The Wrong Mr Bridgerton

Chapter 15

Colin found himself walking with a bit more of a bounce in his step while walking over to the Featheringtons.

He was on cloud 9. He was engaged to the most wonderful, breathtakingly, smartest, perfect lady of the ton. He had settled a charming agreement to his new home in Bloomsbury, which he was promised he would get the keys to this very afternoon.

His mother and oldest sibling were over the moon, if they indeed, wouldn't kill him before his wedding day. That would be much appreciated. Perhaps, he should not be overthinking about the engagement announcement to the Featherington's.

They would not say no. Surely, Lady Featherington would want her daughter's happiness above a title and rank. It was not like being a Bridgerton didn't have its benefits.

Although, he wouldn't accept a dowry. He didn't appreciate the idea at all. With his wealth and popularity, he could imagine a very happy and fulfilling life. How did he get to be so lucky.

Little did Mr Colin Bridgerton know that Miss Penelope's wealth would exceed even his name.

Lady Whistledown relished on the wealth given to her by society. Society that had shunned her so. If they only knew how foolish they were. If the Queen knew how overlooked the culprit was. Then that would be a great day, indeed.

He gave the door knock, four knocks for good measure.

Briary creaked the door open "Morning, I am here to see Miss Featherington. Miss Penelope Featherington"

Portia rushed down the stairs "I did not realise we would have a caller today"

"Morning Lady Featherington. Is Lord Featherington available, I would very much like to speak with him?"

"He is out on business, he will be back tomorrow, or the day after"

"I see"

Colin let out a small huff "Then I would very much like to call on your daughter"

"Prudence Featherington" Portia lit up "Sorry I apologise, I meant Miss Penelope Featherington"

Portia let a bewildered gasp out her lips, that annoyed the hell out of Colin.

"Very Well"

Penelope was laying on a window seat reading.

"You have a caller, my dear" she lowered her voice as she stepped closer "Now sit straight, and for goodness sake put that book down"

Portia sat on a small table sipping her tea. Pen could feel the glare.

"I am sorry, Colin"

"All is well. Lord Featherington will return soon. We just have to"

"Be patient."

Their eyes met, there it was again. An undeniable spark.

"So what is new with you Mr Bridgerton" her tone meaning that her mother was listening closely and putting Pen at ease.

"I have secured a new home in Bloomsbury" he lit up.

"That is wonderful news, Colin.." she cleared her throat "..Mr Bridgerton. I would very much like for you to gave me the address so I may write to you, if you would like that"

He knew she was just being polite, but the thought of Penelope writing to him again was an intoxicating thought. Would they now be love letters until the Lord would be informed of their engagement.

"Pen" they spoke at the same time "Colin"

He spoke softly "It is difficult being here with you and not being able to touch you"

Pen nodded, her lips tight "Indeed"

She had to change the subject, the way he was looking at her had its desired effect.

"When will you leave Bridgerton house?"

"I can move in this very afternoon"

"I'm so happy for you Colin. How accomplished you must feel to have your own accommodation. I am so proud of you"

"Not my own" he smiled flirtatiously "Ours" her heart started to thump hard at his response.

She was proud of him. It was a strange feeling, to be sure. He could feel a new sense of pride. He always felt he needed an accomplishment. Anthony was a Viscount, Benedict had his artistic pursuits. Then there he was with nothing to show. In Pen's eye's, maybe he was. It was only her eyes that mattered. Only her thoughts he wished to know. Only her hands he wished to hold. He looked down at her hands. He had to make tight fists to stop himself for reaching for her.

Colin passed Pen the beautiful flower arrangement. His voice low again "The address is tied to a ribbon inside. I wanted you to know where you would be living"

There fingers brushed as she received the bouquet.

Pen let out a hushed breath. Her eyes looked a little watery. "Pen, are you well?"

"I am just simply happy, Colin" she breathed out. She was trying to keep her joy and excitement contained. Especially with her mama's eyes on her like she was some horrid creature.

"Me too. I only wish for you to be in my arms every day"

"Perhaps, even twice" surprising him once again with her forwardness.

He giggled, before she knew it, she was too.

Varley sat next to Portia, both with a mixture of curiosity and bewildered expressions on their faces.

"I must make my leave, Pen. Until tomorrow"

"Tomorrow" she echoed as she watched him leave. She hated watching him walk away. All those moments, she found herself wishing and hoping that she had the courage to tell him to stay.

The second he was out of the room Portia walked over to her daughter "What were you too laughing about?"

"Why were you whispering"

Instead of standing there taking her mumas interrigation. She just giggled and walked off. Varley looked at Portia "Mam"

Portia shrugged at her. Shaking her head disapprovingly.

Pen put her flowers in a vase on the windowsill, watching the love of her life through the window walk away. Was he dancing. It looked like it. She smirked to herself "Mrs Penelope Bridgerton" another giggle.

She pulled the address from the flowers, hiding it into the bust of her dress.

"Dear Gentle Readers,

It has come to this author's attention that Mr Colin Bridgerton, himself has secured a new home in the heart of Bloomsbury. Does this mean our charming Colin Bridgerton is also looking to secure a wife with his new home. Only time will tell. I am sure that the Ladies of the ton will be at war to get the young man's affection.

Or perhaps, his affections are already occupied. I will leave it to you dear readers to sharpen your knives and tiaras, this will, indeed be a bloodbath. This author, will naturally watch the drama unfold from the comfort of the generals chair"

Your Truly

Lady Whistledown"

With the night, comes dreams. Comes fantasies. It was time to put such plans into action.

She was due to receive a hack to take her to the printers, possibly after she could visit the heart of Bloomsbury. Why not do something wild. Something out of character.

She would need help. The list of people she trusted was incredibly small. When it came down to Whistledown business there was only one person she trusted above all else. The only person that knew her identity.