Chapter Text
Edmund Bridgerton is a husband and father. He comes from old money. He is titled, but he only uses it when necessary. He’s the head a non-profit, assisting less fortunate families and a choir master for the local church. He’s husband to Violet. Father to Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, and twins Gregory and Hyacinth.
He joined the choir at age 6 and sang until he took over as choir master when his father retired. That’s where he met Violet; she joined at age 11 (Edmund was 13). They became friends, then best friends, then when he was 18, they became sweethearts. Ten years later, they were married. Two years later, Anthony arrived, closely followed by Benedict. Colin eventually arrived six years later, and Daphne was right on his heels. Eloise next, two years younger, then Francesca, two years younger again, and two years after her, to complete their brood, a double surprise of Gregory and Hyacinth.
Violet plays the piano in the church and gives Daphne and Francesca lessons. The children, A to E, are all members, along with Colin and Eloise’s best friend Penelope (7), her sisters Prudence (16) and Phillipa (14), and a few of their school friends. There really isn’t an age limit for the choir. Francesca could join at 5, but she’s a reserved little girl, so Violet decided to give her a little bit longer. She still attends every rehearsal and sits with Violet at the piano.
The Saint Luke’s Church choir wear cassocks of pale blue with navy blue piping, with sleevelets and jabots in white for formal (‘fancy’, the younger ones call them) occasions and pale blue (younger) or navy blue (older) for more casual performances. They used to make their entrances carrying lit candles in holders until Bertie Fife thought it would be funny to set fire to Charlie Cho’s cassock. Now, they use ‘real-looking fake candles’ or they won’t be insured.
They rehearse once a week and always extra evenings before the fancy occasions. It’s the beginning of November and time to start rehearsing for the nearest Sunday service to Christmas Day, three casual performances (two old people’s homes and a shopping centre) and the biggie, the church’s Christmas Eve service.
Edmund and Violet have to select the carols and hymns they want to perform so the vicar, Bartholomew Brimsley, can approve them. Several of the choristers are chosen to be the soloists. To make it fair, the vicar does the choosing. All names are put in the collection box, and the vicar pulls a name out. The names picked this year are Marcus Anderson, David Samadani, Clara Livingston, and Colin Bridgerton.
Marcus has sung the solo many times. He has a lovely rich voice, and David’s voice complements his voice beautifully, so Edmund decides to pair them up for a duet. Clara sang the solo last Christmas, and there’s a few unhappy comments heard, especially from the girls. This is Colin’s very first time being chosen. Violet is thrilled, but she does notice the look on her son’s face. She decides to talk to him at home. The rehearsal continues with half of the songs run through.
They bid a goodnight to all the members. In the minibus, Colin is next to Penelope with Eloise on her other side; that’s how you’ll always find the trio. Penelope is talking quietly to Colin and holding his hand. He’s clearly upset over something, and as always, his little best friend wants to help. Violet and Edmund adore Penelope. She’s their ninth unofficial child. All their children adore her. They all call her nicknames, which she loves. You can call her Nell, Nellie, Little Bit, Feathers or her favourite one (which is reserved just for Colin and Eloise), Pen. But, whatever you do, don’t call her Penny! One of the bigger boys called her it once. He was set upon by a very angry Penelope, small hands on her hips, shouting, “I know my hair is copper colour, but DO I LOOK LIKE A COIN?” Everyone was stunned; she hardly speaks to anyone who isn’t a Bridgerton, including her sisters.
Violet can see her talking to Colin and wishes she could hear their conversation. Colin looks close to tears. His little friend puts her arm as far around his shoulders as far as she can reach while still holding his hand. He smiles a little, leans over and kisses the side of her head. Violet, thinking out loud, says, “That little girl is made of magic.” Unbeknownst to Violet, Penelope is already making plans to ensure that Colin will sing his solo.
After dropping the Featherington girls home across the road from their house, Edmund and Violet finish cooking the dinner that they prepped earlier. It’s homework, dinner, then it’s bedtime for the twins, Fran, and Eloise. Colin and Daphne get a bit of time online before they go up. Violet tucks them in, staying with Colin. She lays beside him. “Can you tell me why you were upset earlier?” He’s quiet as he thinks to himself.
“I’m scared about the solo, Mum. I don’t think I can do it.”
“Why, Colin?” Violet asks.
He looks at his mum. “I might be terrible, and I don’t want to let you or Dad down. I know how important the choir is to you both.”
She holds her arms out for a hug. “Come here. You and your siblings are more important than the choir. You won’t be terrible, and you certainly will not let us down,” she says, wrapping her arms around him. “What did Penelope say to you?”
“She said I can do anything if I try hard enough.”
She tucks him back into bed and kisses him goodnight. Leaving the room, she says, “I love that girl.”
Before closing the door, she hears him say quietly, “Me too.”