The Wrong Mr Bridgerton

Chapter 21

Without being announced of her arrival,

Violet saw Pen through the window.
Anxious to make those few more steps to the house. She rushed to the door herself to receive her.

"He is in his study, Penelope. He stayed here the past few nights incase you returned home" she was explaining while walking up the stairs. Her arm linked to Pen's. Pen could barely get a word in. Although it was an always a blessing to hear Lady Violet speak so warmly and as she walked up the stairs passing the large framed paintings of the six older siblings. It made her feel even more relieved.

Who would give all this up. Eloise passed her at the top of the stairs, and quickly reversed

"Pen. I came to see you yesterday. Where were you?"

Pen looked sly "Wedding business, frightfully boring I'm afraid"

"Perhaps, we can go for a walk later. It feel like forever since we last spoke"

"I would like that, the market perhaps"

"Then that is a plan"

Before she walked away. El did something unexpected. So unexpected that even Violet couldn't contain her dubious expression.

Eloise gave her a hug. Squeezing her slightly while whispering in her ear "I am so happy that we will be sisters, Pen. You have no idea"

As she pulled back, she noticed Pens demeanour had changed "Are you well?"

"It's just. I would love that too El"

Eloise smiled warmly "Anyway I shan't keep you, you look like you have more wedding preparation business with my brother"

Violet stood like a statue. Once Pen and Eloise were together, the world around them disappeared. Sadly that sometimes included her. She was glad for the friendship. Eloise was such a character.

If she knew of Penelope's secret identity, she would implode with joy. As she was pretty sure her younger sister would do the very same.

Penelope looked towards El as she descended the stairs. Yes. She definitely didn't want to give this up. She would be mad to.

Violet knocked on the door.

Colin called to the wooden frame "I said I did not want to be disturbed"

Violet touched Pen's hand maternally.

"Go in my dear. Trust me. He needs you now, more than ever"

Pen nodded and as she turned the handle, Colin started to repeat himself louder "I said I didn't..."

Pens face looked worried. Colin's shirt was lose, his hair wild. His bags under his eyes were visible. He looked broken. She had never seen him look so wild. He was always so distinguished. Was this her doing.

"Pen?"
"Colin."
"You are here"
"Your mother was very persistent, I take it that was your idea"

Without answering her, he ran to her and fell to his knees clutching around her waist. Sobbing into her.

Pen didn't know what to do. She softly smoothed her fingers through his hair.

He looked up at her. Like I puppy pleading for attention "Don't leave me Pen, I will do anything"

"Anything?" He nodded.

"Perhaps, pour me some of that drink you seem to be devouring"

He got up. Before moving to the desk, pulled her close and breathed her in. Like her air was the only thing giving him life. She could never have imagined anyone ever needing her so much. It made her feel something that was entirely alien to her. She felt appreciated.