Running Carriage: The Moment that Slipped Through the Hands

Shadows of the Present and Ghosts of the Past

The ball organized by Lady Penelope Debling at their own estate turned out to be the true event of the season. The sudden appearance of her husband, Mr. Debling, surprised many, leaving behind a mystery and interest. What brought him back so quickly and what are his true motives? The return of Mr. Colin Bridgerton also sparked many conversations, although it was just a fleeting occurrence. And what was the mysterious quest undertaken by Mr. Benedict Bridgerton, who, according to rumors, was searching for someone or something but never found answers to his questions?

Gossip and intrigues in high society continued to spread, while the society only fueled the anticipation of new events and developments. In this atmosphere of tension and intrigue, where everyone was trying to understand and uncover secrets and mysteries, Debling and Colin found themselves alone in the library.

Debling stood by the window, looking at the light of the setting sun leaving the city. His thoughts drifted to Penelope and how he proposed to her that evening. Suddenly, Colin appeared in his memories, with his sad and longing look. "Mr. Bridgerton," Debling said, addressing Colin, who stood in the doorway.

Colin entered the room, his face expressing mixed feelings: bitterness, but also determination. "Debling," he replied, maintaining his composure.

"I noticed you were at the ball yesterday," Debling continued, ignoring the inner storm raging in his soul.

"Yes, I was there," Colin admitted, his voice quiet but determined.

Debling looked at Colin with a somewhat evasive expression in his eyes. "Colin, I couldn't help but notice how you looked at us dancing yesterday. It reminded me of the look I saw in your eyes a year ago when I proposed to Penelope."

Colin felt his heart tighten at the memory of that dramatic moment. He knew Debling was right, and this reminder only intensified his feelings of disappointment and pain.

"Yes, I remember that moment," he whispered, his voice weak and sad.

Debling nodded, seemingly understanding the complexity of the situation. "Colin, I know this isn't easy for you, but you must understand that my wife is Penelope, and I cannot allow anyone else to interfere in our relationship."

Colin closed his eyes for a moment, struggling with the emotion and trying to accept the harsh truth. He knew Debling was right, but it was so hard to admit it to himself.

"I understand, Debling," he finally said, his voice weak but resolute.

Debling nodded in response, as if confirming his words, and slowly left the room, leaving Colin alone with his heavy thoughts and emotions.

Colin lay in his bed, trying to sleep after a hard day. His mind was full of thoughts about Penelope, her voice, her touch. And finally, when he fell asleep, she appeared in his dream. Her seductive figure in the soft light of candles, like an invitation to forbidden fruit. He recalled their first kiss, which marked the beginning of a new story, both of them engulfed in passion and desire. At that time, Penelope pleaded for his kiss, as if asking for salvation from the unattainability that tormented her when she thought she would be alone forever.

Her gaze was filled with passion, and her body trembled with anticipation and desire. And now, in this dream, they merged in a fiery embrace, like two halves of one whole that had finally found each other. Colin felt every cell of his body burn with passion, with the desire to be with her, to belong to her.

But suddenly Colin woke up, his heart racing, and he was covered in cold sweat. He realized it was just a dream, and disappointment enveloped him like a veil of fog. Sighing heavily, he closed his eyes, trying to rid his mind of Penelope's image, which continued to haunt him like an unattainable dream.

Colin looked at the ceiling, feeling his heart beat in his chest with insane force. He tried to gather his thoughts. He closed his eyes and once again found himself in the world of his fantasies.

He recalled the moment when she left in the carriage, leaving him with a painful feeling of loss and unspoken words. Since the day he couldn't catch up with Penelope's carriage, he dreamed of what would have happened if he had been able to tell her about his feelings. It was a dream of confession, of a romantic kiss that would have marked the beginning of a new story. And now, in this dream, his fantasies became reality.

He felt her warmth next to him, her scent enveloping him like a soft blanket. They looked at each other with tenderness and passion, which had been so painfully missed in reality.

Penelope smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with tenderness and understanding, and her gaze was filled with desire and passion. She took his hand in hers, pressing it to her heart as if giving him a piece of her soul. Colin felt his heart stop with happiness and gratitude.

He slowly leaned towards her, and their lips met in a passionate kiss, filled with all their unlived moments. Their kiss was full of tenderness and passion, as if they were trying to express all their feelings and emotions in this short moment. Colin slipped his hand under Penelope's dress, and they merged in an embrace of passion and desire, like two flames merging into a single fire. This moment was theirs, and they were immersed in it as if in a world without time and space, where only the two of them existed.