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The skirt of Penelope’s ballgown flowed around Colin’s leg as he led her in a precise, but romantic waltz. Around the Danbury ballroom, Mr. and Mrs. Bridgerton participated in the Viennese dance, only meant for married couples by their societal standards. Other waltzes could be appropriate for courting couples, but this one was considered too mature for the unwed.  Colin and Pen delighted in the newfound allowance.  Attending Lady Danbury’s Azalea Ball, the new parents enjoyed a date night alone, their eyes only for each other. Especially now, in the dance, they smiled and gazed upon one another, their steps looking so effortlessly it was as if they were dancing on air.  Colin ogled at Penelope’s sparkling Indigo ballgown, hanging off her milky white shoulders, and flowing around their legs like chiffon under water. Her hair was pulled half up, curled down her back, giving him a better vantage point of her shoulders, neck and bust. He always had a good view at his much taller height, and once again, his eyes glanced down at the generous line of her revealed bosoms. He only admired for a moment before his wife spoke up.   “Pay attention before you step on my foot,” Pen mused as around and around they went.    “I am paying attention...to my beautiful wife," he gave her a sly look before he went on, "My bride, my best friend, my son’s mother.”     Penelope’s dusty-rose lips smiled wider before she snickered, “It is your birthday, not mine. I should be the one flattering you, not the other way around, Sir.”    “Oh, but you do flatter me, Mrs. Bridgerton; hence, my particular attention.”    “Well, thank you,” she giggled, rolling her eyes at his blarney.  "Uh," Colin pulled back just a little, their pace slowing down just a tad, "Did you just roll your eyes at me, Madam?"  "Yesss."  "Whyyy," he mimicked back.  "You do not have to woo me, my love. A bachelor Lord is not courting me, Lord Debling is not asking my Mama for my hand in marriage. We are married with a child now, Colin. While I appreciate the compliments, they are not necessary."  "I am not wooing you, Penelope. Believe me, I think chasing down your carriage on foot to proclaim my love for you and then proposing marriage right after has given my all the 'wooing' credit for a lifetime."  Penelope tried to bite back her naughty smile, "I agree, although you have left out a particular event in between your proclamation and the proposal that has also given you credit for a lifetime."  Colin looked at his satisfied Pen a little flustered, but incredible proud, and if he could give himself a pat on the back, he would have at that very moment.  Suddenly, Pen quickly pulled on Colin's shoulder, readjusting them as he nearly spun into another couple. They corrected their steps with ease, smiling apologetically at the other couple, before they continued their journey around the dance floor.    "You better get used to the compliments, my dear, because they will never stop. I do not speak of flattery to woo you, I simply am grateful to have you as my life partner."  Pen tilted her head, her hand squeezing his, "As am I."  Colin’s smile faded as his face contorted to an amazed expression, “I know you have attained self-confidence since last season, particularly because of our union, but you still truly do not know how beautiful you are, do you?”    “You have shown me, literally, how desirable I can look,” she mused, referring to the times he made her look at her reflection as she experienced pleasure, “And you make me feel beautiful every single day by your affection.”    “Yes, but do you see your beauty?”    “In certain moments I do,” she said truthfully, “But not all the time. It is not natural to, I don’t think. If I said you look like some Greek God out of a romance novel, and questioned why you didn’t think of yourself as much every single day, what would you say?”    “I’d say I do think of myself like a Greek God every single day.”    Penelope laughed, “Liar!”    He laughed, “You don’t think so?”    “You know I do, but two days ago you walked up to me and asked me if you were getting fat!”    
“I did not,” he murmured but guilty-as-ridden.    Penelope’s eyes widened in shocked amusement, “Colin, you asked me if you were getting a bottle belly, turned to the side and stuck out your stomach. Greek Gods do not act in such self-conscious behavior.”    Colin scowled like a little child tattle-telling to his parent, “After our fencing, Benedict patted my stomach and said I should lay off the sweets.”    “I agree with him.”    “Pen!”    “You have to admit darling, as of late, you have been eating more sweets than our infant takes his nutrients from my bosom in a day. And that is a lot.”    Colin was the one to look at her in shocked amusement now, “Wowwww. What a thing to say to me on my birthday.”    She giggled, “You are not getting fat. You try carrying a bag full of pall mall balls protruding your stomach for nine months. Six and ten weeks and I still have not lost all the baby weight yet. I feel like a stuffed in sausage under this corset.”    “Well one, you cannot tell, and two, I know what is under that corset and it is definitely not how you describe.”    Colin’s eyes once again glided over her attire, more appreciatively than seductively. Her face was still glowing, her hair was shinier since her pregnancy and the sparkles on her dress were reflecting under the light, casting a haze around her.     
“You look like a Princess right now.”    They way he said it with such breathy adoration made Penelope blush. She looked away from his face, her cheeks turning pink as her lips curved bashfully. Colin found it hilarious that his little wife should turn crimson from an innocent statement when just last night he had his face buried between her legs. She was not blushing then...well...not in the same form.    “Out of all the things I have ever said to you, that is what flushes you,” he insinuated, his voice lower.    “I know,” she giggled, “Silly, isn’t it? You saying sweet things to me while you turn me on a dance floor, and suddenly I'm a school girl again. You saying unholy things to me whilst I dance upon you in our bed, and I keep blanch.”    “Pen,” he chuckled, looking around getting red himself, “You must not say such things.” Off her surprised look he went on, “Some of us are not fortunate enough to conceal our body’s involuntary reaction to certain words.”   Pen's instinctively darted down to his pants and his eyebrows rose in amusement. He repeated what she said a moment ago, teasing, "Pay attention before you step on my foot."  Her eyes immediately shot back up to him, nearly embarrassed as she instantly remembered they were not alone. She just looked at her husband's crotch to see if she had indeed aroused his anatomy...in public! Fortunately, they band lulled to an end and they stopped dancing.   Colin stared at his wife, a crafty smile on his lips, as he clapped with the other couples. Pen refused his eye as she adjusted her skirts; however, she soon met someone else's eye across the ballroom.  The Queen's stare at her was unmistakable. Her slight nod of the head, crooked smile and gleaming eyes, was also unmistakable.   "It seems Lady Whistledown is being summoned," Pen said cordially, but laced with sorry as she turned to Colin.  Colin looked her Majesty's direction and he gave a nod, "Of course."  "I did not plan on talking business on your birthday."  "You're not being summoned for an audience at the palace like normal. I am sure it will be a more casual discussion."  "Let us hope. I shan't be long."  "Take your time," he said, taking her hand and kissing it.   After a slight touch to her husband's shoulder and an apologetic smile, Penelope turned and walked off the dance floor.    Colin made it to the refreshments table for a refreshing glass of cool lemonade. He stood by himself near the wall as he watched Penelope up on the dais. The two ladies were leaning towards one another, conspiring, both holding jocular expressions. The Queen spoke towards Pen's ear, her eyes darting across the ballroom. Penelope looked that way before she turned back to look at her Majesty shaking her head and snickering with delight.  Queen Charlotte gave Penelope a knowing look before leaning away from her with a well-pleased smile.   His eyes peering over his crystal glass, Colin thought how idiotic he had been regarding Whistledown and the Queen's bounty during the start of their union. He let his fears, his protective instinct and his envy consume him in the beginning, so much that he ruined the peak of their engagement and the beginning of their marriage. Pen would still argue he was not all to blame. Together, they made amends, agreeing mutually that they were both equal in the chaos of it all.   The Queen had her first business meeting with 'Lady Whistledown' only a day after they returned from their 3-week honeymoon in France. They got on well, becoming business partners in a way, and Pen was treated with respect. The day after that Penelope realized she was pregnant. Her Majesty, and Pen, thought it best to keep the column on hiatus until after Penelope was recovered from her birth. This way she could focus on her well-being, without the stress of 'work'. Colin's relief was centered on her safety. Since Whistledown's reveal, he always kept an extra watchful eye and open ear to some form of verbal or physical attack. Fortunately, other than some distasteful whispers and pointed looks, no rebound came.   With her work on hold, during her pregnancy, she helped him edit and put together his manuscript. Those months during her pregnancy brought the couple closer together even more than their honeymoon had. That said manuscript was delivered to him in book form, by the publisher, the day before their son's Christening at four-weeks-old. Coincidentally, Penelope's first Lady Whistledown column, since her reveal, was published on the day of the baby's Christening, signed with her own name Penelope Bridgerton. That three months ago.   Since then, Colin enjoyed the praise of his travel memoir while taking care of Lord Featherington business and Pen was back to a weekly column. Though her penmanship was her given name, the Queen still very much saw her as Lady Whistledown. Pen, who did not like to willingly admit, took joy that she was now in her Majesty's circle along with Lady Danbury. Other than work, the two basked in being parents to their son. They did not partake in a live-in Nanny, nor a wet nurse. They had a hired Nanny, on call as needed, and Pen nursed the infant herself. The two wanted to be hands-on parents. It was unconventional in their society, but they themselves were unconventional. Rae, Head Housekeeper and Pen's lady maid, and Leon, Head Butler and Colin's Assistant, were the only two live-in staff. Other servants partook in rotating scheduled shifts. Those two live-in staff members were like family and were great help to Mr. and Mrs. Bridgerton, especially with the baby...as was their own families. Fortunately, he had his family across the street and, although Portia had recently moved in with Philippa whom was only a block away from Prudence, she came to Featherington house for tea with Penelope often, and endlessly dotted on her grandson.  He watched as Pen's eyes slowly searched the room inconspicuously, most-likely looking for him.   Bingo.   Her smile widened when their eyes met. Colin raised his glass as if to say, 'Here I am'.  He was met with Penelope's playful wink.  **  Next up: Chapter 2- Lady Danbury gives Colin a new nickname. A mysterious figure in the shadows spies on Polin    😊 HEY GUYS. I’M BACK WITH ANOTHER. I KNEW IT WOULDN’T BE LONG.   This is that Polin idea I had told you about in my last fic. And just like ‘Consequences, Regardless’, these chapters will not be that long. So, finding time to write shouldn’t be a problem. Not sure if there will be a daily update as you are used to from me, but I will try. If not, then most likely every other day.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Colin's attention was brought away from Pen when he heard a familiar voice beside him.

"Taking up your wife's previous position as 'Wallflower', I see,” Lady Danbury remarked with a playful smile.

Colin snickered, “Well, we are here alone this evening and without my wife presently at my side, I hoped to remain undetected.” Lady Danbury raised her eyebrows but he quickly retracted, “Not including you, of course. I speak of hungry Mama’s trying to persuade me to influence Lady Whistledown on speaking to the Queen about their daughters. Or, ex-friends of mine trying to persuade me to take a break from my ‘marriage’ to have ungentlemanly fun with them.”

“I see.”

“So, here I am, nestled on the sidelines like a good, devoted husband.”

“And keeping your ears open, Lord Whistledown?”

Colin’s eyes widened in surprise before he laughed at the ridiculous nickname, “Did Penelope give me that title at one of your private tea parties?”

“Oh no, I just assume that you are Whistledown’s extra eyes and ears when she is not around.”

“That is true, though nothing exciting as of late. I do know Pen has complained about that.”

“As has our Queen,” she giggled, “You know, I am surprised to see you here this evening.”

“Yes, it is odd isn’t it,” he said glancing around, “A Bridgerton attending a ball with no other Bridgerton’s present.”

“That is not what I speak of, but come to think of it, where are other members of your family?”

“Oh, they all left for Aubrey Hall yesterday morn.”

“You and Penelope staying back because of the babe?”

“No, actually, we are set to travel there in two days' time with Benedict.”

“Benedict is still in Mayfair?”

“Indeed.”

“Yet...he is not here,” Lady Danbury purred mischievously as she peered around.

“Um,” Colin felt like he was getting his brother in trouble for some reason, “He was not feeling well tonight.”

“Mm hm.”

In all honesty, Benedict would take any and every opportunity to skip an event that meant more prowling Mama’s and giggly debutants. Without his Mama and eldest brother in town, he took it upon himself to skip this event.

Colin quickly changed the subject, “You just mentioned you are surprised to see me here tonight. What was it that you were referring to?”

“Because it is your birthday, dear boy.”

Colin looked at her pleasantly surprised, “You remembered.”

Lady Danbury balanced both hands on top her cane and lifted her chin proudly, “I know all of your birthdays.”

“Why am I not surprised,” he smiled.

“So, what are you doing here instead of having a quiet celebration? I know you would prefer a cozy night at home rather than a society ball if given the choice.”

“To be honest, it has been a while since we had a proper evening out together, alone that is. It has also been about a months' time since we last attended a ball. Pen was eager to dress up again and I was looking forward to dancing with my bride. What better day than on my birthday?”

“You two sure looked great together on the dance floor. You know, I may not have been acquainted with Penelope as long as I’ve known you, but I have observed her pretty well throughout the years. And I can say, with acute honesty, that girl still lights up like a firework in the sky when you are dancing with her. She positively glows the same way she did her first year out.”

Colin looked back at Pen across the way, in awe, “She does?”

“Oh, yes, just as much as your fancy for her radiates off of you,” she said slyly.

Colin’s cleared his throat, blushing, “Well -” but he had nothing else to say. What could he say: that he wanted to ravish his wife as often as possible?

Lady Danbury chuckled, “Speaking of your union, how is that adorable Lord Featherington?”

Colin’s face lit up like a proud Papa, “Oh, he’s doing amazingly. A happy and healthy little nugget.”

“Just turned six-and-ten weeks, yes?”

“Yep. Best four months of my life so far.”

“How do you think he will fare on the travel to the country?”

“Pretty well, I’d say. He takes good naps throughout the day and is sleeping through the night now, except for the occasional hunger. Not even a wet nappy stirs him out of his dreams. He’s such a curious baby, I think the journey will keep him entertained. And if it doesn’t, Uncle Benny will be there to occupy his time so his Mummy and Papa can rest.”

“Ah, and does ‘Uncle Benny’ know he has been given that duty?”

“Not yet,” Colin laughed.

“Ah, Lord and Lady Roberts are trying to get my attention. Excuse me, won’t you?”

“Of course.”

“Happy Birthday again.”

“Thank you.”

As Lady Danbury took her leave from his post, Colin placed his empty glass on the refreshment table as Pen walked up.

“Our Queen bids you well wishes for your birthday.”

“Oh, that was nice of her.”

“She also asked what we were doing here instead of really celebrating,” Pen mused.

They both chuckled.

“Lady Danbury said the same when I was just speaking to her. I saw you and the Queen peering and snickering. Lady Whistledown business I gather?”

“In a way, or more like two women doing what they do best...”

“Gossiping,” they both said in unison, playfully

“You know, the more comfortable she becomes with me, the most amusing her Majesty is. She makes me laugh.”

“As much as I do,” he teased, leaning towards her.

Pen giggled, “Or course not. But the Queen is pretty funny. Dry humored, but witty.”

“It is fortunate to have her as an ally; lest anything should happen, you have the Queen of England’s support. That is a major feat.”

“It is. But, let’s hope nothing of that sort ever happens.”

“Would you like a refreshment, my dear?”

“No, thank you. But I would like to be escorted out onto the balcony.”

“Needing some fresh air?”

Pen slyly glanced beside them, “No, I see a few Mamas of new debutantes staring my way, and I do not wish to spend the rest of our time here nodding and smiling politely as they try to butter me up.”

Colin offered his arm which she quickly took, “I’d like to butter you up.”

“And you shall,” she teased as they head to the veranda doors.

Out on the balcony, a dark, cloaked figure peered into the ballroom doors watching as Colin and Penelope made their way towards them. The figure quickly disappeared into the shadows of the veranda as Colin opened the door ushering Pen out. He re-shut the doors to drown out the inside music and chatter.

It was a beautiful evening, with the stars bright in the night sky, the nearly full moon glowing and the garden below lit up with flaming lanterns and torches. Colin came up next to her, wrapping his arm around her waist as they took in the view, with the reflective lake in the distance adding to its beauty.

“Pen?”

“Hm?”

“Does ‘Lord Whistledown’ ring a bell for you?”

Pen whipped her head at him with widened eyes, her expression comical, “Lord Whi—what?”

She laughed, not even able to finish the sentence.

“Lord Whistledown,” he repeated.

“No,” she laughed, “That does not ring a bell? Where did you hear that?”

“Lady Danbury called me that earlier. I asked her if you called me that previously. She denied it but it awfully sounds like something you would come up with.”

“Colin, I have never called you that,” she looked at him hilariously, “But I definitely will be now.”

He laughed but tried to give her a stern expression, “No, you are not.”

“Oh, yes, I am.”

“I should have never said anything.”

“That is your issue. Me trying not to call you Lord Whistledown for now on will be mine.”
 
Colin tugged her closer to his side, “Thanks.”

“Come on,” she giggled, “I think it’s sweet.”

Colin shook his head but she snuck her arm around his back and squeezed his side affectionately, “Huh? Lord and Lady Whistledown.” Colin looked at her, his stern expression slowly changing to an impressed one. She bit her bottom lip before looking up at him seductively, “Kinda makes us sound powerful.”

He stood up straight, his pride and ego blossoming, “Well, I suppose it does give a favored twist to us as a team.”

“It does,” she said, leaning her head against his chest.

Colin bent down, kissing the crown of her head. But, instead of pulling away, he inhaled deeply. She smelled of her orange blossom bathwater, her lavender vanilla perfume and the milky fresh aroma of their baby. Simply put, she smelled like home and he wanted a moment alone.

After glancing back at the ballroom through the doors, he rubbed her back lovingly, “How about a quick stroll around the gardens? It’s beautiful tonight.”

Pen looked up at him and smiled when his eyebrows rose with an expression full of persuasion.

“Anything for the birthday boy.”

As Colin took her arm, making sure she did not trip on her gown as they descended the veranda staircase, the cloaked figure slowly prowled from the shadowed wall. A larger hand, wearing a black, worn-out leather glove curled against the railing as the figure watched the couple descend into the gardens.

Colin and Pen leisurely strolled, hand-in-hand, deep into the gardens until they came upon the hedges circling a small water fountain, with a cherub on top spouting water from its mouth. All around were pink rose bushes and Penelope leaned over to delicately smell one of them.  Colin watched her carefully as she touched the petal and then gazed around in silence. But her silence was loud.

“Thinking about Elliot?”

“Yes.”

“I know. It’s hard being away from him for so long.”

“It is, but I am also enjoying our time out alone. Is that selfish of me as a new Mama?”

“If it is, then I am selfish for being able to have your full attention just for myself again,” he chuckled.

Penelope smiled at him over her shoulder before she walked to the fountain to gaze upon it. Colin stood in place a moment, observing her dress sparkling in the moonlight.

“I am in-love with being a mother, but it is nice to feel like my old self again, even just for a few hours,” she said reaching out to touch the water spiraling down the cherub’s stone body.

“I agree and it is not selfish at all,” Colin stated, walking up behind her as he fiddled in his pocket, “Here.” He handed her a tuppence as she looked at him quizzical, “Make a wish.”

“No, you make it. It is your birthday. I am not going to tell you again,” she said in her ‘wifey tone’ as Colin called it.

“Very well.”

He closed his eyes for a few seconds before he tossed the coin into the pool part of the fountain. He waited a moment, looking at her expectedly.

“What?”

“Aren’t you going to ask me what I wished for?”

“You know you cannot tell me that. It will not come true then.”

“I do not believe in that particular superstition.”

“Well, I -," Pen paused, turning around as she stared past Colin towards the opening of the hedges looking a fright.

Colin turned, thinking another couple were taking a walk as well, but he was met with darkness, “What is it?”

“I thought I heard something.”

“What?”

“I do not know. I thought someone walked past but-”
 
“I do not see anyone,” he said, craning his neck to look over the hedges where more walking paths were.

“Perhaps it was just an animal," she said, but her instincts told her otherwise.

“There are a lot of bunnies on this property.”

Pen nodded and welcomed his embrace as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, cocooning her closely. For a long moment, they slightly swayed, enjoying their closeness and the sounds of the crickets and the water splashing.

“My brother invited me out tomorrow evening to have belated birthday drink with Mondrich. Will you be alright with that?”

“Of course.”

“I am not planning on being out too long and definitely will not be returning in my cups.”

Pen smiled, “I appreciate that, but even if you do it is alright. It is not as if you go out like that often. Are you excited to for us to leave for Aubrey Hall in two days?” 
 
“I am not too keen on the long carriage ride.”

“Journeying in carriages never bothered you before.”

“They do when my brother will be in there with us," he smiled sheepishly, "But, as I told Lady Danbury, he will be a fortunate addition to have if Elliot starts fussing.”

Pen chuckled, “I think he will be sleeping most of the time.”

“Let us hope Benedict does, too, then. I can steal a moment with you.”

“You are not doing anything of the sort with your brother sitting across from us.”

“Just place a blanket over your lap and bring a muzzle,” he teased, knowing it would never happen but he liked to rile her up anyways.

“A muzzle?”

“You can be quite vocal.”

Penelope made an incredulous sound, wiggling to get out of his embrace, but he kept a tight hold snickering.

“Lovely. You want to muzzle me for reacting to something you administer. And you should talk, Mister. A few nights ago, you woke up our son by your vocalization and usually that baby sleeps through an entire room of loud Featheringtons and Bridgertons."

“That wasn’t my fault! You kept going.”

Penelope laughed and Colin felt a stir.

“What was it you said about ‘anything for the birthday boy’,” he whispered before his lips descended upon her neck.

Penelope’s lips widened into a flirtatious grin, “I did not mean that, at least not out here in the gardens.”

“But it is so romantic,” his voice was sensual as his lips made enticing sounds against the sensitive spot of her neck.

Pen’s eyes drifted shut at the sensation, “I will allow it for a moment.”

Colin let out an appreciative sound and his kisses became more sensual and ardent. Penelope’s hand reached up behind her, sneaking its way into the back of his head, feeling his movements as he laid some sensual kisses up and down her neck. Then his hand slowly drifted up, cupping her breast through her dress. Whimpering pleasurably, Pen’s other hand held him in place as they stole their private moment as lovers.

The dark figure, prowling behind a bush near the entrance of the hedges round-a-bout, watched them through the branches. When a worn out boot adjusted itself, it snapped a tree branch there.

“Colin," Penelope cried out, quickly taking his hand off of her and stepping away alert.

Colin stared at her a little dazed, “What?”

“Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?”

“I heard a branch snap.”

Colin looked around, “It is probably just an animal, Pen. I still do not see anyone.”

Penelope reached for his arm, squeezing his suit jacket there, speaking anxiously, “I feel like...”

Colin noticed her nervousness. When she had gotten pregnant, she had increased sensitivity to sounds. Then, once she birthed their babe, her improved hearing was doubled as a new Mama. Along with her keen observational hearing as Lady Whistledown, Pen noticed everything.

“You feel like what?”

“Like we are being watched.”

To ease her, he patted her hand, gently prying it off of him, “Where did you hear the sound?”
 
“Over there,” she pointed.

Colin nodded and walked towards the entrance. When he rounded the bush, he saw no one, not even an animal.

“There is nothing there,” he said walking back to her, “And if someone was watching us, we just gave them a hell of a show,” he teased.

Penelope gave him a forced smile, but still anxiety-ridden.

“Why don’t we go back inside?”

Pen nodded eagerly, making sure he held her close as they exited the hedges.

**

Next up: Chapter 3-Penelope gives her husband a birthday gift on the ride home. Also, the mysterious figure follows them to Featherington estate. Warning: smut

Chapters 3 & 4 will be smut chapters for those Polinators that enjoy that kinda thing ; )

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Once the couple returned to the ballroom, Penelope’s uneasiness was all but forgotten. She and Colin participated in a few more dances, lost in their own haze, until they took a respite and indulged in the rare glass of champagne.

Off to the side of the dance floor, the two were immediately greeted by Lord Cho, and his wife Emma nee Kenworthy. Lord Cho, a mate from his old friend group that Colin stayed acquaintance to, and Lady Cho, one of Pen’s biggest fans regarding Whistledown, had become entertaining companions to the couple. Emma was always a reliable source of gossip to Pen while Charles, like Colin, was also a happily married man who took no interest in the chaos that their ex-friends still fancied in.

As the women’s conversation lulled to a mute, they idly listened to their husbands enthusiastically discuss the current numbers at the racetrack. Penelope took the opportunity of her non-involvement to observe her husband. She remained unobtrusive as her eyes gazed over him in appreciation. They were wedded, bedded and parents now; yet, her want for him never faltered. Even when he was the most frustrating, she still wanted his strong arms around her. It amazed her how much more in-love she became once she made him a father. She did not think she could love him more than she already had, but the second he held their child for the first time, tears rolling down his cheeks, her love for her best friend became overwhelming. She had just pushed a big Bridgerton boy out of her petite frame; yet, at that moment, she wanted to jump him and give him another baby.

Sometimes to Pen it felt like their love was...too much. It was almost too strong. Abnormal even. They could be perfectly content, separate in other rooms for a long period of time (she required some time alone more often than he did) but if they were separated out of the same building, just for half a day, they both longed for one another in a soulful response. Heck, even in the same room, their eyes always had to check on the other. Colin always told her he felt like his Papa brought their union together, to carry down his legacy. Penelope believed it. Their relationship was uncannily similar to Edmund and Violet’s.

Penelope still harbored a little insecurity in the back of her mind how a man who looked like Colin could choose a frumpy, short, red-headed girl for his life partner. Of course, it was just that pesky little voice that popped up from time to time. She knew Colin wholly loved her with his entire being, he did not even have to show her that. His emotional need for her was in his auric energy. He did show her, however, that he also needed her physically. His desire for her was unapologetic, erasing all her doubts about her body. Their physical union was just as powerful as their spiritual one. It connected their energies together, sometimes creating an out of body experience and other times giving them the comfort to have loads of naughty fun.

Colin mindlessly glanced at Pen as he spoke to Lord Cho, but his sentence faltered when he noticed her eyes roam his form, a hint of a smile upon her lips. To others it looked as if she was politely listening, but...she was checking him out!

Finishing his thought, Lord and Lady Cho discussed something and Colin took that queue to eye his wife, amused. Pen’s eyes roamed up to his face, but she was not surprised to see him looking at her, a sparkle in his eyes. The moment they connected in an unspoken communication, she did something that Colin had become accustomed to...her alluring head tilt, commanding him to follow her somewhere more private. Ever since she had first done it to him at the Balloon fair, persuading him to follow her into the sweets tent, he was forever hers crawling on his knees if told to.

“Ah, Lord and Lady Cho,” Colin said, interrupting the couple's discussion, “It has been a lovely evening catching up with you, but I am afraid it is time for my wife and I to retire home now.”

Pen smiled, nodding, “It is getting late.”

They said their goodbye’s and took their leave out the front doors. Colin kept his hand on the small of her back as they neared the carriages.

“Mr. And Mrs. Colin Bridgerton’s carriage,” the man ordered.

As they waited, Penelope started slipping off her gloves and Colin stood very relaxed and content.

“What a wonderful evening, wasn’t it? A great birthday.”

“Your birthday is not over yet.”

“That is true, as it is not yet midnight.”

“And the evening is not over yet.”

Colin heard her voice laced with seduction even though she remained standing the picture of propriety, her eyes not even looking at him.

“Oh, it isn’t,” he teased back.

“Mm. I still have to give you a birthday gift.”

Colin’s eyebrows furrowed, his playful expression changing to confusion, “You already gifted me new leather journals this morning.”

“I have another gift.”

“What?”

Their carriage came to a halt in front of them, “Help me into our carriage and you shall find out.”

She shoved her gloves into the suit of his jacket before walking up to the door that their footman just opened.

ZING!

Colin felt a tingle in his cock but he hurried to help her up. It was Colin’s rule: unless he was not present, or physically unable, he was always to help Pen in and out of their carriage.

The second the carriage doors closed, Penelope shut the drapes on both sides, which brought a huge cheshire grin to Colin’s face and he immediately started shrugging off his jacket. When he noticed her kick off of her shoes, he paused.

“What are you doing?”

“Giving you my birthday present.”

“And you need to remove your shoes to do that?”

“They’re new and they hurt. Besides, I want to be comfortable.”

“So do I.”

“Oh, you will be, do not worry.”

Penelope helped him remove the jacket from his arms and then she tossed it carelessly on the seat across from them. Before he could say anything else, she grabbed his face and kissed him. He let out an appreciative sound, wrapping his arms around her. Pen’s kisses were very passionate and eager that for a long moment Colin realized the carriage had not yet started moving.  Then he remembered he had not yet given the driver location, which was customary even if it was assuming one would be going to their residence.

Tearing his mouth away from hers, leaving Pen open-mouthed and breathless against his cheek, Colin cleared his throat and raised his voice, “Home to Featherington estate, Gerald.”

“Yes, sir,” they heard the driver’s muffled voice before Penelope turned his head back towards hers, their open-mouths colliding in a very French kiss.

After a few more, Colin pulled back just slightly to murmur, “Remember when we first did this?”

She kissed him again and grabbed his hand, sliding it up to her right breast, “Remember when you first did this,” she flirted in kind.

“Uh uh,” he said breathless and switched hands, his hand sliding up to her left one, “It was this one.”

Penelope giggled against his mouth before she left kisses across his cheek and down his neck as he groped her. As her lips showered him with attention, so did her words, “You are so handsome...so kind...such a good friend...a loving husband...an amazing father...you take care of us so well.”

Colin felt his cock hardening even more from her words than her kisses and he moaned, gently lifting her chin so they could kiss again. He put all his pent-up energy into his kiss, lavishing her tongue with his, sucking those perfectly plump lips. Penelope’s hand slid down his chest, past his stomach and to the front of his pants where she caressed his hard-on, uncomfortably bunched in his breeches.

When she did this, Colin managed enough focus to reach his hand to the nearest curtain peeking out of it to see where exactly they were at, “We don’t have much time. We better be fast.”

Penelope gave him a sly look with a raised eyebrow as she slid down onto the floor between his legs.

“What are you doing?”

“Giving you your gift,” she said casually as she reached for his fastenings on his dress pants but he immediately grabbed her hand still.

“You don’t have to do--”

“I want to. I’ve wanted to all evening,” she brushed his hands away and got the first fastening undone until his hands were grabbing hers again. Penelope giggled, trying to sway him away, “Would you stop?”

“I would rather you be up here, climbing on top of me.”

“I will when we get home.”

Pen could count on one hand how many times she had put her mouth on him.  As much as it felt good, Colin had never been too keen on her doing it. She still could not get it through his thick skull that she enjoyed pleasing him as much as he pleased her.  In sex, of course, but in this sense, he thought of it as a ‘favor’ women did for men as it was a staple in the repertoires of the ladies of the night.

Anytime Penelope wanted to do it, she’d have to coax him, remind him that she actually wanted to and that she enjoyed it. It usually ended in sex. The only times she worked him until climax was once when she was at the end of her pregnancy and did not want to engage in intercourse because she was uncomfortable and the other was after the birth of their son, when they could not have intercourse yet. Usually, though, if she pleasured him when not engaging in sex, it was with her skillful hand.

Colin watched her as she continued unfastening him. There was no stopping her. What Pen wanted, Pen usually got. She was as stubborn as he was. Sensing his anxiousness, she continued using her words as she took his erection out of his pants and into her dainty hand.

“I want you to feel good. I love making you feel good. I want to feel you against my tongue.”

Colin felt a burst of warm, gooey arousal invade his being and he sighed with a defeated chuckle, “Alright, but do not be so enthusiastic. I want to finish inside of you at home.”

“Your wish is my command. Just indulge me and relax now, would you please?”

Colin leaned his head back as his wife's tongue licked him slowly up from his base to the tip. As he closed his eyes, Pen did what she was told and was gradual but deliberate and very thorough in her movements. It was indeed pleasurable, though she knew how to keep him at bay. It was a de-stressing kind of feel good for Colin, with a tinge of frustration at wanting more behind it, but he ignored that. His goal was to indulge in that once they were home in the cocoon of their bedroom.

Feeling her nails affectionately scratch up and down his thigh, Colin reached and laced their fingers together in an unspoken bond. For a short time more, she continued her administrations with loving attention, but then she started becoming more zealous, bobbing her head a little faster and sucking the tip of him.

Colin’s hand flew up to the back of her head, just resting there, feeling her movements, as his breathing became heavier, with quiet groans. When her tongue circled his tip in the same way he did to her clitoris, his eyes squeezed shut in pleasure, his Adams apple bobbing.

“Christ, Pen.”

Colin felt her smile against him, and he tried to muster up enough will power to stop her, but fate did that for him as the carriage slowed in front of their house. Pen placed her hand on the edge of the bench to steady herself as the carriage came to a halt and she released him.

“God, you are good at that,” he chuckled breathless, still on the brink of orgasm.

“Then you should let me do it more often.”

The two made themselves decent before Colin opened the door. Holding his suit jacket in front of him, to hide evidence of his desire, he helped Penelope down the two steps and onto the pavement in front of Featherington estate.

“Thank you, Gerald,” Colin stated.

“Good night Mr. and Mrs. Bridgerton,” Gerald said tipping his hat in respect.

Colin nor Penelope noticed an old covered wagon, usually one a delivery man would drive, yards away. The cloaked figure was paused there, watching as they made their way up the walk. Gently giving the horse’s rope a yank, the covered wagon slowly followed the trail behind the Featherington carriage.

As it passed the front of the house, the figure watched as the couple ascended up the stairs. Once the doors closed behind them, the wagon continued on its way.

**

Next up: Chapter 4- Colin gets his birthday sex and receives a gift from his son the next morning.  Warning: smut

Colin rather having Pen’s p***y than a BJ...oh, he demi-DEMI-sexual lol.

Also, what do you think is up with this mysterious figure?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

After bidding goodnight to their usual 3rd shift night butler/doorman, Victor, the couple made their way up the stairs to the family quarters. The second they made it to their hallway, Colin wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing his hips into her and kissing her neck.  Penelope snickered, grabbing onto the wall to steady herself as they walked, as it was hard to do so in that position.

“Wait, I need to check on Elliot, see if he needs to be fed first.”

“I do not hear crying. He is asleep.”

“I want to check on my babyyy,” she whined.

Colin sighed, willfully letting her go, “Go on then. I’ll meet you in our room.”

As he made his way to the Master Suite, Pen darted to the Nursery directly across from it. The door was shut halfway, lit candles illuminated from behind the door. When Pen pushed the door open, she was surprised to find Rae there, fast sleep in the rocking chair, as her son was sound asleep in the cradle next to it.

Walking up to Rae, Pen gently nudged her shoulder. Rae awoke instantly, sitting upwards alert. Her head immediately whipped towards the cradle, as if checking on the infant before anything else, just as a parent would.

“Rae,” Pen giggled.

“Oh, Ma’am, you are back.”

“Yes. We just returned. Where is Nanny Mary?”

“She was not feeling well. I sent her home.”

“Oh, dear. Is it serious?”

“Nothing catching. Just a case of vertigo and achy head.”

“Aw. Well, thank you for watching the baby. You get to on to bed.”

Rae nodded, “Good night.”

As Rae made her way out, Pen gently lifted her four-month-old out of the cradle with a skilled maneuver as to not wake him. He stirred, his little voice squeaking, but once settled in his mother’s arms, he was back to peaceful slumber.  She blew out the candles and walked out.

Colin was dressed down in his breeches and dress shirt, which he was starting to unbutton, when Penelope appeared through the door. The second he saw their son in her arms, his mouth opened in protest. He shut their bedroom door for her and watched as she placed the baby in his cradle, which was usually always next to her side of the bed.

“You couldn’t have left him with the Nanny for twenty more minutes,” he said with a polite voice, but deep down it was laced with frustration.

“No. The Nanny went home sick and Rae was asleep in the Nursery,” she whispered.

“Pen, I...”

Penelope cut him off as she gently pushed his arm, for him to get away from the cradle, so he would not wake the babe. He complied. After tucking Elliot in and giving him a kiss on the cheek, she kicked off her shoes and walked to the other side of the bed where Colin stood topless now.

“Undo my dress,” she casually asked, turning her back to him.

Colin’s arms fell helpless to his sides. The baby was asleep next to her and her tone was non-existent of any kind of carnal appetite she had been displaying earlier. This girl was getting ready to go to bed.

“What are you doing,” she asked, waiting.

“I’m not going to sleep yet,” he demanded as a sexually frustrated man.

Penelope smiled and shook her head, “Would you just unfasten me?”

Colin did and helped her out of her dress. In her corset and slip, Penelope hung up the dress at her changing screen before she walked back over to him and took his hand. He was confused as they padded their way across the room towards the small sitting area by the fireplace.

Without warning, Pen gave his chest a hefty push and he fell backwards, sitting on the sofa. Before he could even react, she lifted her skirt in her hands, to accommodate her legs, as she straddled her husband. Colin immediately let his head fall back as his face contorted into a silent laugh.

“What,” she giggled, placing her forehead against his.

“I thought you had changed your mind.”

“You really think me that cruel – to leave you in that condition and on your birthday no less?”

Colin’s eyes glanced at the clock on the mantle, “Technically it is not my birthday anymore.”

“Technically, it is your birthday until you go to sleep.”

“If you say so,” he teased as his fingers started unlacing the ties on the back of her corset.

“I do say so,” she commanded, gliding her hips over his bulge, getting him worked up again.

Pen ran her fingers through his hair, gently grasping there, as she kissed him sensually. Colin’s fingers fumbled with her stays, getting more impatient.

“This blasted thing,” he growled.

“Shhh. We must be quiet.”

Pen reached back and helped him. Once it was loose enough, he helped her remove it and tossed it aside. With one hand, he grabbed her bottom, pushing her groin harder against his breeches while the other lifted her breast in his hand and his lips closed around her nipple.

“Gentle,” she moaned quietly, “I haven’t fed him yet tonight.”

Colin sucking at her always felt heavenly, but he held back, flicking his tongue over her back and forth, and swirling around it at a pace that had her hips gliding against him even more. Each flick of his tongue against her sensitive nipples brought little sparks of orgasmic tingles to her core.

After getting enough attention from him on her breasts, Pen sighed heavily and grabbed his face in her hands, kissing him again. It was so sexually charged, their tongues met first. Colin’s hands ran over the silk of her slip, pushing it up around her hips. He squeezed the flesh of her thigh before moving his fingers between her legs.

Pen whimpered when he circled her swollen pearl, his lips sucking along her neck.

“You’re already so wet,” he whispered.

“All night,” she whispered back.

He lost it. He needed her now.

Removing his hand from her, he reached for his breeches. Pen scooted back enough so he could untie them. He held her as he lifted his hips, to slide the pants down below his bum. But he only got them to his upper thighs when Penelope was kissing him passionately again and kneeling up to position herself above him. Colin held his cock steady as she lowered herself down. She paused when he touched her folds and she glided her hips against him back and forth, quietly moaning. Colin murmured a cuss word under his breath until she finally swallowed his head inside of her body.

Pen grabbed onto the back of the sofa next to his shoulder, steadying herself, as she stared into his eyes and then lowered herself all the way. Once she was sitting upon him fully, he was lost for all words. It had been a while since they had made love in this position. And it never failed to turn him on immensely seeing, and feeling, her lead their passion.

Their heavy breaths filled the room, echoing with the crackling of the fireplace, as Penelope rode him at a steady rhythm. Colin’s hands caressed her bottom and thighs as she glided back and forth, building up her pleasure. And it did not take long. Soon he was helping her bounce upon him, their connected mouths muffling their escaped moans.

“Ohhh, Sweetheart, I’m not going to last much longer,” he whispered with an excruciating expression.

Penelope’s face was contorted in a pleasurable concentration. He could feel her muscles gently squeezing him every so often, twitching every other thrust. He knew she was getting close, but not quite there. He wanted her there.  Grabbing her hips, Colin took over and started thrusting up harder, faster. Penelope bit her lip from crying out as she braced her other hand on the back of the sofa, holding on. He squeezed her hips in his hands, not only fucking up into her, but shifting her back and forth as he did so for her own pleasure.

Pen felt a sudden rush of an orgasmic feeling and she cried out. Remembering their infant was across the room, she placed her face into his shoulder. She could feel his body starting to tense up, becoming erratic. She was nearly there. Quickly, she reached down and started frantically caressing herself. That did the trick, she was peaking. Colin was able to hold on as he felt her gasping, her body becoming stiff. Her teeth bit down into his shoulder as she released, letting out just a breath of a relieved whimper, as her muscles contracted wildly around him.

Colin's body shook as he thrust once, and once more, until he exploded into her warmth. His blushed face twisted in delight, his mouth falling open in a non-vocal response, as the strings of his seed kept shooting out the more her womb kept milking around him. With one last thrust, Colin fell spent and Pen’s body melted against his.

“Bloody hell,” he murmured with a happy chuckle.

Penelope breathlessly giggled and held onto him in a cuddle as he started to grow soft inside of her. They stayed like this for a few minutes, caressing and become sleepy, until an all but familiar cry started from the other end of the room.

“At least he has good timing,” Pen said.

“I think that’s your queue, my dear,” he said helping her shift up so he could slide out of her.

“Thank goodness. I feel like I’m ready to burst,” she teased, placing her hands over her breasts as she walked around the sofa.

Colin smiled and let his head fall back against the couch in bliss.

He sure as hell enjoyed his birthday.

The next morning, Colin was in the Nursery with Elliot. The upstairs was still quiet, sounds of morning birds from outside echoing around the light and airy halls. The baby boy was wide awake and content as his father changed his nappy and dressed him in a white garment. After placing stockings on his tiny feet, Colin picked him up and cradled him in his arms. He softly rocked him near the window, the two blue-eyed boys just gazing at one another.

Colin loved this bonding time with him. Sometimes on the days he'd wake before Pen, if the baby was awake as well, he'd forgo his morning cuddles with his wife to get some alone time with his son. It did not happen often, as usually the baby would wake his mother hungry, but this morning he was just a happy little thing. Elliot immediate graced Colin with a big, gummy smile when he saw his Papa appear above his cradle upon waking.

As Colin peered out the window, Elliot turned his head as birds flew around the tree there. Colin watched as his eyes followed each bird, reaching his hand out. Colin observed his son, so alert and growing intelligent every single day. Another bird flew past, closer this time, and Elliot made a sound of excitement.

"You're a curious, little lad, aren't you, my boy? Look. Those are birdies," Colin held him in one arm, pointing to the flying creatures.

Two birds flew by, chasing each other, and Elliot squealed then released a laugh. Colin gasped, looking at him wide-eyed. The baby paid no attention his father's shock.

"Elliot, did you just laugh?"

Elliot was very vocal, especially at making happy and excited sounds, but they had not yet heard him laugh. With all his younger siblings, Colin knew babies laughed between 3 and 4 months. His kid just turned 16 weeks, right on time!

Colin rearranged him, holding him up high in his hands, looking up at him with excitement. Elliot squealed again, by his father's enthusiasm, and he laughed again, reaching for his Daddy's face.

"Oh my God, you're laughing! PEN! PEN!!!" Colin held him close to his chest as he swung open the Nursery door and continued calling out, "PENELOPE!!!"

Not a moment later, a disoriented and disheveled Penelope ran into the room in horror. Falling against Colin's side, she immediately placed her hands all over her son as if checking to see what was wrong.

"What's wrong? What happened? Is he ok," she frantically asked still looking.

"Nothing's wrong, Pen. He's fine. But he just..."

Penelope gasped, "Colin Bridgerton! I woke up with you screaming for me...," her voice went high pitched, "and NOTHING’S WRONG!"

Colin stepped back a little stunned while Elliot was held in his Papa’s arms staring at his mother.

"Don't you ever, EVER do something like that again unless there's an emergency! You scared the dickens out of me!"

Colin chuckled, "Darling, I'm sorry. I got overly-excited. Elliot..."

He was interrupted by Elliot who suddenly let out another laugh as he stared at his mother, obviously amused.

"Oh, you wanted to tell her instead, huh," Colin mused to the baby.

Penelope stared at them wide-eyed, "Was that---did he just laugh?"

"That's why I was calling for you!"

Penelope's stunned expression turned to happy excitement, "Ah!" She jumped into them and smothered Elliot's face with kisses, "You laughed! You laughed!"

The baby squealed from the attention, fisting at his mother's hair as she lavished happy pecks all over his cheek. Colin was beside himself with glee, enjoying the moment of them being proud parents.

**

Next up: Chapter 5- Colin receives news about his manuscript, something else to celebrate at the club. Later, an intruder breaks into Featherington house.

God, I absolutely LOVE Polin as parents. I know this technically came from me, but I write what I see in my head and they are too stinking cute! Can't wait to see them in S4. 👪

Warning: Writing the end of chapter 5 was giving me anxiety. I am not used to writing thriller type scenes, but the story is gonna be getting entertaining.

*Also, I want to thank those of you who are reading and letting me know you ARE reading. I know I am still on a high from the last fic we journeyed together, this fic doesn't have that audience anymore, but I still adore those of you that are still with me 😊🙏

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

That afternoon, after lunch but before mid-day tea, Colin and Pen were in their shared office. While Nanny Mary took the baby for a walk in the park, and since there were no current callers, the couple attended to business in the study.

Their desks were on each side of the room, but facing one another. This arrangement gave them enough space for privacy but also the opportunity to hold conversation if they wished to, which they often did. As Colin organized documents for the Featherington estate, Penelope scribbled away with her quill as she drafted her next column.

Colin took a break a moment and leaned back in his chair with a sigh. He observed Pen, immersed in her words. He loved watching her facial expressions when she read, wrote or edited. She would not make a good card player. Unless she was acting as Whistledown in public, the woman could not bluff. He could tell when she was pleased with something, displeased with something, frustrated, proud etc. And her facial expressions changed as swiftly as her hand did. She would go from effortlessly scribbling to scratching something out to pausing a long moment in thought.

Right now, she was biting the end of her quill. She was definitely thinking. Then she winced, her hand adjusting her bust. Colin smiled. Even her body aching to feed didn't deter her concentration.

Colin turned his attention to the door when there was a light knocking. Pen remained uninterrupted as she was too focused. Walking past her, he opened the door to find Rae.

"This just arrived for you, from a courier, Sir."

"Thank you. Has Nanny returned with Elliot yet?"

"No, not yet."

"When she does, make sure to let one of us know. Pen will need to feed him."

"Of course."

"Thank you, Rae."

Shutting the door, Pen was still in her zone as he walked back to his desk opening the envelope marked from his publisher. Sitting back in his chair, he casually read the letter.

Suddenly, Colin stood up abruptly, "Holy shit."

This definitely got Penelope's attention. Colin never cursed, at least not outside the throes of passion, not in her presence anyway.

"What is it?"

Colin looked up at her wide-eyed and he let out a shocked but happy sound.

She giggled, "What is wrong with you?”

"I cannot believe it," he said looking back at the letter.

Penelope stood up and walked over to him as he re-read the paper as if he was double checking. She snatched it from his hands and read it herself.

"Dear Mr. Colin Bridgerton, we here at Schuster and Sons Publishing House are delighted to inform you that your manuscript Traveling with Myself..." her soft murmurs read on silently until her eyes widened like his in excitement, "...its first week a top 50 best seller in England and top 10 BEST SELLER IN LONDON!" Penelope gasped happily, "COLIN!"

They immediately embraced and Colin held her tight, lifting her feet from the ground.

“Gosh,” he moaned holding her tight, “And I owe a lot of it to you, Pen.”

“No,” she said placing her hands on his cheeks, “You wrote it.”

“But you helped me craft it. My success with my novel is as much as yours,” he said placing her back on her feet.

“I love you,” she said emotional, “I am so proud of you.”

Colin laid a big kiss to her lips before pulling back, shaking his head in disbelief, “We leave for the country tomorrow. I cannot wait to tell mother.”

“She will be beside herself with joy. You should tell Benedict, so you have something else to celebrate tonight.”

“No, I think I’m going to skip tonight.”

“What do you mean?!”

“I want to stay home and celebrate with you.”

“No, Colin. Your brother wants to celebrate for your birthday. Tell them this news as well and enjoy yourself. We celebrated your birthday last night and we can celebrate this news together soon.”

“Tonight, when I come home?”

Pen giggled, “No.”

“Why not?”

“Because you will be inebriated and probably won’t even be home until very late. I will have a child to prepare in the morning before we leave for Aubrey Hall while you and Benedict will be bottle-weary.”

“What if I return home before midnight and only throw back a few whiskeys? Then may I take out my elation on you,” he flirted, wrapping his arms around her hips.

“I doubt you will return that early and that sober.”

Colin grinned, “But if I do?”

“If you return before midnight, and can walk a straight line, then yes.”

“What if you are asleep?”

“Then I give you permission to wake me to share in your elation as long as you do not wake our son.”

“Mmm,” he seductively murmured before catching her lips with his again.

That evening, at Crosby’s, a more subdued billiards club where none of the rascals around Mayfair attended, Colin, Benedict, Mondrich and Lord Cho all sat around a table with happy exuberance. All the men gave Colin a pat on the back in congratulations.

Benedict finished pouring them all a shot of whiskey before standing up. He raised his glass, “A toast, to my brother Colin, for his birthday, and for his talented penmanship, achieving the best seller list!”

“Here, here,” Mondrich cheered.

“A milestone, baby brother, congratulations.”

“Cheers,” Lord Cho added with enthusiasm as they all clunk their shot glasses together before tossing the expensive whiskey down their throat.

Benedict sat back down and poured himself another shot while Colin leaned towards him.

“You might want to go easy tonight, bro. We leave tomorrow morn for the country.”

“So, I’ll sleep the journey. Another,” Ben asked to refill his glass.

“In a bit. I am going steady. And I am only staying a few hours.”

“A few hours? It is only a quarter past nine, Colin.”

“Yes, but I made a deal with my wife.”

“Such as?”

Colin spoke low, “If I am to return home before midnight, and less than maudlin, I can finish my evening by celebrating my success with Pen. And there is nothing better than ending the night on a high note. It’ll be a repeat of last night.”

Benedict saw the suggestion on his brother’s face and he made a disgusted expression, “Oh, Gawd. You know, I’m happy for you two but she is still like a sister to me.”

Colin chuckled, “One day you will be in my shoes, mate. Come on fella’s,” Colin said smashing his hand on the table, “Let’s play a game.”

The boys all got up and started towards the pool tables.

At Featherington house, Penelope sat in the rocking chair in the Nursery. With the door closed, she gently rocked her son as he had his last feeding before bed. With a ribbon around her hair, holding her long locks out of her face, and her chiffon robe and cotton nightgown loosened below her breast, she observed her baby, his little sounds as he ate the only noise in the room.

She gently caressed his dark, auburn hair with her fingers. Her touch and gentle rocking coaxed him to sleep. She watched as his eyes became heavy, his suckling becoming less enthusiastic, as he drifted off. She stayed like that for a few minutes until his eyes were firmly shut and his mouth loosened around her nipple.

Moving in subtle motions, as to not wake him, she fixed her clothing, blew out the candles and walked across the hall into the Master Bedroom.

In her bedroom, Pen placed Elliot in his cradle next to her bed and snuggled him up with his Bridgerton blue knitted blanket that Aunt Daphne gifted and placed the small teddy bear next to him, an heirloom that Auntie Hyacinth passed down from herself.

Pen let out a sigh as she settled into bed. She grabbed her book off her nightstand and noticed her monogrammed handkerchief sitting under it. Tomorrow was laundry day, and to remind herself, she placed it in the pocket of her robe, knowing it would be washed.  Sitting up against the headboard, Pen opened her book and started reading where she left off.

Downstairs, Rae blew out the candles in the servant's kitchen but held one as she walked out. In the darkness there, at the servant’s door that Penelope used to sneak out of, a shadow appeared through the window. The door knob rattled gently as a piece of thin metal wiggled through the lock of the door.

Rae walked through the house and met Leon, the other live-in staff member, head butler and Colin’s assistant. A widowed man in his fifties, he had first served as Edmund Bridgerton’s valet before he passed away.

When Rae saw him at his post reading the newspaper, she did a double take, “Leon? Is there no night butler this evening?”

“No, Miss Rae. But it is alright. Master Colin took me off duty tomorrow since the family will be leaving for their country estate. Robert will be here in the morn to fill in.”

“Oh, well that is good then. I will be upstairs putting the rest of the linens away before I retire if you need anything.”

“Thank you, Miss Rae. Sleep well.”

The mysterious, cloaked figure quietly walked the dim halls on the first floor of the house. When he came upon a framed painting of Lord Archibald Featherington hanging on the wall, the black, gloved hand punched the glass, shattering it. Cracks now appeared across Penelope’s father’s face.

Leon looked up from his newspaper, hearing a sound of glass down the darkened hallway. Placing his paper aside, he slipped his hand under his suit jacket, placing it on his hand gun, then picked up the lit candelabra and made his way down the hallway. Suddenly, in the glow of the candle light, a man’s elderly face appeared out of the darkness, limping fast as he grabbed onto Leon’s shoulders pushing him back.  Leon had no chance to react as his back fell hard against the wall.

Rae walked back down the stairs, checking her pockets in her apron.

“Leon, did I drop my...”

A sudden crash in the foyer startled her. She watched as Leon fought with a cloaked man, struggling. She let out a frightened sound, frozen at the intrusion. Leon and the man were fighting, the gun pointed to the ceiling, as they struggled for control of it. The older man was able to hit it out of Leon's hand. But just as he did, Leon was was able to trip the intruder down to the ground and reached for the gun.

“Go Rae! NOW,” Leon yelled as he grabbed the gun.

He was about to shoot the intruder when, without warning, the cloaked older man grabbed the candelabra laying on the ground next to him. He swung it up and clocked Leon across the skull in a hard blow. Rae screamed in horror as Leon fell unconscious to the ground. She did not waste a second before she ran up the stairs as fast as her legs would take her.

Penelope was dozing off, sitting up in bed, her book on her lap when she was awoken by a distant noise. She looked over at Elliot, still sleeping undisturbed in his cradle. Checking the time on her nights stand, she smiled. It was still way too early. No way would Colin come home this early, not if Benedict had anything to say about it. Perhaps she was dreaming.

Yawning, she turned her attention back to her book when she heard running footsteps echoing. Confused, Pen placed her book down and got out of bed. She left the bedroom, walked through the adjoining sitting room to their suite doors, and looked out. Just as she did, she saw Rae run around the corner. Her face was flushed, and she looked like she saw a ghost. She looked absolutely terrified.
 
Before Pen could comprehend, Rae pointed at her with a hushed voice, “An intruder! Go! Lock the doors!”

Penelope normally would have run and grabbed Rae to come with her but her first guttural instinct was to protect her child. Running back into her suite, she shut and locked the doors before running into her bedroom, also shutting and locking the door. Her heart was pounding. Her blood was pumping adrenaline as her body started in fight mode.

Hastily, she rummaged through Colin’s upper drawer of his nightstand, where he kept his pistol and his hunting knife; she was terrified to see the gun wasn’t there. Then she remembered he always brought it with him when he, or they, traveled out at night, for protection.

Pen paused when she heard an unfamiliar man’s muffled voice from the hallway.

Where is she?

Silence.

Where is the Lady of the house, madam?

Rae’s voice, also muffled, but terrified replied.

No one is home! Please!

WHERE IS SHE?

No one is here! They are out tonight.

You are lying.

Please. Take what you need, I will not stop you. Just please do not hurt me.

The red head, she is here.

No, ple-

Pen’s breath hitched as suddenly it went silent. Thinking the worst had happened to Rae, Pen’s body was frozen in fear, her lips quivering, as it stayed awfully quiet out in the hall for one very long minute. Her eyes stayed glued on Elliot still sound asleep as her chest heaved.

BANG!

Penelope jumped, startled, as the doors in the adjoining room sounded as if they were smashed open. She let out a frightened whimper before she turned and grabbed Colin’s knife, her attack mode to protect her offspring in high gear. She barely had time to react when the door to her bedroom was kicked open.
 
Pen got in a protective stance in front of the cradle, holding the knife out in front of her, her face looking positively venomous.

**

Next up: Chapter 6- Pen comes face-to-face with the peculiar intruder. Colin returns home.

You know Nicola’s reaction when she and Luke were watching Colin catch Pen as Whistledown? How she winced and screeched and ‘Oh, it’s awfullll’?  Yeah, that was me writing this. Not used to writing violence and a terrified Pen 🙁

But I like the way the next few chapters have played out ESPECIALLY Chapter 6. It's keeping my emotions skyrocketing though lol

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Green eyes met blue.

A pistol pointed at a knife.

A 60-something year-old man came face-to-face a 20-something year-old woman.

Penelope’s terrified expression, also contorted with anger at such a criminal intrusion, faltered just a little as she stared this stranger down. He had just broken into her home and knocked through the doors of this apartment, yet he did not look like a man of burglary nor a one who came to hurt her. His intent was her, yes, from what she heard in the hallway, but this man stared at her with remorse, his features soft like a loving grandfather. She had never seen him before and he was not dressed of this society.

Pen found her voice enough to finally speak. It faltered, but her hand holding the knife was stable, “T-take whatever you need and-and leave. O-our funds are in a bank, there is not enough in the house to satisfy you if that is what you are after so I will give you all the jewels I own or...” Pen felt vile saying for what she was about to say, but if it was what was needed to be done to keep her child safe and herself alive, she would sacrifice such, “...if you wish to force yourself upon me I will not fight you. Just please do what you need and leave.” Pen’s voice became more confident, hoping her words would persuade the man, “My husband is not home, you will not be harmed or caught by law.”

They would find him later, Pen reminded herself. She would have an army behind that intention. Her only focus right now was remaining unharmed.

The man’s face softened even more, his expression still portraying guilt, “I am aware Mr. Bridgerton is not in house at present.” Penelope’s face showed a tinge of confusion and he continued, “I did not come here to harm you the way you speak of, Miss.”

Pen gripped the knife tighter, “You say that but you point a gun at me, Sir. I will say it again, do whatever it is you came here for and leave.”

“With all due respect, I came here for you.”

Penelope’s hand started to shake a bit, “I-is this about Lady Whistledown?”

The man’s face contorted in puzzlement, but he quickly shook it off, “You will be leaving with me.”

He took a step forward but Pen quickly shoved the knife forward and he took that step back, “I will not be going anywhere with you.”

Suddenly, Elliot made a sound in his sleep. Pen watched the man’s eyes dart to the cradle behind her and she took a step back, her bum hitting the end of the cradle, her free hand grasping the edge of it.

“Please, I beg you,” Pen whimpered, her hard demeanor softening in fear.

The man slowly lowered his gun, pointing it down at the floor. He closed his eyes, as if feeling emotional pain. It was only a few seconds but Pen surged forward, intent on stabbing him. He was quick and grabbed her wrist, holding it up high above them.

Pen whimpered, struggling as hard as she could, but finally the knife fell out of her grasp and onto the floor. He grabbed her other wrist, her arms crossed over each other, as he turned her back to his chest in a hold.  It did not hurt, but she could not get free. Strangely, she did not feel in physical danger which befuddled her immensely. If he had wanted to harm her, he would have done so already. He had a gun. He was also not tying her up so he could ransack her home.

“Do you nurse the child?”

Penelope’s eyebrows scrunched at such a peculiar question in this situation.

“Answer me, young lady,” he said with authority of a father figure.

Penelope’s eyes teared up as she nodded 'yes'.

“No wetnurse,” he asked.

Penelope nodded 'no'.

“Then the babe comes with us.”

“Please,” Pen cried, trying to get free again but he was too strong.

“If you do not come with me willingly, I will have no choice but to take you unconscious by chloroform and leave your child here. If you come with me, without struggle, you will remain conscious and you can remain with your babe. You have my word.”

Penelope’s head screamed not to comply but her instincts told her to do what she was told. If it meant no bloodshed and keeping her child safe in her arms, then she had no other choice.

“Alright,” she whispered as a tear rolled down her cheek.

The man gently let her go and Penelope did not make any moves to fight back but she glanced down at the knife. It was right there. She could--

He must have sensed it, because he quickly reached his foot out, stepping on it and then kicked it, sliding it across the floor away from reach.

“Go on then. Get on shoes and a coat.”

Penelope’s eyes remained on her son as she slipped on a pair of flats and grabbed her long, spring coat hanging there.

“Come,” he urged, wiggling his gun-held hand towards the door.

Pen walked over to Elliot and picked him up, making sure he was secure in his blanket. When she walked towards him, holding her baby now stirring awake, he then pulled a scarf from his pocket. Holding both ends, he twisted it and then walked behind her.  Suddenly Pen found herself gagged, but his movements were careful. If it weren’t for her child in her arms, she would have fought him with all her might just then.

She made a sound in protest again the fabric and felt his hand then softly grasp her arm, “I apologize for doing that, but it is to keep you from screaming once we leave. I warn you, keep your hands on your child. Do not lower the scarf from your mouth or I will be forced to make other decisions. Yes?"

Penelope closed her eyes, more tears escaping. She took a deep inhale through her nose, to calm herself. Then she nodded, 'yes' complying.

"Let us go.”

He guided her through the suit and out into the hallway. Penelope was afraid of what she would see. Would Rae be dead? Hurt? Fortunately, Pen felt instant relief seeing her devoted friend and maid sitting up against the wall alive. Her hands were tied behind her back and she was also gagged, but she looked to be unharmed.

Rae made a shocked sound seeing her and Elliot walking near. As they passed, both women’s tearful eyes met. Pen could not speak, but her eyes conveyed a message.

It will be okay.

Just before Pen turned the corner, she heard Rae’s muffled cry calling out for her. Pen squeezed her eyes shut, trying to stay level-headed.

As they descended the Featherington stairs, Penelope saw Leon unconscious on the ground and she cried out in horror. The man purposefully kept his eyes adverted from the doorman he harmed as he led her past. Penelope’s tears flowed as she looked at Colin’s trusted valet, unmoving, on the ground. Was he dead, was her only thought.

As the man lead her through the servant's kitchen, Penelope realized that the door she snuck out of most of her life was now serving as the very door this stranger was kidnapping her from. She looked down at her son, to distract her, to keep her grounded. He was wide awake, staring up at her, sucking on the back of his little hands unaware of what was happening. Even gagged, Penelope smiled at him through her tears as she crossed the threshold from her home and into the night.

Sounds of crickets, and horse hooves in the distance, were the only sounds in the dark backyard as he led her across. She frantically looked around, hoping to see someone...anyone...who would notice them and save them from abduction. But she saw not a soul.

The man ushered her through the small path that led to the back alleyway behind the house where they kept their carriages and horses in the small stable. Pen looked down at Elliot, who remained content and unknowing. She had a fleeting thought that if she could get him to cry, perhaps it would alert someone. But, her judgement got the better of her. She did not want her child's crying to annoy her abductor lest his current patience wear thin and put her child in danger. Nor did she want him to change his mind and leave the baby there.

They came upon a raggedy, covered wagon, with two horses, parked in the shadows. Penelope's anxiety started to flair, her body feeling panicked. This was really happening. How would Colin know what happened to them? She needed to leave a clue...anything...that would at least hint to him that she was okay.

As the man walked ahead of her, to open the side door, Pen shifted Elliot to one arm and reached into her coat pocket. Nothing. Shifting him to the other arm, she reached into the other and again came up empty.

Her handkerchief!

Quickly, she reached into her coat and to the pocket of her robe. She pulled out the white, and blue monogrammed cloth.

"Come," he said politely, turning back around and holding his hand out.

As Penelope walked his way, when his eyes were focused on helping her and the babe up, she dropped the cloth to the ground.

Half an hour later, outside the front of Featherington House, a Bridgerton carriage pulled up in front. A tipsy, but not fully inebriated, Benedict reached and opened the door for his brother.

“You better start running if you want sex, brother. It’s nearly midnight,” he teased.

“Four minutes to spare,” Colin stated proudly, and seemingly sober, before he jumped out of the carriage in no rush.

“Enjoy,” Benedict stated, rolling his eyes, as he tapped on the ceiling of the carriage.

As the carriage started the direction towards Bridgerton house across the square, Colin leisurely walked up the front steps.

Inside, Colin was surprised to see no doorman present, but really thought nothing of it as he continued his way through the dim passage to the open foyer. Colin was unbuttoning his jacket when he noticed a body lying on the ground near the stairs. He immediately ran, then his knees sliding on the marble, as he came to Leon's side.

"Leon?"

Did the man faint of illness, was his first thought. Colin placed his hands on Leon's head, carefully turning his face his way, and he immediately noticed a big, dark nasty bruise on his temple going down the side of his face. Then Colin's eyes drifted to the unlit silver candelabra lying beside him as well as his gun only steps away.

Colin's heart started pounding faster as he placed his fingers upon his valet's neck. He held his breath, praying to God Leon had one.

Yes, a pulse! He had a pulse.

Oh, thank the Lord, he was breathing.

He would attend to him later, for now, his only priority was his family. With panic-stricken breaths, Colin ran up the stairs two at a time.

In the hallway, Colin stopped dead in his tracks, shocked beyond recognition. Rae was tied up and gagged, lying on her side, her fingers wiggling behind her trying to loosen the tie around her wrists.

"Rae?!"

As Colin started running towards her, Rae's red, tear-stained eyes widened in relief. She whimpered behind the silk cloth, still struggling. Colin fell to the ground next to her and pulled her upright. He yanked the tie on the back of her wrists, her hands becoming free.

Before he could even ungag her, Rae ripped it from her mouth and let out a primal, horrified, tearful cry.

"PENELOPE!!!!!!!"

**

Next up: Chapter 7- Colin comes to the realization that Pen and Elliot are gone. Penelope arrives at a destination.

Alright, what are ya guys thinkin? Are we ok lol ? Also, what do you guys think about this man?

(ps: I am reading EVERY comment, even if I don't reply to every single one. And other than feeling honored that my imagination is being enjoyed by others, you guys also make me laugh! I was LOVING all of your reactions & some of you reacting to each others' comments in the last chapter. How great that we can immerse ourselves in Polin like this even this long after the tour/S3)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Colin had never moved so fast in his life.

He froze when he entered their bedroom. Penelope wasn't there. The covers of the bed on her side were tossed aside. The cradle was empty, not even his blanket, that Elliot slept with every night, visible. There was no sound of crying nearby, no sound of Pen's soft whispers to him, to lure him back to sleep, audible.

The second thing Colin noticed was his bedside drawer opened. In two strides he was at it...and it was empty. He had his gun. To confirm, Colin reached under his jacket to his hip where it sat in its holster. Yes, he still had it. Where was his knife? Why was his knife missing?

Turning around, Colin's eyes fell upon the exact object laying on the floor against the wall. As he stared at it, he felt dread invade his entire being. His body was frozen, completely in state of fear. His mind was also frozen, in a state of shock. It simply could not comprehend what was going on.

"She's gone," Rae cried, rushing in, "A man took her and the baby! She's gone!"

For some reason, Colin did not process what she said. But, seeing Rae in hysterics, this switched on a state of calmness within him. No matter the status of a woman, seeing an innocent lady so upset, made Colin always want to 'make things better'. That was the empathy of his being; always thinking of others before himself. He did not realize it at the time, but he was beginning to experience not only his brain going through shock, but also denial at the reality of what had transpired while he was away.

Pen was here. She was just in the nursery. Or in the library. Their office. The kitchen.

Striding past Rae, he called out for her as he normally would, "Sweetheart?!"

Rae's hysterical face changed to confusion. She had just told him Pen was gone. He saw her tied up and gagged. What was he doing? When she heard him call out for her in the hallway, she ran after him.

Standing in the hall, as he walked out of the nursery, she saw his face lacking any form of panic. Anxiousness, yes, but otherwise he looked disturbingly composed. It was not like him at all.  I mean, the man had nearly been in hysterics when he found out Penelope used to travel into the city at night by herself doing Whistledown drop-offs.

"She's not here. A man broke in. Sir! A man took them," Rae cried but he ignored her, walking past as if she were invisible.

Rae watched him walk away, his voice echoing further as he calmly called out for his wife as if he needed her help finding misplaced object.

"Pen?!"

Rae heaved, trying to make sense of what was happening. It then dawned on her that he must be in shock: disoriented and desensitized.

As Colin disappeared into the library, Rae ran down the stairs. She was relieved when she saw Leon alive! He was moaning, his arm moving, obviously hurt, but alive nonetheless.

She immediately bent down to him, "Are you alright?" He mumbled but she could not make out his words, "You are going to be ok. Mr. Bridgerton is here now. I am going to get help from across the street!"

Without another word, Rae rushed out the front door. Just as she did, Colin came bouncing down the back stairs into the servant's quarters of the kitchen and pantry.

"Pen?!"

Colin stilled when he noticed the door open there. She was in the backyard! She must be. This was all a misunderstanding.

He made his way outside and walked around frantically looking for any signs of his wife and son.  She had to be out there. She had to be.

More and more, Colin's numbness to it all started to disappear. His state of denial started to dissipate with no signs of his family. Rae's cries echoed in his ears: She's gone. A man took them.

"PENELOPE," he screamed out in terror.

Colin walked around the grounds more before he ran down the pathway leading to the carriage garage and stables. Again, no signs of anyone, but his eyes saw something white laying on the ground by the road. He ran up to it and picked it up.

He stopped breathing as he held Pen's handkerchief in his hand.  There was no rhyme or reason for this to be here.

Reality turned on swiftly like lighting a match. They were gone.

In one loud, guttural yell, Colin screamed out to the sky in pure pain and heartbreak as he fell to his knees.

He did not even notice Rae and Benedict running up behind him.

It had been an hour since Penelope was sat behind the man in his covered wagon. She could have easily adjusted Elliot and pulled the scarf from her mouth, screaming out, but she could not risk that with her child. He warned her not to. She still held Elliot securely in her arms, the same way since the moment she had picked him up out of his warm bed. Fortunately, the moving of the wagon had lured him back to sleep shortly after they made their way out of Mayfair.

Pen had thought of jumping out, since she was in the back untied, but that was also another risk factor; not just from one of them getting hurt, but the man had kept glancing back at her every so often as if checking on her. If he saw her even try to escape, what would he do?

From what she could see, it looked as if they were in the country judging by the blackness. Only a single lit lantern swayed back and forth in the wagon as it moved at a steady pace. If Colin had kept his promise, he would most likely be getting home now. She did not want to imagine his reaction when he realized she was taken. He’d be beside himself. He had a toughness about him when it came to figuring things out, but he would be so scared. Penelope closed her eyes tight trying not to cry as she imagined the look on her husband’s face inside her mind.

Pen reminded herself that Rae was alive. Rae saw the man, what he looked like. She spoke to him. She also saw her and Elliot unharmed when they left, and Pen’s encouraging expression. She’d tell Colin everything.  And, Pen left her handkerchief. He would find it. Colin would stop at nothing before finding them.

“You may take this off now, Miss,” he said as he reached his hand back and yanked the scarf loose from behind her head, “Thank you for keeping it on.”

As it fell from her mouth, Pen just stared at the back of him as he held the ropes of the horses. He had been silent for an hour, and now he was thanking her for complying. She assumed him removing the scarf meant they were no longer around where anyone could hear her if she did start screaming for help.

“Are you and your baby alright?”

Pen looked at him incredulously, her lip quivering as she shook from adrenaline and anger, “You have kidnapped me and my child. Of course we are not alright!”

“I...” he glanced back at her before looking forward again, “I meant, physically, you are...well? I have not hurt you, yes?”

Penelope’s expression softened just a tad. He seemed very keen at the fact of not letting any physical harm come her way ever since they came face-to-face in her bedroom. Who was this man? What did he want?

“Hmm?”

“No,” she replied softly, “You have not hurt us.”

There was a long moment of silence before he spoke again, “May I call you Penelope?”

Pen stiffened at the mention of her name, “You do not know Lady Whistledown and you are not from Mayfair so how is it that you know my name, Sir? And how did you know my husband was not home?”

“Who is Lady Whistledown? You have mentioned her twice now in regards to this.”

“I am her.”

“Pardon?”

“Never mind.” The last thing Pen wanted to do was have a cordial conversation with her abductor.

“Who are you,” she asked, befuddled. When he did not respond, she spoke up with unwavering confidence, “If you are to call me by my Christian name, Sir, the least you can do is tell me your first name.”

When he stayed silent, Penelope gave up, uninterested now.  He had a soft demeanor but clearly lacked manners.

“Maxwell.”

Her eyes shot back to him.

“Max,” he corrected, “You may call me Max.”

Penelope thought about asking him his family name. It would be more information for her to hold but she knew it was wishful thinking. He wouldn’t disclose that to her, give her some power over him. Knowing his first and last name could put him in jeopardy of being caught. It is what she wanted but that was not in his plans. Yet, if she were to ask him, the most he would do is ignore her and not say it. She was close to contemplating asking when the wagon slowed to a stop.

Penelope leaned to look where they were when Max got out and opened the side door.

“We have arrived.”

"And where is it that we have we arrived to,” she asked with a catty tone.

He ignored her and took her arm helping her down as she held on tightly to Elliot. When Pen stepped onto a gravel road, she was staring at a ranch-style cottage. She looked around but saw no other lights from other houses visible. That gave her a bit of a defeated feeling.

Max walked her up the walkway and inside. The home, in an open layout style, was dark, except for a fireplace going.  Max lit a candle then walked her through the house. He stopped in the kitchen grabbing a few apples before leading her down the hall. Pen could tell it was an old home, modest but on the poorer side, just by the creaking sounds and dusty wood smell. When they came upon an empty, comfortable bedroom he took her inside.

“There is water there and clean rags. Fresh linen. Here are some apples to hold you over until breakfast.”

Max left the candle on the dresser and turned to walk out but Penelope had so many questions. He kidnapped her but seemed to look after her wellbeing, making sure she was not hurt. He was trying to make her comfortable in this guest room after forcing her from her home. He had given her no information to why he took her in the first place but he knew her name. And now he was just walking away, leaving her there, as if all of this was normal.

“Why are you doing this?”

Max turned, solemn. His green eyes met her blue again, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he looked at the windows behind her.

“The windows do not open. They are sealed shut. And this door only locks on the outside,” he softly smiled, as if lost in a memory a second, “You would think this room was made for holding someone hostage, but the windows were sealed shut years ago. This used to be my wife’s sewing room. She hated the draft. Before that, my daughter had it as her bedroom. She used to sleep walk. We had to place a lock on the outside of the door, to keep her from roaming the house and risk hurting herself.”

Penelope brows dropped in bafflement at the explanation. He was a family man?

“I know it will be hard, miss, but do try to get some shut eye. It is best your babe’s Mama has energy to care for him when he wakes.”

Without another word, Max shut the door behind him quietly. Penelope heard a key twist in the lock before footsteps disappeared. She knew she was locked in, but she twisted the doorknob anyway.

Pen gently laid sleeping Elliot, still wrapped in his blanket, on the bed. It had been the first time she let him go. She could feel the muscles in her arms achy from not moving the position. Looking around, Penelope did not know what to do. In this warm home, comfortable looking room, with a kidnapper who meant her no harm, her body was starting to relax. But, her adrenaline was wearing off. As it did, the numbness of her emotions started to come alive. The whole mental ordeal of what had happened to her kicked into high gear.

Penelope found herself releasing heartbreaking sobs, falling down onto a chair there, as she buried her face in her hands.

**

Next up: Chapter 8- Colin springs into action. Penelope meets someone else at the house of her captor.

I want to hug Colin so bad and I want to rock Penelope to sleep 😭

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

He could hear voices behind him, but it sounded as if he were under water. He stared at Pen’s handkerchief in his hands through a teary vision. Bringing it up to his face, Colin closed his eyes as the scent of her perfume invaded his being. It brought a sense of calmness wash over him, filling the air around him with her presence.

He could feel her arms around him now. Her sweet, little voice he’s loved since he was twelve telling him that she and Elliot were ok. He could see her blue eyes sparkling, her beautiful smile as a giggle escaped.

A light touch on his back shoulder brought Colin back into reality before Rae appeared before him, kneeling. The lady that had been in hysterics just a moment ago was now grounded and direct as she looked him in the eye. Normal circumstances, he would not let her see him in such a state, but these were not normal circumstances.

Behind them, Benedict stood in a state of shock, and alertness, as Pen’s trusted lady maid tried to console his brother.

“Mr. Bridgerton, Penelope and the baby are alive. They walked right past me, unharmed. Penelope could not speak to me, but she looked me in the eye and conveyed a message that she was ok. I thought it was just her trying keep me calm, but now seeing her handkerchief out here, I think it was deliberate.”

Colin looked down at in his hands as a tear dropped from his chin onto it.

“Colin,” Rae said softly. He looked back up at her and she continued, “We both know how clever Penelope can be. If she hasn’t left little clues to wherever she is, she at least wanted you to know that she is alright.”

Colin’s tears stopped as his fists gripped the cloth in his hands. His knuckles turned white as his grief-stricken face now turned to one of anger and determination. He took a deep breath in through his nostrils and nodded. He had finally heard all of Rae’s words and he agreed. Penelope never did anything without good thought, even under duress.

Suddenly, Colin went into a militia mode as he stood up, “This is what we will do. Benedict, go across the street and have John fetch the Bridgerton physician or any that are available for house calls. If he cannot find one at this hour, have him come here and we will get Leon in the carriage and over to the nearest medicine house. After we attend to Leon, Rae I want you to tell my everything that happened, down to the minute detail.”

“And then,” Benedict asked, as he was ready to run back to Bridgerton house.

“Once Rae tells us everything that happened, we’ll round up some of our friends on horseback and start looking,” Colin felt rage boiling, adrenaline pumping, “I will not rest until I find my wife and son!”

The sun was very warm, but it felt heavenly upon her face as the light sea breeze flowed through her hair and white skirts. Sounds of seagulls and ocean waves crashing upon shore filled Pen’s ears. Keeping her eyes closed, her finger tips gently caressed the soft, warm sand next to her. This was heaven. She never wanted to leave.

“Where are you?”

Pen’s lips curved upwards hearing Colin’s voice.

“I am right here,” she giggled as his voice was near.

“Pen, where did you go?”

She opened her eyes. She could see Colin’s silhouetted standing over her, as he blocked out the sun, but he was looking everywhere but down, where she lay.

“Colin, silly. I am here.”

But then he disappeared from her view, running to frantically search for her. Pen quickly sat up in panic.

“Colin!” She stood up but she no longer saw him. Where did he go? “Colin! I am right here!”

A baby’s cry in the distance rang in Pen’s ears.

“Elliot,” she whispered.

Pen opened her eyes abruptly. Shadows of trees in the morning sun dancing upon the ceiling of this bedroom filled her view. But then Elliot’s soft cry beside her took her immediate attention. She sat up in the warm, comfortable bed as Elliot flung his arms, his little face red with tears of hunger.

He immediately stopped crying when he was back in his mother’s arms, routinely knowing she was about to attend to his need. Untying her robe and lowering her nightgown, she did just that. As Elliot eagerly fed from her, Penelope tried to remain level headed. She had cried herself to sleep last night. The last time she had done that was on her wedding night.

This was the only night, since their reconciliation at the Butterfly Ball, that the two hadn’t slept next to each other. Penelope spent twenty years not knowing what it was like to sleep next to the love of her life; yet, after only one year of doing so, her whole body shook from anxiety with just one night of not having Colin next to her. Even if it were normal circumstances, she is sure her body would have reacted the same way.

After Elliot was done feeding, Penelope swayed him as she looked out the window. It looked to be a beautiful day, at least outside. Suddenly, her son squealed, bouncing his legs eagerly and moving his arms with joy.

“What,” she laughed. She loved seeing him so vibrant and happy.

Penelope looked around out the window, where her son was looking, and noticed a rabbit hopping in the grass.

She gasped, “Ohhh. Baby look, is that a bunny rabbit. Yes...”

Elliot remained unaware of any duress and just took in whatever came in his view. Right now, it was sunshine and a rabbit minding its own business. Penelope was grateful her innocent baby could at least still enjoy life after such a life-altering situation last night.

Without warning, the door was unlocked and swung open. Penelope turned around, pressing Elliot closer to her, as she faced a heavily pregnant woman standing in the doorway. The woman was a modest, pretty brunette, around her age, wearing a country-style spring dress.

“Who are you,” the woman asked in a soft confusion.

“Um...” Pen was taken aback a moment. The last thing she expected to see was another woman, “Penelope.”

The woman’s eyes widened, her body stiffening like she had seen a ghost, “Are you...Penelope Featherington?”

Pen searched the girl’s face. Like her captor, she did not recognize this woman either. But like the man last night, she sure knew of her. Even though it was not legally her name anymore, Pen still slowly nodded, more and more questions invading her mind.

Her eyes looked at the baby in her arms and her own hand went to her very pultruded belly as if on instinct. Pen noticed this and she shifted Elliot to her other arm, still a little on edge, but confused more than anything.

“Please, come with me.”

She walked out and into a room across the hall. Pen hesitated, but she followed, curious. As she walked into the hall, she saw no one else, but the smell of food and coffee filled her nostrils. Walking into the room, Pen quickly realized it was a made shift nursery.

“Anything you might need to care for your child you should find here. There are clean nappies, rags there and powder. I am sure your babe is needing to be cleaned after a night, yes?”

Penelope just nodded, her eyes wide with astonishment at the gentleness of both her kidnapper and now this lady.

“If you will excuse me,” she said and walked out, shutting the door behind her.

Pen had to admit, she was grateful to be bestowed such a gift, at just the small feat of cleaning her baby. Once he was all freshened up, she opened the door and cautiously looked out. She could instantly hear raised voices, a man and a woman's, but could not make out what they were saying.

Crossing the hall, she went back into the room she had been locked in overnight. After using the chamber pot there, cleaning her hands and wiping away any dried tears on her eyes from the night, she put her coat back on. She was not cold, but she was in a home with strangers and all she wore was a thin nightgown and robe.

Sitting on the rocking chair, Penelope held Elliot sitting up on her knees as she rocked. She smiled when her son smiled at her as he bit the back of his hand and fingers. He’d be teething really soon, she thought, as there was a knock on the door.

Penelope did not answer, but she halted her rocking.

“Miss Penelope?”

It was the man. She could not believe it. He was knocking at her door now in curtesy, where only last night he had kicked it open, invading her personal bedroom.

“Are you hungry?”

“No,” she said enough for him to hear her.

The door was opened and he ushered her to come, “You need something to for your belly.”

“I still have an apple left,” Pen said in a voice that mirrored a stubborn teenager.

“An apple, madam, will not suffice for you to have the energy to care for your child.”

“My child and I are just fine, thank you.”

“Please,” he said, still ushering, “I would like you to meet my daughter.”

Oh, that was his daughter.

“Very well, but I am not hungry.”

Cautiously, Penelope held a content Elliot in her arms as she followed Maxwell across to the other end of the house to the dining room. A breakfast spread was laid out and the pregnant woman was setting out tea. The second she saw them; however, she froze, a bit of anger upon her pretty face. To Penelope, it seemed she was not happy to see her there...at breakfast, or in the home, she was not sure which one.

“Penelope, this is my daughter Lucille. Lucille, this is Penelope Featherington.”

“Bridgerton,” Pen corrected softly.

“We spoke a few words a moment ago, Papa. But it is an honor to make your acquaintance, Miss Penelope...even under such misfortunate circumstances,” she finished, eyeing her father irritated. He looked guilty-as-ridden but quickly pulled out a chair.

“Please, Miss,” he urged for her to sit.

Pen did, but did not reach for even a tea cup in front of her.

“We like Arabic coffee whilst breaking our fast, but I had an inkling you might enjoy a strong cup of tea in the morning time,” Lucille asked, quite nervously.

Pen nodded, as it was true, but she still refused to dine with people who held her and her child captive. For a few minutes, Penelope ignored them, refused their hesitant gaze, as she focused on Elliot on her lap.

“Please Miss, have something,” Lucille begged, “Do not let my father’s poor decision affect your nourishment.”

Penelope looked up at her, her brows furrowing. The girl was obviously unaware and also not agreeable to what her father did last night. That gave Penelope a little bit of hope and eased her anxiety a little more.

“If you nourish your child, then you must nourish yourself. Just some sausage, a scone, anything.”

Penelope saw how nervous Lucille was as she rubbed her stomach in one area, a tell-tale sign Pen recognized as the morning movement of the babe nestled uncomfortable inside of her. She then looked at the food in front of her, radiating wonderful smells making her belly gurgle in hunger. After looking at Elliot, who was a happy, little boy whom was fed and changed, she agreed that she must take care of herself, too.

“Alright,” Pen said softly.

She nibbled on some sausage, a croissant and sipped the tea in silence but she hated the tense atmosphere. There was obviously more to play here than she knew and she wanted answers.

“Do you know what upsets me the most,” Pen said calmly, as she placed her tea cup back on the saucer. They both looked at her and she continued, “Though it was the most frightening experience of my life to be taken from my home late at night, to also see a staff member whom is like family, unconscious on the ground, what really hurts me the most is that my husband had to come home to find his wife and child gone without a trace. Do you realize what he must be going through, not knowing where we are, not knowing if we are hurt or worse? I would not wish that unknowingness on my worst enemy, Sir.”

Pen’s eyes were daggers at the man, hoping he knew how strong his misdeed.

“Do not fret, Miss Penelope. Your husband will receive a letter this afternoon that will ease some of those questions,” Max stated.

“What letter,” Pen asked urgently, “What is going on? Why was I brought here?”

Max got up, grabbing his plate, and limped into the kitchen.

“I deserve answers,” Pen shouted after him.

Penelope looked at Lucille with desperation but Lucille looked away ashamed. It was obvious to Pen that she would not get her answers, at least not right now.

“My mother was a petite woman like yourself,” Lucille said quietly, “We still have some of her well-to-do dresses. I am sure you might like to wear something more than that coat and your night gown?”

Penelope could not help but actually feel indebted at that idea. It would make her less exposed and more comfortable around these strangers.

“Yes, that would be most helpful.”

Lucille gently smiled and got up, “Follow me.”

Penelope followed, but halfway down the hall, Lucille paused holding her stomach and wincing.

“Are you alright,” Pen asked, her eyes zoning in on her pregnant belly.

“The baby just kicked me really hard...perhaps in my liver or a lung,” she giggled, “The further along I get, the more difficult it is to breathe.”

“That is normal. Unfortunate, but nothing to worry about.  How far along are you?”

“I have another 7 weeks to go. Did you experience kicks so hard it took your breath away?”

“I did,” Pen giggled and looked at Elliot, “This one was most active. And still is. One time he kicked me so hard in the rib I yelled out at a morning religion service. My husband and I had to leave because we could not keep a straight face. We laughed so hard we cried the second we got outside the Church.”

Lucille laughed, “Oh dear.”

“He was most active at night, especially the last month of my pregnancy. I could not sleep. I for sure thought he would come out dancing. My husband like to poke his finger against his foot pressed against my stomach and the baby would kick back.”

Lucille’s smile faltered, her face becoming solemn, and she changed the subject as they continued walking, “Is this your only child?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want more children,” she asked as they entered a bedroom.

“We plan to have more...but that is a future where I would have to be with my husband. Not separated.”

Lucille looked at her in understanding before she rummaged through a closet.

Penelope decided to sneakily take a dive, “Do you think I will have more children in my future?”

Lucille looked at her, nodding with the utmost sincerity, confirming to Penelope that she would be reunited with her husband.

Lucille handed Penelope a clean, simple white summer dress on a hanger, “It might be just a little long but it should do.”

“Thank you.”

Penelope took it and walked out, a little bit more of hope radiating through her.

**

Next up: Chapter 9- Queen Charlotte finds out Lady Whistledown has been kidnapped.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Inside the Danbury carriage, Lady Danbury had a somber, yet composed, expression as she stared at the two boys across from her. Though grown men, she had known them for all of their lives, and right now they needed a parental figure.

Both a disheveled Colin and Benedict were silent as they had their faces covered in their hands. Benedict was leaning against the side of the carriage, his hand covering his eyes, as Colin was leaned forward, his forearms resting on his knees. The poor lad had his face buried in both his palms; his hair mused after a long, worrisome and restless night.

Her eyes landed on the cloth, that was dangling from Colin’s fingers, now dropped to the floor. He did not move an inch, either, when it did so. She assumed he must have dozed off a moment and she leaned forward, picking it up. Realizing it was a handkerchief, she saw the blue, cursive ‘P’ on it. That wonderful, bubbly, red-headed author and Mama had been taken from her home in the middle of the night. Her and her babe. She could not imagine the fear Penelope must have felt. Her fingernail traced it as the good lady had a quick moment of dread wash over her, her eyes squeezing shut in heartache for the family that she very much felt like her own. But she quickly recomposed herself, remaining level headed and optimistic.

Colin stirred, lifting his head. When he did, he realized the cloth was no longer in his hands and he frantically started looking around, even jostling his brother as if he were sitting on it.

“Looking for this?”

Colin relaxed when Agatha handed it back to him with a gentle smile. He took it with a thankful look.

“It’s...it’s a bit of a comfort to me,” Colin said a little weary, “It still has her perfume. It’s like I’m carrying part of her with me.”

He placed it for safe keeping in his inner chest pocket.

“We found it in the alley behind the house. We think she dropped it on purpose, where she was last on Featherington grounds,” Benedict added.

“If that is where you found it, then that is exactly what she did; lest we forget Penelope Bridgerton is Lady Whistledown. She is as clever as they come...more clever than our Queen I say. And do not repeat that.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Benedict responded.

Colin sighed, running his hand through his hair, “One thing my wife is, with her business pseudonym or not, is clever. Which is why I thought we’d find more clues. A dozen of us searched all of Mayfair, the outskirts, in town...we came up with nothing. No one saw anything. There were tracks leading from where the hanky was to the street. It took a left but then it blended in with other tracks. It is like they disappeared in thin air. We searched all night.”

Benedict placed his hand on the back of Colin’s neck and gave it a comforting squeeze, speaking to Lady Danbury, “I was fortunate to take a nap before we met at the bar last night, but my brother here has been up 24 hours.”

“And I will remain awake until Penelope and my child are found,” Colin shouted in anger.

“And they will be found,” Lady Danbury said softly, leaning forward to place a comforting hand on his to calm him, “Our Queen will make sure of it.”

“She’s right, brother. I do not mean to compare others in regards to her Majesty’s favoritism, but in this situation, it is fortunate that Penelope has become so esteemed to the crown. Not everyone is that advantaged.”

Colin nodded, calming down, “I am very grateful that you are accompanying us, Lady Danbury. I will be even more grateful if her Majesty assists us.”

“When,” Lady Danbury corrected, “When she assists you. Not ‘if’. I can say that with confidence.”

“We could use all the help we can get,” Ben added.

“You boys were supposed to leave and join your family at Aubrey Hall today, weren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Have you sent word to let them know what is going on? If you mailed a letter this morning, it will get there by tomorrow afternoon I believe.”

“No,” Colin shook his head, “I am not going to worry them. Not yet.”

“Do you not think your mother deserves to know that -- “

“No,” Colin snapped.

She gently smiled, with an agreeable nod, as she leaned back, unphased.

“Forgive me. I am...a little stressed.”

“You also need rest,” she added.

“I will not rest, not while Pen is out there somewhere scared out of her mind.”

“Perhaps, but your Penelope has always had a remarkable talent to stay calm and composed in the most stressful situations. With her child with her, I think she will be even braver than ever.”

“I agree,” Benedict said, “Pen isn’t one to lose her cool when unfortunate things happen to her. I mean, she stayed in your presence after you accused her of entrapping you into marriage. She didn’t walk out on you when you slept on the couch on your wed---”

Colin placed his finger up in a very stern warning, his voice low, “I have not slept in over 24 hours, the last thing I had to drink was whiskey and my family has been taken from my home. I would shut your trap before I do something I will have to apologize to our mother for, brother.”

Benedict placed his hands up in defeat while Lady Danbury tried to bite back her smile.

“Speaking of your Mama, what I wanted to say before is that if Violet is expecting her three children and grandchild to arrive today, and when they do not, she will start questioning things. When you do not show up tomorrow, or the day after that, she will begin to worry. That is not fair to her, is it?”

“I will send word in a few days. My focus right now is not on my Mama’s assumed worries, but getting Pen and Elliot back safe and sound. Besides, why bother telling my family when there is nothing they can do? They will just sit in worries themselves or come forging back into town. The last thing I need is a whole gang of Bridgerton’s coming back to Mayfair creating more stress with their desperate hugs and words of pity towards me.”

“Whilst I do agree them coming back right now would create more chaos, our family would not take pity, brother. They would be angry and help out any way they can,” Benedict corrected with a stern tone.

“Yes, I know. I just do not need the added stress right now. I just want to figure out where Pen is,” Colin said softly.

“And we will. We are here,” Lady Danbury said as the carriage pulled up in front of the Palace.

Queen Charlotte sipped her morning tea as she pet one of her Pomeranians sitting on her lap. There was a brief knock before Brimsley walked in.

"You have visitors requesting an audience, your Majesty."

"It is too early, Brimsley. Send them away with a later time."

"They say it is most urgent."

Queen Charlotte sighed, "Well, who is it then?"

"Your Majesty," Lady Danbury said walking through the doors with her trusty, and regal, cane.

"Lady Danbury?" When Charlotte saw an absent smile on her wing-woman's face, one which was usually always present, she stood up with concern. Then Colin marched in behind her, with determination, while Benedict trailed in behind him. Her eyes flitted towards the familiar Bridgerton boys, who looked absolutely awful, and then back to Lady Danbury. "Oh, dear. Has something happened to Violet Bridgerton?"

"No, my wife and son," Colin blurted out in a raised voice, close to tears.  Lady Danbury reached out and gently touched his forearm as to calm him. He took a breath and took a step forward, bowing his head towards the Queen in respect, "Forgive me, your Majesty. I am tiresome. We have been searching all night. We come here begging for your aid and assistance in the matter."

"And what matter is that...and before you raise your voice again, Mr. Bridgerton, which I will look past the first time, I will not accept it a second. So, please, explain to me what the situation is so I may fully understand what my assistance will be."

Colin was about to answer when Lady Danbury spoke up instead, "Lady Whistledown has been kidnapped."

The Queen's face registered an unpleasant shock as Colin turned in front of Lady Danbury, in near outrage, but he kept his voice low, "This is about Penelope and Elliot, not Lady Whistledown."

"I know how the Queen's mind works, boy, if you want her immediate attention, you will let me work her web. Even your dear wife knows how to weave her way around the crown's way of thinking."

Benedict grabbed his brother's shoulder, making him step back.

"This is true," Queen Charlotte asked.

Lady Danbury nodded and Benedict answered, "Unfortunately, your Majesty. My sister-in-law and her son were taken from the Featherington residence late last night whilst my brother and i were away. We do not know where they are. We have been searching for any clues all night long. We are..." Benedict looked at Colin a moment with sadness, "...pretty beside ourselves with worry."

"And you have no clue as to who might have done this?"

Both boys nodded 'no'.

"My housekeeper did not recognize the man. She is pretty confident he is not of this society based on his appearance. All that we know is that she and my..." Colin choked up, he tried not to shed a tear, "my baby boy were unharmed when they left. My doorman was unconscious but alive and no valuables were stolen."

Queen Charlotte's face conveyed sadness at the tears pooling on the boy's grief-stricken face.

"Please, your Majesty," Colin whispered, "This is my wife and my child. Penelope is my childhood friend. And my son...he is only four-months-of-age. They mean everything to me."

Queen Charlotte walked up to him with assurance, "As far as I am concerned, Mr. Bridgerton, your family has been wrongly taken away from you and Lady Whistledown is an asset to me...and I do not like any of my things taken from me. We will get them back. You have my word."

Colin's shoulders dropped in relief.

"You must remain level-headed. Tearing apart the city will not help, do you understand?"

Colin looked at his brother, not quite liking those words. He wanted to do EXACTLY what she just advised not to.

Queen Charlotte continued, "I will send over my detectives and their hounds. We will start where you think the last place Penelope was."

"That would be the alleyway behind Featherington House,” Benedict reported.

"She dropped this out there," Colin said, showing her the handkerchief.

"This is good. It will be something fresh the bloodhounds can sniff to pick up Mrs. Bridgerton's scent and track it."

Colin looked at her a bit in awe that the Queen did see Penelope as more than just her Whistledown title. She called her Mrs. Bridgerton and suddenly Colin had even more respect for her Majesty. It was one of his greatest feats, to give Pen that name of his.

"I will give it to the detectives in case they pick up any scent on the way over to your estate."

Colin hesitated a moment from placing in the Queen's hand. It was the very last thing he had of Pen right before she disappeared.

Benedict sensed this and placed his hand on his brother's back, "It will immensely help them to use it."

Colin looked at Lady Danbury who gave him a gentle smile and nod. He nodded and handed it over to her Majesty.

"We get to work then. And you, boys, you both should rest and fuel up. You are no help to me, or our girl, and that baby, if you faint from exhaustion and low sugar."

"She is right," Lady Danbury said as the Queen made her way out of the room.

"I will not rest until Penelope is in my arms and my baby is back in his cradle," Colin said stubbornly as he followed her Majesty out.

"Has he always been like this," Lady Danbury asked Benedict.

Benedict nodded.

"When you get him back to the house, do try to make sure he does what the Queen said."

"I can try, but I do not think he will listen. He is too hot headed, especially now with Pen and Elliot missing."

"Then make sure the staff puts a sleeping tablet in his tea or porridge, whichever he will consume." Off Benedicts hesitant look she continued, "At least a half one then. He needs some sleep, whether he agrees to it or not. That goes for you, too."

"Yes ma'am."

**

Next up: Chapter 10 – Lucille gives Penelope a little more information. Colin’s spirit connects with Pen’s.

ps: there will be more from the Queen. I had to add SOME humor with Ben’s quip about Polin’s recent past. It has been way too tense! 😊

Also, if you're reading this, and haven't commented, please do! I freaking LOVE everyone's reactions and perspectives to what's going on. This is my first suspense fic so the more opinions the better motivation. Plus I adore my fic fam & would love to interact with you, even if you're a guest.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Elliot was getting fussy. And Penelope was getting antsy.

Bouncing him in her arms, Pen paced around the bedroom in an anxious matter. She never had a problem staying in one place for a long period of time. A lot of the time she actually preferred it. When she did not have business to attend to, she basked in her seclusion. 'My little hermit' Colin always teased. She could stay in one room most of the day if she was content enough, but that was when she had her books and her writing accessible for her entertainment...or her husband who had absolutely no problems keeping her entertained. She’d listen to his stories, laugh at his barbs, answer his retrospective questions or enjoy his more intimate attentions.

Here she had an agitated infant and a bedroom with not even a Holy book nestled in one of the drawers.

Having had enough of this bedroom, Penelope wondered if they would not mind her walking around the home to at least try to ease her child. If he at least had his rattle, that would keep him quiet for hours.

Not locked in, Penelope cautiously peeked out the door and down the hallway. She did not see or hear anyone. Walking slowly down the hall, the baby stopped fussing and his face became curious, looking around. Penelope paused at a window and saw Lucille out in the fenced in backyard. She heard noise from the den, and assumed it was Max, so she made way to the kitchen where she found a patio door.

Lucille was looking up at the clouds with a tear-stained face as Penelope softly came up behind her.

“Miss Lucille?”

She slightly jumped at Penelope’s voice and quickly wiped her tears away with her hands before turning around. She gently smiled at the vigilant red head.

“Is this alright if I am out here? We are both suffering from a little cabin fever."

"Of course. Fresh air is good for all of us."

Penelope laid Elliot's blanket down and laid him down for 'tummy time' while sitting on the soft grass next to him. Lucille took a seat in one of the wooden chairs next to her.

"The dress fits you well."

"It does. A little long like you warned, but it is nice to be out of my nightclothes, I must say."

"My mother made that dress by scratch."

Pen's eyes widened impressed, "She did? It is very good. Was she a seamstress for a living?"

"Oh no. Just a stay-at-home Mama. She passed on a few years ago, from pneumonia."

"I am sorry for your loss. I lost my father a few years ago as well." Penelope noticed Lucille suddenly become very tense and uncomfortable. She did not know why but decided to go on with conversation. She hoped if she could become more as ease with her, perhaps she could get more information. "If your mother was still alive, she would have made for a great seamstress at a boutique. I have a very good friend whom is a very successful Modiste by my town."

Lucille responded excitedly, "Oh, you are very lucky to have a friend who can design for you. I have seen what women of societies wear. They have always looked so beautiful and well put together. What is it like to wear such exquisite dresses?"

"Tight," Pen giggled, "To wear such attire, even on a normal day, one must wear very constrictive corsets underneath. I am used to them now, but I do have to say I am currently enjoying my time without wearing one."

Elliot's hand had ripped some grass in his little fist which he then opened his mouth to suck on his hand but Penelope quickly took his hand away emptying it of the green terrain.

"Oh, no, no, Elliot. You cannot eat grass, my love. Your little tummy cannot even handle pureed food yet."

"How old is he," Lucille smiled in awe.

"16 weeks."

"He is very active for such a little boy."

"Yes. Gets that from his father," Pen teased, "We just heard him laugh for the first time yesterday morning."

Lucille watched as the woman's face became suddenly saddened at the memory as she and her infant looked at one another.

"I am very sorry that moment was overshadowed by my father bringing you here."

Penelope kept her attention on Elliot, smoothing his thin hair, but she knew she was slowly making progress with her. Just a little bit more.

"So am I," Pen responded, "May I ask, why were you crying just now?"

Lucille smiled and placed her hand on her belly, "When we were discussing your pregnancy and your husband, it made me think about mine."

"You are married," she asked in surprise but, seeing Lucille's slightly shocked expression, Pen quickly corrected her manners, "Forgive me. In your delicate position, of course you must be, I just have not seen another man in the home yet."

"It is alright. I was married. Nicholas passed away six months ago."

Penelope, despite her circumstances, felt a pain in her heart for the girl.

"I—I could say all the cordial things everyone else says when hearing such a horrible thing, but I am at a loss for words. I cannot imagine losing my husband that way, not at such a young age at least."

"Thank you. I had just found out I was pregnant before he passed. He was out riding with some friends. The horse threw him off and he hit his head. He never woke up. The doctor thinks he died of bleeding in the brain."

Penelope was suddenly wishing Colin was there, to hug him tight and never let him go.

"How awful for you to have to go through that," Pen said reaching a comforting hand on her arm.

"I have made peace with his death. My father, however, has not."

"Because he was like a son to him?"

"Well, yes, but we found out some information after he died that...that pertains to why you are here."

Penelope kept calm, though her insides were twisting and her mind was reeling, “You and I seem to be around the same age. How old was your husband?”

“Twenty-four.”

“That is my husband’s age."

Penelope tried to come up with something...anything...that would make sense to why they took her. Colin was the same age as this woman’s husband. Perhaps he had some kind of misunderstanding with Nicholas she did not know about? She does not recall Colin ever mentioning that name in his acquaintances. But it would make sense, she supposed, of their kidnapping to be in regards to something associated with Colin. They were his family. Though, Colin was not one to ever harm or cheat another. So, it would definitely be a misunderstand, not a misdeed.

“Lucille, did my husband have any association with your husband?”

“Your husband did not, I-I do not think, but...your father did.”

“My father? No,” Pen shook her head, “My father has been dead for years. He could not have had a recent association with your husband if he just passed away six months ago.”

“I did not speak of anything recent.”

Penelope’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Elliot was starting to doze off and Pen got up, sitting on the vacant chair next to Lucille.

“What are you saying?”

Lucille sighed, “I-I think I’ve said too much.”

“You have said nothing but that my deceased father used to have some kind of association with your deceased husband,” Pen stated irritated.

“Miss...”

“It is not Miss. In all due respect, I am Mrs. Bridgerton or Penelope. I have been nothing but cordial to you people since I was forcibly taken from my home!" Pen took a deep breath to calm her frustrations, "Please, Lucille, I am begging you...as a woman...as a mother. Not long ago you hinted to me that extending my family would be possible. That means I am going to be back with my husband. If I am to remain unharmed and reunited with my loved ones, does that not mean I am going to find out what this was all about anyways?”

Lucille looked at her with compassion.

“Please, tell me.”

“Ok,” Lucille whispered.

Colin reached out and touched the Cherub’s stone body as water trickled down it, just as Pen had done nights ago at the fountain. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tuppence. He remembered the night of his birthday, here in Lady Danbury’s gardens. Pen made him make a wish. He had wished for his wife and son to always be happy and healthy and safe. What a waste of a coin that was.

Now, here he was, about to make another.

Closing his eyes, Colin tossed the coin into the fountain. He took a deep breath, feeling tears spring to his eyes, when he felt two arms wrap around his waist from behind.

“What did you wish for?”

Colin smiled, opening his eyes. He placed his hands upon her small ones, but did not turn around. He could see her smile by memory, her playful eyes peering around up at him.

“I thought you said I am not allowed to tell you or else the wish won’t come true," he responded cheekily.

“You can tell me now.”

“I wished...I wished to find you.”

"You will."

Colin suddenly felt empty. He looked down, her arms were no longer around him. Turning around, she was suddenly gone, vanished into thin air.

Then her voice was a whisper, filled with despair but determination...

“Colin.”

Colin opened his eyes. The late afternoon sun was filtering through the windows of his study as he lay on the sofa there. He could hear nothing but the ticking of the grandfather clock.

Sitting up groggily, Colin ran a hand over his face and through his hair. He felt like he just slept two days.

Wait.

He had been sleeping. Everything was just a dream! Yes! He got overly drunk at the club, passed out in here because Pen was annoyed at him for coming home after midnight insanely bottle-heavy and they decided to extend their leave date for Aubrey Hall. That is what happened.

Colin got up and quickly exited the room, heading down the hall towards the master bedroom. Walking into the suite, he called out for her with a stupid chuckle.

“Pen!”

When he got to the bedroom, he froze in place. It was just as he had seen it in the nightmare he had. Her covers were tossed aside, Elliot’s cradle was empty, his weapon drawer was open and his knife...was exactly there on the floor where he had last seen it.

No.

It was not a dream. They were gone. It really happened.

Colin ran his hands through his hair before he grabbed a fist full yelling out in frustration, “FUUUUUCK!”

Grabbing the teddy from Elliot’s crib, Colin walked to the foot of his marriage bed and plopped down. He still remembered the moment Elliot received the small, stuffed animal.

Penelope was still laying down flat in their bed, their minutes-old baby was laying on her chest, wrapped in a blanket, still in need of a wash. Pen's forehead and hair were sweaty, her face tear-stained with happiness and relief as she cradling their newborn as a midwife attended to her post-birth needs.

Other than their Mama’s, whom were fiddling with preparing Elliot’s bath in the corner, Hyacinth had been in the room for the birth. With his and Pen's blessing, she wanted to be present at her God son's birth. Her other sisters had seen her and Gregory's births. It was only fair. She had been quiet the entire time since Pen started pushing. Not a peep, she sat there observing in the corner, not visible to anything too revealing. Hyacinth started watching with a wide-eyed curiosity at the unknowingness of what happened during birthing process, then her face showed great concern at the desperate sobs and painful screams of her sister-in-law. It ended with Hyacinth completely in awe at how patient and supportive her brother was as Penelope struggled to continue pushing. She even had screamed at Colin that he was never touching her intimately again. She did not understand that bit, but figured her outburst was from the pain.

When things settled down just a little after he came out, Hyacinth walked up to Penelope and said she was handing down her stuffed animal, a Bridgerton sibling heirloom. She wanted her Godson to have it. She knew any child of Colin and Penelope's would take good care of it. Penelope had laughed through her sweaty tears and grabbed it placing it next to her newborn.

Biting her bottom lip in adoration, a trait he loved of Pen’s, she then placed her free hand up to Hyacinth’s cheek, “Thank you sweet girl.”

Colin stubbornly swiped away another tear from his cheek. He felt anger but then chuckled, shaking his head.

“If you keep making me cry, Pen, I swear to God.” Colin sighed, setting the animal aside, and leaned forward on his elbows thinking, “Where are you, Pen? Come on, girl. I know you can feel my thoughts. Give me something, my clever, little wife.”

But, he got nothing in his mind’s eye. Giving up on a telepathic connection, he stood up and was about to walk out when he stopped.

He just had a dream out by the fountain. When they were at the fountain...

“I thought I heard something.”

“I thought someone walked past.”

“I feel like we are being watched.”

She had said these things in the gardens the night of his birthday. Colin snapped his fingers. What if her extra sensitive hearing was not just that. What if someone was there.

“You’re awake.”

Colin looked up to see his brother walk in looking refreshed.

“What time is it?”

“Half past three.”

“I slept...” Colin thought, “6 bloody hours? I do not even remember falling asleep. I had something to eat, downed some tea and...” off Benedict’s sheepish look, Colin tilted his head, “What did you do?”

“I was only acting on Lady Danbury’s orders.”

“Lady Danbury has no authority to give you orders.”

Ben laughed, “Surly you jest.”

“Brother!”

“Our own Queen told us to get some rest. She has authority.”

Colin looked at him ridiculously, “Please tell me that you did not drug me.”

“I did not drug you.” Benedict paused and then continued, “I had Rae crush up a sleeping tablet and put it in your tea.”

“Christ!”

“And you can’t go off on that sweet maid, she is off visiting Leon.”

“Oh, good. How is he?”

“I do not know. I just woke up twenty minutes ago. The doorman told me of her whereabouts.”

“Are you going to stay here?”

“For the time being.”

“Good. I am going to out.”

“For?”

“I just have to check out something at the Danbury gardens.”

“What?”

“I’m not sure, but I’m hoping to find something. I shan't be gone long.”

Gently patting Benedict’s cheek, Colin then hastily walked out.

**

Next up: Chapter 11- No info available

1. I had to add more humor! You just have to, especially with Benny Boy.

2. That dream of Colin’s, then his memory of when Pen just gave birth & Hyacinth...listen...me writing it is the same as you guys reading it. My fucking ❤️

3. How about that clever Colin? That’s why he’s ‘Lord Whistledown’!

❌ There probably won't be a post tomorrow. I have nothing written. This has not been a good week for me mentally. Your girl has been a bit down in spirits. PMS, shitty weather, who knows. I have had 0 motivation to write. BUT I still have all the scenes playing out in my head (I just envisioned the scene where Polin finally reunite and I cannot wait to give that to you!) I am planning on having a cozy weekend in so expect posts this weekend, maybe sooner if something kicks me in the ass.

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Archibald Featherington’s fraudulent actions got him murdered.   Penelope knew that. She was Lady Whistledown. She found the real cause of her father’s death weeks after he was laid to rest. She not once mentioned the information to anyone, except to Colin, during one of their many meaningful conversations during their honeymoon. She did not even know if her mother knew the truth, but what was the point? Her mother, though came to care about him, never loved him. And he had gambled their money away, their livelihoods.   Her father’s sham with a stupid bet ended with a deathly poisoning. And now, years after his death, his cheating ways continued to affect his family...by his youngest daughter and grandson being kidnapped.   In the backyard, Penelope remained sat on the chair as Elliot remained napping peacefully on his soft blanket next to her. Lucille retreated back into the house behind her, leaving Mrs. Bridgerton to process her thoughts.   Pen shook her head in amazement, in disbelief, with the information she had just received.    Shortly after Nicholas died, we were going through his statements, to obtain information on his inheritance. His Grandmother had raised him, you see, and she died shortly before we married. She left him her and his grandfathers’ savings. It was not the excessive amount of funds you are used to, but it was enough to live comfortably, if used at a steady pace.    When we went to bank to retrieve his funds into an account with my name, there was no money left. We were shocked and disheartened, but we figured he must have foolishly spent it in secret. Nicholas kept a daily journal, but I never, ever read when he was alive. We respected each other’s privacy. But, the night after returning from the bank, I read it. All I wanted was to feel close to him again. I did not know I would receive my answer to why the funds were gone.     In an excerpt, Nicholas wrote about the night of his Bachelor’s party. He had gone into the city right outside of Mayfair. According to his writing, he went to a gentleman’s club and got swindled into some high-stake card game. I do not even know what he was thinking. He was so young. He should not have been messing around with gambling in the first place. Turns out, the game was rigged. He did not even realize he was cheated until after he had given his money away to the swindler. He tried to protest, to fight, but the men of that high of society over ranked him and threw him out. They made it seem like he was some drunk peasant from the country. He wrote that they said the law would not believe him they threatened him. Nicholas wrote one day he would go after the man and get his money back. That man was Lord Archibald Featherington.    Weeks later, Nicholas wrote an excerpt saying he found out about your father’s untimely death and so halted his future plans of reclaiming his stolen funds. A couple months ago, after going to a physician about the limp in his leg, my father received news that it was a blood clot in response to having a blood disease. They call it Cancer. Apparently, Cancer is a disease one does not recover from. He has been told he has a few more months to live. Six at the most. In my eyes, what does a human doctor know? It is up to God, right? But when he found this out, my Father hastily made the decision to redeem the misdeed that was made on Nicholas. He spent weeks investigating your family and figuring out a plan. I did not think he would actually do anything. You see, my father has mild Autism. It is not something I tell many, as they put people in Asylums for mental illnesses of the mind. But my father has never even killed a fly. You understand? He creates in his mind. That is how he gets through episodes. A plan, even one of revenge, kept his mind busy, kept his mind organized. He just found out he is dying. I thought, let him keep this to his imagination. He did not tell me any details, but he did keep saying your name: Penelope Featherington. He kept mumbling how you would be the easiest to get to, how your infant had inherited this Lord Featherington title and how you married into a wealthy family.    Never in my wildest dreams did I think he would ever go along with it.  His plan is to make a trade with your husband. The funds for you and your son. His plan for me is to move to Amsterdam and live with my dear Aunt who will look at me and my baby when they arrive. All he wants is to know I am financially prosperous and taken care of after he succumbs to his illness.   “She told you.”  Penelope, with tears in her eyes, looked up at a shamefaced Max looking down at her.   “May I?”  Penelope nodded and he took a seat where Lucille had been not moments ago.  “Please forgive me, Miss Penelope, but there was no other way.”  Pen shook her head, “There were many different ways. You did not have to resort to kidnapping. To – to ransom.”   “And which ways would that be?”  “You could have come to me and my husband and told us.”  “An old, peasant man, from the country, calling on your estate to inform you, without proof but a journal, of your father’s cheat...you rich, high-society folk would not have given me the time of day.”  “My husband and I are not like that. Yes, some would stick their noses up at you, but my husband is not like the men at the Gentleman’s club where your son-in-law was taken for granted. My husband is a kind, empathetic man. He is a worldly man, whom has traveled to many corners of Europe. He has stayed in the poorest of towns, he has worked his fingers to the bone on ships. He has made friends with labor men. And *I* am not my father. Do you know how my father died? He was poisoned by rivals because of another cheated bet of his. I am not ignorant to his misdeeds and poor decisions. Alright? He has left me and my family in scandal and now he continues to negatively affect my life. To you, I may be just another gentle-bred, societal woman, but I am smart  I know more information than people think. And I would never have shut the door in your face if you came to me about a misdeed of my father’s. My husband and I would have listened and tried to work something out.”   “I appreciate your candor. And as much as I want to believe that, Miss, you have to understand, it is hard to fathom that is what would have happened."  “And you have to understand, what you did was wrong.”  “I know it was wrong!”  Penelope glanced down at her baby. Max looked down, noticed the sleeping babe, and calmed his voice, “When I was told I was dying, I made a vow, then and there, to avenge what was stolen from Nicholas. My daughter is going to have a baby. I have nothing to my name but what I have now from making deliveries,” Max’s eyes filled with tears, “Even those minimal funds stop when my heart stops. Lucy has nothing. What should have been rightfully hers was stolen.”  A tear fell from Pen’s eye and she did nothing to conceal it. Her lips quivered as she pleaded, “You could have just taken my jewels when I first offered. They are worth so much.”  “Jewels like that are also traceable.”  Penelope did not even consider that. Most of them were Bridgerton jewels passed to her, and she knew those were traceable.   Penelope could not help the slight smile creep on her lips. It was wrong of her to do such, in the current circumstances, but she felt for this man, “You are a clever man.”  Max mirrored the same, soft smile, “I am when it comes to protecting my daughter and grandchild's future.”   Penelope sighed, “So, what now?”  “Your Mr. Bridgerton should have received my letter by now. He has clear instructions and it will go according to plan.”  “What if it doesn’t? My husband...” Penelope closed her eyes. She knew exactly what Colin would do. He’d be out for blood, “...he will not let this go as easily as you think.”  “You are going to make sure everything goes smoothly,” he demanded softly and continued, “Your freedom back with your husband and my daughter leaves for Amsterdam with security. And I...I die a peaceful man.”  Penelope licked her lips, leaning forward in her business stance, “Max. As much as I feel for what your family has gone through, for what you are going through, my willing assistance with how this will go is not entirely up to me. There’s more to this than just a simple trade off with my husband.”   Max looked at her curiously, but a little daunted as well, “What do you speak of?”  “You asked me about this Lady Whistledown that I had mentioned...”  “You said she was you.”  “Yes. That is my business pseudonym. I have a very successful writing column. It was once a solo endeavor but it has since turned into a business proposition with Queen Charlotte...the Queen of England," Pen reiterated to make sure he understood the seriousness behind that, "She and I have created a rapport. She has become an ally of mine. I can say with certainty, after Colin found out his wife and son were taken, he went straight to her. I would not be surprised if she has a team searching for my whereabouts at this exact moment.”  “You are a very lucky girl to have such benefit of having our Queen as a support for you then.”  “You do not understand,” she said, placing her hand on his arm, “When I am back with my husband, the Queen will come after you. That is, if she does not have her guards seize you during this trade.”  “Your husband has very explicit instructions. But, if I am caught, I am not afraid.”  “But...she might order your execution,” Pen whimpered, full of heartbreak.  Max reached over and took her hands in his warmly, his voice gentle as if soothing his own daughter, “I am to die anyways. What is a few months difference?”   “You are really okay giving up at the gallows rather than your own bed? Your daughter...”  “She will know my death was the result of protecting her future in my absence. I hope this way can be avoided, of course, but if her Majesty should retrieve me, I will be ready. My only plea to you, Mrs. Bridgerton, is that you make sure Lucy receives the funds your father stole.”  “I promise,” Pen whispered, “And if your plan does not play out the way you hope, I will also ask for mercy upon our Queen, for your survival, but her ally to me only goes so far.”  “I understand.”   In Mayfair, Colin’s body softly jostled with the moving carriage. Between his fingers, he stared at the small matchbook. It was nothing special. It was black, half empty of matches inside, and written on the front was Eadric Township.    He found it, in the Danbury gardens, behind a bush where Penelope kept thinking she heard or saw someone. He was hoping to find something of more significance, but this was the best he got. So many people visited the gardens. It could be anyone’s, but he decided to keep it with him just in case.  It was nearing dinner time as the carriage pulled up in front of Featherington Estate, just as Rae was walking up. He met her right outside.  “Ah, Rae, are you just getting back from the medicine house?”  “Yes.”  “How is he?”  “He has a concussion, but with plenty of induced sleep, doctors say he will recover just fine.”  “Oh, thank heavens.”  “I sat and read the newspaper to him. You know how obsessed he is about his daily information.”  Colin chuckled, “That is a very kind thing for you to do. I am sure he enjoyed hearing it, even if his eyes were closed.”  “Yes, I think so, too. How are you doing?”  
“Hanging in there,” he said ushering her first to go up the steps, “I do feel more clearly headed after the sleeping tablet you gave me.”  Rae paused, looking back at him wide-eyed and ashamed, but he shook his head, “It is alright. I needed it.”   As they entered the foyer, Benedict rushed up out of breath. “Thank God, you’re back.”  Colin’s brows furrowed seeing how anxious Benedict was. Then he noticed a letter in his hand.  “What’s happened?”  “This,” Ben said holding it up in his hand, “It came when you were out. It’s from him...the man that took Pen and Elliot.”   **  Next up: Chapter 12- The Queen receives more information and Colin decides to go rogue.    Guys, after a day (week) from emotional hell, and a strong Starbucks latte at 7pm, I just typed this fucker out quick to give you something! It is officially pajama weekend time, so more writing!    Also, wanted to share this! Stickers I have on my laptop & my iPad. Wish it said "Polin Smut" 🤭🤭

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Colin’s heart thumped loudly in his chest as the wind hit his face hard. His breath was shallow as he rode his stallion as fast as his trusted horse could go. And Benedict was following right behind him. Their only goal right now was getting to the palace.   Mr. Colin Bridgerton,    I hope you find solace in this letter when I write to you that your wife and your child are well and remain unharmed. You may not trust my words, but that is all I can offer you right now.   Your reunion with your family is imminent. Heed my instructions carefully. There will be no follow up letter. If you do not follow my directive, there will be consequences.   It is simple - in three days' time, from when you should receive this, on Thursday morn, come to the Thames Shipyard at half past seven. Look for an old, covered wagon parked with two brown steed. There we will make a trade – three-thousand pounds for the woman and infant.     You will come alone – no law, no acquaintances. If you come with back up, Mr. Bridgerton, the trade will be called off and your reunion, delayed. If you choose to cooperate, you get your family and me and my party leave by ship out of the country never to return to Great Britain.   I warn you, Mr. Bridgerton, this can be as simple and easy as you make it.   (author note: 3,000 pounds in 1800 is around 250,000 pounds today, maybe a little more) So many things were going through Colin’s mind. This ‘trade’ could not be as simple as the man wrote. He sure as hell seemed to go into a lot of trouble to kidnap Pen and Elliot, and all he wanted was three-thousand pounds? Sure, it was a good amount of funds, but not anything close to what he assumed a ransom would be. The Queen herself had once put a bounty out on Lady Whistledown for even more than that.   He also knew clever Pen could have easily offered him that amount of funds if he had demanded it from her instead of kidnapping her. He could have stolen jewels, artwork, silver in much more than the amount he demanded on him in the letter. Something just did not sit right with Colin.   Then there was the word ‘my party’. Were there others? Other men? This man wrote that Penelope remained unharmed, but that could mean she was alive and had not been beaten. But...what if...Colin closed his eyes wincing. He could not even fathom the thought of a man forcing himself upon her.   “Colin! Watch out!”  At Benedict’s voice, Colin’s eyes quickly opened, but they went wide as a low hanging, thick tree branch was about to hit him. Colin quickly ducked, just missing it, and Benedict followed suit.   They rode out of the trail and into the open fields nearing the palace. When they rode up to the front, two guards stepped forward before they could even get off their horses.  “Colin and Benedict Bridgerton for her Majesty on information of Penelope Bridgerton’s kidnapping,” Benedict stated.  The guards nodded, recognizing them for clearance. Benedict hopped off and looked at his brother concerned as he handed his horse’s rein to the Palace’s carriage and horse valet there.  “You almost got yourself hurt back there.”  “It’s fine,” Colin said hopping off and hanging his rein over as well.  “If I was not with you, right now you would be laying in the mud with a broken neck.”  “Do not make something out of nothing,” Colin said hastily following a guard up the steps with Benedict on his tail.  “Just be more careful is all I’m saying.”   Inside the palace, Queen Charlotte was eagerly awaiting the Bridgerton boys. When they appeared, being escorted by Brimsley, both men bowed their heads in respect.   “Still a little disheveled,” she said carefully looking them over, “But you both return with more color to your faces. Have you rested and refueled as I instructed?”  “Yes, your Majesty, both of us,” Benedict answered.  “Good. Now, what is this information you’ve acquired?”  Colin stepped forward quickly, handing her the letter. She took it and slowly read it over. Her curious expression transformed to one of audacity. Her eyebrow rose with skepticism as she folded the letter back up and calmly handed it to Brimsley. She was silent a long moment, folding her hands in front of her.  “Your Majesty,” Colin asked softly, but eagerly.  “We tracked your wife’s scent to the outskirts of the city but then came up with nothing. The hounds could track no more.” Colin turned to look at his brother with disappointment but Queen Charlotte continued, “With this letter, we will summon the courier and track the post. Once we find out the city or town where it was sent from, we can track the scent on the letter, and the handkerchief to the precise location.”   “So, we do not follow the letter’s instructions,” Ben asked, a little weary.  “We do not negotiate with a kidnapper, especially one so closely associated to the Crown.”  “While I am skeptical with this trade, your Majesty, what if your men cannot track the location,” Colin asked, “We are running on borrowed time.”  “If we cannot track the location by tomorrow evening, we will meet again and come up with a different plan. Right now, this is the best option.”  “Whatever you find out, your Majesty, please have your detectives inform me.”  “You will be informed, Mr. Bridgerton, and your wife will be returned to you by my men.”  “With all due respect,” Colin stated firmly, “I will be accompanying your men if they find the location.”  “Whilst I understand your reasoning for accompanying, Mr. Bridgerton, it is operative you stay behind.”  Colin’s face dropped in astonishment, “But I...” 
 “When a physician is operating, they do not let the family member stay in the room screaming and crying. It is a distraction. They wait elsewhere so the doctor can do his job and return with good news,” the Queen responded in sharp example.  Colin sighed, trying to stay calm, “I understand that analogy, your Majesty, but this is...”  “...a very complicated situation that must be handled carefully,” she interrupted.  “Colin,” Benedict said, warning.  “No,” Colin raised his voice to his brother, “This is Pen and my child we’re talking about.”  “Mr. Bridgerton. The best thing you can do is what you are continuing to do,” the Queen said with compassion but a stern tone, “Bringing us any information you have and keeping yourself rested and hydrated for your family’s sake. Let us find Penelope while you keep in a positive mindset.”  Without another word, Colin turned and stormed out. Benedict, wide-eyed, turned back to the Queen and bowed his head for his brother before he followed him out.    That night, at Crosby’s, Colin briskly walked up to the bar.  “Ah, Bridgerton, what can I get ya,” the bartender, Harold, asked with a smile.  “Not here for spirits tonight, Harold. But I do have a question. Have you ever seen any of the men in here with this kind of matchbook?”  Colin showed him the black matchbook with the Sedric Township labeled on it.   Harold made a quizzical face before shaking his head, “Nah. None of the men around here are from that town.”   “You know of it?”  He nodded, “My sister lives in the neighboring town. It’s in the country, about an hour to the north east.”   “Hm,” Colin thought as he played with between his fingertips. A lot of people could have dropped it in the gardens...any staff member or servant as well.    “You know,” Harold snapped his fingers, “A delivery man stopped in days ago. He drove a covered wagon with that exact town labeled on the side.”  Colin’s eyes snapped up to him in surprise.  “He came in asking for directions to the Danbury estate. It was night of the big ball they had. I figured he was delivering something for the party.”  Colin’s breath hitched as he stared back at the matchbook, “I found this at the Danbury estate.”  “Probably same guy then.”   “What did he look like,” Colin quickly asked.  “Older man, a little worse for wear, but polite.”   Colin shoved the matchbook in his pocket ready to quickly leave, “You say this town is an hour north east?”  “Yes. Just before Victorsville.”  “You’ve been a great help. Thank you, Harold,” he said before dashing out of the bar.     Bang!   As the door banged open, Benedict’s body jumped, as he lay in bed, in one of the Featherington guest rooms. When he saw Colin hastily walk in with a candle, he groaned and flung his arm over his face.  “Didn’t your mother ever tell you that it’s not polite to barge into a room without knocking?”  “Like you did to Pen and I on New Years?”  “First of all, it was the library room! Public domain,” Ben sat up, “Second of all, how was I to know I would find you bending your wife over a book shelf?”  “We were starting the New Year off right,” Colin smiled cheekily.  “Yeah, I guess so.”  Colin’s smile widened, as he thought to himself of that moment. They hadn’t let Ben’s intrusion ruin the salacious moment. He threw a book at the door, as Ben quickly retreated. Pen’s initial embarrassment lasted none but a few seconds until Colin continued. They had quite a bit of books to pick back up after that one.  “Hey, hey, hey,” Benedict raised his voice seeing his brother’s filthy memory on his face, “Don’t start getting amorous in my bedroom.”  “Technically, it’s my bedroom,” Colin corrected, “My house.”  “Technically,” Ben re-corrected, “It is your son’s house. You just occupy it until he is old enough to kick you out. So, what did you come barging in here for any ways?”  “I think I know the location where Pen is.”  Benedict quickly got out of bed, “Where?”  Colin reached into his pocket and pulled out the matchbook, “Here.”  “What is that?”  “It’s a town in the country about an hour north east. The night of Lady Danbury’s ball, that you pretended to be sick so you didn’t have to come...”  “Yes,” he groaned.  “Pen and I were in the gardens and she kept hearing things or thinking she saw someone. I thought she was just sensitive after the pregnancy, but when I went earlier, I found this in the exact place she kept being paranoid about.”  “And you think that’s where Pen is? Anyone could have dropped that.”  “I thought that, too, but Harold just told me that an old delivery man in a covered wagon with this town printed on the wagon stopped at the bar that night asking for directions to the Danbury estate.”  Benedict looked at his brother with clarity, “That is more than a coincidence.”  “Exactly.”  “So, first thing in the morn, inform the Queen so her guards can take the letter and Pen’s hanky into that town and hopefully the bloodhounds can track the scent.”  “No,” Colin stated calmly but adamantly, “First thing in the morn, I am riding into town and going to search every house and building for that covered wagon.”  “Brother,” Ben said with a warning eye that reminded him so much of Anthony, “The Queen warned you not to...”  “I don’t care,” Colin interrupted with a hiss, “This is my wife and my child. I am going and I am not bringing any guards. Royal guards coming into the country can scare this man off, and possibly relocate Pen and Elliot, if they are in fact in this Sedric Township.”  Ben sighed, “You are not incorrect.”  Colin nodded, “If they are there, we will catch him off guard seeing he is not expecting me for three day’s time. And if I know Pen, she has already informed him that I will do anything to get them back.”  “And she has also warned him that you have probably already gone to the Queen.”  “Exactly. So, with no Royal guards present, that will also keep our search undetected.”  Ben nodded, “I am going with you.”  “I can do this on my own. I will have my gun and knife and...”  “As will I, but I cannot let you go alone. It could prove to be dangerous. Besides, you nearly got yourself manned by a tree trunk earlier. Last thing I want to do is have to explain to mother on why her third son has been hurt or worse. We already have to look forward to her wrath when we do not show up at Aubrey Hall. I will be coming with you.,"  “Thank you for your support, brother,” Colin said placing a hand on his brother’s back, “We leave at dawn.”   **  Next up: Chapter 13- Colin and Penelope, laying in separate beds, in different houses, in another town, think about each other.    See, Colin ain’t like Spartacus rogue, he’s just getting shit done.   What do you guys think? Am I doing ok writing my first ‘mystery/suspense’ fic?  We’re getting close to the reunion, but still story to go. It does not end with the reunion 😊

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Penelope stared at the rain trickling down the window. The gentle, nighttime storm was usually relaxing to her. She always fell asleep right away to the sound of rain and thunder in the distance, but she could not tonight.

Across the small bedroom, in a basinet graciously borrowed to her from Lucille’s nursery, Elliot was wrapped up in his blankie sleeping peacefully. Pen closed her eyes and reached her hand out to the empty side of the bed next to her. Her arm landed on the cool sheets, but she imagined Colin there, his warmth making her feel secure, loved and protected.

Penelope rolled onto her side, facing his side of the bed, and pictured him laying there with her. He would roll his head her way; his deep, blue eyes reflecting in the candlelight and his soft smile reminding her of his love for her.

Pen lifted her hand on the pillow there, laying it gently down, as if she were caressing his cheek, or his chest.

“Colin,” she whispered.

In Mayfair, Colin laid in bed, on Penelope’s side, the teddy bear sitting on his bare chest. He gently caressed it, as if it were his son.  Kissing it, he then placed the toy on the side table there and focused on the rain outside the tall window in the bedroom.

He gently smiled. Pen loved when it rained at night. It always lulled her into a deep sleep. He hoped she was getting sleep now, wherever she was. He took a deep breath and instantly smelled her there. Leaning his face to the side, more into her pillow, he could smell the faint scent of her hair, the rose water of her bath.

Colin could hear her now, if she walked in on him laying on her side of the bed. In the very beginning, she might’ve teased him, even intimately persuaded him to move. But now, she’d walk straight to that side of the bed and motion for him to move with a no-nonsense response, “Scoot.”

She wasn’t there, but Colin moved anyway. He turned on his side and faced the empty section of the bed as if she were laying there next to him. Her baby blue eyes, that he was hopelessly in-awe of, would be staring at him, sparkling with either love, mischief or seduction...usually all three.

“Pen,” he softly said, reaching his hand out as if he could touch her cheek.

God, what he wouldn’t give to feel the soft, warmth of her skin again. He’d trace the back of his finger against her cheek, very delicately, like a butterfly’s wings, before moving down to her plush, rosy lips. Ever since the first moment he ever teased her lips with his finger, the very first time they made love, her lips always parted in response, beckoning him. No sound would come out at that particular moment, but it was what challenged him to do more until little sounds were released past her lips. God, her sounds.

Colin rolled onto his back and closed his eyes. If he had to pick his top three of his favorites of his wife, her voice would be on that list. Whether she was talking, whispering, humming, laughing or moaning, he absolutely loved it. But, the sounds of her pleasure, he loved the best. The fact that he was the only one who ever made her release sounds the way she did never failed to make his cock hard. She even revealed to him, in-between their sessions on the settee in Bloomsbury that first time, that she had never even touched herself like that before. She was bashful when she told him that she had not even recognized her own voice when he showed her pleasure for the first time in the carriage.

She sure as hell did not blush at the sounds she made after fully coming into her own sexuality shortly after their reconciliation. Colin always found it amusing, and quite frankly, a turn on, that Penelope did not mind being heard by their staff. Sometimes she even acted like she was proud of it. Colin was proud, too, of himself for giving her such feelings.

Right now, he was frustrated. His cock was hardening at the thought of his little wife and her vocal reactions to his administrations.

He released an impatient sound, “Pen. God, you should be here with me.”

Penelope stared at the empty pillow, tracing her fingernail up and down it in a lazy manner. She wondered how he was doing, if he was sleeping. He was stubborn. She knew he’d make a fit about sleeping while she was God knows where.

“Soon, my love. We will be together soon. I do not know what will happen when that time comes, if everything will go to plan, but whatever happens, we will be back together,” she thought.

She felt more worried for Colin than she did of her own situation. Deep down, she knew she would be okay, but did Colin know that? He must be out of his mind in worry, but...yes, yes, he had to know she was ok. She was sure he could feel that. Pen wanted to spoon him, she wanted to comfort him, she wanted to hold him and kiss him. Gods, she just wanted him. She wanted to feel him against her, on top of her. She wanted to feel his lips against hers, his hands on her body. She wanted to feel him inside of her.

Penelope felt her arousal as her nipples tingled, hardening, and a warmth spread from her chest down between her legs. She sighed, in frustration, and placed her hands on her forehead. She knew this was not the right situation to be thinking such things, but it was not just about sex. It was the intimacy they shared, the connection. Being with Colin, even in the most ardent of their lovemaking, was like being wrapped up in a big, gooey security blanket. Right now, other than her baby sleeping, she felt so alone. She wanted him here! She wanted him hovering over her. She wanted...

Penelope glided her hand down her face, her finger tracing her cheek, down to her lips, like he always did, and then further down her neck. She shivered when her nail tickled the sensitive spot of her neck that he always like to suck on. Her hand traveled further, down her chest, and over her left breast. It was always Colin’s first target because ‘it was the first he touched’.  When her nail slid over her sensitive, erect nipple, teasing it, Pen’s hand up by her head softly grasped her hair there in annoyance. She wished what she felt was the gentle scraping of her husband’s teeth instead. As her hand cupped herself over her nightgown, her thumb teasing her peak, she inhaled through her nose, arching her back slightly. The pad of his tongue would be there right now. Her eyebrows furrowed in pleasure thinking about how bloody amazing it felt to have his mouth on her breasts.

Each caress of her nipple, Pen felt the little orgasmic tingle between her legs, getting hotter. His hand would usually move there next, just as he was moving his mouth to her other breast. Without much thinking, Penelope’s free hand slid down to her right breast, giving that nipple attention as her other slid down her stomach and between her legs. Penelope occasionally touched herself there during sex, of course, but it was very rare indeed for her to touch herself like she was now. There was never a need to when she had him, and he never denied her.

The last time she remembered touching herself, alone, for pleasure was six weeks after Elliot was born. She had been told by doctor to wait at least six weeks to have marital relations but was advised to only do so when she felt ready. Pen had touched herself to see if she’d get a response. After all, her body had gone through a lot. She could have easily had Colin experiment, but she did not want to disappoint him if her body did not feel capable. So, she experimented herself. On the outside, amazing. On the inside, even more amazing. The feelings were back and she was even more sensitive. It felt so good that she could not stop. She went all the way and had her first orgasm after birth. Following that, she seduced Colin. He was shocked to see how wet she was. She did not tell him it was from her orgasm. She didn’t want to ruin the mood, or his ego. Pen was very pleasantly surprised when she had two more during their coupling.

Penelope’s fingers found a rhythm on the outside, thinking of her husband’s experienced fingers, as her other hand caressed her nipple, heightening the sensations. It was not long before it started climbing, higher and higher. Her hips gently rolled, wishing the friction of his own hips were against hers. She simply loved feeling his pelvis meeting her own as they rolled against each other.

As her wrist started moving faster, she bit her lower lip, her forehead scrunching, as she felt her orgasm approaching. Colin always knew when she was coming, too, and played to it, either coaxing her with loving words or demanding it in their more heated moments. Pen gasped and she quickly pushed her lips together to stop from moaning as her body tensed. Her head fell back against the pillow as her muscles contracted around nothing. She, oh so very much, was missing feeling him filling her as she came.

Breathing heavily, Pen banged her fist against the empty spot next to her angry that she was not with her husband.

Colin tried to will his erection down, thinking of many random things, but every single thing he thought of ultimately ended with a thought of Pen. Then things about Pen. Then more physical things about Pen. Then him physically with Pen.

The last time they made love was on his birthday, on the couch across the room. She straddled him and rode him, both quiet because of the baby. He made a promise to himself, when they were together again, he was going to take her on her back, he did not care where, and fuck her until they were both not caring how loud they were or who would hear them.

Colin felt himself leak a little and he knew he had to take care of it. Throwing the covers aside, he reached down to the tie of his sleep breeches and pulled his hard, throbbing cock out. Caressing himself, Colin couldn’t remember the last time he had to rub one out himself. He and Pen had a very satisfying, very active sex life. Even if she was not in the mood, she still got him off. Suddenly, the vision of her giving him her little present in the carriage on the ride home, on the night of his birthday, evaded his mind. Why the bloody hell had he initially protested that? Her mouth was very skilled. Ohhhh yes, he protested because he’d rather be inside of her. It was true. It was his favorite place to be.

She was so warm, so tight, so slick. She fit him like a glove.

Ohhh, fuck.

Colin’s hand moved faster. God, he wished he was moving in and out of his wife’s cunny right now. Even beneath him, she was no pillow princess. She showed that the very first time they made love. With no experience, and just lost her maidenhood, she took the reins, canting her hips, making him pound into her. He lost his ever-loving mind, and his heart to her forever, on the settee that afternoon. Then he had lost it a second time, when she was now comfortable in her skin, and no longer feeling discomfort. He made love to her breasts with his mouth. He had attacked the skin of her bosom in the carriage, but here, no longer restrained by a corset, he was able to show her pleasure from her nipples. She had been gleefully surprised by the sensations and became very horny. He wanted to bury his face in between her legs, and show her that kind of pleasure for the first time, too, but he decided to do that once she was lawfully his wife. He thought it would make special for their wedding night. That didn’t take, because of his stupidity.
 
But, the night of the Butterfly Ball, when they returned home, he did just that.  They made it only half way up the inside stairs before her back was arched on them as his head was under her blue, sparkly dress eating her out as her cries echoed throughout the foyer. He still remembers her red lips parted, her lipstick smeared on both their lips. Thank God, he had Rae send all the servant's home that night. And thank heavens to Rae for being discreet and having retreated to her quarters before they returned home. That moment, for Colin, was one of the naughtiest moments of his life…and he has been privy to brothels. But nothing…nothing…compared to that moment with his Pen.

Colin’s wrist pumped faster, feeling his balls tighten. He groaned through a chuckle. If it wasn’t for Pen’s achy back, ever since the pregnancy, he’d gladly eat her out on the stairs again. An hour long massage to her back would be worth it. Perhaps he’d persuade her sometime...or take her by surprise. Yes, that would be the only way to do it. As his orgasm was reaching its peak, he saw her breasts in his mind, jiggling with his hard thrusts as he neared climax. Her lips were always parted now, her eyelids half open, the skin between her eyes creased as she experienced aftershocks of her orgasm as he was about to lose his. Colin groaned, rumbling deep in his chest, as white ropes shot out onto his stomach over and over. He milked himself to the very last drop before he fell back spent.
 
He looked over at Pen’s side of the bed and shut his eyes as if in pain, trying not to release a sob of heartache.

**

Next up: Chapter 14 – Colin tries to remain hopeful. Pen is very weary.

Ooo ya’ll weren’t expecting that, were you? An entire chapter of smut where Polin aren’t even in the same room! LOL Horny Little Devils 😉 But let’s be real. They *needed* that.

**a small tidbit of the next chapter...

Pen adjusted Elliot, raising him up in her hands. He smiled big at this and reached his hands down at his mother’s face who was smiling up at him. She kissed those tiny fingers of his and noticed Elliot turn his head, staring out the window at something. Then he made an excited, squealing sound.

Pen gasped surprised, “Do you see a bird? Another bunny rabbit?”

In the corner of her eye, she saw movement past the window. She glanced out in time to see two men on horses, on the front road, trolly on by. That was the first time she had seen anyone pass the house. She could not see a house of a neighbor within eyesight on this road, so it was strange to see people. As quickly as she had noticed them, they disappeared as they continued on their way.

Pen leaned her head back against the couch, her body feeling drained.

“Perhaps some very strong tea is needed as well, Miss Lucille,” Penelope said loudly enough for Lucille to hear in the adjacent kitchen, then she spoke to her son, “And perhaps your Mama will take a nap when you go down for yours. Yes.”

She tapped the tip of his nose which made him giggle.

Hm, I wonder who the men on the horses could be 🤔 😉

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Colin and Benedict strode on their horses, side-by-side, down a dirt, country road. Disguised in more casual attire, they had passed the ‘Sedric Township’ sign many miles back.

As Benedict studied a map in his hand, Colin was looking around the empty fields getting antsy. They had passed only two homes so far, spread far apart, and not any old covered wagon in sight.

“I thought we would be looking in a village. This is a vast majority of land with houses spread out for miles. No one even has neighbors here.”

“It would be easier to ask someone if they had seen the wagon, or know of it,” Ben quipped.

“And if they do know, or someone should overhear, they could alert and warn this guy.  We can’t risk that.”

“According to this map, if we keep going east on this road for about a mile and a half, there is a large shopping village. Hopefully we can discover something there. If not, at least we can get some water and food before continuing back to look.”

Colin nodded, trying to remain hopeful.

Penelope walked into the living room, with Elliot on her hip, where she found Lucille lounging comfortably in a chair stitching.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning,” Lucille smiled.

Pen glanced out the window, “Boy, for all the rain last night it is not that wet outside.”

“I know. It has been so dry here this season. All the greenery and crops just sucked that water right up.”

Penelope noticed the wagon was not parked where it normally was. Then she realized there was no sound of Max nor the smell of food, as there had been the previous morning.

“Did your father go somewhere?”

“Yes. Took the wagon down the road to the locksmith garage. Problem with the wheel I think he said. Then he was riding a horse into the village for more food. He said he would cook us breakfast when he returned.”

“Oh, that is very nice of him,” Pen said as she sat down on the sofa there, a bit lackluster.

Lucille noticed and she placed her stitching down, “If you are hungry now, we do have scones and fruit.”

“I am alright for now, thank you,” Pen said leaning her cheek on her fist, staring out the window disheartened. Elliot sat upon her lap playing with the ties under the bust of his Mama’s dress.

“Are you feeling well?”

“I am just a bit fatigued. Did not sleep well last night,” Pen mumbled.

“I am sorry to hear that,” Lucille continued, her voice sincere, as she assumed it was her mind that created the insomnia, “You will be back with your husband soon.”

Penelope looked back at her, giving her a worn-out smile. Lucille kept a serious eye-contact with Penelope, and nodded to her, to confirm her statement. Penelope looked down at her son, minding his own business upon her lap. Her eyes teared up as studied his beautiful face, looking so much like Colin.

“I just miss him so much,” Pen whispered as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Lucille pushed herself up from her seat, as quickly as she could so heavily with child, and sat next to Penelope, placing her hand on her arm in reassurance.

“I am so sorry my father took you from him, even for this short time.”

“Other people in my situation would not trust your father, nor you, but for some reason I do. I do trust when you say that I will be back with my husband, that my son will be back in his Papa’s arms. I believe it. Perhaps it is instinct, but my husband and I...we...”

Pen stopped as Elliot gazed up at her with his big, blue eyes as he slobbered on the end of the white tie string on her dress.  This little, perfect human was a product of her and Colin’s love. She still could not believe they made him.

“You what,” Lucille asked softly.

“My husband and I have this...I guess you would say spiritual connection. We do not freely speak of it, because some might think us crazy,” Pen giggled through her tears and continued, “We are childhood friends. Even when we did not see each other for quite some time in between seasons, specifically when he would be traveling, we felt like we lost part of ourselves.  We became pen pals to try to make up for that. If we did not write, Colin would think about me and I would be trying to not think about him.”

“You fell in love with him first, didn’t you,” Lucille asked sheepishly.

Penelope giggled, “Oh, yes. Very much so. Now, after being married, the emptiness of being absent from one another for a long period of time is doubled. Sounds silly, but usually we cannot even go more than six hours without checking in. So, you have to understand, how this particular circumstance feels.”

“I do. And what you say does not sound silly at all, Mrs. Bridgerton. It sounds like soul mates.”

Penelope looked at her surprised. That is exactly how she and Colin thought of themselves,  “You know of that word?”

“Yes. I believe a soul mate goes beyond just romance though. I believe a deep connection with a particular friend or family member is a soul mate. And if you are lucky enough to find love within that soul mate, then that is the diamond in the rough.”

Pen considered her carefully, “It sounds as if you have experienced that.”

“I did,” Lucille answered with bliss, as if she was grateful rather than sad by the fact she no longer had it.

Pen shook her head and wiped her tear away with the back of her hand, “Forgive me. How selfish of me to speak like this when you lost your husband.”

“No,” Lucille said sternly, “No. I would be doing the same thing if I were in your shoes. A short time lived with my romantic soulmate is better than not experiencing one at all.”

“That is very optimistic of you. I like your mindset.”

“I have my moments of grief for Nicholas, of course, and I will have them for my father when that time comes, but I cannot wallow in what I lost. That is no way to live life.”

Penelope placed her hand in Lucille’s smiling, “I think you will be just fine then.”

Lucille patted her thigh and pushed herself up, “At least let me get you a glass of orange juice until my father’s return. Freshly squeezed. Perhaps it will boost your energy a bit.”

Penelope nodded, “That would be appreciated, thank you.”

Pen adjusted Elliot, raising him up in her hands. He smiled big at this and reached his hands down at his mother’s face who was smiling up at him. She kissed those tiny fingers of his and noticed Elliot turn his head, staring out the window at something. Then he made an excited, squealing sound.

Pen gasped surprised, “Do you see a bird? Another bunny rabbit?”

In the corner of her eye, she saw movement past the window. She glanced out in time to see two men on horses, on the front road, trolly on by. That was the first time she had seen anyone pass the house. She could not see a house of a neighbor within eyesight on this road, so it was strange to see people. As quickly as she had noticed them, they disappeared as they continued on their way.

Pen leaned her head back against the couch, her body feeling drained.

“Perhaps some very strong tea is needed as well, Miss Lucille,” Penelope said loudly enough for Lucille to hear in the adjacent kitchen, then she spoke to her son, “And perhaps your Mama will take a nap when you go down for yours. Yes.”

She tapped the tip of his nose which made him giggle.

In a shopping village, Colin and Benedict walked out of a shop. Colin finished off the last piece of his sausage roll as Ben drank fresh water from his large flask.

Colin looked around at the bustling village shaking his head. There were horse’s, buggies and uncovered wagons, but nothing to what Harold had described. He shook his head, his eyes darting around. Mainly, he looked for any sign of red hair, but he knew that was a fantasy. Pen would not be out here.

“You are becoming trounced," Ben quipped.

“I am trying to remain positive, but this is not going the way I hoped. I thought we’d easily find the covered wagon parked somewhere and there we would find my family.”

“I wish it could be that easy, brother,” Benedict signed with compassion, “I want to find them as much as you do, but a feat does not come without obstacles. Perhaps she is not in this town, but a neighboring one.”

Colin closed his eyes and took a deep breath to focus. He could hear the business around him but he could feel a sudden deep sense of calm inside of him.

“Brother,” Ben asked concerned.

Colin shook his head, “No. She’s here.”

Benedict furrowed his brows, looking around, as Colin opened his eyes.

“Not here. But, close by. I just...call me crazy, but I can feel it.”

“You’re crazy,” Benedict teased like any sibling would, “But I believe you. We shall back track and keep looking then.”

As they walked to their horses, who were tied up drinking at the watering hole with the other horses, Max limped past them reading from his list, as he walked up to the chicken stand.

“A dozen eggs, please.”

Lucille and Penelope sat at a small table in the kitchen finishing their juice and tea. Lucille beamed as Elliot laughed at funny faces his mother was purposely making for his benefit.

“He is such a happy baby,” Lucille commented.

“He is,” Pen stated proudly, “He can get quite fussy, but he doesn’t give us much trouble. Of course he hasn’t started teething yet. I have been warned that he could use his little lungs quite forcibly when that stage happens.”

“Oh dear.”

“Which should be soon based on all the things he is starting to gum on. But at least he is sleeping through the night now.”

“I was going to mention, I haven’t heard him crying during the night.”

“Thankfully, he started sleeping through the night last month. Sometimes he will wake up hungry, but not too often.”

“That is good. I think I am going to open some windows. It’s getting a bit stuffy,” Lucille said, about to struggle to get big-bellied self-up but Pen stopped her.

“No, no. You stay. I will do it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. Believe me. I remember the struggle of having to get up at this stage of pregnancy. I will tend to the windows. Would you mind taking him for a moment while I do that?”

“I would be delighted,” Lucille said holding her hands out, “I need all the practice I can get.”

Penelope giggled and got up, placing Elliot on Lucy’s lap.

“Well, hello handsome boy,” she cooed.

Elliot responded with a big, gummy smile. Pen smiled at them as she cracked open the window in the kitchen before moving to the dining room.

Opening the window there, Penelope instantly felt the fresh breeze blow through. It was such a beautiful day. She looked up at the sky. Not a cloud in sight. She moved onto the next window in the dining room and was about to open it when movement in front of the window caught her attention.

There, the same two men were gradually riding the opposite direction now, about to past the house again. She opened the window and slapped the dust off her hands as her eyes followed them absent mindedly. But as they rode past the house more, she froze, her eyebrows furrowing.

The man riding on the left, she recognized that posture...even from this bit of distance from the road to the house. That posture, the way the man carried himself, it looked an awfully lot like...

No, she giggled inside her mind, it couldn’t be.

Penelope quickly moved to the next room, looking out the window there, as if following them. She then caught the other man, on the right-hand side, turn his face towards the house, as if observing it carefully.

She knew that man. That man was Benedict! Penelope’s heart started thumping hard in her chest. Her breath hitched. If that was Benedict, then that means...

Colin.

**

Next up: Chapter 15- Pen stops Colin and Benedict from avenging her kidnapping

You guys ok? LOL How we doin?

It's almost here! What we have been waiting for: MOM & DAD'S REUNION! That chapter was so emotional and fun to write and watch in my head.

Emotional reminder – This isn't the end. There's a little more story to go.

Ps: where is everyone at 😔 Like, I see the views so I was a little disappointed in Ch 13 not getting much response in the comments! I guess Polin smut isn't for everyone 😈 (absolutely pitiful😉) My regulars - you know I adore you. I love our convo's! Hope you are all having a good week. This week has been better than the last one. Thanks for your mental health support few chapters back. xx

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Was she hallucinating?

Penelope's breaths were shallow, her chest heaving, as she stared at the two men gingerly riding horses further past the house. If that was Colin and Benedict...why were they strolling along? She expected, if they had come looking for her, they'd bring an army. These two men seemed like they were just enjoying the weather.

Had her stress finally caught up to her?

Was her mind playing dirty drinks?

Yes, that...that had to be it.

Biting on her thumbnail in bafflement, Penelope turned around, mindlessly walking back into the kitchen in a daze. Lucille looked up at her, smiling, as she continued holding Elliot on her lap. The second Elliot's eyes met his mother's, Pen's face registered shock.

She couldn't be hallucinating. The baby saw the men when they first passed by.

"Penelope," Lucille asked, concerned.

Penelope's eyes started watering, her body starting to shake from the anxiety of the moment, still staring at her son. Her breath hitched as she mumbled to herself in whisper, "Oh my God."

Without a second hesitation, Penelope turned and ran.

"Penelope?!" Lucille called after her, worried.

Everything seemed in slow motion as Penelope ran through the house, holding her skirts up. She could hear her heart pumping, her shallowed breath. If it wasn't for the sound of her feet crunching on the pebbles of the walkway in front of the house, she was sure she would have been dreaming.

Benedict folded the map up and stuck it back in his pocket, feeling a little disheartened, but optimistic.

"After we get back to the edge of town again, we can do one more sweep, yes? I also think we should check out the neighboring towns. A covered wagon, with this town printed on it, does not mean he lives here. It could mean he just works in the town. A lot of men live in their work's neighboring town."

Colin nodded, trying to hear his reasoning, but for some reason, Colin felt like she was here, somewhere.

Far behind them, Penelope ran into the dirt road. She froze in the middle of it, staring at the men up ahead, getting further and further away. Still, she knew that posture. She knew the back of their heads. It had to be them.

She hyperventilated a moment before finding her voice...loud, sharp and desperate.

"COLIN!!!!"

Colin immediately grabbed his brother's reins, stopping both their horses. His eyes were wide as his breath caught.

Benedict looked at his brother in disbelief, as if seeing he heard that, too, "I thought I just heard..."

Both men turned swiftly on their horses and saw a red-haired woman in a white dress standing down the road staring their way.

Penelope.

As the men turned on their horses, to face her, she gasped. Even at that distance, she could tell. It was them! It was Colin and Benedict!  Penelope let out a cry of joy, both her hands flying over her mouth in shock a moment.

"COLIN," Pen cried out again, this time with happiness.

Benedict quickly grabbed Colin's horse reins as his brother jumped off unsteadily. The second Colin came running; Penelope started running too. The closer he got, the more it sunk in that this was real. She didn't care about her ugly crying face, or the tears streaming down her cheeks now. Her only focus was actually feeling his arms around her.

Colin grunted as Penelope landed against his body, jumping off of the ground. He wrapped his arms around her tightly as she wrapped her legs around his waist crying hysterically. For a moment, Colin was in a state of shock as she clawed at him crying, wrapping her body around him like a vine. It only took a few seconds, but when she grasped the back of his hair in her fist, he knew that touch. It was that moment that jolted Colin back into reality.

He released a heartbreaking sob and cradled her head desperately as she buried her face into his neck, shrieking, "You found me."

Pulling her face away his neck, he held the sides of her head in anguish, as their dark and baby blue, tear-stained eyes met. Colin breathed heavily, his eyes scanning over her, astounded that this was happening. It had been days that felt like years.

"You're here," he breathed.

"I'm here," she cried, with a laugh, as she grabbed his face as well.

"Pen."

With that, Penelope wept happily again. He said her nickname. This was real. Colin kissed her with such despair, agony, happiness, relief and confounded love as tears rolled down his cheeks. Feeling her lips against his, his adrenaline decreased, weakening his legs. He felt like all the stress, heartache and worry melted off. He felt like jelly, like the world had just been lifted off his shoulders. He felt like he could breathe again.

When Penelope sank back to her feet on the ground, Colin sunk to his knees. Holding her around the waist with both arms, he smashed his face into her torso, his fingertips digging into the fabric at her back. Penelope bent down, cradling his head in her hands as she rested her cheek on the crown of his head. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.

Everything was ok now.

Benedict slowly walked up, carrying the reins of both horses, but gave the couple their space. His eyes were welled up with tears as he watched the scene unfold in front of him. When Penelope finally realized his presence, she smiled at Benedict through her tears as Colin was still unmoving, grasping her like a child. Ben walked up next to her, wiping his eyes, before his arm circled her shoulders.

"Hi, red," he said before placing a big kiss on the side of her head, over her loose hair.

Penelope placed her hand on his cheek, looking at him gratefully. She knew Benedict had supported and stuck by her husband's side this entire time.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Ben stepped back, looking her over protectively, "Are you alright?

"I am not hurt."

"Where's our baby," they heard Colin mumble against her.

"He's ok. He's safe. He's..." Pen turned as much as she could with Colin's hard embrace, and she saw Lucille standing at the edge of the road in front of the house, with Elliot on her hip. She stared at them with an ashen expression.

When Benedict saw this pregnant woman holding his nephew, he tapped Colin's shoulder and murmured warningly, "Brother."

Colin took his head away from his wife's body. When he looked up, and saw Pen and Benedict looking the same direction, Colin looked as well. He immediately stood up in alert when he saw an unknown, pregnant woman holding his son.

"Penelope," Colin said, a bit worried.

Pen left his side as she walked towards Lucille and Elliot. Lucille met her halfway. Her face showed elation for the woman, but also worry at what this meant for her and her father.

Penelope could see it on her face. As she carefully took Elliot from the brunette's arms, she gave her a reassuring smile, "It's ok."

Colin quickly appeared behind Penelope and she handed Colin their son. He cradled Elliot's head close to his body and kissed his fine-haired head. His skeptical eyes remained on the woman though as he held his son protectively. It was apparent that his wife and child had remained unharmed and that the woman was compliant. Pen was being cordial to her, but for some reason, even if she was with child herself, he felt like she was part of keeping his family hostage. Whether or not that was true, his main concern was the man who did this.

He ushered Penelope to walk with him away from her, to meet Benedict still by the horses. Pen gave Lucille's hand an encouraging squeeze before Colin pulled her away with his hand firmly on her hip.

"Hey little one," Benedict cooed to his nephew as he caressed his cheek with his finger, "You are such a good boy."

Colin kissed his son's head again before pulling Penelope closer to his side and kissed the top of her head.

"We're ok," Penelope reassured Colin, then she smiled at her son, "Say 'hi' Uncle Ben. Mama and I had an adventure."

Elliot made a joyful noise, reaching his hand towards his Uncle, who made a funny face his way. Then he laughed and kicked his legs happily. Colin did not laugh though. He felt tears fill up again hearing his son laugh. He looked down at Penelope who was already staring at him, no smile present on her face either. For a moment, they both understood.

"Father."

The little happy spell was broken when they heard Lucille call out in a warning. Pen, Colin and Benedict all looked behind them. The elderly man stood there, standing next to his horse, in shock.

It was silent a moment until Colin slowly questioned with a steady voice. He already knew, on instinct, but he had to be sure.

"Penelope...is that him?"

"Yes...but..."

Colin quickly silenced her by lifting his hand. She immediately froze. He had never done something obedient to her like that before. Pen’s eyes followed as Colin gently handed the baby to Benedict, without a word. The second Elliot was out of his father’s arms, Colin swiftly reached under his jacket, grabbed his gun and pointed it at the man.

"Colin, no," Pen screeched grabbing his arm as Lucille cried out in horror, grabbing her baby bump.

Colin's eyes were hard, dark and piercing as he steadily pointed his pistol at the man. Max slowly took off his hat, not only as a sign of respect, but also defeat.

“Colin, don’t,” Pen urged, trying to reach for his gun.

Colin immediately pointed his gun in the air since his wife was grabbing at his coat sleeve.

“Pen, are you insane?!”

“Put...your gun...away,” she hissed.

Colin looked at her like she lost her marbles as did Benedict.

“THE HELL I WILL,” Colin stated in an angry, raised voice.

“THE HELL HE WILL,” Ben repeated, just the same.

“Please,” Lucille cried.

Colin grabbed Pen, swiftly pushing her behind him. Pen stumbled a little, her eyes in terror as Colin pointed his gun again and cocked it. She quickly ran past her husband and stood in front of Max.

He immediately lowered his gun, staring at her in shock, before he looked back at his brother who was just as stupefied by her behavior.

Colin was full of rage, “Penelope! MOVE!”

“NO!”

“Miss Penelope,” Max said behind her softly, “It is alright.”

Pen looked at him over her shoulder, her eyes teary, “No.”

“I am not afraid to die. It is my fate anyways.”

Pen hissed through her tears, begging, “You don’t deserve to die like this. Especially not in front of your daughter.”

Colin’s posture softened, his expression turning to confusion. He knew Penelope like the back of his hand and right now she was genuinely protecting this man.

“HE KIDNAPPED YOU AND ELLIOT, PEN! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!”

“He took you and your child from your house,” Benedict added just as angry.

Penelope turned back to her husband, staring him down. She was serious, sober and meaning business, her fists clenched at her side, “If you intend to shoot him, you will have to go through me.”

Colin tilted his head, giving her that warning look of his, pursing his lips together tightly. Colin wanted to kill the man...badly...for his crime, his injustice, his cruelty towards his very own well-being by taking his wife and child. But, he also knew Pen would not be doing this if she didn’t have a reason. He could see it in her eyes, there was something there, an explanation.

Pen watched him vanquish to her challenge. He was weakening. He always weakened when it came to her. But, deep down, Pen knew that Colin could tell it was the right thing to do. Finally, Colin groaned loudly in frustration. He finally gave in and placed his gun back under his jacket. Lucille sighed in relief, rubbing her belly and Maxwell’s shoulders dropped, relaxing a bit.

When the gun was back safely in its holster, Colin threw his hands out wide and looked at her stubbornly.

Fine, you got your way.

Penelope walked up to Colin and placed her hands on his chest, looking up at him with those eyes of hers, “Thank you.”

“Penelope Anne Bridgerton, you better have one hell of a good reason why you just stopped me from avenging your captivity.”

Just then, they heard a gun click.

“No,” Lucille shouted.

Pen and Colin turned and saw Benedict pointing his gun at Max, with a stern look on his face. The elderly man lowered his head, waiting for the shot.

“Benedict,” Pen hissed, speaking like a very angry mother, “I know you are not holding a gun while you have my child in your arms!”

Ben did not hesitate, his eyes not once leaving the old man, “I am a very good shot. Your son is safe.”

“Brother...” Colin warned, taking a cautious step towards him with his hand up.

“You may weaken by your wife’s pleas, but as far as I am concerned, this man broke into your house, assaulted your staff members and forcibly took my sister and my nephew in the dead of night from their home. Then he kept them hostage, for ransom. I do not forgive so easily.”

Penelope grabbed Colin’s hand desperately, “Please. Do something. There’s more you need to know.”’

Colin gave a nod, but didn’t look at her, as he stared at his brother. He looked just like Anthony right now. His brother was quirky and playful, the life of the party and ‘a cool cat’ as the boys in the clubs called him. But, when it came to protecting his family, Benedict could turn as vicious as their older brother, and rightfully so. But, he knew he had to trust Pen on this.

“Ben, put the gun down. We need to listen to Penelope. This man is not escaping, we will just hold back for now on bloodshed.”

Benedict looked at Penelope who stared at him wide-eyed. She nodded, pleading for him to listen. Then Benedict’s eyes went past her, falling on the very pregnant girl shaking in horror. With a sigh, Ben lowered his gun.

“We all need to sit down and talk,” Pen stated calmly, keeping Colin’s hand in her own, as to anchor him. She looked back at Max, sternly, “Will you be willing to explain to my husband everything you told me, so he, nor my brother-in-law, murder you in front of your pregnant daughter?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Penelope then looked at Lucille with questioning eyes and Lucille nodded in compliance.  Penelope looked back at her husband and brother, “Do you think you two can muster up enough decency to at least listen as to why this happened in the first place? I think it is something you would like to know.”

Colin sighed, trying to calm the rage still pumping through his veins, but he willfully nodded. Her eyes landed on Benedict who gave a nod as well.

**

Next up: Chapter 16- Lady Whistledown unexpectedly shows up at Queen Charlotte's palace

💛💙

Yay, our babies are reunited, but stick with me, guys! There is still story to go (and a couple smut scenes)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

With a content, but curious, Elliot nestled protectively in her arms, Penelope leaned back against her husband as he maneuvered the horse they were sitting upon to follow Benedict's lead up the pathway towards Queen Charlotte's palace.

"Are you sure you want to do this right now," Colin asked, leaning towards her ear.

It was obvious she was mentally, and physically exhausted. He just wanted to have his family back in the confinement of his home; Bridgerton house, to be exact, per Penelope's request when they started their journey back to Mayfair.

She gave Colin clear, direct location requests upon their return back to town:

Right now, the Queen's Palace.

Then, Bridgerton house.

Tomorrow, Aubrey Hall.

There was no mention of their current home. He understood it was probably the trauma of the last time she was there, but a conversation would take place later. Right now, his wife's mind was on her first mission: to have an audience with the Queen.

"Yes. We need to have her call off the search and I need to explain to her about the Bennett's."

Colin sighed, trying to be understanding, but his tone came off a bit exasperated, "I understand that, sweetheart, but your first priority should be to relax after everything that happened."

"Colin," Pen cut him off a bit sharply, "I will not be able to relax until I know Max and Lucille will be safe."

"They will be. Benedict and I will make sure of it. We can talk to the Queen and you can-"

Pen cut him off again, this time her voice raised, irritably, "Will you please just humor me?"

Colin took an inhale through his nose, trying to remain patient from her outburst. Benedict looked back at them, with raised eyebrows, after Pen raised her voice.

As they neared the front of the Palace, guards stepped forward. Benedict was about to speak when Pen spoke up instead, her voice laced with a kind of authority, "Lady Whistledown for her Majesty."

The guards both nodded, their faces expressionless, as they made way for them to continue. Pen had a weekly audience with her Majesty regarding the column, so she was known to the guards by now. Colin and Ben both shared a surprised look at Penelope's directness as their horses kept on with the path. When they came up to the horse and carriage handlers awaiting them, Benedict hopped off his horse first. He then came up to Penelope and reached for Elliot. She handed the baby to him and Colin then hopped off from behind her. Once his feet were planted on the ground, he helped his wife off the steed and onto the ground herself.

Penelope noticed Colin's expression, reserved and melancholy, as he handed his reins to the handler and walked a few steps ahead. She closed her eyes a moment, feeling guilty, and bit her lower lip.

"You ready," Colin asked her and his brother, ushering them.

"Do you mind keeping the baby," Pen asked Benedict nicely.

"Of course," Ben turned to the babe sitting on his arm as Elliot suckled on his finger staring at his Uncle, "Uncle Benny's got you, right my boy?"

"Give us a moment," she whispered to him.

Benedict looked at the two of them before he nodded and walked past Colin. When Colin noticed Penelope not coming with, he questioned her with his eyes.

"Come here," she said softly, holding her hand out.

Colin took the steps towards her, letting her take his hands in hers as he neared. She looked like she had something to say, but she shook her head and hugged him instead. Colin embraced her, feeling those emotions ascend from his chest again, manifesting into watery eyes.

"Pen, I do not wish to cry in front of guards," he warned with hint of playfulness.

He felt and heard her giggle against him, "Then don't."

"That's easier said than done in our predicament right now."

Pen lifted her head and placed her hands upon his chest, "I'm sorry for snapping at you."

Colin shook his head, as if it were nothing, "You don't have to apo---"

"Don't."

"Don't what?"

"Don't pretend like it didn't affect you. I don't want you to walk on eggshells around me."

"I can't say I wasn't surprised, but after everything you've been through, I understand if your nerves are a little shaky."

She placed her hands on his cheeks and he leaned into her touch, closing his eyes in fulfillment at her touch again, "You have been through a lot, too. I was not here to see it, but I cannot imagine what you went through."

"Let's not talk about that now," he asked softly.

"Okay," she whispered, "But still. You did not deserve my lashing out. I am sorry."

"Pen..."

"No. I know all that you are trying to do is protect my well-being. You want what's best for me right now: to rest, to relax and to heal."

Colin nodded.

"But the only way for me to do that is to move forward. And the only way to move forward is to get this over with right now. Tomorrow can be our fresh start, but the rest of today we should close this chapter."

Colin smiled and took her hands, kissing her knuckles, "You are a very special person, you know that?"

"I love you."

Colin caressed her cheek with his thumb and Pen's eyelashes fluttered closed. She leaned into his touch, trying not to cry again.

"I imagined this."

"What?"

"You," she said, placing her hand over his to keep it there, "Us touching again."

"I imagined us touching again, too."

She opened her eyes. They both had so many emotions it was overwhelming to put into words. So, they showed each other instead with a kiss full of tenderness and unconditional love. It was a reminder of being together again, it was a reminder that they were Colin and Pen, and a promise that they would never be separated for as long as they lived.

Benedict, still holding Elliot, walked behind Penelope and Colin, who were holding hands, as they followed a guard through the palace. Brimsley rounded the corner and abruptly stopped, his eyes wide. Even the stoic, expressionless right-hand-man to the Queen was surprised at Mrs. Bridgerton before him.

"Brimsley," they heard the Queen's voice echoing as her heels clicked on the marble floors coming closer, "What is the matter with you?"

Brimsley pointed their way. Queen Charlotte turned the corner, looking over the way he pointed, and she nearly gasped. She did nothing to conceal her shock in that moment, but quickly folded her hands in front of her and her face became impressed, with a slight amused smile.

"Well, well, well..."

Penelope let go of Colin's hand as she was allowed to walk up to the Queen. And, she did so with an also amused smile as she curtseyed.

"Oh, pish posh," the Queen waved off, "None of that right now. Come here, my dear."

Penelope walked up to her and Queen Charlotte placed her hands on her shoulders observing her carefully, "You are well?"

"Yes."

"You are unscathed?"

"Yes, neither my son and I were ever harmed."

"You look a little worse for wear," Queen Charlotte said placing her hand upon Pen's cheek, "But that is to be expected after being taken unwillingly from your home. I am relieved to see you back."

"It is good to be back. Thank you for your support, your Majesty."

Queen Charlotte had a quick thought and reached into a pocket hidden in her large dress. She then pulled out the handkerchief with the blue 'P' monogramed on it.

"I believe this is yours."

Penelope's eyes widened and she let out a relieved laugh as she took it. She turned to her husband, "You found it."

Colin stared at her with such emotion. She just unknowingly confirmed to him that she did indeed drop it on purpose for him to find.

"That was a clever touch," Queen Charlotte complimented.

"I hoped it would work," Pen said placing it into the pocket of Lucille's Mama's summer dress she wore. "Oh, I apologize for my casual attire, but we have just arrived back into town. I have not gone home yet. I wanted to come straight here."

Queen Charlotte's eyes landed upon Colin, mischievously, "Hm."

Colin heard his brother behind him speak lowly, with a hint of a laugh in his tone, like a pesky sibling, "You are in trouble."

Colin turned to look at him over his shoulder, "What are you laughing about? You came with me."

"Mr. Bridgerton," the Queen said, raising her voice to get their attention.

They both turned to look at the Queen like two boys who had been up to no good.

"Not you," she said to Colin and then pointed, "The one with the babe."

Benedict's eyes widened.

"Yes, you. Come here."

Benedict cleared his throat before walking past Colin, then the guard, and stood next to Pen. He bowed his head before the Queen spoke.

"I would like to know why you said your brother is in trouble."

Benedict looked at Pen, in horror, but she just looked at him wanting to know the answer herself.

"I hear everything," Queen Charlotte continued.

"Uh," Benedict hesitated but was saved by Elliot who let out a happy noise as he looked over the Queen.

Queen Charlotte looked at the baby with a gleeful surprise. Penelope smiled big and grabbed her son's hand.

"Are you addressing the Queen," Pen cooed.

"I take that sound as a compliment...Lord Featherington is it," the Queen asked Pen.

"Yes."

"You are a handsome, little Lord. Did you take care of Mummy whilst you were away," The Queen teased.

"Yes, he did," Pen sing-songed.

Colin felt pride swell in his heart as he stepped forward to join.

"Mr. Bridgerton," the Queen acknowledged Colin.

He bowed his head in response.

"May I assume that Mrs. Bridgerton made it home on her own in some miraculous way? Because I know you would never disobey my orders," she teased, fully aware he did just that.

"Your Majesty..." Pen started, nervously, but Queen Charlotte lifted her hand to silence her as her eyes remained on the red-head's husband.

"I do recall Lady Whistledown once saying, 'I cannot tolerate a lie'. So, that being said, I would consider that in how you answer, Mr. Bridgerton."

Colin lifted his shoulders and became serious and stoic, "I rescued her, your Majesty. Well, my brother and I did."

"Colin," Benedict murmured, "Way to throw me under the bus."

"At least you have my son. She won't do anything to you when you're holding a baby. All I have is my dignity."

The Queen slightly leaned towards Pen, "Are they always like this?"

"Yes, your Majesty," Pen giggled.

"That Violet Bridgerton has her hands full."

Pen nodded, agreeing, "Indeed."

Colin continued, "Forgive me, but I could not just sit around and wait. I apologize for going against your orders, your Majesty, but if it meant my head on a stake to save my wife and child, that's the consequence I would take. And I would proudly do it again."

Queen Charlotte snickered, highly amused, "Rescuing your family, when I ordered you to rest, is hardly treason, Mr. Bridgerton. You are an honorable husband and father. Though, you do carry that stubborn Bridgerton streak."

"Far more than you know," Penelope added.

"Penelope," both Colin and Benedict said, aghast.

"Brimsley," the Queen said, "Summon Commander Garrison to call off the search. Tell him Lady Whistledown has been found and is safe. But make sure the search party remains inconspicuous and quiet to the situation. We do not need this information spreading around Mayfair, not unless Lady Whistledown says so."

"Thank you, your Majesty. It is not something I wish to be known, at least not yet."

"Understood. Now, you must tell me everything. Has the kidnapper been found or did your husband find you after you managed to escape?"

"The man that took my family was found, yes," Colin said a bit tensely.

"Ah, good. I presume he is dead then?"

Colin looked nervously at his brother who answered quickly, "No, he is alive."

Queen Charlotte's eyes skeptically danced between the two men, "Then you have captured him and brought him to me?"

"N-," Colin shakily tried saying but Penelope quickly wrapped her arms round his arm to calm him.

"Your Majesty," Pen said softly, "Perhaps we should sit down."

**

Next up: Chapter 17- Colin reminisces on his trauma and the family return to Governor's Square.

Ok, so, hear me out - I skipped the scenes with her telling Colin/Ben & then the Queen because WE know the story. And, c'mon, we know they're gonna comply to Pen's plea to not hurt them anyways. I did not want to have to go over every single thing again in TWO more separate scenes. But, don't worry, you'll find out the end game for Max and Lucille soon as they will be in another scene 🙂

We haven't had Polin together for a while so let's enjoy that first.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Colin cradled Penelope in the crook of his arm as Elliot was cradled in his mother's arms, suckling from her bosom. They were graciously given one of the palace's carriages to take them back to Mayfair as Benedict rode his horse, and walked Colin's, behind the carriage.

Colin could feel all the tension leaving Pen's body now that she discussed the entire situation to the Queen, whom also accepted her plea. The Queen accepted hesitantly of course, like he himself did, but she accepted nonetheless. Colin could not believe Penelope was in his arms again, and their child was content as can be, innocently unknowing about anything that had happened. One day, when his son was older, it would be one hell of a story to tell him. He'd probably go and tell it proudly, boasting at how strong his mother was.

"I cannot believe you're back," he murmured against her hair.

"I cannot believe we're back," she countered.

"What's the first thing you plan to do?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it's natural when someone is away from something for a period of time for them to miss it. Even something simple as sitting in a favorite spot or eating a particular dish. I know when I was away traveling, albeit, very different from your situation, I still missed the little things that I had become so used to doing at home. You realize the things you take for granted."

"Well, the first thing I want to do is hug Rae."

Colin smiled and nodded, agreeing, "She has been amazing, Pen. So dedicated and such a support for me."

"Good. She is such a remarkable woman."

"Then what do you want to do after that?"

"Then I want to soak in a hot bath, with essential oils, for at least forty-five minutes."

Colin silently snickered and kissed her hair again.

"Then I want a strong cup of the Bridgerton's infamous jasmine tea with scones and cream..."

"Mm," he said, caressing her shoulder, loving that she was putting her self-care top priority.

"Then I want to lay in your arms for the remainder of the day, just feeling you close."

"Done," he quickly said, wanting the same.

"What about you?"

"I will do whatever you need to become acclimated."

"You suffered as well, Colin. Surely, there must be something you thought of doing being apart."

"Yes, and I've already done it," off her curious look he went on, "Have you two back in my arms."

Pen gave him a puppy dog look before she rested her cheek back against his chest and looked down. Elliot stopped feeding, pulling back as he made a face that Pen recognized.

"Oh," Pen said lifting her dress back up to cover herself, "A big yawn's coming."

"Ohhh," Colin answered and the baby opened his mouth wide, yawning, "There it is."

Elliot then sneezed, his whole body shaking in her arms.

"Op! God Bless you," Pen said and he sneezed again.

"Bless you," Colin added, "One more?"

Elliot made a face to sneeze again, and took a breath, but the sneeze went away, and he let out a high-pitched relieved baby sigh making his parents laugh. He then stared up at his mother with very drowsy eyes.

"Oh, baby," she giggled and caressed his head, "Are you tired?"

Colin took him from her and placed him up on his shoulder where he started gently patting and rubbing his back for after-feeding time. Pen's body slumped even more, nestled more comfortably in her husband's arms, and she closed her eyes with a heavenly sigh.

"Mama is tired, too."

"Very much so. Now that's all over with, my adrenaline is just..." she blew her tongue while pointing her thumb down.

Colin snickered, "I will probably sleep 12 hours straight tonight with you back in my arms and the baby next to me again. Are you sure you want to leave for Aubrey Hall tomorrow? I am not arguing your decision. I am very willing; I just want to make sure you are ready for it. Ben already said he would journey there himself to inform the family what happened if we wanted to spend some time alone at Bridgerton house."

Pen nodded, "I understand that reasoning, but I want a few weeks away. I will tell my mother what happened once we get back."

Colin gave her a scared look, on her part for having to deal with a one, Ms. Portia Featherington, "Are you sure you do not want to stop at your sisters beforehand? It is on the way."

"She already still thinks us to be there anyways. Besides, if we tell her on our way, she will overreact and end up inviting herself to Aubrey Hall with us. And I do not think you want that, do you?"

Colin tried not to make a repulsed face as Pen smiled slyly.

"Exactly," Pen said, "Aubrey Hall will be good for us. And being around your family will be a good distraction."

"Literally," he said, with a playful tone of annoyance, "I am going to have to forfeit you to Hyacinth's attention, you know that, don't you?"

She giggled, "It will be a good distraction for all of us, mentally, and Elliot will have his cousins to play with," Pen leaned forward to look at the baby in question, "He is already passed out."

Colin maneuvered him off his shoulder to lay cradled in his arms, "Not even a burp. Poor boy."

"Well, he had quite an exciting day. He got to reunite with his Papa, got to ride on a horse and meet the Queen and ride in a royal carriage," she cooed gently rubbing her finger over his full tummy.

Colin observed her lovingly through her adoring words, but his face expressed something more than just admiration at Pen speaking about the baby they made. He expressed something deeper and more intimate. When she looked up at him, she saw it in his face: the longing. Reaching over they softly kissed again.

"Promise me, Hyacinth will not monopolize all of your time," he hinted and she very well got the meaning, "I did just get you back."

"I promise. I want nothing more than to spend all the alone time I can get with you. Besides, I am sure she and Gregory will be stealing our child from us any chance they get. Then, we can sneak away."

They were both silent a long moment as they stared at their sleeping child back in his Daddy's arms.

"Were you scared?"

Penelope looked up to find Colin's eyes piercing hers.

She swallowed before nodding, "In the beginning, of course. I am not exactly used to a strange man busting through into my bedroom," she said with a tease trying to lighten the mood but Colin was not having it. He was dead on serious.

"How did he do it," Colin asked, trying to keep his emotions in check.

Pen did not want to rehash every detailed thing, so she spoke in a way that would not only convey that to Colin but also give him the information he needed.

"Even though he forced himself into the bedroom...I know this sounds silly, but he was nothing but respectful. He guided me through the house, but not once did he ever touch me or make me feel like Elliot and I were going to be harmed. He spoke in a way to make me comply, but I went willingly, and the entire time, here and at his home, he made sure Elliot and I were always ok. We were never mistreated."

Colin took a deep breath through his nostrils and looked down at Elliot, "That's good."

Pen watched him carefully, noticing the emotions flitting over his face, mirroring the thoughts inside his head. She took his free hand in hers and squeezed it.

"I wish I knew that."

"I wish you knew that, too. The entire time I was thinking about how you were coping," Pen whimpered, getting emotional again.

"I was in a state of shock at first, you know," he said looking at her, "Rae kept telling me a man took you but I—I just..." Colin blinked, shaking his head as if trying to understand it even now, "...something happened in my mind. I could not comprehend it. I did not recognize the shock in the moment, of course, but I do now. What I was hearing her say, it just didn't stick in my mind. Do you know what I mean? Some of it's a blur. I just remember walking through the house calling for you even after Rae was crying you were gone. Even after I found her tied up. Even after I found Leon on the floor."

Penelope eyes teared up, her lower lip quivering, but she let him tell her.

"It finally hit me when I found your handkerchief out back. I..." He bit back a sob, trying to remain composed, but he knew he did not have to with Pen, wife or not, "...I fell to my knees. I screamed. I sobbed."

"Colin," Penelope wept out, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Benedict and I gathered up our friends and we searched all night. Lady Danbury went with us to the palace to tell the Queen and she went into action as well. It took Ben drugging me with a sleeping pill for me to get some rest."

Penelope giggled through her tears, reaching up to wipe away one of his.

"Everyone told me how clever you were. How strong you were. And I knew that. In fact, it kept me from going insane. But I was so scared, Pen," his voice went to an agonized whisper, "I was so fucking scared."

Penelope grabbed his head, pulling him to her so she could kiss his forehead.

"Just so you know, that night I made it home before midnight, and not half-crocked," he playfully teased, "I was so proud of myself."

Penelope laughed, cuddling into him again.

In Governor's Square, Rae was walking up the sidewalk, coming back from visiting Leon, when she noticed a carriage, a royal one, coming towards the front of Featherington house. She paused, her eyebrows in confusion, as it did indeed pull up just as she herself got to the front of the house.

Colin did not even wait for the footman to open the door when he quickly pushed it open. Rae did not even have time to react as Penelope quickly got out of the carriage herself.

"Ahhh," Rae called out with a happy shriek.

Penelope went straight into Rae's arms the second her feet touched the ground and the two women embraced joyfully.

"Oh my goodness," Rae cried.

Behind her, Colin carefully got out with the baby still sleeping in his arms.

Rae gasped, turning to the baby, then back to Pen in complete shock. Penelope laughed and placed her hands on Rae’s hips as Rae placed her hands on Pen’s cheeks.

“How? When? You’re here.”

“It’s a long story but I’m ok...we both are. We’ve just come from the palace.”

Rae’s eyes teared up, “I was so worried.”

“I know,” Pen whispered to her friend and lady maid, “I was worried about you. You did not deserve any of that.”

Rae shook her head smiling through her tears, “Me? Saying that while you were the one abducted! You are a silly woman, Penelope Bridgerton.”

“How is Leon,” Pen asked, “Is he alright?”

“Yes,” Colin interjected and turned to Rae, “Any news on his progress?”

Rae nodded, “He will recover just fine. He is going to spend a few more days at the medicine house and then will be taking leave at his sisters.”

“Oh, that is good to hear,” Pen said relieved.

“What can I do for you, ma’am? What do you need,” Rae asked squeezing her hand in hers.

Penelope looked back at Colin who spoke for her, “We are going to spend the night at Bridgerton house tonight. Then, we are leaving for Aubrey Hall tomorrow afternoon.”

Rae looked at Penelope for confirmation, who nodded, “My decision.”

Colin continued, “If you can have the staff collect the luggage we already had packed and have them bring them across the square.”

“Of course.”

“Then if you can pack Penelope an overnight bag for this evening. Once I get Mrs. Bridgerton and Elliot settled across the street, I will come back to collect a few items for myself and the baby.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Rae,” Pen said sincerely, “I am not ready yet to...”

Her eyes motioned to the house and Rae smiled, nodding, “I understand.”

“I just need some time away then I will be perfectly well to return.”

“And the house will be set like nothing happened when you do return. And Mr. Bridgerton already has extra security measures put into place,” Rae countered.

Penelope nodded but she got a thought and licked her lips. She turned to look back at Colin, her thinking face on. He gave her a curious expression, knowing that face of hers well, but she ignored him and turned back to Rae.

“Rae, why don’t you have Ms. Baker take over your duties for a few weeks? After all, Leon is out recovering.”

“Ma’am?”

“Come with us, to Aubrey Hall.”

Rae’s eyes flicked up to Mr. Bridgerton who smiled and motioned to Pen, teasing, “Better listen to the boss.”

“We could all use some healing...together,” Pen added.

“I would be very grateful for that.”

“Good. You will ride over with us then,” Colin said.

“Since you are spending the evening across the street, would you like me over there, or stay here until the morn," Rae asked.

“Whichever you prefer,” Pen said, “But it would nice to have a friend over there.”

“Hey,” Colin said pretending to be hurt.

They all laughed as Penelope went to his side, pulling him close, her eyes sparkling.

**

Next up: Chapter 18- At Bridgerton house, Penelope unexpectedly experiences PTSD. Warning: a much needed quickie 😉

#1. POLIN ARE CUTE- ASS - PARENTS

#2. There will be a scene with Polin sneaking off at Aubrey Hall...or outside of it, if you want to get technical.

#3. That ^ won't be their first smut since reuniting 😉

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

A loud bolt of thunder woke Penelope from her deep sleep.

The bedroom was dark, except for a candle lit beside her. She furrowed her brows. What was she doing back at Featherington house? They had gone to Bridgerton house. Had she fallen asleep and they came over here? The last thing she remembered was getting in the bath tub and it was still afternoon.

As rain pounded against the windows, and flashes of lighting filled the bedroom, Penelope quickly turned to snuggle into Colin but his side of the bed was empty and cold. She started to feel anxious for some reason. But then, she heard his voice.

Pen?!

His voice echoed, sounding far away, but it was definitely Colin. Sitting up, Penelope felt a little out of sorts. She felt strange. It was the sound of Elliot's cry, echoing from outside the bedroom, that made her relax. Elliot was safely with his father, but obviously hungry, and that thought moved her out of bed.

Penelope grabbed the candle there and walked towards the door, but she froze when she saw a flash of light reflecting on the floor as she walked past. Stepping closer, she realized it was Colin's hunting knife. Why was it still on the floor and in the exact place she had last seen it when Max kicked it out of her reach. Looking behind her, Pen then noticed Colin's bedside, weapon drawer was still open as she had also left it. Her anxiety immediately returned.

Where was Colin?

Why did the room look and feel the same as she had last been in it before she was taken?

Penelope?!

Colin's voice again! Penelope rushed to the door and ran across their suite and out into the hallway.

"Colin?"

She heard Elliot's cry echoing from somewhere. It was dark and cold and it just felt...empty. Penelope's steps were rushed as she head down the hallway.

"PEN!!!"

Colin's voice was getting louder, more desperate, but getting further away.

"COLIN!"

Did he leave her here? Where was everyone?!

"COLIN?! RAE!" Pen shouted running down the steps.

There was not a soul in sight. Even at night, there was always a night butler or guard. Another loud bolt of thunder rattled the house, flashes of lighting filling the main foyer she stood in. She started hyperventilating in fear. Had everyone really left her there?

Pen shouted, starting to cry in terror, "WHERE IS EVERYBODY?!"

She heard Elliot crying again, somewhere in the distance. Then she heard Colin's sobs, his cries of agony. Penelope circled the foyer, looking every which way, not knowing what direction it was coming from. The sounds of her child and husband in need were coming from all directions around her and they wouldn't stop.

"No, no, no, no, no," Pen cried, dropping the candle and placing her hands up to her ears, feeling like she was going crazy.

A touch on her shoulder.

Pen gasped, quickly turning around. Her father stood there with an apologetic expression but he was gray and weak and poisonous foam dribbled from his mouth.

"Daughter, I am sorry."

Penelope took terrorized breaths, her feet in tandem with her heavy breaths, as she took steps backwards. On her heel, she turned and ran straight for the front doors. Once she got it open, she saw Colin, on his knees in the road in front of the house. He was drenched in rain as he cried in agony. Her bare feet ran down the steps and splashing into a puddle on the walk before she ran into the street.
 
"Colin, I'm here. I'm back," she cried, running to him.
 
As she got in reach, and went to wrap him in her arms, she found herself catching nothing but air. He was suddenly gone, disappeared without a trace.
 
Pen looked all around. Where did he go?

"COLIN," screamed.

"Colin!" Water splashed out of the tub as Penelope screamed Colin's name, her body jerking violently awake.
 
She opened her eyes and gasped. Catching her breath, she instantly recognized the Bridgerton bathroom. Sunlight still poured through the windows there as she sat in a warm bath.  Pen exhaled, leaning her back against the tub again. It was just a nightmare. She closed her eyes and willed herself to relax. But in a moment, her face scrunched up, about to cry. She had just woke from nightmare, but what happened was real. The nightmare was real. Because of her father's misdeeds, the same that got him killed, she was taken from Colin. She had been apart from him. Colin had been on his knees crying because of her absence, he told her so.

Pen let out a heartbroken sob as she grabbed the edge of the tub and pushed herself up.  She immediately grabbed a towel and started drying herself off. But the calmer she tried to be, to stay grounded, her body disobeyed. She started to become frantic, her pulse speeding up.

Colin.

That was her only goal right now. She was back and they were back together and she needed to see him right now. She knew it was real, that this was real, but she needed to know again and the only way she would was by being back in his presence.

Grabbing her thick dressing gown hanging there, she called out for her lady's maid, whom she knew was close by, "Rae?!"

Tying the belt around her waist, she opened the door, yelling out again in panic, "Rae?!"

Rae rushed up, frantic, "What, what's wrong?"

Pen grabbed Rae's forearms, but her feet moved, ready to run, "Where's Elliot?"

"Mr. Benedict took him out in the gardens. Are you ok?"

"Yes. Where's Colin?"

"I think he is in the bedroom you are staying in."

Penelope rushed past her and ran down the hall. With the Bridgerton family at Aubrey Hall, there were not much staff there. She did not come upon one servant as she ran bare-foot down the bathing family quarters and around the hall to the hall of bedrooms. Even if it was a family home to her now, she normally would never even walk the hall in just a dressing gown, let alone run down it, but she did not care in that instant. It was like a survival instinct she was feeling, a flight response.

When Penelope ran into her husband's old bedroom, where they were spending the night, he wasn’t in there.

"Colin?!"

She saw his walk-in wardrobe door was open and she dashed in there but he was nowhere in sight.

Penelope ran out and across his bedroom, dashing back into the hallway, "COLIN!!!"

Colin was walking up the second flight of stairs from the foyer, running his hand over his grown out facial hair. He hadn’t shaved since the morning after his birthday. He made a mental note to do so once he had a chance to relax. He then ran his hand over the back of his neck, sighing, trying to rub the tension out. God, he was exhausted.

His steps stilled when he thought he heard Pen’s voice echoing.

Colin?!

Hearing her clearly again, his eyes opened wide in worry, before he bolted up the rest of the stairs.

Penelope was about to run down to Anthony’s study, where she knew Colin spent a lot of time when he was here, but a maid, whom Pen knew since her teenage years, came walking down the hall.

“Oh, Katrina,” Pen urged, breathless, holding her robe together at her chest.

“Mrs. Bridgerton.”

“Have you seen my husband?”

"Pen!"

They both turned to see Colin hurrying up the hallway towards them.

"Oh," she whimpered relieved and rushed into his arms, wrapping her arms around his waist as she planted her cheek to his chest.

Colin looked at Katrina, who seemed worried by his wife’s upset, but he nodded, giving her the ‘ok’ to continue on with her duties. Katrina curtseyed and continued down the hall.

Colin noticed Pen in her bath robe, the ends of her hair still soaking wet, as she clung to him, "Baby, what's wrong?"

"Just hold me," she squeaked out.

Colin did just that, “I was checking on Elliot with my brother outback. I thought you were in your bath."

"I was. Just --" she breathed and felt herself instantly calm being back in his arms.

The world slowed around her as all her senses were invaded by what she needed in that moment: Colin. She felt his body against hers. She smelled his scent, musky and hint of his cologne lingering on his shirt. She heard his voice gently coaxing her calm. Pen lifted her head and could see his eyes looking down at her with love and concernment. She looked down at his lips...just needing to taste him again. Then, she'd really be back.

He seemed to instantly understand her separation anxiety.

"I'm here," Colin said, brushing some of her wet strands away from her face, "You're ok now."

Without another word, she grabbed his hand and walked him into his old bedroom and shut the door.

"Has something triggered you," Colin asked, still concerned.

"I'll tell you later...I just have to be with you right now."

"I'm here, sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere. Tell me what you need," he said, gently cupping her face in his hands.

"You,” she sighed, full of desperation and want, “I just need you."

Colin breathed and pulled her closer to his body before placing a kiss to her lips. He was seeing that familiar look of hers, he himself was feeling a stir, but he needed to make sure. After what she went through, he did not want to do anything she was not ready for.

"Tell me what you want," he asked softly.

Pen ran her hands up his stomach before she started undoing the buttons on his waist coat, "I want...” she got it undone and ripped it off his arms, “...to feel you inside of me again."

That was all he needed. Colin swiftly reached down, picked her up from under her legs, her legs wrapping around his waist. She gave off a little grunt as he did so before his mouth collided with hers. As he walked them forwards, Pen gave off little needy sounds vibrating against his lips as her fingers impatiently undid the buttons on his dress shirt.

Colin’s eyes were squeezed shut, so lost in kissing her passionately again, so lost in her touch, that he didn’t realize they were diagonally off point in direction. He meant to immediately lower her onto the bed, but they bumped into his nightstand. Neither of them seemed to care as she sat upon it, items falling off as he ripped open the tie of her dressing gown.

Penelope forehead wrinkled in pleasure, her head falling back, as Colin held her breast in his hand and took her nipple into his mouth. Her nails scraped against his scalp as he wiggled his tongue against her hardened tip before gentle sucking her in enough to give her a pleasurable sensation but not enough to expel his son’s nutrient, though he wouldn’t mind. He had tasted it it by accident before.

When he went to the other side, Pen whimpered pleasurably and ripped his shirt off his arms. She squeezed his biceps as orgasmic tingles spread between her legs. Her impatience grew, her need became frenzied. When her hands started hastily undoing his buckle, Colin picked her up and placed her down on his bed. He groaned, impatient himself, as he took off his boots and dropped his pants. He wanted to pounce on her, but she was laying naked, robe open on each of her sides, on his childhood bed. She was breathing heavy, waiting for him. She looked like a goddess. His goddess. His wife. His Pen. She was here...she was here. Colin felt those emotions choke back up in his chest.

“I’m not dreaming, right,” he said, with full sincerity at having her safe and sound again.

“I need to know that as well,” she whimpered, not from pleasure, but from anguish. She reached for him and begged, “Colin.”

He fell over her, kissing her senselessly. She grabbed at him, pushing her hips up to meet him, her legs winding around him, trapping him against her. He could feel his cock rubbing against her. He could feel her slick already. God, she felt so good.  Oh, how he missed this.

Then, without warning, she reached between them and angled his cock, the head of it slipping easily into her want.

“Pen,” he breathed, lifting his head to look at her.

“Now,” she begged, “I need to know this is real.”

In one stroke, he pushed all the way in, making them both gasp.

Yes. This was real.

Colin grabbed the sides of her head, staring at her intensely as she looked on the edge of crying. But there was no need for him to be concerned this time. He knew she was okay, she was just experiencing their spiritual and physical connection again, something that they had both missed in their separation.

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

Then he started moving, slowly.

“If this is a dream, it’s the best bloody dream I’ve ever had," he whispered.

Colin glanced down a moment, watching his cock disappear into her and then reappear.

Her head flailed side to side as if saying ‘no’, “I am not made of glass,” she then grabbed the back of his neck and squeezed, “Fuck me.”

He had a realization. It was a quick one. He had made a promise to himself, when he was fantasizing about her, that when they were together again, he was going to take her beneath him and fuck her until they were both moaning loudly, not a care in the world. And here she was, asking him to do just that.

Colin snapped. All the stress, the worry, the yearning, the despair, the misery was released as he fucked his wife.

She was not letting him go. Her right heel dug into his lower back as the left dug into his back thigh. One of her hands grabbed his ass pushing him harder into her as the other was lost in his hair. He pounded into her with such ardent his bed post collided with the wall over and over. He didn't even know his bed moved like that - but again, he had never had sex in it before either. The sound of their skin slapping matched the bumps of the wood against the wall but they both were drowned out by Colin's groans and Penelope's high-pitched cries of pleasure.

Gods, it felt so good.

Pen felt like she was having an out of body experience feeling all of him as her vision never left his. She could not look away. She never wanted to look away. Their mouths never quite connected but they shared the same air, their hot breaths and moans mixing together.

He maneuvered just slightly, but it was enough to start an earth-shattering buildup inside of her. His pelvis meet hers, rubbing up and down, as his cock hit that spot inside of her hard and rough. It made her eyes nearly roll back inside of her head if she wasn’t in such a trance at staring at his pupils; black, dark and blown so wide she could barely see the blue color any more.

Her hand fisted his hair, “Yeess,” she cried in an exquisite torture and pleaded, “Please.”

He continued, groaning, rumbling deep now, and loud, as she got tighter around him, her entire body tensing up. He could feel her muscles starting to contract and knew she was coming. Oh, Christ, he wanted to feel it again. He wanted to lose himself in her forever and never let go. And he was sure he was about to pass away from the pleasure.

She cried out in ecstasy as she peaked, and started crying real tears. Her neck arched back, gasping, as her orgasm burst throughout her entire body. Her vision went black but she could hear Colin’s groans turn into cries of pleasure as his hips jerked almost violently against her. When she felt his warmth fill her, a tear slid out of the corner of her eye in happiness.

When she opened her eyes again, he was looking back at her. The blue of his eyes returned, but were glossy. She felt him wipe her tears away with his thumb as he tried not to release any himself. When Colin started to pull back, she quickly pushed him back, holding him there against her, inside of her.

“Please, don’t. Not yet. I want to feel you, just a little more.”

Colin kissed her softly and positioned them more comfortably, to where he wouldn’t crush her, but continued to soften inside of her. She held him, scratching her nails up and down his back. If it wasn’t for his little kisses upon her neck every-so-often she was sure he would fall asleep.

“What happened to bring all this on,” he mumbled.

“I dozed off in the tub and had a nightmare. I do not wish to describe it. I just want to be in this moment with you right now. I want to move past everything that happened...everything...even my father.”

“Your father has paid for his sins with his life, even if his life was taken by others and not just by the act of God. What matters now is that you have corrected your father’s misdeed to that departed husband and we will move on from the mistake his father-in-law made trying to correct it.”

“Thank you for listening to reason.”

Colin kissed her again before moving and sliding out of her. He laid down and cuddled her into his side, “Thank you for never giving up.”

**

Next up: Chapter 19- Queen Charlotte shows up at the Thames shipyard surprising two familiar faces. Polin arrive at Aubrey Hall.

❗ You guys still hanging with me? I need some vitamin D 🌞 therapy like yesterday. Winter has really taken a toll on my mental health this year - also the US politics AND the LA fires (my 2nd home) AND the war etc. AND all the negative energy surrounding social media.

Please let me know what you thought about this chapter. We only have two chapters (I think) to go. They haven't been written yet.

Again, thank you ALL (even the silent readers) for all your support. I appreciate feedback because it lights a fire under my creative ass. It makes me write Polin which I am glad you all have enjoyed since I first posted the Polin Novella 'ALL I WANT'

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

A loud foghorn blew behind Max as he anxiously checked his worn-out pocket watch. He sighed and turned around to face his daughter, who stood in her travel clothes, her hand comfortably resting on her belly.  "I'm tellin' ya. No one's coming." Lucille's lips gently curved up, "Yes, someone is." "How are you so optimistic? It is half past the time Mr. Bridgerton said he'd have a trusted messenger meet us. Ten minutes is one thing, but thirty is a tell-tale sign no is coming." "Father, someone is coming. I am not going to say it again." He threw his arms up incredulously, "How do you know?" "Because I trust Miss Penelope." "You hardly know her." "I know her well enough to know she will not leave us high and dry, as they say. She's a very empathetic lady, and her husband seemed to be as well." "After he decided not to shoot me."
"You kidnapped his family. You cannot blame him. Nicholas would have done the same thing. The fact Mr. Bridgerton actually listened to his wife and then listened to you makes him a very dedicated man indeed." "He does seem to be a good man," Max nodded, but then he got a thought and turned nervous, "Unless he has convinced Miss Penelope out of her promise to us." Lucille snickered, shaking her head.

"Why do you laugh?" "Because you sound silly." "Silly? Daughter, all I want is for you and my grandbaby to be taken care of!" "Papa, I laugh because you think Mr. Bridgerton has talked Penelope out of it. I do not know him, but I saw the interaction between them. He folded just by her looking at him. Miss Penelope seems like someone who once she has her mind set, she does not falter. I do not think she has been convinced out of anything regarding us." "And the Queen? What if she has forbidden them to help us?" Lucille's face flickered with uncertainty a moment, but she quickly shook it off, "I think Penelope would still help us, secretly." "How can you stay so very calm? Our ship leaves dock in twenty minutes."  "I wish you would be so very calm. I know this sounds crazy to say, after everything we put her through, but Penelope would not do that to us. I just...I know." "I hope you are right," Max said shakily. He paced back and forth for a few more minutes, limping and checking his pocket watch, when gasps from other ship hands and patrons were heard.  A royal carriage, one shouted. Aye, the Queen, another said. Lucille and Max turned around, their eyes wide and their bodies frozen, as the large golden carriage, surrounded by 2 dozen royal guards upon white horses, came their way.  When the carriage pulled up in front of them, Lucille's hand grabbed her father's arm in apprehension, "Papa." "Tis' alright," he comforted, but his expression tense. "Her Majesty, Queen Charlotte," a guard announced just before the footman opened the door.  Brimsley stepped out first, who then offered his assistance to Queen Charlotte. When she stepped onto the soil, and stood in front of them in all her regal and opulence, Max and Lucille were stupefied and a little in awe. Queen Charlotte looked both of them over carefully, and in judgment, as a guard walked upon them. "Mr. Maxwell Bennett?" This was it, they were being arrested, or captured for death. But, Max kept his head up high and remained as stoic as he had when each of the Bridgerton brothers aimed their shot. "Yes, Sir." "And daughter, Miss Lucille?" Lucille's eyes teared up, feeling a sense of remorse, but she nodded anyways. The guard turned to the Queen, nodding, before he stepped aside. It was then that Queen Charlotte, and Brimsley carrying an intricate, polished box, walked the rest of the way up to them.  Lucille immediately curtseyed the best she could do in her position, and nudged her father, who was so in shock of the Queen of England's presence before him, he forgot to bow his head a moment. When they both raised back up, their eyes scanned behind her, as if searching.  "If it is Mrs. Penelope Bridgerton you are looking for, I am sorry to say she has not accompanied me here today. Her and her family are traveling. I do hope you are not disappointed with my presence instead."  "W-we were not expecting Miss Penelope to begin with, y-your Majesty. We were expecting a messenger for the Bridgerton's." "Yes, so please excuse our surprise at your arrival," Lucille added. "I am the messenger for the Bridgerton's," Queen Charlotte announced, amused. Max turned to look at his daughter impressed. "It seems Mrs. Bridgerton was not jesting when she praised her partnership with your Majesty," Lucille said. "Yes, Penelope and I get along exceptionally. She is a clever and amusing creature, that one, and I do like to be amused," Queen Charlotte finished to Brimsley who smiled slightly. “So, Mr. and Mrs. Bridgerton sent you in place of a messenger, your Majesty?” Queen Charlotte snickered, looking at him as if he’d gone mad, “No. I made the decision to come when they informed me they were sending a messenger to meet you,” her look went dark, “I wanted to lay my eyes upon the Featherington estate intruder…upon the very man who took an innocent wife and infant from their home in the dead of night…” Maxwell’s eyes lowered, his chin dropping in respect and remorse. “…the man who dared hold a comrade of the Crown for ransom…” “Your Majesty,” Lucille murmured, her voice laced with tears. “I know the entire story, my dear. Mrs. Bridgerton has explained your father’s reasoning, the history behind it and your current situation…both of you.” Max lifted his head back up in surprise at the sudden soften of her voice, she continued, “But, that does not justify what you did.” “No, your Majesty,” he agreed. “What you did was a crime. You committed many crimes, Mr. Bennett.” “Yes,” he whispered, clasping his hands in front of him. “Brimsley,” The Queen addressed. Brimsley spoke up as if reading the crimes, “Breaking into a private residence. Damage of residence property and items. Physically assaulting resident staff. Abducting a woman and a minor. Holding a woman and a minor for ransom.” “Not to mention the mental harm you have inflicted upon all parties involved,” the Queen finished. “I am not naïve to the crimes I have committed, your Majesty. I am prepared to receive whatever sentence you place upon me. I have nothing but respect for Miss Penelope, and her family. I am guilty of my actions…” “Mr. Bennett…” “But I do not regret them for I am a father who will do anything to protect his family and try to acquire what was illegally stolen from them.” “Mr. Bennett…” “If that means arrest or death, your Majesty, I surrender willingly, but please do not let my pregnant daughter suffer from my actions.” “Mr. Bennett!” He immediately stopped rambling and stared at her wide-eyed. “I also have much respect for Penelope and she has much respect for you and your family, even under the circumstances. I have listened to her plea, and I have heard your penitence. It is a highly unusual situation; however, I have accepted both.” “Your Majesty,” Lucille said, in a relieved shock. “Your father will not be sentenced for his crimes.” Max quickly reached back and grabbed Lucille’s hand in relief. “To be honest, I was surprised Mr. Bridgerton did not kill you on the spot. From what I have heard in the past, if someone only looks at his wife the wrong way, he has inflicted a bar room brawl. That is something Lady Whistledown has conveniently not included in her columns.” The Queen and Brimsley shared a knowing look full of entertainment. “Getting back to the subject at hand, regarding your acquittal, I do have orders of my own, which you will abide. A small price to pay, really.” “Of course.” “You two will leave the country, as planned; however, Mr. Bennett you are hereby banned from the United Kingdom indefinitely. Returning on soil will mean immediate arrest without parole.” “Yes, your majesty.” “Miss Lucille, you are permitted to return to this, your home country, only once your father has departed this life. Whether it be two months from now, two years or twenty years, you are only permitted back once that has been proven. This arrival back includes you, any of your children and any other parties you bring with.” “Yes, your Majesty,” Lucille answered. “Brimsley.” Brimsley handed Max the box and Max looked up confused. “Mr. and Mrs. Bridgerton have gifted this to you and yours. I am aware you have a ship to get on before it departs, so I will take my leave. I do hope your remaining days are a peaceful and non-painful one.” Max looked at her stunned but grateful, “Th-thank you, your Majesty.” “Miss Lucille, I wish you all the health and happiness of your new babe.” Lucille breathed out in a happy relief, “Thank you, your Majesty.” Both of them bowed and curtseyed as Queen Charlotte turned and her party followed. Max opened the box and Lucille gasped. The funds that had been unrightfully taken by Lord Featherington Senior was now manifested in double. Also, in the box, was a silver baby rattle and a letter. 
Maxwell and Lucille,

I hope the Queen’s arrival has not alarmed you too much. I did think it unnecessary; however, even Lady Whistledown only has so much prowess when it comes to convincing the Crown. Like myself, once she makes up her mind about something, she will go ahead and do it regardless. By now you have been freed of any crimes. I am so very grateful for her Majesty for letting me plead my case about your situation, though it did take great exhaustion to do so.

Though my husband is not as forgiving, I am. I forgive your actions against me and my family and I apologize for the actions of my father.

Here are funds, doubled for what was taken from you. I hope you live a happy and comfortable life with them. Also included is a little gift from me for your new baby when they arrive. Once you are permitted to return back into the country, Lucille, please do come visit if you ever feel comfortable to do so. Until then, I wish you both safe travels and happiness.

-Penelope Featherington Bridgerton

Penelope held her arm outside the open carriage window, feeling the breeze upon her skin. She gently smiled, the warm sun shining upon her face. She could see the Bridgerton’s land, just across the river there up the hill. She suddenly felt so elated, so joyful and carefree. She felt like an entirely different person from yesterday.
 
Perhaps it was that they were going to be spending a few weeks at one of her favorite places ‘home away from home’. Or, perhaps it was the eight, uninterrupted hours of sleep she had in Colin’s arms last night. Or, perhaps it was the releasing of stress from physically being with her husband yesterday afternoon. Or, perhaps it was the fact that everything had turned out alright in the end. Perhaps…it was all of it. Pen looked forward, where Rae sat, with Elliot perched on her lap. The baby was already staring at his Mama, slobbering on his teething ring. When Penelope smiled at him, his little mouth smiled against the ring. Penelope felt a hand squeeze hers and she looked next to her to find Colin looking at her lovingly. They shared communication with one look: they were happy. Colin brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her knuckles. But he did not let her hand go. Linking their fingers together, he tugged her arm and she slid away from her window and into his body on the other end of the seat where he was. Cuddling up to him, they both just stared at each other, gazing and enjoying their closeness. Benedict’s eyes popped up from the top of his book, watching them a moment. When he saw Penelope’s finger touch his brothers’ lips, and his brother shift his body towards her a bit provocatively, he shut his book with a huff. “Oh, could you two be anymore romantically sickening?" Neither of them turned to look at him, still gazing at each other, but they did smile hearing him. “I love that you two are so happy, and back together, but you are in mixed company.” “I do nothing but hold my wife and look upon her face, brother,” Colin said, as if in a trance by Pen. “You also look as if you are about to pounce on her like you did last afternoon.” The couple both looked over at Benedict surprised and he nodded with big, amused eyes, “Oh, yeah. I heard it. We all heard it.” Rae snickered but kept reading her book. Ben continued, "I am surprised you did not put a hole in your bedroom wall.” “Brother, my child is next to you. Could you not,” Colin said, irritated. “He is four months of age. He doesn’t understand us. He doesn’t even understand his name yet.” Pen gasped, “That is not true!” Benedict turned his head, “Elliot? Elliot?” The baby continued gnawing and looking at this teething ring in his grasp, not paying attention. “See,” Ben said, as if proving a point. Colin laughed, shaking head ridiculously, “I cannot wait until you’re a father. You will realize then how idiotic you sound right now.” Benedict rolled his eyes and waved him off. “Oh yeah,” Colin said, “Just you wait. When you have a baby, I will start talking about how you and your future wife made them.” “You will do no such thing,” Pen laughed in shock, “And can we please switch to a more appropriate subject? My lady maid is in here, too, you know.” Benedict leaned forward, incredulously, “Penelope! Miss Rae is the one that told me what the noise was!” Rae’s eyebrows rose, and she nodded, but she was not fazed one bit. Penelope placed her face into her husband’s chest, blushing and mortified. “Ben, close your eyes.” “Why?” “Because I am going to kiss my wife right now.” Ben sighed, “Lord.” He placed his hands over the baby’s eyes, and closed his own, “Go on then.” Colin placed his finger under Pen’s chin and lifted it. She smiled sweetly as his lips softly kissed her own. “No tongue,” Ben said, his eyes still closed. “Christ,” Colin murmured annoyed as they pulled back. “Thank heavens, we’re here,” Pen said, relieved, as they carriage pulled up in front of the house.
 
**
Chapter 20- Last Chapter (includes smut) and Epilogue

We’re nearly there, guys. How fitting it ends on chapter 20 (not planned).
I have loved this chapter – the Queen with Max & Lucy as well as the family fluff in the carriage. Nothing but content and happiness now :)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

A roar of laughter from the Bridgerton women suddenly bolted through the quiet family quarters of Aubrey Hall. Gregory, in his night shirt, made a face as he walked by Colin and Penelope’s guestroom. He rolled his eyes, as any normal brother would at is sisters, and continued on his way down the hall.

Inside the room, Kate sat on a chair near the bed, Daphne sat perched on the corner of the bed, Penelope half-sat against the headboard and Hyacinth, already in her nightdress, laid in the crook of Penelope’s arm in a cuddle.

As their laughter died down, they all settled into a comfortable silence, but laced with a seriousness of what had happened to their brother, sister-in-law and nephew.

“I love you all so very much,” Pen said in a bittersweet tone, “but I do wish Eloise was here, and Francesca.”

Daphne gave Pen of her infamous, soft smiles and reached her hand out to touch Penelope's knee in condolence, “Do not be melancholy, sister. They are returning in a few weeks' time.”

Pen sighed, “I know, but that’s still quite the wait.”

Kate snickered, “They have been gone an entire year. 14 more days will go by quickly, Penelope. Just you watch.”

“Why Eloise had to leave the country right after you became friends again, I will never know,” Hyacinth stated in a voice that made her seem like she was their age, to fit in.

Pen giggled and pulled Hyacinth closer to her side, “Your sister had to experience more than just Mayfair. What better way to do that than with her own sister?”

“You act like you are joyed that she left,” Hy said, looking up at her.

“I am.”

“But you were crying.  I saw you.”

“I have selfishly missed her, of course, but I was crying because I was happy for her, honey.”

“I’m sure Colin was also crying tears of joy that Eloise left,” Daphne said with a sly undertone, “Seeing you and he had just reconciled the same time you and Eloise patched things up.  If she had not traveled, Eloise would have been around you a lot and interrupted a lot I presume.

Penelope smiled, blushing, seeing Daphne’s naughty expression.

“Interrupted what,” Hyacinth asked.

“Nothing,” Pen quickly added.

“Will you write to Eloise what happened, Penelope? Or wait to tell her when she arrives,” Kate inquired.

“Oh, I definitely cannot tell her something like that in a letter. She would never forgive me. Besides,” Pen’s expression changed to a mischievous one, “I would not dream on missing the opportunity to see the look on her face when I tell her.”

“Can I be there when you do,” Hy asked excited.

Pen giggled, “Sure.”

“Oh, goodness, and she still hasn’t met the baby yet, has she,” Daphne exclaimed.

“Nope. That I am most excited for. She still does not believe that I actually birthed Colin’s child. She thinks we are all playing a trick on her.”

All the ladies laughed.

“Well, I was there when you did birth him, so I will make sure to describe every-single-detail to El,” Hyacinth stated proudly.

“Not every detail, dear,” Kate added, “We do not want to scare the poor girl.”

Hyacinth ignored her and continued, quite cheekily, “I will even tell her that at one-point Penelope sounded like a hyena!”

Pen gasped, “I did not!”

“You did,” Hyacinth laughed.

Penelope started tickling her, “You try sounding like a pretty bell when you are pushing a seven-and-a-half-pound pall mall ball out of your tummy!”

Hyacinth laughed, wiggling, as Penelope tickled her endless.

“Whatever you said to get the wrath of Pen’s tickle torture must have been quite horrendous,” Colin suddenly stated in the doorway amused.

Penelope let Hyacinth go but Hyacinth remained cuddling against her and spoke to her brother, “I said she sounded like a hyena when she was giving birth.”

Colin laughed, sharing the memory with Hyacinth, but he saw the shocked, daggered look his wife suddenly shot his way. It slapped the smile right off of his face and he cleared his throat nervously.

“She did not, Hyacinth. How dare you say such a—”

“Oh, be quiet,” Pen interrupted.

Colin pushed himself off the doorframe and walked into the room. This prompted Kate and Daphne to gracefully get up, knowing to take their leave, but Hyacinth remained where she was. Colin maneuvered his hand at Hyacinth, as if to say ‘scoot'.

“There is room, brother, right there,” she said nodding towards this empty side of the bed.

Colin looked at Pen incredulously but she just bit back a laugh.

“Aren’t you a little old to be cuddling my wife?”

“No. You cuddle her.”

“That is different.”

“I still cuddle Mama.”

“That is also different.”

Pen smiled amused, “Leave her alone, Colin. Eloise and I spent the entire night before her departure like this in our bed.”

“Yes, I remember,” Colin said annoyed, “You two fell asleep. I had to sleep in the guest room...,” he then placed his fists on the bed, leaning over towards his little sister, “...which I will not be doing tonight.”

“Oh, Penelope,” Violet’s voice was heard from the doorway.

Colin stood up and turned around where his mother stood with Elliot in her arms, his little head resting on her chest, his eyes getting sleepy.

"Yes, Mummy," Pen asked sitting up more, "Shall I take him back now?"

Violet fake gasped and pressed her hand to Elliot's back, "Heaven's, don't you dare. No, actually, I was hoping to see if I may have him in my room for the evening. After everything that happened, I am just feeling a little emotionally protective right now."

"Aww, of course you can," Pen said getting out of bed. She walked up to them and ran her hand over his head, "You want to sleep in Nana's room tonight, baby? Yesss. Oh," Pen giggled in awe, "He is so tired. If he wakes hungry or too fussy, please don't hesitate to wake us."

Violet looked at her son for confirmation of this arrangement and he nodded, agreeing with Pen.

"I will. Say goodnight, Mama, Papa," Violet cooed.

"Sweet dreams, son," Colin said as Pen kissed his head.

"Time for bed," Violet said to Elliot as she lifted his wrist to gently wave it at his parents before she disappeared from the doorway.

Colin turned around, forgetting Hyacinth was still there, and he froze as Hy gave him a big smile. He was about to scold her to leave when...

"Hy-a-cinth! That means you, too!"

Colin smiled at his little sister after they heard their mother's persistent tone from the hallway.

"Aughhhhh," the tween yelled as she rolled off of the mattress.

Colin grabbed onto the door, awaiting his little sister's depature, as Penelope gave Hyacinth a hug goodnight. Hyacinth stuck her tongue out at her brother before disappearing from the bedroom. Once she was out, he swung the door shut behind him.

"So, we're back," Colin smiled at Pen, "How are you feeling?"

She motioned to her back and turned around, holding her hair up for him, "I'm very, very tired but I feel so good being here."

Colin unfastened her dress for her, "Good. So do I. You were right. Coming here was the best thing for all of us."

He helped her out of her dress and then walked over to drape it over the chair.

"Did you have a good fencing session," Pen asked as he started on the ties of her corset.

"I did. You know, Simon is not as good as he plays out to be. I beat him, twice."

"I'm not surprised. You're a very good fencer. You beat Benedict nearly every time."

"He's an easy competition though. Ben can barely even hold a teacup steady."

Penelope giggled and rolled her neck back on her shoulders as if trying to sooth tension there. He immediately stopped his untying and started massaging her shoulders there. She instantly relaxed and closed her eyes, letting him.

"Does it hurt," he asked, softly.

"Mm mm. Just feels tight."

Pen heard Colin's snicker and, when she looked up at him over her shoulder, he had a very agreeable expression as he nodded with innuendo.

"Don't be naughty," she laughed, slapping his arm.

He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her, "You know what I think we should do?"

"I'm tiredddd," she whined.

"No," he laughed and gave her a quick kiss on the lips, "The Farmer's Almanac says it is supposed to be amazing weather again tomorrow. I think we should let Hyacinth and Gregory take over baby watch and sneak away."

"Sneak away where?"

"A picnic...out by the goldenrod cul-de-sac. Just the two of us. What do you think?"

"I think that is the best reason to sneak away," she purred and reached up for another peck on the lips.

The next afternoon, Penelope and Colin retreated to their little, private picnic out in the fields behind Aubrey Hall. Near the pond, in a grassy area hidden in the goldenrod flowers, they laid out a large blanket under a tree. The tree leaves rustled above them in the warm breeze as birds chirped happily. The sun was hot but the tree shade made their lounging the perfect temperature and the sound of the pond water just added to the ambience.

Colin laid on the blanket on his back, feet crossed, as his head was resting against the palm of his hands, his arms contently lifted behind him. Penelope sat on his lower stomach, straddling him, as she picked through a bowl of berries.

"Raspberry, Strawberry or Blueberry this time?"

"Surprise me."

Pen lifted a strawberry, sans stem, and brought it to his lips. He took a bite and Pen then ate the other half. She smiled, sucking the juice off her finger, as she watched him. His eyes were closed and he was chewing happily.

"Look at you."

He smiled satisfied and wiggled his hips side to side, her moving with them.

"You look like some King right now. It is a wonder I am not fanning you with an Ostridge feather and feeding you grapes...or peeling you one," she teased, eyebrow arched.

"I did not ask you to feed me fruit. You climbed on top of me and started doing so."

"I needed somewhere to sit," she flirted.

Colin's belly moved under her as he gently laughed and then he opened his mouth, "Yes, well I -" he was silenced by a raspberry being shoved into mouth stopping him from what she knew would be a very naughty reply.

Pen set the bowl back in the picnic basket and wiped her hands together, still sitting astride her husband, "Colin."

"Hm," he asked, running his hands up her thighs on each side of him.

"I was thinking about something regarding us recently."

"Oh? That is a coincidence. I was thinking about something regarding us, too, recently."

He sat up quickly, making Pen 'Oo' losing her balance, but he held her as he maneuvered her onto her back, "I was thinking of the first time I pleasured you with my mouth. Do you remember?"

Pen gave him a silly look, but a bashful one, "How could I forget?"

"I was thinking of doing that again," he said laying comfortable half on top of her.

Pen's eyes widened in dismissal, "On the stairs?"

"Well, certainly not the stairs here at Aubrey Hall."

Pen shook her head adamantly, "No."

"Why not? It was quite...a moment."

Pen laughed, "We were making love for the first time since we married. It was inevitable to be that much...in the moment."

"It was erotic as hell," he said shocked she was not into the thought, "You're saying after a night of a little too much champagne after a ball, you wouldn't want too be taken like that again?"

"I would...just not on the stairs," off his look she continued, "It is not comfortable."

"You weren't complaining then."

"Because I was in such a state of shock that my husband had his face between my legs for the first time. I did not know such activities existed until that moment."

Colin licked his bottom lip, smiling cheekily, his eyes sparkling, "You liked it though."

"I loved it. My back did not like it. Which actually did not matter at the time. My entire body was aching after two days cooped up with you after my sister's ball. I was walking like a toddler each time I had to get up," she giggled, "I was so embarrassed."

Colin laughed, "I pulled muscles in my ass. I could not sit properly for a week."

Pen laughed, which faded away as they started kissing. Their playful kisses grew passionate and then salacious, as their mouths opened wide, their tongues slipping against each other. Pen hummed as he sucked her bottom lip before releasing it in a lewd sound.

"I will never tire of your kisses."

"You say that now, but we have only been married a year."

"So?"

"So, we are still in the 'honeymoon' period, even if we are parents. Tell me that again in 10 years when you tire of me."

She shook her head, "Impossible. I will never tire of you or your lips."

Colin leaned in and gave her another sexy kiss before starting down her neck, "I will make sure you never tire of my mouth."

Penelope leaned her head to the side, closing her eyes in ecstasy, as he suckled upon the sensitive spot of her neck. Her entire body erupted in pleasurable tingles as he did so and she bit her bottom lip suggestively. As his lips descended upon her bosom above the bust of her dress, his hand cupped her. But he did not make any moves to remove or pull any of her clothing.

"If you will not agree to stairs, how about a soft, picnic blanket," he murmured as he moved his body down and between her legs.

Penelope giggled but made no moves, or words, to stop him. He smiled and looked around, making sure no soul was in sight, before the upper half of his body disappeared under her skirts. They were both laying comfortably, one of her legs hitched over his shoulder as he started pleasuring her with his mouth.

At first, he was soft, deliberate and slow. His moves were pleasurable, but relaxing more than anything. She hummed, licking her bottom lip and placing her hand on his head to feel the subtle movements of his head. He knew how to keep her at bay and when to speed things up. He knew where to pay attention, for how long and with the kind of rhythm or strokes. His intention was to eat her out for as long as he could last, before he needed a release himself, so he wanted to tease her for as long as her body could handle. But, when he sucked a particular spot, by accident really, Pen let out one of her glorious cries of pleasure.

Her sounds always did him in. The moment he heard her pleasure in the carriage; her whimpers, her cries, her gasps, her moans, her screams, her grunts...it was like a drug. He always needed more! The fact that she was making sounds because of him- forget it. It was sink, line and hooker for him.

Pen's fist gripped his hair as his movements sped up, his mouth becoming harder, needier. He was no longer teasing or taking his time. He was now sucking and licking every spot he knew drove her on the brink of orgasm. Her little mews of pleasure became louder and Colin lifted her other knee, linking his arms around both of her thighs holding her steady and open as he devoured her like a grapefruit. The sounds were so crude, but they turned her on so much. She could feel her nipples tingle, hardening under her corset, as little waves of orgasmic pleasure radiating from her clit through her entire core with his flick and wiggle of his tongue...with each suck of his mouth. Her little cries turned into moans as her stomach started quivering. It was building.

"Yes..yes..." she started involuntarily rolling her hips against his mouth and she breathed in, arching, "Colin. Oh, gosh..." he hit a particular spot and her other hand flew to his head as well, "Right there. Right..."

He hummed, very aroused, very hard, and very intoxicated by her and kept where she wanted. Under his hold, he could feel her tensing up and knew what was coming.

Her response confirmed it as she gasped, "I'm co - " but she couldn't get the entire sentence out as she squeaked, her body becoming stiff. He continued, knowing to work her through it. She cried out pleasurably as her muscles contracted against his mouth. He could feel her try to get away, from the sensitivity, but he kept at it until she was completely sated and melted back into the blanket.

Colin kissed her thighs leisurely before coming back up to her, hovering.  He assumed her to lay in bliss for a while until suddenly her hands flew down to his belt.

"You interrupted me when I was going to tell you what I was thinking regarding us."

"What is that," he croaked out as she hastily unfastened him.

"Having another baby."

Colin stilled, "Elliot is only..."

"I know, but it takes nine months to carry a child. If we were to become pregnant soon he will be over a year old when he gets a sibling. I'd love him to have a sibling close in age."

"So would I," he smiled in awe, "But it is not like we have been careful. We could be pregnant now and you don't know it yet."

"We could," she nodded, "But I want to keep trying as often as possible until we're sure. I..."

Pen stopped when she realized how hard he was in her hand already.

"It doesn't take much regarding you, sweetheart. You should know that by now."

Penelope smiled and kissed him eagerly as she hiked her skirts up. At the same time, his hands pushed his pants down.

Cradling her head in his hands, he looked into her eyes lovingly before he sunk back into his wife, into his Pen, into his home.

Eight months later ...

A carriage pulled in front of Featherington Estate. The hired hack's footman opened the door. He helped a slightly elderly lady out of the carriage first, followed by Lucille holding a 6-month-old baby girl on her hip. Lucille stood there, looking up at the house with wonder, beauty, anxiety and remorse.

"Ready," the older woman asked with a reassuring smile.

Lucille nodded and together they made it up the walk before knocking.

Leon opened the door, "Yes, may I help you?"

"Hello. My name is Lucille. I am here to call upon Mr. and Mrs. Bridgerton if they are home."

"Are they expecting you?"

"N-no. I thought I might surprise Miss Penelope-I mean, Mrs. Bridgerton."

Leon smiled kindly at the nervousness of the woman, "Well, Mrs. Bridgerton is not too keen on surprises, but I can let her know you are here. How shall I address you?"

"Lucille will be fine. Thank you."

"Please, come in," Leon said, ushering the women into the foyer, "I will be a moment."

Up in the study, Penelope was at her desk editing a column as Colin was across her, at his desk, with one-year-old Elliot on his lap playing with wooden toy blocks.

"Sir, Ma'am..."

"Yes, Leon," Colin asked, as Penelope was in her focus mode.

"Mrs. Bridgerton has a caller."

Colin glanced at Pen who continued to take no notice of them, her lips moving silently, as if reading.

"Unless it is an emergency, Mrs. Bridgerton will be taking no callers at the moment. Please politely decline and take a message if they're willing."

Leon's eyes glanced to the back of his mistresses head, "A Lucille."

Penelope's quill scratched as her arm flew across the paper in shock. She gasped, looking up at Colin who seemed just as surprised.

Lucille smiled as she stared at a large painting of Penelope and Colin on their wedding day hanging in a sitting room adjacent to where she stood.

"Lucille!"

Lucy looked forward to see Penelope coming down the stairs in a haste. Lucy handed the baby to her Aunt and made her way to Penelope happily. But as Penelope came down onto the landing, Lucille's eyes widened, looking down at her torso.

"You are with child!"

Penelope giggled and placed her hands over her protruding belly, "8 weeks to go. And they cannot come soon enough. And you...are no longer with child."

Lucille turned and motioned behind her, "She is right over there."

Penelope gasped joyfully as her Aunt smiled walking up with the baby girl.

"Hello, beautiful girl," Pen cooed.

"Little Miss Julie here just turned 6 months," Lucille said proudly.

"Hello Julie," Pen smiled, tugging the baby's hand gently.

The baby smiled big at Penelope.

"And this is my Aunt Dorothy, whom I had been living with in Amsterdam."

"It is lovely to meet you, my dear," Dorothy stated in her thick Dutch accent.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance as well," Pen said before she grabbed Lucille's hand, "I cannot believe you are here. You are here and you are well?"

"I am very well. We are happy and healthy, just as you hoped. My content is a big thanks to you and your husband, I might add."

"Oh, I am..." Pen sighed relieved, "So glad to hear that. Truly."

Pen's expression turned to something else...something of curiosity and melancholy, her eyes questioning, which Lucille understood right away.

"Yes," Lucy said confirming her father's departure from life, "A month after the baby was born, but he lived to see her enter this world that that I am grateful for. So was he. He passed peacefully in his sleep."

"Lucille," Pen said in a whisper, "I am so sorry."

"He was ready," Lucy said heartfelt.

"Miss Lucille," Colin addressed, coming down the last steps with Elliot on his hip.

Lucy gasped, "No. This is not teeny little Elliot!"

Pen laughed, "He was not so teeny even then, but yes. He just turned a year old."

Colin smiled as he walked up with him, "Say hello Miss Lucille."

"Hello Lord Featherington," Lucy cooed.

They noticed Elliot staring past her though and noticed exactly who his curious eyes were upon...a particular 6-month-old pretty, girl.

"Is it too early for an arranged marriage," Dorothy asked.

All the adults laughed.

The end

Guys, THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT and for the amazing conversations in the comments throughout this fic.

I absolutely adore each journey we go on in my Polin stories: Back to Basics, Consequences, Regardless and now A Particular Vow is added to that list.

If there is something that you think I am particularly good at writing, in regards to Polin, and you would like to see more of it, please leave suggestions in the comments. Or, if there's an idea of Polin you'd like to read, also leave suggestions. It might spark a new idea for me.

I look forward to seeing what is next. Until then be kind and keep Pollinating 🐝