Chapter Text
This author has often thought the heart, a most curious of instruments, heeding neither reason nor rank. For what possible explanation might Miss Bridgerton have for entertaining the suit of a mere Baron when she seems to have secured a Duke? Could the debutante’s mind not be the only thing amiss?
Let it be known, dear reader, that if this bizarre behaviour portends yet another scandal, then be sure I shall uncover it, for there is nothing like an excursion into nature to lift the spirits and loosen the tongue.
Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown
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May 11th, 1813
The day of the grand picnic had finally arrived. Colin felt that he had enjoyed the most restful sleep he had ever had the previous night.
After escorting Penelope back to the printer after the Crawford Ball and ensuring she got home safely, Colin congratulated himself on not ruining her in the carriage (again) after seeing his future wife in a maid's dress. It had been difficult to resist her, especially when she had kissed him goodnight so slowly, seducing him with her big blue eyes.
He had to announce the engagement before Simon arrived—before Berbrooke could slither in with his threat. Simon already knew of the engagement, but Berbrooke’s interruption would sour the moment. He didn't worry about the idiot because he knew Lady Whistledown would reveal his dirty secret to the Ton, but he didn't want that rotten-toothed bastard to interrupt him.
And as much as Colin would have liked to have Simon there for the announcement, it wasn’t worth it since he already knew of the engagement.
The plan was simple: as soon as he arrived at the Grand Picnic, he would look for Penelope and invite her and her family to the Bridgertons' tent. Then, he would make the announcement. It was perfect and simple, which means it could easily work if Simon remained as late as before.
The day was bright and warm, typical of the spring season, and this favourable weather attracted members of the upper echelons of society to Hyde Park. As he assisted his mother and sisters in alighting from the carriage, Colin's gaze scoured the environs for any indication of the Featheringtons. Colin noted that Daphne was following his gaze with a knowing expression, and after discreetly indicating a tent near the lake bank with a gesture, Colin nodded in her direction with a thankful smile before rapidly informing his family that he would return shortly.
Proceeding down the hill towards the grassy expanse, Colin advanced purposefully towards the Featheringtons. The tent had been erected, and two of the housemaids were in the process of setting the table for the tea and appetisers. Penelope was seated on one of the chairs, unaware of his presence, yet from his vantage point, he saw that she was attired in the same pink gown she had worn in the past, a garment which he thought suited her very prettily.
Pity he never ended up complimenting her for it before.
Eloise had previously met Penelope to promenade, so Colin barely saw her before Berkbrooke arrived. He was determined not to allow any further time to be wasted. He intended to be very direct in his announcement and would not allow anything to stand in his way.
When Lady Featherington noticed her future son-in-law approaching, she immediately straightened her back and smiled warmly at him, gesturing to Penelope to stand up quickly, "Mr. Bridgerton!" she exclaimed, addressing him, "It is a pleasure to see you again!" at this, her daughters all turned to look at him.
Colin smiled with ease and bowed to the ladies in greeting, "Good day, Lady Featherington," he said, nodding towards Prudence and Philippa before smiling broadly at his future wife, "Pen, you look beautiful," he complimented, his voice soft and affectionate, causing her apple cheeks to blush.
“She always does!” Portia enthused as she slightly pushed Penelope towards the gentleman.
Colin appreciated how sincere Portia sounded at the moment, and said, "Please forgive me for any intrusion, but I would like to request that you and your daughters accompany me towards my family's tent for a moment."
He watched as Penelope’s breathing quickened, and she shared a knowing look with him.
"We would be delighted!" Portia promptly collected her two daughters from their respective seats, "Come now, Prudence, Philippa!" she urged, her eyes alight with pride as she observed her youngest daughter taking Colin's arm as he began to escort her.
“Why must we go? I was so comfort—”
Portia shushed Prudence as quietly as possible as they followed the couple, giving her a look in the hope that her eldest would get the message. Despite her apparent bewilderment, Prudence pouted and pursed her lips in silence as she and Philippa proceeded towards the Bridgerton tent.
The Bridgertons were all in their own bubble of amusement as Anthony engaged in a game of throwing loops around his arm with Gregory and Hyacinth. Daphne, who was still feeling aggrieved about the events that had taken place at the ball the previous evening, was standing next to her mother and feigning interest in her mother's conversation when she noticed Colin approaching in the company of the Featheringtons.
“Oh, so that’s where he went!” Eloise exclaimed, announcing their presence at the same time. Benedict gave her a look but couldn’t help but smile fondly at her outbursting nature.
“Family, could you please gather around?” Colin called, standing before them with a confident smile. When all eyes were directed towards her, Penelope sought comfort by grasping his arm.
Portia and her two daughters walked to stand next to Violet and Daphne, and the two matriarchs exchanged eager smiles as a greeting before returning their attention to Colin.
After waiting patiently (or rather not) for his family to approach them, Colin surveyed the area and raised his voice, "May I have everyone's attention?" he scanned the surroundings to ensure that the other families, gathered in their tents, were listening to him, "I would like to make a small but rather important announcement. I have happy news to impart," he declared, his gaze fixed affectionately on Penelope, "I have asked Miss Penelope Featherington to be my wife, and she has accepted it."
Colin grinned when the reactions began. Some families of the ton celebrated the engagement and offered their congratulations from afar, while others initially expressed confusion but remained courteous by donning a polite smile and raising their glasses in a gesture of congratulations.
Penelope’s breath caught as the words hung in the air. For a moment, it didn’t feel real—until Violet pulled her into a hug, and she was swept into joy, “Oh my dear girl!”
But he was not left alone for long, for he noticed his mother-in-law approaching with tears in her eyes. She took his hands and squeezed them gently, offering him a smile that was both heartfelt and thankful.
“Please take care of my Penelope,” she whispered weepily.
Colin smiled at her, “I will,” he told her in earnest.
Penelope staggered as Hyacinth and Gregory flung their arms around her. Their giddy excitement nearly lifted them off the ground.
“Hyacinth, Gregory! I do not think Penelope can breathe!” he chastised softly with a chuckle, remembering how long his youngest sister had embraced Penelope after his first announcement. Gregory, who had been fifteen when it happened, deemed it improper at the time, but now that he was only twelve, Colin felt a pang of accomplishment by seeing his younger brother finally be able to hug his new sister.
As Violet moved to embrace her son, Hyacinth was so excited that she was almost out of breath as she spoke, “It is just… we’ve known Penelope for all these years, and now she will be my sister!” she squealed happily.
“I am delighted for you both!” Violet enthused before making a beeline for Portia, taking hold of her hands. Both women regarded each other with broad smiles, and they did not care who could judge them—their children were getting married!
“This is fantastic news!” Gregory celebrated as the two children finally granted Penelope some personal space. Hyacinth and Gregory moved to hug their brother now, and Colin’s heart soared as he wrapped his arms around them.
“Thrilling news, indeed!” Benedict, who had been standing next to Anthony with a wide smile, was finally able to approach the couple, "I am very happy for you two as well," he said, winking mirthfully towards Penelope, “I hope you know what you got yourself into, sister.”
Penelope giggled, nodding at him, “I am aware.”
He cast her one final affectionate look before turning to hug his brother, his words barely audible as he whispered in his ear, “I am proud of you, brother,” Colin was on the verge of tears after hearing him. Benedict was the only ally he had, and the only person aware of his temporal displacement. It was reassuring to have someone in his corner.
“Well!” Anthony smiled broadly as it was his turn to approach Penelope, cupping her hands gently with his, "Congratulations, sister," even though he had been informed of the engagement the evening before, Anthony maintained a delighted expression on his face.
His sense of duty to his family led him to contemplate the potential imprudence of Colin's hasty decision to enter into matrimony. At such a young age, his brother should be embarking on explorations of the world and shedding his immaturity. However, witnessing how Colin looked at Penelope—in the same way his father used to look at his mother—and how serious he was during their courtship, Anthony decided that if Colin was going to marry young, Penelope Featherington—the girl he had watched grow up and become close to his family—was the perfect choice.
Finally, a sense of solace was drawn by Anthony from the knowledge that Penelope had become acquainted with their father before his death. Despite the young girl's hazy recollection of him due to her being only eight years old at the time of his passing, Anthony remembered that his father liked Penelope’s company and regarded the girl as a good friend of their family.
“Thank you, my Lo—Anthony,” she corrected quickly, her cheeks flushing as she casually addressed a gentleman of higher rank, “Thank you,” she repeated less nervously.
He nodded at her with a last smile before looking towards Colin, “Brother,” he approached him with a hesitant expression, “Congratulations.”
Colin nearly rolled his eyes before pulling his eldest brother into a hug, making Benedict chuckle and Violet tear up. Slowly, Anthony returned the hug, and Colin felt his tension disappear into it.
“This is simply wonderful!” Daphne was elated for her brother and Penelope, showing a genuine smile for the first time since last night, “Oh, Penelope!” she hugged the girl and chuckled, “I can hardly for us to be sisters!”
“Me too,” Penelope said emotionally as she hugged her back.
Eloise, who had initially been taken aback, blinked, and then it dawned on her what had just occurred. Her mouth was agape as she looked between her brother and closest friend, and when she heard Daphne say the word 'sister', she finally snapped.
“I cannot believe this! We are to be sisters!” she screeched, marching towards Penelope as Daphne stepped away to enveloped her in a hug, “It is rather disgusting that you are marrying my brother…” she remarked dryly, “But sisters! We’re going to be family!” she grinned, making Penelope laugh happily as she returned the hug.
As Colin fondly watched them, he was reminded of Eloise's initial reaction to the news of their engagement. His smile diminished slightly as he recollected the horrified and melancholic expression on Eloise's face. Now that he had grasped the reason for her distress, he empathised with her plight. Eloise had likely wished to offer congratulations and share in the joy of her family, yet the secrecy surrounding Lady Whistledown had effectively thwarted it. He understood why Eloise had reacted that way before; he was just relieved to see her happy this time.
When the two girls stopped hugging, Penelope turned towards her mother and sisters with an expectant but nervous expression. Portia, who was already brimming with pride, made haste towards her youngest and held her tightly. Penelope was taken aback by the action, yet she welcomed her mother's embrace, savouring the moment and attempting to recall the last time she had been held in such a manner by her mother. From her perspective, she observed her two sisters walking towards her with unreadable expressions.
“Congratulations, Penelope, you’ll be the first one to marry after all,” Philippa drawled kindly, her eyes brightening as she nodded.
Stifly, Prudence managed to give her smile that resembled more a sneer before she too nodded towards her, “Congratulations, sister.”
Prudence was feeling envious of the attention Penelope was receiving at that moment. She was perpetually the focus of her mother's attention, being the one who was expected to marry first, or Philippa! The notion of their youngest sister securing a husband before them during her first year out in society was humiliating! And Prudence could not comprehend Philippa's apparent calmness regarding the situation. Wasn’t she aware of what this meant for them?
They would be ridiculed for this!
Penelope looked between her sisters, her mother, and Colin—now truly hers—she felt, for the first time, like she belonged to something greater than herself. Unaware of Prudence’s inner turmoil and resentment, she beamed at her, “Thank you!” she then gasped when Portia turned her around, directing her body towards Colin.
“Penelope, why don’t you stay here for a moment whilst your sisters and I return to our tent to refresh? After such an announcement, I would think it was only fair, right, my dear?” Portia crooned, kissing her cheek quickly, “You will make the most beautiful bride!”
“She will,” Violet assured as her eyes glistened. Her aspiration to finally plan a wedding for one of her children was a dream that was on the verge of becoming a reality.
Portia smiled in her direction, sharing her aspiration.
When the Featheringtons, sans Penelope, left the Bridgerton tent, the auburn-haired girl couldn’t help to blush when Colin grasped her hand and kissed it before escorting her under the tent to shield her from the sun. He settled them on two chairs and gestured for a maid to bring them some tea and scones.
Colin felt truly accomplished, even though he was aware that Berbrooke would soon arrive to ruin the day. With Penelope beaming at him, that truly did not deter him from enjoying her company.
As time passed, Eloise decided to steal Penelope for a moment so the two could promenade around the park. Benedict accompanied them as a chaperone, while Colin, surprisingly, chose to remain in the tent to play with Gregory and Hyacinth. In truth, he wished to speak with Anthony before Simon's arrival; however, when he saw his brother sitting next to Daphne with an apologetic expression, he decided to grant them privacy and catch the loop that his little sister threw his way instead.
“I nearly got you, brother!” Hyacinth proclaimed proudly.
“Nearly isn’t a win,” Gregory teased her.
Hyacinth stuck her tongue out to him, “You lost the first round, so you don’t get to say anything.”
Colin chuckled amusedly, “What matters is that the game is over and you two should go grab a refreshment before your cheeks become even redder!” the exercise had taken its toll on the children, as they looked out of breath and complied instantly instead of arguing that they wanted to play more.
They ran past him as Colin noticed Simon's arrival with his horse. He sighed, aware that the opportunity had passed and that he could only converse with Anthony at a later time. It had been arranged for them to convene with Lord Featherington to oversee the documents and the marriage registration; however, Colin could see that it was unlikely that they would be able to meet with him today.
Maybe he could have avoided the whole duel situation before it happened.
He just needed to find a solution before.
Nevertheless, in regard to Simon's duel, Colin had potentially discovered a solution. He considered the risk to be too great to take, but if he were unable to find an alternative solution, ensuring his sister's happiness without the turmoil she had experienced in the past would provide him with all the necessary confidence and courage he would need.
He watched Daphne leave Anthony to meet Simon, and since his youngest siblings were occupied with quenching their thirst and eating, he approached Anthony and gently placed his hand on his shoulder.
“Brother, she will forgive you eventually,” he began, giving him a sympathetic smile.
Anthony sighed deeply through his nostrils and nodded at him, smiling a little at his support, “I hope so. I was an ass towards Daph. I will never ignore her wishes again.”
“Good. Now, can I discuss with you something important?” Colin asked as he looked to the corner of the park where Berbrooke should show up from.
Anthony scoffed light-heartedly, “Of course?”
“Yesterday, after getting permission from Lord Featherington to marry Penelope, he said he would be expecting us today after the picnic to go through the documents for our marriage registration—we also need to oversee the banns, the marriage settlement. Oh, and don’t concern yourself with the dowry agreement because I have told Lord Featherington I do not want Penelope’s dowry—”
“Colin!” Anthony chuckled as he placed his hands on his brother’s shoulders to ground him still, “Calm down, brother. Everything in its own time,” he assured before realisation crossed his eyes, “Unless…” he leaned closer to him and much to Colin’s confusion, he carried a murderous glint in his eyes, “You do not seek a special license, right? You… have you ruined her?” he growled lowly since Violet was standing nearby.
“Hell and the devil!” Colin exclaimed, “Of course not!” he had many opportunities to do it and held back in each one of them, “I love Penelope and I want to do this properly this time,” he added with a grunt.
“This time?” Anthony repeated, his anger replaced with confusion.
“Er… ignore me. I am simply anxious and cannot wait to marry her,” Colin quickly excused, inwardly cursing for his slip-up, “About seeing Lord Featherington today?”
Anthony, who was still giving him an odd look, nodded, “We shall go to him after the picnic.”
“Is everything okay, dears?” Violet suddenly inquired as she approached her sons.
“Yes/Of course!” both men replied quickly, with Anthony letting go of Colin and adorning a smile with his brother.
Violet regarded them and determined not to press them further about their concealed matters. Her elation was so profound that it eclipsed any other concerns, for her son was getting married for love!
“Bridgerton!”
Shit, here comes the muttonhead.
Coincidentally, Colin noticed Benedict returning with Penelope and Eloise. The three noted Berbrooke's approach towards the tent, and this prompted Colin to position himself by Penelope's side in a protective manner. The last time this happened, Penelope had not been present, so he could not risk anything happening that he could not control.
As Berbrooke stood before his family, Simon and Daphne approached as well, with the latter fuming behind the bruised-up Lord.
“I bring cheerful news, Bridgertons,” Berbrooke began, without a greeting or a bow in respect towards Violet and Anthony, “I have taken matters in my own hands and sought a special license for my wedding to Miss Bridgerton.”
Benedict gestured for Colin to stay close to him as he walked over to stand next to Simon, a gesture that warmed Colin's heart but annoyed him at the same time—he was no baby, for God's sake.
Daphne looked at Berbrooke with exasperation, “There is to be no wedding!”
Anthony, whose eyes were stormy, managed to keep his voice calm to avoid scandal, “I told you. The arrangement is cancelled.”
Penelope grasped Colin’s hand and squeezed it gently as she stared at the scene, her eyes keen on the situation.
Violet, who was forcing a smile on her face and looking around to make sure no unwanted attention was watching, turned to Lord Berbrooke, “Lord Berbrooke, you look in a great deal of pain. Shall we continue this in a more private location?” she offered graciously.
Nigel regarded her with a knowing smirk, “I require no further conversation. Though, perhaps I am finally speaking to the true head of the Bridgerton house,” he looked at Anthony with disgust, “For if it were you, I imagine you would have instructed your sister to take better care,” he dared to turn towards Daphne with a nasty smirk as he talked, “than to encourage certain attentions while alone with me on the Dark Walk at Vauxhall. Of course, mere hearsay of such a scandal could wreak havoc on even the most influential of families.”
Colin pursed his lips and glared at the infuriating man. The only thing keeping him calm was Penelope’s touch. Simon, however, was fuming.
But Berbrooke didn’t cease his taunting, “What would someone like, say, Lady Whistledown do with such unseemly information?”
Colin looked down when Penelope’s hand twitched, her knuckles whitening, then suddenly slackening. Her eyes went wide, lips parted—but only for a moment. Fury set in with a rigidity he’d only ever seen in her embroidery needles. The mention of her nom de plume must have surprised her, but what made him curious was how quickly Penelope replaced her shock with anger—it was as if Berbrook had spat on her.
“Is that a threat?!” Anthony demanded irately as Violet dropped her smile to give the man a disgusted look.
Benedict gave Colin an alarmed look, and in return, Colin simply shook his head, silently assuring his brother to remain calm and let everything happen as it should.
“It is certainly not,” Berbrooke responded darkly, “Because in three days, I am to marry,” he then looked at Daphne again, his eyes full of hunger and satisfaction, “I have the diamond of the season. I have the very best the ton has to offer. I have a Bridgerton,” he grinned broadly, as if he had won a prize, “And I shall save her, as well as your entire family, from the ruin which you could not protect them,” he jeered, giving Anthony a belittling look before slapping the special licence on his chest, handing it over to him.
Simon, having reached his limit, manoeuvred around Daphne to continue his assault on Nigel's face. However, Benedict intervened by stepping in front of Simon and pushing him back. There was nothing more in the world that Benedict wanted than to allow Simon to strike Berbrooke in the face, especially after insulting his sister, but he knew better since they were in public. He liked Simon and was unwilling to see him arrested for assault.
Nigel chuckled mockingly at Simon’s attempt, seething with anger as he recalled last night’s beating and taking even more satisfaction that he could announce his engagement with Miss Bridgerton in front of him, “I look forward to the union of our great families! Bridgerton,” he nodded his head curtly towards Anthony as an adieu before glancing towards Simon, “Hastings.”
And after nearly bumping into Violet, Nigel Berbrooke walked away. And behind him, he left a family full of horrified expressions.
An immense guilt filled Colin as he saw Daphne's desolate countenance. It was as if she had already relinquished all hope, and the sight of her in such a despondent state broke his heart. He was glad that Simon was giving her a concerned look; however, given their unmarried status, there was nothing he could do other than to respectfully take his leave when Anthony ordered his family to return to their house.
Colin escorted Penelope back to the family tent, and on their way there, they planned to meet in her garden at nightfall. With a final kiss on her hand, Colin took his leave, returning to his family just in time to get inside the carriage and hope that everything would end up as well as it did before.
Featherington House
Evening
Penelope was seething with anger, frustration and resentment.
Colin thought it was the most attractive thing he’s ever seen.
She was pacing in a hidden area of the garden, shielded by tall bushes and trees, and he felt useless watching her unravel herself in her anger. He was leaning against said tree, his arms crossed as his eyes followed her small, curvaceous body hidden behind her nightgown, flaunting around as if she wasn’t teasing him with it.
“How dare he try to threaten your family with Lady Whistledown!” Penelope clamoured, quite vexed.
Our family, he nearly corrected.
For now, he simply shushed her gently, extending his arms and beckoning her to him, “My love, I am just as angry as you are, but you must keep your voice down.”
Penelope narrowed her eyes at him incredulously before approaching him, the height difference nearly made him laugh as she looked up at him, “Colin, we are engaged. What could they possibly do?” she asked him dryly.
Right. Colin forgot how sassy his wife could be when she was upset. He smiled happily at her, “I would gladly marry you tomorrow.”
“And I would marry you tonight,” she countered wholeheartedly, giggling at his bright expression before becoming solemn again, “How can you be so… calm right now? Your family was threatened, and your poor sister has to marry that horrid man!”
Colin cupped her cheeks, leaning down and silencing her with a chaste kiss, his mouth still curved up in a smile. She preened under him and kissed him back. As he felt the tension leave her body, Colin pulled back and pecked her nose.
“All will be well, trust me,” he whispered earnestly.
“Colin…” she mumbled, blushing prettily under his gaze, “May I have more?” she looked up with her bluebell eyes, pleading innocently as if she was asking for a sweet treat.
Colin didn't waste another second. His mouth found hers with a hunger barely restrained. The kiss was nothing like the previous one—this was deeper, fuller, the kind of kiss that spoke of a courtship of yearning finally indulged. His other hand slipped around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
Penelope sighed into him, her fingers clutching the front of his waistcoat. He kissed her again, slower this time, but with no less intensity—his lips exploring hers as if trying to memorise her.
“Do you know what you do to me?” he breathed against her mouth.
“Probably the same thing you do to me,” she whispered, her voice husky and warm.
Colin let out a low laugh, "If it weren't for propriety—"
"Colin…" she whined, “I know… but soon.”
"Not soon enough," he muttered, kissing her again, this time lingering at the corner of her mouth, then her jaw, then lower, brushing the sensitive skin of her neck. The little gasps she let out weren’t helping.
His lips hovered dangerously low, and for a brief, reckless moment, he nearly lost himself—until Penelope’s trust called him back to restraint.
Do it for Penelope. Do it for Penelope. Do it for her.
He felt her shiver, not from the night air, but from the way he made her feel—desired, cherished—undone.
Colin couldn’t help to look smugly at the sight of her—her chest heaved delightfully, allowing him to gaze upon her nightgown’s décolleté with hunger. His tongue licked his lower lip in anticipation.
But Colin did not fall into the temptation. He kept his urges in check as he imagined many ways he could ravish his wife.
“Are you alright?” he asked instead, trying to calm them both, “I noticed your reaction with Berbrooke mentioned Whistledown.”
Penelope’s pleasure-like daze sharpened at the mention of the man, “I… I was just disgusted he thought that Lady Whistledown could be used as a threat so easily,” she began, leaning against him as Colin wrapped his arms around her, holding her comfortingly as she vented, “I have worked too hard on building up her reputation and to listen to that crude man using her as a weapon nearly made me toss a scone at his face,” she giggled, “Perhaps add a new bruise to his collection.”
Colin chuckled as he imagined the scene she would have caused if she had followed her intrusive thoughts, “My family would have loved it.”
Penelope blushed, a bit embarrassed, “I would not dare to flirt with scandal on the same day you have announced our engagement, Colin.”
He pursed his lips jokingly, “You would not dare to flirt at all.”
Penelope reeled herself back from his embrace to give him an indignated look, “Colin, are you truly jealous of a noun?”
“… No,” he grinned.
Both laughed at their silliness.
Afterwards, Colin stayed to comfort her a little bit longer, and when he was sure Penelope was less agitated, he escorted her to the servant’s door and shared a goodnight kiss before leaving the Featherington House without (hopefully) being seen.
May 15th, 1813
Dearest Gentle Readers,
It has come to this author’s attention that the ton is abuzz with a most sordid tale. It is said one cannot judge a book by its cover. But in the case of the bumbling Baron Berbrooke, it seems his displeasing appearance is quite an apt metaphor for the state of affairs in his household. I would not be surprised if Lord Berbrooke were called away to the country on alleged business. Business which, perhaps, might involve sending some much overdue funds to one former maid and young boy, who we can only hope takes after his mother.
This author would also like to extend her deepest congratulations to Miss Penelope Featherington on securing a husband in Mr Colin Bridgerton. Although there were bare expectations for Miss Featherington on her first year out in society, she has managed to surprise this author most spectacularly—and to my knowledge, the ton itself.
Perhaps after becoming a Bridgerton, Miss Featherington’s horrid citrus colours adorned by her fierce Mama will vanish from sight!
Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown
Berbrooke left London.
And as Colin had promised, all is well.
Upon learning of the rumours surrounding the Baron's illegitimate son, Penelope, who was out promenading with Colin, realised that she could not waste any time. Colin had never seen her so excited about a column before, and it warmed his heart that the reason for her eagerness was to save Daphne.
He wondered what his Penelope from the past had been thinking when she found out about Berbrooke’s dark secret—was it duty that moved her pen, or love? Perhaps both. It had always been both with her.
Tonight, he would meet her at the Ramsbury Ball, and they would dance and welcome the congratulations from the rest of the ton now that their engagement was written in Lady Whistledown. Colin managed to convince Penelope not to write herself too harshly in the column, that she was deserving of compliments.
However, this train of thought was abruptly interrupted by Eloise's collision with him. He was left standing in the hallway, en route to his bedchamber to retrieve his cravat, when his sister attempted to pass by him. But when he noticed that she looked agitated, Colin took hold of her arm and stopped her from moving any further.
“El, are you alright?” he asked worriedly.
She turned to face him, and he was startled to see her eyes red with tears, “You will be a good husband to her, right? You... you won’t kill her with your babies?”
Oh, God.
“Eloise, what on earth—”
“I can still hear her screams, Colin. Mama’s screams the night Hyacinth was born, and I—” her breath staggered as she tried not to sob, “I have nightmares of that night. And I am fearful of that happening to Daphne and Francesca a-and me! I am scared, Colin! I do not want my friend to die because of a baby...” she sniffed, wiping the tears from her eyes.
Colin was left stupefied. He had no idea where this outburst came from and why Eloise was suddenly so emotional, “Eloise, I would never hurt Penelope,” he began carefully, maintaining eye contact even though his sister was staring at the floor, “I am sorry that you are frightened, I really wish I could convince you that everything is going to be okay, but sister, I am not in control of nature. I do not control life or death, and I wish I could bring you comfort,” he approached her with placating hands, “All I can assure you of is that I will worship Penelope day and night until I die and that I will spend the rest of my days as her obliging husband.”
Eloise finally looked at him, “I suppose…” she sniffed again, slowly becoming embarrassed by her appearance, “That will do, brother.”
When Colin thought he had resolved her turmoil, she suddenly began to sob very intensely, and in a panicked gesture, Colin reached for her and pulled her body toward him, sheltering her cries on his chest as he held her closely.
“Eloise…” he sighed sadly, kissing the crown of her head, “All will be well.”
“Don’t—” hic “make any—” sob “promises, you dunderhead!” sniffle.
He smiled because even in her most emotional state, Eloise Bridgerton remained as outspoken as ever. But most of all, he smiled sadly because she was right.
Colin didn’t know if he could keep making promises anymore.