A day after Penelope Featherington accepted Duke Thomas Debling's marriage proposal, the two were seen promenading on the garden maze. The couple were trailed few paces behind by the Bridgerton ladies, Violet and her daughter Eloise; ensuring propriety was upheld even in the midst of joyous anticipation after their public engagement.

The air was filled with a sense of newfound happiness, the sunlight filtering through the leaves casting dappled shadows on the path ahead. Penelope's laughter floated on the breeze, mingling with Thomas' soft words of affection as they exchanged tender glances.

Violet and Eloise, ever the vigilant chaperones, observed the couple with fond smiles, their hearts warmed by the sight of two souls united in love. They shared in the couple's joy, knowing that this union was destined to bring happiness and fulfillment to both Penelope and Thomas.

Lost in the moment, Thomas and Penelope exchanged tender words, their hearts entwined in the promise of a future together. Yet, amidst the sweetness of their conversation, a shadow of apprehension flickered Penelope's features, her steps faltering ever so lightly.

Sensing her unease, Thomas slowed his pace, his gaze softening with concern as he regarded her. "Is something troubling you, my love?" He inquired, his voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of worry.

Penelope hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest as she gathered the courage to speak. With a deep breath, she turned to face Thomas, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

"There is something I must tell you, your Grace." She began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Something that I fear may change everything between us."

Thomas Debling's brow furrowed in concern, his hand reaching out to gently grasp her. "Whatever it is, my love, you can trust me." The Duke of Northumberland reassured her, his voice filled with unwavering support.

With a trembling breath, Penelope took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking. "I.. I am not who you think I am, Thomas." She confessed. Penelope's words were hesitant yet resolute. "There are secrets in my past, things that I have kept hidden from everyone out of fear of judgment."

Thomas listened in silence, his expression one of unwavering understanding. "Whatever it is Penelope, you need not face it alone." The duke vowed, his voice a steady anchor amidst the storm of her fears.
"We are betrothed now, to be wed soon, you and I, and nothing you could tell me would ever change the way I feel about you."

"I am Lady Whistledown. The anonymous gossip writer who has kept the ton in suspense with my scandalous revelations." Penelope Featherington confessed as her voice was trembling with emotion. She uttered her words as quietly as she could only for Thomas' ears to hear, making the two Bridgerton trailing behind them oblivious as to what they were talking about.

Thomas' eyes widened in surprise at her confession, but instead of shock or anger, a proud smile spread across his lips.

"I suspected as much. With your wit and intelligence, it seemed only fitting that you would be the one behind the pen of that smart writer." Duke Debling admitted with admiration. As he re-entered the society this year, he was able to come across a few issues of Whistledown's columns and truly, he was amazed on how the structure of the writing was. Whoever was behind that sheet sure is someone who is very capable and intelligent, he thought.

Penelope blinked in astonishment, her heart was swelling with relief at Thomas' understanding and acceptance.

"Are you not angry?" The redhead asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Thomas shook his head, his gaze filled with unshakeable love and affection. "How could I be angry with you, Penelope? You are a remarkable woman, and I love you just the same, scandalous revelations and all."

"I will not ask you to change, Penelope. I love you with all my heart, and I want nothing more than to be by your side, supporting you in all that you do. Whether you continue to write as Lady Whistledown or pursue any other endeavor, I will be there for you, cheering you on every step of the way."

"Oh, Thomas.. I cannot express how grateful I am for your understanding and acceptance. To know that you welcome every part of me, including as Lady Whistledown, means more to me than words can say." Water starts to form on Penelope's crystal blue eyes as she stares at her fiancé affectionately. With a heartfelt smile, Penelope reaches out to gently caress Thomas' cheek, the bruise was still evident on his handsome face.

"I promise to be the best wife I can be to you. I will cherish and honor you, and stand by your side through all of life's joy and challenges." Penelope Featherington vowed, her voice tinged with determination.

Drawing him close, Penelope whispered to his ears, her love for him evident in every gesture.

"And know this, Thomas." She whispered with sincerity filled on her voice. "I love you with all my heart, now and forever." In that moment, she knew that she had found in Thomas a love that was truly unconditional, a love that would weather any storm, no matter what secrets lay buried in the past.

As Penelope's whispered confession of love reached Thomas Debling's ears, a wave of pure joy surged through his being, enveloping him in a warmth that radiated from the depths of his heart. Her words, spoken in the hushed intimacy of the garden maze, carried a weight of sincerity and affection that filled him with an indescribable sense of happiness.

"I love you too, Penelope," Thomas murmured, his voice soft yet filled with an unwavering certainty. "You have filled my heart with a love so pure and true. I am the luckiest man alive to have you by my side, to know that your love is mine to cherish for all eternity."

As they trailed behind the duke and Penelope, the Bridgerton duo of Violet and Eloise found themselves engaged in a silent conversation of their own. While the air was suffused with the joy of Penelope's engagement, Eloise's could not shake off the weight of her thoughts regarding her friend, and the complex emotions swirling within her.

"Mama," Eloise began, her voice hesitant yet filled with a yearning for understanding. "How do you truly feel about Pen's engagement? I know how much you've cared for her, how you have always treated her like one of us, like a daughter."

Violet's expression softened at her daughter's inquiry, her gaze turning inward as she considered her response. She understood the depth of Eloise's concern and the weight of her own emotions surrounding Penelope's impending marriage to the Duke.

"My dearest," Violet began, her voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of sadness. "You know that I have always held Penelope in the highest regard. She has been a cherished member of our family for many years, and I have often dreamed of the day when she would officially become a part of our household as my daughter-in-law."

Eloise listened intently, her heart aching with empathy for her mother's unspoken longing. She had always sensed Violet's hopes and aspirations for Penelope's future, understanding the depth of her motherly desire to see her dear friend find happiness and fulfillment.

"And yet, sometimes life has a way of taking unexpected turns, of leading us down paths we never could have imagined. While Penelope's engagement brings me a sense of joy for her happiness, it also fills me with a bittersweet sorrow for the dreams that will now remain unfulfilled." Violet continued with her voice tinged with resignation.

"I know, Mama.. You've always wanted her to become a part of our family officially, as Colin's wife."

Violet's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, my dear. I had hoped for nothing more than to have her by Colin's side as his wife.." The Bridgerton matriarch feels so saddened thinking about her third born son. She had come to know how Colin had expressed his feelings and confessed a proposal to the young Featherington, only to have him rejected by the redhead girl. But Violet could not blame Penelope. She knew how long Pen have waited and liked Colin all these years. It was understandable for the young Featherington to lose interest on her son especially with what had happened last season. And as there were suitors who have openly realized and showed Penelope her real worth, it will truly be expected for her to fall and be in love with another gentleman. Especially if it's someone who is almost like a perfect man like Duke Thomas Debling.

"What do you think Colin feels about Pen's engagement, Mama?"

"I believe Colin is genuinely happy for Penelope. He had been friends with her for years, just like you are, and I have no doubt that he wishes her nothing but the utmost happiness in her future with the duke."

Eloise nodded thoughtfully, her mind still grappling with the uncertainty that lingered beneath the surface. The spirited second daughter of the Bridgerton family had observed her brother's behavior since his return in London. She knew that Colin had been truly affected with anything that is in relation to Penelope. "But what about his own feelings?" Eloise pressed, her gaze searching her mother's for answers.

Violet's expression softened, her eyes reflecting a mother's understanding of her children's hearts. "Colin is a gentleman, Eloise." The mother of eight said, her voice imbued with warmth and compassion. "And while he may have realized too late, his harbored feelings for Penelope, I believe he has come to terms with the reality of the situation. He will support her in whatever choice he makes, as any true friend would."

Eloise hummed. "I always thought Pen and I would grow up and live together as spinsters. I have dreamed to share the same house with her, as we spend our days reading books on our very own library and talk about things that we would truly enjoy." The brunette sighed.

"Eloise, my dear. No matter what the future holds, Penelope will always be a part of our family. And while her path may now diverge from ours, our love for her will remain steadfast and unwavering."

Eloise Bridgerton smiled gratefully at her mother's words, her heart filled with a sense of peace and acceptance.

After a whole week of retreat at the royal residence of Kew Palace, the prominent members of society in Mayfair Street had come back to their respective abodes. And as she was under the care of Agatha Danbury for the whole duration of the royal invitation, Penelope finds herself being brought to their home's doorsteps by the old woman's carriage. The redhead could not thank the senior matron enough for the hospitality and care she had received for the recent days.

As Penelope Featherington prepared to disembark from Lady Danbury's carriage, she turned to see the esteemed matron with a heartfelt expression of gratitude.

"Lady Danbury, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and guidance during our time at Kew Palace. Your care has meant so much to me, and I am truly grateful for everything you've done." The young Featherington smiles warmly at the old woman.

Lady Danbury regarded Penelope with a warm smile in return, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Oh dear Penelope. It was my pleasure to have you under my wing. You are a remarkable woman, an emerald indeed! It was an honor to have you as my ward. Remember, you will always have a place in my home and in my heart."

With a nod of gratitude, Penelope stepped down from the carriage with the assistance of a footman. As she bids her farewell to Agatha, the latter reminded her of an important upcoming engagement: a visit to the Duke of Northumberland's London estate to meet her fiancé's mother, and begin discussions about her and Duke Debling's upcoming nuptials.

"Penelope, dear. Don't forget about our visit to the Debling estate. It's crucial that you meet your fiancé's mother and begin planning for your wedding." Agatha said with her voice carrying a note of urgency.

Penelope nodded, a sense of excitement mingled with nervousness fluttering in her chest at the thought of meeting her future mother-in-law. She was told by Thomas Debling that his mother will arrive in London in two days time, to meet her family and to help with the wedding preparations. It was then she knew that the reason Thomas arrived late at the Queen's ball was to make the necessary arrangements and return correspondence on his mother's missive.

"Of course, Lady Danbury. I haven't forgotten. I'll be sure to tell my mama to prepare. Thank you for the reminder."

With a reassuring smile, Lady Danbury offered Penelope a wink. "You'll do just fine, girl. Just be yourself, and everything will fall into place. Jocasta will surely love you." Agatha said. Her tone was brimming with confidence.