Married Life of Lady Whistledown

Chapter 17

Penelope's heart fluttered as she stood in the drawing room, her gaze momentarily caught by Colin as he entered the room. His eyes locked with hers, and an undeniable spark of desire flickered between them. Penelope's lips curved into a teasing smile. "It must be the hormones," she murmured, her voice laced with a playful undertone.

Colin's eyes danced with mischief as he returned her gaze. "I don't mind at all," he said with a devilish smirk, leaning closer.

Before their moment could escalate further, the sound of a knock on the door interrupted them. Anthony and Kate entered, their presence a welcome distraction. Kate was carrying a tray with tea and scones, while Anthony's eyes scanned the room with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Penelope, Colin," Kate greeted, setting the tray down on a nearby table. "I hope we're not interrupting anything."

Colin cleared his throat and took a step back, regaining his composure. "Not at all. Just a bit of excitement in the air," he replied smoothly.

Penelope glanced at Colin and then back at Kate. "Join us for tea?"

Kate smiled warmly and settled into a chair next to Penelope, while Anthony took a seat across from Colin. As they poured tea and served scones, Penelope noticed Colin subtly guiding Anthony towards the stairs, a look of urgency in his eyes.

Kate leaned in, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Penelope, I have something to share with you. I'm expecting as well. But please keep it a secret from Violet for now. I haven't had a chance to tell her"

Penelope's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh, Kate, that's wonderful news! I promise I'll keep it quiet. However, I might slip and tell Colin"

They exchanged knowing glances and then burst into laughter. "I wouldn't expect anything less," Kate said with a grin. They both reveled in the idea of their own little ones, imagining tiny versions of themselves or their Bridgerton husbands.

"Just think," Penelope said, her voice filled with warmth, "mini Anthonys and Colins running around. It's almost too delightful to imagine."

Kate laughed softly. "Either way, we'll have children raised with nothing but love."

"I couldn't agree more," Penelope replied, her heart swelling with affection for her new sister-in-law.

As they continued their conversation, their shared excitement palpable, Penelope and Kate embraced each other warmly. "I'm so grateful to be sisters now," Penelope said, her voice choked with emotion.

Kate returned the hug with equal fervor. "Me too, Penelope. It feels like we've always been meant to be family."

The moment was interrupted by the sound of a door shutting upstairs. Penelope's gaze shifted towards the stairs, noticing Colin and Anthony descending with noticeably altered demeanors. Colin was the first to reach the room, his expression carefully neutral.

Anthony followed shortly after, his face a mix of determination and discomfort. "Penelope, what is that scent?" he asked, his nose wrinkling as he tried to place it. "Wait, I know—lilacs, no, lilies!"

Kate immediately guided him to his seat, her tone exasperated but affectionate. "Not this again, my love," she said, shaking her head.

Anthony gave her a quick kiss. "Apologies, dear. I just couldn't resist."

Colin, seizing the opportunity to lighten the mood, quipped, "Oh come on, you don't see me kissing my wife?"

Penelope chimed in, a teasing glint in her eye. "You could if you wanted to."

Colin's smirk widened, and he bent down to plant a tender kiss on Penelope's lips. The room filled with a comfortable silence, broken only by Anthony's cheerful proclamation.