Running Carriage: The Moment that Slipped Through the Hands

A Heart in Turmoil

Penelope's carriage stopped in front of the Bridgertons' house. The evening reception at their house was one of the most anticipated events of the season. She entered the hall, exuding confidence and grace that had become her second nature. But inside, her emotions were boiling - Colin was supposed to be here today. His return was a secret she had learned thanks to her connections. She felt her heart pounding in her chest at the thought of meeting him.

Colin was there too. He stood by the window, watching the guests, and his gaze instantly found Penelope. She seemed even more beautiful to him than he remembered. He felt the ground slipping away beneath his feet and realized that he could no longer wait. He had to talk to her, but how could he approach a woman who now belonged to another?

Gathering all his willpower, Colin slowly made his way to Penelope. He knew that talking to her would not be easy. There were too many people around, so he decided to wait for the right moment. Penelope felt his presence even before he approached her.

"Good evening, Penelope," Colin said, trying to hide his excitement.

"Colin... You're here," she replied, her voice trembling. "I didn't expect to see you so soon."

"I couldn't wait any longer," he said quietly, looking straight into her eyes. "We need to talk."

Penelope nodded and, looking around, saw that they had attracted the attention of several guests. She took his hand and led him to a small pavilion in the garden, where no one could hear them.

"Colin, what happened?" she asked, trying not to reveal her feelings.

"Penelope, I have something to tell you. I... I made a mistake. I shouldn't have left," he began, but Penelope interrupted him.

"Colin, please. Don't. It's all in the past," she said, feeling her heart breaking.

"No, Penelope, you need to hear this. I realized that I love you, but I was too cowardly to admit it," he said, his voice full of pain and regret.

Penelope lowered her eyes. "Colin, it doesn't matter anymore. I'm married to Debling, and I can't change that."

Colin stepped closer and took her hand. "Penelope, I'm ready to fight for you. I can't live without you anymore."

Penelope pulled her hand away and stepped back. "Colin, you don't understand. It's not that simple. Debling will return soon, and everything might change."

"You can't betray him? What about yourself, Penelope? Are you ready to live your whole life without love, just out of duty?" Colin asked, his eyes blazing.

She sighed. "Colin, you don't understand. Debling and I have a complicated relationship. He has been kind to me, and I can't just leave him."

Colin was shocked but understood that he couldn't insist further. "I'm not asking you to make a choice right now. But know that I will be here. I won't leave again."

Penelope felt tears welling up in her eyes. "Thank you, Colin. I appreciate it, but our friendship is more important to me. But now I need to return to the reception."

He nodded, understanding that their conversation was not over. They returned to the hall, each with thoughts of a future that seemed even more uncertain.