Chapter Text
Colin woke up the next morning to remnants of yet another improper dream of Penelope. No longer surprised by these dreams however as they have been occurring much more frequently as of late. He would have been more concerned if he had not been dreaming of her. He didn’t have the time to relish the details of said dream though. He was on a mission. He was determined to romance his dearest friend. Penelope deserved nothing less. He had hurried himself out of bed and dressed in order to join his family to break his fast. He had plans to set off for the shops as soon as he’d eaten in order to procure a courting gift before he was to call on Penelope.
“Good morning family.” Colin announced cheerfully as he entered the drawing room.
“You are rather chipper this morning brother.” Bennedict looked up at him suspiciously. “To what or whom” He raised his eyebrows to Colin. “Do we owe this pleasant surprise?” He continued with a smirk as he noticed Colin’s cheeks slightly blush.
“Can a man not just wake up in a good mood without drawing suspicions?” Colin squinted.
“Of course you can dear.” Violet added. “I believe Bennedict was just surprised as you haven’t been this optimistic as of late. It is rather lovely to see you in such high spirits.” Colin began to drink his tea as he took his seat at the table.
“Does it have anything to do with Penelope, brother?” Hyacinth inquired.
“Penelope?” Colin nearly choked on his tea. “Why? What- “He was struggling to find his words. Shaking his head as if it would help him in the moment. “What would Penelope have to do with my mood?
“Well brother as you are aware I know you have been helping Penelope in order to find her a husband this season.” She paused briefly before elaborating. “Have you found her a proper suitor? I hear Lord Debling has been showing quite an interest in Penelope.” Hyacinth explained.
Colin’s jaw clenched instinctively at the mention of Lord Debling. He did not want to think of Penelope attracting the attention of another man.
“I was not aware of Lord Debling, however yes Hyacinth, I believe I did find a suitor for Penelope.”
“Is that so?” Eloise chipped in for the first time all morning. Lifting her gaze from her book and rising to her feet. "And who have you found worthy enough for our dear friend?” She spat out annoyingly.
Colin glared at Eloise. He did not appreciate her tone. He still was unsure what caused the rift between his sister and Penelope, but he was certain he would find out in time.
“Well in fact Eloise, the suitor I have selected for Pen is quite interesting indeed.” He grinned.
Lady Bridgerton and Hyacinth both gasped.
“Brother, are you? Did you finally-” Bennedict was cut off by Eloise and her fury.
“You cannot be serious. Colin you are not courting her. Are you?” Eloise yelled at her brother.
“Eloise!” Lady Bridgerton had shouted. “I do not know what has transpired between you and Penelope but surely you can set aside your differences to support your brother.”
Colin smiled at his mother, so proud of how happy she was about the prospect of his courtship with Penelope.
“To answer your question Benedict, yes, I have asked Penelope to begin a courtship and she has accepted.” He beamed. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I am set to head off to the shops to procure a few items before calling hour.”
With that Colin set off to grab the few items he knew Penelope would be most appreciative of. His first stop was to the bookstore that Eloise has been speaking of constantly as of late. After a few moments he found a book he thought Penelope would like and after paying for it he went to his next stop. He entered the local stationer’s shop and picked out a couple of new quills and a bottle of ink once he had all his items properly wrapped up and he was content with the items he had chosen. Colin began to head back to his carriage. He was just feet away from his carriage when something caught the corner of his eye from one of the small tables set up at the market. He turned on his heel to get a better look at the small item that caught him so off guard. As he admired it at a closer glance, he was positive that this item was absolutely made for Penelope. He picked up the hair clip and grinned. There was no denying the color. It was the perfect shade of blue. A shade of blue he has only seen once before. It reminded him of her stunning eyes. The most remarkable shade of blue he could get lost in forever. He was absolutely certain that this hair clip was the exact same shade. Once he made it to the carriage, he was finally ready to head over to the Featherington house. He could not wait another second to see his love. Once he arrived, he stood straightened his jacket and gathered his gifts. Once he gathered himself, he began walking towards the door.
“Good day, Mister Bridgerton.” Varley greeted him.
“Good day.” He responded. “I am here to call on Miss Penelope today.”
“Oh. Of course, Mister Bridgerton.” Varley turned and spoke to Rae. “Please gather Miss Penelope and bring her to the drawing room where Mister Bridgerton will be waiting.”
Colin had made his way to the drawing room where he set down his gifts on the table. He stood facing the drawing room window as he waited for Penelope.
Varley had rushed over to find Lady Featherington to usher her towards the drawing room and inform her of the situation.
“Ma’am” Varley spoke as she found Portia in the hallway. “I believe you are needed in the drawing room. Miss Penelope has a caller.”
“A caller? For Penelope!” Portia was confused.
“Mister Colin Bridgerton Ma’am.”
“Colin Bridgerton?” Portia was shocked. “You jest?”
“I do not Ma’am. Rae is preparing Miss Penelope as we speak.”
Portia set off towards the drawing room. She had to see this for herself.