My Life As A Bridgerton

Part The Fifteenth

I DO NOT OWN BRIDGERTON.

Bridgerton house. London, United Kingdom. Later that afternoon.

After the wedding, Violet threw a reception for the Duke and Duchess of Hastings at Bridgerton House. It was a pretty decent party, considering how last minute it was. The foyer was decorated in bridal white and there were refreshments a plenty. Naturally, the who's who of the Ton turned out to pay their respects to the newlyweds; as well as enjoy a Bridgerton soirée. Everyone was happy for Daphne and Simon and even though I had reservations, I sure as Hell wasn't going to rain on their parade. I had more important things to worry about: specifically Marina Thompson.

Canonically, this was the day where Colin proposed to her; which set the stage for Marina's downfall and where most people figured out that Penelope was Lady Whistledown because only she had the means and the motive to expose Marina's pregnancy. Most people believe that Penelope was trying to save Colin from being tricked into a sham marriage; but others felt like Pen's motives were more selfish in nature, that she just wanted to knock out her rival for Colin's affections.

I wanted to believe that Pen was doing the right thing, but i had to admit that I honestly didn't know for sure. If i was going to go down the Marina path, I would have to find some way to make Penelope understand that it was my choice. Eventually, I spotted Marina in discussion with Penelope as she tried to steer her cousin towards other men that Marina didn't want. Before Marina could spot me, I saw Portia the bitch walk over to bring her the good news that the shit head Rutledge was off the table. That was certainly a victory, but just scaring off Rutledge wasn't enough to save Marina's life. After Lady Featherington slithered away, I caught Marina's eye and she made a bee line for me.

"Mr. Bridgerton, may I offer my congratulations on your sister's wedding." Marina said as she curtsied while I bowed my head.

"Thank you miss Thompson. I'm happy that my sister has found a good man...but not as happy as I am to see you." I said as she offered me a smile.

"I also bring good news: Rutledge is engaged to another poor girl." Marina said with relief.

"That is good news indeed...for you anyway." I admitted as I could only pray for whatever unlucky miss was forced to be his breeding mare.

"I am beginning to feel a bit faint. Perhaps you know of a more private place where I might catch my breath?" Marina inquired as she waved a fan to feign dizziness.

"Certainly, Miss Thompson; please." I said as I offered my arm to her, leading her to Anthony's study. I knew what was about to happen, what I was about to do. I couldn't bear to look at Pen and see the hurt in her eyes. Even though I liked Marina and was doing the right thing...it still hurt to cut off my chance to be with Penelope.

"Hmm, this is much more comfortable, thank you; though it is still quite loud." Marina said as she turned on the charm. I had to bite my tongue to keep from snickering as it was always amusing to see women flirt shamelessly as she did.

"Oh, of course." I said as I went over and shut the door, providing privacy for our illicit meeting.

"We should not be alone in here." Marina remarked as I looked at her and enjoyed the sight of her. Marina may not have been as beautiful as Pen, but she was still beautiful.

No, we should not." I said as I failed to hold back a smirk form forming on my face. Marina moved closer to me and my heart beat sped up as she closed her eyes and puckered up. In the show, Colin stopped it before they kissed; but I wasn't actually Colin. I slowly leaned in and pressed my lips to Marina's. She eagerly returned my kiss as we started a full on make out session. My hands went around her body as hers held my face while we kissed. I had to admit that Marina was a damn good kisser; she was even better than Melanie, believe it or not. She made the lovely sound that chicks make when you kiss them and it made me want to do more; but this was neither the place nor the time. So like Colin, I called time out.

"I can hardly believe I am saying this, but we cannot go further." I quoted as I broke our embrace and took Marina's hands in mine.
"You are a lady, and I must maintain your honor and mine, no matter how...tempting otherwise. Marina looked away as her cheeks were bright pink. "Have I offended you?" I asked as she was clearly concerned that her plan to seduce me had gone awry.

"No, you are right." She agreed with an out of breath smile. "I am a lady, I am unmarried, and you...you are a gentleman." Marina started for the door as I took a deep breath and muttered the words that would earn me the hatred of Polin fans everywhere.

"Then marry me." I said as she turned on her heel to face me. "I know we have only known each other a short while, but...well, would you want to marry me, Miss Thompson?" I knew what her answer was going to be without having to ask, but her bright smile confirmed it.

"I would be delighted to marry you!" She exclaimed with glee.

"What are we waiting for?" I asked as I put on a happy face.

"My thoughts exactly." Marina agreed for obvious reasons.

"We will marry by the end of the season." I quoted as her smile vanished without a trace.
"It's a rather long engagement." She pointed out awkwardly.

"It is...but aristocratic weddings are supposed to be these grand affairs where anyone with a decent name or serious money in their pockets comes out to show off." I pointed out, seeing what an affair Daphne's wedding had turned into. "Our families will need time to plan. I want you to have the brilliant wedding you deserve."

"As long as I have you, any wedding would be a brilliant one." Marina assured me as she squeezed my hand.

"Um...could we maybe, not announce our engagement today?" I inquired as I pressed a kiss to Marina's gloved hand. "It's just that today is Daphne and Simon's day and I don't want to steal their thunder."

"Of course." She replied as I offered her my arm once again and led my fiancee out of the viscount's study.
                                    ***
Later that afternoon.

After the reception was over and done with, Daphne and Simon changed out of their wedding clothes and made ready to leave for Clyvedon. I was still anxious about what she would eventually do, but to be honest, I was grateful to be getting some space from her; so I wouldn't be walking on eggshells at all times.

"Perhaps I can come with you." Gregory offered as he was clearly jealous of his sister's fortunes. "I've always wanted to live in a castle."

"If Daphne is going to take anyone with her, Gregory, it will be me." Hyacinth declared as Daphne gave her a big hug.

"The two of you are staying here until our dear sister allows us a visit." I quoted with a chuckle as Daphne gave me a quick hug goodbye.

"You mean if she allows us a visit. I'm sure you'll enjoy the peace and quiet." Benedict remarked before receiving his hug.

"I am going to miss all of you terribly." Daphne declared with a smile.

"Even me?" Anthony asked, assuming she was still pissed at how he had bungled her season.

"Even you." Daphne answered with a smirk as he kissed her on the forehead before she went over to Eloise.

"I have a present for you." Daphne said. "It is upstairs, made of four walls and a very comfortable bed."

"I suppose the light in your room is quite pleasant." Eloise conceded.

"I know we could not be any more different, but there is one thing we do share, the certainty that you will make your own way in this world. I am sure of it, Eloise." Daphne vowed as Eloise was touched by her sister's words and gave her a heartfelt embrace. Lady Violet was the last one to receive a farewell hug.

"Write to me as soon as you arrive." Violet commanded.

"Of course, Mama." Daphne promised as the dowager viscountess looked at her daughter with pride.

"You are going to be a wonderful duchess." Violet promised before Daphne stepped into the carriage with her husband and started the journey to her new life.

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