Linger in love

(52) Out of the Shadows

The Bridgerton Home

Hyacinth skipped into the dining room. Grabbing a cake, and spinning around next to Benedict before taking a seat next to him "I cant believe Penelope is Lady Whistledown. She must be clever. More clever than Eloise I recon"

Benedict eyes locked with Eloise, he looked like he may crack up laughing at any given moment.

"I would not go that far" Eloise shot in while looking over her book.

"Will she still write?" she asked the room "I do hope so"

Violet sat a little straighter "I hope so too" Benedict realised by his mother's expression, that perhaps she already knew. Had she always known. If she knew, that would mean Lady Danbury also knew. So much for a secret identity.

"When did you find out?" Benedict asked carefully.

"A long time ago now. We had been writing for a while. She has been struggling since loosing dear Tommy"

"You have that in common" Benedict tight smile was reassuring.

"Indeed" Violet nodded "I miss your father every day. It still does not mean that we do not get another chance"

"You mean Colin?"

"They compliment each other beautifully, he seems to have diminished that black cloud she has been under for some time"

As if Colin had heard his name, he entered the room. Pen and him were holing hands. She felt as if he was so excited to announce to the room. "We are engaged"

This was not a surprise to all. But the family embraced them both. Anthony tapped Colins shoulder "It took you long enough brother. Me and Kate were taking bets"

"Thankyou for being so understanding" Colin mocked, receiving a warm hug from him.

Hyacinth wrapped her arms tightly around Pen "We have known Penelope for so long, and now she will be my sister" Hyacinth pulled back for a moment before embracing her a second time.

Colin smiled large while walking to his mother "Hyacinth, I do not believe Penelope can breath"

His mother held him close. Whispering in his ear "I am so happy for you both" she pulled back and he could see his mother starting to tear up. She flapped some air in her face to stop herself from bumbling up.

She moved to Penelope. Her arms wide open "Congratulation to you both"

Pen was overjoyed, so much so though he voice trembled a little "Thankyou Lady Bridgerton"

Hyacinth was bumped into by Gregory in his excitement to talk to Pen.

"Ow. Gregory"

"Yes. Yes. Quite"

He turned his attention to Pen "Is it true. You will be the first published author in the family"

Pen found her heart beat got faster as Gregory said the word family.

She spoke the word loud, not realising in wasn't in her head "Family"

Greg gave her a confused glance "You are still to marry Colin, are you not"

Pen was coming over lightheaded. Colin swiftly reached her and caught her.

"Pen. Are you alright?" His words were soft, she was tilted in his arms. This must be what it is like to swoon.

"I think it may be the baby"

"The baby?" Hyacinth repeated not realising the sight of her growing bump "but you've only been in town a little while"

Violet pulled Hyacinth away "It is not your brothers, but Lady Fairaway's late husband"

"I see" Hyacinth clapped her hand together "The more the merrier. I do so love children, and I will be the child's most favourite aunt"

Colin sat her down, and poured her a glass of lemonade. "You have had so much going on. It is time for you to rest"

"But Colin, there is so much to do"

"I insist" he put his hand over hers "I will prepare the wedding. My mother and Daphne can help me"

Violet knew too well what that meant, she would have to organise the special day. Colin may nod or agree every now and then but Colin was rather clueless when it came to such things.

Violet chirped in "I would be honoured. Colin is right. You need to rest" she gave a reassuring smile.

The Featherington Home

Colin visited most days, until Pen was feeling a little better. Colin was right about her needing to take some time. The moment her head hit the pillow, she was out like a light.

When she was finally feeling more herself, she made her way to visit her soon to be mother in law and her eldest friend. Who now insisted on her being called Violet and Agatha. They had become her rock ever since loosing Tommy and she couldn't neglect their kindness now.

She didn't think possible that she needed to get out of the house because her mother and sisters were fussing over her so much. This was like a strange reality indeed. Her sisters had made sure her room was full of fresh flowers every day.

It's was a blessing they wed so well. Albion and Harry were the greatest of brothers. If it hadn't been for them, the situation with her sisters would probably still be dire. They softened them in a way. Or perhaps showed them to be independent and not clutch so firmly to mama.

Mother was excited for her soon alliance with the Bridgerton family. I have no idea why. They may be rich and have influence. But I wish that mother would have at least tried to get to know them. They were a loving and generous family. Their family values with definitely different to what she was accustomed to.

Pen laid on her bed feeling another rush of nausea and sickness. She played with her ring finger, trying to imagine it with a wedding ring upon it and it made her feel a little better. The child was playing a game in her insides, she felt a strange feeling of being stretched. Then a tap.

The child was starting to kick. Eager to open its eyes to the world.

Varley knocked and entered "Mr Bridgerton is here, would you like me to send him up"

Pen attempted to sit up a little "Please"

Colin stepped through the door. After all these years he still had such a hold on her. The mere sight of him took her breath away.

Pen smiled "He's kicking"

"He?" 

"The amount of kicking it must be a boy, to be sure"

Colin laughed "May I?"

He gestured to the seat. She shook her head and patted on the bed next to her. 

He awkwardly sat down, like he was disobeying some written rule. Pen smiled and took his hand and placed it over her bump. She smoothed his hand over her until he felt a strange bump. Pen whispered "I think that is his bottom, because over here..." she slid his hand to the opposite side "...is where he keeps kicking me" 

Her stomach gave a small jolt. Colin smiled, letting out a little gasp "Hes so strong"

"Perhaps he will join Mondrich in the ring one day" 

Colin closed his eyes and jolted when he felt another kick "I think you may be right"