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"My whole existence calls for you, you are mine as my very soul is mine." - Alexandre Dumas.
For Colin, watching her was his greatest obsession, that woman who occupied his thoughts during his days and nights, the one who drove him mad with love, Penelope, or as all of high society knew, his wife. She was the air he breathed, the woman he would face an entire city to defend. Her beautiful red hair was delicately combed by her skillful hands. She sat facing her dressing table, looking at her mirror while occasionally casting glances with her bright blue eyes in Colin's direction. Whenever their gazes met, a blush rose on her white cheeks and alabaster skin.
How could he find a woman like her in his life and have her wait for so many years? That's what went through his mind as his eyes roamed over her figure dressed in white muslin, which soon, if he followed his train of thought, would be removed from her body and thrown to the floor.
-- I've told you how beautiful you look tonight? -- he asked as he continued to watch her through the mirror, Penelope Bridgerton, formerly Featherington. Then he stopped moving his brush and looked at her, still not turning around.
-- Just tonight? -- She teased, but the blush was visible rising on her cheek again.
-- You're always beautiful, Penelope Bridgerton! -- He smiled provocatively just to see her eyes avert due to embarrassment and her skin blush even more.
-- You never let me forget, Colin. -- She said with a sweet smile spreading across her lips. In her eyes, one could see so much love, as in so many conversations, and in ten years, would it not be possible to see that?
-- You deserve it. -- He said, but his eyes darkened with his words, his thoughts of guilt tormenting his mind. He could never forget everything he had done to her, how could he? After seeing her eyes full of tears, that sight would remain forever in his memory.
-- Stop it, Colin, I know what you're doing to yourself. -- She said firmly. -- The past is behind us, now we have a future ahead, don't let it come back to you, my dear. -- She finished putting her brush on the dressing table and stood up from the padded bench. Her steps led toward Colin, who remained seated on the bed, standing in front of him while bringing one of her hands to his cheek.
-- I can't forget, Pen, everything I did, how blind I was! -- He said distressed, closing his eyes as he felt her warm touch. How would he live without her? Being away from this woman was like not breathing.
-- I'm here now, Colin, and here is where I'll stay. -- She reassured him as she passed her other free hand through his hair, caressing them.
-- I'd never let you go, Pen, as all of high society knows, you're my wife. -- Colin said, looking deep into her eyes and smiling slightly as he lowered his eyes to her bust, which remained covered by the closed muslin. That dress was very modest. His hands tingled to move it over her body.
Penelope felt her body warm up, as if she could read Colin's thoughts, and he wouldn't doubt that. That woman who once was Lady Whistledown knew everything and watched everything. That would always be part of who she was.
-- Maybe I need to remind you of that, I'd never let you go, my wife, no matter how many years it took, I'd always find you, Pen. -- He said, his words warming her once wounded heart, but now recovered and cared for by him. The effect of his words took hold of her body.
Even after all the years of marriage they had together, those green eyes still haunted her and always would. She could never forget. She belonged to him, just as he belonged to her. Their souls would always find each other, no matter what they had to go through. Even after all the years when she was just a flower in vast London, in love with her best friend, who in her mind, would never look at her. He had always been hers, and always would be, just as she was his. His to love, care for, and possess. His in all her little parts and accomplishments, as much as Lady Whistledown, as Penelope Featherington, and now as Lady Bridgerton.