Linger in love

(44) A Bridgerton declaration

After the meal. Pen needed a respite, she excused herself and left the dining room. She was surprised when five minutes later Colin Bridgerton knocked on her door. More so that he knew which room was hers. He must have followed her, but didn't want to call up and get unwanted attention from the rest of the guests.

In the dining room Agatha and the Viscount exchanged looks. Agatha was the first to speak of Colin swift departure "Do you believe he will finally tell the girl the truth?"

Anthony squirmed "If he does not, I certainly will. That man can be frustrating. Fluttering around her like some constipated bee"

Kate laughed "Husband" she took his hand in hers "He has to do this on his own"

Lady Danbury tutted "Let's just hope that time has not passed"

Kate nodded. "He's kept his feelings at bay, thus far. He needs to tell her for his own wellbeing"

Anthony winced before adding "... and my sanity"

"I thought Mr Bridgerton, a confident man, it is strange to see him so nervous and shy" Lady Danbury had known Colin since birth and he never hid any feeling. He would declare if he was upset or angry. He was so sensitive to such things.

"It certainly is mind boggling. Did you know he bought her a ring?" He looked between both the ladies. It was clear that Agatha had known.

Kate tapped the table "You did not tell me that!"

Lady Danbury spoke softly "Lady Bridgerton had told me that the ring dropped to the floor after Pen had left. Colin stood like a statue. Poor boy"

"It is entirely his fault, smearing her name in front of other potential suitors" Anthony joked.

Lady Danbury shook her head "Whatever reasoning. Men are know to be a bit foolish when it comes to matters of the heart.." her eyes went to Anthony ".. Are they not?"

"Point taken" Anthony stood to get another drink. "But he has had years to prepare himself. I did not" he kissed Kate's hand "But it all worked out in the end"

Mr Gavin made a sudden appearance "Forgive me if I am interrupting, but there is a storm a brewing and I have secured the ladies maids and the gentleman, fresh clothes. I know Lady Fairaway would appreciate you all staying tonight"

Once again, Mr Gavin the magician came through, Agatha thought to himself. He must have secured help in advance to be received this very evening. How lucky Lady Penelope must be to have such a good worker under her roof.

Upstairs in her personal bedchamber Pen sat on her bed feeling emotional. It had been a tiring day. Colin knocked on the door but opened it before she could reply.

"Colin!" She gasped "You cannot just enter my room"

"Forgive me but we need to speak in private" his eyes were low like he was going to empty his soul before her.

"Colin, you should not be in here. What would your brother think?"

"To hell with my brother. Are you engaged to Lord Debling" she hadn't realised how tormented Colin must have felt when she rushed home without telling him.

"Take a seat" the only place to sit was on the bed next to her. Colin noticed Pens cheeks get brighter, the moment he sat. Colin looked like he was about to be given the worst news of his life. What conversation starts with 'take a seat' and does not end in disappointment. She cleared her throat and continued "I informed Lord Debling that marrying him would be unfair to him and myself. That I desire to be with someone who truly knows and cares for me"

Colin needed verification. Pen reached for the hand beside her and closed the distance, her hand traced his features and she brought him to her level to kissed him. Softly. He may have been kissed before. But not like this. It felt almost intimate. As if their troubles were laid bare to one another. If only for a moment.

Colin's arms flew around her. Holding her in a tight embrace. The kiss was gentle, not like the last. It was not just a kiss. But a promise of a future together. One of his hand smoothed her cheek.

She pulled away "Ask me again?" The question she asked with a small smile which crept in to her rosy lips. His eyes went straight to her lips. Replying with a smile of his own.

He composed himself and took a small breath "Penelope" he quickly corrected himself "Pen, will you do me the honour of being my wife"

"Why, Colin Bridgerton. I thought you'd never ask!" Colin chuckled and moved in to kiss her once more. He did not wish to go further. Not right now while his family were in the dining room downstairs. No matter how tempting she may be.

So on an otherwise normal Tuesday in a drawing room in the heart of Surrey. Colin Bridgerton kissed his best friend and soon to be wife. He was in heaven, well the next best thing anyways.

He left Pen, wanting more. But they were to be married. He had to be patient. Yet, all these years, being patient would be difficult. Especially when he left to go home. Her eyes fluttered up to him as he kissed her hand. "Now get some rest, I will see you in the morning"

Pen stood up. Watching him leave. She suddenly came over all faint. Her eyes blurred and the room swirled. She used the side unit of the bed to steady herself from falling over, before pulling herself back down to the bed to lay down.

She laid for nearly an hour before she decided to stand again. She was unsure if it was the child or Colin's declaration that caught her by surprise.

I think a private ceremony would be best. I am a widow and I am not certain how these things work with a second marriage.

They all travelled back in the morning. Agatha, and Pen shared one carriage. While the Bridgerton's made their way home.

More than anything, Pen was looking forward to telling Eloise that she would be her sister. Hoping she would be happy. They had been at odds for so long. Perhaps, this will make them finally realise what they were to each other all along. Family.