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Colin was pacing the Bridgerton drawing room, growing more agitated by his family’s lethargic pace by the second. The clock on the mantle seemed slower with each glace. Didn’t they know the love of his life was currently engaged to a vegetarian and the first reading of the banns were occurring today? He did not believe in purgatory, but could be convinced this was it.
This may have been the first time Colin Bridgerton was ever ready first for church. He was not particularly religious, but if enough prayer would guarantee Penelope’s hand, well that’s perfectly acceptable for him. However, no matter the deity he prayed to, Penelope had not broken off her engagement so it was time to take matters into his own hands. Though not generally socially acceptable, Colin had decided he would interrupt the reading of the banns and object to the marriage of Lord Debling and Penelope if it ensured she would not make the mistake of marrying someone else. (Colin had also determined he would keep this private, lest Anthony’s blood vessel pop while close to Colin’s face). Penelope deserved someone who would take her on their travels, someone who would put her needs first, someone who would protect her from her family and vitriolic judgment of the Ton. Colin knew he would never deserve her, but would spend his life making it up to her. (Once he broke up this sham of an engagement, of course).
Finally, after an eternity (approximately five minutes of waiting), his mother came into the drawing room first, ready for service. “Mother, good morning,” Colin was stiff, so anxious he could hardly make eye contact.
“Dearest, are you well?” Violet touched his forehead with the back of her hand. “Not warm, hm, you are rarely the first ready for church. Are you particularly interested in today’s sermon? Perhaps it has to do with travel?” Violet had noticed how despondent her son had been recently, even more so since the Queen’s Ball. Penelope had accepted Lord Debling’s proposal before he arrived and Colin did not leave his room for three days.
“Uh, perhaps. You could say I am seeking guidance from a higher being. I need a new direction and the service today may provide that for me.” Colin attempted a smile but knew it came out as a grimace. His mother was not convinced, but smiled encouragingly regardless.
“That is a wonderful attitude dear, I am proud of you for getting up and trying again.”
“Thank you Mother. I believe today’s service will provide me with the clarity I am so longing for.” Colin glanced between his pocket watch and the clock on the mantle. Now the family may actually be late for the service. He felt rather like Anthony, tapping his foot impatiently with his hands on his hips. “This family has an issue with tardiness. Heaven waits for no man, Mother.” He walked out of the drawing room into the main foyer, yelling up the stairs. “Family! You must make haste!”
Hmph. That felt rather good. Colin adjusted his waistcoat, a nervous habit, and felt deep satisfaction as the rest of his family made their way quickly down the stairs. “I thought Anthony was shouting for us! Are you working on your impression of him? It was rather good the last time I saw it.” Hyacinth asked as she bounded down the stairs, Gregory right behind.
“You are working on an impression of me? To what end? I hardly engage in repetitive behavior worthy of an impression.” Anthony appeared at the top of the stairs with Kate, clearly displeased with being ordered around and teased. However, upon this statement, every Bridgerton sibling, including Kate, put their hands on their hips and stuck their heads forward while shouting some Anthony-ism. “Fine, I believe we have church to attend and you may all repent for this grievous behavior.”
Satisfied with his Bridgerton wrangling abilities, Colin strode out of Bridgerton House with his family in tow to get his wife.
—
“That concludes today’s sermon. We will now move onto the reading of the banns.” Colin was aware that the Priest had a voice akin to cotton balls and spoke as though he was attempting to underpace molasses, but today had officially convinced Colin he was in purgatory. The Priest spoke of patience and forgiveness at great lengths, (arguably at too great a length), and Colin had all but stood up and begged him to finish. He had fidgeted in his seat to such an extent that his mother chastised him, which she hadn’t done since he was twelve and pulled Eloise and Penelope’s braids during a particularly boring homily.
Colin would have rejoiced but realized quickly that the reading of the banns would mean scandal for not only his family, but Penelope’s as well. Debling? He was not concerned. Maybe a scandal would make him more interesting. “First, I publish the banns of marriage between Ms. Margaret Goring and Lord William Lumley of this Parish. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it. This is for the second time of asking.” The church was silent, save for a few polite coughs and looks between members of the Ton. No other marriage proposals had occurred, Colin knew who was next.
“Very well, Ms. Goring and Lord Lumley will be married in this church in two weeks from now. Next, I publish the banns of marriage between Ms. Penelope Featherington and Lord Alfred Debling of this Parish. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it. This is for the first time of asking.” Colin was fairly certain his heart was attempting to choke him, or leap from his throat. In fact, he could hardly hear anything, especially not the gasps and fervent whispers of those in the sanctuary as his body involuntarily stood up, his fingers tapping the pew in front of him without rhythm. He did not even register Eloise pulling on his waistcoat next to him. He was only aware of Penelope. Looking at him. In horror. (But at least she was looking at him). And he was certain she whispered, “Oh no.”
“I object.” Despite it all, Colin’s voice was assured. Loud, even. “I cannot let this marriage move forward.” The Priest urged him on. “Penelope and I have kissed, unchaperoned.”
Colin was vaguely aware of the gasps around him, particularly his mother’s. He saw Anthony seething, his blood vessel was still within range if it popped. Benedict covered his eyes, silent laughter rocking his body next to Colin. Eloise whispered “No, no, no, no,” as she hit his leg. Hyacinth giggled with joy as Gregory looked awe-inspired. But none of it mattered, it was merely background noise. For all that mattered was the person he did see.
Colin looked only at Penelope, who perhaps looked even more mortified than before, “But more importantly, I’m in love with her. I believe I have been for a long time. This love was not a thunderbolt from the sky, but rather the deep breath I take when I return home to my travels. Deep, fortifying. As if peace has returned once again. My only fault was not recognizing this feeling for what it was sooner. Unconditional, unwavering love.” Slowly, as if Penelope finally understood him, her face grew cautiously optimistic. How could she question him if he stood up in front of God, proclaiming his love for her?
The Priest cleared his throat. “Uh, very well. The objection is accepted, the marriage between Ms. Featherington and Lord Debling cannot move forward. Given that Mr. Bridgerton has compromised Ms. Featherington, they will be married in this church in one week’s time. This concludes today’s reading of the banns. Go forth in peace.” He closed his tome and left the pulpit while the entire congregation grew abuzz (for no one had objected to the reading of the banns in at least three seasons).
Tittering and excited shrieks surrounded Colin and Penelope but the two lovers only saw each other as they stood in their family pews, staring across the aisle. It was only the steam leaking from Anthony’s ears that broke the couple’s spell as Colin could feel the rage seep from his brother’s pores. “My office. Bring your fiancee.” Anthony turned to leave before switching back. “In separate carriages.” Kate sympathetically glanced between Colin and Penelope before leaving with her husband.
“Who is he to judge bungled nuptials?” Colin whispered to Benedict behind him. (Though, he knew Penelope would appreciate his quip more).
Violet saw the formidable Portia Featherington approaching to place her hands on Penelope’s shoulders, and hoped to defuse the situation before bringing further embarrassment. “Lady Featherington, I assure you this was deeply unexpected and I do not condone my son’s, erm, public actions. However, we are delighted to have Penelope join our family and I,” Violet seemed to force the words out, “I for one cannot wait to plan our children’s wedding with you.”
This seemed to placate Lady Featherington slightly, for everyone knew a marriage to a Bridgerton was a boon. “Well, of course! While this is certainly an unexpected surprise, who are we to stop true love? And an announcement that my Penelope had been compromised.” Portia’s grip on Penelope’s shoulder’s tightened as Penelope grimaced. “Surely we will make this a celebration of the Ton’s great love match of the season. Hm, shall we not Penelope?”
“Of course, Mama.” Colin and Penelope locked eyes again and he decided it was time to take leave to Bridgerton House, lest anyone be stuck speaking with Portia Featherington for much longer.
“Mother, what if you, Ms. Featherington, Francesa, and Hyacinth left for Bridgerton House in the carriage and I will take Eloise, Gregory, with Benedict. We will meet you there to speak with Anthony.” He turned to Lady Featherington, “Would you like to join my mother and sisters for tea this afternoon? Of course, Ms. Dankworth and Ms. Finch would be welcome to join.” Portia gave Colin one pinched look before assenting.
“Very well, Penelope, go with the Bridgertons and we will meet you this afternoon.”
With everyone’s assignments, the Bridgerton-Featheringtons left the church.
(The group intentionally neglected to mention the Great Auk in the room).
—
“So you merely neglected to mention the numerous ways in which you compromised the neighbor and your sister’s best friend?” Colin opened his mouth to object (for the second time that day). “Rather, you planned to object publicly to said neighbor’s marriage? Forgive me, but if you were already in the habit of exchanging letters, why not continue as such? It is clear by your actions that propriety has merely been a suggestion for you both for years!”
By the time Penelope entered Anthony’s study, it was clear Colin had received quite the verbal takedown. Not that she could blame the viscount, as she was at the receiving end of Colin’s public declaration, she knew her face remained bright red (and likely would for the next several hours).
“Lord Bridgerton, if I may, Colin did write numerous times over the past several days, since my proposal to Lord Debling was announced at the Queen’s Ball. However, I turned them all away. I believe I was unintentionally complicit in your brother’s, erm, rather fervent actions this morning.”
“It is admirable that you still stand up for my brother after his hairbrained scheme this morning, but believe me, this is a Bridgerton action through and through. I do not blame you and in fact, implore your forgiveness for his actions. We will protect you through any scandal or gossip you may endure during this time.” Anthony looked down at Penelope with kindness. It was clear to her that marriage had softened the heart of the strict patriarch of the Bridgerton family. Soon to be her family.
“Thank you, my Lord.” Penelope turned to Colin, finally looking into the eyes of her childhood friend, first love, fiance. “Hello Colin.”
“Hello, my beautiful bride-to-be.” He took her hand and kissed the back, never taking his eyes off of her.
“Alright, it is clear you are to be chaperoned at all times until the wedding. There will be no question of impropriety moving forward. Is that understood?” Anthony pointed his finger between the two, eyes narrowed.
“Of course.” Penelope removed her hand from Colin’s and looked down at the floor. “There is, well, the matter of my previous fiance.”
Colin scoffed, “He will be fine, he never deserved you.”
“Colin!” Both Penelope and Anthony scolded. “Colin, you may not like him, but he still deserves an apology. My mother has invited him for tea tomorrow as a gesture of goodwill. I will be there.”
“No you will not! What good will come of this? What if he tries to manipulate you?”
“Colin, it is a miracle he was unable to attend the service today but he deserves to hear it from me. And you heard the Priest, the marriage was forbidden from moving forward regardless.”
Her fiance looked unconvinced. “I believe Mother should join. What if he attempts to sway you with Gretna Green and your mother with his fortune?”
Penelope saw his insecurities peek through his defensive behavior, “Colin, he will not sway me. For I have longed to marry you and you alone.” The two held each other’s hands, so enraptured in the other that Lord Bridgerton was forgotten altogether.
Until he cleared his throat.
“Kate will join you and your mother tomorrow for tea with Lord Debling, as the viscountess, it is her responsibility. And I know she will look after you, Penelope.”
“Thank you, Lord Bridgerton. The kindness your family has shown me, I cannot thank you enough.” Penelope was correct, her blush would remain a permanent fixture on her face.
“Please, we are to be brother and sister, call me Anthony. Now, it is time for you to take tea with your soon to be mother-in-law brother. What was it you said to me this morning? Make haste!” Anthony shooed the two out of his study, happy to delegate time with Portia to others.
In the hallway, Colin pulled on Penelope’s wrist, stopping her before entering the drawing room. “Are you okay? Really?” He examined her face as if he was a medical professional.
She took a breath before answering, “Yes. I am rather surprised by the turn of events as I did not wake up this morning expecting to obtain a new fiance, especially you, Mr. Bridgerton. But Colin, I have loved you since the moment we met. An embarrassingly long time, really. Even the years I pretended to be your friend, I was, but I loved you in secret. When you stood up today and told the entire Ton you loved me, well, a childhood fantasy of mine may or may not have come true.” He enveloped her in his arms as she hid her face.
“I stand by what I said this morning, every word. But especially that I did not realize my feelings for you sooner. I will spend my life proving my love for you, everyday.” Colin dropped a kiss on Penelope’s head. “Well, is it time to face the music together? More specifically, your mother?”
She lifted her head, “So long as it is not Prudence making the music.”
They laughed together as they walked in the Bridgerton drawing room, hand in hand.