall and have my way at her.”

“I’d free her chest so I could suck on her nipples, then have her bounce on my cock so I could see her bosoms bounce up and down as I tup her.”

“Is that a challenge, Mr. Barington?”

“It would not be challenge Mr. Dawson if the lady clearly would take any gentlemen that comes her way.”

They all laughter cynically, which made Colin’s blood boil with anger. How dare they speak of his friend in such a way? He slammed his empty cup in frustration “Ass wipes!”, which alerted Mr. Mondrich as he turned his head to Colin. Will poured some brandy to a gentlemen he was tending to then made his way back to him.

He knew that Colin’s unpleasant demeanor was due to the way the gentlemen were speaking of Miss Penelope Featherington. Ever since Colin Bridgerton took an interest in the Featherington family’s jewel business. When he commented on the lavish party the Featheringtons were throwing, Colin abruptly defended the Featherington’s honors.

Though he was putting on an act in front of Jack Featherington, he knew there were some truth in his dismal when he made the accusation. He was defending the family because he is smitten with one of the young ladies within it. He knew Phillipa was no longer a codenature since she is not married to Mr. Finch. And he knew it was not Prudence, because of her ill-manners which he heard from a few gentlemen a while back.  So all signs pointed to Miss Penelope. He knew the lad held a torch for the young lady.

Colin was about to rushed over to confront them but Will placed his arm over his arm. “Do not mind them, Mr. Bridgerton.”

“I cannot just sit here and have them speak of her that way.”

“But confronting will only make matters worse. It will not only tarnish your reputation but Miss. Penelope’s as well.”

Colin suddenly turned to look at him in shock. “How do you know that they are speaking of her?”

He smiled, “because I know when a gentlemen is defending the honor of a young lady that he cares about. I have heard from your brother, Mr. Benedict Bridgerton, of how much of a gentlemen you are and how he wish he possessed your charm. He most admires when you company your family friend  Miss Penelope to the dance floor.”

“I have known her since we were children. We are friends.” For some reason he got a sharp ache in his heart when he claimed her as his friend to Mr. Mondrich. Perhaps it’s the drinks Colin thought. “Also, I did not know spoke of me that way.”

“Ohh, he speaks of you often. Perhaps you could speak with in the morning,” he takes the glass away from Colin, “if you are sober enough to.”

“It is late, I shall take sleep.” He handed Will a couple of coins as payment. “Good night to you, Mr. Mondrich. And thank you.”

“Likewise, Mr. Bridgerton.”

April 25^th, 1815

“So you see, the only reason they wish to seek a wife is so they could bed, wed and bread her. Then seek more pleasure partners to satisfy their needs.” He reached out and grabbed both her hands in his, “you deserve someone who appreciates you for you.”

Penelope looked down at his hands then back up at him. “Someone who will cherish your very presence, not tarnish it.” He shook his head several times in dismay, “I am still distraught with myself for not standing up for you when they spoke those vial things about you. How they spoke of you was not the way a gentlemen would speak.”

She found this statement ironic, consider he took spoke of her in such manners, publicly to other gentlemen. “You are neither my brother nor father. You are not obligated to defend me. I am well aware of how the ton views me, undesirable.”

He shook his head in disagreement, “no, Penelope you misunderstand those sentiments were made because they admire you greatly…well your physical beauty. But not because they care, because they want to compromise you. Not many ladies have your physical attributes, which makes you in danger of their onward advances.”

“Even if that is true, I do not have the liberty to deny such pursuits. I went for two seasons without any suitors now I have plenty to choose from.” Her voice began to raise again, “this is my choice not yours!”

“I agree, but I just want you to be cautious with the company you keep. Not everyone had the best intentions when they asked to dance with you.” He lowered his tone of voice, to calm her down but mostly hoping to reason with her.

She released her hands that were underneath his, “all right I will be more careful.” She looked up at his eyes, “I appreciate you for caring, but you should also trust my judgement as well if I decide to pursue a gentlemen that you do not approve. I am the one courting them after all.”

“What if one gentlemen was dishonest with you, and I knew about it? Would you stop then?”

She sighed, “Your word alone is not enough I am afraid. I trust you but I would require proof.  But then you promise me that you will set me up with another gentlemen friend of yours whom you believe to be suitable for me.”

“That is fair.” He wanted to sound agreeable and genuine but it came out as unpleasant and dishonest. 

There was a knock on the door, they both turned around. “There are two more gentlemen callers for Miss. Penelope Featherington.”

Lady Featherington, who was apparently in the corner helping Prudence with her fanning, soon was brought to attention by her footmen’s voice. “Oh, send them in.” Prudence huffed and crossed her arms across her chest upon the announcement.

“I shall leave,” Colin stood up abruptly with Penelope following suit.

“Good day, Miss Penelope” he bowed.

“Good day, Mr. Bridgerton,” she curtsied.

He walked out of the drawing room, feeling somewhat relieved that Penelope spoke to him. But when he turned around and saw her speaking to a gentleman who took his place on the couch, his face sadden. He knew that Penelope was looking for suitors but he could not understand why this was bothering him. This is what she wanted, isn't it? 

Chapter Text

May 5^th, 1815

Colin was pacing back and forth in haste across the Featherington drawing room. He promised Penelope that he would schedule an early morning lesson in preparation for the Trowbridge Ball.

Her ladies maid whose name Colin seems to forget, despite her being present during every lesson Colin had with Penelope, informed him earlier that she would be down in just a moment. Yet that moment ended up being over a fifteen minute wait.

Colin hoped that their conversation regarding her suitors eligibilities did not deter her from seeking his advice in securing a match this season. The last thing he wanted to do was make her angry, then he would never be able to regain their friendship.

His feet dragged against the carpeted floor when thoughts of Penelope distancing herself from him flashed across his mind.

“Colin?” spoke a sweet and innocent voice. The heel of Colin’s shoe soon dug beneath the thick, woven carpeting in hopes provide him some friction as he spun around to the sound of the voice.

“Penelope!”

“I apologize, I hope you were not waiting too long.”

“No, no not at all,” Colin responded dismissing her apologize. He could wait an eternity to see her, and not be upset for the long wait.

“That is good.” Penelope began to walk over to him which cause him to slightly stumble but this went unnoticed by Penelope since it was subtle. “I fear sleep came over me quite heavily last night. Still  recovering from the Queen’s Ball it seems. As well as courtships I secured this week alone. Did you know Mr. Dawson and I had morning tea at Gunter’s Tea shop, not best conversationalist but he was attentive, his eyes never waived even for a second.”

Colin knew that meant Mr. Dawson was paying extra attention to Penelope’s cleavage, and that made him wince in disgust. “Then that following afternoon Lord Fitzherbert gave me a tour of his winery cellars, it is quite massive. And just yesterday I promenade across Hyde Park with Lord Debling. We spoke of his hobbies, our interest, our dreams. Oh he is very handsome Colin, and kind too, I could tell when I look at his brown eyes – that he genuinely cares for me.”

Colin’s palms began to sweat and his breathing became heavy, “seems you had a productive week, Pen.”

She smiled, “I did, I truly did.” Penelope looked at Colin and noticed that he was starting to get a little uncomfortable. “Please, have a seat.” She gestured for him to sit down, and then Penelope sat next to him. In the same couch they always sat in during their meets. “Mr. Bridgerton.” Colin winced in pain hearing her speak so formally to him. “I understand you have some reservations towards the gentlemen I am in company with, but as I said before without proof I will not end my courtships with them.”

He looked at her with sorrow eyes and nod. “However, I am willing to accept your offer in courting gentlemen that meet your approval. I understand Mr. Dawson made some derogatory comments about me, so I have decided to end my courtship with him. After our meet at Gunther’s Tea Shop I realized that you may have been right about his intentions towards me.”

“That is good … I am glad we have some to an agreement.” Colin was relieved that he was no longer a treat to him.

“So, whom have you found that you believe will have my best intentions. A gentlemen who ‘cherishes my very presence,’” she made that last remark very sarcastically. She did not believe there would be a gentlemen who would ever meet Colin’s expectations but she was willing to humor him.

“Ummm….there is Mr. Marcus Anderson, I met him during my travels. As well as Lord John Stirling but I fear he may have taken a liking to my sister Francesca but he has a cousin Michael Stirling whom I think you may like.”

“Those, sound like wonderful options. I did not think you would actually give me names of gentlemen that you wished for me to court.” Neither did he but she did not need to know that. Colin just spoke the first names that came to mind – in truth he rather wished she not seek any more gentlemen. But this is what she wanted, to find a suitor who would marry her so he had to respect her wishes despite it bothering him in the inside.

“Yes, but let’s not talk about that, I am here to help you navigate the Trowbridge’s Ball. Her balls can cause scandalous activity to take place, so it is important that you are careful.”

“I am aware, but I doubt there is anything left for you to teach me.”

Before Colin could respond, he heard a whispered conversation from a distance. “Evelyn, you are needed in the servant’s courtiers,” spoke another ladies maid. ‘Evelyn, so that is her name’ Colin thought. “But I am to chaperone Miss Penelope and Mr. Bridgerton" she whispered to her. 

“It is alright, Evelyn. Mr. Bridgerton is a gentleman, and I shall be safe in his company.” Colin looked at her in awe, ‘she trust me. After everything we have been through she still cares for me.’ Evelyn and the other lady’s maid looked at each other with hesitation. “You may leave the door open, I promise you nothing towards will happen between us.”

Evelyn turned to her with a smile, “I will back in a mere moment, Miss.” Penelope nod and her ladies’ maids scurried away and soon Colin and Penelope were alone in each others company.

She turned to him, “you were saying.” Penelope gestured for him to continue speaking, even though she felt there was no need to proceed with these lessons. She was quite content with the suitors she acquired, but she knew that Colin would not let this go until he feels he has regain her forgiveness.

So she decided to comply to his wishes. Besides there could additional insight he could provide into the inner workings of the male ego. It could serve her well in the marriage mart.

“Yes, well since her balls are known to cause scandal it is important that you aware of the activities that might take place.”

Penelope smirked, “are you to tell me the ways to compromise myself?”

“NO!” He cleared his throat and shook his head in disagreement before continuing. “Sorry I meant, one must be wary about the impressions they may leave on person. You mustn’t appear to eager but you should not close yourself off either.”

“I do not follow.”

“When you are dancing with a gentleman, he may implore ways to entice a lady to haste their courtship.” Penelope stared at him in confusion, how was he suppose to talk about this to his gentle bred friend. “The ambiance of her ball can encourage gentleman to be intimate with a lady whilst dancing. He may gaze his palm towards lower end of your back.”

Colin winced at his remark of a man making unwanted advances towards his friend, but he felt that she needed to know. After what he heard at Will’s establishment, he needed her to aware of these things. “He may lessen the distance between you and himself. He may even speak of sweet words to lure you to a secluded location.”

“But you mustn’t fall victim to such advances. If a gentleman is making ungentlemanly advances towards you, politely distance yourself from him. Because these types of men only want to seek a woman for his own personal satisfaction. They do not have your best interest.”

“Will you show me?”

“What?”

“Show me the ways a gentleman entices a lady. That way I am aware whether he is interested in a genuine courtship with me, or if he is only interested in compromising me.”

“Pen… I do not kn… I do not want to make you uncomfortable.”

“I trust you Colin.” His eyes beamed at her remarks, but he is a gentleman and what she was asking for would break that gentlemanly code.

“Please.” And with one word alone he was at her mercy. He held out his hand palm faced up waiting for her to reach out and hold it. When she placed her hand on his, he felt an immediate shock. Her hands were soft, warm and bare.

They slowly stood up in synchronicity as if they were moving hands on a clock. Colin released his grip then placed his hands around the curves of her hips. Once he secured his grasp on her, he slowly inched her body to his. They were so close that he was afraid that she may be able to feel his heart beating out of his chest.

His breathe became shallow, he gulped trying to regain his composure. “If a gentleman holds you like this, he is imploring physical touches to seduce you”

Penelope looked at him as he spoke, he seemed to be nervous. “Do I not want to be seduced?”

“Not like this, no gentleman should behave this way.”

Penelope nod, “what else could he do?”

“He may, graze you cheek with the backs of his hand.” Colin then proceeded to perform that set action, causing Penelope to slightly gasp. “He may come close to your ear,” he leaned forward to her ear. “and may speak of great sins that he wish to do with you.”

“Such as?” The pitch of Penelope’s voice heighten by Colin’s imitate actions.

“He may say that he cares for you fondly.”

“Do I not want that?” Penelope said breathlessly. “Should a gentleman not be fond of me?”

“Yes, but not like this.” His voice was becoming hoarse, which made her slightly weak in the knees. “Invading a ladies space without her consent, without caring for her well being.”

“I still do not understand, how this could be considered unwanted?”

He sighed breathily into her ear, which made her spine shiver with delight. The thought of a man performing such acts to his such his gentle bred friend was hard for him to wrap his mind around. Colin was hesitant at first to speak but he needed Penelope to know, no matter how uncomfortable it made him. “He may say your presence awaken desires that he holds for you. He may recite the dreams he has of you. Dreams of you stripping your garments piece by piece until you are stand bare for him.”

He slowly backed away from her ear, and was now face to face. So close that he was able to see the blue in her eyes slowly being over taken by her darkened, wide black pupils. “Then he may engrave his scent upon you with a kiss that leaves you breathless.”

Colin began to caress his thumb against her lips, they were soft and plump just as he imagined they be. “A kiss that will make him lose all his senses... He wishes to claim you as his, and…” Colin began to inch closer and closer with each passing breathe towards her lips.

Penelope eyes began to widen, but then she began to flutter them in shock. She lifted her chin, his face began to descend faster towards her lips, reaching out to envelope his lips around her until.

“Miss Penelope, I have return… oh”

Colin and Penelope jerked themselves back, because as Evelyn walked in their lips were millimeters way from each other. Colin distanced himself from Penelope as he stepped back. He looked down at his shoes, almost ashamed of what transpired.

Penelope stood still as he faced him, shocked about what just transpired. Colin Bridgerton was trying to kiss her, his so called best friend.

“I should return home.”

“Yes,” Penelope spoke breathlessly.

He shifted himself to the right of her, and walked out of the drawing room with his head hanging low – refusing to look up.

Once Colin left Evelyn spoke, “Miss, are you alright? Penelope did not respond, her back was facing to Evelyn.

Evelyn walked over to Penelope, and faced her. “Are you alright?”

Penelope was still dazed but she looked at Evelyn and nodded. “Yes… I am alright.” Evelyn acknowledged her with a nod, “I promise not to tell a soul of what transpired.”

Penelope smiled, “thank you, Evelyn.” She curtsied to Penelope before she walked out of the drawing room.

She could not believe what had transpired. Colin says that the gentleman she surrounds herself with are not right for her. That they do not have the best intentions towards her. But every time Colin is with her, she feels that he is not being completely honest with his reasoning behind his disinterest of her suitors.

“Gen!” Penelope opened the Modiste’s shop doors which caused the bell to ding. A bell ringing on a door always signaled the owner of its shop that a customer was entering, however this time it was not the case. The sign on the door said closed, but Madam Delacroix sent a letter earlier this morning – before Colin came stating that Penelope needed to meet her immediately.

“I received your note. I apologize for not being able to come sooner.” She rushed the words out of her mouth and heavily sighed as if she was out of breathe. “This morning was …”

“Not to worry Penelope,” Genevieve Delacroix spoke without her false French accent. “ I am glad you are here. Come, follow me.”

Penelope let out a soft sigh before proceeding to follow Madame Delacroix into the back room. After Penelope’s identity of Lady Whistledown was unintentionally revealed to Madame Delacroix, and there secret rendezvous the two women have gotten to know each other well. Becoming business partners have certainly strengthen their bond that they are able to let their guards slip on occasion. Genevieve being able to speak in her own tongue while Penelope was able to showcase herself as a confident woman – behaving in a manner that they wished society would condone.

“I have been experimenting with some new fabrics and designs.” Several sketches of gown were plastered all over her wall, designs that Penelope have not seen since she last visited. She could not help but admire them.

“I can see, they are quite remarkable.”

“You are too kind, but much inspiration came from some of gowns designed in France. Anyways, I was hoping to experiment my new designs through you.” Penelope gaped her mouth open slightly and blinked in shock. “I have lowered waistline and square-shaped neckline to accentuate the bust. As well as tighten the fabrics ever so slightly around the hips to appear both slender and fitted.”

She continued with excitement in her voice. “Not many young ladies are able to pull off such a daring designs because their neither have wide hips nor large enough bust to pull off such a feet. You however will accentuated the features of this gown perfectly, which is why I would like for you to wear a new gown tonight at the Trowbridge Ball. You wearing the gown will garner attention from both the gentlemen and ladies of the ton”

Penelope was in awe and nervous to wear such a daring dress. “Oh Gen, you are too kind but hardly anyone notices me. Besides I do not know I could full off such a daring feet. I have purchased several gowns already I shall wear one of those.”

“You are too hard on yourself. You gained a few suitors these past two weeks, I bet you will gain even more once you wear this gown. Plus it is of no cost, besides you will be doing me a favor.”

They walked over a few more steps before standing before a gown on a metal stand to hold the shape of the gown. Penelope’s eyes widen and she let out a breathy gasp. After seeing the dress, all her doubts instantly faded away. She knew right then that this would be the perfect dress to secure a suitor as soon as possible.

“What do you think?”

“It is perfect.”

Chapter Text

May 5^th, 1815

This season’s ball at Trowbridge manor seem to out perform all the previous balls she hosted thus far. The performative acrobats, opera singers, and string orchestra still remained the theme however she seemed to acquire a recent passion for avians. There were about three different species of birds - peasants, canaries, and parrots with a collection of eight birds arrayed throughout the hall.

Each individual bird clasped inside an iron cage, in distance from each other to avoid unnecessary noises from neighboring birds. This seemed to work since no paid much heed to them, unless if they were observing the colorful ambiance the birds brought to the ambiance of the ball. If not they would  resume their conversations as normal, most not even being aware of the birds even being their.

Colin Bridgerton encountered many birds through his travels, so he would catalogue different species of birds in his journals such as noting its feather colors and  flight pattern. Unlike his brothers Anthony and Benedict, who would prefer to hunt them for entertain, he never found enjoyment in harming animals. A bit of naturalist if you will.

“Lady Trowbridge has an unique palette for her balls.” Colin was speaking to John Sterling, Michael Sterling, and Marcus Anderson, whom he encountered the moment he arrived at the ball.

“I presume you speak of these winged-creatures.” Marcus Anderson pointed to the Moreton-Bay Parrot that was flapping his dark-green wings with black spots along it.

“What else?” Colin smiled and nodded as though Marcus read his mind.

“When will your young lady friend make her arrival? I am quite impatient to set my cap on her.” Marcus Anderson spoke while tapping his foot on the hardwood floor. “I have heard she is making quite the impression this season.”

“She should be here soon,” Colin replied as he looked about the dancefloor once more hoping to catch his eyes upon her.

“Gentlemen, you must excuse me.” John turned to face Colin. “It seems your sister has finally freed herself from dancing and heading over for refreshments.”

“I could join you,” Michael replied.

“Stirling, you promised me that you will meet my friend.” Colin replied.

Michael sighed, “so I did.”

John patted his cousin on the shoulder before making his mark towards Francesca. Michael face fell slightly, John spoke so lovely about her that he was hoping that he could introduce himself to her as well. However, he did promise Mr. Bridgerton that he will accompany his lady friend for a dance tonight.

Suddenly there were collective gasps and whispers occurring at different moments. Colin, Michael and Marcus turned their heads toward to commotion until they landed their eyes on the source of it all.

Passing through the white silk curtains, was the most beautiful woman Colin has ever seen. Her beautiful copper red was pinned soft flowered circlets and ringlets, with two large face framing curls around her rounded face. Her sea form green gown embroidered with sparkling silver flowers was fitted at her waist, embracing her curves while the rest of it flowed down her body. All tied together with a dainty emerald necklace, white long satin gloves and a sparkling silver tiara.

It did not take Colin long to realize that this was Penelope, and my god was she beautiful. His breath hitched at the sight of her, as she walked along the dark wooden floor painted with white designs throughout. The more she walked across the floor the more Colin wanted to rush to her and drag her over to him. But he could not seemed to move because his feet felt as it was nailed to the floor.

Penelope greeted a few members with a smile as she made her grand interest, and many were shock to see the former wallflower to garner such attention. Soon her eyes shifted towards Colin as she slowly started to approach him.

Colin’s mouth was gaped open, and his eyes roamed every inch of her body. In hopes to capture this very moment, have it engraved into the depths of his mind – the moment he realize the beauty that Penelope withheld.

Her mother did such a disserve all these years for dressing her in such extravagant costumes and tightening her curls in ridiculous hairstyles, because the look she wore now was her. She appeared more confident, with her stead fast but gracefully light movements.

“Mr. Bridgerton,” Penelope curtsied at him. When did she make her way over to him, Colin thought. “Are you to introduce me to your gentlemen friend?”

Colin could not utter a single word because all he could do was stare. Marcus and Michael took note of his speechless friend, and decided to lessen the burden for him.

“Mr. Marcus Anderson and this is Mr. Michael Stirling,” they bowed to her which Penelope reciprocate with a curtesy.

“You are the cousin of the Earl of Kilmartin, Lord Stirling – yes?” Penelope turned towards Michael with a grin, she noticed that his cousin was paying particular interested to Francesca Bridgerton.

“Yes, Miss Featherington. I am.”

“Well it wonderful to meet you both. Mr. Bridgerton spoke highly of the two and it is a pleasure to meet you both.”

“Miss Featherington, may I have the honor to accompany you to the next dance.”

“Of course, Mr. Anderson.” She extend his card towards him to sign, which happened to waiver in front of Colin whom was still giving Penelope the once over. ‘I have never signed her card when dance, I am such a fool,’ he thought.

Mr. Anderson extend his hand for Penelope to grab as he escorted her to the ballroom floor. All Colin could do was blink, and Michael tried to engage in conversation with him but he did not seem to be present. So he used this opportunity to excuse himself from him, in hopes to catch a glass of champagne.

Many members of the ton decided to pay very close attention to Penelope, including a certain Lady Danbury when she noticed her godson was accompany the youngest Featherington girl. She always liked her, she may be quiet at times but she had overheard her speak to the boisterous Miss Eloise Bridgerton several times and she was always impressed by the ways she communicates. Unlike her two sisters, she felt Penelope had more respectable and repudiable qualities about her that made her someone worth keeping an eye on.

“I hear this is your first ball this season, Mr. Anderson.”

“This is the first is my time at a ball ever.” He spun her around then brought her back close him.

“Well, it certainly does not show. You are a wonderful dancer.”

“You as well, Miss Featherington. I have heard so many wonderous things about you. Mr. Bridgerton speaks very highly of you. He tells me you are quite the avid reader.”

“Yes, I love to read. It is helps me pass the time. Sometimes I get lost in the world of the books I read, that I almost picture myself immersed in the world myself. At times I pretend I a character in my story, helping the heroine overcome the burdens placed upon her.”

Marcus kept looking over her shoulder towards a group of matriarchs laughing, with Lady Violet Bridgerton being the loudest laughter. “Mr. Anderson?”

“I always imagined these balls to be dingy and stuff. A room filled with arrogant people, always picking apart one another and with people were stiffer than a wood board. That is why I always avoided entertaining the people with my presence at these occurrences.”

The turned to the side which allowed Penelope to see the direction at which he was looking at. “Agh, I see. Well it is not obvious at first glance but the ton are quite judgmental at time. They do not show their jealously or their fake pity towards someone. It is always subtle, you would have to know someone well to be able to make such assumptions or someone observant.”

“It seems like you have such expertise at this area.”

“Being a wallflower affords you such privilege.” Mr. Anderson smiled and spun her around once more.

Meanwhile, Colin was still standing at the same place he was standing the moment Penelope walked in. His eyes followed her every movement as she navigated the dance floor. His lessons seemed to pay off, a little too well it seem.

She noticed her shifting her body closer to Mr. Anderson each time he spun her around, and that made him shutter at the sight of him. Colin noticed from the corner of his eye of footman offering him a drink, and without looking he reached over and grabbed the glass of champagne as he chugged the entire glass in less than a minute before slamming it on the silver tray.

This did not go unnoticed by Lady Danbury who was a mere few feet from both the dancers and Colin. She noticed the way he was looking at Penelope. Lady Bridgerton has always spoken kindly about her third eldest son, and the gentleman that he is. However, at this moment, he look far less gentlemanly and more beastly with the way he was glaring.

But Lady Danbury was not the only person of note, who noticed the aura the youngest Miss Featherington gave off. Lord Fife and a few other gentlemen, a few with whom she previously dance with and spoken to began to stare at her in wonder.

A few of them were nudging one another at the way Penelope breast bounced as she stepped across the ballroom floor, and when she spun they noticed the way her gown would tighten the hold of bust as it were to about to spill out of her gown.

Once, Penelope concluded her dance with Mr. Anderson, not long after several other gentlemen began to surround her. Even suitors whom danced with Francesca began to make their way towards Penelope. ‘This is far more suitors than last time,’ Colin thought angrily. Meanwhile Lady Danbury was quite impressed with the young lady’s triumph – having these men practically fall at her feet.

There were far more men than Penelope thought, hardly enough room to write on her dance card. So she offered the first few gentlemen who approached her a dance. With the first gentleman, to her shock being Mr. Harry Dankworth. He is new gentleman, and this would be his first social season at Mayfair. But despite it being his first season, he made quite an impression with many young ladies. She noticed many young debutantes swoon at the sight of him, and she could not believe such a gentlemen was asking her for a dance.

If that was not shocking enough to Penelope, she was even more shock when Lord Fife signed her card next. His name being directly below Mr. Dankworth. Colin practically winced in pain, as his heart seemed to pound through his chest and his stomach began to churn. ‘Fife, dancing with Penelope? Since when was he ever interested in her?’ Colin exclaimed this notion in his head.

Her dance card was soon full in a matter of seconds, and she began to politely decline each individual man who were unable to secure a dance with her tonight. Many promised to call on her tomorrow morning at her home, which made Penelope excited.

When the string orchestra began to play again, Mr. Dankworth escorted Penelope to the dance floor. Their dance was more lively than the previous dance, so it gave her a slight break from executing the physical touches Colin showed her during their lessons this morning.

“Mr. Dankworth, how are you fairing with the social season?”

“It is well, but there are more balls on my social calendar than I can count.” Penelope laughed at this remark.

“Yes, we do love our balls.”

“I despise counting, it is too much thinking. I prefer simpler things, certain tasks I could accomplish. Useful tasks that help me such as perfecting my hair. My hair is my best feature, aside from my face. And I have such a handsome face, all the ladies cannot help but marvel at it.”

‘Umm….he is a bit vane,’ she thought. “Tell Mr. Dankworth. What simple things do you do to pass your time? I enjoy to read, do you?”

“Read? Why would a lady such as yourself engage in such pointless pursuits?”

Penelope blinked in shock, “I enjoy reading.”

“I despise reading even more than counting. In Eton, I prefer the arts such as painting and sculpting rather than literature. It is so difficult to follow, with their confusing imagery. It is much easier to get to the point.”

‘When will this dance end,’ she thought not really understanding why so many young ladies swooned over him. Though he is handsome he is far pretentious than he looks, and seems to lack wit.

Thankfully for her, this dance was short. “I had wonderful time, Miss Featherington. I hope we can do this again something.” He bowed once they finished, and Penelope followed with a curtsy.

As soon as she finished bowing, Lord Fife approached her and escorted her to the next dance that began immediately after. Colin was scrunching his face in disgust, ‘Lord Fife, what does he want with her.’

“Lord Fife, this is a surprising turn of events.”

“Why is that?” He smiled with a smear hint of confusion on his face.

“I did not think you had interest in dancing with me.”

“That is not true. I have always been interested in you. You are quite fascinating, Mr. Bridgerton does not seem to know what he is missing.” Penelope gasped at Lord Fife sudden revelation when he spoke of Colin.

“One of my gentleman friend’s saw you hiding behind one of columns last season, when Mr. Colin Bridgerton spoke that he never dreamed of courting you last season at your ball.”

“I did not realize. Hardly anyone notices me.” Penelope sighed as she looked down at her feet. Colin immediately noticed this and got concerned. He was too far away to hear their conversation, but he had a bad feeling that Lord Fife might have said something to upset her. ‘I’m going to kill him,’ he shook his head and grimaced in displeasure.

“I noticed you, I always have.”

Penelope shook her head, “that cannot be true.”

Lord Fife smiled, “last season during our arrival to the Bridgerton’s Hearts and Flowers Ball at Audrey Hall, you were wearing a light green gown with pink ribbon around your waist.” Penelope mouth slightly gaped as she looked at him while he spoke. “You were happily running downhill the moment you saw Miss Eloise Bridgerton. It was quite adorable seeing you smile.”

Penelope could not even believe the words she was hearing. Then she realized the way Lord Fife looked at her during the Featherington Ball last season, when she danced with Colin. Now that she thinks about it, he was the only gentleman who did not seem appalled by her dancing. In fact it was quite the opposite, he seemed intrigued.

“I know what you think, Miss Featherington. You are wondering about your dance with Mr. Bridgerton at the Featherington Ball last season.”

‘Was he reader of minds,’ she thought.

“I was admire you in fact. The way you glided across the dance floor.” His body got closer to hers, and he slightly bend his head down. “As you spun underneath his arms, I wished it was I whom twirled you about the dance floor till you were left breathless. Only being able to pant my name.”

Penelope eyes glazed over his, all this time she thought her actions were always gone unnoticed. That hardly anyone ever paid attention to her. Then she glanced at Colin who was glaring down at her as his eyebrows furrowed creating lines across his forehead. She shifted her eyes back to Lord Fife.

Once their dance finished, Penelope curtsied with smile across her face. Soon suitor and after suitor began escorting her dance after dance, but she could not get over the words Lord Fife spoke to her. He knew about her presence when Colin spoke those terrible words to her. ‘Lord Fife probably proposed such a question to Colin because he thought Colin was genuinely courting her. 'He was interested in me?,' she questioned. 'He is interested in me?'

She began to walk over to the refreshments to grab a drink. She heard the tapping of cane approaching towards her.

“Miss Featherington, you are making quite an impression this season.”

“Lady Danbury,” she curtsied. “Thank you.”

“Do not thank me child. It is only a fact. You manage to garner many unwed gentlemen in a matter of minutes. In all my years I have never seen such a sight.”

“I was quite surprise myself by the outcome.”

“Why ever would you be?”

“I have gone unnoticed by many for the past two season. It is only because I have discarded my previous gowns and hairstyles that these suitors decide to call on me.”

Lady Danbury shook her head in disagreement, “that is untrue! A change of wardrobe does not a lady make. When I was a girl many years ago, I feared receive attention and dissolved into the shadows. But that could only last for so very long, so I change wardrobe yes but I also sharped my wit and made myself one of the most fear but respected people in the ton.”

Penelope was taken back by this revelation even more than Lord Fife’s revelation. She never imagined Lady Danbury as timid, she has always been one of the most confident, powerful and confident woman in all of London.

“It was lovely speaking with you Miss. Featherington. I do hope we meet again soon.” She lifted her cane out in front of Penelope and began to walk towards another corner of the ballroom floor.

Soon the festivities were near to an end, as all the dances have conclude and the guest were finalizing their conversations before their departure. Penelope took the extra few minutes to herself, and decided to take a walk along the garden.

She knew the dangers of a young lady being about in the dark walks unchaperoned but after the day she had, a little fresh air would be most refreshing. Besides, as Lady Whistledown she always had a keen eye to where everyone was and when. And she hardly noticed anyone venturing out into the gardens so she decided to take the risk.

As she stepped out she admired the flowers alongside the bush. She noticed a few lamp steads burning that lit up the path of the dark walk, so curiosity caused her to walk even further and further but she paused as she heard footsteps approaching her.

She spun around, “Colin,” she sighed in relief when she realized whom it was. “It is only you.”

“I apologize, I did not mean to frighten you. I saw you head out to the gardens.” His voice sounded worried and slightly irritated. “You should not be here. It is not safe for a young lady venture out at night without a chaperone!”

“I am perfectly fine, but if you insist you may join me.”

“We should head back inside!” Colin raised his voice at her slightly annoyed that she was not understanding the risk she was taking.

“I will head back in once I take some air.” She turned around and began to walk faster further down the path, but rushed towards her and grabbed her wrist. Penelope stopped to noticed him firmly holding her in place, but gentle enough for Penelope to loosen her wrist away from his hand. She began to ignore his demands, and walked even further.

Despite how fast she was walking, Colin only needed to take a few steps to reach her. He soon stood in front of her preventing her to go any further.  

“What is the matter with you?” Penelope exclaimed as she tried to push her hands against his chest.

“I care for safety, for your reputation!” Colin exclaimed.

“You care for my reputation?,” she exclaimed with even more anger than he seemed to possess.

“Of course, I care for your reputation. I do not understand why you are stubborn! It is not safe and you need to come back inside with me.”

“You certainly have a lot of opinions of me of late, do you not Mr. Bridgerton.”

“STOP calling me that. I am your friend, I have always been your friend. You have not written back to me, or gave me an explanation to why you decided to suddenly end our friendship.”

“I told you, I wish to marry.”

“And I help you find suitors, yet you still forsake me.”

“You needed to leave, right now Mr. Bridgerton.” She scowled at him with her teeth baring down.

“NO!”

Penelope threw her hands up in frustration. “Are you angry because I have not paid any attention to you of late. You seemed to forget that I am a young lady out in society seeking for a gentleman with whom I must marry. And do not think, I did not notice the way you were glaring down at me while I was dancing. You are too high in your step to allow me be the center of attention for once. I am a woman call and you have taken far too many liberties with me beyond societal expectations between a gentleman and a woman.”

Colin furrowed his eyes in both confusion and frustration, “I do not understand.”

“You written letters to me, an unmarried young lady while you were traveling. You approach me during balls and drag me out to dances without signing my dance card.” She waved her dance card towards him to show him.

She sighed, “I thank you for your assistance in finding me suitors, but I no longer need you in my life.”

“NO!” He exclaimed. “I cannot do that! I cannot just give up on us!” He began to approach her his body merely inches away from her.

“Colin, what are you do….” Suddenly he grabbed her waisted, and lowered his head down towards her lips. Penelope’s eyes widen then immediately closed shut, Colin Bridgerton was kissing her.

It was gentle, sweet, and pure, everything Penelope ever imagined a first kiss to be. He lips soon parted from hers, and he slowly raised his head so his forehead touched hers. He wondered if she would push him back but she didn’t she stood there equally shocked as he was.

“You may kiss me too. A kiss is for two.” He began to lower his lips towards her again, Penelope parted her mouth allowing him access to enter her mouth. And this kiss was even more passionate than the first.

There lips moved together in synchronicity, meshing against one another. It was far more heated and passionate. It left her breathless.

Colin began to back her towards a bush, little did he know there was a pile of pebbles behind Penelope’s feet. It caused her to tip backwards, but before she fell Colin cradled her head and turned her body to the side avoid to reduce the impact of her fall. All the whilst still kissing her with even more passion.

Soon they were both on the grass. Colin moved her from her side to her back, and moved on top of her. He grabbed her face, tighten his hold on her. His legs were wrapped around her body as he lowered himself even more than before, and nibbled at her bottom lip which caused her to moan.

Their chests were pressed together, and his kisses began to get more intense. He kissed her on her cheeks, her nose, then he began to press kisses along her neck. She could not help but moan at the sensation.

She was enthralled but also confused by his sudden grand gesture, so she began to push against his chest hoping she would be able to get a word in. “Colin, we…. need to stop.”

“I do not think I want to stop. I do not ever want to stop.” Colin voiced hitched, he became breathless at her presence.

“No, do not say anything you do not mean.” She used her strength to push him away, and got up as she began to walk away.

“Penelope wait, please I am sorry. Could we talk?”

“This was a mistake.”

“Penelope I want you!”

“I doubt that! Never in your wildest fantasies would you dream of courting me. That is what you said to a bunch of gentlemen at the Featherington Ball last season.”

Colin was shocked by this sudden revelation, but before he could reply she began to run off through the bushes.

Chapter Text

May 5^th, 1815

It was late into the night, and many have departed from the ball to seek more pleasurable pursuits. Lady Danbury held a late night gathering in one of her taverns for any married lady to attend to. Though it was all inclusive yet a new face appearing in her already established guest list was peculiar.

The woman dressed in dark blue with a pronounced features strolled her way into the establishment as it if she had entered many times before. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a tight updo that made her jawline appear sharper.

This unnamed maiden approached her way to the tavern for a glass of it’s reddest wine, which she effortlessly began to swirl rapidly without dropping a single drop.

“I do not believe, we have been acquainted. I am Lady Danbury,” she spoke as the sound of cane echoed through the marbled wooden floor.

“Lady Tilly Arnold,” she spoke still seated as she swirled her glass before taking a sip.

“Aghh yes,” she nodded suddenly realizing who she was. “You recently acquired a great fortune after your husbands passing.” Lady Arnold smirked at the comment.

“My condolences.” 

“No need for your sympathy, I always stowed a sizeable fortune much greater than my dead-beat of a husband,” she smirked as she looked at through the blood-red wine then lowered it. “His passing was merely a blessing in disguise, since I am bestowed twice the fortune, twice the freedom than I ever had as a married woman.”

Lady Danbury laughed, “I too have gained a sense of freedom from my late-husband’s passing.”

“Then you and I are quite alike.” They clinked their glasses in unison and took a sip.

“Did you attend Lady Trowbridge’s Ball earlier this evening?”

“No, it was not my scene.”

“Do you plan to host a ball of your own this season?”

“Perhaps,” she spoke with a smirk on her face. “You know Christopher made generous donations to his former mistress, so I shall use it those funds to plan the most elaborate balls he so hated.”

“Hosting a ball in spite I see?”

“May he rot in the deepest pits of hell!”

They both laughed and continue to merrily drink the remains of their wine before requesting for more.

Chapter Text

May 6^th, 1815

Colin could not believe that revelation that had been made by Penelope. He spoke unkindly of her at her mother’s ball last season. He could hardly remember as the memories of that night were quite cloudy because of the amount of drinks he consumed.

No wonder Penelope has been recently distant towards him. He tarnished her reputation even further by making disparaging comments about her.

As he lied in his bed, he began to try to recall moments from that most unfaithful nights. More specifically the comment that was uttered from his lips, “I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington, not in your wildest fantasies.” He did not know why he would even make such a comment.

Penelope has always been the most kindest and most understanding person he has ever known. And it broke his heart hearing her utter those same words he spoke from her lips. Her soft, plump lips …

He started to drift in thought that he hastily kissed those lips. Though he has never kissed a lady in that manner he knew the feelings he experiencing were not because of his inexperience in the art of kissing. He caressed his lips with his pointer finger, and the rips he created send a thrill down his spine.

It’s been a day since not seeing her, and his whole world felt upside down. His breeches began to tighten when he thought about the way her body perfectly pressed against his. The way she gasped in shock when he kissed her.

He began to think of sinister things he wanted to do to her in garden. If she had not pulled away he would have shown her. Oh god he thought, I should not be thinking of her in such a manner.

But he had to see her. He gave her a full day to herself after she requested distant from him but he had to explore this feeling further. He needed to speak to her, to hear her melodic voice would provide him so much comfort. He needed to see her, because he longed to stare in those blue-bell eyes to seek deep into her soul. And he needed to feel her, to finish what they started. To relieve this itch that needs to be scratched and tended to for a mere sense of relief.

He immediately toss his covers aside, scrambled on whatever clothing was laying about and rushed out of his home, and strolled across the square to the Featherington garden.

Penelope had trouble sleeping, despite drawing her curtains, the rays of the moonlight seemed pass though the cracks of the satin curtains. It shone so brightly in the clear sky tonight that Penelope felt the sudden needed to take a late stroll in her gardens.

Once she arrived at her garden, she noticed a shadowy figure from behind the bushes. Frightened she began to sequester behind the pillars of the pergola, until she heard a familiar voice.

“Penelope?”

She peeked behind the columns to see a very disheveled Colin Bridgerton stepping amongst the bushes and into the light of the full moon.

“What are you doing here? It is the dead of night, you should not be here at these hours.”

“I had to see you, I could not sleep. And it seems neither were you.”

She huffed, “I just decided to take stroll through my garden.”

“In the middle of night.”

“Yes,” she huffed in frustration and panic as he was inching closer and closer with each step. Flashbacks of her unexpected quick kiss started flooding through her brain.

‘No, Penelope. He does not think of you that way’ she thought.

“Whatever you have to say to me, you could do so during appropriate calling hours. This is nor the time or place to discuss your sudden urges to remen..”

“The only urge I have is reenact our previous encounter.”

“I see,” her chest began to rising rapidly causing his eyes immediately began to shift towards her cleavage.

“You wish to speak to me about your words last season.”

“The last thing I want to do with you … is speak” he huffed the last two words from the depths of his lungs as he was now a mere millimeter away from her.

As Penelope looked at him longing, his eyes fluttered down to her lips. “If you do not wish to speak to me, then why are you here?”

“You know why?” He began to lower his head towards her as Penelope began to slowly stand on the tips of her toes. And soon his lips were firmly pressed against hers, and it was glorious.

It was even better than the first time they kissed, this time it felt less urgent and more soft and sensual. Soon they began to pick up the pace as they became engulfed in each others presences.

Penelope could not believe what was happening. His mouth was latching on to every crevice and corner of her mouth. Then he effortlessly glided his kisses across her face to the pressure point in the crevice of her neck, that was so intense that it made her toes curl.  

She leaned into his body, as he tightened his grasp around her waist. Suddenly she was able to feel bulge in his pants pressing against his center that cause her to involuntarily moan.

This caused him to suck on her neck even harder, which caused her mouth to release an inaudible gasp as she began to tighten her hold on his shirt. This immediately caused Colin to shift both his hands to front of her robe, as he hastily and clumsily began to untie it.

Soon it fell off her body leaving her in a off-white nightgown. While kissing her neck, he began to bend her backwards so he could reach to the hem of her gown and lift it. Then he began to pestered several kisses down her cleavage which caused her to moan even louder.

Then he used his teeth to lower her bodice even further down, revealing her bosoms in full display for him. The sensation was too much that she had to lean against the pillars to seek relief.

Colin latched on to her nipple as a baby would for their nursing maid, and sucked and pulled on it. She immediately latched on to his hair and began to pull on it. No wonder the ladies of the ton would disparage their young daughters from remaining unchaperoned with a gentleman because they would not be ruined instantly.

Suddenly, she realized that he must have came to use her as a means to relieve himself. She knew the gentlemen of the ton would seek pleasure in their mistresses whenever they needed a good fuck. Damn it, she was his mistress, he wasn’t here to apologize to her. He did not even utter a single word about his comments last season, he just wanted her as his mistress.

She pressed her hands against his chest and began to push on him, Colin immediately parted his lips from her and looked at her while still holding on to her.

But Penelope pushed his hands off her waist in frustration as a tear strolled down her face. “Penelope I am sorry was it too much, I could better.”

She lowered her head as the tears began to fall even faster now down her face, which cause Colin to worry.

“Penelope, please speak to me.”

She looked up at him. He was blurry because a pool of unshed tears began to weld in her eyes, and Colin really began to worry that he must have done something wrong.”

“You are cruel, Mr. Bridgerton.” She spoke in broken yet cold voice as she picked up her dress from her chest to cover her bosom. She clutched on to it tightly and ran back into her home.

Colin looked back at her in awestruck. He was even more distressed than earlier. He groaned to himself as he leaned his head back against the pillars as he slide down to sit. He put his hands on his face, as he began to cry tears into his palms.

Chapter Text

“Penelope!”

“You asked to see me?”

“Yes…I needed to see you.” As he was about to speak he noticed her chest heaving with fervent speed, he could not help but stare.

“Well!” Her voice hissed with impatience, wondering why Colin asked to seek her in the middle of night in her garden.

His eyes rose from his chest to her lips then back to her eyes that shone so bright, that the moon would have been envious of its glow. And he knew, in this moment, he needed to honest with himself.

“Our kiss has been imprinted in my mind!” he declared fervently.

“I have not been able to eat, not been able to sleep and I can barely speak. It is all I can think about.”

“Colin,” she whispered softly.

“You no longer have to seek for husband, for I am here” he began to tear up. “I am here, and I am here to ask for your hand in marriage. Not because I am envious of the suitors that you have acquired, in fact, I had no doubt that you would be successful all on your own. It is just that you have been the one person in my life, the ONLY person in my life who truly understands me.”

He inches forward and caresses her ample soft cheek, “I love you, Penelope Featherington.”

Her lip quivered with need, “I love you too Colin Bridgerton, you are all I ever wanted.”

Then he wrapped her waist and delivered a searing kiss that causes every part of his body to convulse with need. The need to claim her, the need to make her his. It was passionate and sensual, everything a kiss should be.  

As they were kissing, he gently pushed her against a tree, and lifted her legs urging her to wrap them around his waist. And hastily he began to grind himself against her heaving chest, as he began to suck on her neck. Causing her to moan, and it which was absolute heaven.  

Whilst they were passionately engaging in activities that were deemed scandalous lest someone saw, he began to push the under hem of her dress. Slowly revealing her ankle, she moaned his name at the sensation of his touch.

“Colin”                                                                      

“Penelope”

“Colin”

Colin swiftly raised from his bed, as beads of sweat dripped down his bare chiseled chest. His hair was untamed as if he was tossing himself vigorously in the mist of his bed. He sighed, it was only a dream. If only he had half the courage he had in his fantasies to profess his love to her.

‘Love’ he pondered. ‘I am in love!’ A wide grin appeared on his face, but it soon faltered when he remembered that previous night. When Penelope mentioned what he so foolishly proclaimed, that he not dare dream of courting Penelope Featherington.

But he did go see her to repent for his cruel remarks of her, did he not? He shut his eyes once more reliving the moment, he kissed her and then she called him cruel. Then as if lighting strike, he realized he never apologized for his words.

He buried his face in his hands. She must have thought that he only kissed her out of lust rather than love. So he swore to himself that he would do everything in his power to gain back the friendship they one had, and perhaps be more than just friends.

May 7^th, 1815

“This season is off to boring start, there is hardly any good gossip to clinch my teeth on.” Lady Cowper proclaims to a few matriarchs as she flutters her fan inwards to cool herself down from the beaming sun. It was tons weekly walk along the Grosvenor Square, and one the warmest days of the year to date.

“I agree,” replied Lady Livingston. “The Queen’s Diamond this season has decent amount of the suitors, but none of them are as memorable as of her sister.”

“The Duke of Hastings was the most eligible suitor, and the now Dutchess of Hastings, was the diamond of the season. Their match was captivating to watch unfold.” Lady Cowper praised Daphne and Simon’s match even though she had ill thoughts towards the Bridgerton family.

Lady Malhotra then decides to switch discussion topics, “perhaps Lady Whistledown will publish an issue later tonight. I am sure her ears have picked up on scandals worth reading about.”

“I would not count on her gossip for too young,” Lady Cowper suggested. “I hear the Queen is devising a scheme to bring Lady Whistledown from beneath shadows which she lurks behind.”

Unbeknownst to the group of matriarchs, Eloise Bridgerton was walking a few feet behind them, but close enough for her to hear the ongoing conversation.  

“What have you heard, Lady Cowper?” Lady Livingston asked with eager.

“That the Queen is planning to send her guards to darker parts of town to seek out the printer shop that is associate with printing her scandal sheets.”

Lady Barragan then replied, “did she not discover the printershop that Lady Whistledown uses to print?”

“Apparently, she found a new printer shop.”

“Oh how scandalous,” Lady Barragan replied. The group of women laughed in unison.

Eloise’s promenading soon came to a halt. She had not heard of such a thing. How did the Queen find out about Lady Whistledown, or rather Penelope’s whereabouts. How could her friend, former friend, be so careless.

Her breath began to hitch, but she quickly regained her composure since she was out in the middle of the pebbled road.

She stood for about a minute, before she turned around. She ushered her lady’s maid to follow her immediately.

Eloise ventures in her carriage to the outskirts part of town, returning to the place where it started. The place where she realized that there is more than all the glitz and glamour. The hard working people of London, that have to work for an everyday livable wage. The then radical thoughts and ideas many possess against the cultures and customs of the century. For instance, women’s desire to be heard and pursue careers.

These all excited Eloise once, because it provided an escape from her sheltered life. However, she was here for one reason only. To find the printer shop where Lady Whistledown tends her business too.

“Miss Bridgerton, I advise that heed home. Then sun is almost setting.” Footman John accompanied her on her voyage, pleading with her to not be so rash with her decisions.

“I shall only be here for a moment.”

“Then I shall accompany you.”

“What of the carriage?”

“I shall secure it within that small alleyway. But we must return’d it immediately, so someone does not steal it.”

Eloise nod, and helped him hide the carriage. Footman John, or John rather, and her have gotten close. He has been a very good friend to her, and helped her see the world differently.

Whilst on their walk she began asking questions about John. “You have known my family for quite some time, but I barely no much of you. So, how did you come to work for my family?”

“One of the more prominent footman, the one who served your late-father, recommended me to serve your family. Once the Viscount heard of my recommendation, he granted me employment.”

“Were you nervous?”

“No, Miss Bridgerton. I was honored to be selected to serve your family.”

“Call me Eloise. But did you not want more. To seek a…I do not know, a purpose.”

“Not everyone is granted such luxury. I do whatever it is necessary to survive.”

“But if you were given the chance, what would you do?”

“I no not. I am content with the opportunities that were given to me. I am meant to have a place in this society, and staring from it would cause an imbalance in the structure.” 

 Eloise sighed. She was immediately reminded of Penelope. She took a risk to pursue a career that is not deemed acceptable because she was a woman. Yet she took the risk because she was passionate in writing.

She blinked, she came to a realization, that perhaps Penelope continued to risk plum de nombre because she enjoyed writing. It was a way for her to express her voice. A sentiment that Penelope expressed in her letters over and over, but she never truly understood what that meant till she now.

Perhaps, her anger towards her was not of anger, but rather jealously.

“Miss Bridgerton?” John questioned because of her silence.

“Eloise. It’s just, I never considered how fortunate I am. The opportunities that I am given, despite despising it, not many people are able to be in position of power and luxury. So they use whatever resources they can to escape it.”

“I suspect that we are no longer, speaking of me.”

“Sorry, I did not mean…”

“It is alright, Miss Bridgerton,” John replied formally even though Eloise mentioned that he could call her by her Christian name. “I am sure now you are open to speak with her.”

She nods, “yes.” Eloise takes a deep breath, and deciding to forgo her hunt to find the new printershop. She needed to respect Penelope’s privacy, whether she agreed with Whistledown or not.

“Let us return to the carriage. Thank your John. I shall speak to Penelope tomorrow”

“You are welcome, Eloise.”

Chapter Text

May 8^th, 1815

Dearest Gentle Reader,

There has certainly been a buzz within this social marriage. Miss Francesca Bridgerton, the diamond of the season, has caught the eye of the Earl of Stirling. Quite an interesting pair, but the Dowager Lady Violet Bridgerton seems to be disagree with this love match.

It seems it is very difficult to please the Dowager’s martial expectations. For she herself has found a love match in her own social season. However this matriarch maybe in search for love of her own as well. Lord Marcus Anderson, who is revealed to be the brother of Lady Agatha Danbury, was seen speaking with Lady Violet Bridgerton herself.

Despite him dancing with a few eligible young ladies at the Trowbridge Ball, such as with Miss Penelope Featherington, he was more of a hit with the widowed matriarchs of ton. However, that might have to do with the fact that his sister, Lady Danbury, does not wish for him to seek solace with her closest friend.

And speaking of Miss Penelope Featherington, the youngest Featherington seemed to garner a lot of suitors yet nary a few intend serious courtship with her. One of such suitors, Mr. Harry Dankworth, was more interest in Miss Penelope’s eldest sister, Miss Prudence Featherington. Are possible wedding bells on the horizon for the eldest Miss?

Perhaps the Queen should be more concerned on the making the marriage mart a success, rather than continuing to seek my identity. I am not someone that can be easily swayed in revealing myself publicly, unless I chose to.  

Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, 8 May 1815

Eloise reads the latest edition of Whistledown, as she ascends the stairs of the Featherington estate. She informed the footman that opened the door for her that she needed to speak with Penelope. He informed her that she was in her room and ushered her inside hoping to escort her to the drawing room. But Eloise insisted that she is able to seek Penelope on her own.

She walked the halls as she has walked many times before. Despite being absent from her home for months, she knew every nook and turn, as well as her best friend’s room.

Once she reached Penelope’s door, she knocked. Penelope thinking it was her maid ushered her to come inside. But as soon as she saw Eloise at the door, she immediately sprung up from her bed.

“Eloise!” she gasped in surprise.

“May I come in?”

“Of course.” Penelope shuffled the scattered papers on her bed to a neat pile. She pushed them to the side, so she have enough room for friend to sit.

Eloise sat down and sighed, “ I am sorry Penelope. You have apologized to be countless times and provided me with your reasons for starting Whistledown. I did not listen. I want to listen now.”

Penelope was stunned. She reached out and grabbed her palms in hers. “I am truly sorry for what I have done. I did not mean to cause you any harm, I did it only out of love for you.”

“I know that now. And I thank you for protecting me.”

Penelope smiled, “I wish to put the past behind us, and seek solace in each other.”

Eloise rubbed her thumb across the tops of her palms. “I like that very much.”

The girls then began to converse with each other, like nothing ever happened between them. It was nature, it was them.

The spoke of the Queen’s hunt for Whistledown, that her publication for today calling out the Queen was a little harsh. Penelope admits the harshness but her its not of spite. As well she assuring her that she is careful in protecting her identity. That did not ease Eloise’s worry but she respected her friend’s words. Then they soon transitioned into discussing Colin.

“I am curious, you and my brother have gotten awfully close.”

“I do not wish to speak of Colin.”

“Pen….do you love him?”

‘Love?’ that was quite a strong word to describe her feeling for Colin. Yes, Penelope has always loved Colin but at the moment he was too much for.

Penelope’s silence was all she needed to confirm her suspicions. “I had a feeling. He was mopping around Bridgerton House every time Hyancith mentions the successful matches you obtained this season.”

“He does not have feelings for me. I doubt he will if he finds out my …” she pauses.

“Finds out that you are Lady Whistledown.” Penelope nods in acknowledge.

“It pains me that he met you before I did but he did. At least I know your secret before he did, even though I found out through unforeseen circumstances.”

Penelope smiled, “yes” then sunk her head low.

“I believe my brother has feelings for you. You should be honest with yours as well.”

“It is too complicated Eloise. Especially if he finds out that I am Whistledown.”

“When he finds out, he will be upset, that is understandable. But unlike me,  Colin is very forgiving as long as you are open and honest to him. Trust me Penelope, he cares for you deeply. Forget all the suitors, I give you my blessing to marry my brother. Even though he is too dense to admit it himself, he very much wants to be with you.”

Penelope sighs again but this times to gain some courage to follow through with Eloise’s words. “You are right, Eloise. But first I must amend for being so dismissing to him last night - I owe him that. How I will be able to reveal my identity? Well that is another.”

Eloise looks into her concerned eyes, “you could tell him whenever you feel ready.”

“Thank you.”  

Chapter Text

May 8^th, 1815

“This season frustrates me,” Queen Charlotte sighs as she sips her morning grey-earl tea.

“You are still upset about Miss Francesca’s choice of suitors,” replies Lady Danbury.

“What else! My diamond just forgoing suitors whom I specifically chose for her, that offends me.” Earlier in the season, Queen Charlotte announces Francesca Bridgerton as her diamond, which shocks no one. However, in secret she decides to forgo the term diamond all together, knowing well the term being coined by her adversary, Lady Whistledown.

Therefore, her and Lady Danbury decides to forgo their little challenge, and instead force on suitors for Miss Francesca Bridgerton. Lord Pendleton from Venice was a wealthy earl from Greece with numerous arcs of land, and he was looking for a wife whom could provide him with plentiful children.

Even Miss Francesca being a Bridgerton, she assumed that she wanted the same. However long behold she finds out she rather prefer a small family. Lady Danbury was already aware Francesca is unlike her siblings due to her quiet nature but still able to be in par with her loud boisterous family.

But no one away questions Her Majesty’s decision, so she decided not to interfere, and let her figure it out on her own. Which she did, through Whistledown.

Lady Danbury hums in acknowledgement, “Well Lady Violet Bridgerton has informed me that Miss Francesca is content with Lord John Sterling, and that they plan to have a small wedding ceremony.”

Charlotte huffs, “Well. Good for her.”

“Perhaps we should not interfere and just let the season play out as it normally does. Scandal tends to find its away out one way or another, your Majesty.”

“I was just hoping for season to more….more interesting.” She placed her tea on the tray before continuing. “For instance, when the Duchess of Hastings was in a love triangle between the Duke of Hastings and my nephew the Prince. Now that was interesting! The drama unfolding and gossip whispering amongst the ton.”  

Lady Danbury knew that Queen Charlotte preferred to seek gossip as a way to entertain herself. With her husband, King George being mentally unfit to rule and his forget full memory of her, she has lacked the company needed to go about her day. Hence why she tends to seek for a mere hint of scandal to keep her occupied so her mind lest wander to her husband. “Well Whistledown accounts events in details through her scandal sheets.”

“Do not remind me of that gossip monger! I am no longer interested in her games.”

A mere second an idea came to her. “Perhaps its time I seek her out of hiding. She has plenty to say about the ton, but could she oh so candidly speak it in my presence – Her Queen.”

“What do have in mind?”

“I will issue a reward for her identity. I want to meet her face to face.”

“And then, your Majesty?”

“Make her pay for her crimes.”

“And what crime has she committed?”

Queen Charlotte abruptly turns to her shocked by her question. “She has questioned my authority! Always critique my choices, well that shall be no more!”

“Forgive me but I disagree.” Lady Danbury responds firmly. 

Queen Charlotte responds sternly “What?”

“Us woman are often silenced by men. We are subjugated to conform to their ideologies and use our voice to praise their promiscuity. While we have to shelter ourselves in the underbelly of society in taverns and secret soirees.”

Charlotte looks at Agatha intently. “Lady Whistledown is merely recanting the events that have taken place. Though it may incriminate us, but it does reveal that everyone has flaws that we refuse to acknowledge. That even those whom portray themselves to be the very best even can make bad choices.”

“I never thought of it like that. You are very astute Agatha.”

“Thank you Majesty.”

“But I do plan on releasing an official proclamation for her identity to be revealed.”

Agath laughs in confusion which Charlotte acknowledges with a laugh and smirk. “The mystery behind her identity is too much, I have to know.”

Meanwhile, Penelope and Eloise head to their favorite library to look at some books. After their reconciliation the girls had month and months of catching up to do.

The girls were giggling and conversing as if they never parted from the friendship.

“Eloise, I did not think you be here.” Penelope sighed she knew that voice from anywhere.

“It is a public library. I do like to read, you know that.”

‘What does she mean by that,’ Penelope wondered.

“Yes, yes I am familiar of your wild imagination during our time spent during the off season. To bad it ended so shortly.”

“Well not all friendships were meant to last,” Eloise responds with an uncomfortable smirk on her face.

“Yet, here you are with your so called traitorous friend.” Eloise and Penelope looked at each other in uncomfortable silence.

“Did you know Eloise that your friend’s little game cost me a potential suitor?”

“It is not my fault that Lord Debling has expressed his interest to court. Unlike you I have been honest in what I seek for in marriage – instead of falsely claiming his interest as yours. You do not love birds, yet you seemed to admire them in the presence of Lord Debling,” Penelope snaps back.

Cressida frowned, “I do whatever that is necessary to capture a suitors attention.”

Eloise sighs knowing the real reason for her deceit. “Has Lord Cowper found you a match? Is that why you are angry at Penelope?”

“No,” she exclaimed. Then Lady Cowper calls her over, and Cressida’s face dropped seeing her parents standing next to an old widowed suitor. She scowled at them before leaving to approach her parents.

“Were you and Cressida friends?”

Eloise sighed, “during the off-season she was there when I needed a friend. However, that friendship did not last because of her sour demeanor. I tried to relate to her but her cruelty towards others was too much to bare.” Penelope stares into her eyes earnestly with compassion. “I feel bad for her, because her mean behavior is the result of her family but that doesn’t excuse her to inflict that same pain on innocent people.”

“I feel bad for her. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so eager to entertain so many suitors and leaving barely any for the other young unmarried ladies – like Cressida. And despite being the victim of her vial words, I do want her to be happy.”

Eloise rubs her friends back then stops when she notices the person approaching them.

“Pen, I need to speak to you.”

“Hello to you to brother.”

“Colin now is not the time.”

He turns to Eloise. “Sister, please give us a few minutes alone.”

“She will do no such thing.” Penelope exclaims which causes near by bystanders to glance in their directions.

“I do not wish to partake. I shall see to my sister.” Eloise points in the direction of where Francesca and John Sterling are at. “Perhaps they need my expertise in locating books.” So Eloise gets up from her seat and heads towards her sister leaving Penelope and Colin to themselves.

Penelope immediately looked down at the book in her hand. Colin soon followed and noticed the way she so effortlessly used her hands to lift the book to shield her face. Her soft hands which he so desperately wants to hold, so he does. “Penelope,” he whispers as he reaches the tips of her fingers as he pushes the book down, she blushed at the contact.

“I apologize for besmirching your honor. It was never my intent to hurt, quite the opposite in fact I yearn for your presence.”

Penelope’s glazed across his face. “I crave for your touch,” he spoke as he grazed the back of his palm along the skin of her fingers. She gasped, at the sudden contact, attacking a few bystanders however she regained a composure immediately which steered the unwanted glances.

Colin’s glance however was fixed on hers. He wanted to prove to Penelope that his words, his actions and his soul are bound to her and only her.

But before Penelope could respond, her mother beckoned for her.

“Penelope!” she spoke with a little pep in her voice. “It is time to take our leave.”

“I must go.”

He grabs her arm as she stands, “when can I see you again.”

Penelope shuttered, she wasn’t sure how to respond to him when he was looking at her like she the last piece of cake on a platter. It also didn’t help that he was touching her arm.

“Penelope,” Lady Featherington beckoned again as she ushered as her two eldest daughters accompanied with their husbands followed behind her.

“I do not know, I must go” she uttered nervously before taking her leave.

Colin looked at her longingly as she slipped away from her sight the moment she walked out the library doors.

Chapter Text

Under a blanket of star-speckled darkness, Penelope slipped from her cozy chamber. The faint glow of candlelight flickering behind her, as she wrapped her silk cloak, of rich midnight blue color that blended with the night sky, close to her chest.

Her heart raced as she walked across her garden’s cobbled pavement. Penelope felt deceitful for still hiding this double life of hers. From the ton, her mother, her sister, the Bridgertons, and most especially from Colin.

Now that Eloise is aware she has some of burden lifted off from her but are large portion of the guilt still remained.

She soon took note of the hired hack awaiting her. The coachman, silhouetted against the night sky, opened the carriage door for her.

He extended his hand which she ever so gracefully took. A surge of exhilaration coursed through her. She knew what she was doing was wrong, but the thrill was undeniable. And in one graceful motion, Penelope lifted her dress and stepped into the carriage. The door immediately closely quickly behind her.

As the carriage moved, through the closed-drawn curtains, the moon hung low, casting silvery beams that danced on the wheels of her hired-hack. Suddenly the carriage comes to screeching halt. Penelope jostles backwards by the sudden jerk of motion.

The coachman opens the door, “Miss, it appears one of the wheels hath become ensnared in a pothole.”

“When might it be repaired?”

“Hard to say Miss.

“Not only is the wheel ensnared, but it hath also come loose from the carriage.”

Penelope nods, his words hung in the air, and she felt a mix of disbelief and annoyance. A pothole of all things! She took a moment to gather her thoughts, as she glanced at the path ahead of her.

“Is there no way to free it?” she asked, her voice steady despite the frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

The coachman shook his head, sweat glistening on his brow. “It will take some time, Miss. It’s lodged too tightly.”

With a sigh, Penelope glanced down the road once more, feeling the urge to keep moving. “Very well, then. I’ll travel on foot,” she declared, determination lighting her eyes.

She stepped out of the carriage, the ground firm beneath her feet. “"I shall meet you anon, after I have attended to my errand" she added, her mind already racing with plans for the journey ahead.

"It is not prudent to travel alone after dark, Miss. The coachman’s brow furrowed with concern as he watched Penelope prepare to leave. “Miss, I must insist you reconsider,” he said, his voice laced with urgency. “The darker side of town is fraught with danger, and it would be most unwise to venture there alone.”

"I shall not be long; I am quite familiar with the path." Penelope reassured the coachman, a calm certainty in her voice. She offered him a gentle smile, hoping to quell his worries. "Trust that I shall take the utmost care in my journey."

The coachman nodded, though his brow remained furrowed with concern. “Very well, Miss, but do return swiftly. I shall be waiting for you.”

With a final nod, Penelope turned and stepped into the night, the shadows lengthening around her. The path lay ahead, familiar yet shrouded in the mystery of the evening. Each step echoed softly on the cobblestones, her senses heightened as the cool air wrapped around her.

Even though the streetlamps lit the way, the darkness overwhelmed her. Shadows seemed to creep along the edges of the light, whispering secrets she could not quite hear. Each flicker of the lamps felt like a heartbeat, both comforting and unnerving.

As she walked, the distant sounds of laughter and of patrons filled, creating a curious symphony. Penelope steeled herself, reminding herself that she was no stranger to the streets. The errand she needed to complete was important, and she would see it through, come what may.

The further she walked into the town, the sounds of patrons laughing in the tavern began to muffle the eerie night sounds. The raucous merriment spilled out into the street, a vibrant contrast to the stillness that surrounded her. Voices rose and fell in joyful celebration, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of song.

As Penelope continued her journey, the sounds of the tavern gradually faded, giving way to a hushed stillness. She quickened her pace, her heart beating steadily with anticipation. Soon, the familiar outline of the printer's shop emerged from the shadows, its modest facade illuminated by the soft glow of a nearby lamp.

She quickened her steps, her mind focused on the printer’s shop ahead, when suddenly a hand reached out from the shadows, grabbing her shoulder and forcibly turning her around in one swift motion.

Startled, Penelope’s heart raced as she came face to face with a figure cloaked in darkness. The dim light barely revealed his features, but to her horror, Penelope recognized the man confronting her. It was someone she had hoped never expected to see —

“Lord Fife?” she managed to ask, her voice trembling despite her attempts to remain composed.

He stepped closer, a predatory glint in his eyes that sent chills down her spine. “Miss Penelope,” he drawled, his voice smooth yet laced with menace. “Fancy seeing you here all alone. You’ve been quite the elusive little rabbit.”

She took a step back, instinctively trying to create distance. “I could say the same, My Lord. What brings you to this part of town?”

“Oh, I see,” he smirked, swaying slightly on his feet. “Very well, do not trouble yourself to tell me.” His words slurred together, the unmistakable signs of drink evident in his demeanor. “A lady’s secrets are her own, after all.”

“I believe you have partaken of one too many drinks, my Lord.” She stepped back as he stumbled closer, the unsteady rhythm of his movements making her heart race.

“You seem to have lost your way, perhaps you should return home, my Lord,” she uttered nervously.

He ignored her plea and stumbled closer, his laughter bouncing off the walls. A familiar knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach.

The soft light in the alley cast flickering shadows, amplifying the tension between them. As the illumination faded, she felt a hard surface pressing against her back. It suddenly dawned on her that she was cornered, trapped in an alley just a few feet from the printer shop.

Suddenly, in an instant, he lunged forward, pressing his body against hers. She shrieked in horror at the unexpected closeness.

“Oh come now, do not be so unkind,” he slurred as he leaned closer into her body, leaving her no space to escape.

Penelope raised her hand and placed it firmly against his chest. “Please, leave me be, she cried in terror, tears streaming down her cheeks. He ignored her pleas and seized her face, leaning in to deliver a forceful kiss.

She gasped in disgust at the unwanted advance. Her arms flailed more wildly as she fought to push him away, but it was to no avail.

He tugged at her cloak, causing the pamphlet to slip from its folds and fall to the floor, but he remained oblivious to it. Instead, he continued to make unwanted advances towards much to Penelope’s dismay.

Her cloak soon followed “No, please! STOP!” she begged, tears choking her every word, each breath trembling with fear. He did not listen, and continued to press several kisses along her neck which soon drew closer to her chest.

The closer he got, the more she became aware of his odor; the scent of booze mixed with his sweat was overwhelming and almost unbearable.

“Mhmmmm, they were right—you're quite the vision, Miss Penelope,” he uttered with a sinister tone. “These,” he grasped both her bosoms that caused her to shriek. “are a spectacle meant to be shared!”

He tightened his grip, making Penelope wince in pain from the sheer force of his hold. “Not to fear, I shall assist you in discarding that ghastly dress of yours, so they make can be SET FREE!” In utterance of his last two words, Fife pushed down the top of her dress to reveal her tops of her laced corset.

Penelope let out a blood-curdling scream. She closed her eyes, wishing desperately for the moment to end. To her relief, it soon did.

“Oomph,” Lord Fife gasped as he hit the ground. “‘Bloody hell!’ he wailed in pain, struggling to lift his limp body off the ground.

Penelope stood paralyzed, her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the dark silhouette emerging into the light. With each step, the soft glow revealed his resolute features and the intensity in his gaze. Her breath hitched as recognition washed over her—he wasn’t merely a familiar face; he was her savior amidst the chaos.

“Colin?” Penelope exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and relief.

Colin's expression hardened as he looked down at Lord Fife still on the ground, fury simmering just beneath the surface. “How dare you,” he growled, his voice low and menacing. “You worthless scum.” The air crackled with tension as he stepped closer, ready to defend Penelope at any cost.

“‘Aghh!’ Lord Fife moaned in pain, his voice a strained whisper as he struggled to regain his composure.

He must have landed a solid punch right to his face, Penelope thought. That will surely leave a mark the following morning.

Colin’s gaze drifted to the pamphlet lying on the floor, and Penelope, noticing his interest, quickly hurried over to retrieve it. There was no escaping this now, she needed to tell him the truth.

“Come with me,” he said, his tone steady yet commanding.

“But my carriage…” she replied nervously

“I assisted your coachman with the carriage wheel and instructed him that I would accompany you back to your estate.”

“But…Colin”

“I don’t want to argue, Penelope!” he shouted, his voice thick with frustration. He reached out and grabbed her arm, and she recoiled in shock, her eyes wide as she processed his sudden intensity.

Colin's eyes widened, and Penelope could see the instant he realized he had been too rough. The intensity in his gaze softened, a flicker of concern replacing the earlier frustration as he registered her shock.

He paused, taking in her appearance with a newfound awareness, which Penelope was trying to cover up. He blinked, as if trying to clear his mind of the tension. The air between them shifted, the urgency giving way to a tentative understanding.

“My apologies,” he said earnestly, his voice gentler now. He then picked up her cloak and carefully draped it around her shoulders, ensuring she felt protected and secure.

Penelope’s breath grew heavier, and she began to pant, the rush of emotions overwhelming her. Each inhale felt labored as she struggled to steady herself, caught between shock and relief.

He took a step back, creating some space between them, then extended his hand toward her. “Please?” he urged, his voice softening as he sought to bridge the distance with a gesture of reassurance.

Penelope understood his one word plea and reached out, placing her hand gently on his. The warmth of his touch sent a wave of calm through her, grounding her amidst the chaos.

They walked hand in hand toward his carriage, leaving Fife moaning on the ground. Colin gently helped her inside his carriage, and as they settled into the plush interior, the world outside faded away. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels accompanied their silence as the carriage rolled toward the Featherington estate.