Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Attic, Featherington House

Mayfair District, City of Westminster, UK

August 1999

A sudden burst of stale-smelling dust blew into Penelope Featherington's face as she knelt on the wooden floor of her family's attic and pried open the lid to a cardboard banker's box. A VERY old banker's box. The lid, labelled in thick black ink "A. Featherington, Private", flew out of her hand and landed a few feet away. The box remained in place.

She stood up and loudly sneezed, coughed and wheezed in quick succession then stepped away from the offending object.

Her best friend since nursery school, Eloise Bridgerton, put down a basket full of abandoned crochet projects she was carrying to the attic's entrance and called out to Penelope, concerned:

“Pen, are you alright? That was a powerful sneeze!"

Penelope cleared her throat, and tried not to dwell on the ancient, disgusting particles she inadvertently breathed in, specifically, what microscopic creatures were in said particles.

"I'm ok but I need to rinse my mouth and shower! Do you think that was anthrax powder or something worse?" Pen rolled her eyes as she faced Eloise, hoping her exaggerated statement would calm her friend down.

“Oh Penelope!" Eloise giggled. She walked to Pen and assessed that her friend was breathing normally and not in apparent danger of suffocating on bacterial spores or evil dust bunnies.

She then crouched and peeked in the box. There were several cream coloured folders filled with various papers, laying flat on one side, a stack of documents and fraternity yearbooks at the other edge. Eloise lifted out the items and found a very old university jumper folded underneath. She made to pick up the sweater but it seemed to be stuck in the box.

"Pen, there seems to be something tucked underneath this uni jumper. I didn't know your dad attended the University of Edinburgh."

Penelope nodded and knelt once more to look in the box. She tugged at the jumper, and a few magazines fell out that were hidden underneath. Eloise cocked an eyebrow and made a surprised face at Pen, when they heard some loud voices and heavy footsteps from the attic stairs. Pen quickly stuffed the jumper back in the box, hiding the contents, and Eloise promptly grabbed the lid to seal the box.

"Hey, is that a vintage uni jumper?" Benedict Bridgerton, Eloise's older brother, caught sight of the garment before she could secure the lid back on.

"Um, yes, it's my dad's, but it is very dusty!" Penelope panicked as Ben bent down to grab the sweater. He was going through a "vintage fashion" phase and the collegiate article in the box was of interest.

"Oh, that's alright! If your dad doesn't want it, I'm very happy to buy it from him."

Benedict stood up, with jumper in hand. Eloise and Penelope got to their feet and groaned. Behind Ben was Colin, El and Ben's brother, as well as a few of Colin's schoolmates from secondary, Fife, Cho, Wilding and Stanton. All six men stared into the box, while Fife and Wilding scrambled to pull out the remaining contents.

"Alright! Classic porno mags!" Fife exclaimed as he held several older "Mayfair" magazines. Wilding was already perusing a "Penthouse" from the 80s, as apparent from the cover model's over the top hairstyle and make up.

"Featherington, did you ever look at these?" Fife smirked as he asked an embarrassed Pen, who wanted to crawl into the nearest hole to die.

"Shut it Fife!" Colin almost growled, seeing how uncomfortable Penelope was.

His sister Eloise added: "You are such a prick Fife! Don't talk to Penelope like that!"

Fife shook his head and replied condescendingly: "I figured you Eloise Bridgerton, our resident feminist, would be all for women being free to show their bodies whenever they wanted."

"These are NOT proof of any advancement in women's rights! These are a form of oppression!" Eloise yelled as she gestured to the mess of opened nudie mags on the floor, courtesy of Fife, Wilding and now Cho, who had joined in the retrieval of the rest of the publications.

"That's it! Put those back in the box! They are not yours; they are Archibald's. You are only here to help move boxes." Benedict glared at the culprits while his brother Colin stood beside Pen and Eloise.

"I'm sorry Pen. When I asked them to come help with loading the rental van, I never thought they'd act like imbeciles." Colin said loudly as he stared at a grumbling Fife dumping the nudie mags back in the box.

Penelope sighed. "It's fine, I am still appreciative of the help."

Wilding dusted his hands and came to Penelope, half apologetic, half amused. "Sorry Featherington. But some of those issues are worth quite a lot today."

Colin scoffed. "Yeah, still not your property."

Penelope, always the one to unruffle feathers added: "No harm done. We are grateful for your help."

Fife, never outdone in the flirting department, asked suggestively: "And how GRATEFUL is your mum? I can think of several ways I'd like to be recompensed."

"Really Fife? What is wrong with you?" Ben chided.

"What? Lady Featherington is fit! And now that she's divorced..."

Penelope turned away and pretended to be busy with another box, unwilling to let anyone see her tears.

Colin had enough of Fife's behaviour and got in his face, menacingly and spoke in a low voice: "One more rude comment out of you and I will not control my fist. Understand?"

Fife smiled confidently, aware that Colin Bridgerton was said to be all bark and no bite.

"Oh, understood. But tell me Colin (he whispered as he glanced at Penelope), who exactly are you defending, the mother or the daughter?"

Colin turned red and Benedict intervened. "Take those two boxes to the main floor, Fife. And stay downstairs. I'll send Cho in a minute to help you start loading everything into the rental van."

"Very well. It's quite stuffy up here, and I do not mean the dust."

Fife eyed Colin who was fisting both hands and keeping his arms stiffly at his sides.

"We're good, Bridgerton?" Colin only nodded but his nostrils were flaring in disgust. Fife finally left with the boxes. Benedict and Eloise returned the rest of the items to the box, including the jumper that caught his eye, and replaced the lid. He lifted the box and Eloise placed a smaller one on top. He walked to the staircase and called out, looking back at Penelope, who was trying to wipe at her face discreetly.

"Pen, love, sorry I may have started this mess." She smiled at the second oldest Bridgerton, her nose still a bit red. Penelope had only ever known kindness and affection from him.

"No harm done, Ben. Thanks so much for arranging all this."

Benedict grinned. "Anything for you, love. Cho, Stanton, Wilding, I expect you downstairs."

Eloise hugged her friend, and Colin looked on but waited until Penelope appeared composed before speaking to her.

"Pen, I apologize for getting angry like that, but I cannot stand how he made you feel. Will you be ok?"

Penelope let go of Eloise. "I am fine" she assured him.

"Pen, you were crying. Fife and his stupid words are not worth getting upset over."

Penelope breathed in and out, to settle her frazzled nerves. She couldn't tell Colin that what she was REALLY upset about was how Fife was literally drooling over HER mum.

She couldn't admit that she felt jealous of her mother, who in her forties still had a fantastic figure and barely any wrinkles or gray hair. A mother who enjoyed the attention men gave her and was confident in her appearance. Something Penelope was definitely not.

At 19 years old, her face looked much younger, but her chubby body did not attract the admiration of boys. She was always in some sort of dietary regimen than her mother would foist upon her, a calorie-deficit that would work temporarily but any weight lost would just come back after resuming normal eating. After starting uni, she'd binge eat when returning home after starving herself to lose some weight before seeing Portia during breaks.

The last 6 weeks she had been home, she was too busy with packing to care about following a diet, to Portia's chagrin.

Penelope realized she had been woolgathering as she saw Colin and Eloise staring at her, concern on their faces. The beautiful faces that only belonged on anyone with the last name of "Bridgerton".

"Babe, we lost you there for a minute. What's troubling you, REALLY? Because Fife being Fife is nothing new." Eloise said bluntly.

"It's really stupid and I don't want to trouble you both with my crazy musings." Pen hoped that would end the questioning.

"Pen, you can always talk to us." Colin said softly.

Oh, if only she could! Colin would think her a complete lunatic if she disclosed how she felt.

"Pen." Eloise crossed her arms. "We are not leaving this disgusting and foul-smelling attic until you tell us."

"Eloise, no! Let's finish with the rest of the stuff here."

"Very well, Pen!" Eloise glowered but decided to give Penelope her space. She'd get her best friend to talk later, when Colin wasn't around.

Penelope mouthed "Thank you" and returned to her task.

Eloise pulled on Colin's arm as he followed Penelope's movements with his sight. Eloise whispered in her brother's ear. "Col, she won't talk while you are still here. Please go downstairs."

"Why?"

"Trust me." Colin shrugged his shoulders in defeat and softly murmured: "I'll go. We will chat later."

Then he said to Penelope: "Pen, I'll take those two with me now." Pen replied, "Thanks Colin. We should be done soon."

Thirty minutes later, Eloise and Pen had sorted through the rest of the boxes and relabeled the ones that Archibald Featherington, Penelope's father, would be taking to his new flat in Westminster.

During that time, Penelope told Eloise why she got so upset, and her friend was fuming.

"Penelope Anne, you are stunning! And really, why would you care if a freak like Fife liked your mum? It's not like YOU like him... do you?"

"Of course not! He's a dick!" 

Eloise guffawed. "Yes, he is! And the way he was all excited about those dusty nudie mags, like he was 13 years old instead of 20-something! Immature and stupid!"

"That was terrible! I knew my dad had those; I once found them in a closet when I was looking for some misplaced Christmas decorations. Gross!"

"How old were you?" Eloise asked, surprised she was just now learning this.

"I don't know, 10, 11? He used to have more, but I guess my mum found them and tossed them away. El, it was so disheartening seeing those perfect girls..."

"Pen, all that is fake boobs and airbrushing and camera tricks. You know better."

Penelope replied in a small voice: "Some of it may be fake, but not all, and I know I will never look like that."

"Why would you want to? Boys find you so cute, just the way you are." Eloise said kindly.

Penelope lifted her eyes to Eloise's. "If they do, they don't show it. Besides, anytime I have a crush on someone, they seem to prefer me as a friend and nothing else."

"My parents started as friends. Look at them now. Still married with 8 kids and revoltingly in love with each other." Eloise made a face like she had tasted rubbish.

Penelope began to laugh, already feeling better.

"True. But we need to finish here, so those horny dimwits can carry out the rest of my dad's things."

Eloise saluted Pen, gave her another hug and yelled down the stairs:

"Get up here, all you lazy bums!"

Colin had been on the staircase for several minutes, unwilling to interrupt the girls' conversation, but unable to stop listening.

His friend Penelope, sweet Pen, who made any room she walked into brighter by just being there was so down on herself. He was a bit surprised that Penelope was apparently not dating. She was so cute, as Eloise told her. Her wavy auburn hair, golden brown eyes and pretty features were enough to captivate any bloke's attention.

But it was her curvy figure, full and lush that certainly had captured his imagination for the last 4 years, 4 very visually pleasant but morally difficult years. How she blossomed from a little girl to a voluptuous young woman in just a year's time, when she was 15 and he was 20 and he had decided to take a late gap year to travel before returning to uni. The shock when he returned home before his Autumn term began was overwhelming.

Penelope still had the adorable face of a young girl but the curves of a painter's muse. Reubens, Titian, even Renoir would have wanted to immortalize her in their works.

Yet, she was so young, and Colin could not think of her in that way. Tried not to think of her that way. Not always successfully, he admitted shamefully. She was now 19, he was 24. Sometimes he wondered what may have happened if he was just a year or two younger. Or if Penelope was slightly older. Then maybe...

"Colin! How long have you've been there?" Eloise stood at the door to the attic, annoyed.

"Not long, I heard you calling for help." Colin hoped his face did not betray what pleasant thoughts he had been having just then.

"I hope you weren't eavesdropping!" Eloise hissed.

"No, of course not." Colin walked past his sister and asked a much calmer Penelope:

"What is thy bidding, my master?" in his best Darth Vader imitation, with the characteristic wheeze to complete the effect.

Penelope adorably giggled and pointed to the rest of the boxes. Colin carried two boxes downstairs while Pen and Eloise took one each. Wilding and Stanton, who had just arrived, promptly followed them with the last of the boxes. Penelope was ready to be done with this day.

<<*>>

Archibald, the Right Honorable the Lord Featherington and Miss Portia Kildare had married 30 years prior, after meeting during a professional conference. Both worked in finance and insurance. It was a yuppie match made in financial heaven. Portia's Irish heritage was only apparent in her red hair and stunning green eyes. Her family had moved from Dublin to London generations ago.

Archie Featherington, made Baron Featherington once his father passed away, was a loving and devoted husband to his beautiful and clever Baroness. Their daughters, in order of birth, Prudence, Phillipa and Pen were born into the somewhat lean years of the seventies. Archibald and Portia worked hard, unable to rely on the past wealth of their ancestors. They opened an investment firm together with two other acquaintances, seeing opportunities in finance with the election of Margaret Thatcher and for a time, they lived the extravagant lifestyle of a well-connected couple with sharp wits.

But fraud and the economic downturns of the nineties put Archie and Portia in danger to lose all. And Archibald's drinking had further destroyed any affection between husband and wife.

Prudence and Phillipa were already out of the home, at university when the worse of the fighting happened between the spouses.

Penelope was a witness to all.

After several separations and less than sincere reconciliations, the Baron and Baroness finalized their divorce at the end of Penelope's first year at Bath Spa University College. Penelope knew they tried to remain together until she was old enough to be self-sufficient. And she understood they made that decision for her benefit. But those years, after Pru and Phi left were awful.

Ironically, once they were granted their divorce, Portia and Archie began to get along. They realized they were better business partners and friends than spouses. Although seeing her parents be pleasant to each other was nice, Pen was heartbroken in having to leave her home in Mayfair.

Archibald was leasing a flat and Portia was moving temporarily with Prudence and her husband Harry until she found a suitable home. There would be no more Christmases and Easter holidays in the slightly shabby but historic Georgian home on Mount Street, no more quick dashes across Grosvernor Square to visit the Bridgertons, their neighbors and friends. No more easy access to her bestie Eloise and her siblings who she loved as if they were her brothers and sisters, all 8 of them: Anthony, Ben, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth. Their mother Violet Bridgerton was the kindest and sweetest woman she had ever known and treated her as another daughter, while their father Edmund, Viscount Bridgerton was a charming and generous man and always made her feel welcome at their home.

Although Archie had always been a spoiling father to his daughters, Portia was loving but strict, and not always kind or understanding. Penelope would seek Violet's maternal warmth after being reprimanded harshly by her own mother. Which happened often while her parents fought. To see Archibald and Portia now get along left a bitter taste in Penelope's mouth. And, on top of all, Penelope was to transfer colleges back to London, to reside with Portia in whatever home she could afford after the divorce.

<<*>>

Pen slowly walked out the front door holding her father's belongings. She detested how everyone seemed to be settled, but not her. She would rather work three jobs and live in a run-down flat by her college than live alone with Portia. And although Archibald had offered to have her live with him instead (to which Portia said absolutely not), Penelope preferred living in Bath.

Penelope and Portia's things would be moved from the house to a storage facility the following week by a professional crew.

Archie had offered to buy Ben, Colin and whatever friends they could get to help a round of drinks and dinner if they assisted in moving his things to Westminster.

Penelope walked outside and stood on the pavement, watching her father, dressed casually in a polo shirt and khaki shorts, directing the younger men where to place everything. Archie somehow looked younger, untroubled, unstressed.

"I'll take that Pen." Colin took the box from her and smiled at her flushed cheeks from the exertion. "You have done more than anyone else here."

"Colin, I have not." Pen replied, her smile bright, enjoying such special attention from him. And getting to admire his strong arms, his biceps barely contained by the sleeves of his tshirt. He shook his head, and looked to where Portia stood, talking animatedly to Fife and Cho while holding a tray with biscuits and possibly flirting with the two younger men.

Leaning down, because Penelope was about a foot shorter than him, he whispered in Pen's ear: "I have yet to see Portia lift a finger, except to touch Fife's arm and compliment him."

"She did not! Colin!" He wiggled his eyebrow and smirked while Pen laughed.

"Ah it's ok, your mum is just having fun. Your dad is already dating, isn't he?"

Pen nodded.

"I'm really sorry Pen. But you have us, don't forget that."

Penelope blushed and scolded herself for doing so. Colin had said "us", not "me".

Colin walked to the rental van and handed the box to Ben, took another box from the ground and repeated the actions until the pavement was clear. Her dad climbed down from the van and headed in her direction.

"Penny, you look flushed, are you well?" He placed the back of his hand on her forehead; to ascertain she was not running a temperature.

"Dad, please! I am not a child!" she muttered, on the verge of stamping her foot but desisted, realizing the hypocrisy of the action after her statement.

Archibald chuckled while looking at his youngest child with evident love. "You, my dear Penelope Anne, will always be my little girl. Get used to that fact."

"Ugh, Dad. Everyone will hear you."

"So? Are you embarrassed that I am concerned for you?" His eyes shifted to notice Portia still conversing good-humoredly with the two young men who were supposed to be helping HIM. Her disinterest in their daughter's wellbeing was very apparent.

Archibald approached the trio and said in a barely contained sneer:

"Well Portia, I think these young men have had plenty of TREATS. Please see to Penny, she looks tired." Archie motioned with his head to where Pen now sat on the front steps.

Portia replied, non-too pleased. "She's fine, hard labour is good exercise."

Archibald held his tongue. He did not want to start a scene. Portia was too aloof about Penelope, and it was one of the reasons he stayed in the marriage, to make sure his daughter was fully cared for.

"Sorry Lord Featherington, we will head back to the van." Fife grabbed Cho's arm and pulled him away.

When they were out of hearing, Fife remarked: "I think I have a chance with her. Fuck, she's hot, and recently divorced women are always very randy."

"Be careful. I wouldn't want to be in Archibald Featherington's bad side." Cho advised.

Fife slapped his shoulder and laughed. "They are divorced, and Featherington is carrying on with several women since he moved out. I heard my father comment it to his business partners."

Cho whistled softly, glanced back at the two former spouses, and then faced Fife once more: "Well, if that's the case, happy cougaring Fife!"

Fife raised one eyebrow suggestively then called out to Benedict: "Hey Ben, still need more help in the van?"

Benedict Bridgerton, always the paragon of good humor, easy smiles and charm, still had a bit of a difficult time hiding his disgust with the future earl of Chartwell.

In a barely restrained voice, he answered: "Ah Fife, no need. In fact, you and Cho are welcome to leave. Everything is organized now."

Fife approached the rear of the moving van and eyed the second eldest Bridgerton. Who does he think he is, Fife thought, just a spare son, to speak to him thus.

"Ah we were promised libations and supper by Archie. I'm sure his manners will not allow him to renege on that agreement."

Benedict took a deep breath, plastered on a casual smile and replied:

"That's up to him. I am taking my leave." Then he jumped down from the van's platform and walked to Archibald, shook hands with him, respectfully kissed a flattered Portia on the cheek, and let them know he had an appointment with his art gallery's manager.

"Thanks again Ben for arranging all this. Let's plan to meet for lunch next week. I am still your financial advisor after all." Archie nodded at Benedict.

"We can do that." He finally waved goodbye to his siblings and Penelope as he walked towards the nearest tube station.

Archibald closed the van's back doors, confirmed his new flat's address with the remaining young men, and drove away.

Colin, Eloise and Pen followed in Colin's car.

The rest of the guys rode snuggly in Cho's imported black Ford Mustang, a gift purchased from the US by his father for his 21st birthday. Cho nicknamed his car "Peppercorn", in memory of his favorite polo horse that had sadly died a few years before.

As Colin drove, Penelope was mentally preparing herself to see her father get installed in his new place. She knew it was the best outcome for all. But it still stung.

"Pen, if you'd rather not be around those arseholes, I can drop you back off with Eloise at our house. Mum was hoping you'd join her and Hy for tea. I think Portia is there already."

God, he was so sweet! "I will be fine. My dad being around will keep them from misbehaving."

Penelope was sitting in the back seat and looked at Colin's beautiful and kind green eyes through the rearview mirror. She saw his eyes crinkle and knew he was smiling, without needing to see the rest of his face. Her heart skipped a few beats.

"Fine then. However, I do not plan on joining them at the pub afterwards. Mum asked I come back home to help keep Gregory occupied and out of her hair."

"I'll be happy to help you instead! Gregory is such a sweetheart." Pen had a special spot for the youngest of Violet's sons, who followed her around whenever she visited the Bridgerton home.

"Ugh, really Pen? Greg is a so annoying! He acts like a puppy, constantly at your feet like a tripping hazard when you're over." Eloise grimaced.

Colin laughed as he was dealing with traffic. "That is because he has the biggest crush on Pen."

"Colin! He does not! He's only 14." Penelope gasped.

"Yes, indeed, he is ALL of 14 and does nothing but stare at you and tries to be clever when asking when you will be visiting again."

Pen could hear Colin's smirk in his voice. She shook her head. She was sure they were only trying to tease her.

She still remembered when Edmund and Violet came home with baby Gregory from the hospital. Little Greg was the first baby 5-year-old Penelope ever held and maybe that's why he occupied such a tender place in her heart. Holding him in her own tiny arms while Violet assisted her, Penelope realized that she wanted to be a mum when she grew up.

The fact that then 10-year-old Colin had sweetly grinned at her and commented how well she held his new brother may have contributed to her lifelong love for Colin and overprotectiveness for Greg. Little Penny saw Colin that day as her future husband and still fantasized about that very far-away possibility every so often.

Pen was sure a visit with the Bridgertons after getting her Papa settled would be very welcome. Maybe Eloise would invite her to spend the night as well. Penelope did not feel like sleeping at home with only Portia for company anyway.

Of course, she had to admit that Colin being around (he was temporarily living at home while his new Bloomsbury flat was getting much needed renovations) was possibly what she was the happiest about.

Colin was now looking for a place to park along the pavement across from her father's building. 

Let's see how fast we can finish here and head back to Mayfair, Penelope thought, feeling almost giddy with anticipation.

The possibility of sleeping under the same roof as Colin was causing her active imagination to concoct so many scenarios and not all of them were necessarily demure.

"Pen, you're almost crimson! See Colin, I told you it was too hot today to drive without the aircon and just the windows rolled down. Pen is literally melting in the back seat!" Eloise chastised her brother as she watched him open the rear passenger's door for Penelope and saw her friend step out.

Penelope cursed her easily flushed skin as Colin glanced at her apologetically.

"Sorry Pen, I'll have the aircon turned on the way home. Let's get you inside." He grabbed her hand and led her to the building's entry.

Penelope knew that her furious blushes would be plaguing her the rest of the day as long as Colin Bridgerton was anywhere near her.

It was a small price to pay.

Chapter Text

Archibald Featherington stood by the front entrance of his new residence. His new flat was located on the 4th storey of the Victorian era building, and the young men who had arrived to help were thankful that there was a working lift.

After the rental van was emptied, Archie left to return it and was back within 30 minutes.

During which time Penelope sorted some things for her dad, specifically in his kitchen.

Fife and the rest of the neo Bright Young Things stood around the sparsely furnished living room, enjoying a few bottled beers Archie already had cooling in his new refrigerator.

Penelope was ready to leave. Fife was not necessarily making any rude remarks towards her, but she could sense his eyes watching her whenever he happened to be in the same room.

She could not understand what his fascination with making her feel uneasy was.

And now his obvious interest in her newly-single mother did not help her disgust when in his vicinity.

Colin and Eloise remained near her, followed her from room to room while the rest chatted and just moved around the boxes brought up from the van.

When Eloise asked Penelope if she was ready to leave, Colin assured her as well that he was only waiting for Pen to say so. 

In truth, Colin couldn’t wait to get out of the flat. His offer to punch Fife’s lights out was still on his lips, his hands subconsciously opening and closing into fists anytime he clocked Fife’s roving eyes observing Pen.

More accurately, ogling Pen’s lush bottom in her cut off jeans whenever she had to bend over to pick up an item.

Even worse was Fife’s smirk when Penelope accidentally got her loosely fitting uni T-shirt’s hem caught on the back of a dining chair. She had used the chair as a makeshift stepping stool to reach a higher kitchen cabinet. She unwittingly gave those nearby a very good look at her mouthwatering full breasts, barely fitted into a simple nude colored bra as she got down.

Well, Colin admitted, he was also one of the lucky viewers but he immediately turned around as Eloise helped pull Penelope’s shirt off the chair’s back and falsely comforted her friend that no one had seen anything.

Not much later, Eloise yanked Colin out of his musings as he busied himself by opening a box of dinner plates and cookware in the small kitchen. The sight of Penelope’s curvy body was keeping him in a dreamy state; Colin kept his hands occupied but gave up on dismissing his very pleasant thoughts.

”Colin, please, let’s go. Fife is being an annoying arse while Archibald is gone.” Eloise grabbed her brother’s arm when he did not acknowledge her after calling his name repeatedly.

Colin looked to where Pen was wiping down the refrigerator shelves before replacing the few food items in it. She looked flustered and appeared to be shielding herself from everyone else with the open refrigerator door.

”Fucking Fife,” Colin muttered, then:

”As soon as Archie gets back from the car rental agency, we are out of here. And, please convince Pen to come back to our place. I have a feeling Fife may not wait too long to show up at Portia’s door, possibly tonight.”

Colin had overheard Cho quietly asking Fife after Archie left about the text he received from Portia while he was in Cho’s car, and if he still planned on joining her for cocktails. Colin did not catch the rest of the conversation.

”What!?” Eloise’s sharp grey eyes narrowed. 

She spun around to look at where the rest of the party was idle. Fife was looking quite pleased, commenting something obviously indecent to a grinning Cho and Wilding. Stanton had already left, saying he’d meet them at the pub in an hour.

”That’s it! You three, there’s still boxes labeled ‘bedroom’ you can move to the Master suite! Colin, Pen and I have been doing most of the fucking work today!” Eloise marched to the living room, and yelled in frustration.

All three men got quiet as Fife gave her a mock salute while the rest placed their beers on the coffee table.

”Yes mistress!” Wilding guffawed, giving Eloise a wink.

“Ugh! In your dreams Wilding!” Eloise said in disgust. She knew Wilding carried a torch for her since secondary, his being only 2 years older. But he was almost as big a jerk as Fife and she had absolutely no interest in him.

When Cho, who was the least problematic of the group, was about to complain, Archibald walked in. And noticing the sudden tense environment, announced,

”Well done everyone. I think we are finished for today. Penny, stop cleaning. Let’s get everyone fed.”

They all took the lift and exited the building’s main doors. Colin let Archie know he was taking Eloise and Penelope back to Mayfair.

“Colin, are you certain you do not wish to join us? It’s the least I can do to thank you.” Archibald was firmly shaking Colin’s hand. He had always liked Edmund’s third son. He was polite, intelligent and considerate.

Archie had also noticed how appreciatively he looked at his Penny. Never disrespectfully, unlike some of her classmates in secondary.

Although as a father he could not admit it, he knew well enough how a young man was wont to stare at such an attractive young woman like his Penelope was becoming. 

In fact, Archibald was well aware of Penelope’s sweet crush on the young man and it had been a topic of conversation between himself and his good friend Edmund Bridgerton. The Viscount had mentioned how glad he would be to have Penelope and Colin end up together whenever he and Archibald enjoyed some quiet drinks after any occasion that brought both families together:

”Archie, imagine, we could already have drawn up a marriage contract without being questioned if we lived in our ancestors’ time. They are so compatible and I am quite proud of how Colin treats your adorable Penny, with care and respect. Too bad about that 5 year gap between them. It wasn’t such a big deal in the past. But now…”

Archie smiled at Colin, who was the most like his father, in looks and personality, as he recalled that particular conversation.

”Well young man, if that’s your final decision, then we can plan to meet up at a later time. I do have some information about the property in Bath you were interested in purchasing for investment purposes.”

”Thanks. Can I call you in a few days to schedule an appointment?” Colin asked, trying to appear he wasn’t desperate to leave.

”Of course.” Archibald replied and then turned to his daughter:

”Penny, you know you are welcome to join us. No need to head back to spend a boring evening with your Mum.” Archie suggested as he kissed his daughter’s cheek.

”No Dad, I do have to get back. I have to work on the uni applications.”

Archibald’s face showed his disappointment. He hated that Penelope’s education was getting disrupted because of Portia’s inability to let their daughter remain in Bath. Somehow Portia developed a need for a roommate now that she was a single woman. 

He hugged Pen. In a soft voice he remarked:

”Love, I am so sorry our divorce is causing so much trouble for you. You let me know what I can do for you. I do not relish the fact that Portia suddenly wants you by her side constantly. If only our finances were more stable…”

”I know Dad. We will figure it out.” She kissed her father goodbye.

Eloise waved farewell to Archibald and walked to Colin’s car, putting her arm around Penelope’s shoulders.

“Wish you were going with us El,” Wilding called out as Cho and Fife teased him.

All Eloise did in response was flip them off as she got inside Colin’s car, not bothering to say a word.

Penelope, seated behind Eloise, finally laughed for the first time since arriving at her father’s place.

Colin sat quickly in the driver’s seat and closed his door. He turned around and faced Pen:

”I am very sorry you had to deal with Fife today. I am promising you I will make sure he is never invited again to any Bridgerton activity. Your father does not appear to have any idea of what a jerk he is. Are you ok?”

Penelope wished she could say exactly what she felt: that she was so happy Colin worried about her, that anytime he spoke to her it made her heart race. That his kindness and consideration was what kept her madly in love with him.

Chapter Text

“Penelope, so glad you joined us!” Violet Bridgerton stood up and embraced her soon after arriving at the Viscount and Viscountess’s home. Pen hugged her back, thankful for a kind gesture after the all the troubling moments the day had brought,

“Penelope, I thought you would have gone home to change from your old clothes before visiting with the Bridgertons.” Portia admonished a tired and fed up Penelope from where remained seated in Violet’s drawing room.

Eloise, forgetting the manners she had been forcefully taught since childhood, replied for her friend:

“You see Lady Featherington, Penelope was much more concerned about making Mum wait on her than to get overdressed first, to just visit the neighbors.”

“I beg your pardon?” A barely restrained Portia Featherington asked, who indeed was quite well dressed for just a cuppa with the neighbor across the square.

“Eloise! Apologize to Lady Featherington!” Violet reprimanded, before turning to Portia:

“I am so sorry Portia, the young people must be very hungry and tired after helping Archibald with getting moved into his new flat.”

Colin had walked in after parking his car up the street, overheard the discussion, and was barely containing his laughter. Eloise had openly scolded Portia for her berating of her daughter. His brilliant mum, however, had backhandedly reminded Pen’s mother the reason for why Pen looked supposedly disheveled.

Not that she looked disheveled at all… Actually, she was adorably messy and pink-cheeked and…

“Colin! Please, help me here with your sister.” Violet pulled him into the conversation, imploring with her bright blue eyes for some sort of calming gesture.

“Portia, I apologize for my sister. Please don’t hold her less than polite attitude against her. As you well know, we cannot act lucidly until we eat and we are quite hungry! Mum, are we eating soon?”

Violet smiled. Her third son, the born diplomat and charmer of the family.

Pen looked at Eloise, holding her hand, 

“Please El. No harm done. I do look terrible right now. I’ll dash back home to shower and come back for dinner.”

“No Pen! You’re staying here tonight, aren’t you?” Eloise asked, unwilling to give in to be pleasant.

Colin mentally answered for Penelope: Of course. He did not want Pen to be at the house when either Fife showed up or Portia left later to meet with him, leaving her all alone.

“Will you stay with us, love? I know Eloise as well as the younger ones will be so happy to have you here.” Violet beamed at her. She already considered Penelope as much her own daughter as she did her own four girls.

“All of us are.” Colin smiled at her. Penelope gazed at hands, hoping the blush on her face was not as obvious. Colin had that effect on her, no matter how mundane his words to her are.

Penelope bit at her bottom lip, nervously, before glancing at Colin, who grinned at her, pleased.

Encouraged , Pen addressed Portia: “If that’s alright with you, Mum.” 

Portia pouted dramatically before answering.

“Very well. But I need you home before 10 in the morning. We have Prudence and Phillipa coming to help sort the rest of the household items that will go into storage.

“Yes Mum.” Pen then began to walk to the front door, still planning to walk home and change.

Eloise glared at Colin, who raised his eyebrows at her, telepathically insisting she smooth Portia’s ruffled feathers.

Rolling her eyes, Eloise called out:

“I am sorry Lady Featherington (was she still Lady Featherington if now divorced?); like Colin said, we are pretty famished.”

Portia magnanimously nodded and waved her hand in a dismissive gesture: “Thank you Eloise. All forgotten.”

“Good. Portia, would you like another cup before dinner? Edmund should be home in half an hour and then we will all sit down to dine.” Violet graciously offered.

“I’ll take a cup as well Mum. Can I join you ladies until Dad arrives or are you discussing serious matters not appropriate for my innocent ears?” Colin asked, as he sat beside a now preening Portia on one of the elegantly upholstered love seats. Penelope’s mum was very much enjoying his flirty demeanor.

“Colin! Behave yourself!” Violet giggled and served tea to her guest and her son before having another cup herself.

Although a mother to eight children, she was unwilling to admit she had a favorite among her offspring. Yet, Colin was a special case. Maybe it was because he resembled her dearest husband of 32 years the most. 

Violet sat across from them and relaxed. Another tense moment involving Eloise and Portia smoothed over by Colin.

“Mum, I’m walking across with Penelope and will be back for dinner”, Eloise called out.

Before she could hear Violet’s answer, Eloise rushed Penelope out the front door. When they were walking across Grosvenor Square, she exploded:

“The nerve your mother has to talk to you like that!!! I’m sorry Pen, but I couldn’t help myself!” Eloise glowered.

Penelope shrugged her shoulders. 

“El, I’m used to it.  But I won’t deny it . I am dreading living  alone with her.”

Eloise hugged Penelope’s shoulders as they let themselves in the Mount Street house.

“I will do anything I can to help, Pen. I will miss you terribly if you have to come back to uni here. You keep me grounded! And this year at Bath Spa has been fantastic! Are you sure there’s no way we can help you keep your enrollment?”

Penelope stared at her best friend, unable to stop a few tears from falling down her cheeks. They had ascended the stairs and were now in Penelope’s bedroom. Eloise sat on the bed while Pen grabbed a change of clothes, pyjamas and a few toiletries.

“I don’t know El. I cannot afford my part of the lease for the off campus flat. You’ll need another roommate. I’m sorry this is affecting you as well.”

“I refuse to accept that there is no other way.” Eloise was quiet for a few minutes, visibly thinking.

“Give me 15 minutes to shower and get dressed.” Penelope walked out her bedroom door to the second storey hallway bath she shared with her sisters when younger.

Eloise just grunted a “hmmm”, and continued running different scenarios in her head while Pen showered and dressed.

She would come up with a solution. Or ask her dad, maybe even ask her older brothers for help.

There was no fucking way in hell Penelope should be left to deal with a bitter, recently divorced mother that was at best disinterested, and at her worst, a narcissistic nag.

When they returned to Bridgerton house, and both greeted her dad, Eloise’s brilliant mind was concocting a perfect plan to help Pen.

As they sat along with her parents, Portia, Colin, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth at table, Benedict lived in a flat with his fiancée Sophie close to his studio and art gallery in SoHo. They joined the family for dinners on the weekends. Same with Anthony, Daphne and their respective spouses, Kate and Simon.

Eloise was grinning so widely while she ate,  it made her father amusedly inquire:

“Eloise, I am afraid to ask, but, what are you smiling so much about?” Edmund was smiling as well. He enjoyed Eloise’s ebullient personality and whatever his spirited daughter would come up with. Within reason, of course.

Colin and Violet looked at each other, sharing similar worried expressions. 

Eloise was up to no good. 

Portia was carefully chewing her trout almondine and savoring it to pay attention to anyone else. 

Penelope, not a fan of fish, picked at her plate, only taking small bites of the potatoes and sautéed vegetables, and kept her eyesight on Eloise, with an occasional quick glance at Colin.

Eloise put down her fork, and in a grand gesture, slammed both her hands on the table, announcing:

“I cannot believe we did not think of this before! All of you (she pointed at her family and at Portia) have been asleep or drugged, or, I don’t know, unconscious! How could you not think of doing…”

“Eloise, speak clearly, my love, think of what?” Edmund laughed, leaning back on his chair, almost in the same fashion Benedict would,  lifting the chair’s front legs off the floor before leaning forward again.

“It’s so simple! Dad, when did you last speak with Aunt Georgie?”

The occupants at the table were all quiet. Aunt Georgie was Edmund’s youngest sister, happily married to his best friend since childhood, Dr. Nicholas Rokesby.

Edmund took a sip of his Chablis before answering:

“Just yesterday. She and Nick were visiting Billie and her family and she was telling me how everyone was doing. Why do you ask?”

“Don’t you see? She and Uncle Nick live all alone in that big house of theirs in Bath. They like to travel when Uncle Nick’s work at Royal United Hospital allows him. I think this could work.” Eloise was excitedly motioning, very proud.

Violet’s brow furrowed. “What could work, Eloise?”

“Penelope and I can move in as boarders with Uncle Nick and Aunt Georgie! We can save money by giving up our flat off campus. My aunt and uncle may wish to charge us a small lodging fee, I supposed but it would still be more  economical and their house is not far from Bath Spa. It’s perfect! And that way Pen can continue her degree without transferring back here!”

Portia, who was taking a long sip of water while trying to ignore Eloise’s babbling, choked at hearing Penelope’s name and Bath Spa college mentioned together. She coughed, in shock, before retorting:

“Penelope cannot stay in Bath! She knows this. Violet, Edmund, please, do not think I suggested any of this to Penelope!”

“Mum, I haven’t said anything,” Pen replied.

Eloise stood up from the table and glared at Portia:

“This is my idea. I thought of it. And I would think you would welcome any opportunity for Penelope to continue her education at a much lower expense! My aunt and uncle adore her! Aunt Georgie once claimed that since Mum and Dad or any of my uncles or aunts could produce a ginger-haired baby for them to dote on, they were so happy Penelope was now like family since you all moved across the square. And Penelope will have a safe home to stay in, not reside in a ratty, barely kept university students’ flat. Please Portia, uh, Lady Featherington, let Pen stay at Bath Spa!” 

Eloise took a drink of water, and was about to speak further, when Colin interrupted:

“Mum, Dad, let’s discuss all this later (he looked at his younger siblings, who either looked confused at Eloise’s ramblings or bored). Lady Featherington, I have to say, I agree with my sister, but we should talk about this further. I may have additional suggestions.”

Edmund gestured at Violet, adding:

“It does sound like a good plan, Eloise. I can share with Archie and then we can all let Portia and him decide, along with Penny, of course.” He smiled at Penelope, nodding at the petite girl he knew was the apple of Archie’s eye. He could not let Portia be the only one making decisions about Penelope’s future. 

When dinner was over, Edmund called Archibald, leaving him a voicemail about what had been said. Portia mentioned she had to get back home, said good night to Pen with a perfunctory kiss on her cheek and reminded her to be home by 10 am.

Penelope was still in a bit of shock at all Eloise suggested. And secretly pleased that Colin was as enthusiastic about this possibility of her staying in Bath, like she truly wanted.

What had mostly blown her away was Colin’s offer of his Bloomsbury flat to Portia at a reasonable leasing rate, when she whined about not being able to currently afford a new home in the city and still contribute to Penelope’s university tuition. Portia explained she and Pen could only stay with Prudence and Harry for a month at most.

Colin saw a perfect opportunity and offered his soon to be renovated flat. Using all his Bridgerton charm and persuasiveness, he almost had Portia convinced that Bloomsbury was the perfect place for a newly  single professional woman such as herself. 

What Portia didn’t know was that Colin was doing all he could to facilitate Penelope’s removal from Portia’s grasp. 

Archibald was a nice chap and all, even with his propensity to drink and womanize. But he had not done enough, in Colin’s eyes, to keep Pen from being Portia’s emotional punching bag.

Penelope needed to be independent, to make her own way, supported by those who encouraged her, not belittled her or still treated her like a small child.

So, Colin decided he would champion Pen’s  cause alongside Eloise.

When everyone retired to bed, and he heard Penelope and Eloise giggling in Eloise’s room as he made his way to his childhood bedroom, Colin smiled satisfactorily.

Penelope belonged within his family. They loved and cared for her. She seemed happiest in his home.

Colin entered his bedroom, flipped on the light switch, and closed his door. He crossed over to his desk, and turned on his laptop computer.

He had not shared with his parents the reason why he had gladly offered his flat to Portia.

The screen saver came on, and Colin used the mouse to click on a desktop icon. It was a document that required a passcode. 

Colin entered: p3nel0p3

The document opened. It appeared to be in a screenplay format:

Opening scene: Bath, Regency era

Location: The Royal Crescent, unit number undefined

Warm Spring day, a couple attired in period appropriate clothing stand outside the main door to a townhome. They appear friendly with each other but not in a committed or romantic relationship.

At least,  the young lady does not appear to believe that there is more than friendship between herself and the man beside her.

However, although he is  acting politely and as a proper gentleman of the time should, his eyes betray his true attraction to  the woman.

• I am very glad you allowed me to escort you home, Miss Conninghait. It was quite a pleasant surprise to see you at Sally Lunn’s 
• I am very thankful to you, Mr. Norrington. It is always so pleasant to meet with friends when one has had to remove from all that has been known to her. Will you remain in Bath for long?
• Miss Conninghait, I wish to remain as long as it is possible. May I inquire if your mother or sisters are waiting for you?
• (Smiling softly but shyly) I believe they are still at the shops with some new acquaintances they met at the Pump Rooms last week.
• (Taking a calming breath, so he does not betray his excitement) Can I then accompany you inside until, um, until your family returns?
• You wish to come inside? I would gladly invite you in, but we would be unchaperoned. And, I do not wish to be the cause of your impeccable reputation suffering damage.
• Damage? My dear Annette, may I call you Annette? My reputation will not suffer. Yours, I worry for…  but I cannot seem to be able to…
• Be able to do  what? Thomas?
• (Sighing at her mention of his Christian name) To be away from you. Annette, these last six months since you left London have been torturous. I must tell you, how much you (he swallowed) mean to me.
• In what way? (She gazes at him, almost shocked)
• I love you Annette. And I cannot wait to not be apart from you again, if you will have me. Will you accept my hand?
• Thomas! Are you proposing to me?
• (Nodding, tears in his eyes) Yes. Will you have me?
• (In tears and smiling) With all my heart!

They embrace, and as Thomas bends down to kiss her lips, Annette pulls back.

• We cannot do this here. Perhaps you should come inside.
• If that is your wish.
• Yes.

Annette quickly opens the door, and Thomas follows her in. Seeing no one coming at the sound of their entrance, Thomas gathers Annette in his arms and finally kisses her with all the emotion his heart has quietly kept for years. He has loved her for so long, and could not wait much longer to finally make her his.

Breaking their kiss, he asks

• Can we go to your bedroom, to be alone, or do you wish me to leave and come back when your mother is here?

Annette smiled. Her shyness was now gone. She only displayed excitement and admiration for Thomas.

• Follow me.

Holding his hand, she led him, surreptitiously, to the townhome’s third storey and to the third door on the left. They walked into a small but comfortably furnished bedroom and secured the lock on the door. The tall bed  occupying most of the space in the  room.

• Annette, are you certain? I do not wish to force you to do anything you are not prepared for
• Thomas, I have been waiting for this moment for much longer than you realize

And she threw herself at him, Kissing in a frenzy. 

He led them to the bed, standing by the edge.

Stage direction/ suggestions:

Can either shoot a long scene, with “Annette” and “Thomas” undressing each other before lying together under the coverlet.

Or film a few seconds of undressing and cut to both of them nude, the coverlet already turned down. 

A few seconds of kissing and then proceed to the first erotic encounter:

1. “Thomas” caressing “Annette” and licking her breasts before sucking each nipple in turn,
2. Oral sex performed by “Thomas” on “Annette”, position preferably missionary but may consider “Annette” sitting on “Thomas” face,
3. “Thomas” bringing “Annette” to orgasm before switching off and his encouraging of her performing fellatio on him

Still undecided if we will film penetration or have “Thomas” and “Annette” be surprised during fellatio by “Mrs Conninghait” and the confrontation.

Actor and actress to be screened for STD’s as part of a full medical examination. Pregnancy test included. 

The part of “Annette” to be played by a petite, curvy actress, thinking Rubenesque in appearance. “Thomas” is to be much taller, preferably in good physical shape.

Colin added a few annotations, saved the screenplay draft and closed the document.

He closed his laptop. He walked to his en-suite and started getting ready for bed.

As he brushed his teeth, he imagined what his film project would be like if it was real life.

He couldn’t help naming his characters after their own middle names, well, making Penelope’s middle name more French sounding.

“Annette”, he could only write her to be like Penelope.

Colin finished brushing. He had showered before dinner so he just stripped to his boxers and undershirt. He turned off the bathroom light and got into bed.

As usual, after working on his screenplays, he was hard. Anytime he gave himself permission to think about Penelope, he got so hard. Today he was fighting for his life when he saw her torso under her shirt. Her bra barely covered her. Her nipples were visible and ruched from the air on.

Colin palmed his erection. He needed to calm down, he could not wank off with Penelope just two doors down. 

It was torture, but it had been so for years now.

Could his planned relocation to Bath for his hidden artistic project mean he could be near Penelope more often? Would her and his family approve?

More importantly, did Penelope even feel the same way he did? Would she approve of his career?

<<*>>