Work Text:
Colin had never been particularly fond of winter, the freezing cold that seemed to seep into his bones, regardless of how many layers he wore, or the long dark winter nights always felt more like a nuisance he had to sludge through before the spring returned. But somewhere along the line things changed, not because of the season itself but because of her, of his wife. Penelope loved the dark winter nights, the way they seemed to wrap the world in cocoon of peace. She looked forward to the days where she could nestle beneath thick blankets with a good book or share a pot of tea while a cozy fire glowed in the fireplace as the snow piled up high outside. Until the next day where she would take their children out into the snow. How could he then not love the season that brought her so much joy. But what really changed his opinion on the dreaded winter months was the snow. They way it dusted her hair like powdered sugar, soft and delicate. He could spend hours watching the flakes settle into her loose curls, their bright white a striking contrast to her soft auburn waves. She always looked magical then, like a figure from some winter’s tale, a vision so enchanting he couldn’t quite believe she was real.
He had always been fascinated by her hair, ever since that first meeting, long before they’d married. It had been the first season his family had come to London, the first season after his father had passed. Grief still clouded his home, the absence of their father looming over them like a shadow. Most days things were well, life almost felt normal. He and his siblings played in Bridgerton House while their mother chased after them. But then there were the bad days, the days where his mother hid away, sequestered to her room. Those days had always made him feel helpless. It was his job to make everybody laugh but there was nothing he could do but sit outside her door, listening to her quiet sobs.
It was where his brothers had found him one day before dragging him out for a ride through Hyde Park. While he felt guilty for leaving his mother he was also excited to be included in his brother’s plans.
“Come on, Colin, fancy a race?” Benedict said, grinning at him as they arrived at the park
“Benedict!” Anthony tried to scold him, but even Colin could see he didn’t really mean it
“Come on Ant, its early enough, there aren’t that many people” Benedict easily persuaded him
Within moments, they were lined up, ready to race. Anthony counted them off. “One, two...three!” and off they went.
Colin felt a kind of freedom as he raced through the park, the wind whipping through his hair and for a moment, it was as if he was flying, as if there were no worries weighing him down as he chased after his brothers.
But then something caught his eye, a girl wearing a bright yellow dress, her hair an extraordinary shade of red that gleamed in the early morning sun. He had been so mesmerized by the sight that he didn’t even notice she was chasing after something until a little yellow bonnet blew straight into his face, knocking him clean off his horse and into the mud.
The world tilted as he hit the ground, the breath knocked out of him, he vaguely heard his brothers shouting his name in a panicked tone, but all he could see was the girl now standing over him, two bright blue eyes looking at him with concern, her fiery curls framing her face like a halo and all he could do was laugh as he tried to catch his breath “That wasn’t well done of me,”
The sound of her laughter in response left him utterly captivated, until Anthony and Benedict came over, fear in their eyes as they looked him over, even after he finally reassured them he was fine he finally looked up to find his assailant, only to be disappointed to find her gone.
Fate however seemed to be on his side, when the next day Eloise had come barging into the drawing room to introduce her newest friend. From then on little Penelope Featherington with her bright red curls had carved her way into his life and he had never been able to escape the red tresses following him everywhere.
Even now, years into their marriage, they were part of his every day, as Penelope sat at her vanity, himself behind her carefully brushing her hair as part of their nightly routine.
“What are you smiling about?” she asked, catching sight of his faraway expression in the mirror.
“Nothing much, just thinking about your hair” he replied, setting the brush down to begin braiding her hair.
Penelope raised an eyebrow at him in the mirror, the corner of her mouth quirked into a small smile. “Hmm,” she murmured amused. “Do you remember the first time you braided my hair?”
“How could I forget?” Colin chuckled as his fingers began weaving the strands together. He could still remember that day clearly, it had been the summer before he would be off to Eton for the first time and Penelope had been staying with them. When Daphne one day decided to host herself a ‘salon of beauty’ roping whoever she could find into her game, Colin had been one of her victims.
“Come on Colin, you’re next” Daphne had taken him by his hand dragging him into her room filled with ribbons, combs and bottles of scented oils. “Come, sit down. You shall be my next model” Daphne said proudly…
“Absolutely not,” he replied with a laugh, backing away as if she’d just threatened to cut off his hair entirely.
“Stop being such a baby,” Daphne scolded. “Penelope’s here, and she’s letting me braid her hair. You can at least sit still while I practice.”
That’s when he noticed Penelope. She was sitting cross-legged on the floor, her shoulders shaking with laughter at the exchange. Her hair—already loosened from its usual tight braids—spilled over her shoulders.
“Why don’t you ask Eloise?” he asked, trying to find a way to escape
Eloise snorted into her book “As if I’d let her near my hair. Besides, she’s already dragged Pen into this. Isn’t that enough?”
Daphne ignored Eloise entirely, turning back to Colin with a determined gleam in her eye. “Fine,” she said, waving him off. “Then you can help me braid Penelope’s hair.”
He blinked, caught off guard. “You want me do to what?”
“Braid her hair,” Daphne repeated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “I do the one side and you do the other.”
Penelope turned to him then, he thought she might protest, but to his surprise, she gave him a small, shy smile and said, “It’s alright. If you don’t pull too hard.”
He could never quite explain what possessed him to agree, but moments later, he found himself seated behind her, his hands awkwardly hovering near her hair. Daphne gave him a quick lesson, demonstrating the basics of dividing the strands into three sections and weaving them together.
His fingers brushed against Penelope’s scalp as he fumbled his way through the first few attempts, and he couldn’t help but be in awe of how soft her hair felt, like silk slipping through his hands.
“Not so tight!” Penelope squeaked at one point, half-laughing and half-wincing.
“Sorry!” he said quickly, his ears burning.
By the end of it, her braid was a mess, lopsided and uneven, with pieces sticking out in all directions. But Penelope, ever kind, had declared it “not terrible for a first attempt,” earning him a glare from Daphne, who clearly disagreed.
He remembered how proud he’d felt at the time, though he wasn’t sure if it was for successfully braiding her hair or simply for being allowed to touch it at all. Looking back he wonders why he had taken him so long to realize his feelings for her. That shade of red was one of the first things he looked for every time he walked into crowded ballrooms.
“I was very proud of that first braid,” Colin smirked proudly
Penelope couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, you’ve certainly improved your technique, love,” she said, leaning back into him as he finished.
He kissed the top of her head, his hand lingering in her hair for just a moment longer. “I had the best teacher.” He grinned as he grabbed her ribbon tying of her braid “All done” he declared proudly. “Now, let us go to bed before I collapse” he said, groaning dramatically as he flopped onto the bed face-first. “I’m exhausted”
Penelope giggled, holding back a yawn as she followed him to bed. “You’re exhausted?” she teased, nudging him to the side as she climbed into bed “It was your idea to organize a family snowball fight—or should I say, a snowball war.”
“Exactly,” Colin mumbled into the pillow, refusing to move until she pushed him again. With a dramatic groan, he rolled over, only to pull her into his arms, settling her against his chest. “Do you know how much effort it takes to lead a snowball army? A lot.”
She couldn’t help but snort a laugh as she nestled closer to him “I’m certain it took you a lot of effort to turn Kate and Anthony against one another”
He chuckled, his chest vibrating against her. “I’ll have you know that was a perfectly sound tactical effort”
“I’m sure it was” Penelope laughed “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such wild snowball fights in my life. Gregory and Anthony got far too into it. and poor Philip was nearly buried in snow by the end of it! The children seemed to find that hilarious.”
“They’re little terrors, every one of them. No one escaped their onslaught, not even you!” he grinned
Penelope shook her head, shuddering slightly. “Yes, I can still feel the cold snow slipping down my back,” she said with a mock glare as looked up at him. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you conspiring with our children. I saw you.”
“Me?” Colin feigned outrage, hand over his heart. “I would never—well…” he grinned, unable to keep up the pretence, before wrapping his arms around her, in complete contentment. “Can you blame me?” he murmured, his fingers brushing gently over her braid. “The vision of you, your beautiful hair dusted with snow, has always been one of my favourites.”
Penelope laughed softly and tilted her head to look at him. “I’m not sure that’s quite enough to excuse all the torment you put me through today,” she teased
“Oh, but it was worth it,” he replied, leaning in closer, his grin softening into something tender. “Just to hear you and the children laugh like that. They had the best time, didn’t they?”
Her expression softened as well, her hand finding his. “They really did. They were so upset last year when we couldn’t all be together. I think it’s made them even more excited for this year. I’ve caught them whispering in the hallways, plotting what to leave out for Father Christmas and debating how best to trap him.”
“And they’re not the only ones,” he said with a grin. “Hyacinth’s been roped into the planning, and I’m certain I saw Gregory smuggling more ornaments into the house, he’s most certainly in on the conspiracy.””
Penelope laughed, shaking her head. “Those two spoil the children every chance they get. But I can’t say I mind, it’s wonderful to see everyone so full of holiday spirit.” She nestled closer to him, her voice softening. “Christmas morning can’t come fast enough.”
Colin rested his chin on top of her head, smiling as he held her. “Well, if you need a bit of holiday magic sooner, I’m sure the children would be more than happy to help with the decorations. Or,” he added, a playful glint in his eye, “if you’re craving any holiday treats, I’m sure they’d sneak something from the kitchen just for you.” His hand moved gently over the small bump that was only beginning to show, a secret still just between them. “And I’m so glad you’re feeling better this time around,” he said softly.
“Yes, it’s been a pleasant surprise,” she murmured, resting her hand over his.
“Hmmm,” he replied thoughtfully, letting his fingers trace little patterns along her stomach, “You know, I’m hoping this one will have your hair.”
Penelope chuckled, glancing at him. “Still holding onto your dreams of a red-haired army, I see.”
“Of course!” he nodded, pretending to be serious. “In fact, I’m quite disappointed in our other children for choosing my own boring brown hair.”
Penelope laughed, unable to resist teasing him. “I’m not sure they had much choice in the matter, love. Besides, I happen to be quite fond of your ‘boring’ brown hair.”
He gave an exaggerated sigh, sliding down beside her so he could rest his head on her stomach. “No, no. I’m certain they chose it just to torment me,” he said, feigning a dramatic tone. Then he turned and pressed a gentle kiss to her belly. “In fact, I might have to disown the whole lot of them if this one doesn’t inherit your hair.”
“Disown them, will you?” She smirked, her fingers brushing through his curls. “What a terrible father you’d make, threatening your poor children over something they have absolutely no control over. Can you imagine?”
Colin looked up, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Oh, absolutely. There’s nothing else for it, they must face the consequences of their actions, I’m afraid.” He gave her a wicked grin. “Perhaps I’ll take away dessert privileges. Or better yet, I’ll make them listen to their father’s travel stories—twice.”
“Oh, the horror!” Penelope gasped, pressing a hand to her chest in playful shock. “Our poor children—such a tyrant for a father!”
He laughed, reaching up to gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “A tyrant, perhaps, but a hopeless one. I’m sure I’d give in the moment any of them flashed me those big eyes.”
She bent down, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. “Well, love, if you’re wishing for red hair, maybe you should make it your Christmas wish this year. Who knows? The holiday magic might surprise you.”
His eyes brightened, his hand gently resting on her belly again. “A Christmas wish… I think I like the sound of that.”
Penelope’s smile softened. “Whether they have red hair or brown, you know they’ll always have your tendency to mischief and that, my dear, is more than enough to keep me on my toes.”
Colin leaned forward, pressing one last kiss to her stomach before resting his head against her shoulder. “In that case, I’ll take as many little mischief-makers as we can manage, brown-haired or red, so long as they’re all as perfect as you.” he murmured softly into her hair. His eyes sliding shut as exhaustion took over, leaving him to dream about a little baby who would just as perfect as their siblings and as radiant as their mother.
Six months later, Colin would see his Christmas wish come true in the best possible way. When Penelope finally gave birth, they welcomed not one but two beautiful baby girls, each with the same coppery, auburn hair he’d always dreamed of .