The Spark: Confounding Feelings Begin
Summary: Edmund Bridgerton is the first to recognize that this day will turn out to be the best day of his third born's life. Even if he does not know it yet.
Edmund Bridgerton is a man who has no trouble finding much to be joyful about, he is what most would call a happy man. A father of seven with one on the way and madly in love with his wife. He does not have to look far to find amusement in what would be mundane to others, but brings renewed fulfillment for him. Thus, it is no surprise that he is in such a state now. For, at this moment his ten year old son who is generally speaking always overanimated, precocious, and charming to a fault is bubbling over with excess energy which is an entertainment in itself. If he didn't really need to know why his dear boy was covered head to toe in what he can only hope is drying mud. He would find this whole scene to be quite delightful though he is certain his lovely bride would not thus, the need to be serious for the time being at least. Needing to get to the heart of what exactly is the explanation for this spectacle must take precedence.
"Okay, son please slow down. I need you to breathe and once again explain to me why you are covered so dreadfully in mud, and seem to be most happy about it? Particularly to avoid your mother having both our heads when she will be in want of an explanation should you muddy her rugs." Edmund says trying to maintain the tone necessary for the situation.
Sighing exasperatedly like he is the problem and not himself. His precocious son begins his story again.
"Father! I was saying that we need to invite Penelope for tea! So can we? Can we?" Colin says while bouncing up and down.
"First Colin, I need to know why you are covered in mud then I will need you to tell me about this Penelope was it?" Edmund asks, shaking his head at the ball of energy that is his third born.
"Father… that's what I was telling you Penelope is why I'm covered in mud! So, can we invite her?" Colin answers.
Laughing at his delightful son for thinking this is an explanation while being amused at how hopeless it is all at once, concludes that perhaps a more direct approach is best.
"I see Colin, but perhaps you might start at the beginning? Such as how did you meet Miss Penelope and what does she have to do with you currently being covered in mud?" Edmund asks.
As if shot out of a cannon his son once again rattles off quite the tale from what he can gather. Apparently, he was out riding with Anthony and Benedict when they decided to race. Excitedly, Colin explains how he was ahead and was sure to win when he was hit in the face, lost his balance and landed in the mud. From there Edmund can only catch bits and pieces. Something about yellow and sunshine he thinks.
"And don't forget how you first called her an angel." chimes Benedict. Whom Edmund just realized was there the whole time and clearly getting his own enjoyment out of whatever was contributing to this burst of energy from his younger brother.
"Shut it Ben! I told you I just thought that at first! It was the sun the way the light caught her hair it appeared as a halo around her head! Plus, her hair was so red and fascinating. It was an honest mistake." explained Colin.
Benedict, clearly not buying it for some reason, just snorted. "Yeah right, the sun of course." he says.
Edmund, trying to find the joke that he was missing at the moment once again tried to get clarity regarding what was happening. "Who was an angel and what does this have to do with Miss Penelope?" he asks curiously.
"Don't you see Father… Penelope was the angel that slayed our fire breathing dragon off his mount and knocked him into the mud." Benedict says laughing hysterically at this point.
"Benedict please!" Edmund says, noting Colin's embarrassment. "Allow your brother to explain. Go ahead Colin." saying patiently for he is very aware that for all his tenaciousness and impulsivity it does not take much for his sensitive son to go into his shell if hurt or embarrassed. Particularly more often than not when coming from his older brothers whose opinions perhaps more than any other can dampen his spirits especially when it involves something he's serious about such as now. "I'm listening."
"Well.." Colin begins more timidly with a cautious glance at Benedict to gauge his reaction.
Benedict knowing from his father's tone when he wants him to be serious for Colin puts his head down in order to not be tempted to taunt him further.
"You see… I thought Penelope was an angel at first, for it was her bonnet that hit me in the face causing me to lose my balance and fall into the mud." Colin says.
Ah, now we are finally getting somewhere Edmund thinks. "So, this Miss Penelope is a little girl then?"
Colin laughs. "Oh yes, quite little Papa. I thought she might be younger than Francesca at first." he says.
"You mean after you thought she was an angel right?" Benedict snickers, earning him a look from his father and a pout from Colin.
"I told you it was the sun!" Colin says forcefully. Looking towards his father. "I never seen eyes like hers or hair that red! It wasn't until she laughed and I saw her freckles that I realized she was a little girl." he says hurriedly.
Admittedly, now that Edmund was catching on he could understand the amusement coming from Benedict that he glanced at to confirm before stating, "So a pretty little girl then am I right?"
"Oh yes Papa, very pretty." Colin says before he seems to catch himself with his eyebrows shooting to his hairline and turning a bright shade of red. "I mean she is just… that is not the point really. She was very nice and lives across the street. Look, she gave me her handkerchief to wipe my face. I promised her I would have it cleaned and give it back to her. She is also the same age as Eloise. Once it's clean I can give it back to her if we have her over for tea. I mean it's okay right Father?" Once again going a mile a minute Colin finally finishes.
Sensing something from his son's apparent interest and excitement, but deciding not to press or tease him about it further Edmund says, "I suppose that would be a splendid idea."
"Excellent!" Colin says bolting for the door. "I'll go invite her now!"
Grabbing him by the shoulders, "Not so fast. We will extend a proper invitation like true gentlemen. You want this Miss Penelope to be your friend and for her family to allow her to be welcome here right?" Edmund says.
Colin nods anxiously. "Right, well then we must be on good terms with her family. I will extend the invitation and get this handkerchief cleaned up so you can present it to her when she comes for tea." Edmund states.
"Yes, thank you Father!" Colin says hugging him.
Edmund markedly amused at his delightful son who detaches from him covered with thankfully dried mud though he still leaves some flakes attached to his waistcoat. Not one to chastise his son for such a minor offense pats him on the head. "You are most welcome Colin. Now go change before your mother gets back. You know she will be fit to be tied if she sees you in such a state." he says.
"Yes, Father" Colin says quickly as he starts running up the stairs seemingly two at a time when suddenly he stops and comes back down seemingly sad and nervous. "Papa? What if they don't let Penelope come for tea?"
Seeing and sensing the disappointment radiating off his son in spades at just the thought. Edmund looks over at Benedict who has a slight grin on his face. Edmund reassures him. "Don't worry son, I will make sure they are not able to refuse. Now go if you want to be ready before your friend's arrival at the time for afternoon tea."
Not needing to be told further Colin dashed up the stairs faster than than the first time believe it or not.
Benedict finally feeling it was safe enough laughs heartily. "Father, can you believe it? I think my little brother has his first sweetheart." Laughing all the more. "Wait until I tell Anthony. We are going to have such fun at teatime." Benedict says.
Smiling softly, but looking up the stairs where his third born just dashed to the white now muddy handkerchief with a bright yellow sunflower embroidered. Edmund shakes his head. "No Benedict you will not. In fact I want you and Anthony away from the house at teatime. You will not disturb your brother and his new friend." Edmund says seriously.
"But Papa, you know we only jest? Surely it is not so serious that we cannot participate at teatime?" Benedict says in clear confusion.
"No Benedict, you will make yourselves scarce for your brother. Do you hear me?" Edmund said.
"Father, why are you so serious about this? It cannot be that important for an eight year old and ten year old to have tea!" Benedict asks, a bit baffled.
Smiling at the handkerchief. Edmund looks up at Benedict. "Yes, son it is when a young lady is meeting her future in-laws for the first time. We need to be on our best behavior for my future daughter in-law." Edmund states definitively.
"Father, you cannot be plotting a betrothal already? They are barely out of leading strings."
Benedict says laughing.
"Yes I can, for I am quite certain that will be the outcome eventually anyway." Edmund says smiling.
Benedict looks at his father a bit sceptical. "How can you be so sure?" Benedict asks.
Tossing the handkerchief with a greater smile on his face as he walks down the hall on a mission to make the necessary arrangements for this afternoon. Edmund turns back to look at Benedict saying, "I can because that's exactly how I acted the day I met your mother."
A look of understanding crosses Benedict's face now smiling with joy.
"Benedict don't tell him, let him figure it out on his own okay? And don't tease him too much about it. You know how stubborn he can be. He will just deny his feelings or won't realize until too late if you push him too much. Also, don't mention anything to Anthony either. He will likely not understand, making it worse without meaning to." Edmund says.
"Alright Father." Benedict says as he watches his father walk away with an extra pep in himself. Benedict continues to smile softly to himself when Anthony finally walks in.
"What did I miss? Was Father terribly livid with Colin for muddying his riding gear?" Anthony asks laughing.
Chucking, Benedict says "Not quite."
Muttering under his breath, "That Brat gets away with everything." Anthony replies.
"Don't be so bitter Ant." Benedict says knowingly.
"Hey, whose side are you on?" Anthony asks.
"I'm neutral territory. Perks of being the middle brother." Benedict states confidently.
"Right of course." Anthony smirked in response.
"Why don't we go fencing?" Benedict says suddenly.
"What and miss teatime?" Anthony asks curiously.
"Yeah, then you can tell me why it took you so long to come back to the house from latching the horses." Benedict says knowing his brother will take the bait.
Sure enough with a bit of a naughty grin already starting to talk a bit anxious to share. Anthony leans conspiratorially towards Benedict. "You won't believe what happened this time." Anthony whispers with a wink.
Benedict thinks how lucky he is to be the middle brother. Playing both sides is the most fun he thinks.
Later that afternoon, after receiving a response from Featherington House confirming the arrival of Miss Penelope's acceptance for tea. Edmund is once again amused by the buzzing energy of his dear boy.
"Papa, how much longer." Colin asks impatiently.
"About as long as it was the last time you asked less than a minute ago Colin. She will be here. You must be patient and try not to wear holes in your shoes from all the pacing you're doing." Edmund states, then chuckles as he watches his son looking under his shoes checking for holes. It's at times like this that Edmund is reminded of how young his boy is as it can be easy to forget given his size and determination to keep up with his older brothers. Just then the bell chimes.
"She's here! Colin exclaims nearly bolting for the door if not for his father's hand firmly stopping his movement.
"We will greet her like gentlemen." Edmund states firmly.
"Right, I understand Father." Colin says.
Edmund hears before he sees a soft voice responding as she was asked for her hat. Suddenly, a feeling of anxiousness hits him. Edmund worries that perhaps his son's enthusiasm won't be returned, or what if they end up not getting on for some reason. Finally turning the corner he sees her. What a delightful little thing she is indeed! Edmund thinks. No wonder his son had mistaken her for an angel, it was a reasonable assumption. Before they make another step his son is yelling.
"Pen! I mean Penelope. I mean good day Miss Featherington." Colin flusters.
Penelope chuckles with friendly eyes and a kind smile says, "Good day Mr. Bridgerton."
Edmund wonders what he was worried about as his son and his new friend seem to be in their own little world. Clearing his throat to not feel like an intruder in his own home he looks at his son.
"Son, are you not going to introduce me properly to your friend?" Edmund asks.
"Right Father. Miss Featherington, this is my father, the Viscount Edmund Bridgerton." Colin states proudly.
"How do you do, Viscount Bridgerton." Penelope says bowing slightly.
How delightful Edmund thinks smiling softly. "How do you do, Miss. May I call you Miss Penelope? Edmund asks.
Shaking her head Penelope says, "Yes of course My Lord."
"Please come in, we are having tea in the drawing room. My wife and two youngest daughters went to town, but they should be back any minute. However, my oldest daughter is already in the drawing room now playing the pianoforte." Edmund says cheerfully.
Wide eyed Penelope looks at Edmund and asks, "You have four children?"
"Actually I have seven and one to come." Edmund says proudly.
"There are only three in my family. I've never known such a large family before." Penelope says innocently.
Edmund laughs, but stops upon sensing Penelope's discomfort.
Colin, sensing the same thing, says, "It's alright Pen. Papa laughs all the time. Right Papa? You aren't laughing at Penelope are you?"
Edmund feels like that is part question and part threat. If he is being honest he is a bit impressed though he won't acknowledge that straight out.
"Right you are Colin, forgive me Miss Penelope. Families come in all sizes, ours is indeed a rather large one." Edmund says smiling hoping to put the girl at ease, and feels he has succeeded when she smiles back. "My oldest sons are out and about so they will not be joining us for tea today though."
Entering the drawing room Edmund calls out to Daphne, "Hello dear meet a new friend and neighbor. This is Miss Penelope Featherington. She is joining us for tea and getting her handkerchief back right, Colin?"
Colin's eyes go big, "Papa I forgot the handkerchief." he whispers.
"No worries Colin, I have it right here. Why don't you give it to her." Edmund says.
"Here you are, Pen." Colin says brightly.
"Thank you for taking such good care of it Colin." Penelope says shyly.
Thank you Colin? What good was he only the one who made sure it was laundered, had it pressed, and kept it until it was teatime. Edmund thinks somewhat indignantly. Though he is happy to allow this small indiscretion as he watches the bright smile on his son's face at the praise from Miss Penelope.
"You are most welcome, Pen." Colin says bashfully.
"Pen? Why are you calling her that when her name is Penelope? You're being too familiar Colin." Daphne admonishes as Colin cowers slightly.
Edmund to his great surprise finds that it is Miss Penelope who speaks up. "No, I quite like it Miss Bridgerton. It is nice and it is a reminder of how we first met, right Colin." Penelope responds giggling softly.
"Right, it is sort of our own special secret right Pen." Colin answers with a mischievous smile. Earning him another giggle from Miss Penelope.
Edmund senses Daphne's unease at the interaction as she and Colin have always had a special bond, and might be feeling put out that someone new is encroaching on her territory. Edmund is certain that it is not something to worry greatly about right now. So instead he suggests a game of marbles to pass the time until Violet and the girls arrive.
Sure enough Daphne and Penelope engage well once Daphne teaches her how to make use of the pillows to get comfortable on the floor while in her pretty dress. The kids are so engrossed in their game that none of them react upon the others' arrival.
"Hello Dear." Violet says taking in the scene before her.
"Hello, we have company." Edmund says joyfully.
"I see and may I ask who our caller is?" Violet asks.
"Miss Penelope Featherington." Edmund says.
"Oh right, from across the street I recognize the hair. I caught a glimpse the other day and thought I saw children. She seems to be getting along great with Daphne. It will be great for her to have friends outside of her own sisters." Violet responds.
"Actually she's here for…" Edmund begins before he is interrupted by his most precocious child and slight troublemaker Eloise. Who has just walked right into the middle of the game.
"Eloise!" Daphne rebukes. "You're disrupting our game!"
"I don't care until someone tells me why she is here? Edmund hears his little troublemaker respond.
Edmund sees it before he hears it. A little gasp and slight retraction from Miss Penelope. It only takes a second for the biggest reaction however.
Standing to his full height with Penelope's hand in his and slightly behind him Colin responds. "She's my friend and her name is Penelope and you owe her an apology." Colin says rather forcefully.
Violet gasps as it all happened so fast. "Edmund, did you hear that?"
"Yes, I did My Dear." Edmund says softly.
"But, Colin never stands up to Eloise." Violet says surprise and shock written on her face.
"I know Dear and look at how protective he is of her." Edmund says, also amazed.
"He didn't even do that when Eloise demanded that he give up his favorite teddy bear to Francesca. He just gave it to her though he cried himself to sleep every night for a week." Violet says, astonished.
"I know Dear, it is like a small miracle is it not?" Edmund says cheerfully.
"Edmund?" Violet starts questioning, but stops when Edmund holds up his hands.
"Let's see what happens next?" Edmund says curious to see what unfolds.
Eloise, standing still a bit shocked that Colin yelled at her, finally says quietly, "Sorry for being rude."
"Thank you, now this whirlwind is my sister Eloise. Eloise this is Penelope?" Colin says introducing the two.
Penelope says shyly, "How do you do?"
Eloise who is still trying to figure out why Colin yelled at her answers, "How do you do?" Then something else equally amazing happens.
Penelope gasps, "You're reading Don Quixote?" she says, a bit excited.
"Rereading." Eloise says a little indignantly.
Penelope asks in fascination "Truly? I've read it three times. How many times have you read it?"
"Four. You like Don Quixote?" Eloise says with curiosity.
"Oh, yes quite it is one of my favorites." Penelope answers with excitement.
"Really?" Eloise brightens, as she suddenly pushes Colin out the way. "What other books do you like?" Eloise asks as she drags Penelope away from the rest of the group.
Colin left looking sad that he may have just lost his new friend that is until… "Colin, come see this picture." cries Penelope as she is holding one of Eloise's favorite illustrated books.
Colin brightens having been invited to join the girls on the sofa leaving Francesca to finish playing marbles with Daphne.
"Edmund?" Violet laughs. "Who is that little angel really? And can we keep her?" she says with laughter in her voice.
"Don't worry My Dear, we will. Trust me we will." Edmund happily replies.