Chapter Thirteen: Wedding
Fans were flapping frantically in the Featherington carriage as they trundled along to St George's chapel for the ceremony on the morning of Kate and Anthony's wedding, with the weather being still and warm outside.
Penelope squirmed uncomfortably, adjusting the dress that Mama had ordered the week before from Madame Delacroix. The pink and purple embroidered florals wouldn't be so bad if they weren't accompanied with matching bows, and if they hadn't been placed over the pale orange underlay. Lord, but if she could just once wear some flattering hues…
But really, she scolded herself, such thoughts were trivial compared to the turmoil in her head since yesterday. Whistledown's well-informed hints about Jack hadn't deterred Cressida. It seemed unlikely now that anything would. It was difficult to resist the urge to just give up and let the wedding take place, especially with how cruel Cressida had been to her.
But that was just it – if Jack and Cressida married, she would be in a loveless marriage, certainly, but she would also be married to the head of the family and would move in to Featherington House. Cressida would hardly be a steadying, gentle influence on Jack, who seemed to hold nothing but contempt for his relations. The pair of them in charge of all their lives…Penelope shuddered at the thought.
Colin had praised and admired her for wanting to do the right thing by Cressida even in the face of Cressida's cruelty. But in truth, some of that praise was misplaced, as there was still a self-interested motive in this quest for Penelope.
And now, Cressida seemed to think Whistledown was Eloise, which made Penelope feel sick to her stomach. The only blessing here was that Cressida, while sharp and witty with barbs, was not…the most…gifted. Putting it nicely. There was some hope in this mess that it would take her a while to find her 'proof' against Eloise. And there was also some comfort in Penelope's suspicion that Cressida knew that she couldn't act or point the finger in public without some solid evidence.
At least, that was what Penelope had been telling herself since yesterday, to try and assuage the panicked voice in her head that was seriously questioning now whether she and Colin should just tell Eloise what was going on. Lady Whistledown. Jack and Cressida. Cressida's theory. Everything.
Colin had come to accept Penelope's secret identity, it seemed, but Penelope dreaded to think how Eloise would react to the news.
It had all gotten so complicated. And amongst everything else, no matter how she tried to set them aside, her feelings for Colin lingered on, looming large every time she was near him. She burned with embarrassment to remember yesterday, when Cressida had insinuated that they'd been there for some kind of…rendezvous, and Colin had said absolutely nothing. At the time she couldn't even look at him from the sheer mortification, but the silence from him had still stung.
What did she expect? That he would've retorted and told Cressida it wasn't a laughing matter? That despite her sneers, it was perfectly possible that a gentleman like him might be courting a lady like her?
You need to put these childish fantasies behind you, she chastised herself. By now, if he felt the same way… if he wanted to court you… he would have done.
But that tiny spark within her that held out hope for him…she didn't know how to let it die. Especially now they were working so closely together, so involved in each other's lives…
Her time to ruminate on the events of yesterday was cut short however, when they arrived at the church. They were ushered in by a church caretaker to one of the private, intimate side chapels where the wedding was to take place.
The renting of the chapel space, Penelope imagined, was most likely to avoid the presence of any general public churchgoers in the main nave of the church. The small chapel had scarce half a dozen pews, but it had been beautifully decorated, with red and pale blue floral arrangements hung on the back of the pews, garlands strung along the wooden beams of the ceiling and adorning the various candelabras scattered around the room. The effect, partnered with light streaming through a large stained-glass window behind the altar, was stunning. A string trio was set up in the corner of the room, testing their instruments.
They found the Bridgertons and the Mondrichs already inside, milling around, chatting as they waited. As the Featherington party moved down the centre aisle, Penelope spotted Anthony standing at the altar, looking tense, speaking in an undertone to Benedict, who was serving by his side as best man. Their dark formal jackets and breeches were paired with waistcoats in the same pale blue as the florals, a shade that Penelope privately referred to as 'Bridgerton' blue – collectively, the family did often wear, and decorate, using the shade.
A figure stood up near the front pew on the right-hand side, and Penelope recognised Colin, straightening from where he had been bending down to hear something Gregory had said. He was wearing the same colours as Benedict and Anthony, but it was hard to think anyone could look as fetching as he did in the outfit, and just for a moment, Penelope imagined walking down the aisle towards Colin one day, waiting for her at the altar… the thought warmed her cheeks.
Violet Bridgerton was bustling towards them up the aisle, and she smiled and exchanged greetings with the Featheringtons. She saved a special smile when she got to Penelope, as her daughter's best friend.
"Congratulations, my lady," Penelope smiled warmly back to her. She gestured around to their surrounds as Jack, Mama and her sisters moved to file into their assigned pews. "The set-up is absolutely stunning."
"Thank you, Penelope," Violet smiled a little tiredly. "It has been all to do to get it ready, but the day is here at last." She absent-mindedly trailed her fingers over a nearby floral aisle decoration, and the vivid red petals of a rose. "Red is reportedly a colour of good fortune, in India," she commented to Penelope. "Used often in weddings. I thought it prudent to pair with the colour of our house, a nice gesture, you know, the uniting of our families. I so want all to be well for Anthony."
"A charming detail," Penelope assured her, smiling even as she felt a pang of regret that this thoughtful and loving woman was so unlike the mother she had been born with. "I am sure the Sharmas will note and appreciate the gesture."
"Pen!" Eloise elbowed past her mother in her haste to greet Penelope. "Saved you a seat next to me," she informed Penelope. "We can't fit you with all your lot on their pews, but you won't mind, right?"
"Not at all," Penelope hastened to assure her, seeing Violet frown behind her daughter. "I would prefer it," she added, addressing Violet. "I must thank you kindly for the invitation in the first place."
Violet's face softened, although she looked wryly at Eloise. "Well, with not one but two of my children clamouring for your inclusion, I was hardly in a position to say no, I'm afraid," Violet murmured, chuckling as Eloise rolled her eyes. "We are not only long-time neighbours to your family, but I know Eloise treasures your friendship. And Colin…" she paused, seeming to search for the words, and apparently found herself at a loss. Penelope watched bemusedly – it seemed even Colin's mother had trouble defining the friendship between them. "Well. You are cared for by us all," she finished firmly and brightly.
Eloise took Penelope's arm in hers. "Putting it lightly," she huffed, and promptly dragged Penelope away down the aisle, to the middle pew where Hyacinth sat in animated conversation with Colin and Gregory, now both seated in the front row.
"I want to sit in the front," Hyacinth was insisting as Eloise took the middle seat next to her, and Pen slid into the aisle seat beside Eloise. "It's hardly fair that you get to be at the front Gregory, and I don't."
"Fair's fair," Gregory snickered, sticking out his tongue to his younger sister. "Colin and I got here first, didn't we, brother?"
Colin grimaced playfully to Eloise and Penelope. "I fear the next war shan't be started by Napoleon," he confided in an exaggerated whisper. "It shall be a civil war between these two." Sobering a little, he smiled and nodded formally to Penelope. "Pen."
"Colin," Penelope returned softly, smiling in response. There was no one more infectious than Colin when he was in a good mood.
"You will get the best view of the ceremony," Hyacinth was still wheedling. "And you don't even care about romance, why do you need to-"
"How about," Colin interjected loudly, "You come sit in my spot, Hyacinth, and after I've gone and spoken to Mother, I'll come back and sit in the pew with Eloise and Penelope? That way you both can be in the front row, and us older folk can still see over the top of you."
Hyacinth tapped a finger on her chin, looking thoughtful. "A good view…true…but…sitting next to Gregory…hmmm." She looked askance at Eloise and Penelope. "What do you think?"
"A fair exchange, I am sure," Penelope smiled at the youngest Bridgertons. "I have no doubt Lord Bridgerton will be heartened to see you both up front and so supportive of him on this day."
Hyacinth nodded decisively. "True. He needs all the support he can get." She stuck her hand out, looking seriously at Colin. "Deal?"
Stifling a smile, Colin returned the handshake. "Deal." He moved off to speak to Violet, allowing Hyacinth to launch herself upright and into the front row. Eloise scooted over to the far-right side of their pew, meaning Penelope was obliged to move into the middle seat, which meant when Colin came back… she would be wedged between them both.
The prospect of sitting so close to Colin for a prolonged period was both exhilarating and, frankly, terrifying.
Eloise was staring into a middle distance, quite unlike her usual chatty self. Penelope nudged her friend. "Is everything okay? Normally you'd, well, have a lot of opinions to share on marriage, and weddings..."
"Hm?" Eloise murmured absently, snapping her head around to Penelope, eyes unfocused. "Me? Oh, I'm fine. Fine." She fidgeted agitatedly with the skirt of her powder-blue gown for a moment. "Just…thinking."
The silence stretched for a few moments before Penelope coughed lightly. "About?" she prompted.
"Do you think it's ever right," Eloise said slowly, "to conceal your identity from someone?"
Penelope's stomach dropped through the floor as her heart began to race. Oh no. Had Eloise figured them out? Had she seen her and Colin meeting up somehow?
"I-I can't imagine what you mean?" Penelope tried, doing her best not to panic.
"Like say…" Eloise's gaze was still distant, not focused on Penelope at all. "Say that there was an acquaintance you wished to know better, but you wanted to do so anonymously first. Do you think that's acceptable, or would it not rightly be highly vexing for that acquaintance? Wouldn't it be frustrating for them, to not know your identity? Wouldn't you be irked?"
Huh? Penelope blinked, confused. It didn't sound like this was Whistledown related. "Have you…er, is this a situation you're currently in, El?"
A soaring, long note from the violinist pierced the air, halting all conversation, signalling the ceremony was shortly to commence.
"Never mind," Eloise muttered quickly. "Forget it. It was just a hypothetical question, it matters not."
Further questioning was rather cut short by Colin sliding into place beside Penelope in the pew, as Violet hurried to take her seat next to her youngest children at the front row. If the Bridgerton matriarch wondered about the changed seating arrangements, she didn't comment, although Penelope thought she caught Violet's eyebrows raising briefly when she noticed Colin sitting next to Penelope.
Colin settled in beside her, and Penelope did her best not to hyperventilate. True, they had stood close together several times in the last few weeks, held hands, hugged, but there was something about sitting like this, close enough to touch with shoulders, arms…hips… and partnered with that spicy, cinnamon-y scent of him suddenly so near, she felt her heart beating wildly. She endeavoured to press her knees together and clasp her hands firmly in her lap, containing herself as much as possible to prevent any accidental brushes of their bodies against each other.
Colin's right hand was resting on his right knee, and although she had held that hand recently, closer up it was…it was…unnerving, to look at. His hand at first glance was a lot to take in, seeming impossibly large, and strong, with a fascinating smatter of hair on the knuckles, but on closer inspection there was something beautiful in his fingers, long and graceful, that made one wonder what those fingers were capable of, if they would be gentle if they were to caress skin…
As the string trio began to play in earnest, a sweet, soaring sound that filled the small chapel, they all stood up, and it took some effort for Penelope to not look at Colin as all turned to witness the entrance of Edwina, as Kate's bridesmaid. Edwina was dressed in a deep gold shade that flattered her dark hair and complexion. As she approached the altar, Pen was now distracted from her preoccupation with Colin, bearing witness to the tentative smile exchanged between Anthony and his would-be bride, now soon to be sister-in-law. Edwina took her place to the side of the altar and turned to face the chapel entrance, smiling with dignity, her head high. It appeared a genuine enough exchange, and Penelope marvelled at the decorum being displayed.
As the music reached a crescendo, Kate now appeared on the arm of her mother Mary. Mary was also dressed in gold, a slightly darker hue than Edwina, but Kate was stunning in her red gown, with layers of silk and satin, and she glittered with gold jewellery. Red roses on the hair pin holding her dark hair up was the crowning touch, and the pleased gasp from Violet in the front row told Penelope that Violet's decorative instincts had been correct.
As mother and daughter made their way down the aisle, everyone turned back towards the front, and Penelope watched Anthony's face as he beheld his bride. The tension and agitation were all gone, replaced by an intense, fierce adoration, his eyes soft as he looked at Kate walking towards him, and emotion swelled in Penelope's chest to witness it. This was a man who truly loved his bride, it was clear.
Unbidden, the thought strayed into her head of what her own wedding might look like some day. Penelope being escorted down the aisle by Mama, walking towards…well, it had always been Colin waiting for her at the altar in those fantasies. Perhaps it was high time she was more realistic and started envisaging a different person waiting for her at the altar.
If she ever got married, that is. Eloise's jokes in the past about the pair of them as spinsters seemed more and more likely. It was an existence she knew she could and would be very happy indeed with, but the hypothetical what ifs were haunting her.
As Kate kissed her mother and took her place opposite Anthony at the altar, a beaming smile on her face, all of the guests in the audience resumed their seats. Penelope delicately moved as far as she dared to the right, to put as much distance as possible between herself and Colin's bodies.
As the priest began the ceremony, Pen realised that she should truly be paying more attention to what would be the wedding of the season for her Whistledown reports, but the short-circuiting her brain did with close physical proximity to Colin was proving problematic. Thankfully, her assistant, her confidant, her colleague, the very man that was the source of her distraction, was watching proceedings in rapt attention, completely and serenely unaffected at sitting so close to her.
How very fortunate, she thought wryly. What she would give for some of that indifference.
She managed to rouse herself enough from her close monitoring of the location and proximity of hers and Colin's shoulders to cheer, clap and celebrate with the others after Kate and Anthony recited their vows, their eyes never leaving each other's faces, and the priest declared the pair to be, at last, married.
The wedding breakfast after the ceremony had been arranged to take place at Bridgerton House, now to become the chief residence of the Viscount and the new Viscountess.
Given the smaller size of the wedding party and attendant guests, the much smaller entrance hall of the home had been chosen to host the wedding breakfast. It was outfitted with more decorations like those that had been present in the chapel – the red and pale blue florals, mixed with greenery in the garlands and arrangements around the space. The colours paired oddly well together, and Penelope admired again Violet's decorative instincts – the colours seemed to speak for their real-life counterparts. It should clash, it shouldn't work, but somehow, it was harmonious.
Kate and Anthony were receiving the congratulations of their families when the Featherington party arrived to the entrance hall. Several tables had been placed to one side, groaning under the weight of a gorgeous array of breads, pastries, meats, cheeses, jams and fruit with refreshments of lemonade and champagne. Central to the display was the small, white-iced wedding cake. The musicians from the chapel had set up again in a corner, providing decorative background music.
As they approached the bride and groom, Penelope distinctly saw Colin sidle off from the group, straight towards the food, and smiled fondly to herself. Much in life changed, but Colin's legendary appetite didn't.
After greetings and congratulations had been exchanged by the older members of her family with the couple, Penelope found herself in front of Kate and Anthony, who were both beaming – it was hard not to feel the ecstatic energy radiating from them.
"Congratulations, Viscount, Viscountess," Penelope curtsied respectfully to them. "I am sure you shall have a wonderful future together."
Kate and Anthony exchanged a long look and smile, before nodding gracefully to her. "I thank you, Miss Featherington," Kate said, as Anthony added, "We are so pleased to have you and your family here today. You have been good neighbours for many years, and I know what you mean to Eloise."
"Indeed," Penelope smiled, looking around for her friend. Eloise was hovering beside one of the food tables, nibbling a slice of ham, and appeared to be staring into middle distance again, lost in thought.
Penelope turned back towards the newlyweds. "What plans do you have for your honeymoon?" she asked them politely.
Kate and Anthony exchanged looks again, and there was something playful and challenging in Kate's gaze. "I told the Viscount that we should depart to our trip to India immediately following the wedding, but he is ever insistent that we finish the season first," she sighed.
Anthony stared down his bride, challenge and a spark of something Penelope couldn't quite understand in his eye. "And I told you that it's not very long to wait, the season is nearly over, and I won't be lectured so by my wife on our first day of marriage," he growled, but there was a hint of a smirk on his face, and the way the two were staring at each other seemed to be growing quite heated.
Really, it was truly a wonder that no one had noticed sooner the chemistry between the two of them. Penelope, as a keen observer of society, felt she should chastise herself for missing what seemed so obvious now.
Seeing Kate and Anthony's gazes locked, evidently forgetting anyone else was near them, Penelope smiled and dipped a brief curtsey, moving away and leaving them to it, whatever it was.
The morning continued on – Penelope steered clear of Jack, who appeared to be mostly spending his time chatting to Benedict. She tried several times to draw Eloise into further conversation about whatever it was Eloise had been hinting about in the chapel, but to no avail – her best friend just shrugged non-committedly each time and changed the subject, and Penelope sensed that El considered the topic to be closed for discussion.
Each time Eloise was not actively engaged in conversation with someone, Pen kept noticing her staring off blankly at nothing, eyes distant. While Eloise could often be distracted, even erratic, it was unlike her to be completely disengaged with her family and friends – it was usually difficult to keep her out of conversations, much less have any need to prompt her to join in on one.
The supplied champagne soon enlivened the initial period of polite chatter, and laughter presently rang amongst the groups. It was hard to imagine what Edwina could have in common with Prudence and Philippa, Penelope thought while watching them, but they appeared to be conversing amiably enough. Portia and Violet had both had several glasses of champagne and were positioned to one side of the hall in deep conversation – most likely about their children, and their marriage prospects.
The entrance hall doors behind them all swung open suddenly, and as they all turned, the distinct tap of a cane on the polished floors could be heard. Emerging into the entrance hall was Lady Danbury, dressed in an elegant gown in the deep wine-red shade she so favoured. Violet reacted first, moving forward hastily to greet her friend with a cry of delight, and the buzz of conversation slowly resumed as everyone eyed the newcomer curiously.
"I told you she might come," Eloise appeared at Penelope's elbow. "No sign of Queen Charlotte, though."
"It's hard to imagine Her Majesty would deign to grace us with her presence at a small gathering like this," a voice interjected from behind Penelope, and she turned to see Colin walking up towards them. He had spent the majority of the breakfast in conversation with Will Mondrich and his wife, Alice. Penelope knew this because her habit of monitoring the room and the whereabouts of everyone, especially Colin, was not a habit she'd be able to lose anytime soon.
After so much time sitting next to him at the church, she had ensured so far that if he was on the left-hand side of the hall, she'd been on the right, and vice versa - the arrangement had worked quite well until she'd gotten distracted by Lady Danbury's arrival.
"Didn't the Queen have something to do with them getting betrothed in the first place?" Eloise questioned her brother. "No one will tell me."
Colin's eyes flicked to Penelope, just for a moment, and they both looked away quickly, but it was enough for Eloise to pick up on, and she looked between them, outraged. "What do you pair know that I don't?" she demanded.
Colin hesitated, rubbing a hand on the back of his neck. "It's….it hardly matters now, really, El…"
"What hardly matters?" There was the distinctive tap of her cane, and Lady Danbury appeared beside them, smiling cheerfully around at them all. Her razor-sharp focus narrowed in on Colin, waiting expectantly.
"It hardly matters…how…the bride and groom came to be betrothed…in the first place," Colin mumbled, looking uncomfortable.
"Doesn't it?" Lady Danbury looked thoughtful. "Were you there when it happened?"
"Well, er…no, but my brother…" Colin was practically squirming under Lady Danbury's scrutiny, and Penelope couldn't blame him – the woman was intimidating.
"He told you," Lady Danbury finished for him, nodding to herself. "Well, that's only natural. You Bridgertons have always been touchingly close with one another." She looked around at each of them in turn. "Well, I can tell you that I was there, and I made a promise to your mother," she looked sharply at Colin and Eloise, "that I would not disclose the details to anyone, and neither should you, Mr Bridgerton."
Colin nodded politely and hastily. "Certainly not, ma'am."
"Pen, do you know?" Eloise blurted out. All eyes now switched to Penelope, and the amused surprise of Lady Danbury was very hard to ignore. "I…" she said intelligently, then fell silent. Bravo, Lady Whistledown, she applauded herself sarcastically in her head. Brilliant articulation.
Lady Danbury was looking between her and Colin, eyebrows raised, and Penelope realised quickly she needed to defuse this and defuse this now. She didn't want to admit to eavesdropping on Edwina and Kate… "I overhead the Viscount telling his brothers at the Summer Heat ball," Penelope lied carefully, and she felt her face flush – honestly, curse this tendency to blush when she was lying. She looked to Eloise, who was staring at her in astonishment and not a little bit of hurt. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, El. It didn't seem like my place to say."
"Yes, don't be mad at Pen, El," Colin joined in, facing his sister. "I was the one who asked her not to tell you."
Penelope looked quickly at Colin – huh? – and she was conscious too of Lady Danbury still standing beside them, eyes flitting from face to face, leaning on her cane with an air of someone settling in to watch a very entertaining play. Penelope didn't understand what he was playing at; clearly, he was trying to salvage the situation for her, but more lies would only make it worse -
"I…what?" Eloise frowned, scrutinising Colin. "Hang on. How did you know that she knew?"
Colin faltered, his cheeks colouring slightly, evidently having not thought through how to explain this without admitting they had been meeting in secret. Penelope stepped in. "He caught me eavesdropping," she said quickly. "That night. I promised him I wouldn't tell anyone, El, otherwise I would have told you, of course, as soon as I was able."
Eloise scoffed, but she looked a little more relaxed than previously. "Yes. Well. I know it's true that you do stick to your word, Pen." Eloise now looked around at all of them, impatient. "So, is anyone going to tell me now what happened?"
The silence stretched out for a few moments. "Her Majesty and I caught them in flagrante delicto," Lady Danbury drawled, then chuckled at their shocked faces – Eloise at the news, Colin and Penelope at her admitting it. She nodded to Eloise. "I think you're hardly likely to expose your own brother, Miss Bridgerton. It would go against your own family's interests. Besides," she looked around for the newlyweds, and they all followed her line of sight to where Kate and Anthony were feeding each other strawberries near the food tables, completely in their own world. "All worked for the good. They are a fine pair, and a love match at that."
A whirlwind was brewing in Eloise, Penelope could tell. In Eloise and Penelope's line of sight, Benedict broke away from his conversation with Jack to head for some lemonade, and Penelope could've predicted what happened next – Eloise excused herself from the group, breaking away and marching over towards the refreshments, evidently to chastise Benedict for also neglecting to let her in on the family secret.
Penelope knew Eloise and the second Bridgerton brother shared a distinct bond, often sharing a cigarette and a gossip at night-time. Benedict, poor soul, could only widen his eyes fearfully as his younger sister marched towards him with a storm in her eyes.
Colin cleared his throat. "I suppose I had best warn Mother that Eloise knows," he murmured, looking around for Violet. "She should prepare for the inevitable follow up questions." He bowed his head politely to Lady Danbury, his eyes lingering on Penelope for a few long moments. "If you'll both excuse me."
He strode off, leaving Penelope alone with the elder woman. She was about to squeak out an excuse and make her own escape, but then Lady Danbury beckoned to her. "Child, I am weary, and could do with a sit down for a moment. Could you lend me your arm to guide me to that seat?" And she gestured towards a comfortable chaise bench positioned off to the side of the hall.
Penelope dutifully obliged, supporting Lady Danbury to the seat, and having no choice but to take the seat beside her when Lady Danbury gestured impatiently to it. "Do sit, my dear."
Penelope sat. Across the room, she watched Colin pull his mother aside, murmuring to Violet, then soothing her visible concern and distress, saying something that made Violet laugh and relax. Colin was always so good at that, that ability to lighten the mood and make even bad news palatable. It was an ability she envied in him, and the fond and affectionate relationship that he shared with his mother made him somehow even more attractive, if that were possible-
"Miss Featherington," Lady Danbury interrupted her train of thought with a polite murmur. "May I ask, how long have you been in love with Mr Bridgerton?"
Penelope near jumped out of her skin. The question had been asked so matter of factly, as though she were asking about the weather. "I…I beg your pardon, my lady?" she stuttered, looking around frantically to make sure no one was in earshot.
Lady Danbury merely smiled and nodded to herself. "I thought so." She sighed as Penelope stared at her with mouth agape. "Do close your mouth and get that expression off your face, dear," she instructed. "Most unbecoming."
Penelope did so, although she was still stunned. "How…" she cleared her throat, "how did you…"
"When you've been around as long as I have," Lady Danbury drawled, "you notice things, Miss Featherington. You start to see how people behave when everyone's watching, and how they behave when they think no one is watching. You start to notice patterns. Expressions on people's faces, the language they use, when they are angry or happy or frustrated, or…" she nodded in Penelope's direction, "…when they are in love."
"Oh." It was oddly deflating when your longest-held secret was so casually exposed. She thought she hid her true feelings so well, too.
Lady Danbury smiled, not unkindly, at her. "I see you, Penelope Featherington. The Wallflower, I think you've been called? Always on the edges, on the outside, watching society but not participating in it."
Penelope winced a little. "Well… yes, I suppose that's…accurate…"
"The quiet ones always know more than most people think. More than they let on." Lady Danbury winked at her. "But you can't always just be watching, my girl. Have the courage to be an active participant in your life, not a passive one."
Penelope watched, detached, as across the room Violet excused herself and moved away from Colin. Left to his own devices, she saw how his eyes flitted around the room, searching, searching, before finally landing on her. From his perspective, all he saw was her trapped in polite conversation with the intimidating Lady Danbury, and he grimaced a little and smiled sympathetically across the room at her, and she smiled weakly back. He turned away into conversation with Edwina and Mary, and Penelope stared at the coat tails of his formal jacket, turning over Lady Danbury's words in her mind.
"For what it's worth," the older woman piped up cheerfully beside her, "I really don't think you should give up hope on him yet."
Penelope turned to look incredulously at Lady Danbury, who was staring steadily back at her. "We…we are friends," Penelope said as firmly as she could. "I am content."
Lady Danbury threw back her head with a short bark of laughter. "I'd wager, not." She tapped her cane pointedly on the polished floor. "You may not choose to heed the words of an old woman. Ah, well. 'Tis many seasons I have seen come and gone, many courtships, betrothals completed or broken off, interest reciprocated or spurned. And if you remember one thing from me, let it be this. I've seen men falling in love, and I am telling you - don't lose hope." She leaned forward, and Penelope could see the darkness of her irises and the rogue on her cheeks. "Never lose hope."
Quite unable to think what to say, Penelope nodded meekly in return, although she still harboured doubts. It was so dangerous, to hope. "Yes, Lady Danbury."
The older woman nodded, satisfied. "Good. Now, shall we take some refreshments? I have just spied the champagne, and I find myself quite parched." With Penelope's assistance, Lady Danbury got to her feet, and Penelope escorted her across to the drinks, cheeks burning, in deep thought.
Colin set down his glass of champagne, a little firmer than he'd intended, wincing at the clinking sound it made. The breakfast selections had been fine indeed – he must remember to extend his compliments to the Bridgerton family cook – and he'd eaten and drunk in ample quantities for the day.
It really was amazing, he mused as he watched his mother conversing quietly with Lady Danbury to one side. Violet's ability to co-ordinate events last minute should be studied. But then, this event had revolved around the marriage of her beloved first-born child, so it made sense that Mother had pulled out all stops – as extravagant as was possible while keeping the event secret and intimate, anyway.
The result had been a quite agreeable morning. Colin felt quite pleased with himself that he'd managed to defuse a fight between Gregory and Hyacinth and wrangle the seating so that he'd spent the ceremony sitting with Penelope and Eloise – Pen's presence and warmth beside him in the chapel had felt most comforting. Watching Anthony's depth of emotion and joy in his bride, finally, after a week of tension, had been gratifying and touching to witness too.
And this breakfast had been a quite rousing success – while the attendee group was small, the good food and refreshments, paired with the champagne, had eventually eased any awkwardness of conversation amongst them. He and Penelope had thankfully survived what could have been a damnably awkward interaction with Eloise and Lady Danbury – he reflected ruefully that he had Penelope's quick thinking to thank for that. He looked around now for Pen, eventually spotting her across the room conversing with Eloise and Hyacinth, although Hyacinth appeared to be doing most of the talking.
The champagnes he'd drunk had made him feel warm and happy, indeed he felt quite content with the world right at this moment, and- he frowned suddenly, realising he did quite need a visit to the chamber pot after all those beverages. He slipped out of the entrance hall, along the short adjoining corridor and into the Bridgerton's attached cloak room, which was usually where the gentlemen went to 'relieve' themselves. The little room was not very big and very dimly lit, with the chamber pot sectioned off from the rest of the space with a floor-to-ceiling, solid privacy screen.
Colin did his business quickly, and after checking his reflection in the looking glass in the room (he had to step quite close in the dim light, but he deemed his hair still sufficiently tastefully styled), he turned around, ready to make his way back to where the wedding breakfast would likely be winding up soon.
His hand was on the doorknob when he heard what sounded like two sets of footsteps, moving quickly along the corridor, and he heard a familiar voice – Jack Featherington – hissing angrily as they approached.
"-not there, you fool, if it's so blasted important, come through where we shan't be overheard, here, this will do-"
Colin whirled around and rushed back behind the privacy screen, flattening himself against the wall as best he could near the chamber pot – blessedly, it was the darkest part of the room - just in time for the cloak room door to swing open. Jack Featherington and another man came inside, shutting the door firmly behind them.
There was the barest crack in between the panels of the privacy screen, and Colin didn't dare move, but through the crack he could see the tall, thin figure of Jack Featherington, with a shorter man standing beside him.
"There. Now." Jack sounded furious and menacing. "What could possibly bring you back to England, to come to a private event and summon me away, Davies, you idiot, I'll be lucky if no one saw me leave, or if no one notices my absence-"
"Your footman, Cole, told me you were here, but trust me, you're going to want to hear this, my friend. It's a miracle," the other man (presumably Davies) interrupted, whispering reverently. "Nothing short of a miracle."
That certainly shut Jack up. Colin felt like his ears were straining, he was trying so hard to listen to every word.
"It's what you'd hoped for, Jack," Davies continued. "It's the Hail Mary we've been waiting for."
Jack was very still and silent. His voice, when he spoke next, was croaky. "If you are…inventing this, Davies, I swear…"
"We all thought the mines were dead," Davies whispered excitedly. "We certainly exchanged enough letters about it recently. But I've seen it with my own eyes, my lord. You've struck lucky. During the works to get the mine ready to shut down, they stumbled upon it. Gems. Gold. Untapped resources. It's not a dead mine after all. It's everything you'd hoped for from your investment, and then some."
Silence fell again, and Colin could hear the ragged, rapid breathing from Jack. "I…I'm rich?" Jack whispered.
"Yes, my lord," Davies enthused, and there were a series of muffled thumps – Davies appeared to be clapping Jack on the back. "You will be a rich man indeed."
"And a free man," Jack breathed. "I won't have to marry the chit after all. I don't even have to stay in England, if what you're saying is true. I can go back to the Americas, with free reign, and leave that bitch and her spawn to-" he stopped himself abruptly, which was good, because Colin had stiffened, and an uncharacteristic pounding in his ears had started up at hearing Penelope and her family referred to in such a way, and to hear what this vile, awful excuse for a gentleman was now planning – seemingly nothing less than a total abandonment of his female relatives.
Colin's hands were at his sides, and he concentrated on pressing them into the wall as hard as he could, to try and restrain his urge to smash through the divider and fall upon Jack with all his fury. He could not afford to give away his presence. He must think of Penelope, for what would best help her in this situation. He must stay calm.
"I need to plan," Jack muttered, sounding more like he was talking to himself now. "No one can know. I must time it perfectly." From the faint sounds Colin could hear, it seemed like he was pacing back and forth in the small space.
"You have the proof from my people on the ground?" he questioned Davies, who must've nodded in the affirmative, as he continued, "Good. I must write to them, as soon as I can, once I have figured out my timing." There was then a faint grunt, and a few sounds of back slaps – the careful and controlled Jack Featherington had impulsively hugged his business associate. "This is the cure of all," Jack enthused.
Jack and Davies now seemed to finish up their conversation, and Colin heard them turn the door handle and exit. As soon as the door closed behind them, Colin moved to the door himself, standing and listening – one set of footsteps was veering to the left, away from the main entrance, clearly Davies letting himself out discreetly. The other set of footsteps turned to the right; Jack going back towards the wedding breakfast.
Colin braced his hands against the wooden surface of the door, staring at nothing in the dim light, his teeth gritted. He had to wait before returning himself to the party, or else Jack would be suspicious, so in the interval, Colin's mind ranged over a number of plans. For several minutes, each one mostly concentrated around the satisfying thud that his fist would make when it drove into Jack's face.
Enough. He shook his head slightly to try and clear it. They needed to use the man's weaknesses against him. As meticulous and decorous as he was, his blind spot was his arrogance, his greed, his own surety in his genius, his own confidence in everything turning out the way he wanted it, and his disdain for others, especially the Featherington women…
The glimmers of a plan began to form in his mind, glimmers that grew sharper and more detailed as he thought it through. Yes, perhaps… and then Jack would… and then they would…
Realising ample time had now passed to be able to return to the wedding breakfast, Colin straightened up, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. He needed to speak to Will. He needed to speak – and he smiled a little to himself – to Lady Whistledown.
But first things first, he needed to go issue a friendly invitation to Jack Featherington. There was much to celebrate, after all.
Author's Note:
My god, longest chapter yet! Consider the longer chapter a special treat from me to you! There was just no good 'break' spot in this one that made sense, and it just kept going and going, my goodness.
The time this chapter took to write has eaten into my 'spare' chapters, so from here on out I'm writing each chapter, (hopefully), each week. I will do my very best to keep the updates regular, because I so love reading everyone's feedback and reactions to the story!