AMORE ET HONORE
By: tweety-src-clt9
Protecting Penelope
Eloise sat quietly, secretly amused at her mother and Lady Danbury's obvious excitement of the babies that Colin and Penelope would surely be having soon. They even discussed possible names, along with the fact that a little girl with Penelope's ginger hair and Colin's emerald green eyes would surely be the future Diamond of the First Water. She rolled her eyes at that. She may be unaware of how babies came to be, but she was most certain that Penelope and Colin wouldn't be having them soon. She reckoned that Colin, still desiring to spend some time traveling, would encourage her dearest friend to join him as they visited new places together.
Also, the circumstances of Colin and Penelope's sudden marriage were only known to herself and her three older brothers. So, since it's not a love match, she reckoned that babies would not be coming so soon. Besides, Penelope was still young and despite everything, she knew Colin would be mindful enough of her friend's age. She sighed as she thought about the reason why she had to beg Anthony to ask Colin to marry Penelope. That bastard of a duke! What a lecher, she frowned while closing her fist in fury as she recalled the way the old man's eyes seemed to devour Penelope. Despite her innocence to the ways and lust of men, she knew that the duke didn't have honest intentions towards her dearest friend.
She knew the look of love. She recalled seeing it in the way her departed father looked at their mother. And then there was the way Anthony, while pretending to be exasperated, lovingly doted on his wife. Of course, there was Benedict who was over-the-top dramatically swooning over Sophie every chance that he could. So, she knew. She had to save Penelope from a disgusting match for it would kill her spirits to think of her friend trapped in a marriage where she was only seen as a prized trophy.
It was such a blessing indeed that her brothers, Colin, in particular, cared enough for Penelope that they agreed with her plan to save Pen. It may not be a love match but she knew that love would grow in time. Penelope had a soft spot for Colin, may it be infatuation or love, she was not really certain. But given the poem she stole from Pen, detailing her grief during Colin's brief engagement to Marina, then surely there was a strong attachment there.
On Colin's part, she used to be uncertain. Colin was the gentlest and the most charming of her brothers so she was confident that he would treat Penelope right. But now, she was not so sure. There was something about the way Colin looked at Penelope during their wedding. When Colin's eyes were literally glued to Penelope as she walked towards him on Anthony's arm, it was different. Because of that scene, she started to second guess herself if she really understood love at all. The way Colin stared at Penelope that time was somewhat similar to what she had witnessed in her older brothers and yet, it's different as well. Maybe she was just seeing things or maybe not. Either way, she was confident that Penelope and Colin would be happy in their marriage.
"A footman of Master Colin is here to see you, Ms. Eloise. Urgent news from the master since the new Mrs. Bridgerton is unwell," their butler announced.
Eloise sat up and she ran from the room. She barely managed to recall that her mother and Lady Danbury were also in the sitting room. Penelope was unwell and Colin needed her help. So, she quickly ran to meet the footman outside.
"Ms. Eloise, a letter from your brother," the footman handed out a sealed envelope after bowing respectfully.
"Thank you, sir. Can you stay for a while? That way, I may write my response?"
"Of course, Miss."
"Please do come inside for some refreshments," she nodded politely before running back to the house. Colin's letter was pressed against her chest. She was so worried for Penelope since she recalled that she fainted last night.
"Mother! A letter from Colin!" Eloise exclaimed with a nervous countenance as she entered the room.
"Make haste, dearest! Make haste!" her mother urged her to open the envelope. She nodded while her shaking hands eagerly broke the seal.
Her eyes hurriedly skimmed over the words.
Penelope was ill.
She was looking for her dead puppy.
Tormented by Portia.
"Good god!" her blood turned cold as her heart was gripped with fear. She unknowingly plonked herself on the couch, her face ashen as her thoughts were brought to Penelope's weakened state and the obvious worry in Colin's letter.
"Dearest? Is everything alright?" her mother stood from her seat across Lady Danbury's so she could sit by her.
"Mother, Pen is sick. Colin is worried. I must go to them," Eloise had tears in her eyes as she begged her mother to go. Violet hugged her daughter and she cried on her mother's chest.
"Of course, dearest. But you cannot go there in this state. You need to calm down. Colin and Penelope need you to be strong," Violet comfortingly rubbed her daughter's arm.
Eloise wiped her tears away as she stared into her mother's eyes. "Please, mother. Let me come stay with them for a week or so."
"Of course, dearest. However, if you do not mind, can you please tell us what has gotten you so upset? Surely it is not that serious?"
"You may read the letter, mother. I do not mind," Eloise handed the letter to her mother who accepted the note with a kind smile.
Violet Bridgerton read the letter and Eloise noticed that her mother's kind countenance turned cold. Her mother frowned as her grip on the letter tightened. When she was done reading, she said, "you may stay with Colin and Penelope for a week if they agree. I shall send forth a carriage - "
"I can leave now, mother. I can ride their carriage," she suggested instead.
"Yes, that should work. I shall come to visit you all tomorrow. After I confront Portia Featherington! That vile woman! How dare she treat my daughter that way?" Violet said with venom.
"What did that stupid woman do now?" Lady Danbury asked sternly.
"She's been forcing Penelope to starve herself before the wedding and God knows how long this has been going on," Violet sighed sadly.
"That vile woman! How she could ever call herself a mother is beyond me," Lady Danbury tapped her cane on the ground in fury.
"Dearest, do you know what happened to Penelope's puppy?"
"Milo has been gone for three years, mother. If Penelope still thinks the dog is alive, then she's worse than could be," Eloise informed her mother.
"I see… Well then, I'll ask Kate to help find a new puppy for your new sister. Run along now and have a maid help you get some things enough for a week's stay," her mother kissed her forehead before handing her letter back.
Eloise curtsied to her mother and Lady Danbury who only nodded in acknowledgment as they plotted on how they would be confronting Penelope's cruel mother. She quickly sought her maid's help so she could get ready for her visit. An hour later, she bid her mother farewell and rode the carriage bound for Colin and Penelope's home.
Colin was startled when he heard frantic knocking on the door of their chamber. He was reading Penelope's poems, making sure that his wife was perfectly comfortable in her slumber, that he didn't notice he had fallen asleep with his head pressed against their mattress while he sat on the floor. He quickly grabbed the journal and Penelope's letters from Marina and hurriedly hid them inside a drawer on their nightstand.
He was still a bit groggy but he stood from his position on the floor and he walked to the door. When he turned the knob, he was startled to find Eloise, her countenance in distress and worry.
"Colin! Is Pen alright?"
"El! I'm so happy to see you," he quickly hugged his sister who only clapped him on the back. He let her go since he was certain she was desperate to be with her best friend.
"Oh, Pen!" he heard Eloise whisper with sadness as she carefully sat on the mattress watching her friend sleep.
"Has she awakened, Col? What happened?"
"She regained her bearings a little when I was forced to give her an ice-cold bath just so her temperature could be lowered. She was frantically shaking, El, she was in delirium - I thought, I thought she would not make it… But then, I remembered Fran also convulsing due to high fever years ago," Colin was still shaken by all that had happened. It seemed like a lifetime ago when in reality, today was just their first full day as husband and wife.
"I'm so sorry, Colin," Eloise said sympathetically.
"It's not your fault, El," Colin gently reached for Penelope's hand and he raised it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles.
"You're in love with her, aren't you?" Eloise asked but her voice held certainty.
Colin chuckled mirthlessly. "Isn't it obvious?"
"How long have you been in love with her?" Eloise inquired gently.
"I don't know. I just realized it today, or maybe it was last night… I guess I was already in the middle so I couldn't pinpoint where it started… I always liked Pen. She was like a little beacon of sunshine to me... But then, I received your letters saying that she needed my help. She needed to be rescued… On my way back to London, when I was in Prussia, all I could think about was saving Penelope. And so I did… But then, I come back and find out that she doesn't need to be saved. She could have saved herself… She's so wonderful and so selfless and she's so beautiful and I was lost. I just know that if I do end up losing her, I would never survive it… So please, El, please. Tell me all that you know about Pen's troubles… Tell me everything. No matter how vile and horrid, I need to know. I need to know how I can help understand and save the love of my life," he didn't care if he sounded like a desperate man begging for a lifeline. This was for Penelope and he could never lose her.
"Penelope will make it, Col. She had made it before, without someone like you who loves her so purely… She will make it even more so now. She has you, and me, and frankly, the entire Bridgerton clan. Besides, even Lady Danbury wants to whip Portia Featherington with her trusty old cane," Eloise said reassuringly.
"Lady Danbury?" Colin was surprised. The old countess was very strict and stern. Honestly, he never thought Lady D could like anyone that's not her beloved Simon Basset.
"Lady D likes Pen. She's supposed to find Pen a husband too since you know, she also knows about the lecherous duke… But I guess, her distant cousin's son is not able to return to London in time," Eloise shrugged and Colin frowned.
"That's not so comforting to hear, El," he said grumpily.
"Oh, Col. It's just a thought. We were all desperate to get Pen away from that vile man… I actually just followed Lady D's idea. I heard her muttering to mother that she would find someone for Pen just so she won't have to marry the duke… And so, I asked Anthony for your help," Eloise grinned.
"Good god! Just how many more admirers are there?" he grumbled.
"What are you talking about?" El's nosiness was shining through again.
"Let's just say I met one of Penelope's admirers today and he was serious."
"And?"
"I'm afraid that is all I can say on the matter, El. I'm sorry," he said sheepishly and his sister could only roll her eyes.
"Colin…"
"Yes?"
"Are the purple marks on Penelope's skin an indication of her illness?" Eloise's eyes were focused on the still obvious love bites he gave Penelope last night.
"Er, not exactly," he felt his cheeks tinge pink. Here I thought the conversation with the doctor was embarrassing! This is bloody worse!
"So where are these from then? They are quite a lot and are very purple," she pointed to the marks on Pen's arm and collarbone.
"It's my fault," he mumbled.
"What?!" Eloise was aghast and then she gave him her fiercest glare.
"It was the heat of the moment," he murmured.
"Colin! Penelope is not food!" Eloise hit his arm.
"I won't be this bad next time!" he promised. She tasted better than food though, the rakish side of him smirked but since Eloise was glaring at him, he feigned sheepishness.
"Penelope has a lot to cope with you as her husband," Eloise rolled her eyes.
"Oi!" he couldn't help but feel affronted.
"Your voracious appetite seems to er, not only just be about food but also Pen herself… It's disturbing. Like what do you do? Make a meal out of Pen?" El huffed and Colin couldn't help but blush.
"It's not like that," he mumbled but his sarcastic brain said, but it is like that.
"Whatever! I don't want to know what it is that you do," El said with disgust, "It's still odd to think my little Penelope will be making babies with you," she snorted.
"I'm not that bad!" he defended himself.
"Sure," she rolled her eyes and Colin blew a raspberry at his sister. They chuckled for a bit, thankful for their respite from all the worry and fear.
"Mama! Please!" their chuckles were interrupted by Penelope's anguished whimpers. Both Bridgertons' eyes were immediately drawn to the one person they care so much about. It broke the siblings' hearts to see their beloved Penelope in such pain. Her chubby face, despite being in her slumber, clearly portrayed her grief.
"My love, it's okay, you're alright," Colin whispered gently as he comfortingly rubbed his fingers along his wife's arm.
Eloise caught Penelope's hand that was busy trying to pry something away and held it in her own. "Pen, please wake up. We're here for you," it pained her to see her best friend like this.
"I'll spit it out, mama! I swear I will! Just don't hurt him!" Penelope's voice was even more frantic this time as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Out of desperation, Eloise tried to do something. She lay in the space beside Penelope and wrapped her arms around her ailing friend who seemed to be prying someone away.
"Please, Pen. Wake up," Colin continued to run his fingers along Penelope's arm, reassuring his wife that she wasn't alone.
"No! Milo!" The siblings were startled as Penelope suddenly sat on the bed and her eyes opened.
"Pen!" Colin and Eloise chorused.
"He's gone! My baby's gone," Penelope bent her knees, wrapped her arms around it, and plonked her face to her folded arms as she cried.
Colin looked at Eloise who nodded solemnly.
"You'll be okay, Pen," Eloise rubbed Penelope's back and the plump girl sobbed to her knees.
"Why did she have to send Milo away? He's the only one who loved me at home," Pen sniffed.
"It's been three years, Pen… Milo's been gone that long," Eloise sighed sadly.
"I don't like being sick. It brings it all back… The horrors, the anguish," Pen was shaking her head against her knees. Colin could do nothing except to wrap his arms around his wife. She stiffened at the contact but sensing his friendly and warm presence, she leaned against his chest.
"That's why you need to get better, darling. You need to be strong for us… We can't lose you," Colin said before pressing his lips to his wife's messy curls.
"Col's right, Pen. You need to hang on, okay? You're away from your mother. You're a Bridgerton now. And we Bridgertons, we stick together," Eloise's voice was laced with optimism.
"I'm sorry," Penelope murmured, her face still pressed to her knees.
"No, love. There's no need to be sorry," Colin said reassuringly.
"I'm such a bother. I promise I'll do better," Pen added. Eloise's heart broke as she listened to her friend blame herself all over again. She always knew Penelope was not Portia Featherington's favorite daughter, but she never knew it was this bad.
"You will never be a bother, my love," Colin said earnestly.
"Col?" Penelope finally looked up.
"Yes, darling?" It broke Colin's heart to see the tears in Penelope's eyes. But what hurt even more, was the insecurity and the fear in her beautiful blue orbs. It was as if she was scared that he would abandon her or hurt her.
"I'm hungry… If it's not a bother - "
"It's not a bother, my love. I am but your servant… However, the doctor said you couldn't eat solid food yet. I do have those prepared by your maid though," he pointed to the special brew her maid prepared.
Penelope eyed the teapot with mistrust. "What is in there?" she eyed him dubiously.
"Well I'm not sure but it is good for you," Colin smiled encouragingly.
"Fine," she pouted like a little girl.
Eloise stood from her side of the bed as she poured Penelope a cup of the brew. Even under the candlelight, Eloise winced at the goop-like texture and the dark brown color of the brew. Thinking that it would be hard to down all this with one gulp, she picked up a teaspoon as well.
"Here you go!" Eloise tried her best to sound excited as she handed the cup to Colin.
When Colin looked down at the disgusting contents in the cup, he winced but he quickly hid his revulsion as he scooped some of it in the teaspoon. With a cheeky grin, he turned to Penelope, "open up, baby girl!"
"That looks disgusting!" Penelope pulled a face and Eloise chuckled.
"Eat up, young lady!" Colin said sternly but his eyes sparkled with mirth. Eloise smiled at the thought that with Penelope now coherent, despite still being ill, Colin's chaotic energy was back on.
"I won't!" Pen whined.
"Aww! Come on, Pen… I promise to buy your favorite chocolates if you eat that thing," Eloise cajoled.
Penelope tilted her chin as if thinking. "The entire box?" the plump girl negotiated.
"I'll make it two boxes if you stop complaining," she winked and Penelope snorted.
"Fine," Pen grumbled.
"Say ah baby girl!" Colin said teasingly.
"I'm not a child," Penelope huffed.
"Until you get better, you're my baby," Colin winked.
"And mine too," Eloise added.
"You're overreacting! I am used to getting sick when my mother forced me on hunger strikes. It's no big deal," Penelope huffed but the Bridgerton siblings' blood turned cold. That statement just confirmed their suspicions. Portia Featherington forced Penelope to go hungry at times, the wedding was clearly not the first instance she did so.
Colin and Eloise exchanged a meaningful look as if to say, that bitch will pay! Nodding to one another, Colin turned to his wife once again.
"To sweeten El's deal, I'll buy you ten new books if you eat this thing without complaint," he negotiated.
"Okay," Penelope nodded, and then she opened her mouth.
Colin fed her and to Penelope's credit, she didn't make complaints anymore.
"Chocolates and books. Penelope's weakness," Eloise grinned and Colin chuckled.
"Those books better be good. That was vile!" Penelope snorted and the siblings laughed. They could laugh now. Penelope would be alright.
Since Colin already memorized the list of instructions the doctor gave out, he knew it was time to change Penelope's bandage. There was also some sort of salve to rub on her stomach. Before Penelope would fall asleep once again, he had to get her sorted out.
"Pen?"
"Hmmm?"
"We still need to change your bandage and there's some salve for your belly," he informed her.
"I can do it myself," Penelope shrugged.
"You must certainly will not!" Eloise insisted.
"I'm used to taking care of myself," Penelope mumbled.
"I know, darling. But you don't have to be so strong every single time. You need our help and we are happy to be here for you," Colin reassured her.
"I'll sort out the bandage, you do the salve," Eloise ordered Colin who nodded eagerly.
"You don't need to do this but thank you," Penelope said shyly.
"Pen, as a new Bridgerton you certainly are not used to our clinginess yet… So, here's a tip. Bridgertons are a nosy lot. If it concerns a fellow Bridgerton, we stick our noses in it… Besides, you married Colin and he's the most obsessive of our lot. Just look at his relationship with food, and you can tell… So, you best start getting used to our obsessive caring from now on," Eloise was half-joking and half-serious.
"Oh... sorry."
Eloise was about to start with her bandages but Penelope said, "you best start with the salve for my stomach. It works better that way."
"How did you know that?" Colin inquired.
"I read it in some medical book. I had to tend to myself when I was ill so I did some research beforehand. Just the simple things, mind you. I am not a doctor after all. I do remember however that internal pains should be addressed first before the external ones," Penelope shrugged.
"It's scary how smart you are sometimes, Pen," El teased.
"Like you aren't, Ms. Bridgerton," she retorted.
"Ah, but I only read about politics and philosophy. You, Mrs. Bridgerton, read about everything," El chuckled.
"It's my escape. Books," Pen said bashfully.
"Oh, Pen! If you were a man, you would be a god among us for your brilliance," Colin could only stare at his wife with admiration.
"Maybe if I were a man, my Mama would love me," Penelope said sadly.
"Perhaps, but then who will I marry?" Colin said cheekily.
"Someone beautiful," Pen shrugged and it tugged at Colin's heartstrings.
"If you were a man, Pen, I would be all over you. I'd be wooing you for sure," Eloise attempted a joke since the mood was suddenly tense.
"Sure you would. I think I would be a catch if I were a man… Unfair that I'm born a lady really. I would have been great at university, I think." Penelope's voice held a certain bitterness and Colin was even more sympathetic to the plight of young ladies.
"Right on, sister!" Eloise readily agreed.
"Well, I'm rather pleased you are not a man," Colin muttered.
"Of course, you are," Eloise snorted.
"Well then, wife, kindly lift your nightgown a little so I could rub this on your stomach," Colin playfully shook the container in front of her face.
Eloise turned around to give the couple some privacy. It still bothered her a little that Penelope and Colin would be doing whatever it was that couples do so they could have babies; but they did seem to be happy together. Well, they could be, if Penelope only opened her eyes to the very obvious fact that her husband was hopelessly in love with her.
When Penelope started giggling, Eloise's curiosity was piqued. Surely Colin wouldn't be flirting with Penelope at a time like this. Her sister was ill for god's sake!
"Stop! I'll do it," Penelope giggled even more as she pried Colin's hand away.
"Oh… Mrs. Bridgerton! You are ticklish right there," Colin chuckled and Eloise rolled her eyes.
"If you both would just hurry along, this is really a little awkward for me," she snorted.
"I'll do it, Col. Sorry, really ticklish," Penelope muttered as she grabbed the bottle of salve. Colin watched his wife coat her belly with the salve as if making sure that she had not missed any spot.
"Salve done, bandage next," Colin took the bottle from his wife's hand and helped her lower her nightgown once again. Eloise smiled to herself. They did make a rather adorable pair.
"Alright, Pen. Let's see what's the damage here shall we?" she grinned at their patient who smiled shyly as she gently removed the bandage.
"Oh my! Where did you bump your head?" she was aghast.
"Just in here," Penelope muttered.
"You have to be careful, Pen. We can't have Colin losing his wife so soon," she joked.
"El!" Colin admonished.
"I'm sorry," Penelope apologized again.
"Really, Pen. We are so worried about you," Eloise gently applied some medicine on the bump after wiping it with a clean cloth.
"I'm - "
"No more apologies, Pen. Just get better, please, for us… For me," Colin pleaded.
"I promise," Penelope gave them a shy smile.
"All done!" Eloise said happily as she eyed her handiwork on the bandage.
"Is there anything else you need, Pen? Water? More pillows? Anything?" Colin fussed.
"I'll be fine, thanks. I feel rather sleepy again though," Penelope said sheepishly.
"Of course," Colin helped his wife take space on their bed and made sure she was comfortable.
"Get better for me, Pen," Colin kissed his wife's knuckles.
"Thanks, Col. Thanks, El," she whispered before closing her eyes. Since she was still suffering from a slight fever, she easily succumbed to sleep.
"We should let her rest. We can talk outside this room. In case she needs anything, I can be there for her," Colin turned to his sister.
"Of course," Eloise nodded and the siblings stepped out of the room.
As soon as they were outside, the siblings squatted on the floor, not caring if it was an improper thing to do for the people of their station. Eloise started the conversation with, "I am so sorry, brother. I never knew Portia treated Penelope so severely… If I only knew, I could have, I would have, maybe she - " she wasn't able to finish since tears started rolling down her cheeks.
"Oh, El! It is not your fault!" Colin exclaimed as he held his sister's hand in comfort.
"I always had a gut feeling that Penelope had it worse, but I guess, I was just too naive… Too optimistic that the world is not that cruel. I mean, she is Pen's mother for heaven's sake! How could she do that to poor Pen?" Eloise sniffed.
"Are you aware that Portia's been starving her?" Colin inquired gently.
"Penelope had a sudden weight drop when she returned for her second season and my first. I inquired about it and she only shrugged it off saying her mama made her eat smaller portions… And so, if she visits our home, I would sneak in treats for her. Chocolates and pastries, things she liked… There was however an instance, some three years ago on Pen's birthday, that Kate and I gifted her with a box of her favorite chocolates. She was so happy that day since her family prepared nothing for her… Anyway, the day after that, Pen came crying to me. She said her puppy was dead… Do not you think that Portia took the puppy away as punishment for the chocolates?" Eloise's story ended with her lament. Her eyes widened in horror at the thought of their present bringing Penelope grief.
"Only Penelope will be able to answer that, El… My goodness! If I only knew… If I only knew she suffered this long, I would have married her years ago just to take her away from that horrid place," Colin was struggling with his guilt once more.
"Oh, Colin! It's not your fault!"
"I hate her mother. How could she ever do that to Penelope?" Colin angrily wiped his tears away.
"I guess we can only do two things for our dearest Pen," Eloise squeezed her brother's hand in support.
"And what are they, pray tell?"
"One, we love Pen every day. Make her feel she has a family that genuinely cares for her now. And two, we could always confront Portia, although I'm sure mother would be doing that tomorrow with Lady Danbury and Anthony," Eloise had a sinister grin on her face as she thought about her mother confronting Portia Featherington.
"We can do that, indeed. Although I still want to confront Portia for what she did to my wife! She could have been ill to the point that it would lead to her death, El! I wouldn't… I couldn't survive that," Colin tightened his fist angrily.
"We'll challenge that bitch in a duel, then. I'll be your second," she tried to lighten the mood.
"Penelope would never allow it though. She loves her mother despite everything," Colin grumbled.
"I know. She's such a pure soul that I cannot understand how someone so kind could ever come from Portia," Eloise sighed sadly.
"You best sleep in the guest quarters, sister. I'll watch over Pen," Colin smiled at Eloise.
"I want to be there for her, Col!" she insisted.
"You can watch over her tomorrow," he countered.
"Fine," Eloise huffed.
"You will need the energy to handle the other Bridgertons who would be fussing over Pen," Colin said knowingly. He knew his family would come crashing down on their home tomorrow.
"You too need rest, brother."
"Oh, I will. Do not worry about me."
"They may be bringing a new puppy for Pen tomorrow. Mother had this plan to ask Kate for help to find a new pet for Pen," she informed him.
"I'm sure it will make Pen happy," Colin smiled as he held out his hand which Eloise grudgingly took. She knew that Colin would insist that she get some rest in one of their guest bedrooms.
"Here you are, El. Do not hesitate to call a maid if you need anything. I shall see you tomorrow," Colin gestured to the door in front of them.
"Alright. I shall see you and Pen tomorrow," Eloise opened the door.
"Good night, El. Thanks for coming," Colin smiled in gratefulness.
"Anything for Pen," Eloise smiled back before closing her door. Despite not being a religious person, she said her prayers that night. She prayed for Penelope to get well and for Colin to have the strength to support his wife.
Portia Featherington was startled when there was some loud knocking outside her bedchamber. As far as she was concerned, it was rather early for any callers. Thinking it was an emergency, she groggily got out of bed and hurriedly wore her robe over her nightgown. Whatever this was, it's highly apparent that it needed her attention.
Opening her door, she noticed the worried countenance on the new Lord Featherington's face. She expected a servant, but this, their new head of house clearly in disarray made her feel bothered and severely worried. What in the world could have happened?
"My lord, what is the matter? 'Tis such an early hour," she feigned calmness but deep inside she was worried. She had never seen the man acting like this.
"Viscount and Viscountess Bridgeton, Dowager Lady Bridgerton, and Lady Danbury require an audience with you. At once… I have no clue what it is about but I am certain it is urgent and they do not look happy," the new lord replied.
"I see," she said thoughtfully but deep inside she was seething. She knew who to blame for this. Penelope! That stupid girl! What has she done now? She so wanted to wring that idiot of a girl's neck that she swore she would the next time she saw her.
She hastened her footsteps as she followed the lord to their drawing-room. And indeed, there they were. The Bridgertons and the stern Lady Danbury with her trusty cane. Portia gulped in fear. She had a feeling that this was a hostile visit.
She forced herself to look stoic and confident as she curtsied to the formidable foursome. These four, especially Lady Danbury and Lord Bridgerton, could break her very fragile reputation in the ton. So, she must tread carefully.
"Should I leave you be, for privacy?" Lord Featherington broke the ice.
"It is up to Portia if she wants your presence here," Lady Danbury replied, barely civil.
"Portia, I am off to my study since I have, er, some business to attend to," the cowardly lord left her alone to face some of the most influential members of the ton.
"While I confess this is but a surprise, it is a pleasure all the same. What can I do for you all?" She tried to adopt a friendly countenance.
"What did you do to my daughter?" Violet Bridgerton's voice was so cold as her eyes threw daggers in her direction.
"Pardon me, Violet, but I do not understand. I am not well acquainted with your daughters to - "
"Penelope is ill! And it's all because of you! You were starving her in preparation for her wedding! And now, instead of starting their life of bliss together, Colin is worried and living in dire fear for the health of his beloved wife," Violet interrupted.
"Oh, Violet! I am sure Penelope is just being dramatic. That stupid girl - "
"You bitch! You do not deserve to be a mother!" Viscountess Bridgerton interrupted.
"I beg your pardon - "
"Quiet down, Portia! We're not buying your excuses. What have you done to Penelope Bridgerton ?" Lady Danbury angrily stomped her cane on the carpeted floor.
"That girl is just exaggerating - "
"Colin would not write a letter to Eloise asking for our sister's help if the situation is not dire. It is but a day after their wedding night for goodness sake! So, it is really a troubling matter for Colin to be so distraught… This is your last chance, Portia. What did you do to Penelope?" This time it was Anthony Bridgerton looking like the powerful viscount that he was known to be.
"The girl is too fat. She needed to lose some weight in time for the wedding. So, I didn't allow her to eat anything except a few bites whenever she's in your presence. Surely it is no big deal. She's been doing that ever since her second season. Truly - "
"How dare you force Penelope to stop eating! She could die!" Violet Bridgerton stepped forward with a menacing look on her face. So, Portia stepped back in self-preservation.
"It's just the old trick of just consuming water. Surely - "
"Are you insane? Hunger can lead to death if it goes on for a long time!" the viscount snarled.
"I've been doing it to Penelope for years and she's still alive. Besides, the girl is too - " she didn't finish her sentence since Violet Bridgerton slapped her on the face.
"How dare you - "
"I dare! I dare because I love Penelope as a daughter! It's you! How dare you treat your daughter so horribly!" Violet wanted to slap her again but the viscountess wrapped her arms around her mother-in-law's waist.
"What else have you done to Penelope, you bitch!" Lady Danbury demanded as she raised her cane in the air.
"I force her to throw up her food sometimes. The girl eats - "
"Portia, I forbid you from seeing Penelope ever again! You are only to see her if she comes to you first. If not, then you shall cease all contact. Lord knows how much damage you have caused through the years. You shall never see your grandchildren if Penelope doesn't want to see you. If you break this demand, we will end you," Violet threatened.
"Excuse me but who gave you the right - "
"I have been secretly helping the Featheringtons with financial matters especially in bridging business deals. I have been doing this for Penelope's sake. I always believed she was a part of our family long before her marriage to Colin. If you disobey my mother's demand, I shall stop my support for your business dealings. Trust me, Portia, I can leave you destitute if I so want," Anthony seconded.
"I shall inform Queen Charlotte of your horrid behavior! You are certainly the worst mother in the ton, maybe even of all England!" Lady Danbury added.
"Also, what have you done to Penelope's dog? What happened to the poor puppy? You've made Penelope suffer and you parted her from her beloved pet? How could you?" Viscountess Bridgerton was shaking with rage and her husband wrapped his arms around her waist.
"The dog was a pest. Penelope would keep eating at Bridgerton house and she needed to attract a husband. So, I used the dog to force her to throw up whatever she had eaten… One day, I found a box of chocolates hidden in her room and that's the last straw. I threw the dog out, sold it to some breeder - "
"You vile cruel bitch! Hell has a special place for horrid mothers like you!" Lady Danbury stomped her cane in fury.
"Where is this breeder?!" the viscountess demanded.
"I don't know - "
"You better give us a clue or you'll regret it!" The viscount supported his wife.
"Alright! Alright! I'll give you an address," she acquiesced.
"Maybe we can purchase a puppy that looks like Pen's beloved, my sweet?" the viscount said to his wife who nodded.
"Yes, darling, I do briefly recall how her beloved pup looks like. Pen's dog used to go on playdates with Newton, do you remember?" the viscountess sighed sadly.
"You better get us that address before we leave," Violet snarled and Portia could only nod meekly.
"Portia, I only have one question left, why do you hate your youngest daughter? You are not horrid to your first two - " Lady Danbury's question was interrupted by a sarcastic laugh from the horrid woman.
"How can I not ? Penelope is a symbol of everything wrong in my world!" Portia said with venom.
Violet was about to slap her again but her son stopped her. "She's not worth it, mother," the viscount said respectfully while glaring at the would have been recipient of the slap.
"Penelope looks like Anne, my dead younger sister! The Diamond of the First Water! The most beloved of my husband!" she spat as her eyes darkened in bitterness and anger.
"Anne DeWitt Bukater! How could I have forgotten? No wonder Penelope is so familiar," Lady Danbury was stunned.
"Who's Anne?" Viscountess Bridgerton asked.
"Indeed… I remember now. When I was a young girl, during my sisters' London seasons, there was a beautiful debutante, Anne DeWitt Bukater. She was popular even as a child for her prodigious talent in music. And so, during her seasons, she was the diamond. A diamond like no other… but then she had fallen ill and she died," Violet Bridgerton recalled.
"So it is jealousy? You are jealous of your sister and you're taking it out on Penelope?" the viscountess said with disbelief.
"Everyone liked Anne. Everyone praised Anne. No one saw me. And then, when she died, Archibald Featherington, her fiance, married me a year after his mourning saying that his beloved Anne would want me to be cared for… How would you feel if you were a mere substitute for your perfect little sister?"
"That is no excuse! Penelope is your daughter!" Lady Danbury yelled.
"Penelope is supposed to be a son! But no! She had to come out of my womb with Anne's eyes, with Anne's face... At first, I thought it was a good thing. At least I could marry her off to a duke or a lord, but no! The silly girl just had to be a short and fat version of Anne. Penelope is a mockery of what my sister could have been! If Penelope were a boy, she could have used her smarts to make this family more money! But no! She just had to be a silly chit who was too smart for her own good - "
"I heard enough! You are never welcome in any of the Bridgerton households. And that of the Hastings'. Simon and Daphne adore Penelope since their children like learning from her," Violet proclaimed.
"You are not welcome in any property of mine either! I hate vile jealous women who take it out on the innocent," Lady Danbury added.
"You better pray that Lady Whistledown won't hear of this horrid behavior of yours. For certainly, you will be ruined, especially in the business space," Anthony added.
"We have heard enough. If you hurry along with the breeder's address, we should be off to visit Penelope… She has real family who cares for her now," the viscountess said menacingly.
"If you wait for a few minutes, I shall write the address - "
"You better not lie about this address, Portia!" Violet hissed.
"I wouldn't dream of it," she retorted sarcastically as she took a seat and grabbed a parchment. She hurriedly wrote all the details she could recall and the viscount took it with a nod. With deadly glares, the fearsome four left the drawing-room.
"I love you, Pen. You have to get well for me, alright?" Colin whispered to a sleeping Penelope as he watched her steady breathing, the rise and fall of her chest a symbol that she would be alright. She truly was very beautiful. She was not a fashionable beauty, someone who caught your attention at once. Instead, her beauty was timeless and ethereal. Her face had an angelic quality that grows on you. A beauty that once you have noticed, you would never tire of. He had this wistful daydream of having a daughter who was a little Penelope, a daughter who takes after her mother's beauty, heart, and talents. You can't leave me, Pen. I have been lost and adrift for years, needing my anchor. I just found you… So, please. Stay with me. I can't be lost again now that I have found you.
His peaceful observation of his wife was halted when he heard a knock on the door.
"I'll be back, my love," he pressed his lips to her forehead as he gently got out of bed. When he opened the door, it was Eloise.
"What is the matter, El?" he inquired quietly, afraid to disturb Penelope's slumber.
"It's our family being Bridgertons once again," Eloise rolled her eyes and he sighed.
"Who is here?"
"Mother, Anthony, Kate, Ben, Sophie, Daphne, Simon, Hyacinth, and Lady Danbury."
"Good lord!" Colin looked to the heavens. He loved his family really but they could be too much most of the time.
A/N:
I'm really sorry about the mentions of parental abuse here, especially with the way Portia described how she got rid of Milo and the enforced bulimia.
If you were triggered by the mention of bulimia, I am sorry. I am in a way trying to convey a message here that there are dire consequences when one goes about weight loss initiatives done all wrong. When I was young I was often in the hospital for many things. Anyway, I remembered a teenage girl, she was in coma because she starved herself to lose weight. Long story short, she died because of it. So, to all the ladies and gents out here, please do not go to the extremes just to lose weight. Consult a doctor and don't do it on your own. Lastly, please be confident and love yourself in your own skin.
Hooh! What a chapter! Anyway, what are your thoughts? Is it a Yay or Nay? Let me know.