I DO NOT OWN BRIDGERTON.
Bridgerton House. London, United Kingdom. 3 days later.
On the one hand, I was thankful that I could now be almost completely honest with Eloise because it was hard as balls trying to keep a secret like this from the whole of London. The only hard part was that once I convinced my sister that I was neither a liar nor a lunatic, she pestered me for information about the future non stop. It was so damn hard trying to figure what was safe to tell her and what was not safe to tell her. Thankfully, the part she was most interested in was how females had advanced in the coming couple hundred years.
"You are not making jest...women are allowed to attend university in France?" she asked me one morning while the other Bridgertons were occupied with their own doings to eavesdrop on our delicate conversation.
"France, the United Kingdom, the United States, almost every country lets women go to college. There are a few countries that don't, but they're still stuck in time. millions of women get a college education every year." I explained to Eloise as her face lit up with glee as if she was a little kid, opening her presents on Christmas morning.
"And do they have to restrain their studies on ladylike pursuits, or are they free to choose their own studies?" Eloise inquired cautiously as she was struggling to accept that the possibilities that she longed for would eventually become a reality for her fore daughters.
"They can study whatever they want: literature, math, science, archaeology, political science, law, you name it. Women have all sorts of careers, scientists, lawyers, politicians, national leaders..." I said with a chuckle as I saw Eloise's eyes begin to tear up as she dabbed them away with her dress. "Eloise...are you doing all right?" I asked with concern as she quickly nodded and cleared her throat; not wanting to look weak in front of a man, not even her "brother".
"Apologies...it's just that... this future that you speak of...it seems like paradise It hurts too much to think about because i'm glad that it will come...but i'll probably be dead by that point." She said as her voice cracked. I can honestly say that I felt bad for Eloise Bridgerton. She was clearly born into the wrong time period and if she could have been more in my time, she would have been a lot happier for it and when she wasn't spouting off feminist ideals, she was actually a decent sister.
"Can I tell Penelope about this, it would raise her spirits considerably?" Eloise begged, earning a heaved sigh from me.
"No Eloise, you can't tell Pen or anyone else. If the wrong people knew my secret, they'd throw me in bedlam without a 2nd thought." I pointed out as I took her hands in mine. "I know that she's your best friend and all, but I am asking you as a faux brother: please tell no one."
"I understand Tommy. I won't tell anyone and I appreciate you telling me. If I can't be allowed to nurture my mind...at least they will." Eloise replied as I saw a look of disappointment and hope intermingled on her face.
Featherington house. London, United Kingdom. The next day.
Eventually, I decided to give paying a call upon miss Marina Thompson another try. Against the odds, she had piqued my curiosity and I wanted to know her better. I made a quick stop to the local florist vendor and purchased a bouquet of yellow roses. After arriving at the Featherington home, I thought about how my girlfriend would be ready to skin my ass alive if she knew what I was up to. Melanie was a die hard Polin shipper and would gladly die on that hill. I honestly feel like she would be more pissed at me for pushing Colin towards courting Marina than the fact that I was technically cheating on her.
"Mr. Colin Bridgerton, for miss Marina Thompson." the servant announced as I walked into the drawing room where I saw Lord and Lady Featherington, Ms. Varley, Marina, and Pen; playing with a dog left by one of the many suitors.
"Colin!" she exclaimed, giving me that signature smile of hers that I begrudgingly found to be more attractive than I would care to admit.
"Pen, I see you've found a new friend." I said as I knelt down next to her and petted the Scottish terrier.
"I named him Colin...after you." Penelope said with a shy smirk on her lips.
"I assume because he takes after my handsome features." I said with a chuckle as her cheeks were starting to turn pink. The moment was interrupted by Lady Portia Featherington, clearing her throat.
"My apologies miss Thompson, I got distracted by the canine." I said as I got up and handed her the yellow roses.
"None required Mr. Bridgerton, these are lovely." Marina said as she inhaled the scent and motioned for me to sit next to her on the couch.
"Forgive me miss Thompson, but you look exceptionally beautiful today." I remarked as Marina rewarded my compliment with a smile while Lady Featherington and Varley made their exit from the room.
"You flatter me, Sir." Marina replied as I could see a small blush on her cheeks.
"I merely make an observation." I replied with a shrug as we continued to talk while Lord Featherington read his newspaper and Penelope played with the dog. As we conversed, I was delighted to find that for being a farm girl, Marina was quite the gifted conversationalist. I honestly wish that the show had gone into more depth on how charming and funny she was; as opposed to just showing her as a fish out of water, a poor abandoned mother to be, or a schemer looking to entrap gullible love struck fools. She reminded me so much of Melanie; her wit, her charm, her sense of humor. I actually found myself enjoying her company; chaperone or not.
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