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The newly wedded couple were on their way back to Danbury house where the Wedding Feast was being held for them. The two sat on the opposite sides of the carriage.No one spoke a word to each other.Simon was struggling to break the ice,to initiate dialogue, which he never had before with Penelope.

All the while Penelope kept stealing glances at him.Penelope was well aware of how handsome he was yet today for the first time she noticed finer details. Of course she hadn't before,she only ever looked closely at one man. That had changed, Penelope was married and could not fathom in any scenario she ending up with someone like Simon Bassett, sure Colin was handsome and kind but hse never really hoped for anything..that was a farfetched dream. Simon sighed... The man looked tiredd yet so insanely charming.

"Your grace?" Penelope almost whispered

Simon looked at her with a smile.

" It's Simon Penelope..don't you remember?" Reminding her of their conversation a few days back.

"Yes but things have changed!" she argued.

" Nothing has changed Penelope..you and I are friends before anything..so just relax" He assured her again with his classic smile that created the perfect dimples on his cheeks.

" Are you?" she asked

" What do you mean?" he looked at her confused.

" You yourself look flustered and out of sorts " She wished she could hold his hand like earlier wanting to ease him of his pain.

" I'm fine...just everything has been such chaos." Simon looked away.

" It's understandable...you should rest though." Penelope wanted to say something more but could not bring herself to form the words to do so.

Simon bent forward looked into her eyes. Took ger hands in his.

"Penelope I can't change what happened but w promise to do my best to make you happy...just promise me that you will always speak to me if anything worries or brothers you..I have no idea how marriage works..but I hope ours is built on mutual respect and honesty. What ever comes ahead we will face it together." Simon hoped that he was able to convey his message.

Penelope squeezed his hands.

"Simon I couldn't agree more. Your right we may not have wanted this marriage, but now that we are...I promise to do my best to support you in every step you take, every decision you make.We are friends and will always remain the same." She smiled at him.

Simon was about to asl something else when the carriage came to a halt.

Penelope looked at him tensed.

" Don't worry! We'll get through this." He smiled at her.

"Together!" They both said at the same time.

Penelope giggled at their timing.

"Lets go Mrs Bassett!" He winked at her.

" After you Mr Bassett!" She teased him back.

Simon jumped out of the carriage, turned around to help her out.

The rest of the wedding party joined them as they entered the large ballroom where the feast had been arranged.Penelope marvelled at Lady Danbury's skill and power in arranging the feast at such a short notice.Also there was quite a lot of people that had turned up considering how fast everything happened.

Simon held on her hand firmly walking in. Penelope had never felt so secure and at peace in her whole life. She looked up at him with a smile.

"What?" he asked her.

"You look nice when you smile..." Penelope replied with a smile.

" And you dear look most beautiful when you smile " Penelope blushed at his words.

The first hour went by receiving their guests and well wishes.Though most of them just wanted a piece of the gossip behind their wedding.Simon handled all the questions sensibly never leaving her side, helding on to her hand the whole time.

'Mrs Penelope Simon Bassett, the Duchess of Hastings.' Penelope smiled to herself.

She feared the worst of this marriage, however so far Simon had shown to her that would never happen.

Penelope was standing by the side of her own wedding Feast. Simon was called away by some men to a private conversation. Lady Danbury stood by her side, and was in conversation with Mrs Lesly. She looked around the room looking for Eloise.

Eloise hadn't taken this change well. Penelope hoped she would be here to support her. In a room full of people she now was alone and invisible without her husband and best friend.

Deciding to get something to drink she walked away from Lady Danbury..hoping to get some time to herself and quench her thirst.

"Pen! "

" Colin.. " Penelope turned around to face the man she had obsessed about growing up. She smiled at him.

"I want to say congratulations.. but l can't bring myself to do it? "

Colin was looking at her directly he reached out and held her hand.

" Why would you say that Colin? " Penelope could not understand Colin's words or his demeanor.

" This was not what you wanted Pen! " Colin replied

" That's immaterial now.. It is what it is! Penelope sighed.

She felt confused and hurt at the same time.

" It matters Penelope. It matters to me... You always dreamt for a love match.." Colin argued.

" Those were dreams... this is reality.. All don't get what they dream of!!!" Penelope gave him her usual fake smile. Being with Colin brought her feelings for him to resurface that she needed to leave behind once and for all.

" All will be alright Colin! " She replied assuredly removing her hands from his. It didn't feel right.

" How can you be so... ?" Colin asked confused.

" I've accepted the reality.. I've moved on! " She smiled at him walking away to join her husband.

Colin stood aghast.. at her response and how he hated the feeling that she moved on.

'Why did it matter? When did Penelope become so important to me?' He wondered to himself.

Lady Danbury called Simon to get Penelope for their first dance as a couple.

" Simon... It does not matter now but are you okay?? Are you happy? 'She asked concerned for her godson. She was aware of his desire to never marry. She had hoped when he was courting Daphne Bridgerton he would finally settle down. In one sweep everything had changed. She hoped that Simon would not resent his decision.

"I'm okay Aunt.. I know you have a lot of question and doubts but I assure you. I have no regrets or doubt. Penelope and I will be fine! " He smiled at her. The only one who believed in him when no one did.. She was the only family he had and now he had Penelope.. He looked across the room for her. His smile dropped at Colin holding her hand.

" I wish you both the best wishes on this endeavor. Penelope is a lovely girl. She'll be an excellent wife. " Lady Danbury finally relaxed smiling.

" I have no doubt! " Simon agreed.

" Go on then.. It's time for the first dance. " She patted on his back tilting her head towards Penelope who was coming towards them.

"With Pleasure!! " Simon smirked walking towards his redhead. His wife... letting go of his inhibitions he had towards marriage.

Penelope smiled at Simon seeing him approach her she too was leaving behind her past.. Her past desires, fears doubts... looking forward towards what the future held for her.

The reached each other halfway, exactly the center of the room..

" You ready for our first dance as a couple? " Simon asked her arching his eyebrows, smile on his face.

" As ready you are! " She nodded her head blushing.

Simon put his palm for her to take. Penelope looked up at him putting her hand in his. A simple act that spoke volumes for their trust in each other.

Simon put his hand on her waist stepping two steps towards her. Penelope put her hand on his shoulder taking two steps forward.

In position they began their first dance... Both in perfect sync with each other.

The audience watching them glide across the floor were stunned how at ease they were. To a stranger they looked like a couple devoted to each other.

Mr and Mrs Bassett started their relationship on the right foot. Only time would tell if they would be able to overcome all the hurdles that would be thrown at them... 'Together'.