Chapter Text
***COLIN***
PRESENT
“Colin. NO!”
The ladies and gentlemen of the Ton was treated to a most peculiar and scandalous sight.
Penelope Featherington had walked in through the double doors leading to the the gardens with Colin Bridgerton trailing right behind her.
The authoritative tone from the resident wallflower was much as surprise to the Ton as it was to the third Bridgerton son. Although a head shorter than he - Penelope looked quite formidable as she turned around and looked at him with aplomb,” I bid you good night Mr. Bridgerton!”
This time her voice carried in such a way that it caused the string quartet to stop playing.
With her face morphing into a shade of red only seen on a tomato, Penelope walked briskly away to stand beside her mothers side. Portia’s eyes flashing as her lips formed a forced smile.
Ignoring the looks and whispers, Colin had moved to follow her but was blocked by his older brothers and new sister in law.
Anthony looked furious while Benedict looked sad. Kate, behind them, had her chin up and was looking down at him with narrowed eyes.
He could say no more as he was basically manhandled out and into a waiting carriage.
—
3 WEEKS BEFORE
It was so good to be back on British soil thought Colin Bridgerton as he dismounted on the horse he’s been traveling with. His family’s servants pulling up behind him and promptly started unloading his goods and chattels - his bags filled with not just his traveling garments but presents a plenty for his family and Pen.
Like a whirlwind, he quickly made his way up to the drawing room to see his family. Just like his returns before, his mother and siblings welcomed him with such joy and merriment.
Shortly after giving his greeting and hugs, Colin looked around and not finding his witty friend he turned to Eloise and titled his head questioningly, “Has Penelope not come for tea yet?”
Much to his surprise, his sister’s face changed into an icy, unyielding countenance.
“No, brother,” Eloise eyes flashed in quiet anger,” I think we shall be blessed to never have her pay us a visit.”
“Eloise!” His mothers voice chiding but her eyes were full of sadness.
Colin felt Eloise’s proclamation like a punch in the chest. He shook his head with an indignant confusion. Pen and Eloise were two sides of the same coin. Where you find one - you find the other. A tiff between the two is unheard of yes but Eloise need not be so vile. Penelope was their dear friend and whatever occurred between them will surely be settled soon. Eloise must’ve done something to cause this squabble between them. Penelope has always been so sweet and kind, not to mention patient; especially with it came to Eloise and himself. In addition,he could not fathom Penelope doing anything to deserve the intensity of Eloise’s wrath, “Has something happened between you two?”
He saw his sisters face show a hint sadness before it changed into a forced cheerfulness,” Brother, I am so very glad you have found your way home safely! To be sure, you will be regaling us with stories and anecdotes of your travels?”
Before he could further question her, his brothers distracted him with questions of their own. Thoughts of Penelope, like always, was pushed into the back of his mind.
-----
***Penelope***
PRESENT
Thankfully her mother’s chastising words eventually ran its course and their carriage was now filled with nonsensical opinions of the events that transpired on the otherwise ordinary ball that the Weatherby’s hosted this night.
Left alone with her thoughts, Penelope could finally try to put them in order.
The absolute AUDACITY of that man!
He thought to win her over by talking about HIS travels. His interests. His wants.
All about him.
The entire conversation that was forced upon her as she was trying to write down the latest gossip for tomorrow papers.
She could not put them down her décolletage fast enough when she saw Colin Bridgerton on the corner of her eye. He sashayed towards her with that charming smirk on his face.
She could feel herself getting hot and NOT the usual way she was around Colin. Instead of her usual stuttering, shy, and adoring self - a fire deep within her chest felt like it would break out and consume her.
It was like she took on her Lady Whistledown persona and gave him a what for!
In all honesty, she could not begin to recollect her exact words to him but his face…
Eyebrows high, eyes wide, mouth open, with not a word coming out.
His shock was gratifying.
She had put that look in his face.
Frowning and feeling aggrieved, she couldn’t help but think back on his infuriatingly perfect face.
It’s been so long that she almost convinced herself that his attractiveness will surely fade after his despicable actions that night.
Unfortunately his eyes was still that striking shade of green, his chestnut colored hair looked soft and styled wonderfully to enhance his features, his smirk lifting his lips on his right side, flashing her with his pearly white teeth. His voice…god his voice was smooth and silky - she could just listen to him foreve-
She shook her head as she caught herself practically throwing herself into that rabbit hole of her feelings for Colin Bridgerton.
No.
No.No.NO.
She will not be going back to her old ways. Not after last season!
Her heart clenched as she forced herself to recollect the events of that night. Her eyes already starting to tear up as the memories assaulted her.
He had looked her straight in the eyes and promised to always look out for her.
“You are special to me”
Then not even a quarter of an hour later he, in his casual cruelness, professed that one would HAVE to be mad to court her.
MAD.
Definition - Incredibly foolish! Ill-advised!
Why???
As if she was so well below his standing in polite society - as if she was lacking in some way and therefore undeserving of love?
What about deserving of her dignity and respect?
Already emotionally hurting from her encounter with Eloise, hearing Colin’s words broke her heart.
Colin who would continue on as he was - dignified, charming, and most of all with no thought of Penelope.
He would not spare any thoughts of how his actions would devastate her.
ABSOLUTELY no thoughts of her tears, her heartbreak.
He knew not of the power he wielded - to make her feel like there were butterflies in her stomach whenever he was near and with the same breath have her completely fall apart.
Now she knew the truth.
She, like everyone, else had thought him a gentleman - charming and kind.
Oh but he was far from being a gentleman. His charming facade caused her to erroneously judge him from the very first time she laid eyes on him.
He was liar and a thief!
Like a thief he stole her heart with his smile, his kindness, his witty conversations with her, his dances that she can freely admit was mostly likely forced upon his person by his mother.
Now there was nothing.
Where love grew amongst hope and dreams lay nothing but a painful hollowness.
She knew he’s tried to visit her these past couple of weeks and was promptly turned away by the Featherington butler. Even after so many months she still didn’t want to see him.
His words would echo every time she thought of his face.
Then on bad days it was accompanied by Marina’s.
“Your love is an unrequited FANATASY!”
Then her mind would have them holding each other lovingly and laughing at her and her foolishness.
Penelope felt a tear fall from her right eye just as their carriage stopped in front of their home. She discretely wiped that offending trail that the tear left behind and took a deep breath as she followed her sister and mother out of the carriage.