What might have been

All set for a new beginning

Colin had heard about Gretna Green countless times, both from men at the club and during his days at Eton. Never did he expect that he would be the one getting married there. The notion amused him – a charming and storied parish nestled in the southern reaches of Dumfries and Galloway, well-known for romantic elopements. A grin spread across his face as he contemplated his imminent role as a husband. How fortunate he felt to have found someone who suited him so perfectly at such a young age, much like his own parents. Among all his siblings, he was the one to find love so early. The giddiness within him was almost uncontrollable. Glancing at Miss Thompson, he noticed her frown and nervous demeanour. It was only natural, considering they were eloping. Perhaps he could try to comfort her in some way – say something to make her happy. He was confident he could cheer her up in no time.

"Miss Thompson, once we return after our wedding, I will speak to Anthony about arranging our honeymoon... to the country of love, the land of Aphrodite," Colin said, his voice filled with excitement.

She looked at him, clearly confused.

Colin chuckled, feeling a bit foolish. "Greece," he clarified with a smile.

"I don't think it's wise, Colin." she said, her tone carrying an undertone he couldn't quite place.

Colin furrowed his brow, surprised by her response. "You don't have to worry, Miss Thompson," Colin reassured her, his voice earnest. "My family will understand. They would be happy for us, and going away to Greece will show them how happy and in love we are. And all my mother wants for her children is love." He spoke with conviction, hoping to ease her concerns.

"Maybe we can talk about this later," she replied with that mysterious smile she always directed at him.

Colin nodded, feeling somewhat at a loss for words. He was not accustomed to being in a situation where he didn't know how to respond. In fact, he prided himself on always knowing how to say the right thing to charm someone. Colin had indeed been left speechless only a handful of times, and more often than not, it was when Pen chose to reveal her wit and throw a barb his way. He couldn't help but feel surprised each time as if he had forgotten that she possessed such sharpness. However, Colin had become quite accustomed to being on the receiving end of her secret smart mouth. Despite her tendency to hide in the corners, Pen was remarkably observant and possessed enough sharp wit to leave Colin choking on his drinks with laughter more times than he could count. Colin felt a pang of guilt over how he had spoken to Penelope. No matter how irritating he found her unwelcome thoughts on his marriage, he didn't like that he had hurt her. Yet, in his defense, Penelope was unaware of matters of the heart. She believed she knew them, but she was young, barely out in society. She shouldn't have even been out in society; she was too young and sheltered. She didn't understand what was needed in a marriage. Young ladies were often unaware of such matters. She thought she was protecting him, but there was no need. He wanted to get married, and Marina was eager to marry him. That was all there was to it.

Colin turned to smile at Marina, but found her gaze fixed outside the window. He hesitated, wanting to say something to ease her nerves, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he might say the wrong thing.

"If not Greece, is there somewhere else you would prefer?" Colin asked suddenly, his excitement evident in his voice. Perhaps Marina had a place she had always wanted to visit.

"I would prefer some silence, Colin," Marina responded, her irritation evident in her tone.

Colin berated himself internally; he shouldn't have spoken when he knew she was nervous. All young ladies were nervous before their weddings; it didn't mean anything other than the fact that she wanted to get married. Colin considered asking if Pen was mad at him, but ultimately decided it was better to stay silent.Colin held onto the hope that Pen would be happy for him once she realized that he and Marina were happy together.

"What do you mean Colin eloped?" Anthony half-shouted at his very worried mother.

"He left a letter saying that he knows himself better than us and that what he wants is to marry Miss Thompson," Lady Violet explained, her voice trembling slightly with a mixture of shock and worry.

"What was that idiot thinking?" Anthony muttered, more to himself than to his mother, his tone filled with frustration and disbelief."Has he no concern for his family?"

Penelope could hear her mother's voice in the background, though not clearly enough to make out the words. Perhaps her mother would be proud of Marina for successfully entraping Colin Bridgerton. Penelope had chosen to sleep in that day, knowing everyone would be preoccupied with the news of the elopement, leaving her in peace. However, she knew she needed to go to the Bridgertons to apologize to Eloise and maybe even tell Lady Violet that she was sorry. Or perhaps not; the condolences could wait for later. Yet, she felt a responsibility to protect the Bridgerton name in some way, even if it wasn't truly her responsibility. For Eloise's sake, she knew she needed to think of something. Maybe she could find a bigger piece of news that would divert the ton's focus away from the Bridgertons.But she couldn't avoid the news entirely. She would have to say something about the love birds not being able to wait any longer or something along those lines. The mere thought made it feel as though ants were crawling up her dress.

She got up with a sigh.

Just beyond the English border, one finds this delightful haven, where the gentle river Sark meanders its way into the picturesque Solway Firth. The place exudes a quaint allure, with its verdant landscapes and serene atmosphere, making it a truly enchanting setting for magical weddings. Colin wished he could write that down, capturing the beauty of the scene. But one doesn't always get what they want. He wished he and Marina were dressed up for the wedding, but she said it was unnecessary, and there was no one to show it to. He supposed that was true, but it felt less like a wedding with each passing moment. Perhaps it was because he always thought he would have his family there when he got married. But it's okay; marriage is about building a future together with his new family, no matter where the ceremony takes place.

Marina had been anxious the entire way here. She had even vomited what little she had eaten at the inn this morning. Colin could sense her unease, and he agreed that it would be best to get the ceremony done and return home quickly before her sickness worsened.

She was walking briskly ahead of him, and Colin hesitated to catch up and take her hand as they walked in together. He didn't want to upset her in any way, so he stayed a few steps behind, quietly observing her tense demeanor.