The Wrong Mr Bridgerton

Chapter 19

Anthony was shown to the back room where Pen was sat. She had a book on her lap, reading by candlelight. She had a blanket draped over her. Was she sleeping here. So far from home. It was heartbreaking to see. Anger was burning up again at Colin. How could he be such an imbecile.

She hadn't been aware of his arrival until he spoke.

The relief on his face was evident "Miss Featherington"

He stepped over to her and crouched on the floor next to her "I've been so worried"
"Now you can see that I am well, please leave me in peace" she spoke softly. Keeping her composure.
"Colin is outside. Pulling his hair out in clumps"
"I find that hard to believe. He is disappointed in me. I am to. How could I believe that someone like him would ever understand"
"Pen, he was in shock!"
"After his outburst, I promise I was too"
"Portia has threatened my whole family, Pen"
She tutted "You really expect me to believe that. She doesn't care. She never has"
"How else would we know you were missing!"

While Madam Delacroix was distracted Colin stealthily walked it, avoiding any eye contact with buyers.

He stood near the door. He wasn't someone who believed in eavesdropping. But this was the love of his life. The lady he wanted to walk down the aisle towards him so he could claim her always. He could hear the heartbreak in her voice.

"If Colin knew that my own mama and Marina devised a plan to seduce him, and claim the child was his"

"I know Pen"
In truth, he had always understood her actions. No one wanted to know they had been a subject of fraud, and Colin wouldn't have the good sense himself to get out of it.

Colin eyes grew wide. Pen WAS trying to protect him. She came to him. Warning him that Marina loved another and he just dismissed her like she didn't matter. God, he was a fool.

"I cannot tell him such things. Marina is above all else 'family' she only did what she thought was right. I warned her not to. That Colin was a good man, and I wished her not to deceive him but I may as well be talking to grass"

"Pen, trust me. I understand. Family can be wrong, but you tried your best. Whistledown was your only option"

"... I tried to warn him Anthony. I really did"

She did. Colin held her hand, thinking she was fretting over nothing. To think he had the audacity to say he knew Marinas mind and his own. If history is anything to go by. He knew exactly Jack and Shit.

"Penelope, you put way too much on your shoulders. A burden should be shared" he squeezed her hand so she knew he meant what he said.

"Perhaps, I should have just let him marry Marina. At least then he wouldn't hate me"

Now Colins eyes started to swell. He could never hate her. Not in a thousand lifetimes.

He wished he could turn the time back and make better decisions. See Penelope for who she was, she was exceptional, warm and fun.

There was something in the way she lit up the room. Drawing him to her like a flicker of candle light. Had he loved her this entire time. What of Marina? How could he use Marina against her.

All she ever did was try and help him. What he felt for Pen was different. Marina doesn't even compare to the passion he feels for Penelope. Penelope is what she always was. A goddess.