Chapter Twenty-Four: Into the Light

Penelope appeared on Letty's doorstep the next morning in a complete panic. They hurried to Bridgerton house where Colin and Eloise were the only ones home, sitting in the family room.

"Thank goodness," Colin breathed.

"Cressida has discovered my secret," Penelope told the group. "She demands 10,000 pounds to keep it."

"You cannot be serious?" Benedict asked.

"How did she discover you?" Eloise questioned.

"I am not sure," Penelope told them.

"It does not matter how. If she knows, we must prevent her from revealing it," Colin told them. "I will not stand for someone blackmailing my wife."

"That is kind, Colin, but… I can pay her," Penelope stated and Letty stared at Pen with wide eyes, as did everyone else.

"You have made that high a sum?" Eloise asked.

"Slightly more, if we are being honest," Penelope admitted.

"You are not paying Miss Cowper a cent," Colin told her. "I will handle this."

"Colin, I—"

"No," Colin told Pen, grabbing her hands. "I am your husband. I will handle this. Allow me to handle this."

Penelope still seemed unsure but she nodded.

"I need to go. To think."

"You cannot think here? With me?" Penelope asked.

Colins face softened, and he crossed back to her side. He murmured her name, tenderly taking her face in hands.

"I love you," he said, his voice low and fervent. "I love you with everything I am, everything I hope to be."

"Colin…"

"I love you with my past and I love you with my future," he bent forward and kissed her once, softly, on the lips. "I love you for the children we'll have and for the years we'll have together. I love you for every one of my smiles, and even more, for everyone of your smiles. I love you. You know that, don't you?"

Pen nodded, closing her eyes as her cheeks rubbed against his hands.

"I have things to do," he said, "and I won't be able to concentrate if I'm thinking about you, worrying if you're crying, wondering if you're hurt."

"I'm fine," she whispered. "I'm fine now that I've told you."

"I will make this right," he vowed. "I just need you to trust me."

"With my life."

"I don't think it will come to that," he chuckled. "Don't forget about my sister's party tonight."

"Party?" Letty asked, confused.

"Daphne is hosting a party tonight. She was worried you would be too ill to attend," Benedict explained. "I was meant to ask you to come before she realized just how separate we were. Would you come to the party with me?"

"Of course," Letty nodded, giving him a weak smile.

"Do not be so pained by my presence," he tried for a joke and Letty gave him a small gasp of laughter.

Benedict and Colin left, plans to find Anthony spoken. Letty followed them quickly, yelling that she was coming with them if they were going to Anthony. Benedict turned, stopping her by grabbing her face gently and kissing her deeply. She was breathless as he released her, staring deeply into her eyes.

"I need you here. Please, wait with Pen and Eloise," he whispered and Letty nodded.

Letty walked back into the sitting room and sat beside Pen, Eloise on Pen's other side. The three sat in silence, not sure what to do with themselves.

"Do either of you remember what we used to do for fun?" Letty asked.

"No," Eloise laughed.

"I've no idea," Pen laughed along before sobering. "Colin will make this right."

"I really wish I knew what he was planning," Letty admitted.

"Me as well," Eloise nodded before she sat up, turning to Letty and Pen. "While we wait for the boys to include the ladies, I owe you both apologies."

"What?" Pen asked, confused.

"Letty, you were right. It was… completely unbecoming of me to accuse the two of you of only befriending me to get to my brothers."

"When?" Pen asked.

"Two weeks ago," Letty informed Pen. "In this very room in front of the majority of the other Bridgertons, in fact. It was also rather unsmart of you, Eloise. If I was going to marry into the family as soon as possible, I would have married Benedict much sooner. Or, worse, I would have married Anthony at the start of last season for convenience. I could have been a Baroness and a Viscountess."

"May the Lord have mercy on us all," Pen smirked at her.

"Says the one who dubbed herself 'Lady Whistledown'," Letty reminded her.

"Point is," Eloise interrupted, "I was wrong in my words and actions. Neither of you deserved the things that I said or thought of you. I am sorry."

Pen and Letty exchanged a look before they both reached forward, grabbing Eloise and hugging her tightly. The three let out a few tears and a few laughs. It was almost time for them to get ready for the party when Penelope's maid hurried in with a note from Colin.

I will make my own way over to the ball this evening. Please proceed to Number Five when you are ready. Mother, Eloise, Letty, and Hyacinth will accompany you to Hastings House. All My Love, Colin

"Well, I guess that's that," Letty sighed. "I shall go get ready."

"I shall leave with you," Pen sighed.

"I still have dresses in your size at my home," Letty told her. "Eloise, if you grab what you're wearing tonight, we can get ready together?"

"I don't think we've ever gotten ready for a party together," Eloise breathed as Sophie disappeared to get what was needed for Eloise that night.

They headed to Everly home and all gathered into Letty's room.

"Where is your mattress?" Eloise asked, staring at the bare bed.

"Um… sunroom?" Letty offered with a shrug. "Alright. What am I wearing tonight?"

"Oh, let us choose!" Pen shouted and she and Eloise raced to Letty's closet.

Letty just hoped they didn't pick anything too formfitting. A lilac dress was chosen and Letty smiled softly before her maid helped her into the dress, Letty opting to wear a much smaller version of a corset under the gown so it didn't press on her stomach, not that the pressure on her breasts was any better.

"What do you think Colin is wearing tonight?" Penelope asked. "I don't believe he would have time to return home and Daphne would expect nothing less than full evening kit for her ball."

"He'll have borrowed something from Anthony," Eloise spoke. "They're precisely the same size. Gregory probably will be as well. Only Benedict is different."

"Two inches taller," Letty smiled softly before schooling her features again. "How many people are expected tonight?"

"I believe five hundred were invited," Eloise complained. "Daphne doesn't host parties very often but what she lacks in frequency, she makes up for in size. I hate crowds."

"We hadn't noticed," Pen smirked as she was dressed in a green gown, looking as beautiful as ever as Eloise was put in blue, shining a bit more than she had before.

"What has you looking so excited?" Letty asked.

"Nothing," Eloise answered far too quickly.

Pen and Letty stared at Eloise and she ignored them. The two exchanged a look before allowing their maids to put makeup on their faces and do their hair. Letty sat patiently, sipping water as she was done up, looking a bit like a doll once she was finished.

Once they were all ready, they climbed into a carriage, stopping to pick up Violet and Hyacinth, who were both looking a bit worried.

"What has happened?" Violet asked the group.

"What do you mean?" Letty asked, confused.

"Colin sent us a note saying to stick to Penelope like glue," Hyacinth explained.

"He was very specific," Violet nodded.

"He underlined glue. Twice!" Hyacinth told them.

"Where's Gregory?" Eloise asked. "Surely he isn't missing the party?"

"Benedict picked him up half an hour ago," Violet told them. "Are you sure none of you know what is happening?"

"No, Mama," Letty shook her head.

"No clue," Eloise told her.

"I think Colin is planning some sort of surprise," Pen lied. "He was acting strangely and sneaky."

"We're here," Eloise told the others.

"Daphne has truly outdone herself," Violet breathed.

It was difficult not to stop and look. All of Hastings House was ablaze with light. Every window had been adorned with candles, and outdoor sconces held torches, as did a fleet of footmen who were greeting the carriages. Hyacinth and Violet moved forward together, leaving the other three behind.

"There's magic in the air," Eloise said, looking around as if she'd never seen a London ball before. "Do you feel it?"

There was something strange and electric about the night, a crackling sort of energy. The kind one felt just before a thunderstorm.

"Like a turning point," Letty sighed. "As if one's life could change completely all in one night."

"Let's be off," Pen smiled at the two of them. "The night awaits."

They were among the first to arrive; Violet had always said it was rude for family members even to consider fashionably late entrances. It was nice to be so early though. They could actually see the decorations without having to push through crushing crowds. Hundreds of candles adorned the walls and tables, flickering in the night, reflecting off the enormous chandeliers that hung from the ceilings. The windows were swathed in a shimmery, silvery fabric, the sort of thing one might imagine a fairy to wear. Even the servants changed their livery, for where they usually wore red and gold, tonight their red was adorned with silver. It could almost make a woman feel like a princess in a fairy tale.

"I wonder how much this cost," Hyacinth said, eyes wide.

"Hyacinth!" Violet scolded, batting her daughter on the arm. "You know that it's impolite to ask about such things."

"I didn't ask," Hyacinth pointed out. "I wondered. And besides, it's only Daphne."

"Your sister is the Duchess of Hastings," Violet said. "As such she has certain responsibilities to her station. You would do well to remember that fact."

"But wouldn't you agree that it's more important simply to remember that she's my sister?" Hyacinth questioned, linking her arm with her mother's.

"She has you there," Eloise said with a smile.

Violet simply sighed.

"Hyacinth, I declare that you will be the death of me."

"No, I won't," Hyacinth replied. "Gregory will."

Pen and Letty stifled laughs.

"I don't see Colin here yet," Eloise said, craning her neck.

"No?" Penelope scanned the room. "That's surprising."

"Benedict is still missing as well," Letty told them.

"What is happening with the two of you?" Eloise questioned. "The others were ready to eat him for supper last night."

"He stayed the night. We spoke a bit. We planned on speaking more this morning but… well…"

"Ah," Eloise nodded.

"I'm sure they'll both be here soon," Violet assured the two.

"What is going on with Colin?" Daphne asked, hurrying over to them.

"Did you get a letter as well?" Letty asked.

"Yes. We're to keep an eye on Pen," Daphne nodded.

"It could be worse," Hyacinth spoke. "We're to stick to her like glue. He underlined glue."

"Twice," Violet nodded.

"The drama of it feels like some sort of grand espionage," Hyacinth stated.

"Espionage,' Violet groaned. "Heaven help us all."

"Well, he told us—"

"It is not a competition, wife," Simon laughed as he appeared at Daphne's side.

Daphne shot Simon an annoyed look before turning back to her mother and sisters saying, "He told us to make sure she stays away from Lady Danbury."

"Lady Danbury?" Hyacinth demanded.

"Oh, what did you do?" Letty asked Pen.

"I have no clue what you mean," Pen said, looking away from everyone.

"We should be moving along," Violet said. "We're beginning to hold up your other guests."

"I shall see you later," Daphne promised. "And- oh!"

Everyone leaned in.

"You will probably want to know," she whispered, "that Lady Danbury is not here yet."

"Simplifies my job," Simon said, looking a bit weary of all the intrigue.

"Not mine," Hyacinth said. "I still have to stick to her—"

"Like glue," they all finished together.

"Well, I do," Hyacinth said.

For the next hour, they just milled about, mingling with the other guests, and moving as one giant being. Letty ended up detangling herself from the beast they had created and found a chair. She sat, letting out a low breath in the process. She'd been getting dizzy and didn't want the others to know. They found her quite easily though, all standing around her.

"Oh, look!" Hyacinth said suddenly. "There they are! Colin! Benny!"

Violet groaned.

"I know, I know," Hyacinth said unrepentantly. "I must be more ladylike."

"If you know it, then why don't you do it?" Violet questioned.

"What would be the fun in that?"

"Good evening, ladies," Colin smiled, kissing his mother's hand before smoothly taking his place beside Penelope and sliding his arm around her waist.

"Well?" Hyacinth demanded.

Colin merely quirked a brow.

"Are you going to tell us?" she persisted.

"All in good time, dear sister."

"You're a wretched, wretched man," Hyacinth grumbled.

"Mother, how have you been?" Colin asked.

"You've been sending cryptic notes all over town and you want to know how I've been?" Violet demanded.

"Yes," he smiled. "Oh, Letty! What are you doing down there!"

"Are you alright?" Benedict asked, getting pass the women and kneeling in front of her.

"I am fine," she assured him before dropping her voice. "Curious to hear what the two of you and Anthony have come up with."

"You'll see soon enough," he promised her with his crooked grin.

"Good," she smirked. "I'd hate to have to beg to be included."

"You shall never beg for a thing for the rest of our lives," Benedict promised, taking her hands in his and kissing her knuckles.

"You are not going to waltz in here and distract me with a clever phrase and a beguiling smile," Pen's voice caught Letty's attention.

"You think my smile beguiling?"

"Colin!"

"A waltz, my wife?" Colin distracted Pen, leading her away from the crowd.

"Well, seems we're off glue duty," Hyacinth sighed. "What shall we do with ourselves now?"

"They are not dancing," Letty pointed out to Benedict.

"They are making an escape," Benedict told her.

"The beginnings of the plan?"

"Yes. May I have one dance?"

"You may have all my dances," Letty smiled softly.

"I wish to collect on one of those now," he smiled.

"Give me a few minutes?" she requested.

"Are you alright?" he repeated the question from earlier.

"I'll be fine in a few minutes," she promised him.

Once the room had finished spinning, Letty gave Benedict a nod. He led her to the dance floor and they did a much more simple waltz than those around them. Penelope and Colin appeared on a balcony just as the waltz ended, Letty leaning against Benedict, who thought she was just doing it due to needing to be close to him. It was because she wanted to be close to him, but she was also just extremely tired already as footmen came around with tall flutes of champagne.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Colins announced and everyone turned their attention to the balcony. "I would like to propose a toast to the most remarkable woman in the world."

A low murmur spread across the room, and Penelope stood frozen, watching everyone watching her. Her eyes found Letty's somehow and Letty gave her an encouraging smile.

"I am a newlywed," Colin continued, "and therefore you are all required to indulge me in my lovesick ways."

Friendly laughter rippled through the crowd.

"I know that many of you were surprised when I asked Penelope Featherington to be my wife. I was surprised myself."

A few unkind titters wafted through the air and Letty glared around at the room.

"I wasn't surprised that I had fallen in love with her but rather that it had taken so long. I've known her for so many years, you see, and somehow I'd never taken the time to look inside, to see the beautiful, brilliant, witty woman she'd become.

"Therefore, with all of you here as witnesses, I would like to say- Penelope—" Colin turned, taking Penelope's free hand in his, "- I love you. I adore you. I worship the ground you walk upon. To my wife!"

Colin plucked the glass from Penelope's hand, the two sharing a bit of banter before Colin kissed her in front of the entire ton.

"Oh! And one last thing!" Colin shouted. "I'm leaving the party early. Right now, as a matter of fact. I'm sure you'll all understand."

The men in the crowd hooted and hollered as Penelope turned red.

"But, before I do, I have one last thing to say. One last little thing, in case you still don't believe me when I tell you that my wife is the wittiest, cleverest, most enchanting woman in all of London."

"No!" Cressida Cowper shouted from the back but no one was listening to her.

"You might say that my wife has two maiden names. Of course you all knew her as Penelope Featherington, as did I. But what you didn't know, and what even I was not clever enough to figure out until she told me herself…"

He paused, waiting for silence to fall over the room.

"… is that she is also the brilliant, the witty, the breathtakingly magnificent- Oh, you all know who I am talking about," he said, his arm sweeping out toward the crowd.

"I give you my wife!" he said, his love and pride flowing across the room. "Lady Whistledown!"

Lady Danbury was the first to applaud, followed directly by Letty, and then Anthony, and Simon, and then the rest of the Bridgertons and then the Featheringtons before the whole crowd applauded. Letty stepped back, losing Benedict in the crowd as she stumbled back. She reached a chair, everyone else distracted.

Afte a few deep breathes, Letty headed out of Hastings Hall, grateful that everyone else was still inside, enjoying themselves. A carriage was brought around quickly and Letty climbed in, breathing heavily. She felt more woozy than she should, even with her having been dizzy earlier.

Letty looked down at her lap and gasped in shock by the amount of blood that soaked into her gown where she sat. She banged on the roof of the carriage and it halted, a footman opening the door.

"Doctor," she told him. "I need the doctor."