An Exorcism in Mayfair

(3) The Sickness

It took hours before Colin's body was cool enough to remove from the water.

Anthony and Benedict clothed their brother and placed him in bed. They did not speak. All the energy that remained, they used to make their younger brother comfortable.

Anthony knew he would have to find someone to save Colin's soul. He would travel to the closest church in the morning and make contacts on his mother's request.

He needed to muster some hope. Because where things stood at present. That was all that remained. He had to be strong for the family, strong for Colin.

How could he live in a world where things like this were possible. He thought possessions and exorcism were merely stories to scare children at night. If this was real. Then what else would be. Anthony feared for Colin.

None of them could survive another death of a Bridgerton.

What would father do?

Anthony sat in the study, pouring himself another half measure of whisky. He looked up to his father's portrait. He was the greatest man he ever knew. He prayed that his father could give him some of his wisdom and strength right now. He slammed the drink down.

He would do, what was necessary.

THE FEATHERINGTON HOME

Pen could not sleep. They had just returned from their estate back home to Mayfair a few days ago. Even though she loved being home and continuing her column. The thought of bumping into Eloise or Colin was making her feel sick to the stomach.

She had only seen El briefly at the Modeste yesturday morning. But it was clear that she hated her still and wished not to converse with her.

Eloise seems to have an opinion and refuses to hear my side. So why should I bother with her. With either of them. I missed them both. I should not, because they certainly do not care for me. So I will move on. Find a husband this year and disappear from London. Once and for all. Never to return again.

London may have its charm but it is not all that England has to offer. Somewhere she could start anew. Every time she looked across the square she would be filled with dread. Her writing had caused so much damage, even if Eloise forgave her. Would she be able to forgive herself.

Penelope was getting ready to head out when she overheard the news. Penelope loved a bit of gossip, to be sure. But, this felt different.

A young ladies voice could be heard in the corner of the kitchen "Colin Bridgerton arrived home from his travels ill. It took very little time before the infliction took hold. He was being sick, complaining of dizziness. Hot and clammy to the touch"

Varley exclaimed "His poor mother"

"If someone can inform the youngest Miss Featherington. I know she cares deeply about the boy and we know he always welcomes her company"

Varley thanked the handmaiden from Bridgerton house.

Penelope ran back to her room.

Varley entered "I am sorry miss. I am not sure what you may have heard. But Mr Colin Bridgerton is extremely ill. I have not informed your mother. I know you would not wish it"

"Thank you Varley" Mrs Varley smiled warmly and shut the door. She knew Miss Penelope cared a great deal for Colin. Varley was also aware that Penelope had changed significantly since the Featherington ball last season without an explanation. Not even Lady Featherington knew the reason of the change.

BRIDGERTON HOME

Benedict grabs Colin's journal. He did not want to take Colin's privacy away but he also didn't want to lose him.

If he could decipher in the pages when he became ill then perhaps he could fix this.

Journal entry 12th May 1813

Something is very wrong. My thoughts are not my own. Even my dreams have become dark and twisted. full of pain. My only comfort is to let memories of Pen slide in. She is the only face holding back the darkness. Her bright blue eyes are my shield and her smile, my anchor.

I feel without her. I will go deeper into the abyss. I am scared for my soul. Fearful of the repercussions of my torment.

There was a cave. I didn't heed their warnings. The inscription roughly translated as "All who enters, wins"

Benedict looked at the piece of parchment that Colin made a charcoal imprint. He got the translation incorrect but even he could not decipher the text.

Miss Penelope Featherington was more knowledgeable of the different dialects of Arabic than anyone he knew. Perhaps, she was the answer.

FEATHERINGTON HOUSE

"I am here to call on Miss Penelope Fearington"

"It is rather late sir"

"I apologise for that but it is an urgent matter"

"As you wish sir" Briary knew Pen had a good friendship with the Bridgertons and had almost a my door is always open policy.

"Miss, you have a Mr Benedict Bridgerton here to visit"

"Send him to the gardens, I will be there momentarily"

Privacy would be key. If Benedict wished to ask about the wedge between her and Eloise, she would rather her family not hear of it.

Benedict stood awkwardly, looking rather rough like he hadn't slept. Pen looked worried when his expression was sour.

She gestured him to sit.

"Miss Featherington" Benedict's relief in his eyes, and small sigh were scaring Pen. What was so important.

"I need your help"

"Benedict what has happened, is this conserving Colin's illness"

Ben took a large swallow.

"I need you to decipher this parchment. Then I will explain all"

Pen stared at the text "All who enters, are lost"

"Are you certain?" Bens eyes started to water.

"Benedict?"

It may have not been acceptable in society. But Pen wrapped her arms around him and held him. He cried into her shoulder.

Through the sniffs he admitted "I do not know what to do"

Pen whispered softly "What has happened?" He pulled back slowly.

"Something is wrong with Colin"

"I am sure whatever it is he will work it out" her tone was dry and unfeeling.

"You do not understand" her eyes looked into his for confirmation "Colin is wrong"

Oh no. Perhaps, Colin was really ill, she assumed the maid was overreacting and it was merely a cold.

"What do you need me to do?"

"I marked his journal after he descended into a cave. I need you to help me make sense of what happened"

"I cannot. That is Colin's private writings"

Benedict pleaded "Please"

His tone was heartbreaking. How could she deny this man who clearly needed hope.

"Very well"

BRIDGERTON HOUSE

"Ben, you cannot bring Pen here. I need her as far away as possible to keep her safe. Please inform her that I hope she is well and I miss her smile"

"Colin. She is helping you as we speak. She's rather resourceful for a young Miss"

"Indeed. But I do not wish to see her. Promise"

Benedict nodded. But refused to say the words. She may be the flicker of hope they needed.