The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

32} God's Hands

Duchess's POV

"Say something." Colin said.

"I am afraid I am at a loss for words." I begun. "Actually I am not. That snide little girl. Who does she think she is messing with not only myself as a Duchess, but the Queen and the Bridgerton name. If she thinks she is going to get away with this, I fear she has no idea what is coming her way." What was going to be just few words became many. The anger that is shooting through my veins is unhealthy. And my word do I know I am going to regret my actions to come.

"Annabelle I promise you, we will get to the bottom of this. But please. You must think of your health." Colin spoke as he helped me stand.

"I know Colin and I promise you I am. But we can not let his slide. Enough is enough. Where is Anna. I would like a word with the Queen immediately."

Almost as if she had heard me, not even a minute later Anna made her way through to the drawing room with a silver serving tray. A letter addressed to Colin. A dumbfounded look spread across his face.

I watched as he took the letter, I watched his facial expressions change as he read it. The shock, disappointment and disgust.

"It is Penelope. She- I can't even comprehend this. Brother." My husband interrupted himself before handing the letter to an even more confused Anthony.

I then looked to Eloise who just completely looked beside herself. I made a stride towards her before placing my hand upon her forearm.

"This is not your fault, you will not be punished and your secrets are safe with me." I whispered. What I said was true, their is no need for her to be punished when all she is truly guilty of is falling for a noble man without a title.

Note to self: Bring up that boy later.

Looking up from Eloise I noticed the look Anthony bestowed upon Colin.

"Well gentlemen?"

"I believe Penelope has asked your husband to run away with her. She seems to have got so caught up in all this gossip, that she has actually lost her mind. Has she not? I mean truly what an earth is going through this girls mind. I blame her mother for not making her a married woman sooner." Anthony's harsh words were definitely warranted. Although I personally would have chosen fewer words from a different approach.

"I don't believe it is because she is without a man. But I believe it is out of loneliness. Perhaps it is because she is so clearly the runt of her family. She clearly shows her intelligence through her writing. I admire that. But she lacks the thought of repercussions. Her life is going to become dark so quick. And as for you my love." I looked to my husband. "I knew she had some kind of young crush on you before we were wed, but how pathetic and desperate of her to ask for your hand so that you can be side by side. It truly is puzzling, maybe she is sick?" I offered my opinion and let me tell you it was very much a shock to Colin and Eloise.

I know that Penelope had been such a close family friend for many years and maybe I ought to show more compassion but this woman shows no boundaries.

"Eloise, Colin, truly I am sorry for my words but this woman has tried to ruin us. All of us. I am afraid the woman you once knew is no longer available. I think it would be best if I stay with Eloise whilst you my dear husband as the Duke of York, and you Anthony. Both go to the Queen and express this incident on my behalf. She will want every detail and she will want her name. I believe that staying at home perhaps in bed might be what I need." My husband simply just nodded.

I know him well enough to know that his silence was not in any way anger towards me, but in shock and disbelief to the situation. He kissed my forehead before the two brothers left immediately.

"Eloise, everything is going to be okay." I noticed the tears in the corner of her eyes.

"I'm just struggling to understand. She is meant to be not only my best friend but my side kick. I can't fathom how she would feel that this is acceptable. Was everything just a lie?" She was spiralling. Truth be told, it was knocking me sick.

"Eloise, she was your friend. You have beautiful memories. But what she did. This is not what a friend would do. You deserve better and we are going to find you better okay, I promise you."

"Thank you Annabelle. I'm going to take my leave. I need some fresh air." Eloise dried her eyes before walking past me and out the door.

Feeling exhausted myself I made my way to the stairwell. Just as I reached the top step I felt a strong pain shoot from my back to the front of my stomach. My face scrunched up as I clutched my stomach.

It's okay, I'm okay. The baby is going to be fine. Ignoring the consistent pain I made it to my room before collapsing in a heap on the bed.

The baby can't be coming because I still have some time left. Maybe its running out of room.

I took a deep breath before clutching the pillow with my left hand and my stomach with my right hand. Fear creeping in. Something could be wrong. No. Annabelle, everything is going to be fine.

I steadied my breathing. Soon the pain calmed a little. Enough for me to fall in to some kind of slumber.

------- THIRD PERSON -------

While the fate of the precious unborn Bridgerton lay firmly in God's hands, Colin Bridgerton was left to pick up the courage to confront the Queen of the recent findings. At first the Queen was appalled to learn that the Bridgerton brothers thought it was acceptable to just turn up on the Queens doorsteps and demand to speak with her.

But what she would become aware of would shock her more than the brothers turning up. Anthony begun explaining everything but Colin took satisfaction in saying the name.

"Penelope Featherington."

The Queen spit her tea out.

"My word. Bridgertons. What have we found here. She will be lucky if I do not have her head. That wretched cow."

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Authors NOTE -

Hi, I know it has been a good minute since I've updated. I started this story in like 2020... I think. I have managed to have a baby and almost finish my nursing degree in this time. How crazy. I just wanted to thank everyone how has waited this long and anyone who is new here.

Colin and Annabelle's story is far from over so please hang tight whilst I get back into the swing of things.

All my love, K x