Chapter Text
The years passed peacefully for Colin and Penelope, they went onto have three more children. Agatha Violet , 2 years after the twins. Jane Katherine, another 2 years after that and George Colin when Jane had just turned 5.
Anthony and Kate, when on to expand their brood, with Miles Anthony, Charlotte Penelope and Mary Edwina. Penelope finally got her namesake in little Lottie, she ended up being her favourite aunt to boot. That was until Eloise, to everyones shock married Marina’s widower, Phillip Crane. She became a mother instantly to Amanda and Oliver, when she gave birth to their first child, the number of Penelope’s in the family ticked up another notch.
There were regular ‘Penelope meetings’ whenever they were all in town, strictly private between the three of them. As the years went on and they grew up, they became more and more rambunctious.
Each of the Bridgerton siblings made their match and were all happily married off to Violet’s eternal joy, between them, having 36 grandchildren which sent her into overdrive, she could not spoil them all enough.
A few months after Thomas and Elliot’s first birthday, they received an urgent missive when Penelope seen the Featherington livery on the footman, she knew. It had to be her father.
When she and Colin arrived at Featherington house all of her thoughts were confirmed. Her mother sat staring blankly at the wall, Prudence sat next to her fiancé harry, him stroking her hand trying to comfort her and she allowed him to a true sign something was wrong. Philippa was crying into her husband, Albion’s shoulder, a tiny bump of her abdomen starting to appear holding their first child. In the end it was Mrs Varley who told her. Her father had been murdered, he had owed money and had took his life to balance the books. She wasn’t surprised, she knew his reputation. Colin stood in front of her, hands around her waist, trying to figure out how she was feeling.
To be honest she didn’t know how she felt. He wasn’t the best father, but he was kinder to her than everyone else in her family. He let her read quietly with him in his study. Over the last couple of years he did become slightly more present, but was it enough to erase years of absence, probably not. But he loved her, he doted on their boys who adored their Grandpa Archie, or as close as they could get to saying that on a given day.
“Who is going to look after us now, not that he did before but..” she said disdainfully, clearly hit by grief more than expected, she didn’t love him, not like that, but they still had been married for 25 years
“Who does the title pass to now, there is a distant cousin who is known to be a brute, what will we do?”
It became obvious at that point that Portia did not know about the agreement
“The new Lord Featherington is currently asleep, In his crib, in Bloomsbury”
“That is not how it works Penelope” Portia snapped at her
“In this case Mother, it is exactly how it works”
Colin excused himself for a moment, he entered the study and retrieved a copy of the letter. His father-in-law had told him exactly where the copies were in case they were ever needed. He returned to the drawing room and handed Portia the letter.
He addressed the rest of the room “Your father put into writing, his wishes for the line of succession, they have been approved by the crown, it is set. The eldest son of Penelope is set to become the new Baron Featherington, Tommy will take over the role when he is 21. In the meantime, I will be given authority to manage the title and estate. I made that promise to Archibald, he asked me to ensure I would look after you all. That is what I intend to do, I would have done it without question even if he had never desired it of me. You have mine and the full line of Bridgerton's support, you are all family, that is what we do.”
That caused Portia and Prudence’s tears to finally fall, Phillipa cried harder and Penelope just stared at him. As if she couldn’t love him any more, he was the best man she knew, her sun, moon and stars. He went over to her and took her hands in his
“Pen?”
And that was the straw that broke the camels back, her knees gave out, but she didn’t hit the floor. Colin caught her as her tears started, clutching her to him as they sank to the ground softly. He would stay there for the rest of time if she needed him to.
The funeral was a some days later, a lot of the ton attended as was expected. All pretending they were the best of friends, sharing shallow condolences with the family. Colin and Penelope went to take their seats in the front row of the church. It was then, that Penelope realised who was occupying the rows right behind them. Violet, Anthony, Kate, Daphne, Simon, Gregory and Hyacinth. Benedict and Sophie had come from the country, as did the newlyweds Eloise and Phillip. She had received a letter from Francesca expressing her condolences, and apologising that they would not be able to make it home in time for the service and that the post was much quicker. It was followed by an explanation, that they would be travelling down as soon as she finished the letter and she wouldn’t hear a single word against it.
She looked out at Colin’s family, her family, and recognised that they weren’t there because they had to be, they weren’t even there for Colin. They were there for her, only her, to do whatever they could.
Her chest felt tight with emotion, breathing becoming heavy, Colin noticed and took her arm leading her to sit down with him
“It’s going to be ok love” he whispered, kissing her temple.
And it was, things might just be a bit strange for a while.
19 years later
Penelope had continued with Whistledown for about 10 years before she retired, apart from family no-on knew her identity. She saved reputations and unveiled the truth when needed. The fact was she didn’t need it anymore, she had her support in spades. She did continue writing but in the form of stories for her children. The Ton still talked of the infamous Lady Whistledown for decades to come, but she much preferred the plea for more stories at bedtime than gossip for a new column.
Over the years many more babies had arrived, and grown up. Thomas, Elliot and Edmund became the unofficial triplets of the group, all on the precipice of turning one and twenty. It was a big deal for them all but especially Thomas, this was the year he took over his title. There had been teasing between the twins of course, but in reality Eli would never have wanted the Lordship, he was a free thinker taking after both of his namesakes. A dangerous combination causing their Parents no shortage of headaches. Whereas, Thomas combined the best parts of his Mother and Father, kind, compassionate but with his head screwed on, a remarkable eye for detail and limitless charm. He had joined Anthony regularly over the years in the house if lords and judging by overheard conversations in ballrooms he was really making a name for himself.
Colin had transformed the estate, with the assistance of Ant and Ben, into something long-lasting and decently profitable ready for the official handover. They had moved into Featherington house several months after her father’s death, as was their right. Portia intended to stay there but after hearing and a few times seeing the couple in a variety of compromising positions, took up Prudence’s offer to live with her instead. Colin and Penelope now were returning back to Bloomsbury, that is where they made their home all those years ago, and that is where they wished to live the rest of their lives.
Rae and Dunwoody had married a few months after the twins were born, having three children of their own, Anne, Christopher and Rose. A nod to their employers tuned friends. They grew up right alongside the Bridgerton children of similar ages. Rae and Dunwoody continued to serve them, moving to Featherington house and back again. They never attempted to leave for pastures new, not once.
Thomas’s succession to the title was the second biggest thing happening this particular season. Depending on who you asked of course. Aggie, their second eldest, had just turned 18 and so it was time for her debut.
Colin was not ok…
Agatha Bridgerton was the perfect mix of her parents. She had very dark red hair, Penelope’s and Colins combined, bright blue eyes but looked like a Bridgerton through and through, if a bit shorter than the others. She had the grace of her Grandma Violet and Aunt Daphne, the outgoing opinions of Eloise and the fierceness of her namesake Lady Danbury, who had befriend her mother over the years. She was a force to be reckoned with.
Penelope and all of her sisters in law agreed she would likely be the Diamond of the season. Amelia and Belinda had debuted in the previous 2 years and had snatched that title in their respective years, just like their mother. Simon going noticeably grey in that time.
Colin and Penelope had woken following their first night back in Bloomsbury, the day before the Debut presentation.
“Could we not delay another year, she is still a baby” Colin wined, his head resting on Penelope’s bare chest.
“Colin she is not a baby, I would like to remind you we were married and I was pregnant by the age that Aggie is now”
Colin looked at her horrified
“No, absolutely not, you have made my worries a thousand times worse”
“Darling, we cannot put it off any longer, she technically could have debuted last year and we delayed it. She is excited this time, everything is ready, I’m presenting her to the Queen tomorrow no matter what” Penelope said running her hands through his hair, trying to provide some comfort.
“But where did my little girl go” he sniffed
“She grew up, but she needs you she will always need you” Penelope was starting to get emotional now too but she swallowed it down trying levity instead “Plus, you will get a kick out of scaring off suitors”
“I suppose I will” he agreed
What Colin didn’t know, and what Penelope had been sworn to secrecy on was there was already a certain gentleman who had caught her eye, and she had caught his eye right back. A Lord Samuel Wilson, heir to the Duke of Richmond. Their country homes were close together, he was a couple of years older and friends with the twins, Edmund and Oliver Crane. They had played together as children, always in each others homes. Oh how history repeats its self. She just prayed that Sam was more self-aware to his feelings than Colin.
Her debut went well, Colin was pinching himself so he did not sob like a baby the whole way through the presentation. She looked beautiful and held herself with such confidence, he didn’t have to like it but he could be proud of her.
The first ball had arrived, they pulled up to Danbury Manor and were greeted by the hostess herself, still going strong at some undetermined advanced age
“Good Evening Bridgerton’s and in particular my favourite girl” referring to Aggie
“You too lady Danbury, I must say you undersold your decor at tea, it is magical” glowed Aggie
“Come my young miss I will show you around” linking her arm “and show you off a bit too” They laughed and off they went, Colin’s skin was itchy at the though of her being by herself. But supposed that Lady Danbury was more scary than most.
“Come” said Penelope taking his hand “Lets get you a drink”
Sometime later the orchestra was gearing up to begin the first dance. Every single year Colin and Penelope’s first dance of the season was with each other. He hoped Penelope would not mind what he had planned.
“Pen, I would normally ask you to dance but I think I might need to break the tradition this year, we might have to skip to the second dance of the night”
She smiled, tears prickling in her eyes “Of course, I do not mind at all”
He kissed the back of her hand, squeezed it and took his leave to the other side of the ball room to find what he was looking for.
“May I have this dance my lady?” He said bowing slightly extending his hand.
“Papa!” she groaned at his dramatics, but made no hesitation to take his hand, they walked to the middle of the floor together.
“Thank you, I was rather nervous for my first dance” she admitted
“I would never have had It any other way”
They danced and chatted and laughed and before they knew it, the dance was over. He retuned her to Amelia and Belinda and went to rejoin Penelope
“Feel better now?” She asked him
“Weirdly yes, I think I have realised it is just the way of things, it only makes it harder if we don’t embrace it”
“How mature of you” she said, impressed
“Plus if she is married, there is grandchildren on the horizon and I’d quite like another person or two to spoil”
“Well..about that…” she looked at him “maybe our baby days aren’t quite behind us just yet”
“What?” Colin exclaimed
“Well Daphne was talking about her unexpected addition” she grimaced “you weren’t supposed to know that, act surprised when they actually tell everyone”
“Pen..”
“Sorry, yes, we were talking about that, when I realised I haven’t had my courses for two months, and it’s not exactly like we are careful and I feel exactly how I did at the start with Jane, the doctor is coming tomorrow to confirm but I just have a feeling”
“Pen, that is wonderful” he kissed her before whispering “I am keeping my calm because we are at a ball, but believe me I will show you just how excited I am later” she shivered, he never ceased to have that affect on her.
“I will hold you to that Mr Bridgerton”
“But for now, dearest Pen, love of my life, mother of my children, I would be honoured if you would dance with me”
“As if I would ever refuse”
Later in the evening they saw a young man approach Aggie, they could only see the back of his head and so couldn’t ascertain his identity. They both held their breath. As they started to dance Penelope finally seen his face and she relaxed, it was Samuel.
“Is that Sam dancing with Aggie, how nice of him” Colin admired
“Erm Colin, I don’t think that dance is only friendly” immediately Colins eyes darkened and he took off across the room gathering a small army as he went, Anthony, Benedict, Gregory, Simon, Phillip, Gareth, Thomas, Elliot, Edmund, Miles and Oliver who were all very protective of their sister, niece and cousin. Penelope went to join the ladies of the family who were rolling their eyes at the mens antics.
“Oh dear lord” Agatha grumbled looking at nearly every male relation she had lined up watching them
“Should I fear for my life?” Sam asked, only slightly worried
“No, they are all bark and no bite, but if that were my aunts and grandmothers standing like that then I would advise you run and never look back”
They both burst out laughing at the absurdity
“Ags, We have known each other a long time and I know we have spoken of this before. You know I want to court you and marry you and grow old and all of those things that you read in your romance books. I love you and I would like to officially call on you tomorrow, if you will have me”
“Of course, you would always be welcomed and I love you too” they continued to dance, a feeling of peace settling.
“Do you want to see something funny” she suddenly asked him
“You have permission to hit me if I ever say no to that”
She smiled at his answer then tuned to the line of relations and gave them the most scathing look that actually made them cower and turn away
They looked at each other trying to stifle the giggles
“You just reduced a Duke, a Viscount, a Baron, a Baronet, and six grown men to dust in a single look, do you even know how incredible you are?”
“Still want to marry me even though I have menacing superpowers?” She taunted
“Just try to stop me” he replied squeezing her hand.
Nothing did stop him, they were married by the end of the season. It didn’t take long for Colin to relinquish his reservations. If being honest he quite liked the man and even better his Aggie would be staying close and not taking off to some highland in Scotland.
Seven months after that ball, Colin and Penelope welcomed their last child, a baby girl, Alice Lily, close to the time Simon and Daphne welcomed Edward.
Thomas married four years later to Poppy Debling, daughter to the Earl. Elliot married the year after to Victoria Wilding. Jane married in her fourth season, strong willed as she was, she simply stated that she did not want to marry until she had properly evaluated all her options which evidently took a few years. She eventually found herself engaged to a Mr James Sullivan, who was utterly besotted with her, a second son to a marquis and moved to the country down in Kent but visited regularly. George married at 27 to Miss Hazel Douglas, a daughter of the doctor who had attended to his mother, during his birth. Alice married in her second season, to Sir Henry Wright, a keen scholar.
Between them, Colin and Penelope had 25 grandchildren, a few great-grandchildren and a couple more on the way. Most of them remained in London or close to it, which they were glad for that.
When it was time for Rae and Dunwoody to retire, Colin and Penelope had insisted on a gift for them. The gift ended up being a 3 bedroom cottage near the sea with a yearly allowance paid to them for ‘time served’. They tried to refuse of course, but Colin merely said the cottage was already in their name. Penelope chimed in with they could repay them by letting them come and visit on occasion and that they did, often.
It was their 60th wedding anniversary and the children had insisted on a party, which meant there was a lot of them taking in all of their families, the 10 original siblings between them and then then a generation or two on top of that. They could have held a ball and packed it out with relations alone.
Colin and Penelope sat together at the front of the room, more grey and winkled than ever leaning into each other the way they always had.
“Do you remember our wedding day?” He asked
“Like it was yesterday, walking towards you that day was the best moment of my life” she said dreamily
“It wasn’t the best moment of my life” Colin said with a crooked smirk on his face
“Excuse me Mr Bridgerton, what was it then, the wedding night? The birth of our children?” She laughed
“Nope!” He said simply “all very, very good but not quite the best”
“What is it then..” She asked, now genuinely interested
“It was a lovely day in April when I was assaulted by a yellow bonnet” he replied
“Oh so your best day was falling off your horse?”
“No, my love, my best day was the first day I met you” he kissed her cheek before continuing “If I hadn’t met you that day, we wouldn't have had all this” gesturing around the room “and that, that a terrifying thought, I wouldn’t want my life any other way“
“You are a very good man Mr Bridgerton”
“Only because you make me that way Pen”
Music started from somewhere and the dance floor cleared to make way for them
“A dance, Mrs Bridgerton?”
“I would be honoured” she said placing her hand in his.
And they lived happily ever after….