The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

26) Introductions

❌Season 2 spoiler❌

Colin's POV

The Duchess and I had our wishes to return to Mayfair granted by the doctor. I am yet to share the news of our new arrival. However I am overjoyed by the news. I have spent so long wishing to become a Father.

In my latest letter to Anthony he exclaimed he had met his love match and that he is to be wed so soon. I believe it was not the easiest proposal. I recall something about first entertaining Lady Sharma's sister. Yet I never thought I'd see the day my brother the rake is to be wed.

I decided against sharing that information with Annabelle for she has already been through so much, I don't want her to worry about a wedding. The last thing I want to cause is any harm or stress to our baby. Our baby. My word that sounds good.

I looked out the carriage window it was becoming dark outside. Annabelle had fallen asleep almost from the moment the journey began. She looked to peaceful, a soft glaze over her face from the warmth of her sleep. Soft lips slightly parted with a heavy breath. Her head rested against the side of the carriage. I just want to wrap her up in wool from the sheep to keep her safe.

I fear I have failed her. She may never admit nor think it. But my duty is to protect her, as a man - not just as her husband. She deserves far better than myself. My wish is to never leave her side again and I shall try everyday to fulfil that.

My eyes fell upon the fir trees, one after another guiding the path we are along. I wondered if anyone was in these very woods as we rode at great speed. The homeless, seeking refuge perhaps in a den somewhere made out of spare branches and logs. Or perhaps travellers venturing the top of the country. My thoughts often ran wild as I thought about travelling. The Americas always interested me. Maybe once our child is born I could surprise Annabelle.

My lips formed a goofy kind of smile at the thought of us both travelling.

Our journey took many hours, most of which Annabelle slept. We had about a half hour left when she woke. She looked rather pale but insisted nothing was wrong. She underestimates how well I know her. She looks poorly.

The carriage came to a halt. I heard her sigh in relief.

"Colin I feel a little faint." She looked up at me with tired eyes.

"Let me carry you." Once the door was opened I stepped down, taking an arm under her knees and one upon her lower back. Her arms wrapped tightly round my neck like a vine round a tree.

We decided to stay with my family until Annabelle gets back on her feet. That way she will always have family surrounding her.

I carried her through the quiet Bridgerton house hold. All the way up to my old bed quarters. Slowly laying her petite frame down and draping the bed sheets over her.

"How's that?" I whispered.

"Much better. Thank you. I'm sorry I think perhaps it's the sickness of the pregnancy." She sighed cuddling into the sheet.

"Rest my love, I'm just going to see the viscount, for I saw his study light on. I'll be straight back." I placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

I quietly shut the bedroom door and made my way to Anthony's study, the door ajar with a flicker from a candle indicating the viscount is awake.

"Brother." I stated as I walked into the room.

"Colin, I didn't expect you till morning."

"I know, Annabelle took some convincing. I didn't want to give her chance to go back on her agreement."

"Very well. And how is the Duchess? Is she well? We have a lot to catch up on" Anthony's words where stern, I could tell he was concerned.

"Well she seems to be making quite the recovery. Though it had been a week ago now. Anthony there is something you else we must discuss." I nervously looked at the floor.

"Yes brother."

"Annabelle is with child." Anxious as I was I found it in me to look to his eyes. Seeing them looks so soft I continued. "After the events from this last week, the baby has been in distress. The doctors advised she remain on bed rest for two weeks. So I was hoping that before returning to our London estate, she might carry out her bed rest here. Just so I know someone will always be around to keep her company. With your permission of course." I watched his expression change.

"My warmest congratulations, Colin that's great news. You, to be a Father. I can only imagine how excited you both must be. After everything that has happened and given the circumstances this calls for a celebratory ball for when her Grace is back on her feet. Do you think not? That way she will be formally introduced to my bride. Lady Sharma and she can finally put all her misery and pain to rest." Knowing my wife, she won't want to attend this ball but how could I refuse such an offer.

"Splendid idea brother. I shall tell the Duchess in the morn. Please for now help me keep this matter under wraps." Sternly I left the study. Trailing my way through the quiet corridors, door after door before I came to a stop. Outside the room in which my wife lay.

The creaking door lightly swung open, just far enough for me to sneak in. I smiled at her beauty. She lay so effortlessly in her sleep. But yet she portrayed nothing but perfection. I am just so lucky. I lifted the pure cotton sheet and lay beside her. Watching her until my eyes grew heavy.

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The Duchess' POV

I woke the next morning to my husband lay beside me. A soft snore coming from his nose, the vibration causing his lips to whither. His brown hair strung up in all directions. Yet he still was the most handsome of them all. A smile crept to my face as I notice a slight dribble come from the corner of his mouth. Yes. He is still the most handsome.

After spending an entire week dwelling on the events that took place. I needed to feel this worthy. This lucky to have such a great life companion, husband and above all Duke.

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A/N

Hi everyone. I just wanted to say how much I truly appreciate every single person who has taken the time to read my story.

I've wrote so many stories in the past, published them and just sat there and laughed at how awful some of my writing can be.

So the fact this story has 64k reads is just unreal to me.

PS... how amazing is season 2. I love the fact that it's so true with the times but the colour of everyone's skin makes no difference!! 🤍🖤🤎💛🧡

Sending you all my love - K x