A FAMILY OF THEIR OWN
"It is quite warm, is it not?"
Colin glanced over at his wife then did a double take, a concerned frown creasing his brow. Her cheeks were very flushed and her light blue eyes had a decided glazed appearance. A slight tremor run through her petite frame and his arm tightened around her waist.
"Are you well, Pen?" he asked in a low voice, not wanting to draw attention to her.
Penelope stared up at him blankly, almost as if she hadn't understood a word he'd said.
Becoming even more worried, Colin smoothly manoeuvred her unresisting body towards a chair at the edge of the room.
It had been almost five weeks since the Butterfly Ball and the Cowper's had put on a lavish event in order to try and win back some favour from the Ton after Cressida had all but ruined their name.
Penelope had been reluctant to attend but Colin had persuaded her otherwise. Whilst there was certainly no love lost between their families, society dictated that they should make an appearance and he hadn't had the inclination to fuel the dislike he knew Lady Cowper already held for his new bride. Maybe he should have listened to his wife, however, he decided as she stumbled slightly.
His grip tightened on her waist even more but, instinctively, he knew that they wouldn't make it to the seat in time.
As if on cue, Penelope suddenly gasped out his name just before her eyes closed and her legs buckled.
Deftly, Colin swept her up into his arms before she hit the ground. Ignoring the startled looks and murmurings of several couples nearby, he strode straight past the intended chair and out of the ballroom.
"Quickly! Have you a quiet room?" he asked a nearby footman urgently.
The young man's eyes widened momentarily then he nodded abruptly.
"Just down here, Sir," he replied, leading him to a door on the left.
He opened it up and stepped aside to allow them to enter.
The room was large and looked to be some kind of study. There were only two candles burning so the footman hurriedly grabbed one and lit a few more as Colin spied a settee and hastened over. He gently laid his wife down on it then dropped to one knee and took hold of her hand.
"Pen?" he urged worriedly, tenderly brushing some of her auburn curls back from her slightly damp brow.
Her face now seemed to have lost all colour and he felt a rising panic start in the pit of his stomach and make its way up to settle uncomfortably in his chest like a heavy weight.
"What has happened, Colin? Is Penelope ill?" came Violet's concerned voice suddenly from behind him.
He glanced up at his mother and saw her walking swiftly towards them with Lord Anderson in tow. They had been in the middle of a dance when she'd seen her son carry his wife out of the ball and had hurried to find them.
"I do not know," he replied with a shake of his head, unease lending his tone a slight edge, "it was all rather sudden."
Violet nodded and rested a comforting hand on his shoulder. Feeling the tension there, she looked back at the footman who was still hovering at the door and asked that he fetch some water and a shot of brandy.
The young man gave a nod and left, narrowly avoiding Lady Cowper who unexpectedly swept into the room and cast a disapproving eye over the scene before her.
"Is all well here?" she enquired. Her role of hostess had compelled her to do her duty once she'd been made aware of the new Mrs Bridgerton's collapse. That did not stop her, however, from adding a touch disdainfully, "Not had too much wine, I hope?"
Colin bristled at her tone and dragged his gaze away from his wife long enough to shoot the woman an angry glare.
"Penelope has not touched a drop all evening," he bit out icily.
"But thank you for your concern," Violet interjected smoothly. Pasting a polite smile on her face, she continued, "We shall look after her and although I am certain it is nothing serious, perhaps you could arrange for their carriage to be brought around?"
Lady Cowper smiled thinly back then closed her fan with a snap and gave a nod of her head before sauntering out of the room.
"Beastly woman," Colin muttered harshly as he watched her leave.
His mother gave him a mildly reproachful look but said nothing. How could she when she felt the same?
A faint groan had them all turn to stare at Penelope and Colin was relieved to see that she was starting to stir. He immediately clutched her hand a little tighter and leaned nearer as her eyes fluttered open.
"How are you feeling, my love?" he asked tenderly.
She took a few seconds to become fully awake and a few more to process her husband's softly spoken words. She had no time to reply, however, as the footman returned with the water and brandy that Lady Bridgerton had requested. Colin took the former with a nod of gratitude and refused the latter.
"That will be all, thank you," he said, dismissing the footman before turning back to his wife and asking warmly, "Here, do you think you are able to sit up and drink this?"
Penelope glanced at the drink, then at the three people staring expectantly at her and nodded. Pushing herself up, she took the proffered glass and sipped on the water.
"Better?" he queried after a moment.
"Yes. Thank you," she answered with a quick, but slightly self-conscious smile. "Much better. My apologies, I do not know what came over me."
"As long as you are well now, that is all that matters," Colin assured her as he ran his still worried gaze over her features. "Although, you do look a little pale."
He placed the back of his hand gently against her forehead and frowned.
"I promise you I am fine, Colin," Penelope insisted not quite able to look him in the eyes, "though I do think I should like to go home now please."
"Of course," he instantly agreed, then glanced towards the door and added sardonically, "Lady Cowper is supposed to be seeing to it, but I do not hold out much hope."
"Perhaps it would be a good idea if you go and see about the carriage, Colin, while I sit with Penelope," Violet decided, taking a seat next to her daughter-in-law. He looked about to refuse but his mother continued firmly, "Do not worry, I will take care of her."
She gave him a reassuring smile and Colin knew well enough that she was going to brook no argument. Giving Penelope's hand a quick squeeze he stood up to leave.
"I shall go with you and call for our carriage too," Lord Anderson offered, earning a grateful smile from Violet.
The men gave the women a small bow before taking their leave and once they'd gone Violet immediately turned to Penelope.
"Now my dear, how long have you been feeling out of sorts?"
Penelope stared at her mother-in-law's kindly face and sighed.
"A few days now," she admitted quietly, taking another sip of water.
"And are you fatigued? Nauseous?"
Penelope nodded, feeling heat start to warm her cheeks.
Violet nodded and smiled.
"When I was first expecting with Anthony, I swooned too," she began happily, then frowned slightly before musing aloud, "Although I do not remember it being quite so early on. It is, after all, barely six weeks since…" she trailed off and her eyes widened as she stared at Penelope's horrified, ever reddening face. "Oh!"
Now it was Violet's turn to turn a shade of colour that matched her daughter-in-law's.
Penelope looked away in mortification and gulped down the rest of the water. Surely there must be a large hole somewhere that she could crawl into? It was bad enough that Violet was confirming her own suspicions, let alone her working out when said 'suspicions' had been created. She put her glass down on a nearby table with a thud and felt Violet grasp her hand. Steeling herself for a disapproving look, she turned her head and was surprised to see the older woman gazing at her with an understanding smile.
"I am so pleased for you both and I look forward to hearing your announcement," Violet told her warmly, then leaned forward to add conspiratorially, "when you are ready, of course."
Penelope had to smile at that and felt relief wash through her. She really didn't want to be the source of any more gossip surrounding their family. She'd contributed plenty as it was being Lady Whistledown and she couldn't bear the thought that some might believe that Colin had been forced to marry out of duty rather than the love match that they were.
"Thank you, Lady Bridgerton, although I fear that once I tell Colin, he will want to share the news with the rest of the family as soon as possible, no matter what time of day it is."
"Then perhaps tell him after breakfast so we may all get some sleep first," her mother-in-law suggested causing both ladies to laugh. "And please, how many times must I say, Penelope? Call me Violet."
The redhead nodded. She still found it hard to use her mother-in-law's first name after all the years of calling her Lady Bridgerton.
"Now," she continued briskly, "some words of advice if I may? Dry crackers and plain biscuits will be your friends in the coming weeks. Make sure that cook has plenty in."
"I will…Violet," Penelope replied dutifully.
Her mother-in-law beamed in delight and patted her hand.
"That's better."
Penelope smiled back and the two women fell into an easy conversation about other pregnancy symptoms and a funny story or two of the Bridgerton children when they were babies.
It was after one of those stories that Colin returned to find his two favourite women laughing at something and felt the pressure suddenly dissipate from his chest. He shared a relieved smile with Marcus, who stood beside him, then let out a sigh. It had frightened him to see her faint again. He knew it was the fear of discovery that had led to her first swoon.
This evening, however…was she ill and not telling him?
He'd noticed that she had looked pale at times the last few days but now, at least, she appeared well…glowing even.
Penelope turned her gaze to him and smiled. His breath caught. Lord, he would never tire of her eyes, of her…everything, of that he was certain.
"Our carriage is waiting," he announced and held out his hand.
"We should take our leave of Lord and Lady Cowper," Penelope reminded him as she lightly grasped his proffered hand and stood up.
Colin grimaced slightly at the thought of speaking to Lady Cowper again. Sometimes he hated the societal rules that meant he had to be good mannered when he sorely did not want to be. The woman irked him; even more so since her daughter had tried to claim Whistledown for herself. He also strongly suspected that it had been her rather than Cressida who had written that despicable sheet about their family before Penelope's had usurped it.
"Do not worry, we shall offer regards on your behalf," Violet assured them. "Take Penelope home and let her rest."
Colin gave his mother a grateful smile and, with a quick nod of acknowledgement in Marcus' direction, led his wife away. He did not need telling twice.
Holding hands, they headed out of the building and into the cool evening air. Once ensconced in their carriage, he put his arm around Penelope and allowed himself to relax. Having her near always seemed to have that effect.
"How are you feeling now?" he enquired, gazing intently at the face.
"Tired," she responded and leaned her head upon his shoulder with a contented sigh.
He pulled her a little closer and absently stroked her waist as they took the relatively short journey home in easy silence. When they arrived, Penelope headed up to their rooms to get ready for bed while Colin went to the kitchen to prepare some warm drinks. It was something that their staff had quickly learned that he liked to do himself and readily left him to it. They thought it sweet that he looked after her so. He added a plate of biscuits to the tray and went upstairs to join his wife.
Penelope had just slipped on her mint green, silken robe when Colin entered their bedchamber carrying the treats. Placing the tray down, he handed her one of the steaming cups and took the other for himself.
"Hot cocoa to help you sleep."
He smiled at her and took a sip of his own drink, his gaze admiring as he slowly took in the exquisite picture she made standing in front of him. With her curly hair loose about her shoulders, stunning face and delectable figure, he knew he was the luckiest man on earth.
Penelope stared back at him and was suddenly overcome by an unexpected wave of emotion.
There was a point only a few weeks ago that she had firmly believed they would be at odds forever. Thankfully, she had married a truly special man who had more forgiveness and goodness in his little finger than someone like Lady Cowper had in her entire being. She had been in love with him for so long that she hardly remembered a time when she wasn't…and now she was expecting his child.
Did life really get any better than this?
She was so caught up in her own musings that she failed to notice that Colin was staring at her in concern until he put his drink down with a startlingly loud thump. Cocoa splashed over the sides of the cup and dripped onto the table but he paid it no mind. His sole focus was on his wife.
"Pen, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"
"Am I?" she asked, quickly using her fingers to dash away the tears she hadn't realised were falling.
He nodded abruptly then took her drink from her and placed it next to his before reaching up to gently cup her cheek. Leaning down a little, he looked into her eyes. "Did Lady Cowper say something to you while I went for the carriage?" he asked his low voice carrying a hint of anger.
"No!" Penelope denied quickly, "No, these are happy tears, I assure you."
He looked confused, but then his expression turned to one of wonder as she took his hand from her cheek and drew it down until it rested lightly against her stomach.
"We are going to have a baby, Colin."
"A baby?" he echoed faintly and then, without warning, he let out a joyous shout of laughter, grabbed her about the waist and lifted her off her feet. He whirled her around. Twice. Then he placed her back on the ground and kissed her soundly on the lips.
Penelope laughed as she caught her breath and put a hand to her head which was spinning a little.
Immediately Colin grew concerned and guided her over to the bed where he promptly picked her up, for the second time that evening, and laid her down upon it.
"Forgive me, I don't want you swooning again," he told her apologetically.
"I am fine, it was just a little giddiness," she told him dismissively.
"What can I get you? What do you need?" he queried, still clearly troubled.
She grabbed his hand and gave it a firm tug.
"Just you, in bed, with me," she answered with saucy grin.
"Is that wise?" he began dubiously with a slight frown.
Penelope stared at him in mild exasperation and had a sudden realisation of what the next few months were going to be like now that she was pregnant. He was going to be insufferable if she allowed it. She should've known. His kindness and thoughtfulness were two of the things that she loved most about him…but not if it meant she would be sleeping alone!
"Yes, very wise," she retorted.
Edging over to make room for him to lay beside her, she patted the bed and smiled invitingly at him.
"But…" He paused and swallowed hard as Penelope sat up then shrugged the robe from her shoulders and off, exposing a decent amount of her creamy skin to his avid gaze. Her matching chemise left little to the imagination, his imagination anyway. After only being together a matter of weeks, he already knew his wife's body better than his own. "Um..." For the life of him he couldn't remember any of the objections he'd been about to make nor, indeed, why he would even want to. "Perhaps you are right," he finally acquiesced and joined her quickly on the bed.
"I am," she stated agreeably and started unbuttoning his waistcoat before he even had a chance to lie down.
"And, of course, it is best that I am close in case you need me," he pointed out reasonably as he propped himself up on his side and watched her deft fingers move onto his shirt.
"It is," she concurred brightly, unfastening the last button and pushing the fine fabric apart with a happy sigh. She ran her hand over his hair roughened chest and raked her nails lightly down, drawing a soft gasp from her husband as she grazed over one of his nipples.
Colin felt his body harden in response and when she leaned in for a kiss, he met her halfway. It was brief and Penelope moaned in protest when he broke away, but he had decided that he was going to take his wife slow.
Rolling her onto her back, he placed another chaste kiss on her lips then pulled slightly away and stared adoringly into her eyes. Reaching up, he skimmed his fingertips lightly down her cheek. Her eyes closed at his touch and his gaze followed his hand as it continued downwards along her neck then further still over the soft mounds of her perfect bosom. Her breath hitched at the contact, back arching slightly to force a firmer touch, but he didn't stop until his hand came to a rest and flatten down on her stomach. He glanced back at her face and saw that she was now watching him. They shared a smile, then she covered his hand with hers and Colin moved so that their fingers intertwined over their growing child.
They were going to have a baby.
Their own family.
"I love you," he told her, emotion making his voice husky.
"I love you," Penelope whispered back.
And then he kissed her. Slowly. Deeply. Putting every ounce of feeling he could into it until the need to breathe forced them apart. Penelope let out a small whimper, but he was already peppering kisses along her neck and across her chest before capturing her lips once more in another drugging kiss.
Again, he broke away only when they had to, then, with a soft smile, he got off the bed and quickly removed his clothing. Penelope went to sit up as he returned to her, but he gently laid a hand on her shoulder and shook his head.
Tonight, it was all about her.
Penelope lay back down and gave herself over to a world of sensation. She felt as though she was being worshipped as Colin took his time savouring every single inch of her body. He had always been an attentive lover, but this was something else as he bought her to the edge again and again with hand and mouth until she thought she might actually go up in flames if she didn't find her release soon.
Sensing her need, he finally moved up her body and gave her lingering kiss. Tasting herself on his lips only seemed to heighten her desire to the point where she was almost squirming by the time he settled between her legs with a satisfied sigh.
When had he taken off her chemise, she wondered briefly, before he entered her in one quick, smooth movement. Penelope drew in a sharp breath as her body started to orgasm almost immediately.
Colin gritted his teeth and held still, watching her release play out on her beautiful face as her body clenched tightly around him. He allowed the waves of her pleasure to ebb a little until he couldn't hold himself back any longer and started to move, stoking the flames once more.
Penelope's eyes widened as she stared at him in disbelief that her body could respond again so quickly. It was almost too much.
"Colin," she gasped as he moved with increasing urgency, hitting just the right spot before she fell for a second time, her back arching off the bed with the force of her completion.
Penelope's release triggered his and Colin groaned out her name as he climaxed hard. Breathing heavily, he desperately tried to stop himself from collapsing on top of her, but his arms couldn't hold out. He was utterly spent.
"Forgive me," he muttered into her neck as he attempted to catch his breath.
"For what?" Penelope wondered in confusion, her voice sounding just as breathy as his did. "That was wonderful."
"I crushed you," he explained, trying to find the energy to move even though laying in his wife's arms was exactly where he wanted to stay.
But…the baby…
That thought roused him just enough to ease himself off of her, despite her protestations, and roll onto his back, pulling her with him.
Cradled against his side, Penelope laid her arm on his chest and rested her chin on her hand so that she could look at him.
Bodies now pleasantly lethargic, they shared a smile and Colin absently started playing with her hair, letting the soft curls run through his fingers.
"We shall have to tell the rest of the family our good news in the morning," he commented quietly.
"Your mama has already guessed," Penelope admitted a little guiltily.
Colin merely chuckled and placed a kiss on the tip of her nose.
"I am not surprised. She seems to know everything," he replied with affection.
"She also said that we could…," she hesitated a moment, then continued, "we could make the announcement when we are ready."
"Ready?" He stared at her quizzically. "Well, why would we want to wait?" The sudden reddening of Penelope's cheeks was all the answer he needed as it suddenly dawned on him exactly why. "Oh!…So…"
Penelope nodded.
"The afternoon you showed me this house."
He smiled at the memory.
"Our first time," he murmured with a hint of pride.
"Or our second," she contradicted ruefully.
There was a little pause as they stared at one another before adding in unison, "Or our third."
They both started laughing and seeing him look so happy, Penelope found herself blinking back sudden tears. This was something she knew she was going to have to get used to in her condition as one tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.
"Sorry," she muttered self-consciously. "I'm only a few weeks along and already my emotions seem to be getting the better of me."
"Do not apologise," he said with an understanding smile and gently brushed the drop away with his thumb. "Come, let us get some sleep, it has been a long evening and you must exhausted."
Penelope nodded and he gathered her into his warm embrace, her arm naturally sliding across his waist as she settled her head down on his chest.
"And, just so we are clear, Mrs Bridgerton, I shall be here for every single one of your emotions no matter what they are," Colin declared emphatically, hugging her a little closer to him.
She lifted her head and looked up at him with narrowed gaze.
"That maybe so, but what if I am sick at all times of day like my sisters?" she challenged.
"Then I shall hold your hair back from your beautiful face and ensure that you have a cool towel for when you are finished," he vowed, smiling slightly as he gave one of her curls a gentle tug.
Her mouth quirked upwards at his words before she ventured mischievously, "And what if I should have a craving for, say…biscuits?"
Colin's eyes widened in mock horror.
"Ah, well then, my dear, I fear it's every Bridgerton for themself," he teased with a chuckle.
His reward was a delighted laugh and a quick kiss on the lips before Penelope and snuggled into him again. He went back to stroking her hair and was pleased when her breathing soon evened out. Moments later, she was asleep.
Moving carefully so as not to wake her, he deftly arranged the quilt more snugly around them then settled back and closed his eyes.
And as he drifted off to join his wife in slumber, his last jumbled thoughts were of a bonny baby with the bluest eyes and reddest hair, of wondering which room would best suit a nursery and, rather oddly, that when Anthony finally found out about the babe, he really hoped that he wouldn't challenge him to a duel after all!
THE END