"Frannie! Aunt Winnie!" Hyacinth shrieked as the ladies disembarked from their carriage. "Oh and Earl Kilmartin," she curtsied at the tall Scottish gentleman.

"Oh, please call me John. You are to be my sister soon." Hyacinth smiled up at him and decided then that John was definitely going to make her older sister happy. Their tempers and happiness were matched perfectly.

Aunt Winnie greeted her sister-in-law with a tight hug. "Winnie, how are things in Bath? I hear Alistair is courting the Duke of Hamilton's eldest Henrietta." Alistair was Winnie and Hugo Bridgerton's only child, fifth in line for the Viscountcy. Hugo died in a horse riding accident just five years after Edmund.

"Yes. Oh, she is so lovely and accomplished! Henri speaks four languages and is masterful on the pianoforte. Oh and her voice! That is what really had Al falling head over heels." Winnie bragged with her childlike voice. "And you, you need to come visit after all of these weddings are over. There is a special spot on the beach near the manor I love to picnic at."

Colin came out with Penelope on his arm. He introduced his wife to his future brother. "Kilmartin!" He shook his hand. "Pen! This is Frannie's fiancé John, the Earl of Kilmartin. John, my lovely wife, Penelope."

John kissed her hand, "Pleasure, Penelope. Good thing you married her when you did Bridgerton. My cousin Michael will be here for the wedding. Penelope here would have been just his type." Penelope blushed and Colin scoffed at him.

"That rake would have had no chance with my beautiful lady. Pen here is way too intelligent and witty to fall for Michael Kilmartin." Colin chuckled but tightened his hold on his sweet wife, kissing her temple.

Eloise introduced Christopher to her younger sister and her future husband. Everyone seemed to be getting along well and they all sat down for tea. Benedict introduced Sophie to his sister, Francesca, and her Earl as well as Aunt Winnie. He had surprised everyone two days ago at breakfast. He showed off his courting gift to Sophie. A beautiful portrait of the young woman with the garden at My Cottage in the background.


All morning Eloise and Christopher were trying to figure out a way to meet together...alone. Secret touches under the table at mealtimes just wasn't enough to satisfy their urges.

Penelope knew just how her best friend felt. Colin knew how Lord Debling felt. The sympathetic newlyweds made a plan. After tea, they would invite the affianced couple on a walk through the grounds of the estate.

As they passed over the first hill right before the pond, Penelope and Colin split off from them with a wink. "Meet you back here in an hour?" Colin asked and Eloise couldn't help but smile. Taking Lord Debling's hand she pulled him off to her spot.

"Where are you taking me, Eloise Bridgerton?" Lord Debling asked with a light chuckle. She was leading him through a small crop of trees then came across a small structure.

"Christopher Debling? I introduce you to Alphabet Cottage." She gestured toward the shed-like building before opening the door. "Anthony, Ben, and Colin built this three summers before our father died. It was passed down to each of us once each sibling grew out of it. Frannie, Greg, and Hy are the last of us to use it. Although, I guess now it will just be Gregory and Hyacinth's clubhouse now." She sighed wistfully thinking about the past.

Eloise opened the doors and beckoned him inside. The walls were lined with hand drawn photos, parchment with made up stories and fake newspapers which were written by the beautiful woman to his right. He turned and hugged her close. Eloise went up on her tiptoes and kissed his jaw.

Christopher knelt down on the floor and, grasping her derrière, pushed his face against her front. She combed her fingers through his hair. He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of her panties and pushed them down her legs. He heard her whispered 'Yes!' before lowering herself to the ground.

Eloise pushed her skirts up as Christopher quickly untied his breeches. He slowly sunk into her wet heat, "Oh, shit! I forgot how good this feels. So tight." Eloise lifted her leg, remembering how good it felt last time when he had often her leg over his hip.

"Oh god! My lord! Yes!" Eloise cried out as he pumped into her. "Faster! Oh yes! Like that!" The breathy pants and soft moans of pleasure coming out of her pouty mouth. He surged forward, going even deeper before capturing her lips in a hard kiss.

Eloise never thought she would be one of those insatiable wanton women she'd read about in romance novels, but here she was flipping her fiancé onto his back and taking control of their coupling. She held onto his large hands then started to bounce up and down as Pen had described the other day. She was right, it did feel empowering to dominate her lover.

The look of sheer euphoria on her beloveds face was enough to push her over the edge. She threw her head back, screaming in ecstasy. She collapsed on top of him and they continued snogging for a few minutes before freshening up. "Eight more days and we shall be enjoying that in our own home." Christopher opened the clubhouse door to allow Eloise to lead them back to their meeting spot to reunite with Colin and Penelope.

"Yes, tomorrow night all of the guests will arrive for the ball and then once the ball is over, it will be our wedding day before we know it." Lord Debling pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed it. Colin and Penelope were laughing together as Eloise and Lord Debling came upon them. "Thank you both. We needed that." They all giggled, a knowing look exchanged between them.

"Anything for my two best friends." Penelope added before Colin gasped. "Oh stop. You're my best friend too. You're better though because you're my husband and the father of my child." She patted her belly which had Colin grinning and kissing her forehead.

"My two loves." He caressed her swelling abdomen. Eloise rolled her eyes and told them it was time to get back.


The engagement ball was fully underway. Penelope spent most of it trying to dodge her mother Portia. She was becoming very clingy now that Penelope was married to a Bridgerton and, thanks to Hyacinth, now she knew that she was pregnant. Colin asked her to dance a waltz with him so they were currently on the dance floor. Looking to her right, she couldn't help but smile seeing Eloise and Christopher together, dancing and grinning at each other and so in love. They were going to be so happy together.

"I wonder how much longer we need to stay. I cannot wait to ravish you in our bed." Colin whispered. "I moved the mirror in front of the armoire so that we can watch each other later." He nipped her earlobe as he continued to whisper sinful thoughts. Penelope could feel herself getting wetter as they continued their dance. "You look so sexy tonight."

"Colin," she practically moaned his name, "you are such a naughty man. I may need to punish you later. Hmm?" Colin groaned. He loved it when his sweet little wife became a wantonly vixen. "And I think after Anthony's toast, we can make our excuses to leave." She rubbed her swollen belly and he couldn't help but lay his hand on top of hers and feel their child growing inside of her.

The dance ended and Lady Featherington found them. "Penelope dear. I was just thinking about when the baby arrives. I could come live with you for a few months and help out. You know nothing of child rearing and care, so I will be there to show you." Looking aghast at the idea, Penelope turned to her husband.

"There is no need my dear mother-in-law, for I know plenty about it so we have things well in hand. I did help take care of my siblings growing up. I know how to change nappies. I think I am rather adept at it. I can show Pen. We are a team." Portia looked like she sucked on a lemon.

"Mr. Bridgerton, you are a man. It is different for a woman taking on these duties for the first time. She will need me, not you." Colin gritted his teeth. How dare she insinuate that he was not fit to the task.

"My Lady, you will not be staying with us. You will not be taking care of OUR child. Your assistance is not needed. WE are a team. Pen and me. We do thank you for the offer, but respectfully decline. Excuse us." He took his wife's hand and led them away before he said something ungentlemanly.

"You were brilliant my love! Did you see her face?" She hugged his arm against her side and giggled. Colin's second favourite sound. The first being her moans as they made love. Speaking of which...

The band stopped playing and Anthony appeared. The staff was handing out glasses of champagne to the guests. "Attention everyone! Attention!" He bellowed. "It gives me the greatest pleasure to have you all in my home to celebrate with our family. Not one, but two sisters engaged and to be wedded. Eloise?" He gestured to the fifth born.

"Did anyone ever think Eloise would find someone mad enough to marry her?" She made a face at her oldest brother and he sniggered. "All kidding aside, the moment I saw Lord Debling with Eloise and saw how much my little sister adored him, I knew that they would have a long, happy life together. They understand each other and they have a light that glows around them as they tease and laugh at each other. Welcome to our family Christopher. And Eloise? What can I say? I love you poppet." Lord Debling shook his soon to be brother's hand and hugged his sister tightly.

"And now, Francesca. Our sweet tempered, beautiful Frannie. She has spent many summers in Scotland and loves the country so much that she is now marrying a Scottish Earl. Yes, I know that is not the real reason for she told me, 'Brother? John is so intelligent and handsome and I fell in love the moment he introduced himself.' Frannie may be the sweet one, but she can also be very cynical, so when she told me it was love at first sight, I was shocked. John, if she could trust you so quickly, I knew you must be a good man. But I was wrong." Gasps were heard and Francesca looked appalled. "The Earl of Kilmartin is not a 'good' man, for he is more than that. He is a great man, a true gentleman, a just Earl, and a huge family man. And I will be honoured to call him my brother."

Francesca jumped into her big brother's arms and thanked him. John came over and gave him a hearty handshake and a hug as well. "She is my everything, Viscount, and I will always honour and cherish her." Francesca then led him to the dance floor to join Eloise and Christopher.

And since everyone was preoccupied with watching them, they did not see certain newlyweds sneaking off to their rooms.


Sophie went out to the balcony for some air. This family was one of the most beautiful and amazing families she had ever witnessed and it made her feel so excited to be apart of it soon. She smiled as she thought of Benedict. The portrait that he painted of her likeness was so beautiful. She couldn't wait until they married and she hung it in their home.

"Alone at last," she smirked as she heard the man of her dreams come closer. He gently kissed her shoulder. "What are you doing out here all alone, my sweet?"

She sighed and turned to face him. "Just getting some fresh air. You're family is absolutely wonderful, Ben. I feel so blessed that you all have welcomed me into your home. My life, well, let's just say it has never been easy. My father loved me, I know, but he had to hide my existence from the Ton and then he died and I was left with a monstrous woman the treated me as her personal servant and degraded me at every chance possible."

Benedict took her hands in his, "Never again. Never again will you ever feel like you don't belong or matter. My family already loves you and me?" He caressed her face and kissed her forehead. "I am fully and unapologetically in love with you. Sophie," Benedict bent to one knee and smiled up at her. Pulling out a wooden box, he flipped it open to unveil a simple opal ring. "I do not need a long, drawn out courtship. I already know within my heart that you are the one; my muse. For you, I will become your dearest friend, your enamoured husband, and the father to our children that I pray take after you. Your selfless, sincere heart that I feel so grateful to own."

Sophie pulled him up to his feet, "Ben, I..."

"Please say you'll be my wife, Sophie Beckett." He smiled at her doe eyed face.

"Benedict Bridgerton, nothing would make me happier than to be your wife." He whooped and then picked her up and swung her around before kissing her with no hesitation. "I love you!"

"And I love you."


As they came back into the ballroom, Benedict called for everyone's attention with Sophie by his side. Anthony looked ready to slug him.

"Can I have everyone's attention please?" The guests turned their attention to the second born Bridgerton. "I had every intention of announcing my courtship with this beautiful woman at my side tonight, but instead I have even better news. I have proposed marriage to Miss Sophie Beckett and she has, amazingly enough, agreed to be my wife!" Violet squealed with delight.

"Three children married in one season! It is the coup of the century!" Lady Danbury quipped as she congratulated her dear friend. Anthony shook his brother's hand and kissed Sophie's hand.

"You never do things the easy way, do you?" He said to Benedict as Kate coo'd over Sophie's ring.

"Never!" Benedict chuckled then searched the room. "Where are Colin and Penelope?" Anthony gave him a look and they both laughed, "Those two are hornier than half the Ton put together." The group celebrated well into the early morning hours. In a few days time, they will be celebrating Eloise becoming Lady Debling. Then the family will be travelling to Scotland for Francesca and Earl Kilmartin's nuptials in two months time. They decided to save Benedict and Sophie's wedding for after Francesca's honeymoon.

One thing was for sure:

The Bridgertons were going to be very busy.


A/N: Eloise gets married. Michael Sterling comes to stir things up a bit. Jealous Colin tears his ugly head.