Linger in love

(60) Birth

Three months later, the day had finally arrived. The day when he can call himself a father.

He was not supposed to stay in the room with her, but he demanded to be by her side. Which was rather unorthodox, but they let him. For fear of what he might do. If they did not.

The doctor, called for water and a blanket. Stepping in the room. Colin could see she was exhausted. He sat next to her, and pulled her up for a better angle. He kissed her cheek softly and his arms wrapped around her gripping onto her hands.

Their home in Bloomsbury was a lot smaller than the houses in Mayfair. But it was lovely all the same and Pen was proud to call it her home. With it being in the working class area, it meant that no one would frown upon Gen visiting her when she chooses.

Violet and Portia were outside the room. Deep with worry. Portia was pacing "What is taking so long"

"She will be well Portia. She needs your strength right now. Not your frustrations"

"Indeed. It is just, I want to be in there" Portia looked like she was debating any other entrance into the room. She would probably attempt climbing the walls if she wasn't in company.

"I know. Me too. But she has her husband and the most highly recommended doctor. She is in capable hands" Violet was terribly anxious as well, she was just relieved that Penelope wasn't on her own.

"Perhaps you are right" Portia sat down. More from exhaustion from the pacing. Violet took her hand and smiled "Never Fear Lady Featherington. We will be grandmama's soon enough" they both smiled warmly at each other. What a wonderful notion.

Portia tapped her hand "My other girls are with child, my home will be full of laughter and smiles for years to come"

"Well, you have me if you ever need anyone to help" Violet loved children, she wished she could keep all her children at home so she would never be apart from her grandchildren. Extremely selfish, she knew.

"Thankyou for bringing up such kind and wonderful children. My Penelope holds you all in the highest esteem. Mr Bridgerton..." she paused "...Colin. Has been a rock for her all through these hard times"

Suddenly Benedict was in the hallway "Am I late... has it happened"

Portia looked up "What are you doing here?"

"Eloise convinced me to accompany her"

There was a sudden rampage of feet coming up the stairs. Ben grimaced "and all the family"

Violets mouth opened wide "Are you quite serious?"

Benedict put on a tight smile "Too much?"

Portia looked at Ben with such affection "What a wonderful idea"

Ben looked at his mother, as if to say 'I told you so' before he gave a small nod.

Their home which was already quite small in the heart of Bloomsbury had more faces in the hallway than the town had ever seen.

A sudden child's scream, caused Anthony and Kate to stand up excitedly.

A mere five minutes later, Colin walked out to let their mother's know they can enter.

He opened the door. What he saw shocked him to his core. All his family, so eager to meet the child. His smile was etched in relief "It's a boy. Perhaps, we will have a few of you at a time. Pen is rather exhausted. Hyacinth and Gregory. Their little faces looked up "Come meet Edmund"

Violets eyes and Anthony's started to well up. Anthony repeated "Edmund?"

Colin nodded. "Edmund Thomas Bridgerton"

His smile got larger, he looked at Violet and she stood and embraced him.

"It has been so long since I heard his name" Anthony took a breath "He would have loved the idea of Pens child taking his name"

Violet smiled knowingly "He really would. She touched his cheek and held Kate's hand "Now it is the name you will hear Colin calling for years to come"

"Tommy would have appreciated Edmund's arrival, to be sure" Eloise sniggered. Ben lent into her, remembering that she also had met Tommy a few times and thought him a friend.

Hyacinth and Gregory rushed out "We could not stay too long, Colin said we might exhaust Pen... whatever that means" Gregory huffed "Lady Featherington, Colin asks that you and my mama go in next"

Both ladies rose to their feet, clasping hands as they slowly entered not knowing how unwell she may look.

Portia smoothed Pens face. It was rather sweaty, and her hair was loose and knotted. "My girl"

She looked down at the baby "Hello Edmund, you have a very tough mother, don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise"

Violet sat opposite Portia, letting the mother and daughter speak. Pen smiled as she looked between them "You taught me to be tough, both of you"

Colin stood watching Pen. Not wanting to interrupt her time with the family.

"Colin, can you take Edmund to meet our family. I am feeling tired, I think I just have to close my eyes for a minute..." she was out like a light. Colin kissed Pen on the top of her head. He lifted this small child into his arms.

So small, so new to this world and already everyone wants to meet him. It was a beautiful thing, life. This was the first moment holding the baby, he vowed then and there to be the best father he knew how to be.

He came out the doors with their mothers and let the family see him.

Kate looked conserned "Is Penelope well?"

Colin smiled "She is so tired that she drifted off. So I will give her some peace and quiet"

"What a great husband you are!" Anthony shot in.

""Was there ever doubt in your mind" he passed Edmund to Anthony.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Edmund. I am your favourite Uncle Anthony..."

Ben started to snigger "hush you. You will get you turn" he turned back to the small baby "... like I was saying. Edmund isn't just a great name. It was the name of my father. The greatest man I have ever known"

Francesca held her arms out ready "Edmund. You are wonderful. I am so happy you aren't as loud as Daphnes first born"

"Hey!" Daphne cursed

Kate put her arm around Francesca "He definitely has Penelope's nose and the hair is of similar colour"

"He looks like Tommy around the eyes and mouth. Which means he will grow up to be a handsome boy" Eloise looked down, Colin noticed "Eloise, I know Pen was asleep but can you check in with her"

Eloise smile "Certainly brother"

El sat beside Pen and took her hand. Pen was fast asleep. "I know I may hate everything in society about ladies having to push out babies. I'm not the same as all others I suppose. You obviously know because you know me better than anyone. You, Pen. You were the only person who made the debutants and balls not seem so mediocre. Like there was more out there" she smiled "Look at all you achieved on your own. You told me once that you thought no one truly notices you. Yet here you are with a hallway full of my siblings acting like beasts waiting to see you, if only for a moment" she kissed Pens head "I am so proud of you, Pen"