It was a quiet morning, almost 2 weeks after they had arrived at Aubrey Hall. The labor that Violet was so sure was happening, had stopped. That, however, did not stop her from preventing Penelope and Colin in going back to Mayfair to their own home. She had chastised Colin numerous times about allowing Penelope to travel so late into her pregnancy. Colin reminded her that whenever Pen had her mind made up about something there was no changing it. Portia arrived 2 days after they had sent word to come to Aubrey Hall. Thankfully, Portia had not hovered. Kate and Anthony had been very welcoming and had a room set up for Portia, as Penelope was not permitted to leave until after the baby was born.

Penelope sits at the window in the drawing room, staring at the garden below. Colin, his brothers, and Hyacinth sit at a small table playing cards. Hyacinth looks pleased with herself as she gathers the coins from the center of the table. Anthony groans as he tosses his cards down on the table. Penelope laughs at the interaction between the siblings. She had never had a relationship like that with her own sisters. She rubs her hand over her rounded belly, the baby is restless. They are constantly moving, trying to find more room.

"You will be surrounded by so much love and attention little one. You have no idea of life you are about to embark on." she says, looking down. She watches as kicks appear. She smiles brightly, placing her hand over the spot. She marveled at how they felt. When she first felt the baby move, she was terrified, thinking something was wrong. It had been Prudence who had explained what was happening. She had cried and could not wait to tell Colin. Now, her baby's movements were the best feeling in the world.

A cough behind her draws her attention to the door where her mother stands, the maid behind her holds a small tray of tea and sandwiches.

"I thought we might have tea together this afternoon," she says motioning for the maid to set the tray down. Penelope nods and stands to move to the table.

"I did not mean for you to get up!" Portia exclaims, rushing to help. Penelope lifts her hand stopping her.

"I am fine, mama. I am able to walk." she says and walks to the table. Portia pulls out the chair, helping Penelope into it.

"I know, I just want to make sure you are taking it easy. You know what the doctor said."

"The doctor said I cannot leave until this baby is born, not that I am unable to move."

"Very well. Though if Violet and I had our way about it, you would be in bed."

"Mama, I cannot stay in bed for a month."

"It may be best for the baby."

"What is best for my baby is for me to not be coddled and treated like an invalid."

"Penelope."

"Mama, please."

"Very well, I will drop the subject. How are you feeling today? Portia asks, pouring a cup of tea. Penelope picks up a small sandwich and takes a bite, savoring the cucumber.

"To be honest, I am frightened."

"My girl, I would be concerned if you were not."

"What if I cannot do this?"

"Do what?"

"Be a mother. I am just 19. I still feel like I am a child myself."

Portia scoots her chair closer to Penlope's and takes both hands of her hands into her own.

"I felt the same way. In some ways I still struggle with being a mother, you know that. I do not always know what to say or how to even comfort you but what I can tell you is that the moment that baby is placed in your arms, all that matters is them. Something just happens and those fears, just for a moment, go away," Portia explains. Penelope lets the tears that had formed fall down her cheek. Portia reaches up and wipes the tears away. Penelope leans into her mother's touch, a touch she had come to crave since their reconciliation.

"I know Colin will be an exceptional father." Pen whispers.

"And you will be an exceptional mother." Portia says. She looks between them and sees the movement of her grandchild beneath Penelope's loose gown. She moves their hands to rest against the spot.

"He already thinks you are." she says. Penelope smiles and stares down at their hands.

"Thank you, mama. Hopefully, he stays in there just a little while longer."

"I am surprised you have managed to keep him in this long."

"What do you mean?"

"My dear, one you are very petite. I am impressed with how well you have dealt with the pregnancy. I know you cannot be comfortable. Two, you were an early baby."

"I was?" Penelope asks, shocked.

"Yes, by a month. Which was why I was not entirely surprised to hear you may have gone into early labor."

"You never told me that!" Penelope exclaims. Portia just waves her off, sipping her tea.

"You were such a tiny thing. Barely the length of your father's forearm. I do hope for your sake your baby takes after you and not his father in that regard."

Penelope shudders, remembering that Violet had mentioned she had given birth to rather large babies.

"Let us drop this topic of conversation. You do need to rest, my dear. Shall I help you to bed?"

"Mama, not you too."

"Yes, me too. You have just a few weeks left of this pregnancy, and you are going to need all the rest you can get." She tells her and stands. She puts out her hand to help Penelope up from her chair. Penelope freezes.

"Umm... mama..." Penelope says.

"Yes?"

"I... I think my waters have broken." she says, looking at the floor beneath her. A small puddle was formed between her feet. She could feel a trickle of water running down her legs. She felt as if she had wet herself. Portia looked to the floor then to Penelope.

"I do believe you are correct. Let us get you to your rooms and changed." she says and picks up a bell to ring for your maid. Rae enters in just a few moments.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Penelope has gone into labor; her waters have broken. Please inform Mr. Bridgerton and call for the doctor. Also inform the staff that there is a mess to clean in the drawing room." Portia tells her and moves past her.

"Rae please tell Lady Bridgerton I am sorry for the mess. I am mortified." Penelope calls over her shoulder.

"Mortified by what mess?" calls a familiar voice. Penelope looks up to find Kate rounding a corner. Her face turns red.

"It is nothing to be embarrassed about Penelope. Her waters have broken on the carpet in the drawing room." Portia tells her. Kate's eyes widen as she takes a place on Penelope's other side.

"Do not worry yourself about that carpet. It was due for a cleaning anyway." Kate says, opening the door to Penelope and Colin's rooms. Penelope stops just short of the door, grabbing the frame to hold herself upright as pain shoots across her belly.

"Oh god!" she cries out.

"Just breathe. It will pass soon." Kate encourages rubbing Penelope's arm.

"This...is different...than before." she says, breathing between each pause.

"Indeed, it is. You are in labor this time, Penelope." As the pain subsides, they lead Penelope into the room. Portia helps Penelope change out of her wet gown and into a white shift, while Kate turns down the bed for her. Just as Penelope starts to get into the bed, Colin bursts through the door.

"Pen!" he yells, rushing to her. Portia moves asides allowing Colin to help her into the bed. He cups her face, kissing her softly before looking into her eyes. She smiles, pressing her forehead into his.

"We're having a baby?" he asks.

"We're having a baby." she replies. Colin slips his hand over hers, bringing it to his lips. Penelope inhales sharply, griping his hand as another contraction hits. She breathes deeply, trying to not focus on the pain. Colin looks up at Kate, questions in his gaze. Kate smiles softly.

"Rub her back, gently. It helped me." Kate informs him. Colin moves his hand to her lower back and rubs small circles into it. Penelope moans at the contact. Once the contraction is over, Penelope leans against the headboard. She then shifts, trying to get comfortable.

"Must I stay in the bed? I am dreadfully uncomfortable." She asks.

"No. I paced while I was giving birth to Hyacinth, she was actually born while I was standing. She was turned the wrong way and gravity helped. I believe the only child I gave birth to in a bed was Anthony, but he was my first." Violet says, walking into the room, the doctor behind her.

"Mrs. Bridgerton." The doctor greets her and sets his bag down on the table near the bed.

"Lady Bridgerton is correct, you can do this however you feel is most beneficial to you. May I do a quick exam?" he asks, as he fills a basin with water. He dips his hands in and then dries them on a fresh towel. Penelope nods and looks to the mothers and Kate. They all leave the room, leaving only Colin.

"Should Mr. Bridgerton leave the room as well?" he asks.

"Absolutely not." Colin protests. Penelope shakes her head, pulling Colin closer to her.

"I want him to stay."

"Very well. Just lift your knees."

Penelope did as he instructed and inhaled sharply as he examined her.

"You have progressed quite far, Mrs. Bridgerton. Baby is presenting head down. It will not be long now." he says, readjusting the blanket around her.

"How long do you think?" Colin asks.

"I would not be surprised if the newest Bridgerton arrived by dinner." he says as he washes his hands again. Penelope's eyes widen. Dinner? Surely, he was wrong. She was under the impression that first babies took forever to arrive. Her mother had said it took Prudence an entire day to arrive. Her own nieces had taken several hours.

"I do suspect that your child is anxious to make their arrival. Babies come when they want." he says and exits the room. Penelope looks to Colin, fear shining through.

"I am not ready for this. I do not think I can do this." she says, tears streaming. Colin takes her face in both hands, making her look at him.

"You are the strongest person I know, Penelope Bridgerton. You can do this, and you will be amazing. Our child is ready to meet you." he says. Penelope nods, kissing him.

"I want our mother's here." she whispers.

"Done." he says and leaves only for a moment to get them. While he is gone, Penelope gets out of bed to pace. She hates being in bed.

"Oh, my sweet girl." Portia says, coming in and hugging Penelope. Penelope hugs her back tightly.

"Mama, please stay with me?"

"There is no place I would rather be."

"Are you sure you want me here, Penelope?" Violet asks from the doorway. Penelope smiles.

"Of course. This baby is just as much your grandchild. You have shown me so much love and grace over the years that it would be wrong for you not to be here." Penelope says. Violet walks over and hugs her daughter-in-law.

"Thank you."

Three hours later, Penelope is back in bed, Colin behind her, her mother and Violet on either side of her, hands held as she pushes.

"That's it, Penelope." her mother encourages. She releases the breath she's holding and leans against Colin's chest. Colin smooths the hair away from her face. Her breathing picks up as another contraction rips through. She yells out as the doctor tells her to push again. She takes a deep breath and bears down. She screams as her legs begin to shake.

"Breathe, Mrs. Bridgerton. Small breaths. The head is free. On the next one, one big push." he tells her. Penelope nods, panting. She does not have much time before the next one comes and she pushes with everything she has, using Colin as leverage.

"You're doing incredible, Pen. You can do this." Colin whispers into her ear. She lets out another small yell as the baby leaves her body. She collapses against Colin as the sound of their child cries fills the room. Outside of the room, a chorus of cheering erupts. Portia resists the urge to sneak a peek, allowing the new parents to get the first glimpse of their baby.

"You have a beautiful son, ma'am" Rae says, handing the infant to Penelope.

"It's a boy?" Penelope asks, not sure she heard correctly. Colin laughs and leans over Penelope's shoulder. He lifts the cloth to see for himself.

"He most assuredly is a boy." Colin says proudly. Portia grins from ear to ear.

"The new Lord Featherington." she whispers. Penelope laughs and kisses the top of her son's head.

"He's perfect." she says, looking up to Colin.

"He is. Thank you." he says, kissing her softly.

"What for?"

"For loving me. For giving me our son." he says softly, running his hand over the infant's cheek.

"We will give you two some privacy." Violet whispers. Portia kisses Penelope's cheek as she looks down at her grandson.

"You've done well, Penelope." she says and leaves with Violet.

"It's a boy!" Both women yell as the door closes, causing another round of cheering. Colin and Penelope laugh as they look down at their son.

"The wet nurse has arrived if you would like for her to feed him." Rae says softly. Penelope looks up at her maid and shakes her head.

"She will not be needed, Rae. I want to feed him myself." she says, returning her gaze to her son.

"It is common practice for a wet nurse to feed so that you may conceive again." The doctor says as he finishes up.

"If Penelope wishes to feed him, then that is what will be done. We have no desire to have another child so soon." Colin, reprimands. The doctor nods.

"My apologies, sir" he says and takes his leave. Penelope unbuttons the top of her gown, pulling it to the side to let her breast free. She holds the baby to her, and he roots around until he finally latches on. Penelope gasps.

"Are you alright, love?" Colin asks.

"I'm perfect." she whispers, running her hand over the soft red hair on top of her baby's head.

"He needs a name."

"Shall we use a P?" Colin asks.

"Absolutely not and I do not want to use the alphabet either."

"Do you have something in mind?"

"I did if we had a girl."

"What was it?"

"You're going to laugh."

"Why would I...it's Eloise isn't it?" he asks.

"It is. She is my best friend, aside from you. She is my true sister."

"We cannot name him Eloise, but what about Elliot?" he suggests. Penelope grins and looks down at the small boy suckling at her breast.

"Elliot Archibald Bridgerton." she says. Colin reaches over her shoulder, taking his son's tiny hand in his own.

"A name well suited for the newest Baron in Mayfair." he says.

"I cannot believe we had the boy. Prudence will be green."

"He will be the talk of the Ton." he says playfully.

"I love you, Colin."

"And I love you, Pen."