Linger in love

(24) A Quiet Wedding

Thomas was staying with friends of the family, they lived in Bloomsbury. All the time they had gained a title, the Fairaways found it difficult not to keep a relationship with those who work. The Malhurns were a very friendly family working at an inn. Mr Malhurn, David had known Thomas for many years and he kept correspondence with his childhood friend.

Thomas told David all about his feeling towards Miss Penelope, before he knew them himself. He was happy when Tommy would finally visit to let his intensions known.

Pen appeared with a bag at the Malhurns Inn.

"Good day"

David looked down at her bag "Let me" he picked the bag up carrying it into the inn. Thomas sat at a small table, nursing a pint. His eye lit up when he caught her eye.

He stood fast and gave her a little nod "Penelope" he breathed out.

"Thomas"

David elbowed him in the rib "Penelope, hey"

"Apologies, Pen. This is Mr Malhurn"

she smirked "David Malhurn, I have heard so much about you. The story of the goat and the water mill was my favourite" Pen became quite animated. The men laughed with her.

"You promised you would never tell a soul" David scorned.

"I promised you nothing" Thomas laughed loudly hitting his friend jokingly in the shoulder.

"Well I have heard nothing but wonderful things of you"

"In earnest"

"Please make a husband of this man, before he bores us of more stories of you" he tapped Tommy's shoulder and wondered back to the bar.

Thomas regarded Pen for a moment "So, what is your reason for the visit to little old Bloomsbury. Not that you need a reason, of course"

Penelope sat down, he followed suit. He looked as if he was waiting for some bad news to hit him "Thomas, I thought over your proposal and have come with an answer" she looked at the warmth in the man's eyes. She could see those years of friendship looking back at her.

He seemed to brace himself "What will it be Penelope?" he arched his eyebrows, hope written across them.

"I accept your proposal"

"Are you certain?" He smiled, hoping to god she would not change her mind.

"I am" she looked cautious "If you will still have me"

Thomas jumped up with joy, picking Pen up and spinning her around. Pen laughed as her feet took flight.

"Put me down, you fool" she giggled.

"I will make you so happy Penelope! I promise!"

He pulled her closer, he kissed her so fervently, her toes curled. She had to remind herself that this is her best option. Her only option. A marriage of friendship sounded fantastic to her. It of course helped that he was rather attractive. As he pulled apart he brought her hands to his lips. "I love you Penelope"

In response she kissed him again. She did not wish to lie to him. But kissing was wonderful. He was quite advanced at it.

David was watching from the other side of the inn. A smile from ear to ear.

"My Lord, can we make it a quiet wedding"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"I only mean to say, will you be open to having a small ceremony with Lady Danbury in attendance and perhaps only a few close friends"

"I would be entirely open to it. You do know how I hate crowds"

"Thank you"

Danbury Hall

Penelope had spoken to Lady Danbury, in hope she could use her words to assist her in getting a minister short notice to do a ceremony.

David and his wife Mary arrived with Madame Delacroix. They were all feeling like royalty in such a large home. Thomas walked to his friend embracing him.

Davids voice was low "My friend have you told her?"

"I will. I just need to find the right moment"

David forced a smile "Very well. You know where I am"

"Thankyou"

The moment was set. Lady Danbury wished for a quiet word with Penelope first.

"So I see you made your choice"

"I have"

Agatha smiled "He is a rather dashing gentleman"

"He is" Pen let a small smile slip in.

"Why may I ask did you only have a small guest list?"

"Eloise and I have had a falling out. Colin has sullied my name in front of the gentleman of the ton, and I dare not list the ills my family have put on me. I wish to be happy today. You, Lady Bridgerton and Genevieve Delacroix is the only ones I need"

"What of the Queen?"

"I wrote to her, informing her that it was a very small ceremony and she was invited if she so chooses. But it is not the grand weddings she is used to"

Lady Danbury nodded, she took Penelope's hand "Well I am entirely honoured to be here today"

"Thank you Lady Danbury"

Lady Violet and Lady Agatha held hands as they watched the vows being repeated. Gen felt out of place, but was happy to be invited to such a monumental occasion.

As Pen and Thomas kissed. He took a deep breath. "I love you Penelope"

"And you have the rest of your life to remind me how much"

She giggled. Thomas looked awkward for a moment "Thomas, are you well?"

"Perfectly, for I am with you"

Pen kissed him again. The guests clapped. Straight after the wedding they would head to their new home. Pen was eager to investigate the home. She always hoped for secret passageways, somewhere they could have fun exploring. When they were not exploring each other.

"Lady Violet!" Agatha scorned while handing her a handkerchief.

"I know, I must be a mess. I am a little disappointed at the amount of guests. Miss Featherington, I mean Lady Fairaway deserved a grand wedding. Full of laughter and cheer"

"This small ceremony was entirely her idea. She only wanted those who helped her and had the most influence on her life"

"Yet, where is my daughter. Where is Colin?"

"Eloise and Lady Fairaway had a disagreement and I hear Colin said some unkind words to the gentlemen of the ton"

"... he would never"

"She witnessed him do such" Agatha flat out rather irritatingly.

"Oh dear. Well at least she has us" Violet had to see the positive side. No one wants their big day ruined. She could not help but be disappointed with her children though. Her heart bled a little for Colin. She knew that he was holding a ring, and she knew what that meant.

"Indeed" the ladies clinked their glasses together. Gen joined them for a moment.

"It is lovely to see you Madame Delacroix" Violet smiled warmly at the business lady who was the picture of grace and beauty.

"It is a surprise, is it not. Lady Penelope has done well for herself, I dare say" Gen spoke so fondly of Pen. Almost as if she had a long friendship etched in secrecy.