Chapter 15

Penelope's carriage pulled up outside Lord and Lady Stephen's home for the penultimate ball of the season. She took a deep breath; preparing herself for what may happen; her hand smoothing down the emerald green satin dress she chose to match her ring.

She had down played it in front of Colin but since they had announced their engagement, many of the ladies of the town were having a hard time believing Colin Bridgerton had proposed to Penelope Featherington out of love.

They were convinced Colin had proposed to her to stop her printing something damaging towards his family in Lady Whistledown. Of course, Madame Delacroix and Lady Danbury were constantly refuting the rumours as they heard them, which made Penelope even more relieved to have their friendship.

She waited for her mother and Prudence to exit the carriage before she slid over on the seat to offer her hand to the coachman to exit. Her eyes lit up and huge smile spread across her face as she saw Colin standing before her, offering his hand.

"Colin!" She gasped. "I thought I would see you inside."

"I thought we should enter together and thankfully; your mother has agreed." Colin replied as he guided Penelope out of the carriage.

Penelope looked ahead; Violet, Benedict and Eloise were already accompanying her mother and Prudence into the ball, giving the couple a few moments alone.

"Pen, you are stunning." Colin stated, bringing her gloved hand to his lips to softly kiss her knuckles; desire clearly burning in his eyes.

Penelope blushed and smoothed down her dress again, with her free hand. She had just set her hair in a simple up do. "Are you sure?" She queried. "I had to bathe and dress myself today as I woke up with some usual markings on my bosom and did not know how to explain them to my lady's maid." She raised an eyebrow towards Colin.

"I know I should apologise but you are partly to blame…" Colin retorted, causing Penelope's eyes to widen as he pulled her towards him. He leaned into her and whispered in her ear. "…your breasts should not be so wonderful or I would be able to control myself."

Penelope's blush grew stronger before playfully pushing him away. "Colin!" She giggled. "We must head in; other carriages are arriving." She began to lead him towards the Stephen's home.

"Fine but I fear I have made a mistake." Colin stated, following her.

Penelope stopped; her face dropping as she spun around him. "A mistake?" She croaked; her mind spinning. Was he regretting their engagement?

"Yes…I should have never had you in my bed." Colin replied, smiling his usual cheeky grin. "I was extremely cold and lonely after you left last night. I fear I may not sleep again until you are back in my arms in our bed."

Penelope sighed with relief. "Colin, as nice as that is to heard…please do not scare me like that again." Penelope said. "I thought for a moment you were backing out of our engagement."

"Pen!" Colin scoffed, taking hold of her free hand so he was now holding both hands; his thumbs gently massaging both. He was staring into her eyes. "I almost lost you to Dankworth; I am not going to take that chance again; I know I am lucky to have you accept my proposal…a 3rd son of a Viscount when you could have had a Lord…"

"Colin!" Penelope interjected. "This has never been about titles…or incomes. All I ever wanted was someone to return my feelings, to love and accept me for being me."

"And I hope you can see I do." Colin retorted. "Please Pen; stop doubting us…I know it took me a while to realise it but I love you and I do not care what the rest of the 'ton thinks as long as you know…I am in love with you."

"I am beginning to see that…and I do know it too." Penelope replied. "Oh, and I am in love with you too." She stretched up on her tip toes and gave him a quick kiss. She pulled away, with a smile on her face. "Now, can we head inside?"

Colin nodded and led her into the Stephen's home.

Xoxoxo

Lord and Lady Stephen's ball had not been as awkward as Penelope had expected. Yes, when she entered with Colin, she found a lot of eyes were on them and there were some whispers.

However, there were also some congratulations wishes; including one from Cressida Cowper. Cressida was even overheard telling some other ladies that in hindsight, Colin has always been besotted with Penelope through the dances, looks and conversations they shared. It was not from pity as they first thought.

Penelope could have done without the 'pity' remark but overall, Cressida's comments were nice and she was pleased Cressida was making an effort to be nicer after being side lined in society.

And Colin was definitely acting like a besotted, love sick fiancée, rarely leaving her side and when he did, his eyes always searched for her. When Mr Dankworth had displayed the same behaviours, she had felt suffocated but with Colin, it was comforting.

Penelope was also enjoying the dancing. She was surprised when she first took to the floor with Colin for their first dance after becoming engaged. She had not expected anything to be different as they had always danced; but now, every touch, every movement felt different; she felt loved.

After their fourth dance, Penelope had suggested they go for air and after reassuring Colin she was not ill, he led her out to the balcony. "Are you sure you are not ill?" He asked again as they stood, looking out onto the gardens. "I can get the carriage…I am sure Eloise will leave as well."

"Colin." Penelope laughed. "For someone who constantly asks to be alone with me, you really do not have a clue."

"Oh…oh!" He gasped, his mind beginning to click. He looked around. There were no other couples on the balcony. A smile began to spread across his lips as he took her hand and led her down the steps, towards the garden.

His eyes were searching for a secluded spot when he felt Penelope tug his arm and guide him into an alcove in the hedges, under the steps; with a teasing smile on her lips.

He did not even have a chance to speak before Penelope's lips crashed against his lips, hungrily and her fingers roamed his hair. He pulled her close; his hand pinching her backside as he pressed himself against her. "Oh Pen…" He groaned against her lips; she was already affecting him.

She pulled away momentarily, with a cheeky glint in her eye. She spun him around so he was now pressed against the hedge and continued kissing him while her hands moved down his body towards his breeches.

His eyes widened as her hands began to undo his breeches, freeing him. "Pen!" He gasped as he felt her fingers beginning to stroke him.

She smiled and silenced him with her lips on his, as her fingers continued their motion. He was silently amazed. How did his sweet, innocent Penelope know to do this to him?

Then, she surprised him even more as she stopped kissing him and took him in her mouth. He groaned, his hands digging into the hedge for support. Was this really the same Pen that was repulsed at the idea of his tongue being in her mouth about six weeks ago?

It was not long before he felt a familiar urge and he knew he had to act fast or he may spoil her or her dress. "Pen!" He gasped, tapping her shoulder with his fingers. She looked up at him and quickly released him from her mouth. He quickly turned and emptied himself into the hedge.

After he finished, gasping for breath, he quickly did up his breeches and turned to face Penelope; she was dabbing her mouth clean with her gloved hand. "Was that okay?" She asked.

He scoffed, amazed at her question and cupping her face with one hand, pulled her towards him for a quick, hard kiss. "You are full of surprises Penelope." He stated, before kissing her again. "How…when…how…" He trailed off, flabbergasted.

"Madame Delacroix gave me a book." Penelope replied. "She thinks my mother's talk will not prepare me."

"I definitely do not think your mother's talk would cover that." Colin laughed.

"So you liked it?" Penelope queried for reassurance. "Because I definitely liked our activities last night and I wanted to make sure you…"

"Oh I definitely liked it." Colin reassured her, giving her another kiss. "I really am a lucky husband…are you sure we cannot elope?"

Penelope giggled. "Our time will come soon." She reassured him. "I just hope I do not disappoint on our wedding night."

"Pen, trust me…you have nothing to worry about there." Colin retorted. "In fact, I many have to do a little extra studying myself to make sure I can match you…you really are full of surprises."

"Good." Penelope shot back. "Because how boring would our lives be without a few surprises?"

"Oh trust me Pen, I am beginning to see nothing in our lives will ever be boring again." He replied, with a smirk.

Xoxoxoxoxo

The days were moving fast and the season was edging ever closer to an end, with only the wedding and another ball before everyone started moving on, back to their country estates and Penelope was beginning to panic.

Both Colin and her agreed they would not have an engagement ball. The Bridgertons were already covering the cost of most of the wedding and Penelope did not have a dowry, she did not want Colin's family to go to an expense of a ball as well.

So instead, they had agreed to a family dinner, bringing both households and Lady Danbury together two days before the wedding. Now however, Penelope was beginning to regret agreeing to the idea.

She had not seen Colin since the Stephen's ball; between her many bridal appointments and Colin was occupied by meetings and tasks with Anthony. Now, it was the evening of their dinner and she still had not seen him.

Penelope took a deep breath as she entered the Bridgerton dining room, along with her mother, Prudence, Philippa and her husband, Mr Finch. She had been on edge all day; nervous about how this meal was going to go. Her family were so unpredictable; she really hoped they behaved themselves.

As she entered the dining room, she gasped. The table was stunning; Kate had done a brilliant job; even bringing out the Bridgerton embossed silverware and china; and of the centrepieces were violets.

She also noted Kate had created name cards on each seat and the seating plan was extremely diplomatic, ensuring her family were sitting with personalities that could manage her family's colourful personalities.

She was relieved to see Colin would be at her side, as would Eloise. She did however feel a little guilty that Francesca was sacrificed to sit with Prudence, while Daphne and Simon were stuck with Philippa and Mr Finch and Lady Danbury was placed with her mother.

Everyone was beginning to take their seats but as Penelope scanned the room, her eyes could not locate Colin. Then she saw him hurry into the room, along with Anthony.

"Sorry I was late. I needed to discuss something with Anthony." Colin said, taking his seat. He looked at Penelope and smiled; she was absolutely stunning in her bluebell blue dress and simple updo. "You look beautiful…as always." He gave her a gentle peck on the cheek.

Penelope blushed and took hold of Colin's hand under the table; her nerves automatically easing as she felt Colin rub her hand with his thumb. "Is everything okay?" Penelope whispered. "I hope there are no complications with the wedding."

"No…the wedding is going to plan." Colin reassured her. "He was just giving some brotherly advice."

"About?" Penelope asked.

"Do not worry, Pen…it is all in hand." Colin replied.

Penelope sighed. The nerves were making a return. She really did not need any more surprises and Colin's hand squeezes were no longer having their desired effects.

Xoxoxoxoxoxox

Penelope slowly began to relax more and more with every course; the dinner and conversation was actually flowing and her family had not embarrassed her yet.

However, she knew the conversation would soon turn to Colin and her plans after the wedding. So far, the topic had been avoided but she knew Violet and her mother were not pleased about being kept from these details when they had planned everything else.

"It is so weird to think that at this time in two days, you and Colin will be married Penelope." Eloise stated. "However, that does mean you still have just under 48 hours to back out…"

"Eloise!" Violet gasped as Benedict laughed.

"El please, that joke is not funny." Daphne stated, trying to stop herself from laughing. "The family has just about recovered from Anthony's first wedding."

"Daphne!" Anthony scolded while the rest of the attendees at the table laughed, including Kate.

"Dear, we do have to laugh…it was bad at the time but it all worked out for the best." Kate said, between laughs.

"And I have no plans to leave Colin at the altar." Penelope reassured the table.

"Nor I with Pen." Colin added.

"I am glad you are sure of those plans." Violet said, her eyes looking at both Colin and Penelope and then Anthony. "It is what happens after the wedding that I worry about."

"Mother, everything is in hand." Anthony stressed.

"It would be nice to know where my daughter will be once she takes the Bridgerton name though." Portia added.

Anthony shot Colin a look. Colin groaned, put down his cutlery and took hold of Penelope's hand. "I was hoping to keep this a surprise for Pen but if you will not drop it…" He looked around. All eyes were still on him; no one was dropping it. He sighed.

"Colin, what surprise?" Penelope asked. "I thought it was agreed. We would stay in the apartment in Bedford Square at least until we decide to start a family."

"Well, we will stay at the apartment until we travel to Paris a few days after we wed for our honeymoon." Colin reassured Penelope.

"Which I still do not think is wise." Violet interjected. "There is nothing wrong with Wales or Scotland if you really feel the need to travel."

"However, when we return…Anthony and I have found an ideal house in Bloomsbury that will be ours." Colin stated.

"Bloomsbury?" Both Violet and Portia gasped.

While Penelope smiled and asked "Bloomsbury?"

"I hope that is okay." Colin stated, looking at Penelope. "I mean, it is the same area…it is just a bigger home…our own house with no need to move unless the family gets too big…"

"Anthony, how could you agree to this?" Violet hissed. "Bloomsbury is not an area for a gentleman and his wife."

"Is it not for doctors and lawyers?" Portia added. "Those that actually work a job?" She shivered at the thought.

"I had to respect Colin and Penelope's wishes." Anthony retorted. "After all, they will have their own professions…"

"Excuse me?" Violet barked.

"Sorry Col…" Anthony apologised for letting the secret slip. Colin smiled; letting Anthony know it was okay.

"Colin, have you got a job?" Violet pressed.

"I um…I am going to be a writer." Colin confirmed.

Eloise scoffed. "A writer? You do not write!"

"Colin is a wonderful writer." Penelope stated, glaring at Eloise as she gave Colin's hand a squeeze. "In fact, his journal of his travels in Greece is due to be published."

"And it is quite a respectable deal too." Anthony added. "I met with the publishers with Colin before he signed anything. They are quite eager for more."

"So you are still going to travel?" Violet queried. "Even after you are married?"

"It all depends how things go." Colin replied. "I do not plan on travelling without Pen unless necessary and my writings might not always need to include travel."

"Well I think it sounds brilliant." Francesca said.

"Yes, it sounds like a big achievement." Simon agreed.

"Proud of you brother." Benedict said, holding up his wine glass as a toast.

"But what about my Penelope?" Portia asked. "The Viscount…Anthony suggested you may have a…" She shuddered again. "…a job as well?"

"Are you going to continue Lady Whistledown?" Prudence asked.

"I do miss not having it to read at the breakfast table." Philippa added.

"I will not longer be writing as Lady Whistledown." Penelope replied. "But I will be writing my own column in an actual newspaper."

"Penelope, are you serious?" Eloise exclaimed. "You are going to be on Fleet Street amongst all those men?"

"Well, I will not work on Fleet Street…I will work at home." Penelope tried to explain.

"But you will be published amongst all those men?" Kate clarified. "Penelope this is amazing."

"Yes Penelope, it is great that you are going to be a working Missus." Lady Danbury stated, ignoring the glare from Violet. "I am sorry Violet but this should be applauded…Penelope has a talent and it should not be hindered because she has a ring on her finger."

"I could not agree more Lady Danbury." Daphne agreed.

"So, does this mean ladies can actually have a career?" Hyacinth asked.

"No." Violet and Portia both said as Kate, Daphne, Lady Danbury and Eloise answered

"Yes."

"Okay, so is anyone else confused?" Gregory asked. "Does this mean you are not getting married? Because I was really looking forward to being the Best Man…and I have been practicing my dances…"

"We are still getting married Gregory." Penelope reassured him.

Gregory sighed with relief.

"We are doing this mother, Lady Featherington." Colin stated. "Pen and I…we have never followed the rules with our friendship so why would we follow the rules as husband and wife?"

"But what about children Colin?" Violet asked. "I am sorry but out of all my sons, and boys, this is no disrespect to you, Colin; you are the one that lights up around children…you are so good with them, just like your father, I just thought…"

"Lady Bridgerton, we still plan to have children…maybe just not 8." Penelope reassured Violet. "And we will work things around them when the time comes. My desire to be a good mother is much stronger than my desire to write."

"And mother, when the time comes, you will see all your sons are good fathers too…" Colin said. He glanced over at Anthony. "…because of father and Anthony."

"Yes, as long as Colin remembers being a father is not just about fun…they need rules and guidance too." Daphne added.

"Can we please stop talking about our non-existing children please?" Penelope interjected. "The wedding is big enough to comprehend without adding parenting to the mix."

"Yes, let's discuss the fact that I just realised that as the bridesmaid, I will actually have to dance with Gregory…" Eloise began to say.

"Hey!" Gregory interrupted. "My toes are not overjoyed at the thought either!"

The whole table laughed, taking attention away from Colin and Penelope as the conversation moved on to the celebrations. Penelope exhaled with relief as Colin glanced at her and gave her cheek a quick kiss, reassuring her.

"Two more sleeps." He whispered in her ear and Penelope smiled. Yes, two more sleeps…

To be continued…if you want me to?

As always, please feel free to comment and speculate! Thanks in advance!