It was Anne Featherington that caused a conflict between the Featherington and the Bridgertons. Two generations removed, and the exact story has been corrupted on both sides. With Anne's death and the death of Edmond's parents, Violet is ready to bury the hatchet.
Unfortunately, the only pleasant Featherington is the youngest. Violet should've never trusted her. Whether she was always pretending to be a friend to Eloise - and loosely Colin - or not … Stop. The facts of the matter wouldn't bring Violet peace.
As much as Violet would like to see all of her children, married, and in love with their spouses, she has recently taken a backseat to her children's social affairs. No, actually. Violet swears it'll stick. Hopefully.
All this is to say, Violet has learned that Penelope Anne Featherington – of course, she'd have the name tied to that wretched woman – was Lady Whistledown.
Once Eloise knew, it was a little work for Violet to discover as well. Violet had invited that girl into her house, and Penelope had ruined Eloise! The girl even ruined her own cousin. Was no one safe? Though Violet is now convinced, Portia had known about Marina's pregnancy and actively tried to entrap Colin in marriage. While Penelope has an interesting contradiction, Violet cannot conscience her presence in the Bridgerton home. But, with Violet's new edict to stay out of it, she allowed Eloise to set any and all boundaries her daughter wanted.
The only issue was Colin. Violet wasn't sure if he's aware of Penelope's alter ego or not. But he seemed determined to get her attention. At least Penelope seemed less than thrilled with this development. Maybe that would nip it in the bud before it went further. Though with the family's luck lately… Everything was likely to fall apart.
All right, Lady Whistledown did have its merits. Violet hated to admit it. But as she read the latest issue, the Bridgertons seemed to come off as a polished family of the ton. It wouldn't solve everything. But it would give Eloise a chance to recover socially.
As the season progressed, unfortunately, Eloise appeared to have become devout in her writings and not looking for a husband. But Violet promised (herself) to stay out of it. Constantly sending letters to and fro, Eloise hasn't engaged in the season at all. Yet, despite all odds, Eloise did receive a marriage proposal! (Though Eloise rejected it.) It was a fortunate sign from the ton at least!
With the end of the season approaching, Violet was forced to rethink her opinion of Penelope Anne Featherington. While a short year ago, Lady Whistledown ruined Eloise, this past season has seen Penelope isolated. (Despite Colin's best efforts.) It might be time to test Colin and determine whether he knew about Penelope's secrets.
"Colin, dear, what did you think of the latest Lady Whistledown?" Violet probed.
"I don't have an informed opinion, as I've yet to read it." He was bouncing his knee and tapping his fingers against the armrest. Her son could never sit still.
"Here's the latest copy! She mentioned that you were 'charming' in it." Violent handed him the pamphlet. He maintained a stoic face as he read. It had always taken Colin longer to read than her other children. However, once he finished, he set it aside.
"So? What did you think?" Violet asked.
"It was as expected," Colin said. His fingers returned to tapping on his left leg and his right leg was back to bouncing.
"Oh, how so? Did you know what it would say ahead of time? She barely even remarked on that terrible Smythe-Smith musicale."
"What? No. But I knew she wouldn't comment on it. Lady Whistledown is rarely cruel without a reason."
"Are you suggesting that your sister deserved to be ruined last season?" Violet was indignant.
"No, of course not. That issue did seem to be a large departure from her typical writing. I wonder if there may have been a motive we don't know about."
"Colin! Take that back. Eloise may have made a mistake. But Lady Whistledown did not have to report on it to the whole ton."
"I didn't mean it in that sense." Colin insisted.
"Colin, let me be frank. I've recently learned Lady Whistledown's identity. However much she may have worked to restore our family this season, we can't trust her. I think you are being too sympathetic to this woman." If Violet didn't know her son so well, she might assume he was unconcerned. But she was his mother, so she spotted the muscle in his jaw that tightened.
"Oh, who do you think it is?" Colin said, adopting a calm voice. But she noticed he had stopped bouncing his leg and his fingers were still. Her boy was not subtle.
"Penelope Anne Featherington," Violet didn't hesitate.
"What about Penelope?" Colin asked in the same tone, but Violet caught the slight widening of his pupils and his hand tensing as though he wanted to tap again.
"She is Lady Whistledown and you already knew that. Give up the act, Colin. I am your mother."
"Mother! You can't tell anyone!" Colin's voice changed to pleading immediately.
"Who said anything about telling anyone?"
"You literally just told me her identity," Colin rolled his eyes.
"You clearly already knew! Besides, what is your plan? Determine everyone in the ton's guess for Lady Whistledown and dissuade them from suspecting Penelope?"
"If I have to," Colin muttered determinedly. His hand went to grab a nearby pillow and move it to the other side of the couch.
"Colin, be serious. You would do all this for a woman you're not even courting."
"That is simply a matter of time. She hasn't told me 'yes' just yet."
"Colin Bridgerton! I taught you better than that. You can be persistent but once a woman rejects you, you must respect her wishes." Violet completely forgot her attack on Penelope in her determination to hammer in this lesson she thought had already been ingrained in her son.
"No! I mean, yes! I mean, I've asked Penelope and she hasn't said 'no' or 'yes' yet. She's asked for some time to consider it. So I'm waiting and keeping the faith that she will say yes." Colin grabbed the pillow again and hugged it to his chest.
Violet was proud of her son. While Penelope wouldn't be her first choice for him given the Lady Whistledown alter ego, she could see the love shining in his eyes and the passion as he spoke about her.
"Oh Colin, are you sure that she is the one for you?"
"There is no one else who could compare in my eyes."
Violet decided then and there to forgive Penelope. It wouldn't do to be on the outs with her future daughter-in-law. She had every faith in her son's ability to win over Penelope as well.
"Maybe you should try leading with that next time you see her," Violet advised.
"I'll give it a try."
"I love you, Colin," Violet said, stepping over to pull him into a hug.
"I love you, too," Colin responded.
"Everything will work out as it should." Plus, Violet wouldn't mind some red-haired grandchildren running around. But she'd let the marriage come first before she started asking for them.
The End
A/N: Okay, this was written a few months back and I forgot about it. I'm not sure that it struck the tone I wanted, but I'm happy enough with it to post. Hope you enjoy!