16) What would they say if they knew of your ruining? (Part 3)

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Duchess' POV

Ashamed and embarrassed, fear of sleeping and painful thoughts of what might have been. I lay awake but not so alert in my bed. Refusing to see anyone who had knocked upon my door. Unaware of what the ton did know or did not know. My virtue must be questioned by all. The unknown frightens me. What must my Colin think? Does he know? My imagination ran wild with vigorous scenarios of what the ton would be saying if in fact they knew.

Colin would have without a doubt cancelled the wedding; Anthony would be dealing with damage control for his family. Simon would be utterly disgusted in my actions. I would have ruined what little was left of my family name. I would be well and truly ruined. Not to mention I would have to go back to my Yorkshire estate alone and ruined.

Tears continued to flow down my face. I had hoped my time in London would lead to a prosperous future with a husband, to bare children and to watch them grow. My wishes began to become more out of reach as I continued to think.

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Colin's POV

It was as any other day at the Bridgerton household. Lunch was served on the terrace in the garden. The light warm summer weather dawning through the air. Awaiting our plates to be taken away a disturbance in the house could be heard. Anthony excused himself to see what was going on.

"I am quite sure that Lady Whistledown must be a group of people, how could one lady be everywhere at once?" Eloise questioned Benedict. Her efforts to try and persuade him to help her uncover Whistledown's true identity.

"I am sure that we needn't need to know the identity. For the mystery of it all is what helps with success of the conspicuous writing." Benedict clearly eagerly trying to brush of the conversation.

"I think I speak for us all when I say we are all fed up with Lady Whistledown's writing. Don't you have a better meaning of spending your time Eloise? Is Penelope free?" I interrupted their debacle.

"Yes, I do believe Penelope is meeting me to promenade as soon as our luncheon is finished. Thanks for your truly unwelcome opinion." Eloise rolled her eyes before taking a sip of the water placed before her.

Anthony came back smiling rather suspiciously.

"Colin, mother, Benedict might I borrow you for a small while. I believe we have business to tend to in regard to the wedding planning." Anthony spoke.

"I do believe Lady Annabelle wished to have a day off." Unsure as to what planning could possibly be made, I stood up from the table and followed Benedict and my Mother towards where Anthony had led us. His office.

Anthony shut the door once we were all inside.

"Anthony whatever is this about?" Mother asked.

"We seem to have a situation, I suggest you sit down for this one brothers, Mother." Anthony began.

Taking a seat Benedict tried to speak before Anthony interrupted him.

"Last night once I and Simon had left you and Lady Annabelle to your own devices, we caught up with Lord Westington. Things got a little bit heated and let's just say Simon and I were sure that he would leave your fiancé alone. That being said. Last night Lord Westington made an ungodly attempt on your wife." Anthony gulped after his words.

"He did what? Anthony what did he do?" My mother rose to her feet.

"He broke into her bed chambers last night and well he tried to court her in forbidden acts for unmartial deeds." Anthony's eyes locked with mine.

"His attempt was unsuccessful for she awoke and got free of him. I am unsure of what story will portrayed to the ton and if this changes anything. But I stand by you Colin, for Annabelle is innocent in this despicable act of treason."

"Where is she now?" Benedict spoke.

I couldn't comprehend what had happened what my dear fiancé has experienced. How am I to make this right.

"Lady Danbury said she was locked in her bedroom. She hasn't let anyone in all morning, not the maids or herself." Anthony replied.

"Son, what are you troubled thoughts?" My mother moved closer to me placing her hand on my forearm.

"Lord Westington is a dead man. Where is he now?" My words spat from my mouth avoiding eye contact from my brothers.

"I will take care of it, I can assure you he will pay for his wrong doing and deception of your lady. Yet I do think you should be focused on her. For she is locked in her room, you should go round there." Anthony stood from behind his desk.

"Anthony, I want to be wed by the end of the week, with her consent of course. I do not want to wait any longer. I do not care for sour opinions or gossip. I care for my fiancé, her safety and her virtue. I will protect her at all costs."

"Colin, I know you will, and that is why I will allow you both for a quicker wedding with her permission. I will deal with damage control. Now please Benedict will accompany you, you must go to her. Mother can help me." Anthony reassured me.

"I'll ask the men to prepare our horses. I feel today we should ride brother." Benedict offered a small smile before taking off to get our horses.

Duchess' POV

Lady Danbury had continued to knock on my bedroom door, but I couldn't find the energy to speak. I had barely been able to sit up to exam the bruise on my stomach in the mirror placed at the side of my bed, then further examining the nail marks around my ancles which where coated is small blood droplets from where my skin has been slightly pierced.

Feeling defeated by such actions I slummed down to the floor resting my sore back on the bed. Sobs once again escaping my mouth. My knees tucked into my chest, my face resting on my hands. The mirror reflected a disgrace of a Duchess.

More muttering could be heard outside my door, almost as though bickering between two people. Lady Danbury and a guard perhaps.

My answers came flooding in as my door was forced open by the strength of Colin Bridgerton's shoulder.

I could not look at him. He deserved better.

Colin came closer crouching down beside me, I looked towards my ancles.

Warm arms wrapped around my shoulders. Slightly flinching at the sudden embrace my weary tear-filled eyes made their way to his.

"I don't deserve to be loved." I sobbed into his chest.

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