Linger in love

(58) Bells

Pen stood outside the church, her palms sweaty and her head buzzing with a mixture of dread and excitement. For the day had finally arrived. With Albion to the left of her and Harry to the right. What could possible go wrong. Having two brothers help you down the aisle was a blessing, especially as her ankles felt sore.

She didn't know what she was more nervous about... the Queen being in attendance or the thought of Whistledown hatred as she walks closer to Colin.

Either way. This is her day.

Albion smiled down at his sister "You do not have to worry. As soon as the official words have been said then the rest of the day you will be constantly surrounded by those you hold dear"

Harry always known for his witty banter added "More importantly, we will be you. Even if your ankles give way, me and your brother will carry you down that aisle ourselves"

"Like knights in shining armour" Albion added, standing a little taller, if that was even possible.

Pen chuckled "I hope that is not necessary"

Harry's eyebrow flew up "I'm stronger than you think"

"I'm sure" Pen joked.

She stood behind the curtain as the music started. The men held her supportively, helping her to Colin.

Her eyes reached his. His mouth opened in surprise and adoration. He gave a curt nod. As she moved closer, he was already dreading mincing his words. More so with the Queens eyes intently on them both.

Pens eyes looked to the left. Her mother looked so proud, she looked positively flushed as was the same for my sisters. Trying to hold their composure.

Then Pen looked to the right, the Bridgerton's were all in attendance. Albion gave a large nervous smile at Hyacinth, who already looked like she may cry.

Anthony's expression was similar to the one she remembers when she was on her way to the Queen before being out in society. The look of pride, even then when they did not know each other a great deal, he still cared.

Eloise. Oh Eloise. I can feel what she is feeling. She has never wanted to leave the nest. She always believed we would be spinsters together and I am so sorry to disappoint her. That was her dream, never mine. My dream is Colin. Who at present was standing next to the minister.

One soul I wasn't expecting to see was Cressida with Lord Fife, he must have accompanied her. She wasn't in her usual extremely large sleeves, but something softer. Which had an almost sweet look about it. She was stunning in her pale blue. How strange the friendship we form over time, it is almost hard to imagine all those times she made me feel inferior. Now there is a glisten of water in her eye, and I find myself needing a happy ending for her story as well.

Pen saw a flicker of white. She looked over at Brimsley who was passing her majesty a tissue.

Well that's comforting... I think. The Queen doesn't show emotions, not really. Penelope always thought that the her majesty believed emotion for the weak minded. Yet, she is so focused on the both of us. Perhaps, it is merely a cold. That would be the most obvious of explanations.

But that did not matter. Colin's face was the only one she needed today. His unwavering kindness and understanding after all they had been through was such a blessing it caused her heart to swell numerous times.

She had dreamt of this moment a thousand times. But nothing can really prepare you for the moment everything changes. When you become a wife, a mother and more importantly, you become whole. A strange word to be sure, but not when its meaning is a powerful one.

Tommy had left a gap in my chest that I dared not think of. Yet Colin came back to me, willing to fill that void Tommy had left on my heart.

"I, Colin Bridgerton are thee Penelope Featherington to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold"

She spoke her vows back "I, Penelope Featherington take thee Colin Bridgerton to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold" she couldn't help the smile that was creeping in. The joy she was feeling was unfathomable.

"With this ring, I thee wed" Colin slid the ring ever so delicately over Pens finger.

"With my body, I thee worship"

The minister looked at them both with a smile "And by the joining of hands, I now pronounce. that they be man and wife together,. in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Ghost.. Amen"

They both turned from the minister to their family and friends who were now clapping and celebrating their moment.

Despite her age and achey joints, Lady Danbury's hit her cane down hard. It echoed the loudest, Pens eyes flew to her. She looked overjoyed.

Wedding Breakfast

Her mother and Lady Violet had done her proud. She was surprised to hear that it was mostly her own mama that organised most of the day. As she walked into the hall, it showed. Her mother looked like the cat that got the cream, the amount of cakes was a bit of a shock. Fortunately with her pregnancy, even her appetite was as extreme as Colin's.

Her eyes bulged. They had been greeting so many guests that they did not have a moment with each other. Which is what Pen wanted more than anything in the world.

Their eyes locked. He was the other side of the room already trying to get to her. Before getting stopped by his youngest sister.

Ten minutes later, Pen finally made it to his side "Colin"

He kissed her hand "My wife"

"Shall we dance?"

"It is a wedding breakfast, the sun is out"

"Be it may, but I would like to dance with my husband in the night of day"

Her smile was large and he already knew he wouldn't be able to argue "Very well"

He took her hand and led her to the centre of the room. They started to dance. A few couples started to follow suit. But all was a blur. Apart from the way Colin looked at her. God, he was handsome. As the dance was finishing, the back of his hand gently slid down her face. Their lips were so close, Pens eyes fluttered.

"Mr Bridgerton. You forget we have an audience"

"In earnest, Mrs Bridgerton I had quite forgotten anyone else was here" he moved his hand back down "To be continued?"

She breathed out her reluctance for him to stop  "Definitely"

He gave a small side smile "Would it be terribly rude, if we left now to be alone"

Pen could feel herself heating up "I... umm...perhaps"

He muttered to himself "Damn" and then they continued to talk to their guests. Together.