Running Carriage: The Moment that Slipped Through the Hands

Preface

Penelope Featherington was always beautiful and smart, but her shyness made her almost invisible to society. At balls and social receptions, she often remained in the shadows, while her friends shone in the spotlight.

The only person she could be herself with was Colin Bridgerton - her childhood friend and secret love. But years went by, and Penelope realized that Colin would never love her the way she loved him. Heartbroken, she gave up and accepted the proposal of Lord Debling, a handsome, intelligent, and kind man who sought not love but a beneficial alliance. After the wedding, Debling immediately left for three years to study nature in distant countries. Penelope was left alone, but her life changed. She was free, rich, and had the power given to her by the status of Lady Whistledown - the mysterious author of a newspaper that published gossip about high society. Now she could observe society, control its opinions, and direct events to her advantage.

No one could have thought that behind the pages of this newspaper stood the modest Penelope. Before Debling proposed to her, Colin finally realized his feelings for Penelope. He wanted to confess his love to her but didn't have time. He couldn't catch up with her carriage as she left the ball after getting engaged to Debling. In despair, he left London and went on a journey, plunging into depression.

Several months passed.