Chapter Text
Penelope stood by the wall of the ballroom at the Queen Charlotte Ball, this was the event of the season and everyone was in attendance. Eloise was now back in the country, still recovering from the fever that she had been suffering with for the last week and so Penelope occupied their usual spot alone.
“Oh there you are,” Cressida Cowper simpered from Penelope’s side, “All alone tonight? Well, I suppose even Colin Bridgerton’s sympathies only extend so far.”
Penelope rolled her eyes slightly before turning to face Cressida, “I do not know what you are talking about,” she replied, “Mr Bridgerton was just bringing me a glass of lemonade, here he is now.”
Cressida smiled and batted her fan as Colin approached with two glasses of lemonade, “Miss Cowper,” he greeted, before passing one of the glasses to Penelope, “Can I claim a dance whilst I’m here Pen?” he asked, taking her dance card in his hand.
“I would like to dance,” Cressida smiled, waving her dance card towards Colin, “Perhaps ...”
“The waltz,” Colin smiled as he placed his name on Penelope’s card, “And a country dance?”
Penelope smiled and flushed slightly, two dances with the same man was inviting gossip. It was tantamount to Colin declaring his intentions in the middle of the ballroom.
“Two dances!” Cressida exclaimed, “Really, Mr Bridgerton?”
“Of course,” Colin replied, still holding Penelope’s hand, “Why wouldn’t I have two dances with the woman I am courting?”
Cressida snorted a laugh, “Well, thank you for the entertaining joke Mr Bridgerton,” she simpered, “I’m sure I will enjoy the show!”
“I can’t stand that woman,” Colin breathed as Cressida walked away, “Are you alright Pen?”
“I am now,” Penelope replied, “You do realise that you have declared your intentions now and everyone will know?”
“I thought I had done so last season,” Colin replied easily, “When I told you I was coming back to court you this year. I wasn’t joking Pen, I don’t care that the rest of town might be gossiping about this, I’m serious.”
Penelope blushed but smiled brightly at Colin, “I am glad,” she smiled, “Now, have you seen Lord Goring’s waistcoat? I think he has been taking fashion tips from my Mama.”
Colin snorted a laugh as he and Penelope spent their time spotting people in the ballroom and commenting on their fashion choices.
Portia stood off to the side of the ballroom with some of the other mothers as Colin and Penelope laughed through their dance.
"Are you expecting a proposal soon?" Lady Goring asked, "Bridgerton Number 3 seems very taken with your youngest."
"He has been most diligent in courting her since he returned from the continent," Portia replied, "It wouldn't surprise me if I manage to get another of my ladies married off by the end of the season."
"My Cressida has always been quite taken by that particular Mr Bridgerton," Lady Cowper sighed, "It is such a shame she has missed out. I was always certain she would manage to land a Bridgerton boy. How did your little Penelope manage it?"
"There is always the second one," Lady Goring commented, "He is still unattached."
Lady Cowper rolled her eyes, "Penelope was his friend," Portia replied, realising that the women were waiting on her answer, "They have known each other for a long time, things developed quite naturally. And my Penelope has always been herself, unlike some others I can mention."
With her parting shot, Portia moved away from the women towards Kate who was also watching the young couple's dance.
"Anthony has taken the family rings from the bank," Kate said softly as they both followed the dance with their eyes, "He is expecting a conversation with Colin very soon."
Portia's eyes gleamed, "I won't say anything," she promised, "I don't want to get Penelope's hopes up for nothing, not just yet."
“But just imagine her hair and his eyes,” Portia sighed, “I would have beautiful grandchildren from them.”
Kate smiled and the two women toasted their glasses slightly in triumph.
As things at Bridgerton House started to calm down following the discovery of Eloise’s adventures, Edwina started to receive suitors again. She found herself bored with the line of heirs to peerages that tried to woo her with bad recitals of Byron’s poetry and Shakespearean sonnets, she had been talking to a very interesting young man at a few balls but he had not yet paid a call and Edwina found herself wanting him to call so that she could spend more time in his company.
“Kate,” Edwina began as the last of the day’s suitors finally left, “Would you or Anthony be angry if I didn’t marry someone who is in line for a title?”
Kate frowned, “What do you mean Eddie?” she asked, “We just want you to be happy and properly secured."
"I have been talking with Mr Bagwell at a number of balls," Edwina admitted, "He is the younger son of a Baron and a scholar. He is most interesting Kate."
"Why has he not come calling if you have been talking so much?" Kate asked, "I have never even seen his card."
"I wasn't sure if you would allow him admittance," Edwina admitted softly, "Every man you have introduced me to is either already a Lord or will become one. I thought you only wanted me to marry someone with a title."
"Oh Eddie," Kate sighed, dropping into the seat next to Edwina and wrapping her arm around the younger woman's shoulders, "I have been introducing you to those men because I knew that they would keep you in the way Anthony has ensured you are used to. Life can be a lot more precarious for second sons and I didn't want to risk your happiness. But, you clearly like this man; tell me more about him and I will ask Anthony to provide him with an invitation."
“What do you know about Mr Nicholas Bagwell?” Kate asked as she and Anthony were getting ready for the evening.
“Bagwell?” Anthony frowned, “Lord Astley’s son?”
“I think so,” Kate replied, “He is some kind of scholar, a second son.”
“Why?” Anthony asked as he stood behind her helping her with her necklace
“It appears that Edwina has become quite taken with him,” Kate replied, taking her gloves from the maid, “They have been having many conversations in ballrooms but he is yet to pay a call.”
Anthony nodded, “And, do you want him to pay a call?” he asked, “Or do you want me to find something to put Eddie off him?”
“I’m not sure,” Kate replied, after a short pause, “I think I want to meet the man before I decide if he is good enough for Eddie.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Anthony promised, “But I do think Edwina would suit being a scholar’s wife.”
“It definitely does sound interesting,” Colin commented as he and Lord Featherington left the study at Featherington House, “Let me think on it, I’m not one to start throwing money around if I haven’t done any thinking.”
“A smart move,” Jack smiled, “But think seriously, the money in these mines would stay in the family if you did come in as we discussed.”
“It does make it more appealing,” Colin agreed, “And it would be nice for whatever children Penelope and I do have will be provided for.”
“Like I said,” Jack smiled as Colin left the house, “Think about it; you’ve seen the necklace that Penelope was wearing at Queen Charlotte’s ball, you could gift her so many more of them.”
Colin smiled and made his way back to Bridgerton House.
Colin sat in the parlour at Bridgerton House reviewing the notes that Jack Featherington had provided him with along side his own financial documents.
“Is everything alright Colin?” Anthony asked, taking his own seat opposite his brother.
“Did you see the necklace Pen was wearing at the Queen Charlotte ball?” Colin asked in reply.
Anthony frowned, “I can’t say I spend that much time looking at what she is wearing,” he laughed, “You’re the one courting her, not me.”
Colin rolled his eyes, “She was wearing a large ruby necklace,” he replied, “The stones came from the gem mines that the new Lord Featherington owns in the Americas. He has invited me to invest.”
Anthony frowned, “Have you seen anything other than that necklace?” he pressed, “And how much is he asking for?”
“As much as I would like to put in,” Colin replied, “He gave me some figures earlier and Prudence has been sporting an emerald necklace that he claims comes from the same mines.”
“Why would you want to invest in some random mines in the Americas?” Anthony asked, “I know we haven’t spoken of it much but the estate you are due on your marriage will provide substantial enough living for you and Penelope and whatever children you have.”
“Based on the state of her father’s debts, I doubt Pen has a dowry,” Colin replied, “We haven’t spoken of it; so I don’t know but I thought, if I invested in these mines; whatever profit comes from it would come to my children so they would benefit, indirectly, from the Featherington money.”
Anthony nodded, “That makes sense,” he agreed, “But we are sending word to these mines for a full appraisal before you put any money into them. We know nothing about Lord Featherington, I’m not letting you pour money into this without something more to go on.”
Colin nodded, “I wouldn’t even know where to start,” he admitted, “All I have is an idea where these mines are and what Lord Featherington has told me.”
“I’ll speak with Hastings,” Anthony promised, “He has been to the Americas so he might be able to assist.”
Eloise spent the first few days of her time at Aubrey Hall wondering the halls like some kind of spectre, the staff believing she had been struck down by some kind of fever were giving her a wide berth and she found herself spending a lot of time in her room, going through the papers and such that she kept in Kent.
Eloise had kept a diary for years, using the pages to note down her activities of the day or her thoughts on momentous events. Anthony had gifted her the first one at Christmas 1804, telling her to write down all she had done each day so when he returned from Oxford each term they would have a whole book of things to discuss. Eloise took these instructions to heart and spent many hours with Anthony when he returned, leaning against his chest as she half-read and half-remembered everything she wanted her eldest brother to know.
She flipped through the pages of 1805, knowing that the most important thing that happened to all of them that year was the death of her beloved Mama. That was the year that everything changed, the year they all became orphans and most importantly to Eloise, the year Anthony seemed to change. Something about the entry she had paused on caught her eye, and Eloise stopped to read.
20 June 1805
Mama shouted at me this morning, I’m not sure why. Anthony took me out on my pony this morning and we were talking about it when Mama heard us and shouted. She told me that Anthony is not my Papa, but I know that. Papa died and it is still very sad but Anthony promised to help me and Anthony can fix everything.
Anthony let me sit with him in the study this afternoon, he never normally lets us do that. He said that he was sorry Mama shouted and that she isn’t angry with me but she’s angry with him. I don’t understand that; I don’t think Anthony was happy when Papa died, he still seems very sad. I don’t understand why Mama would be shouting at him, Papa always let Anthony take us out on our ponies.
Anthony says Mama doesn’t hate me, but I don’t believe him. Mama thinks it is my fault that Papa died because I was the one who wanted to go for a walk when he died. She shouts at me more than she shouts at Daphne and Frannie so that must be the reason. Anthony promises me that he doesn’t hate me and he lets me spend a lot of time with him so I think he is telling the truth. Sometimes.
Eloise sat quietly as she read and re-read her childish scribblings in the journals. Every single entry had some mention of Anthony, her entire world revolved around her eldest brother when she was a child; she wanted nothing more than to please him, for Anthony to tell her that he was proud of her when she completed her work in the school room. She wasn’t sure when she started referring to Benedict as her favourite brother, when clearly Anthony was the one who was the centre of her childhood.
She had forgotten the feeling of loneliness that she had in the first few years after their father’s death. She had been the one out on a hike with him when he had been felled by that bee sting, the one who had run back to the house screaming for help. She had forgotten a lot of what had happened in the immediate aftermath in the intervening years, she had just remembered Anthony, picking her up and carrying her back to the nursery; holding her tightly as she screamed.
Re-reading her journal from 1805 brought the feelings of loneliness rushing back to Eloise, she had been convinced for years that the whole family hated her because she hadn’t stopped the bee stinging her father and thinking back now, it had changed the way she acted with them. The only person who had told her directly that things were not her fault was Anthony; and her eldest brother with all of his faults was the only one who had ever told her that he loved her after that day.
As she continued to read her childhood scribbles, Eloise thought about Anthony’s parting words when he left her at Aubrey Hall. She felt white hot shame flood over her, he was right. Anthony had stopped his entire life to make sure they were all safe, he protected them when their mother was in one of her rages. Even now, Eloise associated safety with her eldest brother, the world seemed a safer place knowing that he was there with a quick remark or a comforting hug.
She realised now that she hadn’t gone about this whole situation in the best way and after finding a blank journal she started to write, as she used to as a child, notes and comments to entertain her family when they were all back together again.
Benedict slipped into Anthony’s study one afternoon, a few days after Eloise had been sent back to the country. He knew that he needed to speak with his elder brother but the words just wouldn’t come.
“Ben,” Anthony said as Benedict slumped in the chair opposite his desk, “Is everything alright? You seem ... I’m not sure but not yourself.”
“I heard you, last season,” Benedict said softly, “You and Kate.”
Anthony frowned, “Heard what?” he asked, “Kate and I have many conversations every day, if this is about one of her many plans regarding marrying you off I do try and talk her out of it.”
Benedict shook his head, “The night before Daphne got engaged,” he clarified, “I came home from the Trowbridge Ball not long after you did. I don’t know exactly what you were talking about but Kate was trying to talk you out of doing something stupid. And do you know what made you stop?”
Anthony frowned, “The children,” he replied, “Kate asked what would happen to her and to Charlotte. Edmund would have been fine, eventually.”
“Because Ben couldn’t do all of this,” Benedict replied, his tone flat, “That is what she said, she practically laughed as she said it.”
“Ben,” Anthony sighed, “That night ... everything was so tense. I never had a problem with that, Kate asking about Charlotte is what made me stop, I had no concerns about leaving Edmund in your care.”
Benedict shook his head, “I’ve been thinking about it alot,” he admitted, “And I think I need to step away from being Bridgerton number two for a while. That estate, the one I am supposed to take over when I am ready to marry. Could I have it early? Maybe I need something to occupy my mind for a while.”
“Of course,” Anthony agreed, “The documents are with my solicitor, it will take a few days to get them all in order but as soon as I have done that we can go over everything and you can take charge. It’ll be nice to have a bit more time, if you take that and Colin takes his this season, it’s a lot less for me to oversee.”
Benedict nodded and smiled, “She was right by the way, Kate,” Benedict stated as he stood to leave the room, “I couldn’t do all of this. I couldn’t have handled Eloise like you have done this week; I would have had her hands tied to the stable hook the minute I found those letters. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t have done it.”
“I hardly think I have handled Eloise,” Anthony scoffed, “I’ve removed the problem to try and think about what to do.”
“More than I would have done,” Benedict countered, “More than Papa would have done.”
“It wouldn’t have happened if Papa was still here,” Anthony replied quietly, “We both know I’m a poor imitation.”
“Of a grieving widow’s fantasy,” Benedict finished firmly, “You’re holding yourself to a standard that he never reached. He was a great man, the best father to us both and to Colin but you have been a better father to the girls and Greg. How long are you going to continue holding yourself to the standard set by a grieving woman who was half-mad by the end?”
Anthony shook his head as tears leaked from his eye, “Stop it,” he whispered, “Just please, Ben, stop.”
1804
Anthony had been in the study, trying to work his way through a ledger that his father had never really taken in hand when he heard screaming. He entered the hallway and saw Colin and Daphne practically wrestling as they argued.
“Colin Bridgerton!” he shouted, pulling the teenager from his sister, “What do you think you are doing?!”
“She started it!” Colin spat, pointing at Daphne, “She ...”
“I don’t care!” Anthony replied, holding Daphne off with his other hand, “You do not hit your sister, or any other young lady. Now, stand up and apologise to Daphne, properly!”
Daphne stood, straightening her dress as Anthony hauled Colin to his feet, “I’m sorry Daph,” Colin muttered, bowing slightly, “I shouldn’t have hit you, or taken your ribbons.”
Daphne nodded and Anthony turned to her, “Are you hurt Daph?” he asked softly, taking her chin in his hand to look at her face directly.
“I’m fine,” Daphne muttered, “I’m sorry too Col,” she continued, “I shouldn’t have ripped your letter.”
Anthony rolled his eyes, “I thought you two had grown past all of this,” he stated, “Colin, you are off to Eton in a few weeks, the masters will not tolerate behaviour like this. And Daphne, you need to set an example for the youngers, stop antagonising each other.”
“I’m sorry,” both children muttered together before turning and running back towards the staircase. Colin stopped dead at the sight of Violet on the stairs, her eyes glinting in fury.
“Mama,” Colin started, pushing Daphne behind him slightly, “We were only ...”
“Oh I know my darling boy,” Violet smiled, “You two run on now. I need to speak with Anthony.”
Colin frowned, and silently urged Daphne upstairs as he crouched half-way up to spy on his mother and brother.
Violet continued down the staircase and stalked towards Anthony, “You had no right,” she hissed, “You had no right to talk to them in that way. You are not their father Anthony,” she reached for his face as Anthony had turned from her, digging her nails into his cheek, “You are a poor imitation of their father. Stop trying, you will never live up to him.”
Anthony slumped against the wall as Violet continued walking past him and out into the gardens. Colin sank onto the stair; he didn’t understand his Mama anymore but he knew that she was being mean to Anthony and he didn’t like that.
Colin rushed back down the stairs before Anthony disappeared into the study again, “I’m sorry Anthony,” he said softly, throwing his arms around his brother’s middle, “I didn’t mean to fight with Daph like that. It won’t happen again.”
“I know Col,” Anthony replied, “You’ve already apologised, it’s forgotten.”
Colin hugged Anthony fiercely, “I think you’re doing fine,” he muttered quickly before running back up the stairs, leaving Anthony standing in the hallway with a bewildered look on his face.
Kate slipped into the study after Benedict found her and sank to her knees at Anthony’s side, taking his head in her hands and wiping his tears, “Shh,” she said softly, “I’m here, she’s long gone. It’s just you and me, no one else.”
Anthony grasped one of her hands with his own, “I know,” he said softly, “Ben just reminded me of a few things.”
“He said as much,” Kate replied, “And he is right, you are one of the best men I know Anthony. And I will keep telling you that every day for the rest of our lives.”
Anthony smiled softly and kissed Kate, “Give me a few minutes will you?” he asked, “I love you.”
Around a week later, Anthony found his way to the local magistrate’s office, “Thank you for agreeing to speak with me,” he said respectfully, “I think I may be overreacting but I wished to discuss this.” Anthony placed the pamphlet Eloise had picked up at the races onto the desk.
“I am not certain if you are aware Sir,” Anthony continued, “But I have four younger sisters; three of them are still at home. My wife was sorting through one of their belongings and came across that; my sister has confirmed that she purchased it during a trip to Ascot earlier in the season. I’m slightly concerned at what else this printer has been putting about, if they feel bold enough to push this on young debutantes at Ascot.”
The magistrate read over the front of the pamphlet in shock, “Thank you for bringing this to my attention My Lord,” he said, “I must say, I agree with your concerns. To be passing this dangerous nonsense onto young impressionable ladies is unconscionable. I trust that your sister has not been adversely affected by what she has read?”
“She has not,” Anthony smiled, “I am just thankful that we discovered this before any of my other sisters found it; they are still in the school room and I dread to think what such writings would do to them.”
“Quite right My Lord,” the magistrate agreed, “Leave this with me; we have been looking for these kinds of printers. I will update you when I have the degenerates in custody.”
Anthony stood and shook the man’s hand, “Thank you Sir,” he smiled, “I look forward to hearing from you.”
Two weeks later, Anthony found himself in the magistrate’s office once more, “Our expedition was more fruitful than I could have imagined,” the magistrate smiled, “We came across one of their meetings; the ring leaders will be in front of my bench tomorrow morning if you wish to be present. I will inform the Lord Chancellor of your diligence in bringing this matter to my attention, my Lord, if only all brothers were as watchful as you.”
The following morning, Anthony stood at the back of the courtroom just out of sight as the magistrate’s bench sentenced Theo Sharpe, the man who very nearly ruined his sister and whole family, to twenty years' transportation. Anthony slipped out of the court as the guards dragged Theo out in chains, ready to be boarded onto the penal ship which waited out in the Thames.
“It is done,” Anthony announced as he entered the parlour following his journey back from the Law Courts, “He is being transported, if he survives the journey.”
Kate sighed in relief, “And Eloise?”
“Is an unnamed innocent debutante who stumbled across the literature and brought it to the attention of her head of family,” Anthony answered, “Even when this is reported there is no way to link it back to us. The magistrate ordered a raid of the premises and came across one of their meetings; the soldiers have been breaking them up for weeks so there is nothing odd in that.”
“So, it is over,” Kate said faintly.
“It is,” Anthony agreed, “I think I will have a busy afternoon. I've put a few things off to sort out this business so I won’t be able to join you and the children for tea.”
Kate nodded, “Colin is in your study by the way,” she added, “I’m not sure what he wants but he’s been there most of the morning.”
Anthony frowned but kissed Kate softly and made his way to the study.
“Brother?” he asked when he noticed Colin pacing the room, “Is everything well?”
“Perfectly so,” Colin grinned, “I have come to speak with you about my settlement, when I marry, and to see if I can have one of the family rings.”
Anthony grinned and pulled his younger brother into a hug, “Congratulations!” he exclaimed, “I pulled some of the rings from the bank when I realised you were seriously courting Miss Featherington. Kate assures me that any of these will match her colouring perfectly.”
“Now, your settlement,” Anthony continued as the two sat, each nursing a glass of brandy, “As you know, Benedict receives a larger sum than either you or Gregory and he has an estate in Wiltshire that he has recently taken over. There are two other estates that are left for either you or Greg; both are a reasonable size with around fifty acres of land which is quite profitable and a small number of tenants to assist with further income. One is in Surrey and the other is in Hertfordshire; it is up to you which you would like.”
Colin blinked, “That is more than I expected,” he said after a while, “I think the one in Surrey; it is close to town and not too far a ride to Aubrey Hall.”
“And the Featheringtons?” Anthony asked, “Will Penelope not wish to be near her mother and sisters?”
“Lady Featherington spends most of the year in town,” Colin replied, “And their country seat is out in Norfolk anyway so no matter where Pen and I live, we would be around a week away from them. Would you be able to help me find somewhere in town as well? I had been looking at bachelor lodgings but none would be suitable now.”
“Of course I can,” Anthony grinned, “I’ve had to move all my appointments this morning so I will speak with the solicitor tomorrow and let you know what he finds. When are you going to ask?”
“I’m not sure,” Colin admitted, “I’m not sure how to do it ... Ant, when you asked Kate; what did you think about? How did you ask her? How were you sure she would say yes?”
It was Anthony’s turn to blink at that, “You know that I had different considerations when I courted Kate,” he said finally, “I needed a wife; I needed someone to help me with everything. You and Penelope, it’s different, you have been friends for a long time Colin, she will say yes.”
“But how do I ask?” Colin pleaded, “How did you ask Kate?”
Anthony smiled in spite of himself, “I turned up at Lady Danbury’s with the family ring and asked,” he said simply, “We had spoken of it; I had told her about all of you and she had told me of her family. It was a foregone conclusion and everyone knew what was expected. Have you not spoken to Penelope of your intentions?”
“I have,” Colin admitted, “But things have been difficult the last few weeks, I don’t like that I have had to lie to her about Eloise. We are going promenading later, Daphne has agreed to chaperone, I think I will ask then.”
“Not in the park!” Anthony advised quickly, “Go on your promenade and then when you return her home, ask to speak with her mother and ask her then.”
Colin smiled and nodded and on impulse moved behind his brother’s desk and pulled the older man into an embrace “Thanks Anth,” he said softly, “Do you think they would have liked her?”
Anthony tightened his grip on the younger man, “They would have loved her,” he replied, “Go, ask your question. I’ll be expecting you for dinner tonight!”
After his promenade, Colin found himself in the study of Featherington House sharing a drink with Jack Featherington.
“I am happy for you to marry Penelope,” Jack stated, “But you must know, my cousin was not the most financially prudent gentleman and there is no dowry.”
“And I am sure you must know that my family does not need Penelope’s dowry,” Colin replied, “I have a modest sized estate in Surrey and I will be looking to obtain a house in town for the season. Penelope will be well provided for.”
“There may be a dowry,” Jack offered, “If you decide to invest in the mines.”
“I have told you,” Colin replied, “I am waiting for confirmation of some things before I decide how much money I wish to invest. Are you holding my investment as collateral over my marriage?”
“Not at all,” Jack rushed to placate Colin, whose eyes were showing his anger, “Merely pointing out the benefits of the investment, for the entire family.”
“And I will inform you when I am ready to make such an investment,” Colin replied, “Now, if you are happy then I will go and speak with Penelope.”
Jack smiled and ushered Colin out of the study, and making sure the younger man was safely in the parlour, threw his papers across the room in anger.
Colin sat on the chaise with Penelope, Portia had discreetly slipped out of the room to afford them some privacy.
“Pen,” Colin said softly, turning to face her, “You do know that you are my dearest friend?”
Penelope smiled and nodded, flushing slightly as he took her hands, “I think that we have grown closer this season and I can’t imagine my life without you in it. Pen,” Colin reached into his pocket for the delicate posey ring he had chosen from the family collection, “Will you do me the most absolute honour of being my wife?”
Penelope gasped as Colin placed the ring on her finger, turning her hand to watch the stone catch the light, “Yes,” she cried, “Oh Colin!” They kissed briefly before Portia made an unnecessarily loud entrance back into the room.
Upon catching sight of the ring now adorning Penelope’s finger, Portia let out a loud excited squeal causing Penelope to chuckle in embarrassment as Portia welcomed Colin to the family.
Colin practically bounced into the entrance hall at Bridgerton House when he returned from the Featheringtons, “I take it you have had a successful afternoon,” Anthony laughed from the door of his study.
Colin grinned, “She said yes Ant!” he laughed, grabbing his older brother into a hug, “She really said yes!”
Anthony laughed and returned Colin’s hug, “I’m happy for you brother,” he smiled, “Go find Kate and tell her; we’ll have a dinner with the Featheringtons in a few days to celebrate.”
“What can I tell her about Eloise?” Colin asked as he sat in the parlour with Kate, “I really don’t like lying to her about it and she will be family soon.”
“It’s not up to me,” Kate sighed, “I think you do need to say something; if only to stop things coming back and biting you when Eloise talks to her about it. But you need to speak with Anthony. The printer’s boy is being transported, Anthony saw him being sentenced a few days ago so that’s one danger passed.”
“That’s good,” he replied, “I’ll speak to Ant later; we’re going to look at some smaller properties in town for Pen and I.”
“I really like Penelope,” Kate smiled, “I’m glad you’re both settled. I just hope that Eloise comes back from the country next season with a better attitude.”
Colin snorted a laugh, “Oh Kate!” he grinned, “I don’t think El will ever change!”
Back at Aubrey Hall, Eloise read the news from London with a mixture of delight and sadness. She was truly happy for her brother and best friend but she knew that things would never be the same when she returned to London and she wasn’t sure how she would manage the season without Penelope by her side.
She turned away from her letter as she heard Edmund calling her name, she picked up her skirts slightly and started to chase the small boy, his delightful shrieks of laughter ringing out across the grounds as Eloise caught him and span him around.