Thanks to all that are reading, reviewing and commenting on this fic. It is much appreciated.

Chapter 12

Colin was sitting at his desk in front parlour, quill in hand. He had been desperately trying to find the words that he wanted to say to Penelope. Their last meeting was not how he wanted to end their friendship; and with Lady Whistledown now in the open, he also wanted to ensure she was okay.

There was a gentle tap at the door. "Banks, I am working…I do not want to be distracted." He called to his butler.

"Sir, there is a visitor I think you would like to talk to." Banks replied.

Colin groaned as he stood up; he was never going to get this letter wrote. "Fine Banks, send them in." He called. His eyes widened as the visitor walked through the door, her green dress complimenting her red hair and blue eyes perfectly. "Pen!"

"Do not worry Mr Bridgerton, I will keep my hands to myself." She replied, with an apologetic smile. She was clutching a package wrapped in brown paper. "I am sorry for the slap."

"I deserved much worse." Colin replied. "I am sorry that I made you hate me."

"I do not think I could ever really hate you; I was hurt that you had lied but I realise now your intentions were good." Penelope stated. She handed over the package. "I um…I just wanted to leave you with this."

"What is it?" Colin asked, already beginning to unwrap the package. His eyes widened as he revealed the contents; it was a manuscript of his journal from Greece.

"I hope you do not mind but I gave your journal to my publisher." Penelope replied. "Their card is attached…they were very impressed and would like to publish it."

"Are you serious?" Colin asked, his eyes practically dancing with excitement.

"You could to be a published writer…with an editor and everything…if that is what you want?" Penelope replied.

"Oh my Pen…of course I would want that!" He exclaimed happily, about to embrace her in a hug but then changed his mind. He cleared his throat. "Please sit down."

Penelope nodded and took her usual seat, her eyes spotting the old Lady Whistledown columns spread out over the coffee table. She looked up at Colin, her eyes questioning him.

He scratched his head, a slight blush spreading across his cheeks. "Eloise let me borrow her copies of Lady Whistledown." Colin explained. "I now understand why you could not let Miss Cowper take the credit. Pen, those columns…they are superb…you are a real talent."

"For a gossip writer." Penelope added.

"No…as a writer." Colin corrected. "Pen, you were not just reporting gossip, at times you were making observations on our society and you were spot on…you are so much more than a writer of goss…"

Colin did not have a chance to finish his sentence. Penelope practically leaped onto his lap and pressed her lips against his, her hands cupping his face. At first Colin was surprised but he quickly responded, wrapping his arms around her waist, securing Penelope on his lap.

The kiss was soft and gentle to begin with, before growing more passionate as the seconds passed; their tongues exploring each other's mouths until Penelope finally pulled away, panting; her eyes taking in Colin's swollen lips and dazed expression.

"I am sorry…I should not have done that." She apologised but did not remove herself from his lap. "I just…I needed to hear those words…for my work to be recognised."

Colin leaned forward, resting his forehead against Penelope's. "I have been sitting here for days, trying to find the words to put in a letter for you." He whispered, his breath breezing across Penelope's lips. "You are the last person in the world I want to hurt but I keep hurting you and I do not know how to make it better."

"Maybe there is no remedy to make it better." Penelope softly stated, her fingers gently playing with the curls on the nape of Colin's neck. "Our friendship has never played by the rules of society…maybe this is just us?"

"I only want the best for you Pen." Colin sighed.

"And I for you Colin." Penelope replied. There was silence. She stood up, forcing Colin to reluctantly let her go. "I need to go."

Colin nodded. "Thank you for the manuscript."

"Contact the publisher Colin…do not let your talent go to waste." Penelope said.

"I hope you take your own advice." Colin shot back. "Lady Whistledown may be retired but it does not mean Penelope Featherington has to retire as well."

Penelope gave a small smile and left Colin behind, knowing if she stopped, she might find it too hard to leave.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Penelope was sitting in her front parlour, reading her book. She was waiting for Mr Dankworth to call. She had sent a message to his home, requesting his attendance. Her mother was sitting in the corner, staring at her, desperately trying to guess what her daughter was planning on doing.

Mrs Varley opened the door and ushered Mr Dankworth in. "Mr Duckworth, delighted to see you here again." Portia Featherington said, standing up.

"Delighted to be here Lady Featherington." Mr Duckworth replied, glancing over Penelope.

Penelope sat down her book and nodded for her mother to exit the room. Portia was reluctant to leave but she slowly began to exit. "Well hopefully we will see you here much more often." She told Mr Duckworth with a smile, before glaring at her daughter, pleading with to do the smart thing before closing the door.

"I am so sorry about my mother." Penelope stated, as she tapped the sofa, signalling for Harry to sit down beside her. "She is a typical 'Ton mother."

"My aunt is exactly the same." Harry replied, sitting down beside Penelope. "Penelope, I received your message…does this mean you have an answer for me?"

Penelope took a deep breath and smiled. This was going to be much harder than she thought; he was so handsome and sweet. "I have Harry." She said, taking hold of his hand.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

"Penelope Featherington!" Portia Featherington squealed as she entered the front parlour, quickly followed by Prudence to find Penelope sitting on the sofa, book in hand. "Why have I just witnessed Mr Dankworth storm out of our home?"

"I guess he did not want to stay for tea after I refused his offer of marriage." Penelope replied, keeping her eyes on her book.

"Oh my Penelope!" Prudence laughed. "Well played!"

"Excuse me!" Portia cried, rubbing her head as if she was getting a headache while she paced the room. "What has gotten into you Penelope? First, we discover that you are Lady Whistledown and then you refuse the most handsome man ever, who will soon be Lord to a £10,000 per year estate."

"I tell you what has happened Penelope…she just got interesting!" Prudence stated.

Penelope had to stifle her laughter behind her book while Portia glared at her oldest daughter. Portia sat herself beside Penelope and tried to soften her voice. "Dear, I just want to understand why?"

Penelope looked at her mother. "Mother, I just did not love him." Penelope replied.

"What has love got to do with marriage?" Portia exclaimed, jumping up and beginning to pace again.

"Mother, it would not be fair to Harry…we wanted a different life." Penelope said.

"I wanted a different life but look what happened?" Portia retorted. "We cannot always get what we want!"

"Well mother I am not ready to give up on getting what I want just yet…I am barely 20." Penelope shot back.

"Penelope…you will be the ruin of us!" Portia exclaimed.

"If our gambler of a father and our scam artist cousin have not ruined us, I do not think me staying single for another season will ruin us!" Penelope retorted.

"Prue, I need to lie down…your sister has destroyed my nerves…talk some sense into her." Portia Featherington barked before storming out of the room.

"Prudence, I had to do what was right for me…you will not change…" Penelope began her argument but was stopped mid-sentence as her sister embraced her in a hug, taking her be surprise.

"I am proud of you Penelope." Prudence said.

"Really?" Penelope asked, shocked as her sister stepped back out of the embrace.

"Of course!" Prudence replied. "You are Lady Whistledown and you just rejected one of the most eligible bachelors of the season. Next season, you will surely be the diamond and I can have your cast offs!"

Penelope forced a smile; wondering how she was part of the family. "Sounds like a plan Prue!" Penelope muttered sarcastically.

"I know…and it will be epic!" Prudence excitedly exclaimed.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Eloise and Penelope sat in a carriage, making their way to Lord and Lady Keating's ball. "Eloise, thank you for travelling to the ball with me." Penelope said. "Mama refused to go and would not let Prudence attend either…she is sure I am going to bring huge shame to the family and maybe she is right."

Eloise reached over and took her best friend's hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. "Penelope, you have done nothing shameful…you have been extremely brave." Eloise stated.

"The town will not be happy with what I have written about them over the years." Penelope said. She looked at Eloise. "You were furious with me…with every right."

"But I got over it and the town will too…especially when they realise what joy your column brought to their dull little lives now they are no longer getting it." Eloise replied. "You have to face the town sooner or later and I think it is wise to do it sooner."

"It does not feel wise." Penelope sighed.

"Penelope, I will be there to support you, as will my family and Lady Danbury as well…and she is terrifying so I can think of no better person to have in your corner." Eloise said.

Penelope gave a small smile and was about to speak when the carriage came to an abrupt halt. "What is…" She began to question.

"Please do not tell me we are about to be robbed or worse!" Eloise exclaimed.

Penelope was about to reassure her friend that maybe there was a blockage on the road when the carriage door swung open, revealing Brimsley, the Queen's butler.

"Brimsley! What do you think you are doing?" Eloise snapped.

Brimsley rolled his eyes. "I should have known you would be involved Miss Bridgerton." He shot back. "Her majesty requires an audience with Lady Whistledown…sorry Miss Featherington now."

Penelope glanced at Eloise; her eyes wide with fear. "It is okay Penelope; I will come with you." Eloise reassured her friend, getting ready to disembark the carriage but Brimsley held up his arm, stopping her.

"The Queen has requested privacy." Brimsley stated.

"It is okay Eloise; I can do this." Penelope replied. Eloise gave her hand one last reassuring squeeze before Penelope exited the carriage and followed Brimsley towards the Royal Carriage, that was blocking the path.

She took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves as Brimsley opened the Royal Carriage. Penelope gave a curtsey. "Your majesty."

"So, you are the brains and skills behind Lady Whistledown?" The Queen stated, looking disappointed as she looked her up and down.

"Um…yes your majesty." Penelope replied, nervously.

"Well do not just look at me…get in!" The Queen barked.

Penelope jumped, a little scared but quickly climbed into the carriage, not waiting to be asked twice. The Queen signalled for her to close the carriage door so she did, keeping Brimsley out.

"You only think Lady Whistledown is a gossip…Brimsley is far worse." The Queen said and Penelope nervously smiled, wondering what was coming next.

Xoxoxoxoxoxox

Penelope and Eloise had finally arrived at Lord and Lady Keating's ball, after their slight delay with the Queen. After Penelope returned to the carriage, Eloise was full of questions and was still continuing with the questions as they made their way up the steps towards Keating House.

"But she must have more to say about it." Eloise said. "Did she threaten to throw you in the Tower if you did not continue to write?"

"No, there were no threats implied…I think." Penelope replied. "She just emphasised that she would like me to continue writing, with her getting final say on what is published and I told her no."

"You told the Queen no?" Eloise asked, amazed.

"Well, I said it in a more loyal subject kind of way as to not offend her." Penelope replied.

"I wish I could have seen it." Eloise sighed.

"So does Brimsley." Penelope joked.

She and Eloise had been so consumed by their conversation, they had not realised that they had arrived in the ballroom until they entered and everyone stopped what they were doing to look at them.

Penelope stood frozen to the spot. She could feel Eloise give her hand a little squeeze. She felt like she was going to faint. Then she spotted Anthony Bridgerton walking towards her, clapping, applauding her; followed by Violet, Kate, Benedict and Lady Danbury.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our Lady Whistledown has graced us with her presence…Penelope Featherington everyone!" Anthony stated. The crowd slowly began to follow his lead until their applause ricocheted around the ballroom.

Penelope smiled and mouthed 'Thank you' towards Anthony and the Bridgertons; they had saved her once again but her eyes could not help but notice Colin was not with them.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Penelope was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. So many people wanted to talk to her, wanting to know how she got the inspiration and how she actually achieved what she achieved. Thankfully, she was getting a little reprieve from the questions now.

She could see Cressida Cowper sitting by herself, with everyone ignoring her. Penelope chewed her lower lip, starting to feel bad about Cressida's situation.

"Do not even think about it." Eloise stated, slipping in to stand beside her friend, her eyes following Penelope's gaze.

"But…" Penelope began.

"Penelope, she would not do the same for you." Eloise warned. "She created her own mess."

"I am sorry Eloise but I cannot sit by and do nothing." Penelope stated and walked off, towards Cressida before Eloise could stop her.

"Lord Debling not with you tonight, Miss Cowper?" Penelope asked.

"Are you trying to be funny?" Cressida snapped back. Penelope shook her head with confusion. "He called off our engagement the moment you came out as Lady Whistledown."

"I am sorry Cressida." Penelope said softly.

"No, you are not." Cressida shot back. "You have everything…Mr Dankworth, the Bridgertons' and Lady Danbury's support. Why could you not let me have Lady Whistledown?"

"Because it was a lie…and when you claimed my work, you were claiming part of me too and I could not let it stand." Penelope replied. "And if it makes you feel any better, I do not have Mr Dankworth…we are no longer courting."

"It does actually make me feel better." Cressida retorted with a small smile.

"Cressida, why did you do it?" Penelope asked.

"I made an off the cuff remark about possibly being Lady Whistledown and Lord Debling seemed so enamoured with the idea that things just snowballed." Cressida replied. "Like you, I have been out in society for 3 seasons and I have had to watch Daphne Featherington, Kate Sharma and even your sister Philippa make a match…no offence. I saw my chance and I took it…I never once thought Lady Whistledown could be you."

"Very few did…which is why it worked." Penelope stated. "And as far as Lord Debling is concerned, I personally feel like you had a lucky escape…his methods were quite peculiar. The amount of crystal he destroyed was enough for me…never mind the pet monkey."

"Penelope…the monkey sleeps in the bedroom with him…he told me so himself." Cressida added. Both of the girls started giggling. "Maybe it was a lucky escape."

"I think so." Penelope replied. "We both deserve husbands that will love us for being us."

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Cressida asked. "After everything I have done…surely you should be enjoying my suffering."

"Because I have been the girl in the corner…and I would not wish it on you." Penelope replied. "I was used to being a wallflower, it is where I learnt my Whistledown secrets…you however, would not cope with continually being ignored."

"Well, if it continues, maybe I should start my own column?" Cressida suggested.

"Or maybe you could try being a little bit nicer to the other wallflowers?" Penelope shot back.

Cressida deliberated the suggest before sighing. "I suppose so."

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Penelope stepped onto the balcony, seeking some fresh air. Thankfully, the attention on her was gradually returning to normality and so far, no one had asked about Mr Dankworth…they were too fixated on Lady Whistledown. She wondered how long it would be before they noticed Mr Dankworth was no longer at her side.

She could see something glistening in the garden; curiosity got the better of her and she walked down the steps to the garden to investigate. "Colin!" She exclaimed, surprised to find Colin, lying down in the garden, looking up at the stars, sipping on a hip flask.

"Pen!" Colin exclaimed, sitting up. "You should not be out here alone."

"Colin, after everything we have done, I think being in the garden with you is the least scandalous." Penelope replied, sitting down beside him. She took the hip flask out of his hand.

"But there is more chance of us being caught together." Colin replied, his eyes widening as he watched her take a sip from the flask. "I would not want to dent your reputation when you are engaged to Harry."

Penelope shook her head, not enjoying the taste and handed the hip flask back to Colin. "I am not engaged to Mr Dankworth…why would you think that?" Penelope asked.

"I could hear the applause from inside as I arrived." Colin replied. "I just assumed you announced your engagement."

"No…they were applauding Lady Whistledown…led by your brother Anthony, saving me from social ruin…again." Penelope replied, lying down on the grass.

"Did Harry retract his offer?" Colin asked, lying back down beside her.

"No…but I could not marry him, Colin." Penelope replied. "It was not fair. We wanted different things…he did not want me writing anymore and I do not think I am ready to give up my writing completely." She glanced at Colin. "But do not worry Colin…you are under no obligation…I am strangely at peace with being single."

"I am glad Pen." Colin replied, glancing at her. Penelope looked at him, questioning his statement. "When I heard the applause and thought you were engaged, I could not bring myself to go in and see the two of you together."

"You were the one that brought the two of us together." Penelope stated.

"At the time, I thought if I was going to lose you, my best friend, I rather lose you to a friend than some unknown man." Colin replied. "But, the more I watched you together, the more it hurt."

"Well, your best friend is going nowhere now…at least for another season." Penelope joked, her eyes looking at the stars.

Colin shifted onto his side, using his elbow and hand to support his head as he looked at Penelope. "I do love you Pen…" He softly said. Penelope looked at him and started laughing. "What? What can be so funny?"

Penelope shifted onto her side, mirroring Colin. "I am sorry Colin but all the times I dreamed of you telling me you loved me; I could never picture this scenario. You are meant to be the charming, romantic Bridgerton brother."

Colin rolled onto to his back and crossed his arms, staring up at the night sky. "Huh! Well sorry to be a disappointment." He huffed.

Penelope gave a soft laugh, leaned over and tapped his nose with her finger. "Do not be a huff."

Colin looked at her. "Well, I am sorry but you have not actually said the words to me either Penelope, at least I have said it…poorly but I said it." He shot back.

Penelope smiled and reached out, her finger tracing his lips. "You are right." She acknowledged. She leaned in and gave him a light kiss. She hovered over him, looking into his eyes; her finger pushing one of his curls back off his forehead. "I love you too Colin."

She went to roll back onto her back but Colin took hold of her and pulled her into him, wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her close. His lips crashed against hers with an eagerness and fire; his hand cupping her backside while Penelope's fingers gripped his shirt.

Reluctantly, Penelope pulled away; both her and Colin panting for their breath. "I think we should stop or we really will be causing a scandal." Penelope said.

She sat up and Colin followed. He reached out and brushed a stray curl behind her ear, his hand lingering. "Does that mean you will marry me now?" He asked.

Penelope laughed, looking at him. "That is your proposal? After the last proposal I was expecting more. I really am convinced you are not the romantic Bridgerton."

Colin leaned into her, resting his forehead against hers. "Would you rather I start courting you and then we have to wait until next season to marry?" He asked, his fingers beginning to trace her collar bone and bosom, centimetres from exposing her breast. "I mean, I can court you, woo you and deliver a proposal you are not expecting but it will be a long time before we wed…and stolen kisses will be all we have because; God forbid we give in and you become with child."

"You are playing dirty Mr Bridgerton." She sighed, her lips hovering his.

"You have no idea how dirty I can get." He replied, squeezing her bosom. "I still have a lot to teach you."

Penelope groaned and crashed her lips against his. She was never going to last another year. "Yes Colin, I will marry you." She answered, between kisses.

To be continued…if you want me to!

As always, please take the time to comment, speculate and review. It is much appreciated.