Testing Audio -DK Principessa

by kibass91

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Chapter 1

Chapter Text

Penelope Featherington had never felt like more of a fool in her life. The man she had been in love with for years had just proclaimed to the ton that she was undesirable. Even after whisking her away into what seemed to be a night that proved they might end up together. Her heart was broken. All that on top of her best friend, who happens to be the sister of the man who tore her heart out, had just unveiled her as the most notorious gossip writer in London. She had said she never wished to see her again.

Two of the people she felt the most comfortable with and loved the most were done with her. The Bridgertons, in one night, were no longer her second family. Her own family certainly did not feel like family. She felt alone in this world. The one thing she did not expect was another Bridgerton taking notice of her fleeing the scene after Colin's terrible expression of never wanting her.

I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington. Not in your wildest fantasies Fife.

"Penelope?" she heard a man's voice and a soft knock on her bedroom door.

Her head shot up from over the paper she was scribbling on through her tears and blinked in confusion. Did she hear that right?

-

"Where do you think she is going?" Anthony Bridgerton asked his younger brother Benedict Birdgerton.

"Don't avoid the question brother…" Benedict said watching the red-haired girl run from the scene. He tried to bring his focus back with narrowed eyes. "You paid to get me into art school?"

"Yes but that does not mean you are not a good brother. Many men have to pay to be seen. But once they are seen they rarely go unnoticed again," Anthony said.

"I thought I was good enough," Benedict shook his head. "I need a drink…" he turned from his brother.

"You are good enough Ben," Anthony sighed placing a hand on his shoulder.

Benedict shrugged it off and went for what would surely be an empty library. He could drink in peace while everyone else watched the fireworks.

"No, I don't need anything. Thank you," he heard a familiar voice sob. He glanced over to see Penelope bid goodnight to a maid and rush up the stairs.

Let it be Benedict… he thought to himself. Penelope was another thing he was unsure if he could handle tonight. He had been in love with her for years. A small soft ache in his chest whenever she was near. But he knew it could never be. She was so obviously in love with his younger brother Colin, there was no way he could compete.

Not only this but Colin clearly loved her. He saw the way he looked at her and ignored the laws of propriety. They were closer in age and had more in common. It was better for Benedict to just let him have her. Especially after tonight. The way Colin was dancing and sneaking away with her did not go unnoticed. But… Why was she crying if his brother had finally come to his senses? Against his better judgment, he climbed the stairs after the maid had gone to follow her. He waited a few minutes outside the door where he saw candlelight seeping out from under and built up the courage to talk to her. Then he knocked.

-

"Benedict?" Penelope gasped in a whisper upon opening the door.

"Forgive me," he swallowed nervously. "I saw you in distress and I couldn't… Are you alright?"

Penelope sniffed wiping away her tears. "Yes thank you," she nodded and gave a little smile.

Benedict smiled down at her and her blue eyes had his heart quickening. He looked away so he would not do or say something stupid. Her room was destroyed. "What happened here?" he asked in shock.

"Oh…" she looked down embarrassed. "Eloise and I got into a fight. My room took a hit…"

"Did she hurt you?" He glanced back at her.

"No…" Penelope shook her head.

"Allow me to help you get things back in order…" He said taking a step into her room.

"Benedict!" she gasped in shock at him taking the step against propriety. He had always followed the rules with her. "It's improper…"

She was never proper with Colin. Then again… She loved Colin… "I can't sit by while my sister did this to you… Your room is destroyed." Benedict said dropping to his knees and picking up paper that was scattered on the floor.

Penelope looked both ways out her bedroom door and when she did not see anyone shut it. She had to stop him from seeing what Eloise had seen. If he was going to help she would go clean up the evidence by the torn-up floorboards while he picked up the blank pieces of paper over here.

"Thank you," she nodded and hurried over to her floorboards. She started to quickly organize and stuff things away.

They both worked quietly for a moment.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Benedict asked placing a stack of paper on her desk and starting at the books thrown all over the floor.

"Talk about it?" Penelope looked up at him.

"With my younger sibling?" Benedict said trying to get a sense of how to organize the books. The ones that were still on the shelves were alphabetical and by author.

"I am sure Colin had his reason…" Penelope shook her head feeling her heart twinge at that.

"Colin?" Benedict asked. "I was talking about Eloise. You said you had a fight?"

"Right…" Penelope nodded sitting back on her heels.

"Did something happen with Colin?" Benedict eyed her curiously. "I noticed he was paying special attention to you all night."

Penelope felt her lip quiver at that. Colin had said she was special to him. She now knew he was lying. She felt tears prick her eyes again.

Benedict turned to look at her after she did not respond. After seeing that she was crying he stopped his organization of the books and went over and kneeled in front of her. "Penelope?"

She looked away from him. "I am okay." she cried. "I just have been having a really bad night. I appreciate you wanting to come and help but I fear between Colin and Eloise, the ties between your family and I have been broken."

"What do you mean?"

She gave him a teary look. "You probably won't be seeing much of me anymore. I can not tell you what Eloise and I fought about but what I can say is that she never wants to see me again."

"Can you tell me what you and Colin fought about?" He asked hoping for just a crumb to see how he could help.

"It's stupid," Penelope chuckled a bit and sniffed. "But I wish to never see him again."

"What did he do?" Benedict couldn't help himself. If Colin had done something to hurt he'd have to go and kill him.

"Nothing," She shook her head wiping away a tear.

"I saw him take you into that room alone," Benedict took her chin in his hand and lifted her eyes to his. "Tell me he did not take liberties with you?"

"No," Penelope closed her eyes with a sigh. "He just… He made me think for once that I am desirable. That I am beautiful and smart. He told me I was special and that he would always protect me. And just before I came inside," she winced remembering his words. "He just announced I am not desirable. That he would never dream of courting me to a whole group of men."

"Oh," Benedict was in shock. "Don't listen to him."

Penelope smiled at him. "It's okay. It's how he feels. He would never court me. Why should I feel offended? You would not feel offended if I said I would not court you would you?"

Benedict sighed. He had to lie to her at this moment. "No, I would not."

She shrugged. "See? It's how he feels. Do I wish he felt differently? Yes. But I can not change that… I just wish he did not announce to all the men in ton that he did not deem me courtable. Now no one will want me."

"That is not true," Benedict said his eyes on hers. "You are desirable Penelope."

She snorted lightly at that. "You do not have to say that to make up for your brother."

"I'm not," Benedict took her hands in his. "He is a fool to not see you for you. You are smart and beautiful and funny. I look forward to when you come around. It makes my day."

She smiled at him lightly. "Oh Benedict," she said with surprise. "I enjoy the friendship you and I have."

"I know we are not as close as you are with my foolish sister and brother, but perhaps if they cannot be your tie to my family I can be?" he said.

"What do you mean?" she asked with curiosity.

At that moment Benedict Bridgerton caved. He would no longer let Colin have her. He did not deserve her. He would let Penelope Featherington know just how beautiful and amazing she was. He may not be the man that she dreamed of but he would spend his life being that man she needed. He would do everything in his power to make her happy.

"Penelope," he started and his mouth felt suddenly dry. He cleared his throat. "I have loved you from afar for far too long. You take up my every thought and you are my muse when I paint. I know my love is unrequited and I know you love my brother and it drives my passion. But no longer will I let that plague me. You must know how I feel. And perhaps if my brother cannot wake up and see you, you might consider me."

Penelope just blinked.

He is breathing was erratic now. He couldn't believe he had just put it all on the line like that. "Forgive me. Now I am the foolish one," he sighed standing.

Penelope stood with him. "You truly feel this way?"

He looked down at her in shock. "Yes."

Penelope had no clue what had possessed her. Perhaps it was the need to confirm his feelings. Have proof that someone was telling the truth. In all honesty, it wasn't that she had never looked at him that way. After all, he is a Bridgerton brother. They were all devilishly handsome and nice. She recalled once a few weeks ago getting lost in his lopsided smile when she cracked a joke. She had thought about kissing him. And now she was.

She had leaned up on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his. It was slow at first but he bent down deepening it.

His thoughts ran wild. He was not expecting this and now it felt like he had been transported to his happy place. Where she loved him back and she was his. But she wasn't. He pulled back slightly. "What about Colin?"

"I need to stop getting caught up in a fairytale. You are here. You are perfect for me," she sighed. "Take me."

Benedict's heart lept at her words. "Are you sure? Will you not regret it?"

"No," she shook her head. "Colin is a boy. You are a man. I just needed to open my eyes," Penelope smiled at him.

Benedict took in a sharp breath and kissed her again. He lost his head. She was sweet and plump. Her body called to him as he held her cheek in one hand and allowed the other to slide down her back and grasp her bottom.

She groaned in response and ran her fingers through his hair.

He shivered. Her fingers in his hair made him weak in the knees.

"I have no clue what to do?" she murmured against his lips.

"That's okay I do," he nodded using her open mouth as an invitation to slip his tongue into her mouth. He moaned at the feel and taste of her. "You're perfect," he sighed. His hands slid down her gown so that her breasts were exposed. He grasped one with his hand and played with her nipple growing incredibly hard at the noises she was making.

Penelope had never felt so exposed before but she loved it. His hands on her felt right and she did not expect them to. For everything that was holy this man who had just surprised her with an admission of love was going to bring her to her knees. And he was not the man she had expected. He was however just what she needed.

Benedict guided them to the bed slowly shrugging out of his jacket and shirt. "Am I going too far?"

"No," Penelope gasped heavily as he licked and nipped his way down her neck.

"I can't help myself," he sighed pulling her body against his and allowing her to feel his hardness. "My feelings have sat unsaid and ready to burst for years. Oh god, Penelope, the things you do to me," he groaned helping her out of her dress completely undoing her corset and dressing her down to her chamise. "I love you…"

Penelope had no clue how to respond. "Benedict I-"

"You do not have to say it back," he panted laying her down gently and reaching to undo his pants. "You just need to know how I feel. I need to show you how I feel," he crawled on top of her kissing her and grinding against her leg.

She gasped at the feeling of heat rising and mixing in the air. She wanted more of this. More of him. The way he was touching her made her whole body ache with pleasure. She sat up just a bit for Benedict to pull her chamise over her head. She was fully naked in front of him.

"Oh my god," he shuddered looking down at her. "Your body is amazing. I want to explore every fucking curve," he smiled starting with her wrists and kissing up her arms.

The feeling of his lips tickling her skin had her body's senses so heightened she was shaking. She could feel every bit of him. She wanted him. She had no clue what she wanted him to do but she knew she would not tell him no. She was his. "Benedict," she sighed in pleasure. "I want you… I need you," her body arched off the bed in pleasure.

"Are you sure Penelope?" He panted grinding exquisitely against her soft thigh. "I don't want you to regret this but god I need to be inside of you. I will marry you of course. Do not worry. I will take care of you and make you feel loved and protected," he panted with a hitch in his voice.

She lifted his head to hers and they stopped for a moment looking into each other's eyes. She nodded seeing tears form in his eyes. She also felt a sting of emotion wash over her. "Yes, Benedict. I am sure," she was hungry for him.

He slid his fingers down to feel her and she was wet. Dear god she was soaking wet for him and he couldn't help but slide a finger inside of her. She was tight too.

She squirmed under him and let out little gasps adjusting to the feeling.

Benedict watched her feeling as if he could explode any moment. "Penelope this could hurt you," he said sternly.

"That's okay," she assured him grasping his cheek.

"Please tell me if it is too much," he said with a kiss as he slowly guided himself into her. She was like heaven. This had to be the most deliciously satisfying moment of his life. She was more than he could have imagined. He pulled out slightly and slid in letting her get used to this as well.

"Benedict!" she gasped grasping onto her shoulders.

"Should I stop?" he gasped into her neck.

"No," she shook her head.

He took one of her breasts in his mouth and she bucked in pleasure pulling her into him further and he felt her innocents.

"Dear fucking god," he grunted wincing as he pushed forward and felt himself bed completely inside of her. "Are you okay?"

"Just a… One moment," she squirmed under him. "I think I need to get used to your size… It hurt for just a moment…"

He bit his lip to the point where there might be blood. He was trying not to move but when she wiggled her hips on him like that it drove him wild. "Penelope I need to move," his voice was unrecognizable. It was gruff and broken.

"Yes do it," she nodded with a seductive sigh.

"Thank you," he moaned pressing his forehead against her cheek and slowly starting to move. He kept it slow at first but her sounds became more and more hungry and it fueled him. He needed more of this. He picked up speed and her body reacted by bucking her hips along with him in rhythm.

Benedict was slamming himself into Penelope feeling nothing but soul-wrenching pleasure. She was his everything. He would give her whatever she wanted. She would just have name it. The sun the stars? Hers. "You feel so fucking good!" he groaned loudly pumping faster and harder. His eyes rolled to the back of his head.

Penelope couldn't even focus on words. The feelings he was whipping up inside of her had her tucked inside a place where only she and he existed. Them and the pleasure passing from his body to hers, and hers to his. He stretched her out and the feeling had her lost. Heat was building and she felt like she might overflow. "Benedict!" she yelled as her body exploded around his cock in a warm bliss that reached every vein of her body.

"Oh god Penelope!" he screamed filling her with his seed as she convulsed around him. He slid in and out a few more times riding out the feeling with her. Then he collapsed at her side.

They both lay there panting.

After a moment Benedict ran his hand through his hair and looked at her. "Please tell me you do not regret that."

"I don't," she smiled lifting herself on her elbow to see him better. "Do you?"

Benedict looked at her with a devilish look. "I could never regret that with you," he smiled. "Would you marry me?"

Penelope looked at him for a moment considering it. "Yes," she laughed rolling on top of him and bending down to kiss him.

"You have made me so happy Penelope!" he exclaimed kissing her back.

-

"I would not dream of courting Penelope Featherington. Not in your wildest fantasies Fife," Colin laughed.

"Oh really?" Lord Fife questioned giving him a curious look.

"Because she is not the type of woman that needs to be courted…" Colin smiled at his friends. "She is the type of woman you propose to immediately. You do not want someone else swooping in at the last minute. I plan to ask her tomorrow for her hand. So none of you get any ideas," he laughed.

Chapter 2

Summary:

Okay, I was not expecting to add another chapter. I plan on making this a short story so bear with me. But I got an idea and couldn't help myself.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

"Dear god in heaven above," Benedict gasped as Penelope ground her hips down. His head was pressed deep into the mattress under him as he looked up in disbelief at the woman above him.

"This is good?" Penelope gasped both hands holding onto the headboard for support.

"If I didn't deflower you myself last night I would not have believed you were new at this," he said with a mixture of grunts and groans. "You are so very-" another groan escaped his lips as he pushed his hips up to join her rhythm, "good." His hands were holding on rather desperately to her hips.

She ground down even harder throwing her head back in pleasure. She found herself getting lost in the feeling. Riding him like this made her feel amazing. Her whole body tingled and heat rose in her stomach. She leaned back placing both hands on his thighs and rolling her hips in a hungry motion.

"Yes, Penelope…" Benedict gasped helping her move her hips with his hands pulling her down and up in an exquisite grind. "Yes… Oh, fuck yes… Just like that… Keep…"

She started to convulse on him moving wildly on his cock as she hunched forward grasping his chest. She let out the most delicious sound that could only have been curated by the devil himself for Benedict's ears only as she climaxed over him.

The tightness, warmth, and wetness were too much for him. He pounded himself upward releasing his seed into her as she rode out her orgasm on him. She looked too tired to move as she let her head hang over his chest catching her breath. He wanted her to feel him still. Know he was hers. He just slowly pumped inside over her wrapping his arms around her as he gently laid her on the bed next to him. Then ever so carefully he pulled out suddenly feeling lost. He missed her already.

Penelope felt empty now but the satisfaction of what had just happened still left her with little twinges of aftershocks. They were so very pleasant. "I really like doing that," she laughed breathlessly looking up at him.

He smiled at her taking a strand of her hair that lay over her face and pushing it behind her ear. "We can do that as much as your heart desires," he said excitedly leaning in and placing a kiss on her lips. "I still can't believe I am here with you."

"Neither can I," she smiled back biting her lip. "I am certain now it is getting too late in the morning to sneak you out of here."

"That is my fault. I should have slipped out this morning when we woke. Your kisses goodbye interestingly enough made me feel like I couldn't leave," Benedict chuckled pulling her close. "I have been in love with you for years," he explained. "But never once did I imagine we could be so perfect together. Never once did I let myself think we could ever be together…"

Penelope placed a hand on his cheek smiling sweetly. "Have you really been in love with me for years?"

"I remember the exact moment I fell in love with you," he said kissing her on the forehead. "Colin and I were arriving to see our family at the park. I was riding alongside him on our horses. Your bonnet I believe blew clean off your head causing Colin to fall off his horse. The look of embarrassment on your cheeks made my heart leap out of my chest. I never thought a woman could be so beautiful. But all your attention was on Colin. Clearly, you were taken with him. You probably did not even notice me."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "That is the first time we met."

He nodded at her with a shy smile. "I have been in love with you from the moment I saw you. It hit me like a thunderbolt from the sky."

Penelope stared at him in awe. She remembered that well. She felt the same way… But about Colin. Her bonnet had hit him in the face causing him to fall off his horse. He had laughed it off and she had been his ever since. Until last night… She couldn't help but wonder that if her bonnet had hit Benedict if it would have turned her life around drastically. Would they already be married with children?

"Benedict?" she asked.

"My love?" he nodded kissing the back of her hand.

"Miss Featherington?" A knock came on the door. "You're mother requires you dressed and in the drawing room in less than an hour…" Varley who played ladies' maid to all three of the Featherington women still at home yelped through the door. With them being short-staffed and Colin forcing Cousin Jack out in the middle of the night Penelope would surely have to help clean.

"Oh god!" Penelope gasped. "I have no clue how to get you out of here. Surely you can sneak out. Our house should still be in disarray from the ball so we shall not expect any callers… Not that we usually do."

"I can help you get ready," he nodded. "I can stop by in a couple of hours to officially ask your mother for your hand."

Penelope smiled at him and leaned in and kissed him. "What a wonderful blessing you are in my life."

Benedict felt his heart leap at that. "Oh, my darling. My love. My everything," he laughed kissing her in return.

They both dressed. Of course, Penelope needed help. They whispered and laughed while he helped pin her hair and tie up her corset.

"So you'll just need to slip out and I'll see you when you come back," she was blushing madly at the man. His lopsided smile at her made her start to melt. "Okay you need to go," she said smiling ear to ear.

"Be still my beating heart," Benedict sighed slumping back against the door and looking at her longingly. He swept her into his arms. "I do not know I can remain parted from you for long. You are my reason for breathing. My reason for life. I love you… I love you Penelope Featherington. You shall be my wife."

"You are such a romantic," she giggled getting lost in the way he was looking into her eyes.

"When a man has such a good reason for romance," Benedict gave her a devilish smile and swooped her down kissing her madly. "One must take every opportunity to show it." He brought her up so they were both standing upright. He took her hand and held it to his chest. "My heart is beating so hard I can barely take it. I shall not wait hours. I shall walk right out the door and turn back right around."

Penelope blushed and she could not tamper down the feelings fluttering in her chest. "All I know is the sooner we can be together all the time the better things will be."

"Do you truly feel that way?" Benedict asked impatiently to hear her answer.

A small twinge pulled at her heart. She swallowed and smiled through it. "Yes…"

Benedict's face beat red. He pulled her in and placed a kiss on her cheek. "I can't wait. I should have told you years ago of my feelings."

Penelope smiled and pulled him towards the door. She cracked it open and to her surprise, a couple of lingering maids were out and about in the hall cleaning and moving things around. She quickly shut the door. "Oh god."

"I could go out the window," he laughed heading for it.

"Are you mad?" she gasped as he opened it and poked his head out.

"It faces the back of the houses. I can escape through your courtyard. This tree doesn't look too hard to maneuver," he shrugged. "And yes after last night I feel on top of the world. I am certain I am mad."

She laughed. "I don't want you getting hurt," she sighed. "You have to come back here and offer for me."

"Not even a broken leg could stop me," he laughed. "I'll be twenty minutes at the most. I just have to find a way out of your courtyard with the streets busy."

"Just be safe," she nodded and kissed him.

He kissed her back and slipped from the room down the tree.

"Penelope!" she heard her mother's voice from the stairs.

Penelope made her way to the drawing room where her mother and sister Prudence sat.

"You will help with the cleaning today?" Portia Feathertington asked.

"If my help is needed I am glad to," Penelope nodded.

"Well, I am not," Prudence sighed with her hand on her chin. "I thought we were rich now. Cousin Jake solved our problems. Why did you have to ruin it all mama?"

Portia gave a look to Penelope then back to Prudence. "He was a liar. Until I can figure out our funds you two must help around the house. Prudence, I expect you to help too."

"Penelope says she has it," Prudence growled.

Portia sighed. "I don't want to hear it," she gave her daughter a scowl. "Both of you will help."

"Ma'am," Varley entered the room in disbelief. "Miss Penelope has a caller."

"Penelope does?" Portia gasped.

"A Mr. Bridgerton?" Varley smiled.

Benedict was here. Penelope felt her heart quicken. He did not take as long as he had said. She felt like she was on top of the world. Nothing could spoil this feeling…

Except something could. At that moment Colin Bridgerton entered the drawing room and a large bouquet in his hands and a larger grin on his face. And like that… Her world started to crumble.

Notes:

Not entirely sure of my direction. Let me know your thoughts. I have some idea of what I want to write... this was going to be a one-shot but we'll see...

Chapter 3

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

"Mr. Briderton!" Portia Featherington shouted in surprise. "We were not expecting any callers today. Forgive the state of our home. It's just with Lord Featherington leaving in the middle of the night..."

Colin gave her a small bow and nodded. "I understand. That is partially why I am here. I realize exposing that cheater may not have left your family in the best position. I am here to help in any way I can."

"Why that is so brave and heroic of you Mr. Brigderton," Portia gave a surprised smile.

"That is not the only reason I am here," he turned to beam at Penelope.

Penelope was barely listening. A ringing in her head started to buzz. Not only was Colin Bridgerton here in her home but he was dressed rather nicely and held a giant bouquet of flowers. And he was here to what? Did she hear that correctly? To help? He had certainly helped enough last night.

"Why are you here?" she barked at him anger twinging in her voice.

He blinked in surprise at her tone. "Pen," he said after a moment clearing his throat. "I am here to…" he smiled slightly placing the bouquet on the table next to him and fumbling in his coat pocket. He cleared his throat again.

Portia and Prudence both leaned in watching in suspense.

"Oh god Pen," he laughed nervously his hand shaking around the little box in his hand. "I am very nervous."

Penelope eyed him in surprise not entirely grasping what was happening. What did he have in that tiny blue box?

"Oh, my," Portia gasped grabbing onto Prudence's arm.

Colin suddenly dropped to one knee.

"Colin don't!" Penelope squeaked as he took her hand in his.

"Penelope…" He began his voice sounding odd to even himself. "We have been friends for so long. Years, and the more I get to know you the more I find myself in awe of you. You are smart and witty and cunning. You make me laugh and I look forward to when I can see you. I think about you all the time. And I will be the first to admit that if you asked me a year ago if I saw myself here taking this leap with you I'd say there is no way… But here we are and it feels right. Pen you feel right. You are made for me and I am certain I was made for you. Penelope Ann Featherington, will you marry me?"

-

Benedict's heart was soaring. He was now dressed cleaned from the best night of his life, and now on his way to see Penelope. He had been blushing all morning and strode past all of his siblings as he waltzed through his family home to get ready. Nothing mattered but her. The sooner he got back over there the sooner he would have her back in his arms. He even gave the cut direct to Anthony as he was going on and on about one of the Sharma girls.

He stood and took a deep breath ready to start the rest of his life. Ready to have Penelope be his wife. He knocked on the door to the Featherington's home and was brought to the drawing room.

"...marry me?" he heard his brother's voice before he saw him. When he did come around the corner the energy was very odd.

Colin was down on one knee and holding up a ring. Penelope looked as if she was going to… puke? Maybe explode? She still looked very cute. And Portia and Prudence Featherington were watching in shock and surprise.

"Of course, she will!" Portia exclaimed clapping her hands.

"What? No!" Penelope gasped stepping back from Colin.

"You won't?" Colin choked out.

"You have the nerve," Penelope started to rant. "The nerve to come here after what you did last night. You declared to every man in the ton that I was unmarriable. Now here you are telling me that not only would you have thought it crazy to marry me a year ago, which by the way is very inappropriate to say during a proposal, but that you actually do want to marry me. It's insane. I can't… I can't…"

"Breathe!" Benedict called from behind Colin rushing to Penelope's side.

"Benedict?" Colin asked in surprise. He was still on his knee in shock from Penelope's rejection.

"Take a deep breath," Benedict ignored Colin and tried to calm down Penelope.

"After what he did? What he said about me?"

Rage came to Benedict's surface. He remembered what his younger brother said the night before about his beloved. He turned on his heel yanking Colin up to his feet by the collar of his jacket and dragged him into the hall.

"What is the meaning of this?" Portia called after them hustling into the hallway with them.

"May I have a moment alone with my brother?" Benedict tried his hardest not to growl the words.

Portia flushed and nodded before heading back into the drawing room with her daughters.

"What are you doing here?" Benedict huffed at his brother.

"What am I..? Brother you are certainly the one out of place in this situation," Colin gaped at him. "I was just proposing to my future wife."

"Really your future wife? Because from what I saw and understand you were getting rejected by her," Benedict narrowed his eyes.

"I think that must be a misunderstanding. I know for a fact she feels the same about me that I do her. If she doesn't I don't know what I would do…" Colin shook his head from side to side. "It had to be a misunderstanding. I want to marry Penelope more than I've wanted anything in my entire life."

"So much that you would announce to a large group of your friends that you would never dream of courting her? Not in their wildest fantasies?"

"Is that what this is about?" Colin gasped. "Did you even bother to listen to the rest of what I had to say?"

"The rest?" Benedict blinked in confusion.

"If you mean to eavesdrop brother listen all the way. I told them it was because a woman like Penelope is someone who you ask to marry. There is no need in courting a woman so wonderful if you know you are going to want to spend your life with her. She told me when someone finds themselves in love they would be loud about it. I believe myself to be in such a position," Colin kept talking.

Benedict had stopped listening. Oh god, what had he done? He couldn't have waited one more day? Once more stupid fucking day? He finally took Penelope after years and years of telling himself no. He had given her to Colin from the day he realized she was in love with him. But last night after hearing what Penelope said he thought there was no chance Colin returned her feelings. He thought he would finally be able for the first time in his life choose happiness. Choose her. Choose a life of happiness and bliss.

He had it all planned out. As he traced the curve of her lips and nose while she slept the night before he saw it all. A future with children and a home. And god he hoped every single child they had took after her. Not just in looks. Because of course, he wanted their children to have her beauty and grace. But he also wanted them to be smart. He wanted them to be well-read and interesting. He wanted to be able to see her in them when they smiled and laughed.

He planned to have Anthony fully staff the cottage they had in the country. For years it had been named My Cottage but he thought about changing that for Penelope. To Our Cottage. His home would be hers as well. He would encourage her pursuits and provide whatever she needed to make them happen. He would pull strings and use favors to make her dreams come true.

Benedict imagined painting her as she worked. Keeping canvas and colors all around the house because there would be a million times a day when the light hit her just right. It always hit her just right. He would just have to set her image in paint right then and there. She would be his and he most definitely is hers. And he saw all this in her sleeping face as she was wrapped in his arms. And now all of it… was slipping away.

For one night he let himself believe it all to be true. Believe that in time Penelope would learn to love him and she would forget all about Colin. But he knew deep down she loved Colin. And he loved her.

"She has to feel the same way back," Colin shook his head his voice breaking. "The way I feel can't be unrequited."

Benedict looked up at his younger brother who was in a full-blown panic. His heart broke. "Colin, you truly love her?"

Colin nodded and bit his lip and ran his hand through his hair. "What can I do?"

"Go and explain to her what you told me. What you said was a misunderstanding. She told me last night… we bumped into each other in the… ballroom… what you said."

"She heard me say that?"

"Yes. Tell her what she missed you say and I am sure she will come to her senses and say yes," Benedict nodded. He was doing this for his younger brother. He was doing this for the love of his life. It was no different than before. He was already ready to allow him to have Penelope. Why did it feel so hard to do so right now? Perhaps because everything was different now. Every bone in his body screamed to tell Colin that he was too late. But he couldn't.

"You're right?" Colin sniffed nodding. "I will tell her now."

-

Benedict will fix this. Penelope knew that her Benedict was doing precisely that out in the hallway. Her mother was throwing words of anger at her. Glaring eyes from Prudence burned into her.

"What the hell is the matter with you?" Portia hissed.

"You said so yourself," Penelope growled. "Colin Bridgerton would never be interested in me. He just proposed because of everything that happened with Cousin Jack. He wants to help and that is his solution. He can just as easily marry Prudence."

"I would say yes to Mr. Bridgerton in an instant!" Prudence announced.

"Oh of course you would," Portia shot at her. "Only an idiot would say no. Who cares if that is the only reason he is asking you?"

"Because he does not love me. I want someone who does love me," Penelope crossed her arms.

"A love match does not happen for women like you Penelope!" Portia scowled at her daughter. "If for some reason a Bridgerton man gets on one knee and proposes marriage you say yes. Also, no one is blind. You do have feelings for him."

"Perhaps not as I once thought," Penelope whispered as her mother approached her swiftly.

"It does not matter Penelope," Portia growled. "When they come back in here you say yes. Then you will seduce him and lock him in. That is your goal."

"What if… What if I am already engaged?" Penelope piped up. "If am promised to another. I can not marry him then."

Portia looked at her in utter shock. "Are you?"

The room was deadly silent and just the sounds of Penelope and Portia breathing heavily from the intensity rang through the air.

"I…" Penelope started.

"Pen," Colin called coming into the room with Benedict on his heels. "I told that group of men I was coming here today to marry you. I am sorry but what you heard me say was not the whole thing. I would never court you because I am tired of wasting time. I want to be married to you. I love you."

Penelope's jaw dropped open. She was frozen. She was not expecting this. She never thought in her life he would love her back. And here he was saying it to her. But now things were different. She was not sure what her feelings were. Because in truth hearing Colin admit that he loved her melted her insides. It felt fulfilling and made her heart pound. But then glancing at Benedict and the look of heartbreak on his face broke her. Even if she still loved Colin she could not say she did not have feelings for this man.

The way she felt for Benedict was different. With Colin, she enjoyed being around him and talking with him. He was always easy to be with but she knew he was a hopeless romantic. He had been in love before. With her cousin Marina Thompson. If he could fall in love with her, he could probably fall in love again after Penelope.

But Benedict. He told her he has loved her the moment he saw her. She craved him even now. The way they just seemed to fit together. And it wasn't just about the things they did. Although she could not put that from her mind. She felt as if they had seeped into each other's souls the night before. But the way he had gently helped her get ready. The way he pinned her hair and pressed kisses to her face. The fact that he did not expect anything in return from her. He just wanted her. How could she say yes to Colin at this point? One night changed her life.

"Well," Colin smiled at her pulling her from her thoughts. "What do you say Pen? Will you marry me?"

"It's okay Penelope," Benedict nodded. "Tell him yes."

Colin gave him a curious glance but then directed his look back to Penelope.

Penelope however felt her world stop at Benedict's words. Didn't he want her? "I need time to think," she sighed looking at the floor and leaving everyone in surprise as she climbed the stairs to her room.

"Penelope!" Portia yelled. "Mr. Bridgerton she is just feeling under the weather. Of course, she will marry you…"

Notes:

Once again I am warning anyone who is a Polin fan that is not a happy ending for Colin. I do have two HEA Poin fics that are HEA for Colin and Penelope. And I love them. Falling for Miss Featherington and Not My Brother. So if you want some Polin angst and a happy Colin and Penelope ending please seek those out. I got this idea from Not My Brother. I love this Benedict and Penelope and I want to see where it goes. I hope you all will bear with me and leave me your thoughts. :)

Chapter 4

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

"I'm not entirely sure I understand what happened," Colin said staring blankly at Benedict.

"Perhaps we can all meet up again later," Benedict nodded to the Featherington women as he ushered his brother from the drawing room. He had to get him home so he could sneak back over and talk to Penelope. What had just happened? Why would she not accept Colin's proposal? She has clearly loved him for years. He had to let her know that he wanted what she wanted. He could go back to loving her from afar. Couldn't he? He would probably go mad.

"Pen!" Colin shouted wiggling from his brother's grasp and attempting to rush towards the stairs.

"She says she needs time!" Benedict caught his arm pulling him towards the front door.

"I love her. I know she loves me," Colin shook his head attempting to dig his heels into the ground. "We are meant to be!"

"Just like you were meant to be with Marina?" Benedict asked.

Colin halted at that. "That was different."

"Give her time," Benedict sighed.

"Mr. Bridgerton I guarantee you my daughter's hand," Lady Featherington said joining the brothers.

Benedict gave her a small smile swallowing a lump that formed in his throat at that. "We don't want to force her into anything."

Colin's eyes widened at the thought. "Absolutely! Please know it is Pen and Pen's choice only," he said to the older woman. "I will not force her."

"Don't be ridiculous," Portia laughed. "I found you both alone together in a room last night," she smirked. "I could force you both."

At that Benedict lost his temper. He couldn't remember the last time that happened. Sure he was mad and shared words with Anthony the night before but this was truly grim. He took two long steps towards her. "You will do no such thing," his icy glare bore into her.

Her face dropped and she nodded. "I was just saying that-"

"No. Such. Thing." Benedict repeated.

With a swift nod from her, the brothers were headed back across the road to Bridgerton house.

Benedict led Colin to the drawing room.

"Colin, how did it go?" Violet Bridgerton asked in an excited voice.

"It did not," Colin sighed plopping down on the couch next to her and resting his head on her shoulder.

"What do you mean?" Violet gasped coddling her son.

"She does not love me," Colin started to cry.

"I've known that girl for years. It surprises me to hear she does not love you," she shook her head. "I mean everyone is certain of it… Except for Eloise but we all see it."

"She rejected him, mother," Benedict said in a curt tone. "I saw the whole thing."

"You brought Benedict for support?" Violet asked in surprise.

"No he was just-" Colin sat up straight, wiping his face with his sleeve and looking at his brother. "What were you doing there?"

"I…" Benedict did not know how to respond to that. He could not very well say that after a night of passionate lovemaking, he was there to do the same as his brother. Propose to Penelope Featherington. "I saw you entering the house and thought that you might be in trouble after last night. Remember Penelope told me what you said and I was going to tell you to give her some time to cool off."

"Oh," Colin nodded. "Thank you for looking out brother. But as you can see things did not work out anyways. I am heartbroken," his bottom lip quivered as he held back tears.

Benedict couldn't believe Colin believed him. Furthermore, he did not know how to leave the situation now with his younger brother crying. But he had to get back to Penelope. He had to talk to her.

"Benedict, will you go ring for food?" Violet asked trying to comfort Colin.

Yes, he could. As a matter of fact, he would go right to the kitchen. Then to Penelope.

"I couldn't eat," Colin cried.

"Really?" both Violet and Benedict gasped.

"Well, perhaps I could go for some of those little butter biscuits chef makes," Colin shrugged.

"Butter biscuits," Benedict repeated. "Got it." This was his chance to escape.

"And maybe some tea?" Colin sniffed.

"Sure thing," Benedict nodded.

"And if there is any bacon left over from breakfast?"

Benedict stopped and turned to look at Colin.

"Do you think those finger sandwiches are possible? Perhaps some pastries," Colin continued.

"What kind?" Benedict smiled slightly.

"Any kind," Colin gave a thoughtful face. "Croissants, cake, and maybe a tart or two."

Benedict sighed and nodded and went for the door.

"I like fruit too!" he heard Colin's voice as he went for the kitchen.

-

After Benedict had put in Colin's order he was across the street in a flash. He made his way swiftly in the way he had first left that morning. Hopefully, the window was still open. Thank god it was. He knocked on the frame of her window not wanting to just jump in and scare her.

"Oh, Ben?" Penelope looked started sitting up on her bed. Her face was red and puffy as if she had been crying. "Please go away. I need some time."

"Penelope," he murmured swinging his legs over the edge of the frame. He was just sitting on it now. He didn't want to come in unless she let him. "Please can we talk?"

She just looked at him with those big blue eyes of hers.

"Please," he begged.

"Just for a minute," she sighed. "But then you really need to go."

"Understood," he nodded.

"You did not need to sneak in," she added giving him a small smile. "Mama was so mad at me she took Prudence out for a promenade. I can not even stand to look at you, Penelope. " She mocked her mother's voice. " When a Bridgerton proposes you say yes damn it!"

"I am sorry," Benedict shook his head now seated at the desk in her room.

Penelope shook her head. "Why did you not say anything?" Her voice caught in her throat.

"Because…" Benedict thought for a moment. Why didn't he say anything? Because he was sure her dreams were coming true. The man she loved was proposing. He did not matter anymore. She did not have to settle. "I thought you wanted him."

"I thought I did too," she lifted one shoulder and let it drop.

His face scrunched and he felt a twinge in his heart at those words.

"I believed myself to be so in love with him. For years…" she swallowed thickly looking at the floor. "God, he would walk into a room and my night would light up. He would ask me to dance and he would sweep me away. I thought it was all an unrequited fantasy."

"It's not," Benedict grimaced.

"It is tough," Penelope looked like she was on the verge of tears. "The night before who I thought was the love of my life asks me to marry him my whole life is flipped upside down. And suddenly I know nothing of what love truly is. Or I do. And it's nothing like I thought it was."

"He loves you," Benedict sounded so heartbroken. His voice was low and unrecognizable.

Penelope's eyes snapped up. "You love me."

Benedict just looked at her. It was all he could do because he thought he would break into tears at any moment. He was trying to give her what she always wanted. Colin.

"I don't want Colin anymore," she shook her head. It was as if she read his thoughts.

"Yes you do," Benedict sighed. "You just think you don't because of what we did."

Anger flared in Penelope's eyes and she narrowed her gaze at him. "Can you tell me that if I did what we did last night with Colin that it would be the same? It would feel the same?"

Benedict felt nauseous at the thought. He grasped the armrest of the chair trying to not retch as he said his next words. "It would probably be better. Because you both love each other."

Penelope was quiet for a moment and just nodded. "So what we did?" she began. "Does not matter? How you make me feel does not matter?"

"I helped you find release, that is it," He sighed unable to make eye contact with her. "If you had done it with him first you would feel the same about him."

"But I didn't do it with him first did I?" Penelope barked at him.

Benedict lifted his eyes to hers and felt guilt start to build in the pit of his stomach. He was over to her in a few long strides kneeling in front of the bed and grasping her hands. She needed to hear him. "It should have been him."

"Don't say that," Penelope shook her head tears finally starting to fall. "You can really sit there and tell me that it should have been Colin last night? That he should have entered me? He should have touched my body? Sucked on my breasts and felt my virginity? That he should have spilled his seed inside of me? Had me come apart on him?"

Benedict had a look of disgust on his face. "Yes," he barely even whispered.

"Well," Penelope sucked in a deep shaky breath. "You're wrong."

"Do you truly think that?" he mumbled. "This is killing me."

"Was it all a lie? Do you not love me," she asked in a broken voice.

"Oh Penelope," he looked up at her eyes burry from tears he has no clue he was even crying. "I love you with my whole heart. I burn for you and I fear my soul is lost without yours. Of course, I love you!" he growled loudly. "Of course I love you!"

"Then I do not want Colin," she shook her head. "I want you."

And like that his lips were on hers finding passion even greater than the night before. She wanted him. His heart soared and he lost his resolve. He would not let Colin have this magnificent woman. This amazing smart and witty and beautiful creature that was in front of him, he would never let go. He did not care that she loved another man. She still chose him over Colin.

He suddenly stood unsteadily. She still loved another? He placed his hand on his forehead.

"Benedict?" she asked standing and following him.

"You still love him?"

"I have love for him. He is still a good friend. But no Benedict. I do not love him as," she smiled savoring saying it for the first time. "As I love you."

Benedict swallowed what felt to be a frog in his throat. He could not believe his ears. "You love me?" he asked in disbelief.

"I thought I was making that clear," she gave a small shy glance up at him.

"You love me?" he laughed breathlessly.

"It was like a thunderbolt," she smiled. "My eyes met yours last night and suddenly," she bit her lip, "You were my everything."

"As you are mine!" he exclaimed pulling her into a hug and twirling her around the room. He then had her up against her wardrobe. Kissing her lips her cheeks her nose. He slowly made his way down her neck licking her pulse point.

Penelope groaned. "Yes, Ben!"

"Oh god!" he mumbled yanking down her bodice and burying his face in her breasts. "Never have I ever thought a pair of breasts could be like this," he sighed lovingly grasping a nipple in his mouth. "Dear god woman!" he moaned taking bites of her breast's flesh and then moving back to her nipple. "You are so enticing," he growled.

Penelope made glorious sounds as she grabbed at his hair. "And you Benedict," she smiled her head slowly making contact with the wardrobe behind her as he pleasured her. "Make me feel beautiful."

Benedict lifted his head to look at her.

She did the same and their eyes met.

"You are so beautiful," Benedict ground out. "I need you to know that."

Penelope smiled and kissed him. "I do now because of you."

Benedict opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by his beloved.

"Benny?" she asked in a sly voice. "Can you take off your pants?"

His eyes widened as he gently lowered her to the floor and he quickly undid his buttons. He glanced up at her with a wild smile as she slid off her undergarments.

She then smiled putting her hands out for him to pick her up again. He nodded hungrily lifting her skirts and pulling her up against the wardrobe.

"Take me," she whispered.

"Are you ready for me?" he asked headily trying not to be selfish and enter her immediately.

"I'm dripping for you," she nodded. She pushed her hips against him as best as she could in her position and he felt her.

"Oh god you're perfect," he moaned desperately grabbing at his throbbing cock trying to guide it in her. Then he was inside of her and it was glorious.

"Benedict!" she gasped as he slowly slid in and out of her. For him, this was torture stretching her like this. He wanted to pound into her until nothing else even existed to him. She was so wet and tight. He would make her happy. He would have children with her and yes they would all be perfect because they were a piece of her. He would have a home with her and he would paint her in every room of the house.

Benedict grunted his lips grazing her ear. "I want to cover you in paint," he whined slowly picking up speed. His hips snapped up making a wonderful slapping sound. "Then I want to fuck you on a blank canvas and make art out of your pleasure…"

Penelope's eyes widened and she positively beamed at him. "Benedict," she whined taking his face in both her hands and dragged his eyes to hers. "I want you to do that to me so badly." She hooked her thumb in his mouth and let the pad of it trail over his tongue.

A delicious shiver shot through him and he was panting into her open mouth. "I love you," he mumbled with her fingers in his mouth slamming into her now with determination.

"I love you too!" she gasped loudly her body starting to shudder at the feel of him. "Yes! There my love there!" she moaned her head back as she became completely undone on him and he watched her in complete awe.

Her tightness squeezed him as she came and had him coating her walls with his seed. "Oh fuck," he sighed his head pushing into her chest. "Yes," he growled. "Holy fuck you're mine," he continued pumping his hips up into her making sure she got every last drop of him. "Oh Penelope, Penelope, Penelope," he repeated his voice soft as if he was in a trance.

She giggled after a moment biting her lip. "Is that all you can say?"

"It's like a fine brandy on my lips," he murmured looking up at her.

"How are you still holding me up like this?" she laughed.

He laughed too letting her down. "I'm serious," he smiled. "I do want to use you as a paintbrush."

"You are so cute," she kissed his nose trying to then pull up her dress and try and get into somewhat of a presentable look.

A knock came on her bedroom door. "Pen?"

"Oh no," she whispered. "It's Colin…"

Notes:

Okay, I finally think I know how I want to end this... Stick with me on this...

Also, let me know what you guys think! :) Thank you so much for the support so far!

Chapter 5

Chapter Text

Benedict had crammed himself into the wardrobe he has just taken Penelope up against. They had not had a chance to go over everything. He was sure of one thing though. Penelope would not be marrying Colin.

It would create scandal considering Colin had announced to the Ton that Penelope was going to be his wife. But Benedict knew that he was not going to let her go. She loved him. Surely Colin would understand. He was sure his brother would be confused and more than likely seething mad, but once he saw how happy they were together surely… Surely he would accept them… Right?

"Colin?" Penelope asked in surprise opening the door to her room. "What are you doing here?"

"I needed to come and see you," Colin said attempting to take a step into her room.

She stepped in front of him blocking his way. "You shouldn't be here. I told you I need time."

"Please Pen," he sighed. "I thought after last night we were on the same page."

"Last night was an eye-opener for me. But Colin unfortunately we are not on the same page. I appreciate what you did for me and my family but I can not say yes to marrying you," Penelope explained.

"Why?" Colin sighed reaching for her hand.

"Colin I…" she paused feeling like she was frozen. Usually when Colin took her hand her heart lept. Her soul sang out for him. But now she did not feel like that. She felt nothing like the familiar roar of vibrations that normally coursed through her at his attentions. She looked up at him.

"Why can't you marry me Pen? We would be so good together. You make me laugh and feel seen. You make me my best self. I love you," he said.

"Colin…" she whispered feeling tears prick her eyes.

"You love me," he pulled her close to him and leaned down to kiss her.

She turned her head away from him so his lips just brushed against her cheek. "Colin stop."

He pressed his forehead against the side of her head. "Forgive me," he sniffed.

"Don't cry," she could feel her tears begging to fall.

"I'm not," he let out a small sob.

They stood there in silence for a moment.

"Tell me why Pen," he whispered.

"I am betrothed to another," she said squeezing her eyes shut.

"B-b-berothed?" Colin stuttered taking a dizzying step back from her. "To- to another?"

Penelope nodded her head and turned away from him.

"Who?" Colin asked in a small voice.

"I can not tell you now," Penelope shook her head.

"Oh come on," he smiled at her but there was a groan in his voice. "Who Pen?"

"I have not even told my mama, Colin," she exclaimed.

"Well tell me," he shrugged. He took his sleeve and wiped desperately at his cheeks."You may not love me as I do you but I know you like me better than you like your mama."

She gave him an icy look.

"Do you love him?" Colin asked with a swallow.

"I do," she nodded.

"You? You do?" he blinked in disbelief.

"Yes."

"Well then I shall like to meet him," Colin placed his hands on his hips. "If he is so fantastic that he deserves your love then I shall like to meet him."

"No," Penelope sighed trying not to glance at the wardrobe in her room where her lover and his brother hid.

"Tea!" Colin clasped his hands together. "Tea! You shall have tea at my house with my family and bring him!"

Penelope nearly jumped in surprise at his sudden outburst. "I don't think that is a great idea."

"Nonsense!" he chortled making her feel on edge. "You shall come with me now to have tea and send for him."

"He might be busy," Penelope panicked.

"Well if he can't drop everything for the love of his life then maybe he is not deserving of your attention," Colin shrugged.

"That is not fair," Penelope grumbled.

"I would drop anything for you," Colin glared at her.

"You know what?" Penelope threw her hands up in frustration. "Fine. I am going to Bridgerton house for tea!" she turned to grab the doorknob to shut her door glancing at the wardrobe hoping Benedict heard her.

"Perfect!" Colin exclaimed taking her hand. "You shall call for your fiance as well," he gave her a smirk.

"Yes one moment," she nodded and excused herself. She waltzed into her drawing room and shuffled for a few pieces of paper. She then reentered her foyer where Colin waited eagerly and she placed the paper in a maid's hand that was walking by. "Please get this to the right place."

The maid gave her a confused look but nodded seeing the expression on Penelope's face.

Then she held out her hand for Colin to take it which he did immediately and escorted her over to Bridgerton's house. Oh god, what was she going to do? This was no good. He was acting unhinged now and she did not want to just blurt out Benedict was her fiance. She wasn't sure how he would react. Perhaps tea with the rest of his family present while they made the announcement would keep Colin tame. Her nervousness made her feel like her skin was crawling. She realized she wanted to be in Benedict's company. In his arms.

"Mama!" Colin called dragging Penelope through the house and into the drawing room.

Anthony and his younger siblings Hyacinth and Gregory had joined his mother.

"And where are Eloise and Benedict?" Colin asked his voice louder than necessary.

"Oh Penelope dear," Violet exclaimed a smile on her face. "Do you two have an announcement?"

Penelope's eyes widened. Violet knew. She glanced at Anthony who was cheerfully smiling as well. Oh god, he knew that Colin proposed that morning. She then looked to Hyachinth and Gregory who were just looking at their elder brother like he was mad. She then looked back to Colin. He did indeed have this mad expression on his face that she had never seen before.

"Penelope has one!" he clasped his hands together. "Pen?"

She took in a deep breath feeling now as if she could burst into tears at any moment. Her mouth just hung open.

"She is engaged!" Colin laughed but no humor touched his voice.

Violet clapped her hands together in excitement then her smile faded as she saw Penelope's face wrenched in dread.

"She won't tell me his name though," Colin continued. "I've had her call him to tea so we can all meet him. It will be a surprise. So get ready family," he exclaimed yanking Penelope by the hand to the empty large sofa and pulling her down next to him. Everyone stared in shock as he made a cup of tea. He added just a touch of cream. Just how she liked. "Does he know how you like your tea?" he asked handing her the cup.

Penelope sucked in the air trying not to gasp wildly. Where was Benedict?

"I am confused," Anthony announced after a moment of watching Colin's odd behavior. "You two are not engaged?"

"Me and Penelope?" Colin laughed pointing at her and then at himself. "No Penelope is engaged to another. I was too late brother. I am not her beloved," his voice trailed off into a growl.

Penelope smiled uncomfortably.

"Oh dear," Violet placed her hand over her mouth. "Penelope do come sit with me over here," she said patting the spot next to her.

"She will sit with me until her betrothed arrives Mother," Colin crossed his leg glaring around the room.

"Is he handsome?" Hyacinth asked.

Penelope nearly choked.

"Hy," Anthony barked giving her a warning eye.

Penelope knew that Hyacinth and Gregory probably had no grasp on what was happening at the moment.

Hyacinth shrugged her shoulders. "Sorry," she sighed. "I just always pictured Penelope with a handsome prince type."

"Yes," Colin's voice was unrecognizable. "Is he a handsome prince-type Pen? Is he your prince charming?"

Penelope looked frantically at Violet who was now standing accessing the situation.

"Perhaps while we wait for your suitor we could take a walk, Penelope?" Violet suggested giving her an attempt at a smile.

Penelope nodded making to stand up.

Colin pulled her back down. "She will sit right here until her fiance shows up thank you," Colin yanked her arm and she practically fell right into his lap. She made to scootch over but he held her in place.

"Okay that's enough Colin," Anothy said not allowing his younger brother to make Penelope practically sit in his lap.

Before Anthony could separate them a panting Benedict spun into the room holding his hips.

"Benedict!" Penelope exclaimed shooting out of Colin's grasp. "Are you alright?"

All heads snapped to Benedict who was still out of breath and had a cut on his forehead that was bleeding quite a bit. "Had a bit of a tumble."

"Oh my!" Violet announced rushing over to her son and grasping his cheeks. Penelope was at her side with Anthony and Colin closely behind.

"I am fine," he winced as his mother inspected him.

"Where did you fall?" Colin asked leaning between the two women to inspect his brother as well.

Benedict glanced at Penelope. His heart lept. "Out of a tree."

Penelope's heart lept as well as he made eye contact with her. "Perhaps a doctor?"

"No," he shook his head. "It's not that bad."

Anthony had his handkerchief held out and before Violet could take it Penelope did and held it up to his cut. "You take him and sit and I will get bandages and water. Gregory, Hy please help," Violet exclaimed rushing from the room with them on her heels. She probably did not even think she was leaving Penelope behind in the room alone with three unwed Bridgerton brothers.

Penelope led Benedict to the couch that she was on early and tried not to groan in aggravation when Colin still chose to sit next to her. She made sure to keep her body turned towards Benedict.

"Are you sure you don't need a doctor?" she asked worriedly dabbing at his head.

"You seem like you have it handled," he chuckled.

"You have to stop sleeping with married but bored housewives, brother," Colin laughed from behind Penelope. "When their husbands come home and the only way out is down a tree you risk injury."

Anthony gave Colin a warning eye.

Penelope's face turned into a grimace at the thought of Benedict having slept with other women.

"Shut your mouth brother," Benedict ground out seeing Penelope's face and reading her mind.

"What?" Colin shrugged. "He just sleeps with many, many," Colin took a breath. "Many women. Some of them are married."

Penelope's gut wrenched and she looked away from Benedict.

And Benedict was planning on killing Colin. What Colin did not know was that this was all before he knew Penelope could be his. All before he could even dream of having her. Had he known that he had a chance he would have never even attempted to be with other women. He would have been with Penelope from the beginning. He had drowned his heartache for her in other women. He knew he would never marry. No one ever felt as right as she did. And now Colin was ruining it. Acting as if he just slept with any woman he could get to follow him into bed.

"Colin!" Anthony growled. "A lady is present."

"It's Penelope. She is aware that you two are rakes with a capital R."

"I am actually engaged as of last night to Kate Sharma," Anthony growled.

"Okay well then just Benedict is now," Colin tried to reason.

"I have actually found the woman I would like to spend the rest of my life with," Benedict announced with an icy eye. "I have no interest in any woman that is not her."

Penelope glanced up at him.

"I love her," he said smiling feeling his eyes on her. "Perhaps you are the only rake left Colin."

At this Colin sat up straight and placed his hands on Penelope's shoulders. "I have not even kissed a girl. I believe I was waiting for the right woman. Penelope."

"I am engaged, Colin!" she yelped shrugging out of his grasp and standing having Benedict hold the cloth to his forehead.

"I do not believe you," Colin shook his head. "You called upon your fiance how long ago for tea here and he still hasn't arrived? I knew you were making him up. Now Pen if you would please just come to your senses and accept my proposal," he explained.

"Oh my god!" she exclaimed covering her face in frustration. "You are not listening to me!"

"Penelope please," Colin sighed. "Is it really so bad to be with me? You have to make up a man to-"

"Here we are!" Violet announced rushing in beside Benedict and starting to clean his wound with a fresh cloth and clean water.

"Penelope I love you," Colin stood taking a step towards her.

Benedict at that stood himself almost knocking his mother over but he reached out his hands and held her steady.

Violet stared at her son wide-eyed. "Oh I see," she murmured.

Benedict gave her a warning look. "Mother-"

"Colin perhaps you need to sit back down," Violet said to her third son. "You as well," she instructed Benedict to sit back down as she finished with his forehead. "Everyone sit."

Penelope and Anthony took the couch across from the others.

Everyone sat in an awkward silence now.

"Well?" Colin sighed. "Where is he? If he loves you then where is he, Penelope?"

"He is here," Benedict said lightly.

"Oh did you hear a carriage pull up?" Colin's brows pushed together glancing out the window.

"Oh," Anthony let out a small gasp and held his fingers to the bridge of his nose squeezing his eyes shut. "Colin."

Violet's eyes shot to her eldest son. "Anthony it is not your place."

"What?" Colin asked.

"It is theirs," she continued ignoring Colin.

"I can't watch," Anthony stood.

"Please don't go," Penelope gave him a pleading look. If Colin was going to lunge at Benedict she wanted Anthony to be able to help.

Anthony sighed and just walked over and poured himself a drink. He then met Penelope's gaze and pointed to Colin. "Tell him."

"Am I missing something?" Colin asked looking around.

"You are in the dark," Benedict said.

"Then enlighten me," Colin growled.

"I am the one betrothed to Penelope," he said. "She is my fiance, my soon-to-be wife."

Chapter 6

Chapter Text

The sound of Colin's laughter cut through the air like a knife. It stabbed into Penelope's heart and twisted. She was unsure of how long they all sat there listening to his laugh shake the room. No one else moved. No one else felt as if they could move. Colin looked like he was on the verge of tears from laughing so hard.

"What a jest!" Colin finally sighed a few more chuckles escaping as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

"It's true," Penelope said. "I am to marry Benedict."

Colin blinked at her in surprise. "So you both are in on the joke then? Because Benedict has found someone. He just told us. It's not Penelope. Didn't you say you just fell out of a tree sneaking from your lover's house?"

"You implied it was from my lover's house. But yes it was," Benedict nodded.

"Well I was just with Penelope at her house and you were not there."

"He was in the wardrobe," Penelope squeaked covering her mouth.

"He was-" Colin's mouth hung open. "Stop jesting Pen. You do not love him!"

"No," Benedict gave his brother a serious look. "I am in love with her and she loves me. I proposed and she accepted. I would like it if you could find it in your heart to be happy for us."

"She does not love you brother," Colin laughed. "She loves me. She just can't see it at the moment. But I assure you I will be the one to meet her at the altar."

"Colin, I love Benedict!" Penelope said loudly in frustration.

Colin stood very suddenly his face serious and went to sit next to her on the couch she was on.

"Watch it, brother," Benedict announced gently pushing his mother aside.

Colin rolled his eyes at him and turned to Penelope. "You don't mean that," he told her.

"I do," she said standing her ground and giving him a firm look.

Then to Penelope's surprise, Colin was on her. His lips crushed against hers, his body pushing her against the couch. She yelped in surprise. Then just as quickly he was yanked off of her by Benedict and pushed up against the wall of the drawing room.

"I warned you," Benedict snarled.

"I've kissed her so she is mine. In the eyes of society she must marry me," Colin gave him a smug look. "Sorry brother. Better luck next time."

Benedict gave his younger brother an icy look and then turned his attention to Anthony. He however did not let go of Colin yet. "Penelope and I will need a special license."

Penelope and Violet both gasped.

"Why would you need a special license?" Colin's eyes were big.

"You know why," Benedict gave him a knowing look. "She may be carrying my child."

Colin practically growled. "So that's what this is? You took advantage of her? I'll kill you," he ground out kicking his brother off him and taking a stride toward him. He grasped his throat in his hands and began strangling him.

Benedict grabbed desperately at Colin's hands wrapped around his neck before landing a punch on his eye and being able to have him stagger back.

"Stop it!" Penelope yelled wiggling her way between them. "I asked him to."

"You what?" Colin scoffed in disbelief.

"All three times," Penelope sighed in defeat. "I wanted it. I wanted him!"

"Three times?" Colin gagged.

Benedict pulled Penelope close to him. "I am sorry you had to find out this way but this is the truth."

"Did you both- before I was at your door?" Colin struggled to say.

"Colin," Penelope said. "Please don't hate me."

He looked up at her with tears forming. "I could never hate you Pen. I just thought things with us… Was I a fool?"

"No," she shook her head. "You were not a fool. I did love you. I loved you for years but Benedict and I spoke and-" she bit her lip holding back a sob. "You are my best friend."

"You've loved me for years?"

"Did. I did love you," she ground out.

Colin's chest was heaving. "How long have you loved him?"

"You don't have to answer that," Benedict said taking a step in front of her.

"Oh yes she does," Colin growled.

"These feelings she has for me are new," Benedict answered for her.

"How new?"

"I told him this morning," Penelope sobbed. "But I fell in love with him last night."

"Last night?" Colin scoffed. "And after years of loving me, you give up on me after one night? Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds? You can't fall in love with someone in one night. It took me years to fall in love with you."

"It took me only a moment. The first one," Benedict spoke up.

"How long have you two been?" he shook his hand about.

"Since last night," Benedict sighed.

"You've had her three times since last night?" Colin nearly choked.

"Colin I-"

"You just needed to wait one more day Pen!" Colin yelled grasping her hands.

"It happened this way for a reason Colin! What happened happened... And I don't regret it," Penelope explained pulling away from him and looking toward her love.

Benedict gave her a look of pure happiness at those words. Those beautiful words. She does not regret him even in Colin's heartbreak.

"So that is it?" Colin nodded solemnly.

"You can say no," she sighs. "But I still want to be your friend. You are right. We do have a connection. It's just not one that ends in marriage."

Colin looked at her and smiled. "Penelope Anne Featherington," he stepped forward taking her hand again. "We will always be friends. But we will be husband and wife first," and with that Colin shoved Benedict to the floor and threw her over his shoulder, and made a beeline for the door.

"Colin!" Benedict gasped making to follow him.

"Put me down!" Penelope yelped slapping her hand into his back to try and steady herself.

Everyone dashed into the foyer attempting to stop Colin from stealing Penelope. But everyone including Colin paused in the foyer when Eloise appeared quite disheveled in the front door of Bridgerton house. She was still wearing her gown from last night.

"Where have you been?" Anthony asked in shock. "Have you not been sleeping in your room?"

"Sleeping?" Eloise slurred. "No, I haven't been sleeping!"

At her voice, Penelope wiggled around to see her. Colin refused to drop her though and adjusted his grip tighter. "Colin!" she hissed feeling his hand creep closer to her bottom.

"What is happening here?" Eloise looked befuddled.

"Are you drunk?" Violet gasped.

"No," Eloise shook her head. "Perhaps. Pen and I fought last night and a drink sounded like the next best move. At least that's what he does," she pointed at Colin. "Why- why do you have Pen slung across your shoulder?"

"I'm hauling her off to Gretna Green. We are getting married," Colin explained.

"No, we are not!" Penelope shouted reaching her hands out for Benedict.

Benedict obliged by pulling her out of Colin's grasp and holding her body tightly against his. "She is marrying me."

"She is marrying no one!" Eloise exclaimed.

"Did you tell either of my brothers your secret Pen?" Eloise laughed. "Do you think anyone would want you after that? They'll be repulsed by you. And that's what you deserve."

"I implore you not to talk about my future wife like that," Benedict growled.

"You do not know her brother," Eloise ground out. "She has been hiding a secret from everyone. If you want to marry the worst person in all of London then have your way with her."

"Pen," Colin asked turning to her. "What is she talking about?"

Penelope stood there gaping. Everything was too much. How dare Colin demand to know what her secret was? How dare Eloise threaten to tell everyone? How dare Benedict to… she looked up at him and he was looking down at her with concern. But love. He loved her she reminded herself. How dare he be so handsome?

"Penelope," Benedict asked. "Do you need a moment love?"

"She needs to tell everyone what she is really about!" Eloise slumped against a nearby wall.

"Pen!" Colin exclaimed. "What is she talking about? Are you keeping more secrets from me?"

Penelope felt as if she would explode. The only thing keeping her from having a mental breakdown was Benedict next to her. She took a deep breath. Benedict did deserve to know though. If she was going to marry him he needed to know this side of her. She needed to get him alone.

"Fine don't tell them," Eloise slurred glaring. "Everything will work out just fine for you Lady Whistledown."

The room fell silent.

"Oops," Eloise said sarcastically waltzing past the scene.

"You are Lady Whistledown?" Colin asked in shock.

"Colin-" Penelope began.

"Don't," he held up his hand. "You ruined us. Eloise is never going to find a suitor because of you."

"You don't understand. I did not do it to ruin your family. I did it because the Queen was after her," Penelope explained.

"She would have reached out to us. Her family. She would have told us if she was in danger like that," Colin said.

"No, she wouldn't have. Because she didn't. And I fixed it. The Queen was going to destroy your whole family if I didn't do what I did. I was protecting her!"

"And Marina?"

"What about her?" Penelope's voice was small.

"Were you protecting her when you revealed to the world that she was expecting?" Colin grumbled.

"No," Penelope shook her head. "I was protecting you. She was trying to trick you into marriage Colin. She did not love you."

"Apparently no one does," he sighed. "Why did you not just come to me?"

"I tried Colin! All you did was push me aside. You told me it did not matter that she was in love with another!" she argued.

"In love with another is far different from pregnant with twins Pen!" he yelled back. "But you know things could have been different with me. I could be a father right now."

Penelope felt her heart shatter. Not because she loved Colin and now she realized that he would never get over Marina Thompson. But because she was such a fool to love him in the first place. She would always come second to her. "You do not love me, Colin."

He reached for her hand and she took it allowing herself to take a step from Benedict towards him. "I love you Pen."

She shook her head. "You love her. You loved my attentions. My encouragement. The way we challenge each other. Our friendship. But you do not love me. Or else you would have noticed it years ago. You would have never chosen her. I had to watch you be engaged to her."

"Pen-"

"I do not regret my choice. Exposing her I believe put her on the right path. Her children are with family. You do not fit in their life. You need to find yourself. You need to grow up. You are refusing to," Penelope explained. "I think that is why you can not accept my refusal. I am your past. But I am not your future. You are my past. But Benedict is my future." She let go of his hand and returned to her place by his side. "I will always have love for you, Colin," she smiled.

Colin nodded and took a deep breath. "Maybe you are right Pen," he sighed. "Perhaps I do need to grow up. But you are definitely wrong about one thing."

"What is that?" she bit her lip trying not to cry.

"I am in love with you. You are my best friend," he smiled. "I want to be happy for you and my brother. But I think today will not be that day. For now, I have to watch you be engaged to my brother. If you will excuse me," he said heading up the stairs of the house.

Penelope turned her gaze to Benedict.

"Can we talk in private?" he asked her.

She nodded. Oh god. He was going to call everything off. How could she think he would want her after finding out her secret? Even Colin's pursuit of her ended. Eloise was right. No one would want her. That was fine if she couldn't have Benedict she wouldn't want to be with anyone else.

"Excuse us," Benedict nodded to Anthony and Violet who were both dumbstruck by the events in the hall. "We will use your office brother."

Then Penelope felt as if she was marching to her death. Her time of being with the most perfect man in the world was about to come to an end. At least he was being kind enough to do it in privacy. The door to the office shut.

"Ben-"

His mouth was on hers and he was hungrily devouring her. He kissed her lips and her cheeks. Then he pulled her body flush against his.

"What are you-" she managed through his kisses.

"I am in awe of you Penelope," Benedict sighed trailing his lips down her neck. "God, you are brilliant! Never could I think you be more perfect than you do this? I find out you are the infamous Lady Whistledown? You are a goddess! Truly!"

She laughs in surprise pushing him back slightly. "You are not mad?"

"Mad?" he scoffs. "No, I'm not mad. You are an artist!"

Penelope looked up blinking at him in surprise. "I ruined your family?"

"You explained yourself," Benedict shrugged. "Not to mention the way Eloise was acting just now and how she tore apart your room was uncalled for. If you were keeping a secret it was unfair of her to expose you."

"I needed to be exposed."

"Penelope. You are allowed to have secrets. You are allowed to be yourself. It was a shock to hear that you are Lady Whistledown but you fooled the entire Ton. You are so much more than anyone could possibly think about you. I found myself falling more in love with you and I did not even think that was possible. And how you stood your ground. I want you so bad right now."

Benedict picked her up and placed her on the desk settling in between her legs. He kissed his way down her neck and let his hands travel her body.

Penelope sighed in pleasure but found herself pulling back. "You truly are not mad? You truly do not care?"

"Oh of course I care," Benedict laughed. "I am marrying the most wonderful woman! You are so amazing!"

"I thought you'd be mad. Colin was so-"

"Forget him," Benedict shook his head. "You saved him as well. If he can only be angry then that is his problem. Maria-"

"Marina," Penelope corrected him.

"She was tricking him into marriage. He was lucky you were there for him," Benedict explained. "If he was a man he would see just how brave and smart you are upon learning your secret. Also to get mad that you had a secret even though you have no obligation to him is beyond me."

"I am sorry I did not tell you," she looked at him blushing.

"It is okay," he said kissing the top of her head. "My god Penelope it's not like telling me could have been easy for you. Listen I do not care if you have things you want to keep to yourself. But know I will not degrade or judge you. I truly think you a poet of sorts."

Penelope laughed at that and leaned in to kiss him when the door opened.

"Nope!" Anthony bellowed. "Not in my office. It took me a second to get my thoughts in order but now we have to set things straight. Penelope, you are like family to us but upon hearing this information you are not to marry any of my brothers. I am sorry to say but I must protect my family. If you are found out we will be thrown into ruin and I can not have that. So I am asking you to leave Bridgerton house."

Penelope blinked in shock and felt her world slip out from under her. This could not be happening.

"Brother!" Benedict gasped pulling Penelope to his side.

"I am not arguing this!" Anthony growled in a terrifying tone. "We can not continue to fall in society's eyes."

"We most certainly are arguing this!" Benedict growled back.

Chapter 7

Chapter Text

Benedict and Anthony had been arguing for a good few minutes when Violet Bridgerton entered the room.

"Boys enough!" she called when she saw Penelope on the verge of tears.

All three heads turned to her.

"What is going on?" Violet demanded. "Penelope are you okay?"

"I have asked her to leave," Anthony said matter of factly. "Again Penelope I am sorry, but there is no room for a scandal like this in our family. You are not to marry Benedict or Colin."

At this Violet, Bridgerton gasped and pulled, actually pulled on her eldest son's ear guiding him to sit down before standing over him sending him a scolding look. "How dare you!" she bit off.

"Mother I-" Anthony looked at her in horror adjusting his positioning uncomfortable.

"Penelope needs us now more than ever. Who knows who Eloise told while she was out and about last night getting drunk? Which you did nothing to protect or punish her for doing as 'the head of this family'. I am not putting the entire blame on you, as I am her mother, but as someone who is, as 'the head of this family', about to punish a poor girl for something you do not understand," she took an angry breath. "You have a lot of nerve! Besides, you are about to scandalize this family enough with your engagement to Kate Sharma. What is their scandal compared to yours? Are you the only one allowed to ruin us?"

Anthony just looked up at his mother in shock.

Benedict gaped at his mother as she turned towards him.

"Penelope you have the entire support of the Bridgerton family. While we may not agree one hundred percent with what you have been doing I am happy to welcome you to the family. In truth, I have always thought of you as a daughter and to have you as one in truth warms my heart. Colin and Eloise will come around, my dear," Violet smiled at her. "And don't worry about Colin. He has a lot of thinking to do. I would not let him talk to me if I was in your situation unless his words started with Penelope I am so very sorry for my actions."

"I am in complete agreement mother," Benedict beamed.

"Don't think you are off the hook," Violet looked at him sternly. "Three times Benedict? Do you have no self-control?"

"Apparently not," he said solemnly blushing deeply. "Mother you must know I have been in love with her for years."

"Yes, you and Colin have," she nodded. "I think you are the only one who realized their feelings from the beginning though," she sighed. "I was worried both of you would blunder this for me. Thank goodness at least one of you snared her."

"What?" both he and Penelope gasped.

"As I said I have always thought of Penelope as a daughter and I am very happy now that she is going to be one in truth," she laughed. Then she turned back to Anthony. "When you go out to get your marriage papers for you and Kate be sure to bring your brother and get his as well."

Anthony opened his mouth to protest but snapped it shut upon seeing his mother's stern look.

"We shall go this afternoon," Benedict smiled. "We must tell the Featheringtons the happy news first."

"Oh no," Penelope said quietly from behind him. "Must we?"

Violet gave her a sympathetic look. "Would you like me to come?"

"Yes please," Penelope gave a small sigh of relief.

"I will come too," Anthony announced.

"Oh thank god," Benedict said sarcastically. "I was so hoping you'd want to join in."

-

About an hour later Penelope, Benedict, Anthony, and Violet Bridgerton found themselves in the Featherton drawing room listening to the sounds of Portia Featherington and Prudence returning home.

"Right now?" they heard Portia gasp from the foyer.

The door swung open and she rushed in with Prudence on her heels. "Lord Bridgerton," Portia started grabbing Penelope's hand and dragging her to Anthony. "I assure you she will marry Mr. Colin Bridgerton. She was just being a stupid girl earlier."

"Mama!" Penelope gasped pulling out of her grasp and almost falling back if it was not for Benedict catching her.

"She will not be marrying my Colin," Violet announced from behind her.

Portia snapped her neck around. "Lady Bridgerton please reconsider. He does not need to take back his proposal. I promise she is to marry him. I found them alone in a room last night. Your son has ruined her. He must marry her!"

"I told you not to say that," Benedict growled.

Portia looked at him. "I am not letting this marriage fall through!"

"Well, it has," he snarled back. "She is not to marry Colin she is to marry me."

"Well, I assure you that she is to marry Colin. No need to fret over not having one of my Featherington daughters for your own," Portia said hurriedly. "My Prudence is available." She turned and grabbed Prudence's hand pulling her forward. "Say hello!"

"Mr. Bridgerton," she curtsied awkwardly.

Benedict cleared his throat with a polite nod and then looked to Penelope in search of help.

"No, you have it all wrong Mama," Penelope tried to reason. "I said no to Colin because I want to marry Benedict."

Portia glanced around the room. "Very well," she said shrugging her shoulders. "I suppose he is a Bridgerton. This is fantastic!"

"Yes, great," Anthony grumbled.

"And of course, if Colin is still wanting a Featherington bride," she began. "My Prudence-"

"Thank you for your time…" Anthony stood abruptly and stalked out.

"Why did he even come?" Benedict said annoyance tinging his tone as he looked toward his mother.

Violet just shook her head.

"Penelope my dear," Violet said. "You should tell your mama of the thing we talked about."

Penelope gave her a looked of understanding before grimacing. They had talked about the need for a quick wedding. She was not excited about this.

"I can tell her if you want my love," Benedict said.

"My love?" Portia chortled. "Violet you sure taught your boys to be polite. Colin also claimed words of love."

"They are both in love with her," Violet said her voice in disbelief. Not that her sons were in love with Penelope. She had known this for a long time. But Portia thought they were just being nice to Penelope by saying the word.

Portia quirked a smile. "I am sure." But she did not sound like she was serious.

"Lady Featherington," Benedict gave her a glaring eye. "I am to marry your daughter because I love her. I must marry her soon though. As she may be expecting."

Portia's eyes turned to her daughter wide-eyed. "You trapped one with a baby? Penelope, I had no clue you could be so cunning! I am so proud of you!"

"Trapped me?" Benedict asked in shock. "She did not trap me. If anything I trapped her. I love her! Why can't you see that?"

"Yes, you love her. That is why you waited until marriage to ravage my daughter," Portia laughed sarcastically.

"Mama," Penelope pleaded for her to stop talking.

"I ravished your daughter because I fucking love her!" Benedict shouted his patients running out. "Because I have been in love with her for years! Years! And the idea of not claiming her as mine drove me up the god damned wall! I had to have her! And now finally she will be my wife and I can't believe that I am so lucky! She is brilliant! Oh god, I can see in your dull eyes that you have never even once actually seen her!"

Portia gasped.

Violet muttered his name in shock but it did nothing to stop the words.

"Look at her!" Benedict demanded. "She is a work of art. My god. How can you expect a man not to fall in love with her? My heart flips when she enters a room. My senses get fuzzy with euphoria when her scent wafts my way. She is my every thought. She is my muse. I implore you to think of every word you utter about my wife from here on out. Think it over carefully because if it is not her favor I shall-"

"Benedict!" Violet halted him finally.

Penelope felt her heart beating so fast at his words she couldn't even process what happening. No one had ever talked to her mother in such a tone. And no one had ever stood up for her like that. She felt like she could swoon. And then she did.

-

"My love?" Benedict's voice was the only thing she heard as she started to come too.

"Ben?" Penelope asked in a groggy voice.

"I am here," she felt his hand on her cheek.

"Oh Ben!" she exclaimed as he came into clear view and she sat up throwing her arms around him.

"That god you are okay," he laughed into her hair.

"Me?" she asked pulling back to look at him. "I am fine!" and with that, she grasped both of his cheeks and started kissing him deeply.

Gasps came from around the room they were in.

Benedict did not pull back though. So she did. Sheepishly.

Several people were in the room. Violet, Anthony, and to her surprise Eloise were standing watching her. Her eyes made eye contact with Colin who immediately looked away pained. She felt silly. She did not realize what was happening. "What is going on?" she asked Benedict.

"You swooned and hit your head," he told her. "Your mother was bothering me so I picked you up and brought you home to Bridgerton house while we waited for a doctor. Everyone was quite worried."

"Oh," she said softly. Then upon further inspection of his face, she noticed his tear-stained cheeks. "Oh, Benny?"

"I thought perhaps you wouldn't wake up," he said sheepishly.

"Yes and then he thought if you did that you wouldn't remember him," Anthony sighed.

"And then he almost ripped my head off when I announced that, that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Because perhaps you would remember me and then we could wed," Colin said.

Penelope gave him a look of annoyance. "Well, I am glad I did not lose my memory then."

"I was only joking," Colin shrugged.

"He was not," Benedict pressed her fingers to his lips. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," she said. "My head hurts a bit," she said feeling her head. "How long was I out?"

"Two hours," Benedict said.

"Really?" Penelope gasped.

Benedict nodded, pressing her shoulder down so that she was laying back down. "You need rest." He turned and looked at Anthony. "Where is the blasted doctor?"

"I am here!" a younger well dressed man grumbled shuffling into the room. "Let's take a look at the bird," he said placing his bag down next to Benedict. "The chit on the couch then?"

Benedict gave him a glaring eye. "Her name is Miss Featherington to you. Aren't you a little young to be a doctor? Where did you study?"

"I'm already late as is. Let me take a look at Miss Featherington here and then you can ask questions," he shrugged motioning for Benedict to move so he could kneel in his place. Then the doctor gave her a charming smile. "What seems to be the problem, Miss?"

Benedict groaned at the handsome young doctor doting now on his fiance. "She hit her head after a swoon. She's just woken up after two hours. No bleeding but she does have a small bump."

Penelope felt a blush spread over her face.

"Did he make you swoon?" the doctor asked her in a teasing voice.

"No, I did not make her swoon!" Benedict said annoyance clear in his words.

"Well," Violet piped up. "He sort of did make her swoon. I imagine it was all the things he was saying. It was a lot to take at once."

"Well tell us if she is hurt then doctor," Colin chimed in. "I'd like to know exactly how hard I shall beat him for it."

"Colin you will do no such thing!" Penelope pointed at him as she lifted her head for the doctor.

After a few long minutes of examining her, the doctor came to the conclusion that she had a small concussion. "She needs her rest," he said. "No exerting yourself Miss." He then gave Benedict a knowing eye. "See that she doesn't for at least a week."

Benedict's jaw opened in a gasp but he nodded. "There is plenty to plan for the wedding anyways."

Eloise, who had remained quiet the whole time, straightened her back and cleared her throat. "Pen, may I please have a moment alone with you? We should talk."

Chapter 8

Chapter Text

Eloise sat on one end of the couch while Penelope occupied the other. It had taken a while to convince everyone to leave them alone. Benedict had put up the biggest fight followed only by Colin who refused to leave Peneleope's side while she was injured. The bothers had started bickering and to her relief, Anthony managed to drag them both out to his office.

"I owe you an apology," Penelope began when she realized Eloise would not say anything.

Eloise looked up. "I feel awful."

"You look awful," Penelope sat up straighter.

"Colin said I just need a bit more hair of the dog but I don't think I like drinking," she winced grasping her forehead.

"El," Penelope began again but she was cut off.

"Don't apologize Pen," she sighed. "I know I should be the one to do it but I can't bring myself to say the words yet." She met her friend's eyes and then glanced away. "I can't say I would have done the same thing in your situation but I can see why you did it. Getting drunk did not help me see that. Once I had a bath and ate an unholy amount of bread things became clearer."

"You are my best friend," Penelope told her. "I should not have kept this a secret. Especially when you were trying so hard to uncover me."

"Were you scared?"

"Yes," she admitted.

"Then I understand," Eloise said. "If I was in your situation I'd be scared of losing you. But you must understand I am not sure I can forgive you for ruining me like that. You nearly cost me everything."

"Yes I understand," Penelope nodded.

"I need to have you in my life," Eloise sighed with a small frown.

"I need you too…"

Eloise forced herself to look Penelope in her eyes. "I am so sorry I told my family like that… I swear I didn't tell a single soul until that moment. I had just stolen a bottle of whatever I could find and roamed your gardens until morning."

"I am so sorry I drove you to drink like that. However, I am so glad you are safe. The idea of you roaming London drunk does break my heart," Penelope took her friend's hands in hers.

"Can we just say no more secrets?" Eloise asked. "And of course, you need to stop Whistledown. It's gone too far."

"I can promise no more secrets but…"

"No Pen," Eloise stopped her. "If you are to marry my brother I need you to promise me. You'll be putting him in danger as well… the Queen threatened my family. He will be your family and she will go after him."

A pit began to settle in Penelope's stomach. The idea of Benedict being accosted by the royal guards and at the queen's mercy because of her left her frozen. A life without Benedict? Him being hurt because of her? Him just being hurt? She felt tears prick her eyes.

"You're right," she whispered. "I can't put him in danger."

"So you will stop then?" Eloise asked her hand on her arm.

"Yes," Penelope nodded. "The only other way would be to cry off and I can't do that," she wiped away a tear.

Eloise examined her. "Dear god, you really love my insufferable brother don't you?"

"Oh, El…" Penelope felt a blush start to form. "He's… he's just everything to me."

"To be honest this whole thing is such a surprise. I'm still a little confused. Benedict was a blubbering mess, so I couldn't get a coherent sentence out of him. And Colin…" Eloise rolled her eyes. "He's practically throwing a temper tantrum." She glanced towards the door to make sure no one was listening. "He tried to pull your limp body from Benedict's grasp."

Penelope blinked in shock. "Why would he do that?"

"He thought Ben had knocked you out and hurt you," Eloise explained. "But I stood up for him. As much as I despise my brothers I despise Benedict the least. He wouldn't hurt a fly. And when he loves he loves he protects. You chose the right one."

Penelope smiled. "I know," she laughed. "Oh god, do I know," She blushed.

"How did it all come about Pen?"

"Well, I suppose it all started last night. Colin had been so wonderful. All season I felt like we had grown closer and closer. Our friendship had taken such a natural place in my life I felt so overcome with my feelings for him…" Penelope explained.

Eloise held her hand up to stop her. "You are marrying Benedict?"

"I will get to that," she laughed.

"Colin saved the day and exposed my cousin Jack for a scoundrel. Then we danced and he told me things that made me believe we were meant to be. That he returned my feelings…" Penelope sighed. "Then I heard him laughing with his friends." She went on to explain his hurtful words and her escape to her room.

"Why would he say such things?" Eloise gapped.

Then Penelope explained his reasoning. "But I did not know this. I was done with him. And then Benedict revealed himself like a knight in shining armor. He told me he loved me and made my heart swell. Oh god, El my whole being became a flame at his words and passion. I realized what I felt for him was unlike anything I had felt before. So I agreed to marry him the first second I got."

"Do you regret it after being in love with Colin for so long?"

Penelope shook her head. "I love Colin… but not like I do Ben. Colin is my friend. I can't describe it. I suppose I could say what I felt for him was comfort. He was so nice and kind and handsome. But I never…"

"Never what?" Eloise probed.

Penelope blushed. "The love I have for Benedict is deep and a part of me. The feeling I get when he is near is so filled with passion and longing. I need him. My body is set aflame. It's not that way with Colin."

Eloise just nodded. "Well, I would like to support you in any way I can. I do so want to be sisters in truth…" she leaned over wrapping her arm around her.

-

"I'm going to knock you out!" Colin growled getting into Benedict's face.

"I thought we were past this! You'd given up!" Benedict fought back.

"I guess I got my second wind," Colin argued, pulling his fist back.

Anthony caught it twisting his arm behind his back causing a strangled yelp from him. "Children!" He warned.

Benedict crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. "I am not apologizing."

"You bloody well should," Colin sighed plopping down in one of the office chairs after assessing that Anthony wouldn't move as a barrier between the two.

"I have done nothing wrong," Benedict said.

"You stole the love of my life, how is that not doing anything wrong?" Colin asked, disheartened.

"And thank god I did," Benedict said. "She doesn't love you the way she does me. She's made that perfectly clear. I am convinced that if she did marry you that one day she would realize it was me she really loved and we would begin a passionate affair behind your back…"

Colin and Anthony blinked at Benedict astonished.

"Perhaps that was a bit far?" Anthony tried to reason.

"And saying that he hopes my fiancé, who has a head wound, doesn't remember me so he can swoop in and marry her isn't too far?" Benedict growled.

"You have a point," Anthony sucked in a breath and turned to the youngest of the three. "Colin apologize."

Colin scoffed, pointing his nose in the air. "He's so convinced. He just got to her first. If I had bedded her last night she would be with me now."

"Maybe… and maybe not," Benedict shrugged. "But the truth is Colin, after years of letting you have her. I am so glad I came to my senses. You are a child. She needs someone who can take care of her. You have not once considered her feelings."

"I am considering her feelings. Her feelings for me," he argued. "She loves me. You can't say that she would later figure out her feelings for you even if she had chosen me!"

"I can too," Benedict leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. "Listen, Colin, I understand your pain. I was in pain every time I saw her with you. Every promenade, every time you made her laugh, every time you took her hand and she let you touch her without pulling away. Every time you took her to the dance floor and her face lit up. But it's my turn. I can't live without her. I feel deep in my soul that she is meant to be with me."

"What if later in your marriage she realized she wants me and I started an affair with her," Colin shrugged.

"That won't happen," Benedict said confidently.

"How are you so sure?" Colin challenged him.

"Because I trust her. Because we are meant to be…"

Silence sat between the brothers. After a moment Anthony grasped at his chest.

"Touched? Are you brother?" Colin snarled sarcastically.

Anthony shook his head. "No, I'm pretty sure this is it. This is what the stresses of you two do to a man over time. This is a heart attack. I am dying."

Both Benedict and Colin stood in concern.

Anthony rolled his eyes. "Or it's really bad heartburn from stress. Yes, I am sure it is that. You two will kill me in the end. I'm sure of it…"

Chapter 9

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Eloise had taken up the rest of Penelope's afternoon. While Benedict did not mind Eloise spending time with Pen it did bother him a bit when she insisted she and Pen take dinner in her room. He was looking forward to seeing her. After Colin had stormed off earlier Anthony had taken him to his solicitors so they could get a marriage license in order.

"He'll come around," Anthony had assured him.

"Even if he doesn't," Benedict said," I am not waiting. I've waited my whole life for her Ant… The second I am able to marry her, I will…"

"I understand," Anthony nodded. "I feel the same about Kate. And by the way, your engagement has really pushed ours out of focus."

Benedict smirked. "Come on you and Kate were old news. You two are practically an old married couple."

Anthony beamed at Benedict's teasing. "She's perfect for me."

"I hope you will realize Pen is perfect for me," Benedict said.

Anthony took in a deep sighing breath and let it out. "I am sorry. I have acted like an ass. I only want what is best for our family."

"She is a part of our family. She has been for a long time now."

"I am aware of the attachment we all have to her. It's just that Lady Whistledown is not something to take lightly. Eloise explained to me how serious the Queen is about this. As her husband you must demand Penelope stop."

"I can't ask her to do that," Benedict gasped.

"It's for her own good Ben," Anthony rolled his eyes. "If she gets found out the repercussions could be large. Who knows what the Queen will do? Throw her in jail? Hang her?"

"Hang her?" Benedict panicked.

"She's mad," Anthony sighed. "Please just talk to her about it."

"I can't ask her to give up an artistic passion. That would be cruel. Perhaps I can encourage her to let her creativity out in other ways?" Benedict said thoughtfully.

"That's good. As long as it's not Whistledown," Anthony stated.

"To be clear," Benedict glared at him. "I will not stop her. I will do everything in my power to protect her, but she comes first. Hell, I'll publish them and take the blame for her before I let her get caught by the Queen. But she is my heart and soul. What she wants she gets. I will not deny her any pleasures her heart desires. But I will talk with her about it. As her husband, my job is to support and protect and love her."

"You are so… romantic," Anthony muse. "It's sickening."

"It's better than being angry and arguing the whole time and then being weird with lustful leering."

"Don't act like you don't lustfully leer at Penelope!" Anthony rolled his eyes.

"Oh, I lustfully leer," Benedict assured him. "I'm just not creepy about it."

"All lustful leering is creepy," the solicitor had said coming into the room.

-

Now Penelope was resting in Eloise's room. With her mama being overreactive Lady Bridgerton offered to let her stay with them until she is well. Penelope was on her own however for the time being as Lady Bridgerton had carted her daughter away. She had taken her to see Lady Danbury to talk about the risks of over-intoxication.

A small knock and light yet demanding footsteps entered the room.

"El?" Pen asked sitting up.

"No," a smirk came to Benedict's face. "In fact for the next few moments, I'd appreciate it if you did not think of her…"

Penelope nodded with a wicked smile crossing her lips as she stood and wrapped her arms around his neck lifting on her tippy toes to kiss him.

"Mmmm… I've missed you," Benedict murmured against her lips lifting her gently and placing her on the bed.

"And I you," Penelope smiled. "How was the solicitor?"

"Very well my dear. We shall marry on Monday," He smiled.

"So soon?" She gasped but her excited tone only excited him.

"Oh yes," he nodded. "I may have told Anthony if it was any later I'd just haul you off to Gretna Green."

"You are wicked," she laughed tossing her head back and then immediately straightening. She hissed and placed her hand on her head.

"My love? Are you alright?" he asked with concern examining her.

"Yes," she chuckled lightly. "I am just still reeling a tad from bumping my head. But I am fine. Shall we retire to your room?"

"My room?" a gleam glazed over his eye.

"Yes. I took a peek in there earlier," she blushed. "In there, I imagine you can take me in your bed, against the wall, over the settee, on the plush rug in front of the hearth, and in the dressing room you have attached. Once we have covered every surface in there I should like to go over each one again…"

Benedict stared at her with wide eyes. "You are a little wanton minx aren't you?"

"I can't get you out of my head Mr. Bridgerton," she giggled pulling his face close using his cravat.

"Please… Mr. Bridgerton was my father," he smirked.

And Penelope snorted with laughter. "Your father was Lord Bridgerton... And besides, what shall I call you? Lord Whistledown?"

Benedict laughed at that for a moment but straighten a bit at that thought. "Are you going to continue with her Pen? Do you still want to be Lady Whistledown?"

Penelope sat up a little too an unsureness in her eye. "Ben… I was her for so long. Giving her up is not something that would be easy to do. In a way, she is all I have…"

He nodded gearing up the nerve to cheer her on and think of ways to protect her.

"But… Now… I think all I need is you…"

His eyes shot to hers and a smile crept across his lips.

"I think I am ready to give her up for a good cause… You… I want to leave all of that behind me. Eloise pointed out the dangers and now that I know I am marrying the man of my dreams I don't want to give that up… I don't want to risk that. I don't want to risk us… I love you," she said kissing his cheek.

"Oh Penelope I love you so much," he said with his heart full of pride.

"So…" she smirked. "Shall we go to your room?"

"God you know how to turn me on…" he said with a devilish gleam in his eye and he swept her up with ease and took her to his room.

-

Once there he laid her gently on his bed.

"Take me!" she demanded hiking up her skirts.

"Penelope," he grinned watching her in awe.

"I want to be full of you Ben," she sighed.

"I can't…" he said wanting to kick himself. There was nothing he wanted more than to sink into her warmth at that very moment.

"Why not?" she asked confusion reading her face.

"The doctor said no," he said. "We can lay here and I can hold you."

She smiled lightly. "You are so sweet," she caressed his cheek. "But I need you," she said more sternly.

He laughed pulling her skirts down and scooting her over enough to crawl behind her and wrap himself around her body.

"I can't hurt you, my love," he whispered into her hair. "Believe me… I want you so badly."

"I know this. I have no doubts…" she said snuggling back into him. "I have never felt pretty and certainly never beautiful until you… But now I feel as though no woman has ever been made to feel as though every part of her was made just right besides me. You make me feel that way."

He groaned at her words and hugged her even closer. "You are perfect Penelope. I feel like I can't get close enough!" he exclaimed sitting up and ridding himself of his shirt. He pulled her to his bare chest.

"My clothes are in the way too," she sighed with pout.

Benedict helped her shrug out of her dress so she was only in her chamise. His broad warm chest touched her back and shoulders and he hummed in delight. "You set me aflame Penelope."

"As well as you do me," she whispered back. "Those pesky trousers are…"

"They're gone," he growled frantically kicking them off his legs and pulling her bum against his erection.

"Benny," she sighed. "You're so hard…"

"Don't tempt me anymore Penelope," he grumbled in her ear. "The doctor said no…"

"I won't," she promised with a tease in her voice. But he couldn't help but watch in anticipation as shimmied her chamise down her body and to the bottom of the bed. She was bared to him and lord help him she wore no undergarments. She wiggled back against him so her butt pressed against his heated member.

He couldn't help it. He let himself grind against her smooth skin.

"I just feel so hot and wet," she sighed. "I'm throbbing for you," she said and he was gone.

He slid down the mattress slightly and pulled her against him and cradled her head in his shoulder. He lifted her leg over his hip and slid into her in a delightful thrust.

"Benedict," she gasped sweetly.

"Oh Penelope," he sighed slowly pushing in and out. He kept his eyes on her. He was so concerned about hurting that he didn't dare move any faster.

"Ahh!" she cried when he rubbed against that lovely spot with his cock.

"Are you alright?" he gasped pausing to examine her.

"Yes! Don't stop!" she demanded grinding down and pulling a cry of pleasure from him.

"Yes my love," he murmured feeling like he could explode. "Oh fuck!"

She was tightening around him but his focus on her well-being and her head wound never waivered. The second she wasn't okay he would pull out of her and take care of her. She was his everything and he would never let anything happen to her.

"Ben, you feel so good!" she moaned arching her back.

He risked jutting into her deeper and harder.

"Yes Ben, I'm… I'm" and then she did. And he himself did with her as pleasure took over.

This was perfect. She was perfect. She was his and his life would finally make sense. On Monday he would take her to My Cottage and live a life before he thought he could only dream of.

Notes:

I promise I haven't forgotten about this one. I'm just slowly getting everything out as I can.

Let me know what you think!

Thank you!

Chapter 10

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

A few days had passed by and Benedict had felt as if everything had fallen into place. They were to be married this afternoon alongside Anthony and Kate in a small ceremony. After the large fiasco with Anthony and Edwina's wedding being called off no venue welcomed them. And the fact that Anthony was now marrying her sister had the ton silently shunning them.

Not to mention the Featherington's weren't the most popular family themselves with the news of their cousin Jack making off with most of the Ton's investment in his mines. Many were angry and so a big wedding didn't seem enticing for them as well.

But he didn't need a big wedding to marry the love of his life. He had his family and that's what he cared about. After this wedding breakfast, he would wisk his Penelope away and they would live happily ever after.

Everything was perfect…

-

Everything was not perfect…

"Colin open the door!" Eloise shouted as she banged on the door to Penelope's bridal suite.

"No!" he called placing a chair under the handle to hold it in place. He spun around to a crying Penelope. "Pen you need to listen to me…"

"Colin! Enough!" she cried as she took a step back. "I choose Benedict!"

"Don't you see," He laughed manically. "This is all a test. To see if I would still love you if you chose another. And I do Pen! I do still love you!"

"Colin you're scaring me," she said with a shaky breath.

"The amount I feel for you is scaring me too," he smiled a sickly sweet smile. "Look I stole this for us!" he held out a document.

"Is that my and Benedict's marriage certificate?" She gasped.

"Yours and mine my dear," Colin explained. "Now I know there is a quil around here somewhere… I just need to cross out his name…"

"If you cross out his name I am not signing that!" Penelope exclaimed.

"How else are we supposed to marry Pen?" he laughed. "Don't be silly my love."

"You're the one being silly!"

"Pen you are the one being silly!" he turned with a determined look in his eye. "This was not supposed to happen like this! You are mine… Not his!"

"You had your chance, Colin," she said slowly. "We are not getting married. You need to get that through your head."

"Oh we're getting married…" he grumbled. "Where are all the damned quills!?" he shouted.

Penelope watched as he started to pull open drawers. She slowly inched along the wall hoping to reach the door where Eloise was determinedly banging.

"It's just… Benedict isn't right for you…" he was saying as he was tearing apart a drawer. "I am right for you. I mean I don't think I've ever even seen you two talk before that day," he said.

"You are never home," she argued back.

He turned to her and narrowed his eyes when he noticed she was getting closer to the door. He laughed. "You aren't leaving this room…"

"What are you going to do? Tie me up? Hold me hostage and we'll live as husband and wife in this room for all of our lives?" she suggested.

"If it comes to that…" he shrugged.

"Do you realize how mad that sounds?!" she huffed.

"Do you realize how madly I'm in love with you?" he growled.

"This is not love Colin… This… This is delusion… Eventually, Benedict is going to come through that door," she pointed to the door that was currently having something rammed against it.

"You're right," he nodded. "I have a plan!" he exclaimed.

"Colin!" now Anthony's voice was bellowing through the door.

"Damn!" Colin said folding up the certificate and stuffing it in his front pocket. He went over to the window. "Well, Pen… Do you think we'd survive a two-story drop?"

"No!" she gasped. "Colin we are jumping out a window. I am not going anywhere with you! I am so glad I found Benedict before I married you because I would have married a crazy person."

"I am hurt by that Pen…" he said grasping his chest. "Really… But we'll laugh about this without children someday…"

"Our..?" she looked shocked. "Anthony get me out of here!" she shouted.

"I'm trying!" he called to her through the door. "This place was really well made and these are the thickest doors in all over London apparently! Maybe even England!"

"Penelope!" Benedict's voice sounded like a relief to her ears.

"Ben!" she shouted heading for the door but was pulled back by Colin.

"Oh great lover boy is here," he sighed. "Now look there is a bush directly below this window. Don't miss it," he said looking her in the eye.

"Don't miss the bush?!" she shouted.

"Yes," he said. "I have you, my love. I'll come right down after you…"

She grabbed onto his lapels as he started to gently push her out the window. "Colin I swear to god if you push me out this window…" tears clouded her vision. "I will never forgive you…"

"It will be a small obstacle," he murmured kissing her cheek. "Now when I count down to one…"

"Ben!! He's going to push me out the window!!" she cried as loud as she could and heard a louder banging start on the door.

"Shhhhh…" Colin hushed her. "My Pen darling. It's a two-second drop… what is that compared to the rest of our lives together…?"

"I want to live my life with Benedict," she sobbed now her hands had slipped around his neck and her fingers had locked together in a vice grip. She was practically dangling out the window.

"You want me…" he whispered in her ear as one of his hands held her in place and his other worked to pry her fingers apart.

She pressed herself into him desperately. "Colin please don't drop me!" she cried.

"Pen…" he hummed.

"I-I… I love you!" she said frantically.

"You do?" he pulled back to look at her as the door to the room flew open.

"Yes I do!" she exclaimed saying anything to make him let go of her.

"Oh Pen!" he laughed pulling her in and kissing her.

She kept her eyes open calling to Benedict with a look of concern as both he and Anthony stood ruffled in the doorway assessing the situation. She prayed he saw what her eyes said and not what she was doing. She needed help. She was trying to not be dropped out a window for god sake.

"Let her go!" Benedict called.

Colin pulled off her and gave a harsh look over his shoulder at his brother. "She loves me!" he laughed wickedly.

Benedict started to charge but Anthony grabbed his elbow pointing out that Colin still had her practically dangling out the window.

"Put her down Col.." Anthony said calmly.

"I need Benedict out of here and the vicar up here…" Colin stated firmly.

"We aren't doing that…" Anthony said. "You have gone a bit mad brother…"

"No no no no no no no," Colin shook his head. "I haven't. She just told me she loves me. Right Pen?" he turned looking at her desperately.

"Right," she nodded trying to to notice how her grip was slipping. "And if you put me down we can go and get married."

"Yes put her down and you can marry," Anthony said.

"Yes…" Benedict added in a defeated voice. "Colin you can have her…"

Colin took a step back and set her feet on the ground. "I can have her?" he nodded. "I have her…"

"Yes," she said looking past him to Benedict. She then flashed a look at him.

Colin's eyes followed hers and narrowed when they landed on Benedict. He sighed and pulled her close. "I think my dear…" he whispered in her ear. "We ought to make our way down…"

Her eyes met his. "Of course… whatever you say," she tried to give him a sweet smile.

His face softened and he pecked her on the lips. "Come along Pen," he smiled. And as she started past him he pulled her back and they both hurled from the window.

-

"He's what!?" Benedict panicked listening as Violet sobbed an explanation as to what was happening. "Why did you let him see her alone?"

"It wasn't on purpose! He just… He just…" Violet was taking in deep breaths.

"Fran take her!" Benedict said passing his panicking mother into his sister's arms as Kate and Lady Danbury also crowded her. He took the stairs two at a time meeting Anthony at the top. He and Eloise were taking turns ramming themselves. Into the door.

"Penelope?!" he called pressing himself against the door to listen.

"Ben!" she called back to him and the panic in her voice had him jumping out of his skin.

"We need to get her out of there…" he growled to Anthony picking up a table that was in the hall and then he heard her…

"Ben he's going to push me out the window!" and his heart felt like it stopped. And it was all a blur. He must have been running in panic because before he knew it the door was open and he was watching his brother kiss her and she was looking right at him. Her eyes screamed for help.

It was all happening in slow motion. Colin was declaring he and Penelope were in love and that he would be taking his place in the wedding. And Anthony was guiding him to follow along. He was looking for any way he could just get her away from the window that she was dangling from just a moment ago. His brother had surely lost it.

He was watching as Penelope gave him a knowing look and then his eyes locked on Colin's as they narrowed on him. And then… She was falling out of the window.

"Her head!" he called rushing to the window. "Colin her head!" It had only been a few days since her injury. He hung out the window and watched as Colin had his arms wrapped around her as he cushioned her fall and they landed in a bush. But something wasn't right...

Notes:

Okay, I am so here for crazy Colin. One chapter left you guys!!!

Let me know your thoughts! Thank you for reading!

Chapter 11

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Benedict was down the stairs and out the door faster than he had ever moved in his life. He had left everyone still inside in shock and confusion. Both Penelope and Colin were unconscious in the bush they had landed in.

"Penelope!" Benedict gasped pulling her up and into his arms. "Oh, my love! Say you are okay! Open your eyes! Please!" he cried out.

Her eyes did open then and she gasped straightening in his grasp. "Ben?" she looked at him.

"Are you hurt?" he asked pushing a strand of hair out of her face. He was examining her with worry.

"I… I am fine," she nodded looking around and suddenly everything came back to her. People started to file out of the Bridgerton house to see everything and heard Violet sob Colin's name. She looked behind her to see Colin still lying over the bush. "Colin!" she gasped going to him.

"Pene-" Benedict started.

"Benny please help me!" she cried to him.

Benedict nodded. Colin was still his younger brother after all. He was worried about him. Even if he had tried to steal his fiance and jumped out a window with her. He assumed that his brother was mad. And perhaps it was because of him. The fact that he couldn't have helped himself. The fact that Penelope was stolen. Colin was mad because he was just trying to steal her back.

Once he was laid out on the grass Penelope was bent over his head checking it for bumps. "He didn't hit his head. Perhaps he just had the breath knocked from him. He did take most of my fall." She was talking to Violet now who had joined her.

"What happened?" Violet tried not to sob.

"He wanted to escape with me and so when he was backed into a corner he pulled me out the window with him," Penelope explained. "Which is crazy… He is mad…"

"For you…" A small whisper came from the man lying before her.

"What?" She gasped.

Colin's eyes opened and when he was able to focus he looked at her. "Mad for you Pen…" he clarified.

She pressed her hand to his cheek. "Are you okay Colin? Are you hurt?"

Colin sat up a bit leaning into her touch like a puppy. "I am fine… You are my angel."

Benedict couldn't dare watch. Perhaps seeing Colin like this reminded her of her love for him. This was it. He was so sure. She looked like she was looking at the man of her dreams.

"Oh Colin," she hummed sweetly rubbing his cheek with her thumb. "I am so glad you are okay," she said.

"Oh, Pen-" Colin began but she cut him off.

Her face scrunched in a fit of anger. "Because I want all your injuries to be inflicted by me…"

Benedict turned his head in surprise at her words and saw the color that had drained from his brother's face.

"Pen?" Colin choked out.

And to the shock of everyone Penelope Featherington slapped Colin Bridgerton. And not lightly. Her hand was imprinted on his face in an angry red mark. Colin grasped his cheek as Penelope stood. Everyone stared at her in shock.

"How dare you!?" she scolded. "You pushed me out of a bloody window! What the hell came over you?! Now Colin I am even more glad that I am not marrying you! Who does that? I would never marry you ever! Even if I wasn't marrying Benedict! You are the most jealous and crazy man on this planet. Is that why you travel so much? To make sure there isn't a person out there crazying you?"

Colin opened his mouth but snapped it shut when he saw the look in her eye.

"Well, now I'll tell you this Colin! You can keep traveling the world and keep meeting new men and make your new goal to meet everyone I would marry before I would ever dream of marrying you!" She yelled.

Gasps were had through the small crowd of family and friends but that did not seem to slow her tirade.

"Pen please-" Colin reached out for her.

And more gasps were had as Colin yelped in pain as her foot made contact with his hand kicking it harshly away.

Penelope straightened and patted down her hair. She cleared her throat. "Now," she began. "I am going to go into my wedding ceremony and marry my fiance. Who is Benedict and not you. And then I will get in that carriage and it will take me and my wonderful husband who is again Benedict and not you away. And we will drive off into the sunset and be happy. You will let us be happy…"

Colin just blinked at her wide-eyed.

"Do you understand?" she narrowed her eyes on him.

He only gave the slightest of nods before she bent down in front of him reached into his coat pocket and grabbed out the marriage certificate he had hidden away.

"Thank you… Brother," she huffed and then turned to Benedict.

Benedict stood, much like everyone else in shock. His wonderful and beautiful soon-to-be wife was amazing. He had just seen her stand her ground in the most breathtaking way. So naturally when she came up to him and kissed him on the cheek and took his hand he followed her happy as can be. And naturally, most of the party followed them.

Benedict was riding a high. He couldn't believe it. A few weeks ago he was ready to wallow in a pit of despair and was ready to let Colin have her. What a stupid mistake that would have been. Because now he was with her standing before an alter. She was smiling at him with warmth and love and everything he could have ever wished for. Oh, this was love. This was what he was born for.

"If there is anyone who had any reason these two should not be married speak now… Or forever hold your piece," the man marrying them was saying. At that moment the door to the room opened and Colin stumbled in with Gregory and Lady Danbury at his side.

Benedict narrowed his eyes on his brother. But then to everyone's relief, Colin just slid into a back row with his two make-shift nurses and looked up at him. He offered Benedict a small smile. Benedict offered one back and turned to Penelope who also had a glare on Colin. But apparently, he had offered her the same smile and her face softened and when she turned to him he felt like everything had locked into place.

The ceremony had been completed and he couldn't have been happier. She couldn't have been happier. And the light reception afterward turned into a bigger celebration than planned. The pair didn't end up leaving immediately. And dancing pursued.

While Benedict was on the floor with Lady Featherington looking uncomfortable, Penelope watched with glee. She was now his mother too. And of course that meant Violet Bridgerton was now hers. Oh, how she had wished for this.

"Pen," a voice called from behind her.

"Colin," she acknowledged him but did not take her eyes off the dance floor.

"I am sorry," he murmured softly watching the dancers as well.

She looked at him and smiled. "Thank you. I know this is hard but can you please just be happy for us?"

Colin was chewing on his lower lip looking like he was a bit in pain. "I have no choice now I suppose… I just…" he let out a breath and chuckled. "One day Pen. That's all I needed…"

"I think everything happens for a reason Colin," she sighed. "Perhaps in another universe, you and I would have had a deep and romantic love story. But in this one, we are truly meant to be just friends. Because in this one I belong to Benedict one hundred percent. And he belongs to me. And I can't be happier." She turned back to the dance floor to see that the dance had ended and Benedict was stalking her. Her heart leaps excitedly.

"My love," Benedict smiles down at her. "I think we are ready to depart…" he glanced at Colin who gave him a nod and then left. Then his eyes meet with hers again. "I have had a very highly paid footman put an ungodly amount of paint in our bedroom at My Cottage. I do not plan to leave it until we've made art."