The Last Howl - Love and Blood

by Mel Slater

Lord Featherington, for all possible logic is dead. When Penelope however, sees her Father, looking very much alive. The world for all she knows will turn upside down, and monsters that only ever haunted her dreams crawl to the surface. Mayfair, known for it's beauty and splendid would become a blood fest and graveyard. Welcome to the beginning of their nightmare.

The Last Howl - Love of Blood

Prologue

Mr Colin Bridgerton would never reciprocate her feelings, she was after all merely a wallflower, invisible to most.

He was a charmer, a rake, and possibly flirted more than attempted courtship. That was the way he seemed to like it though.

Miss Marina Thompson was one such lucky lady, but scandal caused her to run for the hills to a lovely gentleman. Sir Philip Crane. Who was a charming man but only asked for her hand, because of mere obligation to his brother George. Who was sadly killed at Waterloo.

Miss Penelope Featherington didn't much like the world, and the world didn't care much for her also. Colin could never like someone like her. She knew this and she was okay with it, in any case. He was one of the handsome Bridgerton brothers after the elders Antony and Benedict. Who she held in very high regard. They were also nice to her. Nice was a strange word, but as a lady prone to be ignored by all else at the ton, she found them refreshing.

She knew in her heart Colin was meant for someone with a beauty that she would no doubt be envious of. As long as it wouldn't be Cressida Cowper. She hated her, she was a bully. There were a lot worse things she could call her.

Unrequited love is a fear I believe most of the ton surely have lived through. It cannot be easy on any of us being forced into society so, sometimes unwilling.

Young ladies pushed into the ton by their tactless mamas, teaching them the basic needs of a being a wife. Yet nothing that would be of actual use. Like that of having a relation with their husbands. Swooning may have been an art, but Pen hated the idea. She refused to be a pawn in her mother's sick and demoralising game.

Trying as we might to shine, to impress and to win the affection of another. Momma's pushing their daughters out into the world unprepared, chaise and innocent.

Was it not Elizabeth Barrett Browning who did so write

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breath and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being and idea grace" -Sonnet 43

Chapter 1

Penelope's father Archibald Featherington wasn't, by all accounts a great man. But he was hers and she loved him. He didn't judge or belittle her like her mother and sisters.

He didn't care enough about either of them to think that. He didn't really know her, she sometimes wished that he tried to, and the things she knew of him were not for innocent ears to hear.

He was a gambler, a man who preferred the bed of other less ladylike women, then her mother and he had an insatiable greed. Which she was certain probably resulted in his death.

Mr Featherington, wasn't dead.

A bold statement but indeed a true one.

His Body revived itself. Waking up confused and shook. Had the poison not done its job, a little snigger.

He looked at his left hand rubbing it. It was healed... he could have sworn it badly scratched in the park the night before. what was it, whatever it was it moved so fast. The gash on the hand it had left though was deep indeed and kept bleeding.

There was no mark at all. that was impossible was it not.

He rubbed some soot off his chest revealing a circle of five points. What did it mean. He didn't care. His wife would surely be disappointed he was still alive.

Another question to himself though was, did he care if his wife knew he was. Once he admittedly loved Portia, but years of them bickering led him to flee to others. Keeping himself busy so she wouldn't be able to see him. She only cared about their children. Almost like he didn't matter anymore. Like he was merely a thorn in his wife's paw. He never loved her, but always thought her at the very least. A friend.

Where the hell was, he. This place was dark. He was hungry.

Good god he was hungry.

Something was creeping in taking hold, he could feel his eyes bulging out of his head.

A sharp pain jolted down his spine, he clenched his back, screaming. The agonising pain crippled him to the ground.

The pain shot through his hand, his veins pulsating, talons ripped their way through his flesh under his nails. Digging into the ground with such force the ground under him felt as though it would crack.

Another shot through his lower legs, convulsing his upper thighs. As if in a sudden instant, hair grew over his body, irritating his skin in the process. Another scream, but this one was one of utter shock.

His bulging eyes started to blur his vision. blood ran over his pupils; his head shook the drips off. He grasped his face it was changing also; his nose grew outward. He snarled involuntary. The smell of dirt and rot engrossed his senses.

What was he. What had he become.

Then his inner voice was no longer his own.

His teeth were as sharp as razor blades, he jumped onto all fours and ran into the dead of night.

In the distance a family laughed inside their small kitchen. The door was ajar.

Sounds of screams, awoke the small town outside Bloomsbury. Then all was red.

Penelope was out to pick up some of her well-earned earnings, she glanced at the corner of her eye. A figure looking at her from the edge of the road. Was that her father. It could not be it was many weeks that she had lost him. Pen blinked and he was gone.

Her heart jumped. A shiver down her spine. She shook it off. Maybe she was losing her mind, which wouldn't be surprising after such a loss.

Papa was no more. She liked to think he was in heaven but knowing of his 'activities' of late she knew this not to be true.

Pen had her cloak over her face, the wind caught it for a second, as she brushed her hair out of her eyes, she saw him again. It was him. But that was impossible. Another shiver rode along her arms. She ran, the more she ran, the more she felt running after her.

She turned a corner into open ground, a shadow struck her across her face, leaving a large gash.

Pen started to panic, losing her footing she fell backward, and a pond swallowed her up.

Breathing rapidly, she tried to pull herself up. Out of nowhere she heard hooves trotting "Are you quite alright there, young lady?" then a man was high up front of her, it was Fife... of all the faces she wanted to see, that was not one of them.

The feeling of horrid red cheeks took over. She shook the excess water off her skirt and allowed him to escort the young miss home. Luckily when Fife realised it was only Penelope, he went quiet.

What would be the use giving his charms to that strange girl. They didn't speak all the way; Penelope was extremely relieved.

She crept up to her room, carefully avoiding anyone that would ask her questions.

In the Featherington household, in Mayfair, the youngest of the daughters of Archibald and Portia Featherington, sat in her bedchamber, questioning her own eyes, her own sanity. Pen then realised she had been sitting completely still for a few hours.

"Penelope, didn't you hear me calling you?" her mother Mrs Portia Featherington with more disappointment than concern, Pen new this look all too well.

"Mama, I am sorry I didn't hear you... I must have been in deep thought"

"What on earth would you need to think about, pray tell what is so important?"

Pen gaped at her mother "well?!, I require a moment with you all"

Pen stood up swiftly she tried to apologise, not that she knew what she was supposed to apologise for "Goodness' sake Penelope" Portia pushed her through the door.

After the ladies all sat, Portia started "My beautiful girls, I regret to inform you that Mr Featherington is gone"

"Oh, my mamma! is he dead?!" Prudence question made Portia wince at her; Prudence mouth dropped "Cousin Jack is gone... but what are we to do now?"

"Is someone coming to live with us Mama" Philipa popped in "...but I like Cousin Jack. Such an interesting man" Phillip nodded in agreement.

Pen and her mother shared some glances "It will be just us now girls" with a forced smile "Do not worry about such things"

Penelope agreed with her mother's words. Where did he go, why did he run so fast that he seemed to forget most of his belongings he had only just unpacked.

Maybe he left her mother a note. Cousin Jack did not seem the type to just leave though. Unless it was for important business. Perhaps his ruby mines in America were in a worse state than he let on.

Either way, Pen quite liked him. It was nice to have another man around the place since father died.

For one hint of his fast departure was the ever so unchanged display of his personal hunting guns, which was his proud collection.

Chapter 2

Thunder cracked, echos of rain filled Mrs Featheringtons bedchamber.

She glanced at herself in the mirror giving a large sigh at her own reflection. Not believing how she was duped by a nice smile and attention. She couldn't believe how a man with such means would just leave. He left her a note to say goodbye. Nothing more. What would become of her girls and 'more importantly' the money that would save them from ruin.

She walked to the window, finger pressing on lips slightly trembling. She shook her thought away. If Portia was good at anything, it was pushing her feelings inward and not revealing them to her children.

Everything will work itself out in the end, she was sure of it.

Out the window she saw a shadow moving through the streets. Portia squinted then rubbed her eyes. Maybe the lack of sleep and the troubles with Mr Featherington were taking their ugly toll. Portia opened the windows to let the air calm her poor nerves.

She investigated the night; the shadow was still there. The wind howled in rustling the drapes. She felt she was in a speeding Coach; water drops rushing at her face.

Then all of a sudden, she saw teeth in the night bared at her only a few feet from her, they charged at her.

Eyes flamed in blood red; Portia was grabbing the window latch to pull it shut. she couldn't, it was stuck.

Before she was even aware of it, the thing was in her room, her eyes darted around. She heard breathing, was it hers or the creatures.

The light hit Fur.

A lot of Fur.

Portia's heart raced, as her lips did nothing but gulp air in terror. She had to find her voice. A sudden thought hit her like a rock. Her girls.

The teeth charged at her neck, ripping through her flesh. She tried to find her voice, but she couldn't yell. It was no use. All she could let out in a low voice was "Girls... runnnnn!" her coarse voice made it no further than her room "Runnnn!"

Blood oozed from her wounds; weakness set in with the echo of the sound of a dog's gnawing on bone. Her eyes glazed over, and she was no more.

Fabric ripped, as talons ripped into her shoulder.

Prudence was walking by when she heard muffled noises. She knocked while entering "Mumma are you qu..." stopping at her pace for her mother was lying on the ground lifeless at her feet. Prudence took a step back in horror.

Looking to her left, she saw an ungodly sight of blood dripping down the upholstery. Ahe staying completely still as her eyes tried to focus on exactly what she was seeing before her.

There it was snarling. Staring, red eyes glaring back at her. The legs large and towering over her, she shrieked. The teeth seemed to jump at her, gnawing at her neck, the blood poured and splattered onto the hard floor.

Prudence's face turned white. The beast ripping her head clean off, spitting it sharply across the room.

Leaving an expressionless lady's face on the ground facing the door. It devoured part of her stomach, tasting the juices of her organs. Prudence's pink bow fell off her loose hair to floor, and became engulfed in the blood, floating on it like a paper boat.

Mrs Varley rushed up to her room "Mam, is all well?" she rushed to Portia, trying to stop her bleeding with her apron, but it was no use. Her face span around realising it was Prudence face she nearly tripped over while entering.

Mrs Varley was pulled through the window, glass cracked and pulled on her skin, she shrieked, then she was unconscious. Her body thrown in a shredded heap on the ground.

It left leaving horror and gore in its wake.

The smell of death reached the hallway.

Mrs Varley shrieked so loud that Philipa rose from her bed clutching her cover. What was that. She grabbed her night gown and made her way to Penelope's room; she shook her sister awake "Did you hear that?" tempted from her lips. Pen sat up with a start, Phillipa was white as a ghost.

Pen rubbed her eyes "I thought I was in a nightmare" looking into her sister's eyes, she touched her face. She had never seen her sister frightened.

She touched her sister's cheek. The look of complete and utter fear. Her hands were shaking, in fact her whole body was shaking.

Pen got up and pointed to her bed "Get under, I will go look for mother and our sister" her voice trembled more than she intended. Her sister obliged, not that she had any other option, then hide. Pen threw a blanket in front of her face, so her sister was less visible.

Philipa, whispering as she left "Be Careful sister"

Penelope didn't listen to her sisters warning; she didn't want to feel any more petrified than was already necessary. She held her candlestick in a tight grip.

Pen moved quietly over the corridor, step by step trying not to hear the squeak from the loose floorboard outside her mother's room.

Pen stopped outside, the door was open, she took a deep breath and peered inside.

moving her flame from left to right. She choked down hard "Mama?"

Her mother lay there

Her eyes had blood dripping over them from a head wound, the blood drops sounded like gongs as they hit the ground. Pen closed her eyes tight, then reopened them hoping she was in a horrid dream. It wasn't.

Her neck.

My god her neck, there was so much blood.

Pen looked down right in front of her feet.

Prudence's head was detached from the rest of her. Neither were moving. Pen took a step back, uncoordinated, her back slammed into the door.

Glancing around the room she took note of the open window, stepping around her family, while her breathing became rapid, and she swiftly closed it.

Pen swallowed the vomit down.

Taking two big breaths she looked outside for the intruder.

She saw no one. All was quiet, her chest burned with a feeling she had never felt before.

Not fear... but anger. So much anger and hate that she could break the world in two.

Penelope got Philipa to get changed and make a bag of clothes and food to take with her. Philipa followed her sister's instruction without question, though still unsure why she was to make a bag. What could have happened, surely Mama was alright, she was a strong woman, after all father did fear her so, must have been for a good reason.

Penelope gave her sisters hand a small squeeze "Give me a few moments, I will be back with you momentarily" thinking she better add "...stay in this room" hopping her sister wouldn't see what she had just been imbedded into her mind.

Penelope returned to her room, and started to write on her writing desk, looking over to the direction of the Bridgerton house. She knew what she must do.

Penelope wrote to the Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, Lady Danbury and of course Colin, she can only hope the correspondence reaches Colin in time. Colin's Letter would be the hardest as would be expected.

A letter of a last farewell. Possibly. She wasn't sure what was about to occur, so she thought best to making sure her affairs were in order. She had to be sensible. So, for the first time she would be honest with everyone.

Pen started to take the dark walk over to the Bridgerton household.

Philipa was quiet. A little too quiet. She always knows what to stay. Even if what she says is complete nonsense. She is warm and sweet. It hurt Pens feeling that it was always Philipa and Prudence. Pen was always the odd one out.

She wasn't even sure if any of her family actually liked her or just merely tolerated her existence.

They didn't show as much. God why was her sister not speaking, it was becoming frustrating. Even her eyes looked lost.

Then she realised. She didn't stay in her room. She must have seen something, everything. Pen took a big gulp. She was afraid. Not for herself, but for Philipa. She had seen everything, and she wasn't saying anything.

Going quietly by foot seemed difficult when every step they made seemed louder in her mind. The loose stones on the pavement were not helping her effort to be discreet at all.

Pen was constantly looking around her for some sort of threats. The world seemed scarier than she ever thought possible. She always liked the night, with the stars shining back on her. Today was different. No stars. Just Black.

"Dear Gentle Readers,

There is a creature a foot, I heed warning, be sure to all be in your homes before the darkness of night. Lock your windows and doors. I do not say this warning in jest.

There is a monster on the loose.

Speculation that it is a wolf and that it has already barred its teeth into the town gentle folk. I myself have seen a mere image of the creature and I speak to you in earnest. Be afraid.

This will be the last we speak for some time. Stay warm, the bitter cold and the bitter smell of death has revealed its ugly head. Stay safe, stay together and if you can, stay armed gentle readers. God Speed.

yours

Lady Whistledown"

LADY WISTLEDOWN'S SOCIETY PAPER'S, 10 March1824

Chapter 3

The sun shone proudly on another beautiful day in Naxos, the beaches were idyllic, and the ancient ruins had so much history edged into their brick. Colin was soaking his feet into the golden sand of Planka Beach. Enjoying the peace and quiet that he never receives in his large family and busy lifestyle. What could be more perfect than this, he thought to himself. The Marble Gate of Portara was a beauty to behold. Also known as the jewel of Naxos.

Colin started to make scribbling's in his journal. He decided what a better place to write but right here, near the causeway separating Naxos and the mainland of Greece.

The myth is that of the Minoan princess Ariadne was left abandoned by her lover. Theseus, the king of Athens. Theseus was known to have killed a Minotaur on the Island of Crete, on a side note, I have found the beautiful Gillyflowers on the cliffs here. Known by the natives as Matthiola incana.

The Gillyflowers blossom was a beautiful pink colour, Colin thought he would press the flower into his journal to show his mother once he returns home. His mind went briefly to Penelope, she once wore a dress a similar shade of pink, it was always nice to see her being forced to wear a colour other than yellow.

In all honest though, he thought that she could wear the yellow tones better than most. It hoped that one day she could travel and see the world other than through his words. Pen responded more to his letters than any of his family in Mayfair. He knew that Eloise for one, found him rather droll. El had reminded him every time he had returned.

Colin received a letter from Pen, he couldn't help a smile from forming. Colin was thrilled, he thought she had been ignoring him. His hopes were not in vain, he eagerly opened her letter and poured himself a glass of OUZO.

"My Dearest Colin,

I write to you in warning. You must not return home, please do not travel after dark and please do not try and send any kind of correspondence to where you are staying.

I have already taken precautions for the welfare of your family, leaving clear instructions to your brother, The Viscount, to keep them safe.

I cannot say much more, for I don't have much time. Think of it though as an opportunity to finally tell you the truth. Finally, that is.

I am lady Whistledown. I know this may have come as a surprise and I am sorry for my bluntness, but I fear there is no use keeping the secret for any longer. There is something else I feel I must, in all conscious, divulge.

I am in love with you Colin, ever since our first meeting. I know this falls on deaf ears. I tell you only now, as I feel I am about to be involved in such a dangerous and cunning endeavour.

I am not sure if I will be lost to the world of the living.

If I am, I wanted my fears to be know. Take care of yourself Colin and of course your wonderful family.

My last farewell to you, stay safe my one and only true love

Yours until the end

Penelope Featherington"

Colin, who like most men in society known for his countenance and demur, was looking quite perplexed.

Pen loved him.

Colin downed the drink and muttered to himself "Idiot"

Colin didn't understand. There were so many questions, how can she just tell him to hide. He was not a coward.

He just knew he was not going to let her fight on her own. Whatever she was fighting, that is.

Colin twiddled his fingers as he sat in his carriage rushing to get home to see what the hell was going on. The feeling of sickness from the journey and fear for what may come to ward. Colin's mind repeating the line 'I am in love with you' what the hell was he supposed to do with that information.

She was his friend, maybe even his closest friend. He held her in the highest esteem. Why, why did she love him. He scratched is head.

Why didn't he know. How fucking stupid was he. He was a fool, an idiot, and now he knew it.

How was he to proceed, Penelope was mad if she thought for one second that he would not be her hero, did she not know him at all.

What was she fighting?

What if she was hurt and he wasn't there to help her.

The travel took longer than anticipated due to high winds and the boat taking in a bit of water, to be honest, he was happy to get to the British Isles in one piece.

He gulped hard and mumbled to himself "What if I'm too late"

A tear ran down his face. His family are safe, what the hell did that mean? Safe from what? Who? Where are his family? and where the hell was, she?

His Coach arrived at the Bridgerton house. It was dark and cold.

He looked around, no lights were on. So, he turned and headed to the Featheringtons home, it wasn't too far, maybe Mrs Featherington could enlighten him to the whereabouts of Penelope.

It was so dark, a chill was running up his spine, then he saw a light shine in the top right window. Was that Pen's window.

Should he knock.

If knocking would endanger her.

So, he crept through the door and up the stairs. He knocked on her door gently.

It was then he realised it wasn't locked, so he stepped inside, not caring if she was indecent or not. He needed answers.

Was that a man in her room? the light was very dim. A figure in breeches, a torn shirt and a hat.

He raised his voice "Who are you, and what the hell are you doing in Miss Featheringtons room?"

A soft voice he recognised whispered "You should not have come back"

Colin pulled the figure around. "Penelope?" she was tired and hurt.

She removed her hat, her hair glowed in the candlelight, flowing over her shoulders and bust. Oh my god "Pen?" his eyes looked her up and down at her attire.

She looked up at his bright eye's needing an explanation "Mr Bridgerton?" he couldn't help but feel a little aroused.

She turned away from pulled her hair to one side "You shouldn't be here".

His eyes slowly lowered, she was in a shirt, slightly unbuttoned, tucked loosely into, his gasp made his mouth expel "Breeches"

Just wow, the outline of her legs, curvy, his eyes trying so hard to not look too close to her waist. Her ass looked soft and perky. Shit. he was aroused again, he removed his hat putting it in front of his manhood, hoping she wouldn't notice. Wow. Just wow.

He then realised he had been gawking at her in a very ungentlemanly fashion. She chose not to answer his question, if it even was a question and not indeed a statement.

She had no idea the effect she was having on him. His face starting to flush. She noticed.

Mumbled to herself "Pull yourself together Mr Bridgerton, I don't think anyone will notice us alone in here" for goodness' sake. There is more going on, could he pull himself together for a moment.

"Penelope? What the hell is going on?!"

He reached for her cheek; she flinched a little at his touch.

A deep scratch, he smoothed her face, gripping his handkerchief from his pocket and placing it on the wound.

She repeated, this time her voice cracked "You should not have come back" Colin's eyes looked into hers, Pen held back her tears. Colin had never seen her like this.

Broken, completely broken. What had happened. She was not the same. She was different.

A creak the other side of the wall, she froze. Putting her finger to Colin's lips and pushing him against the back wall, she grabbed a gun with the other hand. Colin's eyes followed her. Completely stunned.

Colin took note and looked in the same direction as Pen, straight at her bedroom wall.

A small knock, then a beautiful lady walked in, tall, dark hair and also holding a gun.

She spoke in a hushed voice "your trap, it worked" she forced a smile, like she didn't really believe her own words.

She eyeballed Colin "Who's this?"

"I am Colin, who are you? and will one of you ladies be so polite as to tell me what is going on"

She glared at him, looking him up and down "Ah, I thought you were warned not to come back" she looked at Penelope nodding towards Colin "I see why you like him though, quite determined and stubborn"

Penelope's cheeks flushed a very rosy pink, she shook it off "Mr Bridgerton, this is Miss Kate Sharma. I got supplies, we better get going" Pen couldn't look at Colin. Colin had never seen her so stern and quiet. It worried him. She wasn't the same Pen he once knew.

Colins eyes looked hopeful "Pen, where are my family?"

"I sent them to Hasting's house; the duke has more resources to keep them safe!"

"Safe? from what? Antony would never agree to leave, he wou..."

Pen interrupted "... not unless he thought there was no other choice in doing so. He has received correspondence from me, telling them what they needed to know. Little does he know that I stayed to finish what I started"

Colin grew frustrated with her holding back "What is that, exactly Pen?"

"I need to kill my father!" she said with a stern face.

Colin grew irritated "Your father IS dead!" he pointed out, completely unaware of how high pitched it sounded.

Pen let out in an irritated voice "not anymore"

"Wha..."

"I will show you, and you will believe. Just stay quiet and try not to get in the way" Penelope scolded Colin, she didn't mean too, but all these interruptions will not bid well.

Chapter 4

Penelope loved him still. Wanted to protect him. He wanted to be her hero; she knew that. What an upside-down world this has indeed become.

A man stood at the entrance of Pens home, out of breath. He gestured at Colin "Sir Phillip Crane" Colins jealousy was a bit obvious, he nodded but looked at the beautiful smile on her face as he arrived.

Colin measured the man up, tall, good looking, charming persona. It was almost like Colin had decided straight away. He didn't like this, Philip Crane.

He passed a plant to Penelope "Wolfsbane" Pen looked at him hopeful "It should help with the side effects until the change" if Colins irritation wasn't obvious before it certainly was now, Pen lit up "So I can fight for longer"

Crane was a handsome man, to be sure, and it was beginning to get to Colin. Did Pen find him handsome, of course she did. She wasn't blind "How do I?" Pen questioned.

"Make it with tea, it will help the dose get into your stomach faster" he looked at Colin "She probably only has a matter of days, you need to leave Colin"

Colin shook his head "I will not leave her"

Penelope held his hand and gave it a squeeze, so he looked at her "Mr Bridgerton, when my father turned, he killed my mother, then Prudence before he came for me and my sister..."

No wonder his Pen had changed. Grief can do that to someone. When his own father died, he had felt angry at the world. Then he had to force himself to remember that he was always surrounded by those who loved him. Pen had no one apart from a sister. Colin wasn't even sure what sister was still alive, but at least they certainly had each other, to be sure.

"So why must I leave you? I cannot, not now"

"When I turn, you will be the first one I'm coming after" her eyes shone with such passion, he didn't know why he had never seen it before. "I will not let you die, by my own hands..." she pointed direct at the ground, raising her voice "I will 'not' let your family mourn another Bridgerton, do you understand me!"

Colin didn't understand, but this much he knew, he still didn't want to let her go "There must be a cure or something else I can help with" Penelope just scoffed and then begged "Please go Colin"

With that Colin grabbed Crane aside "How do you know about the Wolfsbane, if that works then there must be something else?"

"Lord Featherington seemed hurt by silver, but that isn't a cure, just an inconvenience"

Colin looked hopeful "When I travelled, I heard stories of different creatures, ones that sunlight could kill, some that could be cured with the heart or death of the one that inflicted the curse onto them..."

Colin frowned for a second "...if Penelope drank his heart or killed him maybe the infliction would disappear."

"It is unlikely..." then he shrugged "..but what is the use of hope if we cannot cling to it. If only a little" Crane looked at Pen "Penelope, I hold in the utmost esteem, she is as strong as she is kind... if there is even the slightest of chance..."

Penelope interrupted. Time as they knew was indeed running out "I think you all fools. I suppose the most foolish thing to do is never try anything at all" she gave a small smile to Colin, she started to walk away "... but the second you see claws or hear a snarl, run!"

"You must not lose your head Pen" Colin muffled out. Wrong thing to say. Pen let out an unnerving laugh. It made Colin wince like hearing sharp nails against rough metal.

She had seen something horrific, this much he knew.

Kate looked at Colin deadpan "Come with me" she took him outside Mrs Featherington's bedchamber "Whatever you see in there. Keep it to yourself. You must not talk about it, and I certainly do not want Pen to be reminded of it. Are we at an understanding?"

Colin nodded and awkwardly opened the door.

Red.

Red everywhere.

Against the walls and on the hard floor, smeared, animal prints in them, his eyes tried making out what he was seeing. The window smashed. Prudence, her face looking up at him like she was in shock. Her body laying a mere two foot away from her head. He had yet to see her mother, but after glancing at Prudence, he didn't think he would have the stomach to see more.

He shuddered and reminded himself 'Pen, do not lose your head'. What the hell was going on.

He threw up his supper, and leant on the wall behind him, trying to brace yourself. His hand pressed firmly to his mouth, suppressing a scream.

He crumbled to the ground; arms tucked around his legs. He sat for a minute to try and gain his composure. His hand slipped to the floor into a blood pool. His nausea was starting to kick in again. He looked again at the scene, choking back tears. He needed to leave this room. But not before paying his respect to the dead by covering their bodies.

Just the thought of the word made him reach. Oh, Pen.

Pen glanced up from her cup of tea, Colin's face looked grotesque. Without him speaking, she choked out "You saw"

"I did" they both went silent for a moment. Penelope forced a small smirk "Can you do something to distract me, Mr Bridgerton"

"Like what?"

"I do not know" she stood up facing him "Please do something or my thoughts are going to take hold and I do not know if I am strong enough"

He looked empathetically at her.

Kate walked in holding a tray of biscuits, Philip was not far behind with his head in a book. "Thank you, Kate" Pen smiled up at her.

Pen started to walk away.

Colin walked after her grabbing her arm "Can we speak in private?"

"Since formality has definitely gone out of the window, I am sure I can manage to be alone in a room with you"

Colin grabbed her hand gently and pulled her into a separate room.

Kate and Crane had already decided to make themselves scarce, considering the tension that was going on between the both of them.

Crane's eyebrows rose with a small smirk, he left the hall.

Colin looked down into Penelope's eyes "Penelope..."

she huffed out feeling frustrated "Mr Bridgerton?"

"Please Pen, can you stop that!"

"Stop what?"

"Calling me Mr Bridgerton. I am Colin. Colin dammit. Why are you talking to me like that"

"There is too much going on, we need to distance ourselves. Call me Miss Featherington"

"No, Pen. Do not do this"

"Do what?"

"We have been friends for a long time, do not start distancing me now"

"Fine" she shrugged his concerns off "What do you want from me, why did you drag me in this room? We do not have the time Colin"

"Well just answer me one question, please for my own sanity"

She huffed "What?"

"If it wasn't for all this, would you have?" he took a small, unnerving breath "Would you have ever told me?"

Pen helped "... That it was I, that was Lady Whistledown" she shook her head "No! I wanted to keep my secrets" her demure changed

He squeezed her hand "That is not what I mean, and I believe you know that"

Penelope looked up into his beautiful eyes, he looked down at her with such need "No. I don't think I would ever have told you that truth either, if I am being honest with myself"

"Why?" Colin's heart was beating fast. He was alone in the room with her, and she was standing so close he could almost feel her breath.

"It was clear that you would only see me as a friend. So, I let myself give up on you. Just because I did though, did not in any way mean I would not still protect you and your family"

she choked a little "Do we have to talk about this? soon I may not be around any longer anyway to dream. The only reason I came clean was because I warned you never to return. Why did you come back, I was doing alright without you trying to save me" her voice was strained "So how about we forget what I wrote. Then we can continue like nothing ever happened" she nodded and turned to leave.

"Is that really what you want, Pen?" his eyebrows also eagerly waiting for a reply. Penelope was trying to think with her mind and not be pulled by her heart "I believe that is what I need"

Penelope had already decided to give up for them both, all she had left was her sister, that she was pretty sure never even liked her.

All she had was him, and his family. He braced himself for the next question that he knew would surprise her.

"Penelope, may I kiss you?"

Pen stood completely still not knowing what to say so just answered bluntly "Were you even listening to me Colin, what would be the point in that, it would be a kind of torture, would it not" The thought of him kissing her out of some obligation or worse, pity would destroy her completely.

She started to walk to the door, he reached for her arm.

"Maybe it wouldn't be torture, maybe I want to" he hoped

"I think you have gone mad"

"I want to Pen"

"Maybe I do as well" her eyes sparkled up at him, like the bright blue sky of Greece, itself. She was dazzling, she was beautiful "We don't have the time for this Colin!" her voice grew stern.

He wasn't going to let her weasel out of this so easily. He did the only thing he could think of.

He started to close the distance between them. He wanted to embrace her, to hold her, to tell her everything would be okay. In truth though, he didn't know if it would be. All he knew is he needed her. He had a full ache over his body, it tingled like small kisses is his chest.

He wanted to kiss her, he thought if he did not, then he would die.

She felt his warm breath flow over her lips, her skin vibrated, her heart thumped so loud she heard it in her throat. He touched her lips softly first with his thumb tracing around her perfectly shaped lips. How had he never noticed those lips before. He licked his lips which she had seen him do often when he was nervous.

How she always wished that tongue was touching her. Her neck, her bosom, her other places. It seemed the time had finally arrived, and she had never felt so frightened. She always believed he was made for someone else. Was he still. Was this merely a kiss and nothing more. All she knew is, she wanted him.

Then he pressed his lips to hers softly at first, a soft caress before his hunger for her took over. More force as he opened her lips with his tongue slowly tasting her.

She tasted a little bitter from the tea. He was glad for washing his mouth out with alcohol before seeing her, or the foul taste of vomit would still be lingering on his breath.

How had she been in front of him for so long and he never had his way with those lips, so full and begging to be touched.

Then not realising his own passion he pulled her closer to him, his arousal was pushing against her making him let out a little sound that she had never heard before. Penelope stopped quite suddenly "What was that?"

"It's the sound of a need, a want, I want to take you right here, right now" he let out a slight growl. Penelope gulped, his lips now on her throat licking, caressing. She had fantasised about being with Colin, but she knew nothing of men and the sounds of pleasure they might make. She really liked it. He made her feel almost like she might burst. She tried gaining her composure, gasping out his name "Colin?" She looked into his eyes so deeply that he forgot his own mind.

"We cannot" putting a hand to his chest "we don't know how the affliction, this curse spreads, what if I make you, like me?" Colin kissed her again before she started to analyse the situation too much "Well, not doing it would be a fate much worse"

Penelope cleared her through "I... I have to go. I must get more supplies" with that she nodded, leaving Colin gobsmacked and ever so needing. As he stood there, he felt ashamed. He should not have acted that way to Penelope, what gave him the right. She was intoxicating and now he felt he had possibly done irreparable harm to their friendship.

He stood perplexed of his own actions. He mumbled to himself "Foolish"

Penelope grabbed a sack and started filling it with gunpowder, some smaller pistols and knives. Pausing for only a second, holding her heart and taking a breath.

She left Colin wanting, standing in her room, confused. What should she do. How should she act. She didn't know what she was doing.

She reached for Uncle Jacks bottle of whisky and downed a few mouthfuls, giving a small cough, feeling that heat burn down her throat. If she could burn this infliction out, this would definitely be a nice change from the tea.

Pen, after all, had not tried liquor before but on all accounts, it wouldn't be the worst thing to ever been done. Dutch courage she thought to herself.

Her smile was tight, looking upon her reflection. I look a fool she said to herself, buttoning the shirt a little.

It was maddening how much she needed him. Why shouldn't she take what she wants. Penelope was fed up with being the wallflower hiding in the edge of the dancefloor. This time, she wanted to be brave. She wanted to be spontaneous. She needed him. Really needed him. Even if it was just for tonight.

she headed back to her room. Well, more like marched, she didn't realise how quickly the effect of the alcohol took hold.

Upon arriving back in the room, she looked at Colin face, unable to look into her eyes. He was ashamed "I'm so sorry Pen, I never meant for you to feel embarrassed" she smiled at his sincerity.

Pen wasn't embarrassed. Pen was internally tormented. Colin was her love. She though if they went any further, that he would regret his actions.

So maybe tonight is the night to be strong, determined, for this moment will surely not happen again.

He then took a step back "Pen, I" she turned around thinking he was rejecting her, like she did to him, that very morning.

Colin cleared his throat "Pen. Are you well?"

With that she pushed him against the desk, answering his desires. Colins expression a mix of shock and arousal. He would only be happy to oblige to her passions.

He could feel the electricity when he was around her, when they touched, all this sexual frustration he could set fire to the world.

Colin sat on the chair next to him, He slowly took Penelope's breeches down while looking up at her face, he moved up her leg, tickling her skin with his fingertips. He found where his target was, and let his fingers linger around her innocence, rubbing her vigorously with his thumb and forefinger.

She took big breaths, not knowing what was happening. he then unbuttoned and pulled down his bottoms and pulled her up to straddle him. She didn't know what was expected of her.

So, he motioned her. He pulled her rhythmically toward him.

"Pen are you sure?" in truth he was hard against his breeches, and it was becoming painful for him to keep it together.

She looked back and nodded a definite "Yes, I feel we have already waited long enough, do you not"

He removed his shirt, then slowly removed hers. She breathed deeply as his fingers slowly smoothed the edging of her buttons, sliding it off her arms. He looked at her in full and my god he smiled as he imprinted on his mind every curve, every part he wanted to put his mouth too. He felt himself swell more.

He started motioning into her faster and faster, her head flew back, he took every opportunity to kiss her neck. One of Colins hands moved to her breasts, and he squeezed, putting her breasts one at time into his mouth, tickling her nipple with his tongue. Her breathing got faster and faster.

His member was ready, and it was killing him that he hadn't even been inside her yet. The feeling of her though just on him was become too much for him to bear.

The teasing though was getting a bit too much. He had to hold on. But she was exquisite, so warm and her body was so welcoming, his fingers went inside her again, moving into her when she rocked.

He kissed her again, so passionately her toes curled.

She was heaven and he wanted her to know what he felt, so he whispered into her ear "I'm sorry I didn't realise before" his breath on her cheek caused her body to involuntary shake. She felt a sensation between her thighs up to her stomach. It tickled. It warmed. It aroused her being.

She loved it. Then her body suddenly relaxed. She smiled at him "It's alright, you were not to know" she panted out in rushed breaths. Then he fastened into her, staring at her the entire time as he was so close to release. He wanted to tell her he cared for her.

It just would not be right. He cared for her a lot. This could simply be lust, and he would hate to hurt her feelings in any way.

She was so beautiful. His need took over he picked her up by her soft bottom and placed her on the desk.

He made circles around her entrance of womanhood, he pushed a finger into her, he couldn't control his passion, he watched her like she was the most wonderful creature he had ever seen in his life, she gasped.

She was glad she was sitting, if she were standing, she thought her legs may forsake her. Colin slid another finger in looking up at her while squeezing one of her exquisite breasts the same time.

She felt like she needed to relieve herself, unsure what her own body was doing. She squinted her eyes in embarrassment, he quickened up his digits. Gripping on her thigh and squeezing. Then he did the one thing that made her whole-body sizzle. He placed his head between her thighs and tasted her. With his fingers and tongue working in her, she felt she was no longer herself. She was his.

She let out a cry, so sweet the angels would be jealous. If my hand and tongue can make her feel this, he couldn't wait to be inside her, he was throbbing. He knew now was the time.

He slowly put himself into her very wet, but ever so juicy centre. He watched her nibble her lips, as he went in fully. she gasped at the length of him. He moaned "are you okay?"

She smiled down at him, wrapped herself around him, pulling him closed to her "Does this answer your question" Col side smiled, he clenched her at her lower waist. Still, he slowly and fluidly moved in her and out. She didn't know what to do, but she liked it. She really liked it.

She made him look at her, as she panted and arched her back, both his hands grabbed at her breasts, teasing them with a tickle before he seemed to wrap his mouth over her, like he was tasting a juicy fruit.

Her body shook, he held her closer so his body was rubbing against hers, and she could feel his chest hairs tickling her bosom.

He wanted her so much that it was becoming too much for him.

The embrace. The heat. Colin breathed close to her ear, nibbling her earlobe he whispered in a husky voice "Oh, Pen" she kissed him so passionately on his lips, he lent back, kept repeating her name "Oh Pen, my god Penelope!" without being full aware of his own movements, he placed both his hands on her derrière, feeling himself nudging her even wider. He plunged harder and harder increasing his speed with his desire.

Penelope was burning for him; her skin was fire. Her glow was increasing his sexual appetite for her.

She could feel her lining pulsating like she was trying to keep him in her for longer. Her muscles were tightening in bursts around him. It was driving him insane.

Her lips quivered while looking at him her lips swollen and a beautiful pink glow. Then quite suddenly, his body seemed to vibrate, he let out a large grunt of pleasure.

He was fascinating, his hair was wet, he pushed it back, and smoothed the back of his fingers down her glistening arms. The touch alone was thrilling, her skin tingled.

Oh, how she smiled. She looked so beautiful. She was his.

It was more than she had ever hoped for.

Chapter 5

They couldn't stop smiling at each other as they got clothed and just as Penelope finished buttoning up her top there was a crash. They looked at each other and quickly left the room. One of the windows was smashed in. She put her arm against the door holding him back, she signalled him to get her gun.

Pen tip toed across the hard floor in bare feet, trying to avoid the glass shards.

"Kate, Phillip" she called in a hush tone, they waved at her from behind a table, Philip mouthed and pointed toward the staircase.

Penelope took one last look back at Colin and mouthed 'I love you' before closing him in the room and locking it from the outside.

Colin tried to call after her, but it was too late. He tried forcing the window open to get out and back to her.

Penelope called out "Father, don't you know its rude to turn up unannounced!"

She motioned Kate and Phillip to leave and go around the house to get Colin out the window.

Every step she took, she could hear louder breathing. At this point she didn't know if it was the creature or herself. Stepping nearer the staircase, she positioned herself and aimed one of Uncle Jack's prized weapons.

She shot at the creature's eye. It roared, well more of a howl while baring its teeth upward...

The creature slowly backed up a little, Penelope slowly and quietly made her way the other side to grab one of her uncles' swords. Then without warning, she charged at its neck. Its reflexes were too fast, the creature was too fast, it grabbed her around her neck. Pen tried to loosen the grip around her neck, losing her grasp on the sword, it fell with a vibrating crash.

She looked into those dark eyes and choked out in a husky voice "Papa" a tear flowed off her cheek. She could see her reflection in its eye.

She found herself whimpering "Father, are you in there" one hand released her and pulled back ready to maim her.

Just like in the hero stories Penelope had read. Colin came from nowhere with the sword slicing his head clean off.

"Don't ever lock me in a room again!" he breathed out, one of his sexy smiles across his face. she felt all wobbly. She grabbed Colin, pulling him close, watching as the creature's features turned back into her dotting father. She grimaced and let go. Letting Colin see her at her most vulnerable.

Was it over. Are there others lurking in the dark. Was it over? Truly. She ran to the desk and brought out a silver paper knife and sliced her hand. It had healed. She took a deep breath.

"It's over" she spoke to herself not realising Colin had followed her. He held her close.

He breathed out, slight tear starting "looks like you're not going anywhere"

He let out a relieved smile take over; he held her close and breathed in her scent. He looked in her eyes, he felt anxious, she did not know why.

Colin took her hand and took her to the study he thought he would stay with her and let her grieve. He noticed her wince.

"Pen, are you alright, are you hurt?"

"What?"

"I enquired on your health; you have gone very pale"

"I'm alright, I think"

"Pen, I know this seems so fast and we haven't even courted..."

she added "... but we made love. Oh my god, are you going to take it back"

Colin sighed "Never" he shook off the audacity "Pen... Pen, will you marry me"

She started to shake involuntary. What was it. Was he panicking. Did he only ask me because of what happened? Was he just trying to do the right thing. Be noble. Be the gentleman. She realised after all the overthinking; she left him without an answer.

She started to walk to the door, turning back around to face him, her eyes burning "For heaven's sake Colin, I do not want you to pity me, you should know me better than that, that I only ever wanted you to be happy. Take those words back this instant"

Colin looked down "Pen you have no husband or father to care and protect you. I will do what I must"

"But Colin. You do not love me" it felt like a dagger in his heart "Not yet, but"

She ran out of the room, all of a sudden leaving Colin, gathering his thoughts. Slamming the door, behind her.

What the hell just happened.

Once outside she leant against the frame, panting, holding her chest tight. Kate ran around the hall to be by her side.

Penelope explained what happened "In all honesty Pen, I do think Colin does love you, but he just is not aware of it yet"

"It is impossible, I have known him for years and he has never" Kate interrupted "He came rushing back to England for you, did he not"

"He did but"

"No but's Pen!" Kate interrupted. "He is trying to be honourable because he cares for you"

"He cannot, he deserves"

"Deserves what, Pen?" Kate demanded, knowing full well that Penelope was one of the best ladies she had the pleasure of meeting.

"Someone better, a love match, if you will" Pen looked deflated.

They both did not realise but Colin had heard the whole conversation through the door. It wasn't eves dropping. He couldn't leave, Pen was leaning on the door.

Was it true. Did he love her. All this tie was he truly that blind. Why was he the last to know. It could not be true. It could not. He would never let himself. Maybe what was holding him back from such feelings, was himself.

Penelope was beautiful, not the generic petite ladies every man was trying to court. She was pretty, curvy, her eyes were bright blue, her lips the colour of rosebuds just starting to bloom in the spring. Damn it. Maybe he did love her.

Colin did find his eyes would sometimes fall upon those lips, that bust, it was not all his doing. It also was not his fault that he has a large stature, he had to look down at her.

Sometimes maybe he was a little too obvious and lingered a little longer than society would allow.

He cared for her, if he really thought about it, which in all these years he tried not to. She was witty, smart, beautiful and the way the candlelight hit her hair; was breathtaking and it made her look almost like fire. He could burn in those flames.

Kate held her friend in an embrace "I love you like a sister Pen; I would die for you"

"I feel a 'but' coming"

Kate continued "But, how others see you, and how you see yourself are quite different"

"There is too much happening Kate, what would be the point, I may die anyway"

"If you cannot fight for the one you love, then who can you fight for. An incentive to stay alive and fight. Desperate times cause for desperate means"

Pen wiped a tear which was just starting to fall.

She nodded at Kate. Kate let her hand firmly grab her arm "Be brave" with the Kate walked away with a smile.

Pen smiled at Kate and went back in the room. Once in the room though her nerves started to challenge her again. She can't marry Colin. She had way too much respect for him. He needed to marry for love like his mother did before him.

Colin felt a fool. Did she think he only asked because of some sort of obligation after what had happened between them.

Back in the room Colin sat, looking rather uncomfortable in front of the desk. "I wish you would stop closing me in rooms, it's like you don't want me around"
"All I want, Col, is for you to be safe"

"You never answered my question"

"What question was that"

"Do you want to marry me, Pen?"

She held his hand tight "Colin?"

"Yes"

"You don't want to marry me; you want a love match"

"No, I do, Pen. Will you?" he answered matter-of-factly, but her tone was making him frustrated.

"It's just shock I think, that is all" shaking her head, unsure how to respond.

Pen continued ".. emotions have been high, with events of late. I just assumed... that perhaps you have made a mistake..."

Colin's voice grew "... a mistake"

"Well..."she tried to explain but was cut off.

"A MISTAKE" he repeated, getting irritated, he became quite animated "... Pen, I am in love with you, I just threw myself in front of certain death to be with you, because I can't imagine a life without you" he had to take a breath "A mistake!"

Colin took a few small breaths trying to calm his breathing down before he imploded. Penelope had already started taking a few steps back, he continued "... the only mistake Pen" pointing at the ground making point "is that it took me so long to realise. That it was you I wanted"

"Really?" Her voice turned sickly sweet. Almost innocent.

He took an almost sarcastic breath, rolling his eyes back "yes"

She smiled "Yes!"

He scratched his head "What are you agreeing to?"

She pushed her hair behind her ear, looking up at his face "Yes, I will marry you" she felt the warmth and joy illuminating off of him. He almost skipped to the door, closed it quickly and embraced her.

Chapter 6

"What did we miss Kate charged in, holding upright a very exhausted and hurt Mr Crane"

"I'm fine. Just a slight injury"

"Phillip" Penelope shrieked while running to his side after seeing a large wooden stake through his side.

Phillip pulled it out "Ahhhhh!" after it was out, the blood continued to flow. He went pale. Very pale. Colin gabbed a cloth, and placed it straight on the wound "Let's move him to a bed so he can be more comfortable"

"Get me a needle and thread!" Kate ordered. She grabbed the items from Penelope. Kate started to do what she thinks was supposed to be done, to stop the bleeding, she was terrified. It had to be done.

Kate's eyes widened "Give me more light" Kate calmly called. She was quite controlled considering the amount of blood, that had been flowing from an artery.

After a gallon of alcohol had been shoved down Phillips mouth, he finally slept. Not quite sound but at least he slept. The cloth got changed by Kate. The new cloth seemed to hold.

"We need something to make his mind feel more at ease"

"Well, the person we need to ask is a botanist, but sadly... " he sarcastically pointed at Phillip "... he's unconscious"

Penelope growled "Colin, this won't help. We need to be strong. Together" she frowned at his frustration.

"The library, maybe there is a book on natures medicines that can help us" Colin nodded and ran to the library.

Kate held Phillips hand. They weren't friends but in the short time that they have known each other, they have fought together.

He became someone who she wished she could fight alongside again.

Penelope touches Phillips temple, it was hot to the touch "I think a fever has begun, I will get a cold cloth for his forehead. Maybe we can cool him down"

Kate nodded her agreement, and followed her into the kitchen "Penelope?"

"PENELOPE!" Kate had concern written all over her face "Are YOU alright"

She let out a small smile of relief "Colin has asked me to be his wife"

Kate's jaw hit the floor "... what... but... huhhhh?" she shook her head "well... don't leave me in suspense Featherington!"

"I said yes" she went all shy suddenly, realising that through all the tough times she endeavoured, that at least she will have a happy ending. Then her joyous expression faded "Do you think Mr Crane will make it through"

"I don't know, but we got to have hope. That's all we've been surviving on for the past month" Kate wrapped her arms around Penelope "I am so happy for you, soon to be Mrs Bridgerton"

Pen smiled back into her shoulder "What a funny thing it is to be, I have been in love with Colin for so long and I never believed that one day we would be together"

Kate kissed the top of her head "When it gets bright in the next few hours, we will make a swift journey to Hastings House. I can only hope there will be a physician nearby to treat Mr Crane"

Chapter 7

The library at Featherington's House wasn't as advanced as the Bridgerton Household.

Still luckily there was a few botanical books. One stood out, the beautiful red leather binding 'The Guide to Natures Remedies' he flicked through the pages he smoothed over a dusty page. He pointed at the page "This is it" he whispered to himself and rushed back to Kate.

Colin caught the end of their conversation, he was beaming with delight (although trying to hide it, failing) "I think I have something; he opened the book to the page and placed it on the table

"I think I saw some of these ingredients on the shelf in the larder" she started reading the labels "Penelope can you boil some water!" Penelope placed the full kettle above the fireplace and the kettle started to heat and squeak.

Colin walked in the kitchen, taking the kettle off the boil. Kate made a diffuser bag of ingredients for the teapot. The aroma was hypnotic. They made the teapot and brought it to sick Phillip. "I do hope this works Kate" Penelope poured the liquid into a teacup. Colin shook Phillip awake and sat him up. The ladies walked in. Penelope holding the tray. Phillip was restless, his eyes opened the moment they arrived. You could see the pain in his eyes.

Colin, brought the cup to his lips "Drink up, old boy, should do wonders"

Phillip managed a few cups then fell straight back to sleep for a few hours.

Colin didn't know why but he went up to Mrs Featherington's room. With blankets, hoping to hide their, chocking to himself, their bodies. It didn't seem right somehow to leave them uncovered. It was the least he could do considering he disappointed her by returning in the first place.

What he saw, shook him to the very bone. He had already seen the devastation but once he walked in the room, it was like he was seeing it for the first time all over again. Prudence had been decapitated. Colin had never seen such sights, and by God, he'd hoped he would never have to see them again. How is Penelope still standing tall.

Colin tried to keep from thinking, if it was his family... a tear fell to the floor... Poor Pen. She must be in such pain. He was glad he returned. No, he was relieved that Penelope didn't have to face this kind of torment on her own.

He covered them, all of them. Vomiting right inside the door.

No matter how strong a man's constitution should be. That was too much. He knew them, well not well. Pen did, they were her family.

The Kitchen was lit, the shine glimmering off the pots, that Mrs Varley had spent the majority of her time polishing for her mama. Pen could still smell the lingering scent of lemons and lavender. A concoction that Mrs Varley had sworn by.

She made her way upstairs and walked slowly to her mother's bedchamber. Maybe it was the time to say a quick goodbye. To her family. To her life.

Peering through the door she saw Colin looking rather shocked. She stood at the door, looking at him with such concern "Colin, are you quite well?" he shuddered "... are you?"

Pen stood tall and stated matter-of-factly "There will be a time to grieve, Colin. Today is not that day" Col disapproved but this was Pen's life, by God, who was 'he' to decide how one should grieve.

He had looked into those large blue eyes' so many times. Now all he could see was a lady who have lost her spirit and part of her soul. It broke him. Knowing there was absolutely nothing he could do to relieve such pain.

The sun shone in through the window.

Kate stood by the curtains watching the beautiful day, it was a hopeful start, for who knew what challenges they will be facing next.

"We best make haste, Colin can you help get Phillip into the carriage. If you drive, Penelope, Philip and I will be inside. Then we will swap about halfway through Colin, so we can each have a break"

He really enjoyed ladies who took charge. He couldn't help feeling though that the Miss Kate Sharma had a strange resemblance in authority of that of his oldest brother Anthony. He couldn't help respecting her and obliging with her plans. Anthony had a temper, and he rather thought the woman's temper may be quite substantial also.

So, he though, bette good boy and do whatever she asked of him.

"Sounds good, Kate" he did not hesitate to get Phillip in the carriage with help from Penelope, Phillip was grimacing, the pain was so unbearable. Unfortunately, he would have to, bear with it until they arrived at their destination.

Colin took note, that as Penelope helped that her top had caught a little, revealing more neckline than appropriate. Colin was finding it hard not to undress Penelope with his eyes. He had a job to do. He needed to focus.

Pen hadn't noticed, she was completely focused on the job at hand, thankfully. Colin would have hated if she scorned him with her eyes.

Chapter 8

The carriage arrived outside Hastings House. Colin walked straight to the door, while straightening his coat. in the process. Best look presentable. He knocked three times.

Anthony ran to the door calling through "Who is it?"

"Anthony, it's Colin. I'm here" Anthony in a swift movement unlocked the door to embrace his brother.

"Colin" his voice slowly raising "COLIN! Mother, Colin is here!" his words travelled up the halls and he could hear the stampede of his family, he didn't know why, but he braised himself.

Mrs Bridgerton swung around the corner clutching her chest, tears already starting to form. Violet spoke his name to herself before rushing to embrace him "Colin my boy, I thought I'd never see you again" she held his cheeks, touching her forehead to his "Your home" she sobbed.

"Hello mother, is everyone alright?" he turned one at time to his siblings, all welcoming smiles. His mother though looked like her mind was tormented. What was she feeling, he hadn't seen her like this since his father had died in Anthonys arms.

"Gregory was quite ill..." her smile completely disappeared "..there was a scratch, but he seemed to be felling more himself now..." showing relief in her voice "..he's resting"

Colin smiled to himself "Pen"

Violet did not understand "Pen?"

Colin reached to comfort his mother, had on the top of her arm "She saved him, she saved us all"

Violet shrugged off his arm "I don't believe I understand you at all, my boy"

Mrs Bridgerton looked around her son "Who have you arrived with? Let them all in please, we will get a fire going"

Benedict, smacked Colin on the shoulder "Brother!" he smiled

He pulled Ben over to the door "Will you help me, Benedict?" inside the carriage was a very sore, but happily conscious Mr Crane.

Philip nodded "Pleasure" as Colin and Benedict helping him out and into the house. Anthony ran out to see if anyone else needed help, he offered his hand.

Suddenly he saw gloved hands reach for him, he recognised those golden red locks "Miss Featherington, it's good..." looking down at her breaches he was at a loss for words. Good grief he hadn't ever seen a lady so well curved. Maybe ladies should wear them more often. Pen looked remarkable fetching.

As she stepped down, she reached for her weapon as well. Antony known for being a noble gentleman, unknowingly looked towards Pens bust as she jumped down. Gun over her shoulder. He took a deep breath, mouth gapping open. Forgetting his formalities amused Pen, she tried not to chuckle.

Anthony always saw Penelope like a close family member. Now he saw her AS family. He needed to control his eyes, dammit.

"Thank you, Lord Bridgerton, it is a relief to see you, are you all quite well?"

Penelope looked stern at Anthony, at a loss for words, how unusual.

Anthony swung around once he heard a thump on the ground from behind him. There stood tall, a vision. Dark hair curling over her bust. The wind catching her hair was rather fetching, he looked her down. Breeches. What is this world coming too.

Antony shook it off, it was far too inappropriate to linger for so long without an introduction "Lord Bridgerton, you may call me Anthony if you wish. The world has definitely changed of late" her eyes shone like diamonds. He had never seen such beauty before. He looked down again "Breeches?" he had to ask; the suspense was killing him.

She held out her hand "...Long story, Miss Sharma, Kate" her smile could burn a hole through the sky.

"Pleasure to meet you Miss Sharma... Kate" they both paused for a moment, Penelope took note. She felt as though she just disappeared, and it was just them, she couldn't help but smile to herself. Anthony suddenly looked back at Penelope "Apologies, Penelope, yes everyone is well, Gregory was ill for quite some time, but you will be happy to know he is much recovered" he looked toward the house where he could see the eager faces of his family inside "Please come inside, before my family burst with excitement" he chuckled.

Penelope ran in and saw Eloise first "Eloise!" she gasped when she saw her "I love you so much Pen but..." Eloise looked her up and down "What are you wearing?" She chuckled.

"It's a long story..."

"Does it look like I will be going anywhere. I know I have said that women are more equipped than men to be the leaders of the world, but I didn't think you would take it quite literally" Eloise was proud, proud of her.

Suddenly a beautiful voice behind her "Penelope?" Pen turned to see Violet looking at her with such a look she always hoped her mother would show her. "Mrs Bridgerton" Pen smiled while going over to hold her for a moment. Penelope felt as though she was home. She felt happy. At last. A purely Relieved tear fell off her cheek.

Philipa walked along the corridor and saw her sister was finally here. She stopped in her tracks. Looking around, almost like instinct, when she saw her mother and Prudence were not there, she froze.

The image went back in her mind. Philipa thought it was a bad dream, one she couldn't escape, but it was true. She cried, after a few sobs she was inconsolable.

Penelope held her sister as she sunk to the ground. "I love you sister, and I will always protect you" Philipa didn't reply. In truth she had not heard her talk since they left her home.

Daphne and the Duke made their way from their bedchamber. Not realising others had arrived. Daphne held her son so tight, wrapping a blanket around him, the halls had become rather cold.

Daphne stopped and beamed "Colin, COLIN!" Daphne called, she fluidly handed her child to her mother, and embraced him.

"I did not realise you were back!" she scowled "... have you just arrived headfirst into this nightmare, brother?"

"... Actually, I had arrived home first and had to find out your whereabouts from Penelope herself."

"...Is she here?"

"She is"

"I'm so glad Colin, we thought she was heading straight back here but she never arrived. We thought the worst had happened" Daph took a large sigh of relief

"It did..." his eyes shone with empathy, he continued "... Lady Featherington and Pen's sister Prudence are dead"

Daphne in shock lowered her voice so the younger sibling couldn't overhear "Oh my god. Colin, how is she bearing"

"To be honest Daphne, I think she is the most strongest, Capable lady I have ever met in my life" his sister gave him a warm smile "You are in love with her" it was more of a statement than a question but he answered anyway, short and direct "I do... in fact I have asked her to be my wife..."

Daphne looked overjoyed and he hadn't even finished telling her "... and she has accepted"

"Colin, that's wonderful!" she glowed like a beacon, though that could have just been her motherly glow that Colin had heard about so much "Have you told mother?"

"I was going to tell everyone at lunch today"

"Well done brother, I hoped for this match for a long, long time!" he looked at her for the longest time "Why didn't you say something?"

Daphne frowned "I do not like to meddle..."

He corrected "You love to meddle sister, it's one of your endearing qualities"

"... ignoring that statement!" she giggled, pointing at him "you know not of what you speak, brother, and I want the best for you, but sometimes it's best if you can find your own way. I am younger than you after all" she raised her bottom lip "... shouldn't that make you the wise one"

"Well thank you sister for letting me work this out on my own!" he huffed, she growled at him, matter of fact "Just be happy brother" she put her hand on his heart "... some of us have not been so fortunate" he nodded in agreement.

Chapter 9

Once Kate walked into the house, she took a big gulp, overwhelmed.

It was breathtaking. Not in the style at her home back in India, but it was beautiful indeed. Anthony followed behind her, finding himself captivated by her shapely legs.

"Mr Bridgerton" correcting herself "Anthony, has my mother Mary and my sister Edwina Sharma arrived?" she asked, but her eyes focused on the beautiful tapestries. Kate turned to him "Ah, The Sharma's, last I heard they were sitting in the drawing room in the right wing with a cute fluff ball "Newton?" she questioned

"That's the one" smiled Anthony "I think he's taken a liking to me"

"Well, he is a great judge of character" Anthony smiled at that "I can accompany you to the room, if you desire" his arm gestured out to her "Thank you, Lord Bridgerton" her cheeks flushed.

There was something so familiar about Kate Sharma. Had they met before. Anthony's world had ultimately crashed around him, but he was very unlikely to forget those beautiful eyes.

As they walked along a never-ending corridor, Anthony's demeanour dimmed "Where were you these last few days, your family were getting quite restless and conserved?"

Kate kept her smile straight "Miss Featherington and I were hunting down these creatures, making traps, plans for attacks" she smiled at herself "She is a very smart and resourceful lady. I am not at all surprised she has won your brothers heart"

Anthony looked confused "What? You were hunting these creatures. Pen promised me she was going somewhere to be safe. What the hell were you playing at?" Antony had never seen a woman so pissed off before, and he had sisters, he needs to step back, and quick.

"Ah you believe, just because we are women, that we shouldn't fight. That we should forever be on the sidelines when our loved ones die. We protect who we love at all costs" she released his arm and jabbed him in the side "... and you dare to question and look down on our efforts that were not in vain. We killed three creatures. The last one stopped a curse that grew like fire in Penelope and 'from what I overheard' your brother Gregory, threatening their very life"

"What? That was what was wrong with my brother?"

"Yes!" Anthony took a new glance at Miss Sharma "... you are amazing and powerful. I have never met anyone like you" Kate forced a smile after the insults she just received before the compliment "thank you my Lord" they stood next to a dark door, barely lit.

Anthony motioned to the door "The drawing room" Kate curtsied Anthony bowed before making his leave back to his family.

He glanced back as he walked.

Kate didn't knock she just flew through the doors excited to see their faces.

"Kate" they both called, Mary held her hands together while Edwina squeezed her "It's good to see the both of you are safe"

Her mother held back tears "I was so worried dearest" Kate looked at both of them "I am fine. Really. Just happy to be with you both again" she smiled.

Edwina pulled Kate along with her to the bedrooms "This house is wonderful Kate, truly. Just wait till you see the rooms" Kate spun around, trying to take it all in "They are beautiful, are they not?" Kate smiled down at her beautiful sister "They are indeed"

"Have you met all the Bridgerton's?"

"Not yet why, how many are there?"

"A lot!" Edwina chuckled

Edwina counted on her hand alphabetically. Mrs Bridgerton has four boys and three ladies including the Viscount Lord Bridgerton and the Duchess of Hastings. Quite a horde, don't you think, put are small family to shame" Edwina beamed.

Kate mumbled to herself "Well they are going to add another one to the list!"

"What!? Theethee, have you already found your match?! Oh, you must tell me this instant!"

"No Edwina! Colin and Penelope"

"Ooohhh, although the Viscount is rather handsome, do you not agree Kate?!"

"There is more to look for in a match Didi, not just a physical attraction" she clapped her hands together "Now! let's get some much-needed rest, sister"

Chapter 10

Gregory opened his eyes, he still didn't look well, far from it. How could this be. He was nowhere near the house. Penelope sat with Eloise wondering what was going on.

Pen sat circling El's questions about her family. El was growing more annoyed with her. She told her everything before.

"El, is your letter opener silver?"

Eloise turned slowly, a blank look on her face "I think so but what does tha..."

Pen rose her voice "El, get it now!" El reached for the object and passed it to Pen. Before she finished what she was sentence "What are you doing" Pen cut Gregory's hand.

Eloise pulled her away "What are you doing Pen?! Get away from my brother..." Uncertain if she wanted the answer. Gregory's hand started to boil and then heal. El stood over him, unsure what to do. What was wrong with her brother. She took a deep breath, trembling "What is this?!" Pen ordered Eloise to leave "We need to get Wolfsbane now!" Eloise stood shocked "NOW EL!"

Eloise ran off "Shit, shit, shit!" Pen cursed, running to make a teapot up. "When was he scratched Eloise" she shook her "When?"

"Wednesday, Wednesday... Anthony rushed into the room, he tripped while leaving the house, he said your mother helped him up!" Anthony looks terrified. Penelope was shaking "My mother was killed on Monday morning" Penelope looked stern, not showing sadness only fear for Gregory's safety. Eloise said to her "Oh Pen."

Penelope had no time for this. Anthony spoke loudly "... What. What?! how is this possible"

She didn't answer. She just spoke in a matter-of-fact way "I need to leave, NOW. El, you need to make Gregory drink the tea. Tie him down to the bed so he can't escape" All the faces looking at her, but she walked away.

Pen ran to Colin "We missed one"

Colin looked angry "Who?!"

She took a hard gulp "My mother. Gregory said he scratched her on Wednesday!" Col knew straight away what she meant "I'm so sorry Pen!" she ordered him "Get the weapons!" he turned "I will get Kate!"

Penelope found Anthony and gripped his arm "Can we please talk" Anthony's concern was written on his face.

They walked into the study and closed the door "I have to leave... and I know you might want to stop me, but the fact of the matter is... if I do not leave, you may lose Gregory in the darkness"

"Whatever can you mean"

"His curse has not gone"

She took a deep breath out, seeming frustrated with her own words "he is still afflicted, and I am the only one that can kill the last beast"

Anthony stood his ground, hands on hips, lowering his voice showing his conviction "I... will...not let you fight without me"

"Viscount Bridge..."

"... call me Anthony, after what we've been through, it only seems right" he smirked, she returned one "I need you here. If the plan does not work, if your brother turns, you will need to protect them all. You are the strongest person I know" he felt a slither of pride "... also, I need to ask you a question..." he frowned at that "... will you be so kind as to... walk me down the aisle?"

Anthony beamed with delight, he mumbled to himself 'finally' before adding "It will be my pleasure, Miss Featherington"

Pen gave him a warm smile and a nudge "... call me Penelope, since formalities are seemed unnecessary anymore"

She smiled as she walked away "Just hope to God I don't die, before that"

Anthony stood there; he cared a lot for the lady but the thought of her fighting out there. In the dark was breaking his heart.

Chapter 11

Mayfair was quiet. A lot quieter than Penelope had ever heard it. Colin and Pen rode on horseback, searching the area.

Pen felt eyes on her. Coming from. Of course.

Home.

Penelope opened the door. Letting the wind gather leaves dancing across the hard floors. She drew her sword and waited. She knew that a frontal attack was emanate.

Each step forward she could hear her own steps echo. She felt a chill run through her. It was here. She wanted it to face her. Pen kept her breathing calm and soft.

"Mother, are you going to face me?"

She was not my mother anyway; she is merely a shadow. An echo of what she once was. Penelope might have loved her mother, but good god she didn't like her. She was all wrapped up in schemes and disappointment.

She knew whatever she would encounter, it was a beast, nothing more, nothing less. She had to be killed.

Either direction she could hear movement. There was two. "Shit"

A creature jumped to the light, Penelope swung at it cutting its torso, but not before a gash across her chest. Penelope screamed. The pain agonising. She had to hold it together. She could feel the blood running down her, but she needed to stay vigilant.

A snarl behind her, deep breaths behind her back. The steam flowing to the side of her with every breath the beast took.

She closed her eyes briefly. Took a breath and slowly and quietly pulls her gun out her thigh.

Claws suddenly at her side push her into the wall, where a framed painting of her family falls, glass breaking over the floor. Pen falls, reaches for the spear. A claw lunged at her.

Then nothing. Penelope looks down.

Portia stopped seconds from her stomach, looking her youngest in her eyes, her face slowly becoming almost human. Why had she stopped? It may have been a beast, but it was her mother's eyes looking back at her now, traces of red around her pupils "You are with child" softly speaking as if the thought of her becoming a grandmother hit her.

Pen frowned "That cannot be, mamma, it's too soon"

"I can feel it growing and fighting within you" a tear ran down her cheek "Who is the father?"

Pen looked away from her mother, trying to remind herself that her mother has gone "Ah, Colin Bridgerton. I hope he makes you happy my dear girl. I really do." Pen started to shake; her grip was loosening on the spear.

Swiftly Portia pushed herself forward, impaling herself on the spear. Through her heart. She took one last look at her daughter "I love you Penel..." her face started tilting forward, and she was no more.

Penelope crawled around her mother, while still shaking. Shock was setting in fast, she leaned on the wall, slid down and letting her bottom hit the floor. She sat, cradling her legs to her chest sobbing.

Colin ran in "Pen, Pen, are you hurt?" he slid along the ground so his face was level with hers so he could embrace her.

"I..." Pen frowned confused even as the words left her lips "... am with child" Colin looked at her astonished "That is impossible to know Pen!" her eyes grew soulful "My mother told me she could feel it, then she embedded herself on my spear... oh Colin" she let out small sobs.

Penelope grabbed a knife off the floor and scrapped her flesh. It didn't heal. Then again it didn't heal straight away last time. Looking down at Penelope Featherington's face in pure anguish, he frowned "Why would it heal anyway?"

"I wasn't checking for me" she rubbed her stomach "We should go check on your brother"

Kate was at the door for them "I only just arrived as well, Gregory is awake and wants to talk"

Colin ran up to his brother, he took a silver knife gripped in his hand. He grabbed Gregs arm and scratched the blade along it. "OW!" Greg squirmed "I wish you would all stop that!"

Colin took a deep breath "It's not healing"

"IT'S NOT HEALING"

Violet jumped from her chair from the commotion, not even realising Colin had entered the room.

He grabbed Greg's face between his hands tight, squeezing his cheeks "YES!" he kissed his forehead. He hugged him. "Ow!"

Remembering he was injured "Sorry Gregory" he shed a tear "I'm just so happy you're alright, brother" his mother stood staring and whimpering.

"I would be better, Colin if you would all stop using me as a pin cushion"

Colin grabbed his mother's hand, bringing her into the embrace. She pushed Gregory's hair back and kissed her boy.

Violet chocked through all the tears "We are all okay, we are all alright" Colin smiled at the word 'all' and thought he needed the mood much lifted "Mother, we believe you may be a grandmother again" Colin smiled, cheeks flushed.

"Who is the lucky lady and is there to be a wedding?" she asked hopeful "Miss Featherington, Pen, and she has agreed to marry me"

"To be honest, my son, I am a little surprised it took you this long" Violet laughed "Lady Danbury and I had a wager going"

Colin smiled at his mother "I do love you, mother"

"I love you too"

A slight strain of words appeared from between them "Did you forget I was here?" Greg joked. They both kissed his cheeks and helped him out of bed.

Anthony was sitting on the doorstep with Kate "You are quite the Lady, Miss Sharma" she nodded in agreement "I am quite, aren't I" smiling cheekily at the handsome gentleman "I believe, you are quite the man, if I do say so myself. Thank you for caring for my family"

"Penelope wrote to me. She told me, I had to bring them here and keep them safe, and she trusted me among others" Anthony smiled to himself.

"Pen, is an extraordinary woman, fighter, lover, Lady Whistledown and now betrothed! She is what young ladies aspire to be"

He paused for a moment and shook his head "Lady Whistledown?!... I must admit I never saw that coming"

"Really?! First time I met her; I thought it quite obvious. She has not told me as much, but I know"

"You are very smart as well; we will add that to your already fine list of attributes" he touched her hand "Thank you for taking care of Colin"

"Believe it or not, it is Penelope that needs that appreciation and praise, she after all saved him four... no, five times" she replied placing her hand on top of his "Penelope is, well I do not think there is a strong enough word to capture her, Lord. She thinks a lot about you and your family. She talked about you a lot, I dare say, before Colin arrived.

She referred to you as one of her 'champions' always there to help or protect her from society. She holds you all in such high esteem. Colin is a lucky man indeed to win such a prize"

Anthony nodded in agreement "Are you hungry, Miss Sharma?"

"Kate" he repeated her "Kate"

"I would like a lovely cup of tea... or maybe perhaps something stronger" with that he escorted her to the office, ringing for service.

A knock at the door.

"Lady Danbury?" one of the servants opened the door, looking quite relieved.

"Good morning, I am here to see Lady Whistledown" she was met with a confused shrug. Which is hardly surprising as the identity was not known.

"Well... let me in you blubbering buffoon" with that she pushed herself through, cane first.

"Mrs Bridgerton" a familiar voice called up the stairs. Violet made her way swiftly down the stairs, glowing a smile "Lady Danbury" she breathed "You are here! How are you, are you well, please tell me"

Lady D shrugged her fussing off "Never mind me, I am here to deliver a letter..."

Touching her chest "For me?" Violet saw the queens signa on the envelope. Lady D continued "For Lady Whistledown" raising an eyebrow. Violet was drawn back "...and she thinks she is here, Lady Danbury" she nodded, Violet mumbled 'ohhh'

Violet calls up the stairs "Everyone make haste, we have a visitor"

As large as the sitting room was, it was still a tad too small for the Bridgerton clan, plus guests. Lady D and Violet sat in the middle, the letter on a table in front of them. 'Lady Whistledown' was inscribed on the envelope in beautiful penmanship.

Everyone looked at each other and at the letter, Colin's eyes darted at Pen, giving her a daring shrug. Eloise and Hyacinth looked as though they would burst with excitement.

Penelope stood up; Eloise gasped. Benedict looked like he'd swallowed a wasp.

Penelope walked over to the table. Everyone froze. Pen couldn't look them in the face, so she kept her head down. Pen couldn't bring herself to look at the facing surrounding her looking at her differently. It was agonising, like she just sold her own death sentence.

Lady D looked pretty proud of herself, if anyone would have guessed her identity, it would certainly be her.

Penelope opened the envelope, all eyes on her.

The letter instructed she read the letter allowed. She thought best not to hide anymore. They were going to be her family. Keeping secrets would surely be a great start. She took a big swallow that felt like a ball in her throat, which she took a small cough to clear.

Chapter 12

"Dear Lady Whistledown

It has come to my attention that your efforts to protect my people, were not made in vain.

I am a very proud queen, you all know this too be true, and even though I was not involved or even saw what was left of our poor society. I feel obliged to say that I know it is you I must thank for giving warning of the impending threat. You are a wise and strong woman indeed. A worthy opponent, to be sure.

I have recently found out your identity and even though I love to be an all-knowing queen. It is not my secret to tell. I hold you in the highest regard.

Thank you for your service for Queen and country.

Thank you, Penelope Featherington, you were a worthy rival indeed

Sincerely

H.M. Queen Charlotte"

Violet let out a gasp, she shook her head "All this time Penelope, why did you not say something..."

The family started talking quietly in hushed tones, then it grew louder. Questions and questions thrown around the room. It was agony. It needed to stop.

Penelope interrupted "Please let me speak..." she motioned her hands for everyone to stay seated. Colin was captivated.

"... I am a wallflower Mrs Bridgerton, I have always been. That is the way my mother always wanted it. So, I would be too afraid to stand up for myself, for what I believe in and hide my affection for others. I would be deemed unworthy. My mamma, my sister Prudence, Marina, Cressida. All bullies. I told Marina not to hurt Colin, but she did it anyway. I overheard my mamma and Marina putting scandal at your door. Talks of seducing Colin so she could take his money for her unborn child. Not caring of his feelings" Pen looked down at her love "Even though I instructed her not to do so" Colin now understood how hard it must have been for her.

"You have all not made it easy, to be honest. Nigel Berbrook..." Daphne and Violet both gave an equal disgust at even the mention of such a brute "..I sat waiting and waiting for anything to ruin him" she motioned at Violet "You are a kind and caring mamma, of all others" Violet showed an affectionate smile "You really think I would not know the sudden revelation of his character and would not realise that it came from you household" Pen tutted her disapproval "... as for Daphne and the Duke, you think I do not realise when someone tries to dupe me, It was clear from the moment you both collided in that dancehall that you cared strongly for each other.." Daphne held her husband's hand, looked disappointed in herself "I relished in the thought that you truly believe you pulled the wool over my eyes"

She took a few hard breaths, making herself vulnerable to those she held in the highest esteem... she continued

"Cressida made me feel like I wasn't worth even thinking about. That my existence was only tolerated and not appreciated. Like I wasn't worth even thinking about. I found my voice, I know you might judge, but as hateful as my mother was, she missed the biggest secret of all" she took a small glass of lemonade, feeling her mouth dry and continued.

"I alone paid for the house, I gave to charities, I had to make my own money to make my mark in the world. After all, who would marry the wallflower, two stone heavier than she ought to be, with no kind of dowry" she glanced at Violet, so she realised why she cared for her so "A cruel woman indeed. I have lied, I have bought scandal to your door. I just hope you can all forgive me..." with that she ran out of the house to get some air. Her heart was thumping hard.

The family all looked at each other. Eloise heart sunk, had she not known her friend at all. Lady Danbury on the other hand, her smile refused to leave her face. She thumped her cane on the hard wooden floor "Well I guess that has concluded... well, that"

Kate walked to Anthony, whispered in his ear "You really did not know" he nodded his head "Miss Featherington, I thought was much of an open book. I hate that she did this all on her own" his voice suddenly went lower "I can't believe she just left, looking all the lost for it, almost as if she has nothing more to give. A sense of emptiness" he gave a sombre look at his hands "Poor young lady" Kate touched his hand "You were not to know" Anthony smiled back at her.

The warm moment had not gone amiss to Lady Mary and Mrs Bridgerton, who raised their eyebrows at each other. It couldn't be helped; Lady D knew that Violet loved the notion of disbanding her large brood. Lady D on the other hand was merely giving kindness to an old friend.

Mary Sharma who left under cruel circumstances indeed. Her two daughters were radiant and beautiful. She got the impression that Miss Sharma and the Viscount would make quite a captivating couple. It made her feel almost giddy and warm that their affection seemed to bloom.

Colin gave her a few moments to compose herself, he stood up, waiting to give her enough time before he follows a path behind her. Benedict walked over to Colin, spat out "Brother if you do not ask her to marry you, I certainly will... " Colin started to explain "Benedict... actually..."

Benedict spoke down at him "Do not deny it Colin, I see you looking at her like she's a tray of bloody food. You haven't taken your eyes off of her all morning" He slapped his brother's shoulder "... you love her brother, now is the time to do something about it"

Colin left, he thought best that they inform his family of their news, together.

His footsteps got closer, she didn't even turn to say, "Do they hate me know?" she felt deflated, how would they ever open their arms to her now.

She was nothing, a shadow creeping behind them at night. A stranger. Pen felt her heart breaking.

Colin looked down at her slouched rather unladylike on the step and joined her. Stunned by her statement "No! they love you more, if that is at all possible" he smiled down at the young lady beside him "...and so do I" he found himself laughing "Benedict told me he would marry you if I wouldn't!" Pen smiled at that "I can't wait to marry you Pen and I look forward to our life together" he placed his hand on her belly "All of us. A family" Pen embraced him. Her Colin. The man she had dreamt of. The man of her dreams.

Eloise left the room briefly, she looked at her Mamma and whispered "I'm just going to check on Sir Crane" her mother nodded. How thoughtful it was that she would be so incentive with a gentleman's health. Violet tried not to look too surprised by her daughter's suggestion. Maybe all the excitement has got to her, indeed.

The bedroom door opened, there a beautiful young lady stood at the foot of the bed, holding a bowl of water and a cloth. Phillip was overcome with her beauty "How are you feeling Mr Crane?" she enquired "I will be fine" he deflected "I do not believe that answered my question" she dabbed the cloth on his forehead and moved her hand across his shoulders. He closed his eyes feeling her soft fingers brush across his skin. Phillip let out a little uncomfortable shudder "Oh, are you cold, I can bring in some blankets if you like?"

Phillip shook his head "I am fine thank you" he pushed on the mattress "Will you please do the honour of helping me sit up?" she put her arm under his to help hoist him into a better position. He quickly winced, pulling the blanket down, to remove the bandage from his side.

Eloise couldn't help but look at his physique. He was toned. His arms so large. His shoulders were broader that what she thought when he was being hauled in earlier. She had never seen so much before, she blushed. He was burning up still, she could see a drip of sweat move along his torso. She found herself biting her lip almost seductively. Phillip noted the movement. Eloise appeared to be frozen in place.

Phillip looked up at her "Miss Bridgerton..." he winced at his wound again "... Eloise? are you quite well?" she shook of the thought she was having and started to stammer "...well... yes...I... just. It is to say..." Phillip helped "I am sorry, does the sight of blood make you feel ill?" she snapped in "Yes... that is it... entirely" Philip couldn't make her gaze. Was she embarrassed. She was quite animated in her arm gestures. Her skin had turned so beautifully pink.

He accidently grazed Eloise's arm, sending a warmth into her skin, like receiving a bolt of lightning. What was this feeling, she felt lightheaded, and she didn't feel right in her own skin. Was she ill.

Philip looked at her quizzically "Would you like me to..." El realised that maybe he thought he should clean and wrap his own wound. She interrupted. Another flush of her cheeks. She was really making a fool of herself "I can do it Sir!" she pointed at herself "I am quite capable, thank you very much" El tried to sound snappy but it must not have worked, Philip's smile was quite endearing, his whole face seemed to light up "I never thought I would have disagreed"

Eloise snap out of it, Talk about something. Anything. You know how to talk, for heaven's sake, you are known for it.

"Thank you, Phillip," he looked back at her dumbfounded, so she carried on "For looking after Pen. She is my best friend. I do not know what I would do if anything had happened to her"

"I think you have misunderstood Eloise. She saved me. She saved Kate and your brother Colin, it is she that deserves your praise, not I"

Eloise looked like she was almost waiting for him to make a joke, he didn't "Wait, your serious?"

"I've never been so serious. She is the strongest and most capable person I have ever met. I wouldn't be surprised if men in this town flocked to her like cattle"

"Cattle? Pen, heavens no. I love her deeply, but no one at the ton ever showed her any interest at all. I think she was okay with that. The only men that danced with her were my siblings"

He smiled to himself "Colin, I believe he may be in love with her"

"Colin? Ha! All Colin loves is adventure and annoying the rest of us morsels with his stories of his adventures. I believe you must be incorrect"

"So, you think Colin traveling back as fast as he was able to get back to Pen, was just because he thinks of her as a friend. I think you are a fool"

She gapped "I beg your pardon Sir; I am no fool. I have known Colin my entire life, there is no way. He would have surely said something. He is very vocal!"

"Yes, he is, I have heard so much. He loves her. Do you not see how they look at each other. Is it really so farfetched"

On the table she took note of a book on flowers "Do you take a liking to flowers Sir Crane?" that smile again "I am a botanist, Miss Bridgerton" Eloise's whole demur changed in an instant. He was interesting. He clearly liked to read and was well educated. She found herself returning his smile.

Phillip found her fascinating, her eyes were so large and beautiful. She looked almost stunning in some way. He only hoped one day Marina would look at him at least a fraction that Eloise did.

Eloise returned to her family, leaving Sir Philip to sleep. He found himself, wishing she could stay.

She found herself wondering what it would feel like to be in those arms. Another blush. She muttered to herself. Fool.

They stepped back in together hand in hand. Colin looked at the family brood and new friends "Can I have everyone's attention please; I have asked Miss Featherington to be my wife... and she has accepted"

Benedict let his grin spread wider. He thought it was all his doing, like his was the king of plans. They all embraced her. It was a weird feeling being wanted. She looked at Colin and smiled. It was strange to be needed.

Everyone had left, leaving only family members.

Lady Danbury left the room sulking somewhat but there was other news to inform them about.

Penelope smiled at Colin, nodding at him "I will add that I am also with child, so maybe a quicker ceremony" Eloise spat out her tea "What?" Antony looked uncertain "It is too soon to tell, Penelope. Colin has only been back a mere week." his face scrunched in confusion "... unless... is Colin not the father?" Penelope could feel the eye's darting at her. "The creature told me that they could feel it in me..." Antony shrugged it off "You believed it!"

She looked at her feet, unable to make eye contact with the Viscount "I did believe it. It was my mother. She couldn't bare killing her own grandchild and with that she impaled herself right in front of me" Anthony wish he hadn't questioned. What a strong woman Pen was indeed. A credit to her gender. Anthony couldn't help looking at his own mother for a moment.

Philipa, who she sadly didn't realise was even in the room still. Who had not spoken since she saw what remained of their family, just stared at her. The memory of them laying there in mamma bedchamber covered in blood. Was all too much for her to bare.

Penelope suddenly realised that not everyone knew of her family's demise. So, she thought, since I only have a few more secrets left, might as well wipe the slate clean "She is gone now. So is Prudence. So is Papa. It was going after those I love. Which is why I sent you all here" her mind raced. Who attacked her father? she did not know.

Philipa looked at her sister "You still have me." Penelope nodded at her sister as she rushed to hold her in an embrace.

Chapter 13

It seemed like an eternity had passed. The world had changed but life still goes on. The sun shone extra bright on the morning of the big day. The light through the window hit Miss Penelope Featherington as she was being, rather indelicately, shoved into a beautiful white dress.

Pen smiled at her reflection "It may be uncomfortable, but at least it is not yellow" Madame Delacroix was finishing up. Looking at her as though she was a princess. Violet looked like she was floating up in the clouds "You look beautiful, my dear, don't be nervous. My Colin is a lucky boy indeed"

Penelope tugged at her dress "I am not nervous, just can't wait to get out of this thing..." violet choked rather unladylike.

Kate whispered into her ear "I'm sure Colin will feel the same" then she giggled to herself.

Eloise, Francesca and Hyacinth walked in, their mouths gapping open, El was so proud of her friend "Penelope Bridgerton, you look so beautiful"

"Well, try not to sound too shocked El, I'm not a Bridgerton, yet"

"Well, you will in a few moments Pen, I feel like I should start calling you sister. You do look beautiful though, in earnest. I'm so happy for you"

"You look like a princess! Do you feel like one?" Hyacinth beamed.

Pen shrugged "I do not know, what does a princess feel like? If she is unable to move properly and is getting rather flushed, then I guess, 'perhaps I do'"

Francesca reached over not saying a word smoothed her hand down her dress, then she smiled at Pen "One day I would much like to be the centre of attention" Pen smiled back at her "I know you will have your moment one day, Fran. Its lovely to have you home, at last"

"I'm sorry I missed all the drama, in all honesty, Kent was frightfully dull, I would rather been home"

Violet looked at Penelope closely "I am so happy this day has finally arrived, I was starting to feel like Colin would never realise his own feelings, and yours"

Penelope smiled down at Violet, almost wishing her own mamma could see her "I was told sometimes, it is best to be direct" she paused for a second "I wrote him a letter telling him as much"

Violet frowned "That couldn't have been easy for you dearest, you have always seemed to stand on the outside, looking in" she held Pen's hand in hers "Now is your time to shine" Violet started dabbing her eye with a handkerchief "I promised myself I would not cry until after the service"

Penelope felt overwhelmed, she didn't realise all her new sisters and her soon to be mamma would all want to be there as she got all primed and pinned ready for that walk to her beloved.

"It was so kind of the Queen to host this wedding herself, I can only hope we do her efforts justice"

"It's a good sign Penelope, it simply means that she has your favour, she thinks very highly of you, she wrote as much" she took a breath "Even Lady Danbury, has put it upon herself to organise the Soiree for this evening" she rolled her eyes "that Lady keeps reminding me how much she likes you, almost like she thinks my mind would forget"

"You mean Lady Whistledown" Penelope added

"Oh no sweet child, she means you"

Penelope's eye's started to well up and so did Violets. She tapped Pen's hand "Do stop it Penelope, you will start me off again" they both giggled.

Anthony knocked on the door. Opened it. Nearly overcome he had to lean on the door, took a long breath out "Penelope, you are a vision of beauty" he put his arm out "You don't look so bad yourself, Lord" he smiled as he led her down the aisle.

Music started playing. Penelope looked at the hordes of people, almost like instinct she started looking for her family, looking over face to face.

It felt like her chest had this world sized whole in it, her heart felt broken. Sure, her family could be a nightmare, in truth they could be cruel. One thing she always knew for certain though, was no matter what, they would be there for her on her special day.

In the faces though she finally caught eyes with her sister Philipa. Her warm smile, she could tell her sister was proud of her. Pen couldn't help but smile back to her.

The dress glistened in the light. All those faces smiling back at her, she started to feel a bit overwhelmed. Anthony noticed, and quickly gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. He looked at her nodding her to look straight ahead.

There a handsome man stood, all around her started to fade, all focus was on him staring back at her with that beautiful, crooked smile.

She saw the boy that her bonnet had flown in front of the face of, the boy that laughed in mud-stained trousers. The man who saved her from Cressida after she spilled drink down her then swung her around the dance floor, the man who loves her. Her heart grew warm, whatever emptiness she felt in her chest slowly diminished.

She glanced at Anthony; his face full of pride. What a wonderful family she would become part of. It was all she ever wanted and needed.

Benedict had his arm around his mother who was shedding tears of joy. El watched her best friend take those final steps that she never though she would take. Soon they would become sisters. Nothing made her happier.

Penelope turned to her majesty the Queen and curtsied. Charlotte nodded her approval and Pen took a step at a time closer to her love. Colin took her arms close to him; he looked like he might explode with excitement. As Colin placed the ring on her finger, he couldn't compose himself and shed a small tear of joy. The Queen had allowed them to share a moment of speeches.

Colin started, a bit of nerves hitting him

"My Penelope, I knew you for many years, but I never saw you as anything more, then one day I realised that not only did I love you but the feeling that someone might replace me in this place left me with a crippling fear. You are a goddess; you are my star on the most beautiful of nights. You are simply my Pen, and I love you with everything I am, and everything I can ever hope to be"

Colin's mamma was gone, lost in tears of joy her sniffs echoing through the hall.

"Mr Colin Bridgerton, you are all I have ever wanted or needed, you are my friend, my champion and my one and only love. You will never realise how long I have dreamed to be in your arms. You are, even with all your flaws, perfect. Perfect for me. I am proud to receive your ring, to have you always and of course to have your name. I love you Col, and I will spend the rest of my days showing you how much"

Penelope was so proud of herself for not shedding a tear, Colin on the other hand was becoming a bit of a mess by the minute.

"You may kiss the bride" echoed through the hall.

Colin grabbed her tenderly to kiss her, although he wanted to show more passion he thought best not with the audience and the Queen whom eyes were all on them.

There is always tonight.

Everyone applauded. Benedict cheered very loudly; Francesca elbowed him in the stomach getting him to stop being a fool. Violet scowled "children!"

Benedict put his arm around Fran, kissing her on the head. Then once pulling away, stuck his tongue out at her. Fran just giggled at him, and he pulled her tight.

Chapter 14

Colin smirked at his beautiful wife, more delectable by each day. Pregnant Penelope was on full swing of her emotions. Her sexual appetite has increased exponentially. She was ravenous. Which Colin very much appreciated.

Colin was getting excited for the soon arrival of his newborn, excited was probably not even a strong enough word to describe his state of mind.

He was almost jumpy, but he couldn't help checking and double checking everything in the house for anything he may have missed. God only knows what he would be like once the baby arrived. His appetite definitely hadn't faltered though. He would put it down to helping his wife with her ever fondness for more food than usual. But she knew the truth.

Penelope couldn't help but sometimes stand in front of the mirror wondering what kind words her mama would have for her. Would she be proud. No, maybe even overjoyed with the collaboration of their great families. In truth, she could not imagine her as dotting grandmama, but then Violet, her new mama would surely make up for that. How she loved Violet. She seems the main reason for the amount of food she now finds herself surrounded by.

Almost like a wall of flavour, Colin's face when he saw the magnitude left her with a belly of giggles and a rather glowing smirk. Colin Bridgerton, or when she was scorning him, he became 'Mr Bridgerton!', her husband, her rock. Even love though keeps secrets. She could feel one burning in her very soul.

Penelope wasn't feeling right in her own skin, she feared something may have been amiss. Perhaps the cure had left a horrid stain she had to live with. She couldn't explain it, but she felt stronger, faster and incredible isolated. She stepped outside, which was lit only by the light of a full moon.

She watched intently as the clouds moved fast across it. Almost mysterious. It was beautiful.

Maybe she would run through the night, just to see if it has its appeal. She wanted to run. She needed to run.

After letting all her secrets know. She thought, this one, should be one she should keep.

Epilogue

"Dear Gentle readers

Like all story's, we need a beginning.

An introduction is a good enough place as any to start, I do believe.

My name is Mrs Penelope Bridgerton. Many of you may know me as my alias 'Lady Whistledown' A surprise to some, a very large disappointment to many others.

Of all people, it was her Majesty the Queen herself, that discovered my true identity, she is of course a very wise and wonderful Queen indeed.

The ton has been always, for a lack of a better word a 'battlefield', ruled by the mamas desperate to disband of their broods.

Ladies sharpen their tiaras, but the small few sharpen their wit.

Lady Danbury the impediment of honesty. You may see the old spinster as a torture, brought by God merely to frown and condescend the ladies and mamas of the ton. Recently I found this lady to be my greatest ally. I tell you what I see. I see strength, determination and scepticism all rolled up in a fun, hard but ever so honest shell.

Society needs more woman who can not only stand up but fight for what truly matters. I have stayed hidden for far too long. I am now expanding such horizons and have decided to publish a book.

I do hope you try to make a difference with your lives going forward. You will find such a book, an autobiography of sorts. Quite quaintly named 'The Wallflower'

I am about to embark on a new adventure.

So, a final farewell from myself.

Your Sincerely

Lady Whistledown"