Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

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Penelope loved being around the Bridgertons.

More often than her own family, who resided just across the square.

Today, she found herself in their drawing room. Eloise, Francesca, and, for some reason, Colin, all surrounding her at tea. No shortage of biscuits and tea cups for the four of them as they gabbed and snacked. It was the most perfect day.

She could not imagine a more lovely day.

“I am afraid I must take my leave,” Penelope announces between giggles. “My mama is expecting me for luncheon. Not that I can fathom eating another bite! You all have indulged me too much.”

“Oh, you are correct there! But I do have to say, Colin did eat all of the biscuits.” Eloise laughs, lightly smacking Colin’s arm with the back of her hand.

“Colin is nothing but a bottomless pit. I do not know where he stores all of those biscuits.” Francesca pipes in from the corner of the settee.

“You wound me.” Colin feigns hurt and smacks his hand to his chest, laughing with the girls.

The four of them burst into laughter. Penelope revels in the warm feeling of their family. She wants to stay for as long as she can. Her home is cold and somber; she rues the moment she will have to leave and face her mother.

“I do love reveling with you all, but truly, I must leave before I am late.” Penelope states.

“Until next time, friend. I’ll send over an invitation as soon as I can,” Eloise says.

“Yes, please visit us again.” Francesca smiles, grabs Penelope’s hand, and gives it a squeeze. Penelope smiles back at her.

Penelope sighs, gets up and makes her way out the door.

“Wait!” Colin calls out to her.

“Oh? Is everything well?” Penelope asks, shocked at his shout.

“May I escort you home?” Colin asks nervously. His hands at his side, thumb rubbing against the pads of his fingertips.

He is fidgeting, but she is not sure why.

“Thank you for the offer, but really, there is no need. I am right across the square; you know this.” Penelope chuckles. She thinks he is odd for the offer, but thinks nothing of it.

“I would like to, if you would allow it,” Colin says.

“Well, I do like a companion. You may join me.” Penelope gives him a small nod.

Colin’s face lights up as he holds his hand out, motioning her to lead the way. Penelope is no stranger to Colin; he has always been that boy next door, the one who would never quite notice Penelope the way she always hoped.

As they make their way across the square, Colin seems to not know what to do with his hands. Penelope knows that typically a couple would walk arm in arm, but since they are not courting nor betrothed, nor married, they would not be allowed to do that. They do not even have a chaperone with them, so the walk should be over as soon as possible, to not cause any potential scandal.

“I appreciate you accompanying me. It is nice to have company.” Penelope says, breaking the silence.

“Of course, I could not allow you to walk alone,” Colin replies.

“Allow?” Penelope laughs.

“Well—not allow…but…” Colin stammers.

“Colin, I jest.” She looks up at him and smiles. “Thank you for bringing me home.”

Colin smiles and nods. She shakes her head slightly, amused at his reaction. She does love his company; she would never lie about that fact. The stoop of her family home approached them quicker than she expected. She does not realize how quickly they had been walking. She looks up at Colin and notices he has a blush to his cheek. Is he warm? Perhaps it is from the exertion of the very brisk walk? She is unsure.

“Here we are, again, thank you. You are most kind.” Penelope says shyly.

“May I ask you a question?”

“Was that the question?”

“I beg your pardon? Er—No, a separate question.”

“Colin, what has gotten into you? It was simply a quip, I promise.”

“Oh, you are all right. My question is: may I join you for tea tomorrow? Here?”

“Here?” Penelope asked, confused.

“Yes, if you would allow it.” Colin laughs softly.

“Of course, Colin. I would love for you to join me for tea.”

“Wonderful. I will see you tomorrow. Have a good evening, Penelope.” Colin says, nodding and turning away toward his home.

“Have a good evening, Colin,” Penelope says as she walks up the stoop.

She stops at the door to watch him walk away from her. He has always been a gorgeous man. Charming and beautiful, a dangerous mix amongst the Ton. She sighs. She knows that the idea of them ever marrying is a far cry from reality.

She shrugs off the thought. No use daydreaming, especially with her mama lingering in the corridor.

Luckily, tea tomorrow will be a welcome time indeed.

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The butler announced Colin’s calling card at the top of the eleventh hour in the morning. Strictly on time for the first minute of the calling hour.

He waltzes in carrying the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. She feels her smile grow ten times larger than she ever felt before.

It only falters for a fraction…

When she sees Francesca and Eloise traipse in right behind Colin.

She isn’t completely sure why she feels such disappointment, but she doesn’t focus on the thought. She greets her guests with equal fervor.

“How lovely. I was expecting one of you, but I am so happy to see the three of you.” She clasps her hands together and holds them to her chest. She laughs with them and gestures to the settees. “Come, let us have some tea.”

In a series of shuffles, they all make their way over to the settees. Francesca is trying her best to loop around Eloise to sit on the one to the left. Eloise grasps at the air to get Francesca to walk along with her, and plops down right next to her as a result. Colin trails behind the shuffle of girls, shaking his head at their shenanigans. Penelope lingers a bit behind them; the Bridgertons have always been a source of joy for her. Watching them shuffle around each other just to find a seat at tea is just their normal, and she is grateful for their ability to be comfortable no matter the location.

Colin’s soft voice breaks her out of her trance as she sits in the seat next to him. “These are for you.”

He hands her the bouquet he walked in with. She grabs the stems and studies them. It is a subtle mix of forget-me-nots and pink roses. “Colin, this is too kind. You did not have to do that.”

“Of course I did. My mother would have my head if I did not bring you a gift.” Colin chuckles.

“I know I have gotten my fair share of courting gifts. Mama would have sent them if they did not have a present in hand,” Francesca shares. “Pen, can I pour you some tea?”

“Oh! I can do that, no need to serve me.” Penelope scrambles to take the pot from Francesca.

“Pish, I got it. Focus on the task at hand.” Francesca pours the tea and nods toward Colin.

“Very well then…” Penelope slinks back in her seat.

“Pen, how have you been faring? Yesterday was the first I had seen of you in a while and I had such a great time. I was grateful when you wrote to me on my trip,” Colin says.

“Wait, you both wrote to each other?” Eloise asks suddenly.

“Yes, of course. Did you not write to your own brother?” Penelope asks, confused.

“Well…” Eloise hides behind her teacup.

Francesca chokes a bit on her biscuit, trying to cover up her laugh. “Well…Eloise….”

Colin chuckles. “Pen, admittedly, very few actually did.”

“Colin, I am so sorry.” Penelope looks at him, remorseful.

“Oh, do not be sorry, I am happy that you were the one to write. It was always a joy to see your handwriting on the envelope.” Colin says, reaching to touch her hand.

Penelope flinches slightly. She knows Colin is a tactile person, but she did not expect him to grasp her hand that way. She notes that for later. Now is not the time to ruminate on why her friend would feel the need. It is only a friendly gesture. Nothing more.

Tea proceeds as it normally does. The two Bridgerton girls snark each other back and forth between bites of biscuits. Colin sits back and laughs, shares a few quips with Penelope. Occasionally, his hand would brush hers, and she would smile up at him. She is unsure why he kept doing that, but paid no extra thought to it.

“Penelope, it is half past two, it is time to say farewell,” Portia announces as she walks into the room. “It is almost time for dinner, and I have not planned for three extra guests.”

“No worries, Lady Featherington. We will be taking our leave; our mama is most likely wondering where we are,” Colin says.

“Yes, of course. Do give Lady Bridgerton my best,” Portia says, nodding toward Colin.

He nods back and turns to Penelope, giving her his full attention. “Penelope. It was wonderful for you to have us.”

“Thank you, Colin. I appreciate the visit. We had such a great time.” Penelope blushes. She is not used to having his attention the way he was giving it. She is used to being on the walls and out of sight.

“Thank you, Penelope.” The girls say at the same time. They turn to each other and laugh. Penelope loves this family with all her heart; it saddens her to see them go.

Penelope walks them out, lingering behind the sisters and staying in step with Colin.

“Do you think I can come back in a couple of days?” Colin asks quietly.

“I would love another visit. Of course, you can come back.” Penelope says bashfully. She is happy her friend wants to see her again. She missed him on his journeys and will gladly accept any time with her dear friends.

In all honesty, she would be grateful for any visit that is not just sitting around listening to her mother moan and groan about the Ton. She thinks about Colin’s question for a second longer. Why is he the one who keeps asking? Is he asking for them as a group? But why would Eloise not just ask on her own? She is sure that it is nothing but two friends reconciling after a long time apart.

“I will see you soon?” Colin asks, breaking her out of her trance.

“Yes, you will.” Penelope smiles up at him. He grabs her hand and brushes a kiss across her knuckles.

“Until next time.” He nods, lets go of her hand, and sees himself out. The girls follow behind, snickering and waving goodbye to Penelope.

She chooses not to focus too much on the knuckle kiss.

They are simply friends.

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Colin comes back a couple of days later. Just like he said. This time with just Eloise.

“Oh? No Frannie today?” Penelope asks mid-hug with Eloise.

“No, she is out promenading with John,” Colin answers.

“It is a lovely day out, but Colin decided I must come for tea.” Eloise rolls her eyes. She makes her way to the settees and plants herself down, feet dangling in an unladylike fashion off the cushions.

Penelope laughs and makes her way to her usual spot. She does not notice that Colin is trailing right behind her. She finds it odd that he does not just kick off Eloise’s legs and sit next to her. She shakes her head at the thought. Must be the limited seating then.

“Penelope, will there be other guests? Ms Eloise is not a proper chaperone. I dismissed Ms Francesca, but I cannot dismiss it now.” Portia looks at the group, arms crossed. Eloise shuffles to get herself seated properly.

“Mama, it is the Bridgertons, we have known them for years.” Penelope rolls her eyes. What would possibly make this visit different from all the times before?

“Very well. Ms Eloise, do keep an eye on them.” Portia nods in the direction of Penelope and Colin and leaves the room. Penelope looks in the direction she left from. She feels a twinge of uncertainty.

Why would Eloise be in charge? That is weird.

She shakes away the feeling. Laughs at the thought of Eloise being in charge of anything. Eloise? Truly must be a silly jest her mother just thought of. She settles into the settee next to Colin. It has only been a few visits, but she is starting to enjoy his warmth near her.

“Pen?” Colin looks at her with an expression she cannot quite read.

“Yes?” She tilts her head at him, a slow smile forming on her face.

“I brought you a gift.” He smiles at her and hands her a small parcel. She did not notice it in his hands before. It is wrapped in a luscious ivory wrapping with a soft yellow ribbon tying it together. She is not too fond of yellow, but something here felt deliberate to her. As she toys with the ribbon, she notices that a pressed violet is tucked behind the bow.

She looks back up at Colin and smiles widely. She takes the violet and sets it aside. She wants to cherish it and find a spot in her room later. Considers pressing one of the roses and forget-me-nots to rest with it. He has been such a thoughtful friend.

“Thank you, Colin. You should not have. This is very kind.” Penelope opens the parcel slowly, removing the ribbon and unwrapping with immense care. Colin watches intently, fidgeting lightly. The way his foot shakes, she can feel it through the settee. Beneath the wrapping is a soft brown leather journal. Underneath the leather tie is a soft white swan quill.

She gasps, her eyes tearing up slightly. “This is too, too kind. Truly. I have never received a gift like this.”

“I saw them both at the shop and thought it was perfect for you.” He smiles at her and grabs her hand. She lets him and does not think too much about his thumbs rubbing her knuckles. “I know how much you love to correspond.”

Penelope turns away, the blush on her cheeks creeping up slowly. Colin leans over, still holding her hands, and whispers, “I never forget about our letters.”

She giggles at the tickle of his breath on her ear, slapping a hand over her mouth to keep herself quiet.

“Oi! ‘nough of that!” Eloise shouts between biscuit bites.

Colin and Penelope laugh. They watch Eloise re-situate herself and brush crumbs off her dress.

Eloise pays close attention to them for the rest of the visit. Penelope is not entirely sure as to why. Though Colin does not let go of her hand until they leave the drawing room. Eloise pays no mind to it, or simply chooses not to, but Penelope knows that Eloise can see.

“I will see you soon, yes?” Colin asks on the way out of the drawing room.

“Yes, if you would like to.” Penelope nods. She already misses the warmth of his hand.

“I would love to.”

“Then I shall see you again.”

“Let's go, lover boy!” Eloise shouts from the hallway.

Penelope laughs. “I do not want to keep you from what you need to do. Apologies for not walking you out.”

“Do not fret. I would rather spend the rest of the day with you.” Colin smiles at her.

She swears she has hearts in her eyes whenever he is around. She swears that he sees it too. She truly admires her best friend, and these visits are easily becoming the highlight of her days.

“I will see you soon, Penelope.”

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The next visits were short, but efficient. Colin seemed to come with a purpose. Penelope was not sure why the tone of their visits had changed. They were still fun and light, though now he came alone and asked a slew of questions.

Do you dream of marriage?

Have you had any desire for children?

What do you dream of? Not just as a wife, but as a person.

She felt that the questions were peculiar. Why was he so interested in knowing? They usually spoke of traveling and the places he has seen. They once had an entire conversation of sea shells he collected in Greece. She paid no mind and answered any question he had prepared. She loved getting to know her friend more.

This visit, Colin seems preoccupied. He holds his teacup steady on his knee, but gazes off into the distance. The air is quiet, aside from their breathing. Portia sits across from them, pretending to pluck crumbs from her saucer.

“Ma’am. There is an urgent matter to take care of in the kitchen for dinner service.” Varley announces at the door.

Everyone turns to look at her. Colin stiffens a bit. Penelope opens her mouth to ask him what is wrong, but her mother cuts her off.

“Varley, I cannot leave them alone. Is this an urgent matter?” Portia asks, annoyed.

“Yes, ma’am. The cook is not particularly happy with the cut of meat I bought, and it needs your approval.” Varley shifts halfway out the door.

“As you wish.” Portia sets her saucer down with a loud clank. “I expect to find you both in the same seats when I get back.”

“Of course, Lady Featherington.” Colin acknowledges. Penelope hears his tone shift, but pays no mind. She watches her mother shuffle out of the room with Varley, talking about nonsense in the kitchen, and she knows that it is not proper to leave the two of them alone.

Penelope laughs; her mother never fails to amaze her. She turns her attention back to Colin, who is halfway to her before she can fully turn. He grabs the side of her cheek, his fingers landing at the bottom of her ear, and his thumb caressing her jaw. She gasps. He has never dared to touch any part of her that was not her hand…or the small of her back when he led her places. Wait a minute.

Before she can grasp what he is trying to do, his lips land on hers. They are soft and warm and oh so plush. He is perfect. She leans into the kiss, allows herself to feel fully. Her hands grasp onto the ruffles of his shirt, pulling him closer. Their lips move together in a harmonious dance. Colin lets out a soft moan and kisses her harder, pushing her back slightly onto the cushions. Her head is swimming, his lips are intoxicating, he feels so—

“Thank you,” she whispers.

“What—” Colin says, confused at her thanks.

They stop abruptly. Footsteps stomp loudly on the hardwood, growing louder and closer with each step. Penelope shoots herself back into her seat and smooths down her skirts. She pats her hair down a bit to make sure no pin is out of place. Colin shuffles a bit in his seat, seemingly adjusting something she cannot quite see.

“Blast, the tea!” Colin curses.

Penelope lets out a loud giggle. “Colin! I cannot believe your language!”

“Pen, I spilled the tea onto the floor.” He points to the stain.

“Oh!” Penelope scrambles for a napkin. “Here, I will help.”

She scoots onto the floor and starts to press the napkin into the carpet. 

“Penelope. There is no need; we can have your housekeeper call for help.”

“It is fine, my mama will have both of our heads if this leaves a stain.” Penelope shrugs and keeps blotting the carpet.

“Penelope, I am serious, please get up from the floor. We look rather…” Colin pleads.

“And what is going on here?” Portia asks loudly. 

“Mama, Colin dropped his cup. I am only stopping the stain from setting.” Penelope looks up at her mother. She has a stern expression, nothing unusual.

“Mr Bridgerton, is that the truth?” Portia asks.

“Ye–yes, Lady Featherington, that is the truth.” Colin stammers a bit. 

“I suggest it is time for you to take your leave.” 

“Of course. Penelope, allow me to assist you from the floor.” Colin reaches his palm out to her. 

“Thank you very much, that is kind.” Penelope takes his hand and lets him help her. She lets go of his hand and smooths down her skirts again. “My apologies, Mama, I was only trying to help the stain. “

“Penelope, do not fret, we have help for that. Please step aside,” Portia demands.

“Yes, Mama,” Penelope says, holding her head down.

“Penelope,” Colin says softly. “I will see you soon, yes?”

“Of course, my friend is always welcome here.” Penelope nods.

“Correct…friend…” Colin nods and bows to them both. He waltzes out of the room, avoiding eye contact with Portia.

Portia makes a disappointed click with her tongue. “That Bridgerton boy is unusual.”

Penelope ignores her mother and sits back down on the settee. She stares blankly at the stain on the carpet. How did she not notice that tea spilled? Wait, had that brown stain on her dress been there the entire time? Did the tea burn his leg? Is that why he adjusted himself? Was he in pain?

Oh gods, we kissed and I said “thank you.”

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Penelope spent the next week thinking of Colin. Given he has already occupied her every thought since she was a child, but this is different. The feel of his lips is something that she can not possibly forget. They were soft and lush and everything she dreamed of.

She walks down the hall from her room, twirling her skirt, staying in her own little world. The sounds of male voices stop her short. Men? In her house? I wonder what that could be about.

The trail of voices leads her to her father’s—well, now her mother’s—study. It seems to be a meeting of some sort. But why would a meeting be necessary?

“Good day, Lady Featherington. We will see you soon.” A deep voice from behind the door says. More voices follow, but she cannot make out what they are saying.

The knob starts to turn, and Penelope jumps. She scrambles to find a hiding spot, ultimately decides to just walk away and pretend she heard nothing out of the ordinary.

“Lord Bridgerton, such a pleasure. I believe this will be such a lovely match.” Portia says, barely containing herself as she walks out of the study, followed by Anthony and Colin.

What are they doing here?

“Indeed,” Anthony responds.

“One big happy family.” Portia clasps her hands together. “Oh! I must find Varley. Have a good day, both of you.”

“Good day.” The men say simultaneously. Colin bows, then turns, and their eyes meet.

“Penelope! Wait for a moment.” She blushes at his call. He nods to Anthony, who mutters a quiet make it quick, and he walks toward her.

She looks up at him, smile wide. “Colin, I wasn’t expecting to see you today. What brings you here?”

He smiles back at her, slides his hand over her waist and to her back. He pulls her in slightly and gives her a kiss on the top of her head. “I had some very important business to take care of.”

“Colin—what was—Important business? With whom? My mama?” Penelope is shocked. Confused by the kiss, but mostly in awe as to what possible business her mother could have with the Bridgertons.

Colin laughs. “Yes, with your mama. Here, I have something for you. No need to respond, your presence will be the answer.”

He reaches into his coat and pulls out an envelope. Penelope looks at him with a squint but takes the envelope.

“What is this?” She asks. She traces her finger lightly over the soft blue wax seal.

“It is for you. Open it, and I will hopefully see you soon.” Colin grabs her hand and gives it a squeeze. “I must go before Anthony thinks I have done something compromising.”

He lets go of her hand and walks down the hallway. He gives her a soft wave as he starts to walk down the stairs. Penelope is stuck in place. Compromising? What did he mean by that? This is not the first time they had been alone. They are friends, are they not?

Penelope opens the envelope and pulls out the stiff card inside. It is an invitation. For a promenade. That afternoon. The Bridgerton carriage is to pick her up, but why does it say to inform her mother? Was that not the business they handled just moments before?

She shrugs, makes her way to find her mother to let her know of their afternoon plans.

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“Mama!” Penelope calls out into the hall. Rae just put the finishing touches on her hair, and she is ready to meet Colin at the park.

“Miss, your mother instructed us to inform you to take the carriage alone to the park. She will meet you there.” Varley says, walking up to her on the stairs.

“Oh? That is odd, but I am not surprised. Is the carriage here?” Penelope asks.

“Yes, miss. Everything is ready for you. They are awaiting your arrival.” Varley nods and moves out of the way.

“Perfect, thank you for your help, Varley.” Penelope nods and makes her way outside to the carriage.

The ride to the park is swift and easy. It gives no time for Penelope to decipher the true nature of this outing. She wonders why she had to ride alone. Why did her mother not wait for her?

The footman opening the door takes her out of her trance. As soon as her foot hits the pavement, she is met with a gathering of Bridgertons.

“Penelope, Penelope!” is all she hears from the crowd. She is overjoyed by all the excitement.

“Well, good day, everyone. I see that I was expected.” Penelope laughs.

“Yes, my dear, we have been waiting for a small while.” Violet hooks her arm around hers and walks her to their tent.

“I apologize for the wait, Rae insisted that I style my hair just right.”

“Oh, you are all right, dear. Come now, let us find Colin.”

“Lead the way.” Penelope nods.

The gathering follows close behind the two of them. She spies Colin waiting with Benedict and Anthony. Her mother is close by; she seems to be bickering with one of the servers about pastries. Everything is too much. Voices and sounds coming from all corners. The feel of Violet’s arm constricting her own. All she wants to do is run. Hide in a corner; this attention is overbearing.

“Pen.” His voice cuts through the cacophony of sound. “Are you ready?”

“Oh gods yes. I am ready.” Penelope pats Violet’s arm, who swiftly lets her free and into the arms of Colin.

Colin smiles down at her. She is grateful to finally feel some comfort in the arm of her good friend. They start to walk together in the opposite direction of the tent. She looks back and sees all the happy faces watching them so intently. Francesca is leaning her head on John’s shoulder, smiling wide. Violet and Portia both have their hands clasped against their chests. Penelope is not sure why their mothers are staring at them so longingly, but she thinks nothing of it. Anthony and Kate pay no mind in their corner of the tent, and she is grateful for two fewer pairs of eyes following her.

Eloise and Ben follow close behind, whispering to each other. She does not question the need for them to follow, though she does question the need for Benedict’s guffaw. What could possibly be so humorous for a promenade?

“I hope you do not mind El and Ben following us.” Colin says, leaning over to get close to her.

“Why would I mind?” Penelope asks.

“Oh, I merely assumed that you were perhaps more comfortable with El and Frannie.” Colin chuckles nervously.

“Well, if it is any consolation, I do not mind any Bridgertons that would enjoy a promenade.” Penelope giggles. She cannot quite fathom why her comfort with the Bridgertons would ever be questioned. They have known her for years and have informed her on multiple occasions that she is simply part of the family.

“Very well.” He nods. She looks at him and sees that he has a tight-lipped expression. Is he all right?

“Why not have them come closer?” Penelope looks back at the pair behind them. They are not as close as they would normally be, and she does not mind calling them up closer to be a part of the conversation.

“They are not needed for this.” Colin responds. He seems nervous, she can feel his fingers fidget against her arm.

“Colin? Are you well?”

“I am perfectly well. Why do you ask?”

“Well…you seem—”

“Let us rest here a moment.” Colin interrupts. He uses his free hand to point toward the gorgeous willow tree that rests along the path.

“Yes, let us rest. Let me call over El and Ben.” Pen lets go of Colin’s arm and waves over to Eloise and Benedict who are trailing behind them. “Come! Join us!”

“We are perfectly well where we are! Thank you!” Eloise calls from down the path.

That is odd.

“Pen, this rest is just for us.” Colin says, holding aside some of the branches for them to walk through. She watches him look at the pair walking toward them. He seems to be sending them a message with his stern expression.

“Of course.” She smiles, walks through the opening he held for her. He follows close behind. She can hear the loud breath he takes behind her. She dismisses it, though the exhale is shaky.

“Do not do anything scandalous in there you two! Anthony and Mother expect a full report when we return and truly, I do not wish to report anything other than—OW!” Benedict yelps from outside of the branches, the smack from Eloise loud against him.

“Ben, shush.” Eloise scolds. “We are simply here as chaperones. I will never understand how you are qualified for this.”

Chaperones? For a promenade? With friends?

“Can you two please…” Colin pleads.

Penelope laughs, she cannot help the mirth she feels when she is around this family. They are always a joy to be around and she truly loves the company.

She walks around the open space beneath the branches. Rays of light shine through, glittering through the air. There are small flowers amongst the leaves; they are small and yellow, shining lightly against the streams of light. She has rarely seen such beauty while walking around the Ton. It is a rare sight indeed, when the streets are full of cobblestone and messy horses, one has to admire the simple beauty of a weeping willow that rests against the calm river.

Her hand brushes against some of the branches. She revels in the soft feel of the leaves against her fingertips.

“Pen.”

Her smile is wide as she turns to face Colin. She cannot help her lingering gaze on the branches.

“I have always admired the beauty of a willow. Thank you, this was a perfect rest for—er, what is going on?” Penelope stops mid turn. Colin is down on one knee, holding a small box out toward her. “What are you doing?”

Her breathing picks up. She has no idea what he is doing. Why is he on his knee? What is in the box? What details has she missed that led them to this moment in time?

“Colin, please. What are you doing?” She asks again.

“Penelope, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” Colin asks, breath shaky.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Will you marry me?”

“What?”

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