The season's end ball held by Queen Charlotte was nothing short of spectacular, a glittering event where the creme de la creme of the ton gathered for one final evening of gaiety before retreating to their country estates for the off season. The Bridgertons, led by Viscount Anthony Bridgerton and his new Viscountess, Penelope Bridgerton, arrived in elegant fashion, their arrival garnering approving murmurs and nods from the assembled crowd.
Anthony wasted no time in bringing Penelope to greet the Queen. Dressed in a gown of emerald green, a subtle nod to her recent title of the Queen's 'Season's Emerald', Penelope carried herself with the poise of her new title. Queen Charlotte, reclining in her opulent chair, greeted them both with a glimmer of approval.
"Lord Bridgerton, Lady Bridgerton." The Queen said, a small smile gracing her regal features. "I am pleased to see you so settled, and that your union is one of affection."
Anthony inclined his head respectfully, while Penelope curtsied, her heart fluttering with equal parts reverence and relief.
As the evening wore on, Penelope danced a graceful waltz with her husband, who held her close, his dark eyes warm with pride and affection. The music drifted through the air like a soft breeze, and as they twirled under the chandeliers, Penelope felt an almost overwhelming sense of contentment.
Not long after their dance, a footman approached with a message. Queen Charlotte wished to speak privately with Penelope, and the Viscountess felt her pulse quicken. She glanced at Anthony, who offered her a reassuring nod, and then made her way to the Queen's private balcony, where her Majesty was seated beside the ever-watchful Lady Danbury.
"Come, Viscountess Bridgerton." The Queen beckoned, patting the seat beside her with an inviting smile. Penelope curtsied and took her place, feeling a blend of curiosity and trepidation.
As they observed the grand ballroom from above, Penelope took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "Your Majesty, I… I have a confession to make. I am Lady Whistledown."
A moment of profound silence followed before Queen Charlotte's eyebrows rose in surprise. Lady Danbury merely smiled, her expression knowing.
"Well, well." The Queen mused, tapping her fan against her palm. "I must say, this explains a great deal. You have led us quite a merry dance, Lady Bridgerton."
Penelope's hands twisted in her lap. "I apologize for any offense I may have caused, your Majesty. Though I stand by my intentions to bring truth to light, however uncomfortable it might be.."
"No need for apologies." Charlotte waved her hand dismissively. "Your wit has provided me with countless hours of entertainment. Though I must admit, I never suspected my season's emerald of such.. Literary talents."
"Your Majesty.." Penelope continued, her voice calm and steady, though her heart beat furiously. "Whistledown is a title I took up in anonymity, one I realize must have caused frustration at times, especially as it pertained to you. I hope you will accept my sincere apologies for any affront I may have given."
Queen Charlotte raised her eyebrows, though her lips held the faintest hint of amusement. "Oh, there were indeed moments I considered calling for Lady Whistledown's head!" She exclaimed, though her tone held more delight than ire. "But tell me, my dear, what compelled you to take up such a pen and write as you did?"
Penelope's eyes softened as she thought back to the years she'd spent as an overlooked wallflower. "Your Majesty, for so long, I found myself on the edges of society – an observer, invisible and often ignored. Writing gave me a voice, one that allowed me to speak not only for myself but for those like me, those overlooked by our ton. Lady Whistledown was, if I may say, my way of being seen."
The Queen considered this thoughtfully, her gaze turning speculative. "Lady Danbury, I believe we may have found a most unexpected ally in the cause for wit and truth in this young lady."
Lady Danbury nodded with a knowing smile. "Indeed, your Majesty. I have long suspected Penelope possessed a mind sharper than most of the men who populate these ballrooms."
A warm flush crept over Penelope's cheeks at the unexpected praise, though she found herself smiling as well.
"Your Majesty is most generous." Penelope murmured. "Rest assured, I will now retire Lady Whistledown's pen."
"Retire?" The Queen's voice sharpened. "Whatever for?"
"I.. I am with child, your Majesty." Penelope confessed softly. She glanced down, both humbled and honored to share her news with the Queen. "I will soon have responsibilities as a mother and as Viscountess. I cannot continue as I once did."
"Nonsense!" Lady Danbury interjected, her eyes twinkling. "A woman of your intelligence should not be silenced by circumstance."
Queen Charlotte nodded decisively. Her eyes softened, her expression betraying a touch of maternal affection that surprised Penelope. "A child, you say? Well, I daresay the next Viscount Bridgerton shall be as clever as his mother." She paused, then narrowed her eyes playfully. "And yet, my dear, what a waste it would be to see your talents disappear into mere respectability."
Penelope looked at her in surprise, unable to fathom what the Queen might mean.
Queen Charlotte leaned forward, her gaze now alight with a touch of mischief. "You shall continue as Lady Whistledown, if only sparingly. And should you find yourself unable to attend every event well" — she gestured towards Lady Danbury – "you may have all the assistance you require."
Lady Danbury's eyes twinkled. "It would be my pleasure to serve as your eyes and ears, Lady Bridgerton. After all, I have always preferred the role of accomplice to that of spectator."
"But your Majesty's decree regarding my discovery…" Penelope began.
"Is hereby rescinded." Charlotte finished firmly. "London society needs Lady Whistledown's sharp observations. Though perhaps.." She added with a slight smile. "You might be a touch more generous in your commentary about my taste in snuff."
Penelope' eyes filled with grateful tears. "Your Majesty is too kind. I… I don't know what to say."
"Say nothing." The Queen replied. "Simply continue to write. Though do tell me, dear girl – will you share your secret with that handsome husband of yours?"
A blush colored Penelope's cheeks. "Anthony already knows, your Majesty. He discovered my identity before our engagement."
"And still married you?" Lady Danbury chuckled. "That speaks well of his intelligence, at least."
Queen Charlotte smiled fondly at the young Viscountess. "Love, with and now a child on the way. You have done very well indeed, Lady Bridgerton. Very well indeed."
As the evening continued below them, the three women shared knowing smiles, united in their appreciation for sharp minds and sharper pens. For Penelope, it was a moment of perfect contentment – accepted for who she truly was, blessed with a loving husband, and carrying the next generation of Bridgertons beneath her heart.
Aubrey Hall
The morning sun bathed the terrace at Aubrey Hall in a soft, warm glow as the Bridgerton family gathered to break their fast. With plates of fresh bread, poached eggs and seasonal fruit before them, conversation flowed freely, punctuated by easy laughter and the occasional gentle tease. It was the start of the off-season and spirits were high.
The suggestion to play Pall Mall came from Eloise, who spoke with such enthusiasm that she rallied even Hyacinth and Gregory, the youngest Bridgertons, to the cause.
"We cannot leave you out this time, Pen!" Eloise grinned, her eyes alight with excitement. "It is high time you wielded a mallet and braved the battlefield with the rest of us. A Bridgerton tradition is not to be shirked."
Benedict chuckled, leaning back in his chair with an easy grin. "Indeed, my dear sister-in-law, you shan't escape so easily. Even Simon joined us when he married Daphne." He added with a pointed look at Penelope.
Anthony, ever ready to tease his wife, raised his brows and flashed a roguish smile. "Precisely, my dear wife. I daresay there is no respectable excuse you could possibly –"
Penelope, her cheeks slightly flushed but her expression defiant, raised a hand, silencing her husband mid-sentence. With a wry smile, she replied. "Yes, Simon did play. But Simon was not expecting."
The table fell silent, and every Bridgerton head turned to her in sudden, stunned attention. Anthony, frozen mid-smirk, blinked at his wife as if she had spoken in tongues. Then, as Penelope's gaze met Violet's, the elder woman leaned forward, her expression one of pure, hopeful surprise.
"Penelope, my dear.." Violet asked softly, her voice filled with a careful joy. "Are you now certain?"
With a gentle smile, Penelope nodded, her eyes shining as she looked at Anthony, whose astonishment had melted into pure, unfiltered happiness. She reached for his hand, and as she did so, she made her announcement to the entire family.
"Yes." She said, her voice soft but resolute. "Anthony and I will be expecting our first child."
The family erupted in jubilant congratulations, even Hyacinth and Gregory were unable to contain their excitement. Violet's eyes misted with joyful tears as she rose to embrace her daughter-in-law, murmuring words of affection and pride. Francesca and Eloise were quick to join in, followed by Benedict, all of them competing to offer their heartfelt congratulations.
Anthony stood slightly back, observing his wife with a mixture of pride and awe. When the flurry of hugs and exclamations subsided, he stepped forward, pulling Penelope close. Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered into her ear, his voice thick with emotion.
"My dearest Penelope.." He murmured, his lips brushing her temple. "Thank you… for being you, for being my wife, and for this most precious gift." He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, a smile breaking across his face. "I am happier than I ever thought possible, knowing that we are to be a family."
Penelope's heart melted at his words, and as he kissed her softly, she felt a surge of love that made her almost lightheaded. When the two finally pulled apart, Anthony turned to the family.
"I believe, then, I shall have to withdraw from Pall Mall as well." He declared, his tone decisive. "My time is best spent with Penelope on this fine morning."
A few good-natured groans and laughs followed, though all knew that Anthony's resolve would not be swayed.
Arm in arm, Anthony and Penelope strolled into the lush, private gardens of Aubrey Hall, where the blooms of late summer painted the scene with vivid colors. They wandered along the winding paths, their pace unhurried, savoring each other's presence.
Penelope gazed at the landscape, her heart swelling with emotion as she imagined a child –their child– running through the gardens, playing among the very flowers they now admired.
"Anthony.." She began softly. "Do you think.. We shall be good parents?"
Anthony stopped and turned to her, taking her hands in his. "Penelope, my love, if there is one thing I am certain of, it is that you will be the most remarkable mother. You have a heart filled with such kindness and a mind so sharp. Our child will be blessed beyond measure to have you as a mother."
Touched, she squeezed his hands, a tear slipping down her cheek. "And you, Anthony. I have seen the care you give your family, the love and patience you show them. I know you will be a wonderful father."
He smiled, brushing her tear away with a gentle thumb. "Thank you, my love. I never imagined this life would bring me such happiness." He confessed, his voice a low murmur. "But with you beside me, I find I cannot help but dream of the future with hope and joy."
They walked on, hands intertwined, each step taken in perfect harmony. As they spoke of their hopes and dreams, of the nursery they would prepare, and the traditions they would pass down, the gardens seemed to come alive around them, bearing witness to the promise of a future fulfilled with love, laughter and a legacy that would continue for generations.