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“Look, Edmund,” Kate walked next to Colin, who was holding Elliot in his arms. “That’s your little cousin, say hello to Elliot!”
Edmund babbled something to the which the little Lord Featherington cooed in a nonsensical yet hilarious exchange between the two babies. The children had once met once since they were born. Between Kate and Anthony’s trip to India and their long stay in Aubrey Hall once they returned, and it was at Our Cottage that they got to properly meet each other.
Benedict and Sophie stayed there after their honeymoon, enjoying some very deserved peace. They received visits from everyone once they were back: Anthony and Kate, Penelope and Colin, Daphne and Simon – the three marriages with their respective children, Violet with Eloise, Gregory and Hyacinth, Francesca, Posy with Lord Barnaby, Irma and Alfie.
Since there was an announcement they wanted to make, Benedict and Sophie decided to invite their families to Our Cottage with the excuse of wanting to have a proper family gathering after their wedding. Sophie still hadn’t met Daphne and Simon and it was about time the whole family reunited, and Our Cottage was large enough for a large family like the Bridgertons.
“I want to see them!” A three-year-old August Basset repeated from the floor, looking up at his small cousins. “Mama, please?” He turned to Daphne as if permission from his mother was needed for that.
“It is not my permission you need, Augie,” Daphne smiled at her son. “Ask your auntie Kate and uncle Colin, they are the ones holding your cousins.”
“Auntie Kate, uncle Colin,” August grabbed Kate’s dress with a hand and Colin’s trousers with the other. “Please?”
Carefully holding Elliot, Colin sat on the floor and placed Elliot on his lap. “You have to be careful, August. Elliot is smaller than you.”
August carefully placed a hand on Elliot’s little head and stroked his cousin’s ginger curls, as if he was fascinated by the existence of other babies which weren’t his two little sisters. Kate observed the scene while sitting down with Edmund in his arms as her son toyed with his mother’s hair – something he shared with Elliot, both babies adored their mothers.
Anthony walked back inside the drawing room, eyeing Daphne as he knelt by Kate’s side. “Simon is still putting Belinda to sleep, he says it’s a miracle your Caroline has fallen asleep so quickly, it must be because I already am her favourite uncle,” the viscount said smugly before placing a kiss on his wife’s cheek and another one on Edmund’s head. “Do you want me to hold him?” He asked his wife. “You have been tending to him since we got there, you deserve to have your fun to.”
Kate meditated about it for a moment. “Very well,” she showered Edmund’s face with kisses before Anthony took him in his arms.
Edmund cried for his mother for a second, but every protest was quickly over once his father began lifting him in the air. When Elliot saw the scene, he looked at his father and tried to lift his own body. Colin gently patted his nephew’s head before lifting Elliot in the air the same way Anthony was doing with Edmund and suddenly the room was filled with children’s laughter.
“You did that to me when I was little,” Hyacinth sat next to Anthony and Edmund, gently tickling hew nephew.
“And not so little,” Gregory teased from the table as he stuffed a cookie in his mouth.
“Gregory,” Colin interrupted his youngest siblings before they kept bickering. “Could you be so kind as to give me one of those cookies? They do look delicious.”
“Only of you invite me to your next monthly dining club with Mr. Finch and Mr. Dankworth.” Gregory spoke as he started walking towards Colin.
“Consider yourself invited,” Colin winked at his brother before switching his eyes to his son, who giggled happily as he was raised in the air again.
“Me next!” August clapped.
“That,” Simon then appeared in the drawing room, taking his son and lifting him up in the air. “Has an easy solution.”
“Papa!” The boy giggled happily.
“Apologies for taking so long to be back my son, but your sister wouldn’t fall asleep,” he brought August face to his so he could kiss the boy’s cheek. “Are you happy to meet your cousins?”
“They are so small!”
“As you were not so long ago,” Daphne giggled from the settee, her hand holding Francesca’s. “As I was saying, I’m deeply sorry for missing your late husband’s funeral. Truly.”
“You do not need to keep apologizing,” Francesca gave her sister a reassuring smile. “Knowing you were nine months pregnant, I cannot blame you for not risking giving birth outside of Clyvedon Castle. You and Caroline being alright is what matters the most.”
“Thank you.” Daphne squeezed her sister’s hand. “We have all missed you so much.”
“By the way, Francesca,” Eloise sat next to his sisters. “Do you know when Michaela will be back? It has been a while since she left to travel.”
“I– uhm,” Francesca looked anywhere but Eloise’s eyes. “She will still be away for at least a couple of months.”
“Her fondness for travelling certainly is on par with Colin’s,” Penelope commented from the able, a teacup in her hand. “Please do tell us once Michaela comes back, Francesca. Your brother can’t wait to befriend her.”
“Indeed,” Colin replied, still on the floor next to Anthony, where Simon had joined them, keeping August on his lap. “He seems like a remarkable young woman.”
“She is,” Francesca’s tone was melancholic, her eyes moving from Penelope to his brother as she tried to form a convincing smile. “I will let you know.”
Sophie observed the children and their affectionate fathers from next to Daphne with a tender smile on her face. Her body jumped a little when two familiar, gentle hands were placed on her shoulders. She looked up at Benedict, who leant down to kiss his wife. Despite Sophie’s being a natural at socializing with others, he could tell she still feeling a little awkward.
“Penelope and Kate are having tea with my mother; you should join them,” he suggested.
“Perhaps you are right,” Sophie nodded mostly for herself before standing up and walking towards the three women. “May I join you?”
“You do not need permission for that, Sophie,” Violet gestured to one of the many unoccupied chairs around the table. “You are family.”
“Getting rid of my maid habits is proving to be harder than I imagined,” Sophie sat down, a relieved feeling in her chest when she noticed Penelope and Kate’s reassuring smiles.
“Are you feeling alright?” Penelope asked, paying close attention to Sophie’s face. “You have been yawning all afternoon and now that I look closer, I’m seeing small bags under your eyes.”
“I suppose I cannot escape the original Whistledown’s observant eyes,” Sophie laughed. “I was quite nervous about hosting my first family gathering today, that must be why sleep did not come easily last night.” While that was true, there was another reason for Sophie’s exhaustion, but she couldn’t quite reveal the reason yet.
“There is no one who can understand the feeling better than Penelope and me,” Kate reached both women’s hands, squeezing them affectionately. “I can assure you that everything is perfect, do no not worry. Besides, this gave us another excuse to reunite with each other, and for little Edmund and Elliot to meet their cousins.”
“Thank you,” Sophie felt as if a weight had been lifted off her chest. “All the children are most adorable. Elliot and Edmund are around the same age, are they not?”
“They were born just a few months apart.” Penelope confirmed. “They met for the first time not long before you married Benedict, since Edmund was born in India.”
“I see.” Sophie spoke, her eyes on little Edmund and how his tiny hand grabbed August’s hair first, then at Elliot chewing on his own fingers. “Your son looks exactly like you.” She told Penelope. “Same hair colour, same eye colour, same face overall.”
“He truly is like a small, male Penelope.” Violet commented with a laugh.
“Though his size is definitely from his father, the ears as well.” Penelope observed Colin and Elliot with proud eyes. “Have you noticed Edmund’s pretty eyes are just like Kate’s? He just has his mother’s gaze.”
“Anthony told that to me not long after he was born.” Kate commented. “And that is true.”
Sophie’s first time meeting Edmund came to her mind. She was still a maid working at Bridgerton House and she hadn’t met anyone in the family apart from Benedict, Violet, Eloise and Hyacinth until then. She had seen Kate and Penelope and dreamt about being one of them, a woman married to a Bridgerton who found the comfort of a family among them.
It often felt like a dream, to feel the warmth of such a big family who were so loving towards each other. Something she had only felt in Posy’s company, and her poor sister could only be affectionate when Araminta or Rosamund weren’t around. Sophie never blamed Posy for that, since feeling the love and support of a sister helped her survive in Penwood House.
While Kate began talking to Sophie and Violet stared tenderly at her grandchildren, Penelope noticed one of Benedict’s servants discreetly tried to catch his attention. Though what made Penelope think there was something excessively secretive going on, was when Benedict gestured Eloise to come with him and both siblings left the drawing room together.
“Excuse me,” Penelope stood up then, trying to appear unbothered to avoid drawing attention to Eloise and Benedict’s attitude. She knelt next to Colin and Elliot for a moment, kissing her husband gently pinching her son’s cheeks.
Anthony couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. “Colin, you have made the exact same face as your son when you notice Penelope was walking towards you.”
“Do not mess with Colin!” Daphne scolded her brother from the settee.
“I am only stating facts.” Anthony shrugged while adjusting Edmund on his lap so he wouldn’t fall. “Is it not true, Simon?”
“Indeed,” Simon chuckled. “Though you should not be mocking your brother giving the most lovesick smile grows on your face whenever your wife calls your name.”
“Thank you, Simon.” Colin gave his older brother a teasing smile. “You are much easier to be put in your place since you got married.” He turned to Penelope then. “Is there something in the matter, my love?”
“No, I’m just going outside to get some fresh air with Eloise.” Penelope giggled when one of Elliot’s little hands closed around his mother’s index finger. “Is Elliot doing alright?”
“He is a very social baby,” Hyacinth joined the conversation. “I just know he will be the sensation to every part he goes to when he gets older.”
“I could not agree more,” Colin tapped his son’s nose. “Do not worry Pen, I fell asleep last night and left you alone to take care of him so now it is my turn today.”
“Quit saying that, you were exhausted and I did not wish to wake you.” Penelope kissed Colin’s cheek before standing up. “I will be outside, if you need anything.”
After a few minutes of looking for them inside the house, Penelope assume they had to be outside. It was easy to find them, giving they were hiding in plain sight. Benedict carried a letter in his hand and Eloise’s eyes kept switching to it. While Penelope wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, the siblings were too busy engaging in a sort of discussion to notice.
“When you asked me to avoid Mr. Crabtree from announcing that you got a letter out loud, I never imagined that meant you were exchanging letters with a stranger!” Benedict kept the letter away from Eloise when she tried to reach for it again.
“He is not a stranger,” Eloise let an exasperated sigh. “Colin and Penelope know him.”
“Still, do you know what people might say if this if someone finds out about this?” Benedict moved the letter in front of Eloise’s face. “It could ruin your and Hyacinth’s marriage prospects, even Francesca’s if she decides to marry again!”
“Since when you have cared about all of that?” Eloise frowned.
“You know that you could do whatever you want if it was up for me, but it’s not,” Benedict took a deep breath. “Look, I was willing to retire to the country with Sophie when she was still a maid, and that came with not only hearing from my own family from letters for years, all so the family’s reputation and your and Hyacinth’s prospects remained intact. Do not ruin that now.”
“I am not trying to ruin anything, Benedict,” Eloise desperately explained.
“I know,” he placed his hands on his sister’s shoulders. “I understand what you are trying to say and that you do not care about prospects but think about Hyacinth. Besides, you know our mother will eventually find out about the letter if that man sends them to Bridgerton House.”
“About that,” Penelope finally walked close enough for them to be conscious of their surroundings again. “I might be able to help, if you tell me exactly what is happening.”
“Pen,” Eloise let a relieved sigh. “Thank goodness you are not someone else.”
“I could not agree more,” Benedict shared his sister’s relief. “I trust you both to sort this out,” he paused, finally giving Eloise the letter. “Also, there is one more guest to come, so when you see a carriage, could you please get inside? It is important.”
“Of course,” Penelope assured, waiting until Benedict was gone to look back at Eloise, her eyes quickly switching to the letter in her friend’s hands before going up to their face. “If you wish to receive letters in secret, you can send them to Featherington House, but first, what is this about?”
“I was not trying to keep it a secret from you, I promise.”
“I did not mean that as a reproach, you are entitled to your secrets,” Penelope clarified. “I kept a big one from you for a very long time so I cannot complain.”
“That is in the past, Pen,” Eloise offered a reassuring smile. “The reason why I have not told you of this let is because I am still not sure if what I thought of doing is possible.”
Penelope was more than intrigued then. “Continue.”
“Alright,” Eloise took a deep breath. “You remember Sir Phillip Crane, right?”
“Marina’s husband? I do,” Penelope’s eyes went wide when the realization quickly hit her. “Is he the one writing you letters?!”
“Yes,” Eloise whispered, looking around to make sure no one heard them. “Please lower your voice.”
“Apologies,” Penelope began whispering as well. “When and why did that happen?”
Penelope had heard from Marina’s passing from one of Sir Phillip’s letters while just a couple of days after Benedict and Sophie went on their honeymoon. Penelope and Colin went to Romney Hall to pay their respects to Phillip, and Eloise tagged along, moved by the curiosity of who that man was, since both her best friend and brother only had good words for him.
“When Marina died and we visited him, he caught me looking through his library and lent me a couple of books,” Eloise explained. “I wrote him to ask him how I could give it back to him and he said he was in no hurry, so I wrote him again and– well, here we are,” She moved the letter in front of Penelope’s face. “Pen pals, I suppose. Like you and Colin were when he was away on his travels.”
“While I’m happy you have managed to forge a friendship with a man, Benedict is partly right.” Penelope took one of Eloise’s hands in hers. “If someone hears about this, your family’s reputation is at stake. Either you face another scandal or you marry him to avoid it.”
“The thing is, I would not be opposed to that marriage.”
Penelope blinked, speechless. “Who are you and what have you done to Eloise?”
“Hear me Pen, I have a good reason to have changed my mind,” Eloise checked their surroundings again. “My mother wants me to marry, so if I do, then she will stop insisting and forcing me to interact with suitors in every social event,” she explained. “Both you and Colin have always spoken of how Phillip is a kind and understanding man, and I heard him mention he is not looking to form any romantic connection in the future. Me neither, so it could work.”
During her time in Scotland, Eloise had heard from Michaela that there were people who sought marriage not for love, but for freedom. Two people could not be in love but what all the freedoms and privileges which came with it, and for women especially, it brought them certain security and the liberty of doing what they wanted without any pressure to get married.
“So, you are suggesting a marriage of convenience?” Penelope thought it was risky, but not completely nonsensical. “Have you forgotten about his children? He has two of them, who you were pranking when you came with us to Romney Hall.”
“Those brats pranked me first! There were smart about it, I will admit that,” Eloise rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help grinning. “About that, I grew up with both older and younger siblings, I can handle a couple of kids.”
“I do not doubt it,” Penelope couldn’t help but laugh at the memory of Eloise bickering with Oliver and Amanda. “If you think that is best for you, then I will support you, but please think it through first.”
“I have been thinking it through for weeks,” Eloise assured. “I will obtain the freedom this society does not want to give me as a woman. And I do not intent to lie to Phillip, if we get married, that means we will have reached an agreement. I will help him with his children, at least until they are old enough to stop being annoying and need so much attention, and he will let me do whatever I want.”
“It seems like a reasonable agreement,” Penelope had to admit. “What of–” the sound of horses interrupted them. “The Li’s carriage, I assume that is Miss Posy. Benedict said to go inside when the last guest arrives, we should go.”
“Right,” Eloise agreed. “I’m counting on you to keep your silence, Pen.”
Penelope nodded, walking arm in arm with Eloise back to the inside of the house. “Of course.”
Once Posy had been greeted by everyone – which took a few minutes, giving Our Cottage’s drawing room had never received so many people, she sat next to Sophie, Kate and Violet. She happily spoke about her courtship with Lord Barnaby when Violet and Sophie asked her, and couldn’t help but play a little with the children in the room – who adored her.
“You have a way with children, Miss Posy,” Kate commented when Posy earned a small laugh from Edmund through flattery. “You would make a wonderful mother, if you wish for children.”
“Perhaps once I get married, it is an option I do not discard,” Posy shrugged. “I would also make a wonderful aunt.” She winked to Sophie, who couldn’t help a chuckle.
“You know,” Sophie whispered to her sister as she looked at Benedict, who gave her a nod before standing up. “Something tells me you will not have to wait much to become one.”
Posy gasped out loud. “What does that– wait, Sophie!”
“May I have a moment, please?” Benedict moved to the front of the room, where everyone could see him, continuing once everyone was silent. “First, me and Sophie are most thankful that you attended, it was about time we saw each other again.” Elliot then cooed, raising one of his hands in the air. “Exactly, dear nephew,” he pointed at the ginger baby, earning a laugh from everyone. “I know we have faced many misfortunes and even more scandals in the recent years, but despite everything, we remained a reputable, happy family. Somehow.” Laughter echoed in the room again. “We are so fortunate to have each other and celebrate our happiness. Now, to contribute to that, my wife and I wish to communicate something to all of you. Sophie, please.”
After a nervous sigh, Sophie walked next to Benedict, a wide smile on her face as she looked at her huge family. “I know I have not been a Bridgerton for long, but you have also been so warm and welcoming that I have never felt like a stranger around any of you. Nervous, yes.” More laughs filled the room. “And so, I am most pleased to tell you that all these beautiful children will very soon have a new cousin to play with. I am with child.”
The silence only lasted two seconds, and Posy was the one who broke it. “I am going to be an aunt!”
And suddenly the room exploded in everyone’s happy claps and delighted comments. Anthony, Colin and Simon, who were still holding their sons, were the last one to congratulate the happy couple. Anthony and Colin made a joke about how if Benedict and Sophie’s child was a boy, they should give him a name which started with an E, like Edmund and Elliot.
Benedict didn’t discard it and Sophie didn’t either, since they still were thinking of names for boys in case they had a son. The only name they were sure about was the one they would give that baby if they were a girl. That very same decision was why once everyone had calmed down after the announcement, Benedict looked for her mother, who was with Francesca.
“Mother, may we speak to you for a moment?” Benedict spoke lowly. “We as in, me and Sophie.”
“I will in just a moment, I am now going to accompany Francesca outside,” she squeezed her daughter’s hand.
“We will not take long,” Francesca assured as she sat up, exiting the drawing room and being grateful to breathe some fresh air. “Mama, you truly not need to worry.”
“I know you will fare fine, you always do,” Violet gently moved a hand up and down Francesca’s shoulder. “Still, I wanted to make sure you feel fine after the announcement of Benedict and Sophie’s child.” John wanted to have a child, and it was my duty to give that to him, to continue the Kilmartin line and I failed him! Francesca’s broken voice echoed in Violet’s mind.
“I know this would eventually happen.” Francesca looked up at the sky. “And if I’m being honest, I thought it would hurt much more. I feel oddly calm.”
Francesca seemed sincere, in Violet’s eyes. “That is a relief.”
“I thought,” Francesca started. “That not being able to perform my wifely duties meant that I was failing as a married woman. I had reflected in all these months that maybe I should not let what society thinks it is acceptable as a wife dictate my value as a woman. John loved me.” Michaela Stirling’s face came to her mind then. “He loved me for me, not for my capability to give him children. That is what I should keep in mind from now on.”
“I could not agree more,” Violet hugged her daughter tightly. “I am so proud of who you are, Francesca. And remember that your family is here to help you.”
“I do,” Francesca nodded. “You should get back in there, Benedict is waiting for you. I should like to stay here for a little more.”
“Of course.” Violet gave Francesca’s arm one last squeeze before walking back inside Our Cottage. The moment Benedict saw her, she gestured Violet to follow him to him and Sophie’s room. “Is something in the matter?” Her eyes switched to Sophie. “Are you worried about your state, Sophie?”
“No,” Sophie shook her head. “Well, it makes me feel a little tense, but that is not why we have summoned you here.”
“Then what is it?” Violet blinked, curiosity in her eyes.
“You have nothing to worry about, mother,” Benedict reassured her. “We have been thinking of names since we found out Sophie was expecting, and if our child is a girl,” He looked at Sophie, waiting for her to finish.
“We would like to call her Violet.” Sophie gave Violet a tender smile. “If you agree to it, of course.”
“Oh.” Violet suddenly felt like crying, her eyes getting glossy. “I would like that,” she paused to let a happy chuckle. “Very much,” she used the back of her hand to dry her eyes. “Thank you.”
“There is no need to thank us.” Sophie took Violet’s hands in hers. “You have done so much for us, there is no better way for us to show how much we appreciate you than to name our daughter like the woman who had our back when we thought everything was lost.”
“That way, Anthony and Kate’s son was named after our father, Colin and Penelope’s son is named after Eloise, and you may also get a beautiful granddaughter named after you.” Benedict smiled widely.
“Oh, Benedict, Sophie.” Violet hugged them tightly. “I am truly lucky to have you. All of you.”
Nine months later, the whole family was over the moon when Benedict and Sophie’s child was born. A little girl, who look a little more like her mother than her father, but everyone could easily see parts of both in her. Sophie was immensely happy to know her little Violet Bridgerton would grow up safe, with a family full of love to give. No heaven was better than that.