AMORE ET HONORE
By: tweety-src-clt9
Unexpected Challenges
Colin knew that he needed to talk to Penelope about Theo Sharpe's visit. More importantly, he wanted to be honest and to come clean. He needed to tell her that he already discovered her deepest secret - the fact that she is Lady Whistledown. Also, he needed to disclose that he consciously invaded her privacy while reading her journal of poems. The worst thing he had done, he opened her new contract and read Marina's letters. It was abominable behavior really, and he felt bad about it, but in his defense, he was just so worried about her. He wanted to find any clue, anything at all, that could help him understand why she had severely fallen ill.
Focusing on his guilt for all that he had done, had a positive effect. Instead of letting his mind be clouded with lust every time they laid in bed together, his guilt forced him to think of something else. He counted this reprieve as a blessing. Because, if he didn't have this guilt tearing him up inside, it would be even more difficult to restrain his desires.
Eloise's presence also helped in his self-control. Every time he looked at his sister, he would be reminded of her comment that Penelope isn't food. It was the most embarrassing moment really, that his sister caught the evidence of his ravenous desire for his wife. Note to self, no love bites on visible areas, he thought as he watched Penelope sip on her tea while she listened to whatever hilarious story that his sister was telling her.
He smiled as he watched his wife interact with his sister. The Peneloise, a juvenile amalgamation of their names that he thought of years ago, was indeed the most remarkable friendship he had ever seen. He had long envied Eloise for her special bond with Penelope. And now, in a way, he had stolen Penelope from Eloise.
"He does sound like a silly character, although, I am not certain if there could be someone who exceeds Don Quixote in terms of silliness," Penelope giggled.
"Hmmm… Good point," Eloise said thoughtfully.
"I'm not certain though if there is some subtext that I have missed, since as you know, the book is in Spanish and I am only limited to my translation book, but still, the don's adventures are very funny," Penelope's blue eyes sparkled with mischief.
Eloise snorted, "I do commend your dedication to reading books that need translation, my dear Pen."
"Well, whenever I read the words out loud, and I know my accent is wrong, it's a chance for me to laugh at myself," Penelope smirked.
"Touche," Eloise winked as she raised her teacup in salute.
"I am actually planning to read Giacomo Casanova next. His life seems to be interesting," Penelope muttered thoughtfully.
"Casanova? The Italian rake? Good heavens!" Eloise sounded scandalized and Colin bit his bottom lip to stop himself from chuckling.
"It's a chance to improve my Italian. Besides, I am interested in understanding what it's like to be a man," his wife tilted her head and her countenance looked contemplative.
"Good point… Oh well, you are married now so it wouldn't be so scandalous," Eloise nodded.
"I know that Casanova is no Wordsworth and Coleridge," Penelope smirked and his sister rolled her eyes, "but I think his perspective will be enlightening… After all, there must be much to learn from a man who has gained the affection of so many women."
"I suppose if you have daughters, you'd be best suitably prepared to warn her of rakish behavior based on your readings of that Italian rake's escapades," Eloise remarked.
"Exactly!" his wife looked smug and it was so adorable. Maybe that's why Lady Whistledown sounds like a mature woman, with vast experiences. My Penelope reads about so many things, he mused.
"If you were a philosopher, what would you write about?" his wife inquired.
"Hmm… Maybe I would expound on the need for the equality of genders. No! I am certain that will be my main paradigm," Eloise sounded so determined.
"I concur. I myself would support that paradigm. Although, I would be stressing more on the financial benefits of empowering women to the entire nation, in terms of increasing household incomes. It's a shame that women of the ton, with the right resources, aren't able to find means to make money for themselves. You know how I feel about this given that my father left my mother with lots of debts and she had no clue on how to get us by," Penelope expounded.
Eloise was about to reply but Dunwoody entered the dining room, "Excuse me master, mistress, miss, but there are some visitors for Mrs. Bridgerton."
"Oh… Did they give out their names?" Penelope inquired.
"A Lady Crane and a Sir Phillip Crane. And a Mr. Theo Sharpe," their butler replied respectfully.
Fuck! Sharpe is here again, Colin panicked. He needed to talk to Penelope first or else, Sharpe would surely twist the situation to make him look even worse.
Before Penelope could reply, Colin intervened. "Please escort our guests to the drawing-room, Dunwoody. El, you may stay in the drawing-room if you wish. I just want a few minutes to speak with Penelope before we go and greet our visitors," he said in a voice that commanded respect.
Penelope gasped but she gave a quick nod. Eloise gave him a curious look before sighing. When his sister followed Dunwoody to the drawing-room, he walked to the door and closed it.
"Colin? What is wrong?" Penelope looked pale as if she were getting sick again.
"Everything is fine, my love. Please, sit," he gestured to her seat. She quietly obeyed, but he noticed that she looked afraid.
He knelt in front of his wife, gently took her right hand, and said, "Penelope, I know you are Lady Whistledown - "
"No! It can't - you can't - " she was starting to panic now so he squeezed her hand.
"I am not angry. Well, I am a little bit because you are compromising your safety. But I am not mad at you for the whole Marina debacle. In fact, I am grateful that you did whatever you can to save me… To be honest, I must be the one who should make amends," he reassured her.
"But - but how?"
"The first day you fell ill, the morning after our wedding night, Theo Sharpe came to visit. He said some things, I said some things… It doesn't matter now, I'll explain when there's more time. The main point is I must beg for your forgiveness for invading your privacy," he looked into her blue eyes hoping that she felt his sincerity.
Penelope sighed. "I wanted to tell you but not like this. But I guess, if we must lay blame, it is on the circumstances," she said matter of factly.
"I will tell you everything, all that I know, once Eloise leaves tomorrow," he promised.
"What do you mean by invading my privacy exactly?" she eyed him suspiciously and he gulped.
"I opened your Lady Whistledown contract and your poetry journals… And I read Marina's letters - "
"Colin! How could you!" she looked so disappointed that he wanted to smack his head against the wall.
"It's not a valid excuse but I was so worried about you. I wanted to know details of your life at the Featherington estate… I needed to know if there was anything, a clue, that I could gather so that I could understand how severe your home situation was. I am so sorry, Penelope," he hung his head in shame.
"You're not angry with me for telling Marina about Lady Whistledown first?" she inquired after a few minutes of silence.
"Of course not! It's your secret to tell… I am actually proud of you for owning up to your actions, regardless of how risky it was. Also, you tried your best to be there for Marina which is very commendable indeed." It may be foolish of her to risk her secret in such a manner but he was proud of her for trying to make amends. From the letters Marina wrote, it was clear that Penelope was her closest friend.
"I need time to process all this… And I don't want us to go into blows," Penelope's voice was calm but her eyes betrayed her disappointment.
"Take all the time you need, Pen."
"You are very kind to me, Col… And I don't want us to be like my mama and papa. I've heard enough of their fights… Why don't you list all your questions for me, and I shall do the same. And then, when Eloise leaves, we can talk about this calmly and rationally, with cooler heads. I don't, I don't want to say things that I don't mean. I don't want to hurt you in anger," she explained and he noticed her eyes turning even sadder when she mentioned her parents.
"I don't want to hurt you either, I know I already did so in the past," he sighed sadly and she gave him a faint smile.
"Maybe we should go… Eloise may turn hostile towards Marina and I don't want either of them to feel bad," she glanced at the door.
Colin understood her point. Eloise, just like any Bridgerton, was loyal to their family to a fault. So, if they didn't leave this room soon, Eloise might make Marina and her husband uncomfortable. And best get rid of that Sharpe pest in the soonest possible time, he mused.
"Shall we embrace the chaos then?" he held out his hand to her. Penelope chuckled a little but her face betrayed her nervousness.
"If not now, then when?" she retorted sarcastically and he chuckled. Really, if he only was more astute, he would have figured out years ago that Penelope was indeed Lady Whistledown. Her barbs were one of a kind, sassy, sarcastic, but hilarious. There was also a unique sense of poetry to the way she threw her remarks on the idiosyncratic behaviors of the ton.
"Oh, Penelope! I was so worried!" Marina wrapped her arms around Penelope in greeting. As soon as she entered the drawing-room on Colin's arm, Marina all but tackled her.
"Hello, Marina. I am so sorry to have worried you. I was - "
"Ms. Bridgerton informed me that you were ill and I - " her cousin stopped talking and then she curtsied, "I am sorry for being rude, Mr. Bridgerton."
"No need for apologies, Lady Crane. I understand you were worried," Colin replied cordially. Penelope observed Colin's face, checking if he still felt bitter about Marina but his face betrayed nothing except anxiety which she understood.
"Darling, would you want to talk to your cousin in private?" Colin turned to her.
"Marina, would you want to come with me to the library? There is a nook there that is rather cozy and it provides some privacy. Are you agreeable that we talk there?" she smiled at her cousin.
"Of course, Pen! It's been years since we last saw each other in person. Our correspondence through letters is a boon for the lack of your presence by my side, but indeed, your smiles and your warmth are sorely missed," Marina gushed and her eyes sparkled with a tinge of mischief and nosiness.
Penelope touched Marina's arm in a friendly gesture but she subtly tilted her head to indicate their other visitors, the two men just quietly watching their exchange. Her cousin must have understood as she blushed adorably, "Mr. Bridgerton, Mrs. Bridgerton," when she mentioned the second name Marina had a teasing glint in her eyes that Penelope wanted to escape their incoming conversation, "if you remember my husband, Sir Phillip Crane."
"Mr. Bridgerton, Mrs. Bridgerton," the tall man who despite being elegantly dressed, looked rather uncomfortable with his coat and cravat.
"Sir Phillip," Colin acknowledged the man with a courteous nod.
"It is so kind of you to escort Marina so she could visit me, Sir Phillip. And it is a pleasure to see you," Penelope smiled at the man.
"Indeed… the Lady Crane is always eager for your letters. And she was rather worried when you weren't able to answer her latest correspondence so she asked for my help to find you," Sir Phillip replied.
"I am so sorry, Marina. Everything just happened so fast and my Mama - "
Marina touched her arm, squeezing slightly to indicate that she understood. Penelope's eyes then turned to Theo, one of the key people who helped her hide her secret as Lady Whistledown. She was very grateful for all his help, ever since he joined the publishing company that printed her columns. Theo was an intelligent man who gave a deeper meaning to the plight of the working class in their conversations. Because of this, she also learned of the many women who were in destitution, abused by the wealthy gentlemen of the ton. And so, whenever Theo gathered some significant information on lechers who impregnate their mistresses, or worse, violate their servants, she exposed them in Lady Whistledown's Society Papers .
Because of Theo, her work took on a deeper meaning since it became not just a gossip column but also exposed the harsh reality of life and the cruelty of the gentlemen of the ton to women of the working class. In some rare instances, Theo even discovered from his connections with his friends who worked for the wealthy, of abusive husbands who treated their wives horribly. Of course, since Lady Whistledown was known for her gossip, she made sure to add her signature droll and sarcastically salacious narrations of the secrets of the ton, but in a way, it brought light to the victims' plight.
"Mr. Sharpe, it is good to see you today," Penelope greeted her friend with a smile. If only she had a glimpse of Colin's face, she would have noticed his handsome face contort into a frown.
"Ms. Featherington," Theo greeted before catching himself, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Bridgerton, rather," she noticed the sarcasm in his voice which she didn't understand.
"I suppose this is about a potential new business or an extension ?" she eyed Theo as if to warn him to be as discreet as possible and smart man that he is, he understood.
"Indeed! I am here to check on a possible extension and well, I came to make sure you are alright," Theo's smile was warm and full of concern.
If Penelope only looked at Colin, she would have seen his fists clenching as his jaw hardened due to the gritting of his teeth. Penelope was getting nervous since Eloise, who didn't have a clue about her being Lady Whistledown, looked extremely interested in the conversation.
"It's so nice of you to come to visit me since you are concerned about my well-being. You are truly a great friend… As for the businesses we are in negotiations of, I need more time to gather feedback from parties," she quickly eyed Colin who was now glaring at Theo which she didn't understand why before continuing, "that will be directly involved with the transactional nuances of potential operations." She was sort of speaking in code but she was confident that Theo understood.
"I shall disclose your need for more time to take the business proposal under advisement from parties who you think should be taken into consideration. That should be easy to negotiate - "
"Brilliant! Thank you, Mr. Sharpe," she smiled brightly at her friend. Ever since her father's solicitor died three years prior, she counted on Theo Sharpe to help her manage the operations of Lady Whistledown, as well as hiding her identity.
"Happy to be of service, Ms. Penelope," he bowed respectfully, and Penelope internally rolled her eyes as she tried not to giggle at his antics. Theo was like Colin, mischievous and friendly. It was no wonder why she got along splendidly with the man.
"Since you and your cousin seem to be eager for some privacy, I shall stay here for a little while in case you have need to ask for finer details regarding our proposal," Theo added.
"That is very considerate of you, sir," she nodded earnestly to convey her gratitude, and then she turned to Marina who seemed to be enjoying the scene, "should we adjourn to the library, Marina?"
"Ms. Bridgerton, you wouldn't mind if I speak to Penelope alone?" Marina asked Eloise cordially.
"It is alright, Lady Crane. I shall stay here with Colin or maybe walk along the grounds with Minnie if I feel inclined," Eloise tried her hardest to not be rude to Marina. Penelope internally winced. The Bridgertons were a very tight-knit family and Eloise was a very sentimental person. So she understood her best friend is a little curt towards the woman who tried to deceive her brother. After all, Colin Bridgerton was Eloise's second favorite brother after Benedict.
"Do take your time to discuss your affairs with Lady Crane, darling. I shall be here to entertain your other guests," Colin gave her a rather tense smile which made her frown. She didn't understand why he was emphasizing his endearment.
"Thanks, Col… Marina, shall we go?" she smiled at Colin and then held out her hand to Marina.
"Do excuse us," Marina curtsied to the room as she accepted Penelope's hand.
Eloise Bridgerton felt that her dear Penelope had more secrets than she let on. At first, she thought that Penelope's main secret was about her horrid mother. But now, with Marina and this Mr. Sharpe, there was something that she didn't understand. She was about to inquire something to her brother since Colin seemed to be aware of some of the details, but then, she noticed that Colin was too busy glaring daggers at the shorter man.
To her surprise, this man, Mr. Theo Sharpe, was also meeting Colin's angry eyes with equal disdain. The two men seemed to be puffing out their chests, assessing the other man to see who was the more intimidating one.
"Sharpe," Colin said with gritted teeth, his emerald eyes blazing with fury. What in the world is going on? Eloise was confused.
"Bridgerton," Mr. Sharpe drawled. Their last name was said with such disdain and it unnerved her.
Eloise turned her eyes on Sir Phillip Crane, the man was very tall, with a broodingly mysterious aura about him. He too was looking at the two other men acting like idiotic cavemen. This man, Sir Phillip, possessed a handsome face but it was his eyes that she found rather intriguing. He seemed to be a man of few words but his eyes practically screamed that he was of an intelligent mind, and great depth. He does look rather lonely for a married man, she mused.
"Didn't I warn you to never come back here ever again?!" When Colin stepped closer to Mr. Sharpe, the other man didn't even flinch. In fact, he too stepped closer.
"Scared, Bridgerton? Scared that if that lecher didn't appear out of thin air, your Mrs. Bridgerton would have been my Mrs. Sharpe?" The question was said with such smug confidence that Eloise panicked as she pulled on Colin's arm to drag him away.
Sir Phillip, sensing the tenseness of the situation, stepped forward as he stood in between the two men. Eloise could only maintain her firm grip on Colin to prevent him from doing something he would regret, attacking the other man who clearly had feelings for Penelope.
"Colin, please!" Eloise pleaded with her brother to calm down. She was certain if these idiots would end up in a nasty fight, Penelope would be hurt. After all, Penelope loved Colin but she also cared for this man who's her dear friend.
"I stand by my point! You do not deserve Penelope," Eloise wanted to hit the back of this man's head. He was literally taunting Colin, daring her brother to attack him. Colin may be the most charming Bridgerton brother, but she knew him. Colin had the scariest temper when he was indeed angry.
"You stay away from my wife!" Colin's right hand was now formed in a tight fist, already poised to hit the other man and Eloise screamed, "Colin! Think of Penelope!"
At the mention of Penelope's name, Colin's anger deflated by a minuscule level but it was enough to bring his fist down to his side. "Colin, calm down," she said gently.
"Excuse me sister, Sir Phillip. I need to leave this room for I may end up doing something I will not regret," with one last menacing glare at Theo Sharpe, Colin angrily stomped away, the door banging loudly as it shut.
Eloise sighed before glaring at the vexing man, "Sir, I do hope you won't try to provoke my brother again. Colin is different… He is all charming and smiles, but his anger when truly awakened is the worst. If you care for Penelope, like I know you do, please do not trigger Colin's rage. It would only hurt my best friend," her voice was calm but tinged with desperation.
The frustrated, jealous, and dare she say, heartbroken man seemed to have lost all of his energy as he slumped into the couch nearby. The drawing-room was suddenly silent and Eloise stared at Theo Sharpe and then to the kind gentleman, Sir Phillip.
Mr. Sharpe sighed, his eyes showed his pain, and then he looked at her. "Ms. Bridgerton, I do apologize for my behavior towards your brother. A lady should not have seen that. You too, Sir Phillip. My sincerest apologies," the man was very sincere in his words. Eloise thought that maybe if she didn't beg Anthony to ask Colin to marry Penelope, this man could have been her best friend's husband.
Penelope Sharpe, Eloise analyzed how the name sounded in her mind. And then she thought, Penelope Bridgerton. She was not being biased, truly she wasn't, but in her opinion, Penelope Bridgerton sounded so much better. Bottom line, she felt bad for being the main instigator for breaking this man's heart. If not for her cry for help, Colin would not have returned to London just so he could marry Penelope.
She thought of an alternate scenario, wherein Colin didn't return and maybe Mr. Sharpe would have gotten the chance to ask for Penelope's hand. She had mixed feelings about this. On one side, it was obvious that Mr. Sharpe would treat Penelope right. But on the flip side, she just was so happy that Penelope was now an official member of her family. Besides, despite Colin's late realization of his true feelings for her dearest friend, she was confident in her brother's capacity to make Penelope happy.
Colin Bridgerton was the kindest albeit being the silliest of her older brothers. She had witnessed how Colin doted on Penelope ever since their wedding. When she first arrived here, she was amazed and so proud of Colin for being there for her best friend every step of the way. And so, Mr. Sharpe may love Penelope but she was very supportive of Colin being the perfect match for her beloved friend.
Eloise noticed the way Penelope smiled whenever Colin was around, doting on her and lavishing her with his over-the-top worrying and caring. If Penelope had been ignored and rejected by her mother for all of her life, then as Colin's wife, Penelope would be worshipped and adored like a queen. No! Not a queen. Colin is over-the-top chaotically crazy… A goddess! Colin will worship Penelope like a goddess for the rest of his days, she mused.
Eloise was so happy for Penelope. Finally, her best friend was settled and happy. She had found what she so wanted for many years - a loving family of her own. In a way, Eloise envied Penelope for finding the love of her life. Despite her cool exterior and firm opinions on marriage, she did want to find love like that of her parents and her siblings. Maybe I'll find a man I can love someday, and maybe, Penelope and I can dote on our children together, she smiled a little at her musings. It would be grand indeed if she and Penelope could enjoy motherhood together.
"Ms. Bridgerton, if you don't mind, I shall wish to stay until Mrs. Bridgerton is free to discuss business with me. I promise I will behave gentlemanly now. Truly," Mr. Sharpe's words halted her imaginings.
"Of course, sir. Any friend of Penelope's is a friend of mine," she nodded cordially.
"Sir Phillip, I would like to thank you for coming to my aid," she then turned to the quiet yet observant gentleman.
"It is of no consequence, Ms. Bridgerton, there's no need to thank me. The Lady Crane is very close to her cousin. And so, I wouldn't wish for Mrs. Bridgerton to be bothered by a fight," Sir Phillip replied courteously but his eyes seemed to be tinged with sadness as he looked at Mr. Sharpe.
"Mr. Sharpe, if I may?" Eloise was surprised when the gentleman turned to the clearly embarrassed yet pained man.
"Sir?"
"There are moments in a man's life wherein he must make a choice between himself or the people he cares about… Now, I do not know you, sir, but I can understand the feeling of being torn between what you want and what it is that you must do for the people you love. I know you love Mrs. Bridgerton, sir. It is very clear… But if you do love her as ardently as I think you do, then you must learn to let her go. Be her friend and support her but also understand that in this life, she's not meant to be yours. It would only hurt her in the end if you keep enforcing your will on her when she has clearly made her choice."
"It is difficult to let her go," Mr. Sharpe said with so much sadness that Eloise felt very guilty for her interventions.
"I apologize for my audacity to give unsolicited advice, but sir, if you truly wish to keep Mrs. Bridgerton in your life, without breaking your bond with her, then you must be content to remain just as her friend… Coveting for more will only make it difficult for you. Also, it would cause a dent in their marriage, which will hurt the woman you love," Sir Phillip added.
"You seem well versed in choosing others over yourself, of duty over your heart, sir," Mr. Sharpe looked at Sir Phillip with a calculating gaze.
"Indeed," Sir Phillip nodded, and then he remained silent.
As she observed these two men, she realized that maybe she was wrong to judge men as idiots born lucky enough with the right body parts. Maybe there was more to a man than his fake suave bravado and his displays of manly strength. Men, just like women, do have feelings, dreams, hopes, and pains too.
"Shall I order some refreshments for you, gentlemen?" Eloise broke the silence.
"Thank you for offering, Ms. Bridgerton," Mr. Sharpe replied.
"Yes, thank you," Sir Phillip seconded.
She nodded to the gentlemen and exited the drawing-room to ask Dunwoody to bring in food for the guests. When she returned, the two men were quiet. Mr. Sharpe was running his hands to and fro a sealed envelope while Sir Phillip was now reading a book with a large engraving of a tree in the middle, the title even from afar was clearly in Latin.
Since she was curious to know more about these two men, she opted to sit in between the couch that they occupied. They both looked at her and she smiled cordially which only got nods in return. Maybe they thought I was making sure there would be no fights, she thought.
She sat quietly, observing the gentlemen when after ten minutes or so, she realized that she left her book in the guest bedroom. Left with no choice, it would be impolite to leave the guests, after all, she turned to Sir Phillip and asked, "May I inquire as to what you are reading, Sir? The cover seems interesting."
Sir Phillip looked at her before marking his page. And then, to her surprise, he held out the book to her. She gratefully accepted the book he was holding out and her eyes skimmed the title, her fingers grazing on the engraved tree.
"You must like plants," she murmured but to her utter mortification, Sir Phillip heard her.
"Yes, I do love plants," Sir Phillip replied, ignoring that her cheeks tinged pink.
"Here you go, sir," she handed the book back.
"Can you tell me about Mrs. Bridgerton?" She was shocked when Sir Phillip spoke once more.
"Penelope? Why?"
"I want to understand why Lady Crane relies on her so much. As her husband, I am interested in people that make Lady Crane happy," he replied. Eloise found it odd that he addressed his wife as the Lady Crane but she knew it would be impolite to ask.
And so, while Colin was off to god knows where, controlling his temper, Eloise spent the next couple of hours talking about how Penelope Bridgerton nee Featherington was a shining beacon in her life.
As soon as they were seated on the couch by the window of their home's cozy library, Marina was bursting at the seams in excitement. "Penelope Featherington! You sly sly woman! You never ever hinted that you are getting closer and closer to Colin Bridgerton."
Penelope smiled as she watched Marina looking happy and content. She was different from the Marina who always seemed sad and tense during her first season. Before anything else, she knew she had to do this, "Marina, again, I am so sorry for being Lady Whistledown. For destroying your - "
"If we are to spend the day apologizing for things we have already discussed in our letters then I will be vexed with you, Penelope Bridgerton ," Marina interrupted, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she mentioned her new last name.
"Alright then, Lady Crane… Care to share about your babies? I do so want to meet them," Penelope gushed.
"They are the joys of my heart! My George lives in them," Marina sighed happily, as mothers are wont to do when thinking of their children.
"How are you, Marina? Truly? Are you happy?"
"My happiness is in my children and of course the joys of seeing them each day. And you, you dear cousin is a source of entertainment for me through Lady Whistledown and your letters," Marina held her hand and she squeezed it in return.
"But what of Sir Phillip, if you do not mind my asking," she inquired gently.
"He is a kind and noble man. The best part about him is that he doesn't expect me to love him because he knows the truth… If I married Colin, it would be such a horrible thing for me. Because Colin, clearly from watching your interactions earlier, is a very demanding man in terms of his need to give and receive attention… I would be miserable if I were forced to lie to my husband, acting as if I loved him, when in fact, my heart has been buried ever since my George passed on," there was a tear that fell down Marina's cheek.
"Oh, Marina!" Penelope couldn't help but wrap her cousin in her embrace.
Penelope had never seen a woman ever more in love with a man than Marina. In fact, during her first season, eagerly waiting for Sir George's letters to arrive was a highlight of her day. She so believed in the beautiful love that Marina and her fallen George had shared.
"In another life, in another reality, my George and I are together with our children… We are happy, building our life together, and we will grow old together. I just know it," Marina sniffed as she wiped her tears.
"Sir George is with you, Marina. Always. He is in your heart and he is watching over you and the fruits of your love," Penelope couldn't think of anything else to say.
"Pen, can I ask a boon from you?" her cousin asked after a few moments of silence.
"Of course, Marina."
"Can you write a love story? Mine and my George. But this time, indulge in my fantasy, make them a reality in your tales. Please Pen…"
"If Colin would insist that I give up Lady Whistledown, I will dedicate all my writing time to your novel, dear cousin… If he so agrees to let me carry on, then I promise to spend two hours on your novel for each week," she promised Marina.
"Thank you."
"It's the least I can do, really," she said in earnest.
"I have another favor though," this time around, Marina's teasing manner was back.
"Okay…"
"You and Colin. How did it finally happen? I need you to tell me everything!"
Since Marina truly did want to know everything, Penelope spent her hours talking about the bizarre fairytale-like events that brought Colin Bridgerton to her doorstep just as she was about to run away forever.
Penelope was in a happy mood despite the whirlwind of events that happened today. Aside from her joy in seeing Marina, the other events of the day were rather draining. She was anxious that Eloise would now be thinking of new theories about Theo's significance in her life, along with whatever business he was proposing.
During her talk with Theo, he informed her that the publisher was interested in her poems, maybe a possible collection of poetry. However, they wanted her debut as a poet to explore the theme of love, from heartbreak to happy endings. As long as the poems were about love, then it would be part of the collection. Also, they were thinking that it would be a grand idea to mix the poetry styles from the classics such as sonnets, and then her original idea, the freeform.
She was delighted of course, that they believed in her potential as a poet. However, her other proposal, a novel about a woman's coming-of-age story from the burdens of the expectations of the ton, was rejected. The publisher didn't agree with her planned ending, a sad one. Per Theo's narration, the publisher believed that a romance angle would make the novel sell more, only if it ends with the lead characters getting their happily married life filled with utter bliss.
Another thing that bothered her as the day passed was the fact that Colin seemed to have gotten quiet. There was a tenseness to his visage, a glint of rage in his eyes, and he would sometimes stare into the abyss with the emerald color glinting with sadness, fury, and then guilt. It was so very strange that she decided to ask Eloise if something had happened during her private discussion with Marina.
In confidence, Eloise informed her of the altercation that she and Sir Phillip had stopped in the drawing-room. Per Eloise, Colin was fuming mad because Theo made remarks about marrying her instead, and how her husband didn't deserve her. She couldn't help but wonder why in the world would Theo make such remarks in front of Colin. Surely, it was bizarre. After all, how could Colin not deserve her when despite it being just a week into their marriage, he was the best of husbands.
After dinner, Penelope approached Eloise, discreetly whispering into her friend's ear that she wanted to speak to Colin about what happened with Theo. Eloise, ever supportive, made some excuse about needing to catch up on her letter writing to Francesca and Gregory so she expressed her desire to retire early. Colin still lost in his musings, only nodded in acknowledgment while Penelope bid her dearest friend goodnight. As the door shut, Penelope took a deep calming breath before she addressed her brooding husband.
"Colin?"
"Colin?"
"Colin!" This time around, her husband finally turned his gaze on her.
"Is everything alright, Pen? Are you feeling ill? Should I call - "
"Colin, I'm fine. I just, I was wondering if I might have a word with you in private," she interrupted her husband's litany of worries.
"Now?"
"Yes, now," she replied with patience.
"Alright," Colin stood from his seat and held out his hand. She accepted his hand and allowed herself to be led to the lord's study. When she stepped inside the study, and Colin closed the door after himself, she thought of a way to start this conversation. Instead, her husband blurted the first question with restrained fury.
"What in the world is Theo Sharpe doing, always bloody calling upon you?"
"He is my friend," she replied calmly.
"He's a man!" he hissed.
"And so are you," she retorted sarcastically.
"I'm your husband! So it's clearly not the same," he rebutted.
"And why isn't it the same? You were my friend before you asked for my hand out of pity," her patience was wearing thin.
"I didn't marry you out of pity!" He stepped closer to her but she didn't flinch.
"What would you call it then?" she challenged.
"I married you to protect you, to save you. Besides, if it were any other woman, I would never be convinced to do so!"
"Oh…" she was stunned. She didn't know what to say to that.
"Oh? Is that all you can say?" He was obviously annoyed now.
"Colin, you don't need to be wary of Theo. He is a good man - "
"Good man, my arse! He wants you for himself!"
"What?" she exclaimed.
"Surely you must know," he huffed.
"He's just friendly! How can you say such a thing!" she insisted.
"Oh-ho! Friendly!" he rolled his eyes before he continued with such venom in his voice, "Friendly enough to claim that I am scared of him because you could have been Mrs. Sharpe?" he said with a glare.
"Surely you must have misinterpreted - "
"Eloise and Sir Phillip were there!"
"Maybe - "
"Good god, Penelope! Are you that naive? Of course, he wants you!"
"But that's impossible! Nobody wants me - "
" I want you! That lecherous duke wants you! Good god, woman!" He was frantic now.
"I don't know why you're angry with me," she mumbled.
"I'm not angry at you! I'm furious at your friend, Theo! And that duke! And every other bastard that wants you!"
Penelope didn't say anything. She didn't know what to say. For a wallflower, someone always used to being neglected and ignored, she found it quite impossible that someone like Theo Sharpe, who was charming and smart, could ever want her. In fact, even if she knew that Colin wanted her, she still felt that maybe he was obligated to because he was her husband.
"What do you want me to do then?" she inquired after a few minutes of silence, except for the sound of Colin's boots as he walked to and fro, an effort to help in restraining his fury.
"You are not allowed to talk to him anymore," he commanded.
"He works with my publisher and he is my friend. So, no! I will never obey you," she was equally adamant.
"You can keep writing whatever you want, I will hide your secret, support you in all your endeavors. I only ask that you stop seeing that that - " she was certain he wanted to curse Theo but he held himself before continuing, " friend of yours."
"Colin, you are being unreasonable," she argued.
"How would you feel if there was some woman who declared that she should have been Mrs. Bridgerton?" he retorted.
She could only snort before saying, "You're Colin Bridgerton, all the debutantes and widows of the ton want you."
"Well, it's not the same!"
"Why not?" she smirked. She loved that she was winning this argument.
"I don't share a bond with those women!" his eyes sparkled with delight since he believed that his argument was sound.
"It doesn't mean that Theo is my friend, that I would fall for his charms," she rolled her eyes.
"You better not!" he hissed.
"You wouldn't let this go, will you?"
"Of course, I won't. I want him out of your life!"
"Fine then… You won't give in and I certainly will not… How about we play a game? The winner gets to decide on whatever matter he or she desires. Are you up to the challenge?" her voice was devious but her eyes sparkled with determination.
Colin stepped forward, his chest just a hair's distance away from her own. Since he was taller than her, she looked up, and to her annoyance, he had this smug look on his face but his eyes darkened with desire. She gulped but she was determined to win.
"I can ask for anything when I win?" his eyes devoured her from head to foot, lingering on her bosom once more. She blushed. She knew that he was very fascinated with her breasts.
"The winner can ask for anything that they want but only one favor is to be granted. No questions asked," she was proud of herself for not stammering.
"What should the challenge be about?" he inquired with a gentle voice, as his hand cupped her cheek. Apparently, his fury over Theo was buried by his confidence that he would win.
"When Eloise returns to Number Five tomorrow, we'll settle our score at the chessboard. Bring your questions for me, and I shall bring mine for you… Once a checkmate is reached, then the winner can ask for one favor," she proposed.
"Chess?" his eyes sparkled with mirth. "Are you sure?" he was so cocky that she wanted to smack him but she maintained a look of innocence. She didn't want him to know that she was trained by her father for many years.
"You do know that I'm the best chess player amongst the Bridgertons? And, I played for the varsity team at Eton?" he smirked.
"One should not be so confident, Mr. Bridgerton. There is beginner's luck after all," she said innocently. Her eyes widened in surprise when he made a growling sound before his lips captured hers and his hand cradling her nape. She could only close her eyes as she returned his passionate kisses but then before things could escalate further, he stopped.
"Still recovering. No funny business," he mumbled to himself.
"What?" she inquired.
"Nothing," his cheeks and his ears were flushed.
"I'm still mad at you for invading my privacy so you better not lie to me, Bridgerton," she glared at her husband.
"And I'm mad at you for not ending your friendship with Sharpe, Bridgerton," he retorted smartly.
"I'll see you in front of the board. I'll be the woman with the white pieces," she smirked.
"Fitting. I'll be playing with the dark ones. Ladies first after all," he winked.
"Well then, good night husband."
"Good night wife. I shall join you in bed later."
And with that, Penelope left the lord's study already preparing a mental list in her head of all the questions she wanted to ask Colin. And of course, she knew what she wanted to ask when she claimed her victory. She was confident that Mr. Bridgerton never stood a chance against her.
A/N: Okay... So this is a whirlwind chapter, duh. That's sort of my thing. HAHAHA.
Anyway, what are you thoughts on Marina and Penelope's reunion, Colin vs Theo Round 2, and the meet-cute of Philoise?
Also, did you enjoy the chapter and can you guess where this is heading?