Chapter Text
“Perhaps it was your plan to trap me,” Colin said without looking at Penelope.
“Ahh,” Penelope gasped. “I would never plan to trap you, Colin, because I love you,” she said in a whisper.
Colin turned to look at her, realizing what she had said and how foolish he had been. “I…”
“Mama, Lady Bridgerton, can we talk?”
Both mothers left the wedding plans aside to focus on Penelope.
“What is it, dear?” Lady Bridgerton asked.
“I… I don’t feel well. Could we move to the drawing room?”
Colin simply stared at her as everyone made their way to the Featherington drawing room.
Once everyone was seated and waiting for tea, Penelope began to speak.
“I think all of this has been rushed,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
“Penelope? What do you mean?” her mother asked.
“The wedding, Mama. There will be no wedding.”
Both mothers gasped at the news.
“Penelope,” Colin said.
“I’m sorry for being a disappointment to you, Mama. I never meant to bring this upon our family,” she whispered. “And I also apologize to you, Lady Bridgerton, for all the chaos, and I want to thank you for all the kindness you’ve shown me.”
“Dear, what do you mean there will be no wedding?” Lady Bridgerton asked. “Colin, what is going on?”
“Penelope, may we talk?” Colin said, looking at her and reaching for her hand.
Penelope subtly pulled her hand away. “Please, Pen, let’s talk.”
Lady Featherington, finally emerging from her shock, began to speak. “Penelope, what are you saying? Why do you want to cancel the wedding?”
Penelope, now overwhelmed and crying, said, “I simply don’t want to marry, Mother. I can’t handle this…”
Colin knelt, trying to meet Penelope’s eyes. Both mothers looked on with pity, wondering how these two, who seemed so deeply in love just weeks ago, were now in such a state.
“Penelope, look at me. Please, let’s talk. Please, Pen,” Colin pleaded, his voice trembling.
At that moment, Rae entered with the tea tray, offering a cup to Penelope. The moment Penelope brought the tea to her nose, a wave of nausea hit her. She rushed to the nearest basin to compose herself, leaving the mothers gasping at the scene.
Portia hurried to assist Penelope with Rae’s help, guiding her back to her seat.
“Pen? Are you feeling alright? Are you hurt or sick?” Colin asked, deeply concerned.
“I think I’m sick. I’ve felt this way every morning for the past week,” Penelope replied.
The mothers froze, exchanging glances.
“Penelope, have you and Mr. Bridgerton been… closer than is proper?” Portia asked.
Penelope looked at her mother and Lady Bridgerton with shame but chose not to answer.
Colin noticed his mother’s discomfort, understanding what she was implying, but he said nothing.
“Answer me, Penelope,” Portia demanded, visibly upset.
“Don’t yell at her; she’s unwell,” Colin interjected.
“Yes… we… we were, just once…” Penelope admitted softly.
Portia and Violet both went pale at her words.
“I believe you’re with child,” Violet said.
“Rae, Rae, come here. When was the last time Penelope had her courses?” Portia asked Penelope’s maid.
“They were due last week, ma’am,” Rae answered timidly.
“Why didn’t you tell me, Rae?” Portia exclaimed.
“I thought it unnecessary since she’s to marry, ma’am,” Rae replied, lowering her head.
Penelope, emerging from her shock, said, “I can’t be with child. I’m not even married, and you told me you only have children when…” At that moment, she recalled her cousin Marina and her predicament.
Colin, who had remained silent, finally spoke. “Penelope, Pen, we have to marry. You’re carrying our child, Pen—our baby,” he said with sympathy.
“Penelope, dear, Colin is right,” Violet said, looking at Portia, who nodded in agreement. “It’s the right thing to do. You should marry.”
“I… but… I’m with child?” Penelope whispered, unable to believe it.
“Yes, dear, you’re with child,” Violet confirmed with a smile.
Penelope lifted her head to Violet, tears brimming in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Lady Bridgerton. I…”
“No need to apologize, my dear,” Violet said, moving toward her. “This is wonderful news. You’ve always been cherished by our family, and it makes me happy that you’ll make me a grandmother.”
Portia, who had remained quiet until now, spoke. “Penelope, dear, this is shocking news, but it’s alright. You’re getting married, and nothing will be canceled. Now, you must rest and remain calm for the sake of the baby growing within you.”
“May I have a moment alone with Penelope?” Colin asked. The mothers looked at each other and then at him. Before they could respond, he added, “Just a few minutes with the door open.”
Portia and Violet left the room, leaving them alone.
“Pen, look at me, please,” Colin said, and Penelope raised her eyes.
“I owe you an apology, but please don’t think about not marrying me. Please, we’re going to marry, Pen. We’re going to be parents. Please forgive me. I was a fool, I was insecure, and I let my doubts speak first. But I love you, Pen. Please, forgive me,” he said, almost in tears.
“Colin, I… I don’t know what to say. You don’t really want to marry me,” she began, seeing Colin about to interrupt and continued quickly, “You think you want to, but it’s out of duty and your need to be honorable. It’s fine; we’ll marry,” Penelope said, bringing relief to Colin. “But I ask that we keep separate rooms and merely greet each other as others in the ton do.”
“Penelo—”
“Please, Colin. I’m overwhelmed. I can’t handle this right now.”
“I’ll give you your space, but don’t doubt the love I feel for you. You are my anchor, Penelope. Without you, I feel empty. When I didn’t receive your letters this year, I felt hollow. That’s why I cut my tour short. I was a fool for not realizing my feelings sooner, and I was a fool for saying those words earlier. But don’t push me away, please, Pen. I love you. I love both of you,” he said, touching Penelope’s abdomen.
Penelope blinked away her tears. “We’ll talk later, Colin. We’ll marry, and we’ll discuss the kind of marriage we’ll have for the sake of our child.”
Colin looked resigned. “Alright, Pen. I’ll visit tomorrow and every day to check on you. Please, Pen,” he added before being interrupted. “I just want you to be alright, okay?”
“Alright.”
At that moment, the mothers entered, looking at them.
“We’ll move up the wedding so that Penelope can settle in our home with all the comforts and care as soon as possible,” Violet said.
“Indeed, Mr. Bridgerton,” Portia agreed.