Long One Shot*
Completely in the POV of Lord Fife through the 1813, 1814, and 1815 Seasons watching Colin and Pen falling for each other.
1813
Having a drink with my old buddies, Viscount Bridgerton, Lord Cho, and Lord Stanley at White's, we laugh as the Viscount, Anthony, complains about needing to perform his duties as Head of House. Tomorrow is the presentation of his sister, Daphne. I would never think of attempting to court young Daphne, for I have known her since she was a wee bairn really. I cannot help but laugh at the old boy since he does seem rather stressed. After a while, he decides to call it a night. But we all know where he is going. He's been chasing after an opera singer named Sienna for weeks now. We wave him off.
"So, besides Ant's little sister, how does this season's crop of debutants look?" We break it down.
There's Lord and Lady Cowper's only child, Cressida. A bit of a viper with a pretty face. Miss Goring was a bit plain but had a sweet disposition. Then there were the three Featherington daughters all debuting together.
Prudence was the oldest, at 19 years old, her debut was a year later than most. She was tall and pretty but not gorgeous. She also did not seem to have much of a personality in many of our opinions.
Philippa was the middle child at 18 and very petite and cute. I had heard her speak and she sounded like a little girl, so that was a bit off putting. She seemed a bit dim in the head as well.
Then there was the youngest, Penelope. She was short and plump but adorable. She was a great friend to the Bridgerton family. She was a particular favourite of the third brother, Colin, I noticed often that he pays close attention to her. They way he watched her, searched for her. Oh, the boy was in love with the girl and had no clue. I think he's just turned 20, if I remember correctly. He's still young. He'll figure it out eventually.
Until then, I think I'll just settle my tab and watch as a spectator for now.
I wander the ballroom with Cho and watch as young Colin converses with his little friend, the Featherington girl. The way they stare at each other when the other is not looking is very interesting. I smile into my glass as the young man looks at the girl, impressed. I wonder what intriguing thing she has said for a moment. She has a mischievous smile on her face that makes me think that she may be interesting after all. More so than her sisters.
They are both watching a young girl dancing with Lord Rutledge. Oh God! What is he doing? He's left the Featherington girl to dance with this other chit. Poor thing. Oh, Colin. What are you doing? Looking over at the Featherington girl, I can see the sadness wash over her. Maybe I should ask her for a dance? I begin to make my way over, but I get stopped by Lord Ambrose. When I look to where she last was, she is gone.
The night of the Hawkins Ball I watch as the mean spirited Cowper girl tries to flirt her way into a dance with Colin Bridgerton. He seems about ready to acquiesce to her request until she deliberately and not so subtly spills her drink all over the youngest Featherington daughter, Penelope. He then takes her hand and they share a dance. The smiles and laughter they share almost lights up the dance floor more than the gas lights over them.
Gasps cause me to look up and see a murderous Anthony watching as Simon and Daphne make their way through the crowd and find a place to dance the final dance of the evening; a waltz.
I cannot even explain what I just witnessed. Stupid, stupid, stupid! That's all I can think of! Anthony is livid and just as confused as everyone else. His brother, at 20, has just announced his engagement. But not to whom we all know he should be engaged to, no! To that country bumpkin cousin of his Featherington girl, Marina Thompson. A beautiful lady to be sure, but she is vapid and has no personality.
I make my way over to Anthony. "Did you know he was courting her?" Anthony growled and excused himself before taking hold of his younger brother's arm and dragging him inside of their home. I look for little Penelope. I see her. She's trying to keep herself hidden and away from her family. Her family who have forgotten their own daughter and replaced her in esteem with their cousin, a future Bridgerton bride.
I finally make my way to her. "Not what I expected to see today." She looks up at me after startling.
"Are, are you talking to me my Lord?" Her voice is soft and melodic. Probably has a lovely singing voice.
I cannot help but smile. "Yes, Miss Featherington. Are you well?" I place my hand on her arm gently. She looks over at her family and sniffles. "Come. Let us get you a drink." We walk over to the refreshments and I grab her a glass of lemonade. She takes a small sip and smiles at me gratefully.
"Thank you, Lord Fife. I appreciate your kind gesture. But, I am well. I should be happy for my cousin and Col, I mean, Mister Bridgerton." She gave a weak smile, but I could see the tightness around her eyes; fighting to keep the tears at bay.
"Well, if you're sure." I look her in the eyes, concern for her overwhelming me. She reminds me of my cousin Lorna back in Scotland on my mother's side. Same auburn hair, same blue eyes. I watch as she sees her family leaving without even searching for their youngest daughter, and I can see the disappointment in her eyes. With a curtsy, she departs; disappearing as quiet as a mouse.
"Miss Marina Thompson is with child and has been since her arrival in Mayfair..." Well damn. Hope it's not too late for Colin to call things off. I walk into White's about two hours later and find Anthony sipping a brandy and join him. "Rough day?" I smirk and settle in thanking the proprietor for my whiskey.
He looks up at me and grimaces, "I told him. Didn't I tell him?" I just nod. "He's going to travel soon. He needs to get away, see the world, discover himself. I am just glad that gossip monger broke the news when she did. The idiot was going to sneak away to Gretna Green! Christ!" I just shake my head.
"And the Featherington girl? Penelope." I prompt and see the understanding expression on his face.
"Ahh, so you've noticed as well then?" I nod curtly. "Wonder when Colin will figure it out." Yes. When indeed.
1814
"Are you truly looking to marry this year, Bridgerton?" I sip at my whiskey as I sit across from the Viscount. He nods. "Who've you got on your list then, lemme see." He hands me a list of eligible debutants. The usual suspects. I decide to add another potential bride. "And why do you not have the youngest Featherington girl in your list?" Eager to know if he suspects his brother and the young girl to both harbour the same feelings for each other.
"Miss Penelope would make a fine wife, but I daren't even try. She's Eloise's best friend for one, and for two? He looked around then in a whisper added, "I am almost certain that my dear, oblivious traveling brother is in love with her and just too naive and immature to realise it." And there's the crux.
"Maybe. But it is still a shame. She is quite lovely." I think of her sweet, cherubic face and her bright auburn hair. Those sky blue eyes and soft, pillowy lips. Christ! Calm down, Fife. Shaking himself out of his thoughts, he caught Anthony staring at him, brows furrowed. "What?"
"You're not thinking of going after her, are you, Fife?" He sounded annoyed which just made me just have to mess with my old chum.
"I would if I thought I stood a chance. As it is, I can tell that she is absolutely besotted with young Colin. I could not compete with that." And as I said it, I realised just how true it was.
The poor girl. Why must her mother dress her in such awful colours? But she does look quite sweet in her little hat. It's a beautiful day for the races. She seems to be searching for someone. I watch her from my small group of gentlemen and see when she notices him. Colin. The travelling brother must have just returned to town because he is sporting some scruff on his face.
I fight off a smile as I see her try to pretend as if she does not notice him. Then I see his eyes light up as he sees her walking by. How he does not realise the utter magnetism they have towards each other is beyond me. He's like a puppy when he smiles endearingly at the youngest Featherington. My God. They're just exuding happiness; it's a bit nauseating. And, are they leaning towards each other?
Ahh, interrupted once again by Bridgerton number 5, Eloise. She steals Miss Penelope away and I watch with interest as the third Bridgerton son watches with disappointment as the girl in yellow is stolen away.
The next time I see Miss Penelope, it is at The Bridgerton's country estate. She looks remarkably pretty in a sage dress, much easier on the eyes. "Good morning Miss Featherington. That dress looks lovely. Are you having a nice stroll? Meeting friends per chance?" The Featherington girl turns towards me and smiles.
"Good morning, Lord Fife. Yes, I am just making my way to the garden to find El, oh, forgive me, Miss Eloise." She looked down at her dress then brushed the fabric, "And I thank you kindly. Finally not a citrus colour." She giggled causing me to smile genuinely.
"Well, I shall leave you to it then. Need to get ready for the hunt later today. Enjoy your day." She curtsied then bid me a good day before leaving. She then spotted not only her friend but Colin Bridgerton as well. I walked by slowly watching as she ran as fast as her little legs could take her down a small hill. Her bright smile gleamed in the distance. Walking by, I noticed her smile drop at some point in her conversation with Mister Bridgerton into a look of disappointment. Then Lady Bridgerton came over and took the two young debutants away, leaving the boy in blue to watch Miss Penelope as she walked away from him. What a prat.
There's a ball that night. Anthony is dancing with this season's diamond, his potential bride. Pfft. Everyone can clearly see he's most compatible with the girl's older sister. "He has no clue does he?" I say as I walk over to stand next to Miss Penelope. She looks beautiful in a light pink dress and her curls are much looser in a lovely up-do.
She looked over and giggled, "So you see it too?" We both turned to see the younger Miss Sharma presenting her sister to the Viscount for a dance together. "Oh, now that's interesting." She murmured. The youngest Featherington truly surprised me the more we spoke.
"I see everyone here but number three." I say, trying to be aloof and failing. She eyes me before sighing.
"Mister Bridgerton went to Romney Hall to visit with Sir Phillip and Lady Crane earlier today. He's either not back yet or too tired from his journey." I can see the sadness in her sky blue eyes. Colin Bridgerton is a complete and utter dunderhead.
"His loss is my reward then. Could I interest you in a dance Miss Featherington?" The surprise in her face almost makes me laugh, but I do not. She looks around, for what I am not sure.
"M-my Lord? Y-you wish to dance with me?" She points at herself. I nod. Just as I put my hand out for hers, we are interrupted.
"Pen! Oh, thank goodness I found you! Save me! Mama is trying to get me to dance with some stuffy Lord so and so." I look affronted and Miss Penelope subtly rolls her eyes at her dramatic friend. She then looks at me apologetically.
"Another time, then?" I say before walking away. Leaving a bewildered Miss Penelope behind.
Well that was intense. The wedding that should never have been allowed to proceed was being postponed indefinitely. I walk the gardens outside the palace and people watch. As per usual, my gaze falls upon Miss Featherington. She's in a pale yellow dress today. She looks sweet. I see her walking up to Number Three, the oblivious dandy as he takes a rather long pull from a flask.
I almost spit my champagne out when I see it. The way his eyes light up at the sight of his dearest friend. Clear as day. How does he NOT see that he is completely smitten with her? I wonder what she is saying; something profound, no doubt. They are looking at each other with such longing. I feel like a spectator at a cricket match. Then the moment is broken yet again by Number 5, Miss Eloise. Pity.
Tonight's the night of the Featherington Ball and I am hoping to finally secure a dance with Miss Penelope. I feel like if Colin "Slowpoke" Bridgerton sees his beloved Penelope in another's arms, he'll finally realise that he wants more than just friendship with the young lady.
Bright yellow, but a more womanly shape to her dress, and her other assets are prominently on display. Get it together Fife. I grab a glass of champagne and try to make my way over to her but get stopped by Lord Cho and some others. From my spot off the dance floor, I watch. Miss Penelope looks upset and I wonder why until I see Number Three, Colin Bridgerton, dancing with the awful debutant Miss Cressida Cowper.
What an absolute idiot! I excuse myself and make my way towards the youngest Featherington to comfort her, but before I can get to her, the dance ends and the cad sweeps in and takes her by the hand, dragging her from the ballroom. What the hell? I see Lord Featherington and Lady Featherington near the refreshment table. "Pardon me," I bow slightly, "but I thought you should know Miss Penelope was just lured from the ballroom by Colin Bridgerton." With a gasp, they rush out of the room after I point them in the right direction.
About a half hour later, I see Colin drinking merrily. He either got away with compromising the girl or he's happy about being caught and currently celebrating. A yellow dress caught his attention and I watch as he makes his way over to Miss Featherington. He takes her hand and they dance closely, their eyes locked on the others like they are the only ones in the room. Maybe they are now courting? I'll find out soon.
"Colin, I must ask you. What has happened between you and the youngest Featherington?" He was three sheets to the wind already. Now was my chance to find out what was going on.
"Oh, yeah! Saw you out there with the girl." Cho added. We all chuckled lightheartedly.
"Penelope Featherington?" The man asked with a charming smile.
"The way you were dancing with her looked rather interesting. Are you courting the girl, Bridgerton?" Taking a sip from my glass, I waited.
"Ah, are you mad? I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington. Not in your wildest fantasies, Fife." I purse my lips as he and the others all start to laugh it off.
"Sure." I say exaggeratedly. I look up and wince, seeing a girl in yellow running towards her home and away from the garden.
"Let us get out of here. I'd love you all to join me at Mondrich's Bar." Colin announced.
I join everyone else in the journey to the former fighter's bar. Turning one last time towards the home before we leave, seeing the outline of Miss Penelope staring out of an upper floor window.
1815
Another season. It's becoming quite tiring as of late. Lord Cho is looking for a wife. Anthony married the correct sister during the winter. My mother has been hounding me the entire off season to settle down; Margaret Goring was married off a fortnight ago, so she was out. The eldest Featherington wed a couple months ago, I had heard. That left Lady Featherington with just one unwed daughter. Hmm. That's a thought. But no. Even though Colin Bridgerton stated he'd never dream of courting the petite and sweet Miss Penelope, I still could not imagine trying to woo her away from the oblivious fool.
I had seen her promenading this morning. She seemed very mischievous, watching the Ton from the sidelines and hiding small smiles behind her gloved hand. She looked softer, more relaxed. I wonder what I will see from her this season.
There is a commotion in Grovsner Square and as the small crowd of young misses parts, I see a debonair looking man confidently striding towards the grouped up Bridgerton's and hear "It's our brother, Colin!" Ahh, so the Traveling Bridgerton has returned? I catch a pink and orange frock hiding in the bushes across the road. Colin turns and seems to lock eyes with the young lady before turning back towards his family. Then, like a ghost, she vanishes.
The ballroom seems to fall silent as she descends from the top of the stairs. My jaw practically hits the floor. Miss Penelope Featherington is an absolute vision in the dark emerald green gown, her ample bosom on display. The way her hair just falls in waves down her shoulders. I seek out the Bridgerton that holds her heart and am not disappointed. He's staring hard, a look of disbelief and intrigue on his face as he attempts to hide his reaction behind his glass of liquor.
Lords Stanton and Wildling come up to her and are striking up a conversation. Like a dog with a bone those two. I shake my head at them but notice Colin is staring again, his lips parted. I walk over to break his intense stare. "Bridgerton! Sowing your wild oats in the Mediterranean, I hear?" He is trying to be someone he is not; a rake of the highest order. He sounds pretentious and arrogant and well, like most of us gentleman of the Ton really. It's just not him. He yammers on about a Contessa he met while in Italy that kept him in her bedroom for days. Soon enough, we part, and he heads up the stairs towards a few other gentleman and starts conversing with them.
I see Alfred Debling subtly moving towards the refreshments where Miss Penelope is hiding. They seem to be hitting it off until the nasty Cowper girl intentionally steps on Miss Penelope's dress, ripping the fabric. She seems upset and excuses herself. I try to go after her but I see Colin Bridgerton rush after her instead.
A few minutes later I make my way outside and hear the end of their conversation. "I heard you, at my mama's ball last season..." Oh shite. She is actually confronting him about it. I feel a bit guilty since I am the one that was trying to get him to admit to them having a more serious relationship, but if he could not see her for the amazing and gorgeous lady that she was, maybe someone else would.
He stumbles through their confrontation and I smirk. "I just never thought you of all people could be so cruel."
I watch from behind a pillar as she walks away from him and gets into her family carriage. Colin stares after her then turns and sees me. "Rough night, Bridgerton?" His eyes narrow at me as he stalks towards my position.
"You. You just HAD to goad me last season, didn't you? Pen heard us." He hung his head. "She looked at me as if she hates my very being." He said in a low, resigned tone.
"Just apologise. Turn on that Bridgerton charm." Colin shook his head. "What would you be willing to do to win back her favour?" He looked up, his brows furrowed. "She's a beautiful woman. Maybe I shall court her." I say testing the waters and boy do I regret it as soon as he grabs me by my lapels and practically screams in my face.
"Stay away from her!" His breathing becomes ragged with anger. "Penelope Featherington is off limits, Fife!" He hisses and I cannot help but chuckle.
Pushing away from him, I straighten out my jacket. "You don't want her, but nobody else can have her, eh Bridgerton?" His face pales. He must be feeling very conflicted and uncomfortable being called out as I just have. "Figure yourself out, Colin. She's not going to be single for long." With that, I leave to find my own carriage, not able to stop the mischievous smirk on my face.
How interesting. As I promenade in the park while my best mate Charles Cho walks with Miss Emma Kenworthy. He has become quite smitten by the young lady. She had a temperament which complimented Charles's quiet personality as well. The extrovert to his introvert. Just then, I see Miss Penelope arrive with her ladies maid by her side and sidle up to her. "Good morning Miss Featherington." She startles at my intrusion but smiles softly.
"Good morning, Lord Fife. Enjoying a walk all by yourself?" She looks to see if any other of my acquaintances are around and sees Cho and Emma, a look of softness on her face.
"I came to watch Lord Cho courting his lovely betrothed, from afar of course." I smile. "I saw your friends, the Bridgerton's arrive about ten minions ago." I watch her wince slightly. Ahh, so still in a rift with Number Three and Number Five; duly noted. "You look lovely today, by the by. I like what you've done with your hair." I compliment and silently preen when I see a slight blush appear on her cheeks. "That blush," I lean towards her and lock my eyes with her crystal blue ones, "I like that too." I wink then walk away without another word. When I look back I see her eye me with confusion and, is that distrust? Perhaps I laid on the charm a bit thick, but what fun it was to see her so discomposed.
"I heard she hired Mister Bridgerton to help her find a husband." I overhear one of the old widows gossiping to another. "Isn't that just sad? She's practically a spinster. In her third year on the marriage mart, yes?" The other responds. I scoff and they look at me startled.
A spinster? She's barely 20 years of age! The audacity! I silently rage as I search for her. Lord Remington is just wheeling away from her, a look of wonder on his face. He must have just thoroughly enjoyed a conversation with the young lady.
I then see Colin walk over towards her looking a bit overcome, a look of displeasure on his face. Perhaps a bit of jealousy? She takes a glass of lemonade and sips from it, smiling at him. But then the whispers start once more. I begin to walk towards her to give some comfort as she looks frightened and a bit confused. Colin asks what they are all speaking of and looks hurt before turning to see Miss Penelope rushing off, tears in her eyes. He calls out for her and gives chase. Hopefully he can calm the girl down. As it is, I look over the folks now gossiping about the events that just unfolded and cannot help but be disgusted
Several Society events and one ball Peter and still no Featherington's. Colin has been seen escorting his younger sister, Francesca. He seems to be in a silent fight with his other sister, Miss Eloise. She's been hanging around the Cowper viper, so no wonder. He's also not been acting all debonair like. He searches. Searches for her. Oh, when will he realise how much he loves her?
They seem to be avoiding each other. Meanwhile, Alfred Debling seems to be quite taken with the red headed lady fair. We are at Stowell House, a quite boring affair. I look to find Colin Bridgerton standing and conversing with Mister and Missus Mondrich. But his eyes keep drifting to her. Is that longing I see? My God! But I think he may be figuring it out at last!
I look back over to the young beauty. She's glowing with a mischievous smirk playing upon her face. Lord Debling seems enchanted. They talk must of the night before her mother becomes her over to leave for the night.
The third Bridgerton boy seems forlorn without his dearest friend. His eyes glaze over as he inspects Debling. Seeing nothing of note, he makes his excuse to take his leave for the night as well. The saga continues.
Well, well, well. Seems Miss Penelope has decided to attempt to get Lord Debling's attention at the same time as the Cowper chit. This should be interesting. I cannot help but look for Number Three. He seems to be talking with Stanton and Wildling, but I can't help but notice the not so subtle looks he takes over at where Debling is talking with his sister Eloise, Miss Cowper and Miss Featherington.
The wind picks up and the way the hot air balloon is blowing and moving around seems dangerous. I look at the surrounding area and realise that if the balloon becomes untethered, it would slam right into where Debling's group is standing and conversing. I excuse myself from the group I am in across the Fairgrounds and start walking that way.
A huge gust of wind almost knock Widow King into me and I help her stabilise herself. "HELP ME! NOW!" I hear and look to see Colin, sans jacket, pulling at the large ropes that became undone, putting the people behind it in peril. Stanton, Wildling, Bridgerton Number Two, and Will Mondrich take the other ropes and try to keep it from going out of control.
Miss Featherington seems in a trance watching everything unfold instead of getting herself out of harms way. I start to rush towards her just as Debling realises she has not run away with the rest of their group. He shields her perfectly curvy body from the balloon, which luckily has been swiftly controlled by the gentlemen and boarded by Mister Hawkins.
Colin was surrounded by many debutant admirers as Miss Penelope was abandoned by Lord Debling when Miss Cowper feigned an injury to her foot. How that fool believed she could have been hurt when she was far away from any peril is beyond me. I finally made my way to her.
"Miss Featherington? Are you well? I saw what happened." I placed my hand on her elbow. Lifting her face up, I saw her eyes glassy with unshed tears.
"I think I shall be fine, my Lord. Just a bit of a fright is all. Thank you for your concern, Lord Fife." She looked over my should so I turned to see Lord Debling assisting Miss Cowper as Miss Eloise Bridgerton rolled her eyes. Then she turned to see Number Three still surrounded by many young ladies. He looked like he wanted to disappear. Looking around he saw me standing with Miss Penelope. His face became hard.
"Please allow me the honour of returning you to your mother, Miss Featherington. I would not be a gentleman if I did not offer you my arm." I smile when I see the slight flush of her cheeks, "Please."
She reluctantly takes my arm, making eye contact with the Bridgerton boy before we depart.
The Watkins Ball is in full swing when I arrive. I see her immediately. She's in a beautiful pale blue gown; looking ethereal. If it wasn't for the fact that she was completely in love with that oblivious dunderhead Colin Bridgerton, I might ask to court her myself. I see Debling talking with a gentleman and see Miss Penelope spot him and smile to herself. She starts making her way across the ballroom then stops as Miss Cowper makes it to the odd man first thanks to her longer legs. I frown at her disappointed and resigned looking face.
Well, maybe Bridgerton is around to cheer her. I look around only to see him surrounded once more by a bevy of young ladies. I wander around the ballroom trying to discreetly make my way towards her. Being stopped by Stanton and Wildling, they ask if I plan on joining them for some revelry later tonight. The thought is quite tempting; maybe I'll find a buxom redhead to fulfill my needs. After agreeing, I continue my path only to see Miss Penelope speaking with Lord Debling. He looks at her with kindness.
It is something she needs. For years, I have watched her being ignored and silenced by not only the Ton but within her own family as well. Maybe Alfred is an odd sort of person, but if she is to be courted by anyone that is not a Bridgerton, she could not have found anyone better. For in speaking with the gentleman, I have found him to be intelligent, honest and trustworthy although strange and sometimes quirky.
He walks away and I see Colin Bridgerton approaching slowly. The moment that Miss Featherington sees him, her eyes light up. Glad that I am close enough to overhear, I stand off to the side, sipping my drink.
"Finally away from your admirers then?" She asks him with a giggle. The dope just stared at her and steps closer. "Colin? Are, are you well?" He stares at her as if he wants to devour her. Well then! This is very interesting indeed!
"There...is a question I have been needing to ask you." Bridgerton stares at her lips. Is he going to kiss her in front of the entire ballroom? My god! He is leaning closer and she looks like she wants him just as much. "Pen, I..."
"Colin?" Miss Penelope is starting to look uneasy as she struggles to make eye contact with the man, but his are very much locked on the perfectly pouty, pink lips of Miss Penelope Featherington. But the spell is quickly broken.
"Miss Featherington?" Debling approaches with his hand extended, "I believe it is time for our dance." She looks at Debling then back at Mister Bridgerton, saying his name once more to give him a chance to say whatever it was he wanted to say. Instead the dolt shakes his head free of thought and stares at the other gentleman. "Bridgerton." Alfred nods curtly, slightly smirking as he takes the beautiful young lady to the dance floor.
It seems like karma has come to pay Colin Bridgerton a visit at last as I watch the look of devastation on his face as Miss Featherington is whisked away in a dance. The light shining on her face makes even my heart soar. This must be killing Number Three. She is resplendent and moves with such grace. Debling looks as if he wants to never let her go. When I look back to where Bridgerton is, his eyes are shining just before he turns and leaves.
The library is large and open and bright. My eyes follow Miss Featherington because, well? I just can't help myself. She is looking exquisite this morning, her beautiful auburn hair tied back and draped over her tempting, creamy shoulder. She's a bit cheeky wearing Bridgerton Blue and wearing it well, I might add. She had grabbed a book off the shelf and wore a satisfying upon her face.
Her mother comes over to her and closes the book, appearing to admonish the poor girl for reading...in a library. I chuckle.
I see the Bridgerton brood arriving together. Colin is like a moth to a flame; always knowing where she is. The look of longing still shines through even days the Hawkins Ball. He must excuse himself in an attempt to get closer to her but is stopped by Lords Stanton and Wildling. The two young Lords seem to be doing their best to make friends with the third Bridgerton brother.
I move closer as well to get a good view of Lord Debling joining Lady Featherington and Miss Penelope. I can see Bridgerton stiffen up as the two converse. She says something clever causing immense pleasure to show up on Debling's usually serious face. The slight blush on the young Missus face causes Colin to scoff and I hear him agree to join the other Lords for some 'revelry' after the event.
Later as I have a drink in the brothel, a ginger haired beauty in my lap, I see the trio arriving. Mister Bridgerton laughs along with other two, but as soon as they part ways, his face falls. I watch as he motions for a brandy. As he nurses it at the bar, two whores arrive on either side of him, trading sultry smiles and whispers with each other over the distracted young man's head. He follows them upstairs. Idiot.
Buzz is all around the Hawkins Ball. A small ballet is to take place, yes, but the most anticipated event is the possibility of a proposal between Lord Debling and Miss Penelope Featherington. I search the crowd of Bridgerton's and Colin is not among them. What a fool! He's giving up already? Her hand is not yet won.
Debling watches from afar as his betrothed stands with her family watching the two dancers reenact the tragedy of Erros and Psyche. She keeps casting glances around the room. Is she searching for her beloved Bridgerton. Catching her eye, I mouth to her, 'You okay?' to which she smiles softly and shrugs.
We all applaud the dancers as they bow after their performance ends. The floor opens for dancing and I moved to intercept Miss Penelope. She's alone for a moment so I whisper, "You look lovely. I hear you may be getting a proposal tonight?" She startles at first but quickly recovers and gives me a small smile.
"Thank you, Lord Fife. Nothing is set in stone, but I am hopeful." She sees her mother coming towards us. "My mother approaches. If I do get a proposal, it won't be soon enough." She grimaces before rolling her eyes at the sound of her mother calling her name. "Have a good evening, my Lord."
"Miss Featherington?" I call out as she begins to walk away, "If you do not want to say yes, do not. There is always something more out there. Someone more." She stares at me with those big, blue eyes, a look of surprise on her face. We stare at each other until a look of understanding crosses her features. She nods before taking her leave.
The ball is a bust so I leave with Stanton and Wildling. The brothel is our next destination. As we exit the Hawkin's estate, a carriage pulls up and none other than Colin Bridgerton jumps out. I play my part of pompous lord well. "It's not worth it, Bridgerton. Come with us. We are going to White's and not that dreaded Mondrich bar." He clips my shoulder as he makes his way inside. I excuse myself and follow him inside. My curiosity getting the best of me.
I cannot believe what I am seeing. Bridgerton has walked straight up to Debling and Miss Penelope and interrupted their dance. She looks shocked to say the least. Debling looks uncomfortable but allows the disruption to occur. They dance but everyone can clearly see that they are arguing quietly the entire time. As the dance ends, Debling walks past them angrily. I overhear part of their conversation.
"...cannot allow you to make a mistake!" Colin rasps out at her.
She looks at him with rage, "The only mistake I made was asking for your help in the first place!" He watches as she chases after Lord Debling. He looks as if all of the air has left his lungs. I walk up to him then, finally having enough of this.
"Go after her you fool." He looks at me, confused at first since he'd thought I had left. We both see Miss Featherington disappear from the top of the stairs. He rushes after her then. I silently wish him good luck.
The next day, I am only slightly surprised to see a new Lady Whistledown announcing the engagement of Mister Colin Bridgerton to Miss Penelope Featherington. I smile into my cup of coffee as I read it silently at my dining room table. By God - he finally got it right!
The day of the wedding, I am sat on the Bridgerton side of the church. Colin stands proudly at the alter awaiting his bride.
The first notes of the violins sound in a beautiful melody. The curtains part and my breath escapes me. She makes the most beautiful bride. She hesitates and looks around. As soon as she locks eyes with me, I smile and nod at her encouragingly. She smiles back, her rosy cheeks making her look even more beautiful.
I can see many faces of the Ton in shock at how angelic she looks in her pale pink gown. But I am only interested in one face. Number Three, the third Bridgerton, Mister Colin Bridgerton. He looks as if he is the luckiest man in the world. And maybe he is. After they are wed, we get a chance to congratulate the newlyweds.
I shake Colin's hand heartily. "I'm so glad you finally figured it out. I've known for years that you were both meant to be." He looks confused at first then nods and smiles. I turn to Penelope now. "And you. Just know this." I bend and kiss her hand. "I was rooting for you all along." With a wink, I take my leave. I wish them every happiness.
A/N: So that's that!
