The Wrong Mr Bridgerton

Chapter 23

Soon to be Mrs Penelope Bridgerton and Colin couldn't be happier.

Colin Bridgerton was the most handsome boy she had the pleasure to meet. The moment, her bright yellow head covering knocked him clear of his horse and into a large pile of mud. She became infatuated. His laugh. That laugh. Music to her ears. She had met boys before, and they would look at her with such disgust, it would make her feel sick to her stomach. She was unsure at the time of it was her or the hideous citrus colours that brought such distain.

Boys could be cruel, very cruel. Whispering in the corners. She knew they were talking about her. Penelope knew her worth. Even if no one else did.

Colin Bridgerton rubbed the mud from his breaches, the heat was already drying and the mud cracking in the heat.

Penelope started apologising profusely out of sheer panic, but this god like creature was looking rather fetching all dirty. She wished to take a mental image to take to her to bed at night.

Then his face looked to her and he smiled.

That smile. Pen could hear wedding bells. Perhaps he was just merely pitying her. Then a friendship grew. Other boys frowned at such a friendship. Afterall Colin was popular and had a presence about him. While Pen was a little overweight, shy and extremely awkward.

Yet even with all those attributes, Colin still found her sweet, warm and she always made him happy to be around. She met all the family afterward. Her mother was happy that Penelope being a silly girl led to this link with one of the most influential families in Mayfair.

Eloise. The fifth child in the family. Which she found rather extraordinary that the names were alphabetically ordered. Pen laughed to herself thinking what letter Edmund and Violet had in mind when they started. She hoped they would get further than M, but Violet would have a job getting that hoard married off.

Pen got to meet their wonderful father before he sadly died. He was fun. He treated her like family. Every time she came over to their home he would make sure she always had cakes and biscuits. He was rather handsome for a papa. Colin definitely had his father's cheeky grin and his affection toward her. While waiting for Eloise, she couldn't be happier wondering what family member would keep her company on that day before El arrived.

Edmund joined her to ask her how her family was and what books she was reading and what our plans were. It was only heart wrenching that he spoke more to her than her own father. Violet walked in a mere ten minutes later and Edmunds whole face lit up, he gave a dotting kiss on her cheek. Violet was heavily pregnant with there last child to join the hoard. They will have to find a name beginning with 'H'

Penelope wished that she could find a gentleman that looked at her the same way. She idolised Lord and Lady Bridgerton.

Colin walked in before El.

"Pen!"

Edmund gave him a stern look and smiled

"Apologies, Miss Featherington" he gave a small bow.

Pen smiled warmly and stooped yet kept her eyes on Colin.

Edmund squeezed Violets waist a little while watching the interaction. Almost like he knew something the rest of his family didn't. These two acted similar to himself and his beautiful wife Violet when they had a friendship. Before he admitted to Violet that he cared for her. He would not say anything though. Just observe their love grow.

Edmund held Violet tight "I spot love a brewing, my dearest"

Violet followed his gaze, Colin and Penelope were laughing hysterically at a joke that the rest of their family, clearly missed.

"Certainly on Penelope's side, to be sure. I think though that Colin is more interested in flirting..."

"... and travelling" he nudged into her.

"Indeed. Did you see the disaster he carved into his table?"

She laughed loud "Was it an animal of some kind"

"It was a map!"

"What of?"

"Mayfair I believe"

Violet coughed a laugh "That boy has way too much time on his hands"

"Optimistic, my dear. I think he fancies himself an adventurer" She gave a half smile and he whispered "Perhaps he can venture out and buy himself a new table that hasn't been destroyed"

"Still, I wouldn't hold your breath with this Penelope matchmaking scheme"

Edmund frowned defensively "I like her"

"As do I. She is very young Edmund and not in society for a few years"

"About as young as I was when I fell in love with my best friend"

"Who was that then?" she fluttered her lashes at him. "Fancy a wager?"

"Always, my beautiful wife"

"If Penelope and Colin get married before her second season, I will..."

She rolled her eyes as her brain ticked away.

"Go swimming with me. Alone." He bit his bottom lip seductively.

She huffed "Easy"

Edmund waved his arms at her "... I had not finished" he cleared his throat "Naked!"

"EDMUND! The children will hear"

He looked left and right, Benedict and Anthony had just walked in a moment earlier and were setting up a card game with their youngest Gregory.

Edmund bottom lip pouted out "Do you wish me to swim alone"

Violet put her fingers on her lips to stop her giggle "Fair enough"

He had won his little game. She shook her head in jest.

Two weeks later. Edmund died. Holding to Violets face. Wanting to tell her he loved her with his dying breath.

Time stopped. Their home that was always full of laughter, was quiet.

Penelope didn't want to distance herself. But she had to while the Bridgertons were in mourning. It broke her heart. Almost like she had lost him too. Pen would sit at the window watching the house across the street. Hoping to see either of the family cross the window.

One day she caught sight of Anthony. He looked rushed off his feet. He looked out the window and saw Pen. Instead of letting her feel like an intruder looking in on them. He smiled and gave a small wave before carrying on his duties as the new Viscount.

Anthony changed. He became tougher. He was always a kind, charming gentleman. But it was like he was living on the edge of a blade. Worried he may take a misstep. Lady Bridgerton however seemed to disappear. She was broken. Pen couldn't fault her for that. He was such a great man. To be left alone with your children and no support forced Anthony to step up.

Penelope found it rather heartwrenching that the family grew up without their dear papa. Fortunately they had a great mother who taught them all about receiving the kind of love they deserve. All the family were lovely, she couldn't help but love them all. When Daphne got married to the extremely handsome Duke of Hasting, Simon Bassett, Pen couldn't have been happier for the both of them.

How she wished she grew up in a home with a mama who believed the same. True love.

Her mother, still isn't convinced Colin loved her. Why would she. Portia never made her feel unworthy of any man. Which made Pen doubt his feelings constantly. But what man would marry someone they didn't hold affection for. Colin had said the words. Showed his feeling. But where doubt lingered, there it boiled.