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Chapter Text

The Bridgerton family danced for so long on the thin line between being old nobility and an important part of the criminal world. They would curtsy to the Queen on Sunday and put a bullet in their enemy's head the very next morning. That was a public secret, which somehow made them even more popular. People loved dangerous beauty, and there was nothing more beautiful than a deadly Bridgerton.

Anthony Bridgerton was nervous. Of course, you would never see it on his face. But, deep down, he was nervous. One might expect everything to go all right, but he wasn't where he was without expecting all possible scenarios. Today, the prodigal son would return. Colin was finally leaving jail. On that twisted note, his baby brother managed to use that year to improve his celebrity status even more.

The trial was public and dirty, but in the end, Colin was even more beloved. Only he could pull that shit, Anthony thought to himself, slightly annoyed. His baby brother used his Netflix TV show about food as a cover to smuggle rare items, but he ended up in jail for beating a guy in a bar who harassed girls. The public ate that shit up.

Beloved food blogger in jail for being a hero, and when the girl he saved started to cry her eyes out to the journalists, the story got even bigger. In the end, he was guilty, but the punishment was barely what one would usually get. Anthony was sure Colin was getting at least several more seasons on Netflix in the first week of leaving jail. He noticed he wasn't the only one waiting. Several journalists and photographers were there, but politely keeping their distance, knowing very well that the viscount does not fuck around.

Colin came out of jail with the biggest smile, like he just had the biggest piece of cake. He waved to the journalists and photographers who were standing on the side, only to yell to them that he would come to answer a few questions after he hugged his brother. Anthony could feel the annoyance bursting in his stomach, but the joy from seeing his brother and holding him in his arms was overwhelming. He was finally back.

"Where are we going?" Colin asked the very second they entered the car.

"Mum's," Anthony answered.

"Will she be there?"

There could be only one person his brother thought about. His wife, Penelope Featherington-Bridgerton.

"Last time I checked, she wanted a divorce. Penelope was very open about not being a Bridgerton anymore."

"After they forced marriage upon us, I was the shitty one. Not her. She did everything and more," he was adamant.

For the first time since he left the prison gates, his baby brother didn't have a mask on his face. No more Mr. Charming. He was just Colin.

"I need to fix it."

Anthony had to ask. He was never in jail, but a year is a long time. Perhaps all that time was enough for Colin to realize what everyone else knew.

"The marriage or the friendship?"

"She would visit me every week, send letters and packages. Penelope was my beacon of light during that entire mess, and then Cressida published that damn video, and everything stopped. Suddenly, I was alone and in darkness..."

Anthony looked at him. Anguish was married to his face, and he couldn't help but feel guilty. Cressida published the video, and the entire world could hear Colin saying that he didn't want to date or marry Penelope. Her nasty comment suggested that Penelope blackmailed Colin into marrying her, and the Internet went insane and started to harass his sister-in-law. A beloved hero trapped in an unwanted marriage, a story worth a thousand pages. Things calmed down after Eloise published over 50 photos of Colin and Penelope through the years, telling a story of two friends who fell in love, and publicly suggesting that if there was a stalker, it was Cressida.

But still, the damage was done. The Bridgertons didn't defend one of their own as they should have, and Penelope never forgot that.

With Colin in jail, he couldn't say or do anything to defend himself, and it was obvious that Penelope wouldn't keep up with the agreement. She started avoiding the Bridgertons, except Eloise, and sent the divorce papers to Colin's lawyer. Looking at it from today's point of view, Anthony could admit to himself that he went overboard when he found out and accused his sister-in-law of betrayal. She kicked him out without mercy and ensured that nobody knew where she was.

"She was my best friend. She accepted that damn marriage to help us, and the only thing she got was abuse. I need to fix it."

Anthony failed his sister-in-law before, but not today.

"Do you want to fix this to feel better? Because in that case, please don't. Give her the peace she deserves so that she can move on. She always wanted a family of her own."

The silence was painful. Colin didn't say a word, and Anthony didn't know what to say. In a messy situation like that, there weren't wise words that could easily silence the loudness of mistakes.

Chapter Text

"Your dum-dum is out of jail", Kate said and lifted her cell phone in the air to show Penelope the article about Colin. Penelope's heart skipped a beat for a mere second after seeing his smile, but that was a secret she would take to her grave.

"He's not my anything", her response was short.

Kate raises her eyebrows, and with that simple, elegant move, she comments more than if she used her words. And when a person who uses words as a weapon does that, it becomes slightly annoying.

"I prepared the documents. Two of you have no children, no joint property...this divorce should be a piece of cake. However, there is an emotional component. You love him and you love them".

Kate poured herself a cup of tea (Indian, never English), took it gently, and brought it to her lips.

"They like me, but I am not a Bridgerton. Cressida's little video was proof enough. Three days after that, Daphne had a ball, and Cressida was still invited. What better way to send a message than what she implied was the truth? They like me, but since mine and Colin's marriage wasn't a love marriage, they do not see me as a Bridgerton, and therefore, they won't defend me as one. It's as simple as that".

Kate wanted to slap them so badly. Everything she knew about them, she knew from the media or whispers spoken under the cover of darkness. The Bridgertons were allegedly knee-deep in the criminal world, and yet they escaped the punishment others would receive. Their people were loyal to the core, violence was used only when needed, and there was a bit of truth in stories that even the authorities preferred this type of criminal organization if they had to choose one. She meet Penelope amid the scandal. She was sitting on the floor of her sister's apartment and crying her eyes out. Being a big sister was such a strong part of Kate's identity that her first instinct was to hug the poor girl. However, she didn't expect that Penelope would start to cry even strongly. When she found out that Kate hugging her was the first time somebody touched her (except Eloise, of course) since the entire mess started, she wanted to beat the shit out of somebody. A Bridgerton, preferably.

"At least Eloise is on your side," Kate didn't fail to notice how the smile was honest, for once, when that damned family was mentioned. Kathani Sharma could say so many mean things, but she would never deny the bond between the two girls. One could almost get jealous.

"She’s my soulmate."

"No wonder she's so smart. You could never be a soulmate to a fool". Penelope blushed at her words. My God, Kate loved that girl, and she knew her for several months. She was sweet, kind, and lovely, and under all that red hair, there was a deadly steel of determination. In a way, Penelope was like an onion. Even when you thought you had an idea of who she was and is, you would discover another incredible side of her. Kate would never say that out loud Bridgerton's loss was Sharma's gain, but there was no doubt in her mind that Kate and Edwina were the lucky ones to have her in their lives.

Violet Bridgerton was the happiest when all her children were around. And finally, they were. Finally, feeling her son's embrace made her weep with joy, and while nobody would confess, she could spot tears in the eyes of her children. The Bridgertons were the strongest when they were together.

Hyacinth and Gregory couldn't stop touching their brother, Daphne held her fists closed tightly to stop herself from doing the same, and Francesca, Anthony, and Benedict couldn't stop themselves from smiling. Even though she attempted not to look mad, Eloise couldn't hide her desire to punch her brother. Violet, for once, was applauding her daughter for controlling herself. There was a place and a moment for something like that.

And Penelope? Her heart aches at that poor girl's pain. Her daughter-in-law learned only the pain in her house, and Violet was adult enough to know just how guilty she was. Colin being in jail sent her once again down a dark path, and she was completely useless. Anthony told her firmly that Colin was all right. Being in a low-security prison that was under their control ensured he had better conditions than any other prisoner in the world, but still, that meant nothing to her. Her baby was behind bars. Violet was furious at Colin when she saw the tape, but she gravely underestimated just how disgusting people can be. And they reacted too slowly. She could only be grateful for Eloise and her standing up for Penelope. At least somebody showed her daughter-in-law that she was a member of the family, but it was too little too late. 

Penelope started to avoid them, and to Violet's lasting regret, she barely noticed that in the beginning. But the divorce papers came like a cold shower and a painful reminder that those who are not there on time do not need to be there in times of happiness. She tried to contact her God knows how many times, but the cell phone was turned off.

Violet scoffed, remembering that even Portia refused to listen, only to comment that she always warned her daughter of Bridgerton's selfishness and that now she knows just like everybody else. Nobody should gloat in that type of situation, but Portia somehow managed. But now with Colin's return, perhaps things can be talked over, and they can realize that they belong to each other. Violet was aware that she put a lot of hope in her son, who still didn't realize the true extent of his feelings, but nobody could say that she wasn't filled with hope.

"Will you hug me, Eloise, or are you planning on punching me?" Colin asked his sister, who was standing next to the fridge and looked at them with her hands crossed on her chest. "Still haven't decided."

Eloise did open her arms and hug him, and Violet could swear that everyone was breathing slightly lighter.

"I understand that you were just like her, the victim of that bloody deal, but what you did was horrible, and she didn't deserve it,"

Eloise was quiet. Colin nervously passed his finger through his hair and nodded.

"Sign the divorce papers and leave her alone." Colin was about to say something, but Eloise pointed a finger in his face.

"No. You will do that if you have any respect for her. If you ever consider yourself her friend..."

"She's my best friend...", Eloise grimaced like he said something dirty, "...and I need to do things right. I will sign the damn papers; I just need to talk to her".

"No," Eloise was direct. She looked at Violet like she was asking for support, and this time Violet knew she had to react.

"Colin, my dear, you are tired. You need to eat something".

Colin wasn't stupid enough not to know he was being played, but he could understand his sister. After all, two of them were the closest people Pen had in her life.

The first time Portia made Penelope cry, she promised to become stronger. After her mom made fun of her tears and her sisters joined the cruel entertainment, Penelope was smart enough to promise herself once again that she would become tough but was realistic enough to know that wouldn’t happen. It took her moving out of her mother’s house, university, and therapy (and lots of it) to realize that she could be happy and that her mother was a mean evil bitch who was unhappy. That of course didn’t change the fact that Penelope still loved Portia and would always want her love, which was just like the sun and moon - inevitable.

It was no coincidence that her love towards Colin was the same: without hope, without reason, and with the ability to break her over and over again. She should have known better. Her grandfather was a spiteful old man who hated his daughter, cared barely for his granddaughters, and owned the piece of land that the Bridgerton family desperately tried to get their hands on for 200 years. So, it was no wonder that he decided to manipulate Anthony Bridgerton. And he couldn’t resist, and neither could Penelope. Colin was the victim; she was aware of that and felt shame almost as much as she did happiness.

She hoped with every little piece of her being that he would fall in love, but he rather ended up in jail. Penelope wasn’t naïve. She grew up in the same society as the Bridgertons, but her family was not that rich, not beloved, but they still had their share in the criminal world. Just like every wealthy family. Of course, after her father's murder barely. But she knew. There was no doubt in her mind that Colin wanted to defend those girls but he also wanted to be free, and ending up in jail was a preferable option over being with her. She was sitting in the courtroom when the judge read the verdict and she could see the slight smile of relief on her husband’s face when he was sent to jail. At that moment, she decided to divorce him, to set him free. Her grandfather was dead, the land was Bridgertons, and she could walk away. Slowl,y she was preparing the terrain for that when Cressida released that tape.

How can something break you even when you are aware of it? That day, she learned that lesson. 

Funny thing, Cressida was right. The blackmail was involved, and Penelope welcomed the Internet hating her, for she deserved all the mean and hateful comments. At least, that was a justification in the dark moments of those days. It's easy to accept other people's hate when you hate yourself. Penelope’s naïve belief that the Bridgertons would be by her side was crushed, and she realized what everybody already knew: even with the ring on her finger, she wasn’t a Bridgerton. And that set her free.

After years and years of feeling small and less, finally she rose from the ashes of her own life and started to feel angry. Righteous anger burned her skin and soul. Fuck them all. Her mother and sisters were horrible. Just like the grandfather. She never made the deal, she never insisted on the marriage. She was just stupid enough to say yes to a boy she loved. She didn’t demand anything from him, and yet everybody treated her like shit.

No fucking more, she thought to herself that very day when cried herself out in Kate Sharma’s arms. Kate helped her with the paperwork for divorce. She moved out of Colin’s apartment, found a cute place for herself, changed her therapist, and started living like she never did. Eloise was proud, Kate was looking at her with delight, and for the first time, Penelope was as happy as she could be. During her journey to new life, she had no illusion, she would always love Colin Bridgerton. But she started a love relationship with herself and that felt good. It felt liberating.

“You should read that book. It’s amazing”, a deep male voice said. She turned and looked at a fine male specimen. Tall, blonde, and gorgeous. She almost wanted to ask him if was he talking to her only to realize that two of them were the only people in the row of the bookshop.

Penelope Featherington smiled like she never did before and proudly said: “I know, I wrote it”.

Chapter Text

Any half-decent criminal organization understood the need for a good front business. You wanted something that was well managed, legal, clean, and brought enough money to withstand any scrutiny from the authorities. Thomas Bridgerton, the 13th Viscount Bridgerton, was the first that start to 'flirt' with the world of crime. Some might say it happened because he fell in love with a lovely lady Emma. History might remember her lavish parties, but the ones closest to her were aware of her little habit. Lady Emma was a skilled jewelry thief. It was a well-known fact that Bridgerton only truly loved once, and there was no doubt that Thomas would help the woman he loved. Now, he was clever enough to open his law firm in case he needed a good lawyer, and an art house because where else his beloved could case what she would steal next? Every girl needs to have her challenge.

The Bridgerton empire expanded from that day. They owned shipping companies, they dabbled in real estate...A century or two passed so quickly, and with a few billion dollars later on their accounts, Bridgertons had a pretty nice front business. The criminal part of the family side business was mostly consulting and aiding criminals, but each generation after Thomas and Emma Bridgerton had that one member that had no problems getting their hands dirty, and for this generation was Anthony.

Criminals who knew his name (you had to be someone to be even in a circle) were aware not to play games. But obviously, the woman who was currently sitting in his office didn't learn that. Anthony could only see her back, and that was more than enough for him. He cursed under his breath and barged in only to lose his breath. At the sound of the door, she turned for a second. And that was enough. She was stunning. Dark skin, dark hair, and eyes that sparkled with intelligence and anger. He didn't know who she was, but she looked like a primordial goddess that came down to Earth to punish the bad and the wicked. And when he saw her smirk as he was walking by her chair to his, he was willing to confess that he was both bad and wicked and that she needed to punish him. Right after he learned what the hell she was doing in his office.

"Who the hell are you, and who gave you the permission", he barked and sat down at his desk. Finally, she was in front of him, and he could see her. Really see her, and what a sight that was. He was surprised by his reaction, but he welcomed it.

"Kate Sharma. And your sister-in-law gave me the permission to ensure that her divorce goes as smoothly as it can."

Oh, fuck.

"Last time I checked I wasn't married to Penelope, therefore the question of divorce and whether will there be one should be addressed to my brother’s lawyers. They are three floors below." She smiled. It was a beautiful smile, however, felt like she knew things that he didn't.

"There will be a divorce. And we both know that your brother does what you want regardless of what he might want, after all, he married my client for land because you demanded that". For a woman with such a warm voice, she had a deadly usage of words. Anthony froze. Penelope went outside of the family and talked about their business. That pissed him off more than it should. Later he would realize he went berserk, but that was a problem for later.

"Who the hell do you think you are? My family business is my own, and I demand that you stop this deal you have with my sister-in-law."

"Or what?"

That woman deserved a good spanking. And he very much loved that idea, but it was the wrong time for that. His voice went slightly smoother than usual, and the stare belonged more to the meeting with cartel leaders than with the lawyer, but he wanted to send a clear message.

"Release Penelope as a client and forget this shit and I will make it worth your time," Benedict told him once that his voice sounded creepy and that there was no wonder people feared him. After that, he refused to go with him to meetings, but this woman just started to laugh which pissed him even more.

"No. Now, if you are done with your sad pathetic excuse of a power trip, let me remind you that not everyone can be bribed". He realized that she was holding a file in her hands which she tossed on his desk right in front of him.

"My client doesn't want your brother's money. Not even that damn land. She will get rid of the last name and take solely her maiden name. And that's it. Honestly, I think if she never sees any of you, except Eloise, of course, it would be perfect. Now, be a good boy, and hand the file to your brother. After all, it is in everyone's best interest if we handle this privately. We do not need to splash this horror story of a marriage on the tabloid's front page". her implication was more than clear. She got up and he finally was able to see what she was wearing and... nobody should look that good in a purple suit.

"Oh, and if suddenly destiny interferes and my client dies, a lot of secrets will come out. Goodbye!"

"Are you accusing us of wanting to kill Penelope? Are you insane!", he screamed at her flabbergasted that they obviously talked about that option. He knew Penelope was disappointed at them, and rightly so, but they would never harm her.

She shrugged her shoulders leaving Anthony completely shocked. 

Daphne looked at Simon playing with Amelia and felt the warmth. They were sitting on the floor, moving vibrant plastic blocks into a music box and producing sounds that made a toddler laugh. That was life. That was what the dreams are made of, and the achievement of all of her desires. She was married to a man who held her heart, and she had a baby with him.

"Are you calmer now?"

She smiled sweetly at her husband’s question. He knew very well that she would wake up during the night because of the nightmares that plagued her mind. And in each one, somebody died. Usually, it was Colin. She didn't handle very well him being in jail. The majority of the time she pretended she was keeping it together since that was the only choice she had. Anthony was keeping the company running and dealing with the rest of their siblings and their mom. Ben was going from being a party animal one day only to closing himself into a room and painting for days. Colin was in jail and there was no point in putting her worries on him. Eloise was more concerned with Penelope, and her studies to be her person. Daphne felt alone. Simon was amazing and lovely but he was her husband, and no matter how much he tried to understand or help he couldn't.

"It felt so good for him to be back". Simon smiled as he handed a toy to their daughter, only to look at her seriously.

"But for how long before he runs to shoot another season of him eating?" Daphne knew he wasn't trying to be mean, but it felt like was. Simon was convinced that Colin was running away and will do so until he finds a damn good reason to stay and grow up.

"I am not trying to be mean. He reminds me of me before you".

And how can one not smile at that?

"Maybe if he realizes that he loves Penelope, he will stay". Daphne wanted to answer him, but their child started to cry. She got up from the chair and took her in her arms and started to kiss her chubby little face. The little girl calmed in a few seconds.

"Remarkable what a little bit of love can do", Simon was in awe. It felt amazing and sad at the same time to share the experience of being a parent with him. And while there were days when she would curse her late father-in-law, there wasn't a single moment when she doubted his love and affection towards their daughter. And Daphne knew, just like every other person who saw them knew, Simon was wrapped around Amelia's little fingers and loved it.

"Do you think will they get back together?"

First few seconds, she had no idea what he was talking about until she realized he meant Colin and Penelope. Daphne was very much against that marriage, so much so that Anthony and she couldn't sit at the same table for months. There was no doubt in her mind that they love each other, and that Colin is a little bit late in realizing that but forcing them together could only lead to all sorts of bad things and sadly she was proven right. Penelope was hurt, Colin was sad, and it would take an act of God to get them together.

"I have an idea."

"Oh, no. I am just in a mood to gossip, not to do whatever crossed your mind".

The oldest Bridgerton daughter was more than pleased with how just her husband knew her. "Eloise would never give me Penelope's number, but Portia would if I invite her and her daughters to a Hastings party." Simon looked confused.

"What party?" Daphne smiled. "A welcoming party for my dear brother".

She handed him their daughter, grabbed her cell phone from the table, and pressed several times on the screen only to put it on her ear.

" Mrs. Featherington, it's Duchess of Hastings. I'm calling you regarding Penelope's number. As you are aware, my brother returned and I would like to organize a party to get everyone together", she talked fast not willing to give Portia any reason to stop her. After all, Portia was a prototype of a society wife and mother, and that by itself could be manipulated. Daphne could hear somebody on the other line, but not else but that.

"No. And I would rather die than let you have my daughter's number after what you have done. Your stupid brother was the one that embarrassed her, but you stabbed her in the back. I would wish you a good day, but I have no intention to lie".

If anybody told Daphne that Portia would hang up on her, she wouldn't believe them especially since she didn't know what Portia was talking about. 

Penelope was on a date, and she was giddy like a child on Christmas morning. After she told him that was Penelope Featherington and that she was the one who wrote the book about the painfully shy lady Poppy Plume who solved crimes and avoided charming Inspector Nicholas, he was giddy as well. According to Henry Debling, as he was called, he was her fan. She didn't know how but somehow, they ended up in a local coffee shop. After a few minutes of awkward chit-chat, they couldn't stop talking. And for somebody like her, who always dealt with fear and confusion while attempting to converse with others this was a game changer.

"How come?" He smiled with his eyes. She almost melted. There was a certain weakness in her bones for a charming man.

"I am the oldest in the family, and there were five of us. All girls expect me, and I am very much in touch with modern pop culture", Henry said.

"That is so sweet", Penelope commented and remembered something that Anthony once said.

"Wait, you are doing that so that you are included? You read the same books your sisters do so that you could talk to them about it. " She giggled as the blush spread on his cheeks.

"Honestly, you learn too much about certain things, but you get to have so many guilty pleasures. Or is it even a guilty pleasure if I am not hiding that?"

There was slight teasing in his voice.

" Depends on the guilty pleasure," spilled from her mouth and she would swear later to Edwina, Kate, and Eloise that her face was as red as her hair.

They were smiling not noticing that somebody was taking their picture.

Chapter Text

'Oh, fuck, fuck, fuck', Benedict cursed only to realize that he was loud, repeated more times than he should have, and that he drew the attention of everyone at the table at himself. Hyacinth and Gregory didn't skip a beat and they automatically looked at his phone. And while he was skilled enough to move it on the other side, he wasn't fast enough for them not to see the logo of the site he was looking at.

"Who's that guy on the date with Penelope?", Hyacinth asked knowing very well that everybody would look at her staring at her phone. If there was ever an agent of chaos, she was one: cute as a button, and evil like one of the four horsemen of Apocalypse.

Colin grabbed her cell phone and stared, while they all stared at him.

"I didn't see that smile for so long. She looks amazing".

There was a subtle longing in his voice. Ben had to ask himself again how dumb Colin was, only to hear the question he was waiting for: "And who the hell is he?"

"I don't know. Penelope cut us off", Ben said, only to realize that Colin turned towards him looking positively shocked.

"No, she didn't. Not us. I am still in contact with her, and so are Gregory and Francesca", Hyacinth pointed the finger at Gregory and herself, looking mighty proud.

"Little ones, leave the room and we will have a talk about that. You knew I wanted to talk about Penelope," Violet reprimanded two of her youngest.

They waited a few seconds to confirm that they left the dining room.

"What do you mean she cut you off?", the rage was pulsating in every word. At that moment the charm he was known was nonexistent.

Violet took Colin's hand gently like he was a timid little bird.

"We didn't handle well the video..."

Benedict rolled his eyes and added: "Terrible and horrible is a better way to describe it".

"Dearest, please sit down, and eat something".

"No, mother. You will tell me now."

And they did. Colin thought that being in jail was horrible but knowing just how much everybody fucked made him deeply sad. He had no right to be angry, he lost that right.

"You realized that online abuse, being ignored, alone would make her cut you off only when she sent the divorce paper? There is no excuse. She's Bridgerton, and nobody treated her like that". Colin flipped and started yelling at them.

"We did what we could", Violet insisted.

"No, we didn't. The very second that video came out, and that is completely your fault, Colin, we should have released something or anything to shut everybody up. We could have said that Colin was an idiot when he was young, but love hits you and bum marriage. But no. We were quiet and then we wondered why she left. If you mistreat, they will leave", Ben opposed.

Ben understood his mother and that she liked avoiding the things that she didn't like, especially when her children did not look good, and Colin looked bad. She wasn't a bad person, however, a part of him was convinced that Violet decided, willingly or not, to sacrifice Penelope because that was easier than accepting her son was an idiot.

"We failed her. We failed a Bridgerton. Ever since that mess happened, I wonder just how much father would be disappointed in all of us," his mother flinched, and so did Colin.

"I need to fix it." Colin was desperate.

"Why?", Ben asked him.

"What why? How can you say that, Benedict?", Violet was appalled.

He crossed his legs, leaned into a chair, and looked at them directly.

"What's the goal? To continue this fake marriage? To protect the Bridgerton name? Colin, you fucked it up. She was your friend and didn't deserve to be talked about like that. We got the land, leave her in peace. It's too late". Somebody had to be honest with them.

Colin loved Penelope, and it will break his heart when he pulls his head from his ass and realized what he had lost but she deserved better. He would be by his brother at that moment, however now he would step up and do for once what was needed - put Penelope first. He was quiet for too long.

"Colin! Colin!"

Anthony barged into the dining room like he was chased by demons. He grabbed Colin by the shoulder and pulled him into his embrace.

"Don't worry, I will handle that monster", the conviction in his voice was unparalleled.

"Are you on drugs?" Colin was confused.

"I met your wife's divorce lawyer. She's a demon, and I will conquer her. SHE WILL NOT WIN!", he yelled at Colin who took a step back, realizing that Anthony finally snapped.

Violet took a deep breath.

"Dearest, what are you talking about? We haven't seen you since yesterday. Has something occurred?"

Anthony stole Ben's cup of coffee and took a big sip while avoiding his brother trying to hit him.

"Kate Sharma! That is what happened. She's pure evil and she's working for Penelope, but don't worry I will handle everything. And I would bet my money that she's taking advantage of her".

Colin frowned and repeatedly asked Anthony to tell him everything. Ben wasn't sure if should start laughing or drinking.

"She came to my office to give me the divorce documents. Penelope doesn't want the land, the money, or the last name. Nothing. What a shitty lawyer she is! And I will not allow anyone to screw my sister-in-law over".

Ben wanted to meet her. He hasn’t seen Anthony this unhinge since the leader of a Mexican cartel gifted him a tiger and a submarine in the middle of a peace treaty. The tiger ended up in a private reservation that protects wildlife with a hefty donation, while the submarine was put and deliberately forgotten in someone's garage.

"Sharma? Like lady Danbury's goddaughter?", Violet asked confused. Anthony turned his head so fast that Benedict thought he would break his neck.

"I should have known that the old dragon was connected. Evil always joins forces. It can't help itself", he said like that explanation had any common sense.

Anthony reached for the pastry on Ben's plate, only to be hit on the fingers. They stared into each other’s eyes for a second or two, and then they both reached for the pastry. Benedict was slightly faster and that gave him the needed advantage to shove it in his mouth as the crumbs went everywhere.

"Anthony!", their mother was displeased, while her eldest attempted to hit his brother on the head.

"Shut the fuck up! Anthony, do what you what to do with that woman. I don't care if you prolong the process of me getting those documents. I need to talk to her. I'll sign, just I need to talk to her". Colin then turned towards his mother and said something nobody saw coming: "I am very disappointed in you, mother."

Violet froze and the only trace of her existing were her eyes which were getting tearier and tearier. He took her hand gently, but his words were anything but that.

"You left Bridgerton alone and made her a target. And for what? Because that was easier than accepting that I fucked it up. I know your love for me is endless, there is no doubt in my mind. However, I thought, naively it seems, that it would, include my wife".

Isn't sad that the rest of her children could say that every single moment and yet only when her favorite child spoke, she would listen, Ben thought to himself.

A cup of coffee and some piece of shit took her picture and posted it on a local Instagram account that stalks celebrities. It must have been a slow day since every relevant media in the country ran the picture. The articles went from "Who's the hunk, Pen" and "You whore, you are cheating on your man, and he was in jail". And she was pissed. Her first reaction was to cry, only to realize that it would change nothing. The picture will still be out, and she would still be perceived as a cheating whore.

She felt sorry for Henry. He didn't deserve this. Her first reaction when she saw it was to cry and then scream. Since both options were impractical, she had to pull on her adult woman pants and be direct.

"Hey, several British outlets published our photograph from the coffee shop. I am very sorry for the possible inconvenience you might have because of it, but since my ex-husband and his family are somewhat known this is one of the sad consequences. It was lovely to meet you, but I do understand if you decided not to continue with our friendship", was in a message she had sent. He saw it, but there wasn’t any reaction. Penelope couldn’t judge, after all, nobody liked to be in the media for their personal life.

"We could sue them", Kate suggested as she painted her nails.

Edwina was slightly uncomfortable with the idea.

"There is no need to sue anyone. Perhaps a lovely letter in which we explain that you are a private person".

Eloise and Kate raised their heads at the same moment and looked simply confused. The only difference was that Edwina's sister had an expression of affection, while Eloise was looking at her like she was an idiot.

"I will not sue them, nor will I talk to them. When I finalize the divorce, that will be it. How are we with that?"

Kate grinned entertained, which caused Edwina to be completely unsettled.

"I handed the documents to Anthony Bridgerton, and my, my is your brother an asshole", she turned towards Eloise and added, "I expect that Colin Bridgerton should have them soon in his hands, and when he signed that is it: you will no longer be a Bridgerton".

She could feel herself getting sweaty and uncomfortable, as that was the worst thing ever even if she knew that it was good for her. It felt so weird to see her own childhood dreams of being a Bridgerton fall apart this way. No love, no family, only her.

"You can move on," Kate added realizing that Penelope was quiet. Penelope smiled at her, took her hand, and whispered thank you.

It would be the end of an era of her life. Realizing that everything went to hell and how it went, helped her realize that she couldn't change anyone's behavior but she could change her reaction to it. Colin didn't love her, and that was all right. The Bridgertons didn't consider her a family, and that was also all right. Her mother and sisters didn't act like they were a family, and that was their choice and their behavior. There was an entire life ahead of her and she could be happy, at least happier than she was now.

" Colin said he would sign them, but he wanted to talk to you", Eloise said. She raised her hands in defense and explained how she told him that it wasn't an option. Penelope loved Eloise, and as long she lived, she would never be able to pay her back or show the same level of loyalty and love as Eloise did. Eloise was the only person in her life that always picked her. She would burn the world for her.

"I love you", she said, as the blush spread on Eloise's cheeks. 

The blood of the covenant was truly thicker than the water of the womb.

Simon refused to have anything with Daphne's crazy plan, as he called it. But there wasn’t a force that couldn't stop Daphne Bridgerton Hasting when she decided. Especially, when it has anything to do with her family. Dressed in a Ted Baker dress like she was going to war, she knocked on the front door of the Featherington family. Two families were neighbors, but the difference was more than stark. The Bridgerton house was in the family for centuries just as it was the Featherington, but one family went through better times. Children of both families went to the best private schools and enjoyed the same privileges, but they were not the same. Especially not after the murder of Archibald Featherington.

With both families having such a long history of high social standing, there were several cases of recorded marriage between them with the latest one being nearly 150 years ago when a brother of Bridgerton viscount married a Featherington daughter. Marriage was without children, but happy. Being neighbors and being in the same school, it was no wonder that Eloise and Penelope found each other. Daphne loved Penelope. They were friends, maybe not like Pen and Eloise, but they were. Daphne understood that Penelope was hurt by her opposition to the marriage, and later by her inaction when the tape was published but she never thought that she would be ghosted by her. Honestly, she expected more.

Prudence opened the door and the smile disappeared from her face like Daphne was the devil incarnated.

"What do you want?"

Daphne was surprised by the tone. Prudence was usually very polite, almost to the point of being too much. It was obvious she was ditzy and spoiled, just like every other society girl, but never was she so rude. Her mother taught her that manners were the best weapon in polite society, and she was if one might say, amazing at them and at using them.

"Hey. It's such a pleasure to see you. Is your mother here?", Daphne said and entered the house while completely ignoring Prudence's surprise.

"You cannot enter. Who do you think you are?"

Daphne was a woman on the mission, and nobody was stopping her.

Baroness Portia Featherington was sitting on the sofa, dressed in an orange dress with flowers that looked perfect on her. Her red hair was the same shade as her daughters, but unlike her progeny, hers was always perfect. Not even one hair was out of place.

"Hey, I decided to come and visit you. I believe that there are topics we need to discuss", Daphne said and sat opposite Portia, not missing how uncomfortable she was for a mere second.

"I doubt we do. Honestly, I expected better manners from the duchess. But alas the title cannot buy certain things". If Portia could bottle her poison, she would be a very wealthy woman, and already arrested for murder because people would use it because of its potency.

"Exactly, which is the reason why I decided to come here and solve whatever issue you have with me. After all, we are family".

Mrs. Varley entered to room with tea for both. It was clear she prepared it for Portia and then improvised.

"You shouldn't have bothered. The Duchess won't stay here that long", Portia addressed Mrs. Varley and turned towards Daphne.

"We are not family. And let me stop you, I won't put up with pretending that you ever cared about my daughter. If you or anyone from that family cared, you would watch her back. I used to tell her that the Bridgertons are nothing more and nothing else but pretty and wealthy people who do not care. Thank you for proving to me everything I have thought. "

What a bitch.

"My brother made a mistake, and so did we all when we failed to react more promptly to Cressida Cowper. Nobody is denying that; however, you are crossing the line."

Prudence stood by the door looking and most likely feeling uncomfortable.

"Colin Bridgerton was always a man-child, unworthy of my daughter's time. But you betrayed her. I would never expect that. Kudos for surprising me."

Daphne had enough. This was the second time she openly said that she betrayed Penelope when it was the opposite. Daphne always had Penelope's best interest in mind.

"What are you talking about? I never betrayed her. How dare you say so! You abused your daughter and used her as a punching bag for your insecurities since we are being honest to each other".

"That blonde piece of shit published the video embarrassing my child, and you played friends with her three days later. Everyone and their mother saw the pictures from Hasting Ball confirming that the Bridgertons are on the side of Cressida Cowper. How is that not a betrayal?"

Daphne sat down, feeling completely drained. What she accused her of wasn't the truth, it simply wasn't.

"No, she wasn't. I removed her from the invitation list", she insisted.

Portia rolled her eyes, took her cell phone, pressed a few times on the screen, and turned it to Daphne. There she was. Cressida was at her party, smiling as she had won, and behind her were Simon and her. She took the phone from Portia's hand and started to swipe left on Instagram. There were a bunch of photos, and one of them included Cressida with an elegant silver invitation for the Hastings ball. If she could, she would curl into a ball and cry. Daphne honestly didn't know what happened, but no wonder that Penelope rejected her calls and no wonder that Portia was pissed.

"I don't understand", Daphne returned the phone, still in shock. Portia raised her eyebrows, showing clearly that she didn't trust her.

"I sent an e-mail to my assistant. I swear", she was frantic. Daphne grabbed her purse, pulled out her cell phone, went to her mail, and found the e-mail.

"Look", Daphne said and there it was an e-mail in which she instructed her assistant to remove Cressida and to ensure that she was not allowed on the property.

"What a convenient excuse!", Prudence said, and then she twisted the knife deeper. "Photographs were everywhere. Everyone knew, and now you are pretending that you had no idea".

"I didn't", she was trying to convince them, but by looking at Portia and Prudence there was little hope that they would trust her.

"Please, give me Penelope's new phone number. I need to apologize. She needs to know I was always on her side," Daphne begged them not realizing that she had started to cry.

"No", Portia was adamant, but Daphne heard Prudence saying something completely different.

"You just said we don't have it," Daphne pointed her finger at Prudence who tried to say how she heard her wrong, but she knew very well what she heard. They couldn't give her a phone number because they didn't have one. Daphne looked one more time at Prudence and Portia and realized something.

"She didn't cut off only the Bridgertons, she did the same with you".

Prudence's crestfallen face confirmed it. Portia, of course, looked frozen. More than usual.

"I see. You have no right to comment on anyone's mistakes, Portia, since Penelope cut you off, as well".

Daphne got up, took her purse and as she was to walk through the door she could hear Portia saying with undying conviction to Prudence how Penelope would return home when she realized it was a mistake to leave. With more conviction than she thought she might have, Daphne decided two things. One, she would find out what happened and how the hell Cressida ended up at her ball undetected, and two, she would apologize to Penelope. That was the bare minimum.

Chapter Text

Anthony felt like somebody punch him out, but worse. Kate Sharma was almost in his every thought, and he couldn't explain it to himself, let alone to anyone else. Of course, he would never ever and not even then say to anyone that he was thinking about her. But he couldn't deny it, he had to make extensive research on her. After all, she was the woman that badly led his sister-in-law's case. Anthony scoffed at the very idea that Penelope doesn't get anything in a divorce. That was rude, he thought to himself completely ignoring the little voice in his head saying that Penelope didn't want anything.

Two men that stood in front of him looked awkward, waiting for him to stop moving the papers from one side of the table to the next, and stop hissing. It was uncomfortable.

"Sir...", his assistant Mark Andrews said as he was attempting to ease Anthony into a conversation.

"Oh, both of you are here. Excellent. I do hope you have something for me". Anthony never threatened, he just had high standards. His late father would laugh at his saying that one day Anthony would learn that aiming for perfection was exhausting. He never lived to see Anthony regret his own character every single day.

"Kate Sharma is the daughter of Milan Sharma, a prominent political activist. Her mother died when she was three years old. Her father remarried to Mary Sheffield...", said Khalid Laghari, a team leader of his P.I. team.

"Wait, what?" He knew of Sheffield’s, they were one of the rare ton families that had some criminal enterprise. Bridgerton never dealt with them since they had standards, but learning with whom she was related explained a lot about attitude.

"Yes, however, according to the preliminary information we gathered, Mary Sheffield-Sharma was disowned because of the marriage. Her parents wanted her to marry Thomas McKillen, and she refused", Laghari explained.

Anthony felt pure disgust at the Sheffields, promising himself once again that he won't ever deal with them.

"McKillen is a monster. A psychopath and they wanted to marry their daughter to him?" Anthony asked again, only to curse after his assistant nodded.

"Milan and Mary Sharma had a child, a girl named Edwina. Milan Sharma died was Kate was 18 years old. She finished law at Oxford; however, she did few jobs at the same time to feed the family. It seems her stepmother didn't work for a few years after her husband died. At this moment we don't know why."

What a parasite.

"Her mentor was lady Danbury, and now she works for her. Kate Sharma is highly respected and is a prominent lawyer. She sits on the boards of several non-profits and is very active in the community. She volunteers a lot." Anthony had to know, just because every piece of information is a good one. And you never know why it may be relevant.

"And the relationship? Is she in one?" He didn't miss out on the fact that two of his employees' exchanged looks.

"Well, Newton only", his assistant said.

"What? He doesn't have a last name. He's not Madonna".

Anthony obviously said something funny because both started to laugh.

"It's a corgi. She publishes his photos on Instagram. He even has his own personal account 'Living like a Newton'. And as we can currently see based on the data we have; she has a good relationship with her younger sister and stepmother. However, the investigation is still ongoing, so we expect more details soon." 

The past day and a half since he left the prison felt worse than being in jail. After an emotional conversation with his mother that left him exhausted, Lady Danbury called him and ordered him to visit her at the Danbury estate. Usually, he enjoyed receiving such an invite as it meant, she had another assessment for him. Lady Danbury enjoyed expensive and rare things, but she loves preserving what was once stolen. More often it meant returning stolen artifacts to the country from which it was stolen.

Benedict was the artist of the family, but Colin loved to be an adventurer, a hero. And by doing this, he could be. Yes, he loved food and money, but having a unique ability to help in preserving a culture usually older than his own country made him proud. Especially since he was very well informed about cultural theft, his own country had a shameful history with that. It felt almost like he was returning a debt to the world. Lady Danbury, on the other side, would call him an arrogant fool with a hero complex. The Danbury estate was stunning. Surrounded by a white stone wall that ensured privacy and a hiding English garden and a forest of proud oak trees. It was said that a Russian billionaire offered 100 million pounds for the estate, and Danbury laughed at his face informing him that he isn't wealthy enough get his grubby hands on it. Suspiciously enough, he was arrested a week later for tax evasion.

As he sat in the tearoom, he could only hope this conversation would last short. Lady Danbury's servant brought him a full plate of traditional afternoon tea sandwiches. They knew him so well. It was so pretty that it belonged on Pinterest, but Colin would prefer to eat it. The bread on the finger sandwiches was superb. At the same time, it was light and soft, but fulfilling.

"Hello, Colin".

He almost chokes himself on the salmon sandwich. A moment later he finished coughing and got up. Seeing Penelope after six months felt almost like the cure for a disease, he didn't even know he had, like water in the desert. He hugged her, just to realize a second later that she was still. He crossed the line, so he removed himself from her and made a step back. Colin was willing to do anything to ensure she doesn't run away.

"Hey, Penelope." She looked stunning in her dark green dress. Her face, so well-known to him, showed a little bit of discomfort. She didn't want to be here, he realized. He knew that she had no interest to talk to him, but whatever force made her come and talk to him, he would take that miracle and use it.

"I asked lady Danbury to arrange this conversation. I am sorry for getting you here under the false pretense but I have no desire to have you in my apartment, or even worse to have this conversation anywhere public".

He noticed how she didn't mention coming to a Bridgerton house, which made him truly sad that things went that far with her and his family.

"I would talk to you anywhere," he promised. She smiled like it was a habit.

"Eloise told me that you will sign only if we talk. So, I'm here. Let's have that conversation, but after that I want you to sign divorce papers and leave me alone".

She sat on the sofa, and he followed her lead.

"I could never. You're my best friend. I mean, yes, I will sign them. I just don't want to lose you. It was a mistake, I know. What the guys were teasing me, and I was rattled since they mentioned Marina and shit just happen."

There wasn’t enough combination of words he could use to show her just how sorry he was. As he was speaking, he could hear himself and feel only bubbling regret threatening to burst out.

"Ok."

Colin Bridgerton was often accused of acting dumb for mere entertainment, but right now he was confused.

"How do you mean ok?"

"Colin, you said how that happens, but you didn't say ‘sorry’ nor shown any understanding of why would that piss me off. You don't owe me your love or affection, but at a moment when you mocked me, we were friends. You don't do shit like that to friends. If the only thing you can learn from this entire hell is not to mock your friends."

He felt chills. This wasn't a 'let's talk and solve our problems and move on' chat, this was an exit conversation like she just handed in her resignation.

"I am sorry. I said that shit and forgot. If Cressida didn't publish that tape...I know everything you went through".

That was a wrong thing to say. His hands were sweating, it was like he couldn't say the right thing. Colin was panicking like panicking was a sport in the Olympic games, and he was about to win.

"Do you understand why I was mad? You told me three hours before that I was special and your best friend, and then you mocked me. Laughed at me like I am less. Why did you months later say yes to the marriage? I don't understand. Was it out of guilt or did Anthony force you? It was meant to last for a short while".

"If I had to be married to anyone without love, it would be you", he tried to explain.

Again, wrong thing to say.

"Look, Colin. This marriage needs to end. This friendship needs to end. Because it's not honest...", he was about to say something but she raised her hand, "... and in that sense, that is my fault."

She took a deep breath.

"You entered into that marriage thinking you are marrying a friend for the land. I, on the other hand, was marrying a boy I was in love with for years hoping that he would fall in love with me. I entered into that marriage under false pretenses. You didn't want me. I knew that. Then I saw your smile in the courtroom and realize that you would rather be in jail than be married to me. That broke me, but I continued to lie to myself. That video was the most painful thing in my life. I realized that you are not in love with me, and with your family gaining that land there is no need to continue this lie. After the video, it was clear that your own family does not see me as a Bridgerton. Yet another proof that this needs to end. You get your freedom, I get mine. And perhaps one day we could see each other on the street without any bad feeling".

Colin felt like he was under cold water and his lungs were burning as he was fighting to get the air. She said so much, and he didn't know what to say. He knew. He would lie to himself if he didn't acknowledge the fact that he knew about her feelings. Colin wasn't blind to notice her lovely smile would be even bigger when it was directed at him. Benedict said to Anthony that everyone knows that Penelope is weak when it comes to him and that they were using her. So, Colin knew. He ignored it. Pretended like that wasn't something real, only to hear all of that.

"We can work through it", he promised realizing that he needs to keep her here, by his side. The past months felt like hell without having her in his life. Even the guards and other prisoners in jail would tell him that he fucked up and that he had a good thing going, a nice lady. She was more than that. She was his Pen, and she wanted to leave him. Again, with that smile. That sad smile spoke of their end, like the worst curse he could imagine.

"There is nothing that we can get through. Please, sign the papers and free us both. I don't want anything. Money, land... I will give up the last name, of course", her voice was soft and caring.

"You are always going to be a Bridgerton".

"I would rather not," she answered him quickly not hiding just how much things went sour. His family needs to answer this. "Look, there is no point to cry over spilled milk. This is the best for both of us. One day you will thank me," she promised and got up. Colin got up immediately.

"Please, don't go!", he grabbed her hand in desperation, "Please, you can't abandon me. We have been friends for too long".

Penelope pulled her hand from his, made a step towards Colin, and shocked him by kissing his cheek.

"I need you to let me go and I need to let you go. It's that simple. I am not happy. I'm sad, miserable. If you are my friend as you claim, let me live my life in peace."

He just stood and she left not even realizing that he was crying. Her lips on his cheek and the warmth of her skin on his hand felt like it was a phantom limb.

How could everything go so badly? 

Daphne was furious. Cressida made her a fool and used her to hurt her family. She called Simon and demanded a meeting with the head of their security so that they could determine how the hell that bitch entered her home and spend the evening without being discovered. Daphne was convinced that Cressida laughed at them the entire time she was there. After the meeting with their security, and it turned out it wasn’t that difficult to get to the truth, she went to Cressida's official Instagram account to see where that bitch was. Daphne noticed a long time ago that Cressida would publish her location on social media to brag. Idiotic move, but in this case it was useful.

Simon would warn her not to do it. Her mother's advice would be to take time, but a moment for that was a long time ago, around when that bitch published that heinous video. Crisis moment is damned, but Daphne felt a surge of energy she didn't feel for a long time ago. Almost like she was a hunter ready to kill her prey. Cressida and her little group of minions were sitting and having lunch at a trendy restaurant in Knightsbridge. Daphne entered the restaurant and found them sitting and giggling at every little shit Cressida said.

"Hello, ladies! I hope you are well", they were surprised to see her.

Cressida looked worried for a second, and then she smiled so warmly.

"Oh, my. Daphne, dear, you are such a beautiful sight to see. Do I see Ted Baker on you? I don't remember that dress in their new collection," she added trying to insinuate that the dress wasn't Ted Baker but a fake or that it was from an old collection. Both things would be considered a crime among her and her friends. Daphne rolled her eyes.

"Of course, you wouldn't. This is from their up-and-coming collection for spring. My mother, lady Danbury, princess Sophia and I had the pleasure of being invited to the exclusive showroom of their new work. I didn't see you there. How unexpected, honestly".

Cressida looked uncomfortable. Her little minions enjoyed it, and it was obvious.

"Of course, it was unexpected. I will send them an e-mail. It's a disgrace they wouldn't invite me."

"Oh, no. I didn't mean that. You do love to show up to exclusive places without being invited, like my ball, for instance. After all, I removed your name from the invitation list after you released that video. And I just found out that you were prancing around and taking pictures", Daphne wasn't too loud, but everyone heard her.

Cressida was pale like a ghost, looking very much embarrassed.

"I don't remember that I received that e-mail. After all, if I weren't invited, I wouldn't be able to come", she said sweetly.

Daphne smiled and ensured the voice was even louder. She wanted the entire ton hears every detail of what she had to say. She was aware it was too little, too late, but it was at least something.

"I never said it was an e-mail. After Simon and I learned how your cousin helped you sneak in, we fired the security company he worked for and informed them how they just lost millions of pounds because of that. They weren't too pleased with your cousin. I presume they will fire him. Next time you come to my property without my permission, I will have you arrested."

Daphne turned towards Margaret Goring.

"Unfortunately, both Hasting and Bridgerton families will not attend your family's charity ball this evening. We refuse in the same room with Cowper’s family. Cressida Cowper's behavior is most concerning, and we do not want to be in her presence ever again. So, if her family is invited, please do not invite us. I understand that both families promised to donate 2 million pounds each. But don't worry, we'll donate directly to the organization", she said seeing the panic in Margaret's eyes.

The only way her family could replace such an amount is by donating themselves and rich people hated to give money, so she doubted. Otherwise, Goring charity ball will be a failure, and everybody would know why.

"Goodbye, ladies!" Daphne turned around and left the restaurant very well knowing that shit will hit the roof. 

Eloise was chilling like a villain. She was sitting in her favorite coffee shop, reading a book, listening to her favorite music, and just enjoying life. While her siblings believed she had the energy to conquer the world, more than often she found herself tired, and feeling hopeless... She tried to make the world a better place, but for a real change, she needed to use her family's influence or their money, and not even that was enough. Eloise was aware she was boring and too intense for the majority of people, but why was so difficult to want the world to be a better place? Everyone would profit if the taxes for the wealthiest was the highest. Nobody should be a billionaire. If you gain that much wealth, it could only mean you earned it by exploitation. And she was aware that her family had billions in their banking accounts. Her cell phone vibrates. She took it, slightly annoyed that somebody would dare to bother her time. It was Edwina.

"No, I will not buy almond milk," Eloise started.

She knew what Edwina wanted. Always the same old story with her.

"No!", Edwina whimpered and started to cry, causing instant worry in Eloise. "Please come, please. Save me", she was crying so loud that Eloise couldn't hear what she was talking about.

"Edwina, please calm down. I'm coming," Eloise shoved her stuff into her bag and run away from the coffee shop. The call was cut off. And Eloise run like she never before.

"Please be safe, please be safe", Eloise repeated like a prayer. 

She barged into a building a few minutes later and ran to the second floor grateful that the coffee shop was so close to Edwina's apartment. She barely knocked when Edwina opened the door and threw herself in Eloise's arms. For a moment, Eloise felt a moment of calm.

"What happened? Is Kate all right? Penelope?"

She could only feel horror. The very idea that something happened to Penelope would kill her. Edwina pulled her into an apartment and started to cry even stronger. Shaking like a leaf during a hurricane.

"Tell me. Edwina, what happen!" She would never forget the look in Edwina's eyes until the day she died.

"I killed him," she confessed and pointed her finger toward the body under the couch.

Chapter Text

She had always been aware of it. Some of her earliest memories included sneaking around the Bridgerton mansion during her father’s meetings. Often, she would hide and just listen. Anthony would accompany their father, looking so proud to have the opportunity to be there, and Eloise couldn't wait until she was old enough to join them. The next morning at breakfast, her father would often wink at her when she appeared sleepy as he knew very well what his little girl had been up to the night before. And then he died.

Soon after that, she realized the truth. Her family wasn’t the kind that protected people—they were the kind people needed protection from. And it wasn’t easy to deal with that. The guilt of enjoying privileges while using them became almost as cyclical as the Sun's path. She would take the money, have fun, use it, and hate herself for it at the same time. The only thing that made a difference was using it to help others, improving their lives.

Unlike her siblings, she refused to have anything to do with the "side business." In her darkest moments, she would admit that Anthony was disappointed in her. Yes, he hugged her, told her he was proud, and said her staying out of the family business was what their father would have wanted, but still, there were traces of disappointment in his eyes.

And now, as she stared at the man’s body under Edwina’s hideous couch, she regretted not knowing a damn thing about being a criminal. If this had happened to Benedict, Colin, or Daphne, they would handle it like it was just another day. But it had happened to her. Well, to Edwina, to be exact. Sweet, lovely Edwina, who had killed a man.

“What the hell happened?” Edwina was choking on her tears, her face red and her eyes swollen from crying. Eloise wasn’t the sister or friend you called for comfort—she was the one who handed you an egg to throw at your ex-boyfriend’s car.

“He… and I… oh my God… Kate will be disappointed,” Edwina sobbed so hard that Eloise could barely understand her.

Well, she understood the part about Kate being disappointed, which was impossible. Kate would understand anything Edwina did and would probably blame herself for it.

“Shut up!” Eloise lost her patience and yelled. Somehow, that shocked Edwina enough to look at her, momentarily halting the tears. Eloise took the opportunity to find out what had happened.

“I was on a date, and it was going well. We came here to… you know, have fun. But he went from being nice to being pushy, and I said no… I can still feel him on me; I need a shower,” she said, barely functioning, rubbing her body like she was trying to scrub something away.

“I got up and told him to leave, but he didn’t. He came toward me. I got scared, somehow grabbed a lamp, threw it at his head… and he was dead.”

Only Edwina could kill someone with a lamp. It almost sounded like a joke you’d tell over brunch with mutual friends.

There was no doubt in Eloise’s mind that the bastard deserved it, but there was no way in all nine circles of hell she would hand Edwina over to the British judicial system. There are a few moments in life when a single decision changes the trajectory of your destiny. This was one of those moments for Eloise Bridgerton.

“Go get a shower. We’ll get rid of the body.”

Edwina just nodded, looking slightly relieved, like a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders. Eloise watched as she walked toward the bathroom, then glanced at the broken lamp on the floor.

“Fuck me, Edwina! That was Kate’s favorite lamp. She’s going to kill you,” Eloise complained, which only made Edwina start crying again.

"Bloody flowers", Benedict cursed.

The white canvas in front of him was almost taunting. A cruel reminder that he was inept. The chair was comfortable so that shouldn't be the cause of him being uncomfortable, almost like his soul was stretched so thin that his only source of expressing shut itself down. He had the best acrylic paint money could buy, and yet all the colors felt so dull.

He was without any inspiration. It wasn't the first time in his life that he felt inadequate. But this time it felt like there weren't any steps to take forward or back - just stuck.

When did it start? He didn't have a clue. The only thing that he had known was that the decay of his inspiration was gradual, until one day he would just sit in front of the canvas and feel nothing. His family noticed that something wasn't right, but he was smart enough to confuse them until he solves the problem. His mother was easily directed just by mentioning Colin. Daphne was always willing to show Amelia's picture and talk about his niece, while Anthony glared at him with suspicion and was willing to put it aside when he offered to help him. Francesca knew it, Benedict was sure of that, but she was kind enough to know that he didn't want anyone to mention his little problem.

He attempted therapy. Didn't work. The only thing he got from it was the new curse he used. He tried changing his form of artistic expression. It didn't work. The only thing that came out of it was even less space in his art studio. Drugs, parties.... nothing. One time he went even to church only to realize it was someone's wedding, and it was awkward. He did send the newlyweds a lovely gift afterward.

Benedict was lost, and there was nothing he could do. His cell phone rang. He took it almost as a message for the universe telling him it was all right to feel shitty. The number, however, was from the owner of the pub Bridgerton brothers used to frequent.

"Hey, this is Tommy from the pub. Your brother is here and he's not well."

"Somebody harmed him?" He was terrified.

"Oh, no. He's just drunk like I never saw him before. Could you please come and get Colin. I really do not want to kick him out because I like him, but I will".

Twenty minutes later, Benedict completely understood Tommy. Colin was wasted and in tears like he never saw him before.

"What the hell Danbury did it to you?", he spat as he took his brother's arm, put it on his other shoulder, and grabbed him by his waist to ensure he was holding him safe enough not to fall.

"Thank you", Benedict said to Tommy over Colin's head, and continued to carry his little brother outside.

For somebody who looked like he was in shape, Colin was heavy as fuck. So, Benedict promptly dumped his ass on the first bench he saw. Colin's forehead was sweaty, and the green tone of his face was a sure symptom of having too much alcohol.

"What did Danbury do to you?", Benedict repeated as he kneeled in front of Colin to check how is he.

If that old dragon harmed his little brother, there would be hell to pay, he promised. Colin looked at Ben, his eyes were red from crying as he looked drowned in his own sorrow.

"It was Penelope. She was there".

Oh, fuck.

That explained the meltdown. Benedict was adult enough to admit to himself just how much he wanted to be a fly on the wall of that room and smart enough to feel sorry for his brother's pain knowing that the majority of it was caused by Colin himself.

"How is she?"

"Beautiful".

What an idiot.

"We all know she's stunning," Colin looked at him with rage, "...but what did she say?"

"She doesn't want me. She's leaving me," he started to cry.

"There is nothing that she's leaving. The marriage - a scam. Your friendship - is also a scam. Smart girl! I am actually proud of her", Benedict would never know what possessed him to say it like that, but he also didn't expect Colin to punch him.

"What the fuck!", Benedict said from the floor where he ended up.

"It wasn't a scam. She's my best friend. I love her and she's leaving me," Colin started to cry again, and Benedict blinked twice only to realize that Colin finally realized he loved her.

"You love her?", he had to be sure.

"Not like that," and the hope died once again with Colin's words.

"Leave her alone. She deserves more. I do not care how it makes you feel. Colin, she deserves to be happy and she's not in this situation."

"Penelope told me that she loved me and that she married me because she was in love with me," Colin said and added how Penelope thought that he wanted to be in jail than with her.

Benedict was impressed with his sister-in-law. He had to root for her after everything. To be honest like that and to freely open your heart while knowing you would get rejected was the most courageous thing he ever heard about.

"You wanted to talk, and now you did. Sign the divorce papers and leave her alone."

"She's my best friend. Nobody in the world knows me as she does", Colin commented.

Benedict had it with him.

"You selfish piece of shit. Sign the papers and leave her alone. And this is not me asking you, this is me telling you. You are a selfish person, and you are harming her by doing this."

Colin started to cry.

"When did everything go to hell?", he asked with snot coming from his nose.

"With bloody flowers", Benedict said and helped Colin to get up once again and helped him walk. Snot was still under Colin's nose, Benedict noticed. 

At the same time, nine streets away

Kate looked at Penelope who was smiling. It wasn't the happiest smile she ever saw on her face, but it held a certain ease. She had no idea what Pen said to her husband, but whatever it was it was good for her.

"Just ask", the red-haired woman said. Kate pretended not to know what she was talking about but gave up when Pen smirked with pure disbelief.

"Is it over?"

“It is for me", Penelope said firmly and took a sip of her sweet cocktail.

The waitress put two drinks in front of them, noticing that they were surprised. She pointed her fingers toward a remarkably attractive man.

"He sends it. I can return them if you want."

"No need. We'll take them", Kate replied.

Both women gladly watched as he approached their table. He was tall, and gorgeous, dressed in elegant black pants, a black blazer, and a pink shirt. No tie. He felt dangerous. There was something in the way he walked. People instinctively moved from his path.

"Ladies", he said shortly.

"Let me guess, you paid for the drinks nobody asked from you and now you presume one of us will drop her knickers?", Kate was on the point. He smiled and turned towards Penelope.

"Hey, my name is Ciaran. While dropping panties would be nice in a near future, I would satisfy myself for now with a name."

"Why do you want my name?" "How can I ask you for dinner if I do not know your name? My mother taught me better than that."

Never in her life was she a subject of such direct want, and she liked it. While she didn't really understand why he would choose her over Kate, she could try to have fun.

“I'm getting a divorce", she spilled, ignoring Kate and looking at her like she was insane. She didn't plan to say it but opened her mouth and that came out.

"Good. I don't mess with a married woman." He grinned like a cat preying on the mouse.

He was bad, and he knew that. Usually, a man like that didn't attract her but then again usually they paid no attention to her.

"I meant; I am in the process of getting a divorce. I am not divorcing because of you." Her face was red from shame.

"Why not? I think we could be good together." He smirked like the devil, and she liked it.

"You don't know me", she replied feeling how dry her mouth was.

Ciaran leaned over the table.

"You're a beautiful red-haired woman. You're honorable. It's obvious there is some psychical attraction towards me, but you wanted to clarify your situation, which was refreshing. I like you and would like to take you to dinner. And who knows, maybe we go a separate way or you become my children's mother. I am willing to take that chance".

His voice was soft, but the slight roughness under the words felt more alluring than it should.

"Damn", Kate said under her breath.

Penelope would never admit it to herself or to Kate, but she completely forgot that she was also there.

"I think you have a wrong idea about me. I am not very adventures, nor would anyone deem me cool. You have too big expectations of who I am". He started to laugh.

"You are simply adorable. Isn't she?" He asks Kate, while not stopping looking at the youngest Featherington.

"She is, and her friends would gladly defend her." Kate didn't even attempt to hide the threat in her voice.

"Now, what's your last name to check who you are?"

Her smile showed her teeth, as she pulled out her cell phone clearly waiting for a name. Suddenly he got slightly serious.

"I respect a defender. It's Ciaran Kennedy."

Kate was suspicious.  A handsome charming stranger who looked and acted like he came from the romance books showed up out of nowhere, and there was no doubt that he wanted Penelope, but where did he come from and did he want more than just a few nights in the bed?

"Thank you", the eldest Sharma daughter said, but Pen's side eye clearly didn't believe that Kate was grateful for it.

"You look disappointed", he teased Kate who was googling the shit out of his name.

"I could never be disappointed. You finished Trinity College. Impressed. You own a company with your brothers. And I know now that your father was in jail for murder", Kate looked straight in the eyes and didn't even blink.

Penelope drank her drink. She couldn't say anything because, well, her entire family related to criminals and who was she to judge anyone for their family? After all, she was the daughter of Portia Featherington. And that was worse than being a family to many known criminals.

"We don't judge anyone for their family", she said and stopped their staring contest. She held out her hand and he took it.

"It's Penelope. It's nice to meet you."

Even though he had some blisters on his hands, they were surprisingly gentle. And she liked that, so her face went red. He smiled at that, and it was a beautiful smile.

"I don't want to bother you anymore. But can I get your phone number or give you mine? Your friend can check me out in the meantime."

"Nobody said you couldn't check out who Pen is", Kate pointed out still on her phone.

Most likely checking out who is he. His laughter was warm and almost cuddly, a complete difference from his physical appearance.

Penelope did today the most terrifying thing she ever thought of doing, and after confessing her feelings to Colin giving a phone number to a stranger felt almost like 'who cares'. So, she wrote her number on the back of the bill and handed it to Ciaran. He winked at her, typed the phone number in his phone, only to put the bill in the pocket of his blazer.

"We wouldn't want that anyone undesired gets your phone number", he said, winked again, and left.

Penelope took the drink the waitress brought and drank it.

"I am an idiot?", she asked her.

Kate shrugged her shoulders.

"Maybe. You can always change your phone number. But I must warn you as a friend that you went today through a life change, and it's ok to take the time for yourself".

Penelope took a minute and just decided.

"I want to live. Colin was the one who left the prison, but I was in one of my one making since I fell in love with him. I will always love him, but I need to move on. Perhaps it will not be that guy, but I need to accept the change and start living".

Kate put her hands around her and hugged her fiercely. That very act of having somebody else's arms around her felt amazing. She felt protected. Penelope had sisters, but she never learned what meant to be hugged by a sister. She loved Eloise with every inch of her body and soul. However, that was a different type of love. She would live, die, and kill for Eloise, without question. They weren't sisters, they were soulmates. And that was bigger and stronger than any bond blood or marriage can bring. Sometimes she felt guilty because Eloise chose her over her family, and even though she was grateful from the depth of her soul, she could not help but feel angry at herself and her choices that led to this.

"We need to go," Kate suddenly said with panic in her voice.

"What, why?" Penelope asked but started to put on her jacket.

"I don't know. Eloise sends me a text 'Come. Now. Bring Pen.' and no explanation."

She fucked it up. And her family was furious at her.

"Cressida, what the hell were you thinking?" Her mother screeched. Her skin crawled at that harsh, squealing noise her mother produced.

"Violet Bridgerton ignores my calls, and suddenly everyone is treating us as pariahs. I told you not to get involved. But you had to be the smartest of them all. Do you feel now smart when you destroyed your family?"

She had never ever witnessed anyone's social fall so fast as it was her own. After Daphne Hasting left, her so-called friends left, as well, telling her that they can't risk Bridgertons social wrath. The Duchess of Hastings knew very well what she was doing when she decided to destroy her life. Cressida found it impossible that Daphne just now learned about her being at the ball. But it seems as if she did.

When there was no reaction months ago, she honestly thought that Daphne decided to support her claims about her brother's marriage by not doing anything. Maybe the punishment would be lighter, but Daphne decided to make the Cowpers the symbol of the undesired and she succeeded.

Her mother even called Lady Danbury and pleaded with her to arrange a meeting with Violet Bridgerton, and the old dragon refused and commented on how Cressida was horrid with no class and that she should send her someplace else to learn how to behave. After being rather mean about Cressida, Danbury also informed Aramita how Danbury Enterprise will not continue cooperation with their company. Social disgrace is something one could survive, but that was a big financial blow. And soon their other partners will learn about that and many of them will do the same. All of that, just because Cressida decided to publish the truth about that disgusting marriage and dance at a party.

"Will you start listening to me, you stupid little girl? What were you thinking? I know you weren't", her mother continued to scream at her like that would change the entire situation.

He felt like the rug was pulled from his feet. He felt like that ever since his father died in front of him when he was 18 years old. Ever since that bloody bee decided to end his father's life, Anthony felt continuous nausea. What will happen, how it will affect his siblings, how will he fail them....the questions tormented his mind every single day since his father died. But he managed somehow. Perhaps that is the reason why he was deadly when he had to be. In the moments when he physically had to deal with problems, he felt calm. Then, he was in control.

But this was different. He loved women. Their smell, their touch...for a long time that was an efficient way to deal with stress. Seduce, have fun, and move on. She was different. Almost instinctually he recognized something very similar in her. Kate Sharma, a woman who wanted to destroy his family. Yes, he was aware he was being slightly dramatic, but yesterday in his office her eyes spoke of destruction like she was an ancient goddess of war. And if existed in those days, he knew he would gladly take his sword and follow her.

"Anthony, are you listening to me?" His mother complained. As usual.

"Yes, I do. I still do not understand what you want from me. Daphne chose all of us regarding this issue, and I happen to agree with her. Cowpers crossed the line a long time ago. They and others need to learn that an attack on one Bridgerton is an attack on us all. Or did you forget what that woman did?"

Violet sat down on the sofa, took a cookie, and shoved it in her mouth. The latest discussion was about Daphne's public war with Cressida, and his mother wanted to go about it all very prim and proper. In times of war, you do not act nicely. But they did, and that caused more damage than any one of them was willing to acknowledge.

"There are ways to do it", she insisted.

"Enough. Cressida Cowper published that disgusting tape with that little idiot embarrassing his family and his wife. We said nothing and allowed Penelope to take the brunt. Cressida broke into Daphne's home after she was uninvited, and you want to play nice? Enough, I say. We need to be Bridgertons, not scared sheep".

His mother enjoyed the Bridgerton fortune and their status in society, but she loved to pretend that her husband wasn't a criminal, just like the majority of her children. When he was younger, he took all the blame and her criticism for not being his own father...only to realize that was her way of dealing with the world she loved to ignore.

His mother was just a human. And he could breathe a little bit easier. Not much, but it helped him not to flip.

"Anthony, help", Benedict was barely breathing.

Anthony felt like life itself is leaving his body. Who died, was his first thought. He was terrified. Later he wouldn't even remember that he jumped from the chair in which he was sitting in and ran after his baby brother leaving Violet in the room completely confused. But when he saw Colin sitting drunk and mumbling something to himself in front of Benedict's car, he wanted to laugh out of pure desperation.

"Why is he like that?", he had to ask.

Benedict rolled his eyes and chuckled without any humor.

Ah, Penelope.

"Didn't he go to see Danbury?"

"She was there. Penelope told him that she loved him and that she married him because she was in love with him. And then she told him she wanted a divorce and to leave her alone".

Holy hell.

That girl had balls. Anthony was impressed.

"He's destroyed", Benedict showed with his hand at their idiotic brother who looked just as Benedict described.

"I can't carry anymore his fat ass..."

"I don't have a fat ass", Colin complained while still sitting on the ground.

"Oh, my sweet poor child," their mother yelled, ran to Colin, and kneeled like he was a wounded soldier and not a drunken idiot. Anthony could hear her asking him what happened like they all didn't know.

"She loves me, but she doesn't want me. She's my best friend, and she's leaving me", he started to cry.

People would spend their lives hoping and praying that they meet the person that they love and who loves them in return, and Colin who had the fortune of meeting his person and being loved in return didn't realize that he lost most likely the most important person in his life. A certain part of him knew, otherwise he would never mourn like this.

Anthony and Benedict just looked at each other and went to grab him before their mother concluded that Colin was a poor boy once again. They picked him up, and took him into his room, tossing him on the bed like he was a sack of potatoes. Violet remained in the room to look after Colin, while the two eldest Bridgerton boys went to get a drink together.

Eloise would never forget the moment when Pen and Kate came back home and found the body. It was a textbook example of the five stages of grief. It would be hilarious if she was watching it on TV. Ok, maybe it wouldn't be that hilarious, she was willing to admit it to herself. What was funny was the fact that both women accepted without a blink of an eye that it was Edwina who killed her date.

"I do not trust the police or judicial system in this country. I do know what I am talking about. We are not calling them", Kate insisted, even though nobody suggested that option.

"Nobody can ever know that Edwina killed him," Penelope demanded.

In her hand, she was holding the dead man's wallet.

"He's Claire Thorwood's nephew. She will kill Edwina for it. There won't be any police with her or jail, whatsoever," Penelope said.

Kate and Edwina were startled. Eloise presumed they never heard of Claire Thorwood, but she did. And so did Penelope.

Claire Thorwood led Thorwood's criminal organization after the rather suspicious death of her husband. Entire England was very doubtful that he willingly went to break into a London Zoo just because he wanted to see the Nile crocodile. Nobody could prove that he wasn't alone, and yet his remains were found there. She was deadly, proud, and smart enough not to get caught. It was no wonder that the British press adored her and being that notorious and wealthy meant something in the country where the highest echelon of society gets bored so often.

"We need to get rid of the body, and any evidence. She will kill Edwina", Penelope told them.

"My daughter is right. She will kill Edwina".

Portia was somehow there. Standing on the door, listening to them for God knows how long, and smiling.

"What do you want? I told you I don't want to see you ever again," Penelope said to her mother who closed the door behind her. Portia Featherington smiled like she held all the cards in her manicured hands.

"I will help you get rid of the body ensuring the safety of your sister", she said to Kate, and then she looked at Penelope with a strange expression, "and the only thing I want is that my daughter comes once a week for lunch. Tell me, Penelope, would you risk your friend's life just because you can put up with your mother and sisters for an hour or two?"

Oh, that bitch had her, Eloise realized as Penelope accepted her mother's terms informing her that if she or her sisters have one mean comment about her or her life, she will go personally to Claire Thorwood and confess the murder.

"You wouldn't dare", Portia couldn't believe.

"You and my sisters abused me my entire life. I will no longer put up with anyone's pathetic attempts to make me feel bad about who I am. I would rather die. Now, the question is can you pretend to be a good mother for an hour or two?"

Chapter Text

Her father was a cruel, mean man. It was no lie in the fact that she married the first wealthy man just to escape his rigid authority and striking judgment. Even though she was beautiful and smart, she was never good enough for her father. In a way, it was sad since, unlike many other men of his entire generation, it wasn't because he was sexist, he adored her little sister who was born when Portia was ten years old. Since the day Prudence was born, Bartholomew Theodore Capell was absolutely enchanted with everything that she did. Portia was alone ever since that moment.

Her mother Clarissa was more delighted with balls and parties than with her daughters. Although, she did understand her mother better when she got older and had her own daughters.

Everything changed in Capell's mansion when Prudence died in a car crash when she was only 9 years old. Her broken body lay on the street with all her books tossed everywhere from being run over. Portia could still hear the screams of that day in her mind. Her father was broken, and her mother was everlastingly sad drowning herself in the tragedy, and in pills. Portia didn't exist. And when they noticed her, she was always the problem, so she put on her smile, lowered her dress, and married the first wealthy man in society who was willing to put a ring on her hand.

She named her eldest daughter after her sister and only then her father showed up to see the baby. His scowl was cut deeply into his memory just like the words he dared to say that day as he peeped into the crib.

"That baby didn't deserve my daughter's name. You choose wrongly", he spat almost as a grave insult and left. Archibald told her that day that her father shouldn't have access to their daughter. That was probably the first and last time he was right.

But she was weak, and she invited her father to come and see Phillipa when she was born. After all, a year before that her mother passed away and one little part of her wanted her father's affection. Her father looked uninterested in the baby girl, only to turn his attention towards Portia and rolled his eyes. He didn't even say anything. He just left shaking his head like he was disappointed again.

That day she swears she would do anything to protect her daughters, even from her own father. She hoped not to see her father ever again. And there was a realistic chance of that since Bartholomew refused to go anywhere high society claiming it was stupid, and he moved out of London to an elegant house in the English countryside claiming London was getting too crowded. Perhaps that would be if her husband wasn't stupid enough to lose money on a deal, she told him not to invest, so he needed quick cash, and who better to ask than his wealthy father-in-law?

Bartholomew Theodore Capell, now old and weak, returned to her house walking with the cane but staring and judging them as if he was reminding them how he wasn't of feeble mind. Every word he said was filled with judgment of how they weren't good enough, and how pathetic it was for them to need his help. And just to prove how better he was than them, he told them they don't need to return his money, after all, he doubted they would be able.

When he demanded to see ‘the last disappointed’, Portia flinched knowing he wanted to see her youngest daughter - Penelope. He peeked yet again at the crib, but instead of being mean, he surprised them all.

"She should have been named after my daughter. Finally, you didn't fail in something, Portia", he said as he pressed his finger on the baby's fat cheek causing the little girl to smile.

To her own horror, he smiled back. Penelope changed everything. She loved her daughter, she indeed did. But her father who ignored her entire life acted so nicely towards her daughter while ignoring her sisters reminding her once again of everything she went through. Penelope received expensive presents, but Prudence and Phillipa didn't. Cappell wanted to pay for the best schools for her, but Portia informed him that will not happen unless her sisters are sent to the same schools. So, he paid. She couldn't understand what the difference was and why it was her youngest that received love and attention.

What was so special about her?

It was almost hilarious to see her father prancing for the love of a child that was terrified of him. Until the day he died, he did everything in his power to get Penelope's love including that damned marriage with Brigerton boy. It didn't take a lot for Capell to realize who Penelope wanted and to find a plan to ensure that marriage by dangling at Anthony Bridgerton's nose the land his family desperately wanted for the past two hundred years. Her father died soon after the wedding, happy that he did what was 'needed', as he claimed on his deathbed.

God knows, he didn't fail to tell her once again just how big of disappointed she was. Portia knew she was her father's daughter.

Her words cut sharper than the diamond, the way she played people was almost a work of art, and she read the character and wants of those around her so well that it wonders MI5 didn't recruit her. But she failed. It took that damn video and one of her mean comments, for Penelope to blow up. She screamed at her that she is a failure and a horrible mother and that she has no intention to see her or her sisters ever again.

When Portia complained and told her that she was overreacting, Penelope looked at her so coldly and for the first time, she saw her father staring back at her. That only shook her more than the words she would tell her that day.

"You are cruel, vindictive, mean, and abusive. We are not family, we only share blood", she said, turning around and taking her leave.

Penelope left her, and once again Portia was alone. But this time it was her fault. It felt like an earthquake, but one of her own design. If Prudence was married like Phillipa or had another option, she would leave her as well. Since the day her daughters were born, she thought she knew everything, only to realize she was clueless. Even now, as she found a way to weasel herself into Penelope's life again, she was reminded just how little she knew about her youngest. In dark moments just before she would go to sleep, she would confess to herself that she didn't understand her youngest. She was shy, fat, with her head in the book, and she was weak. She just put up with all the shit her sisters put her through like a little soldier, with her wobbling lips and tears in her eyes.

How sad is it to realize you do not know your own child?

"Four of you need an alibi. Go get a drink or a dinner somewhere public. The body in the meantime will be handled", Portia ordered them, noticing that her daughter's friends didn't trust her and that they were obviously more concerned about Penelope than about the body in front of them.

"She's right". Eloise Bridgerton never hide just how much she didn't like her. Her mother taught her well to follow the rules and know her manners, but nobody in the world could stop her from hiding just how much she didn't like her or Penelope's sister. For the longest time, she believed that Eloise was just jealous. It made sense. She was wrong. Yet another thing in her life she failed to see on time.

"How can we be sure that we can trust her?" The tall girl who came with her daughter asked. Her strict expression couldn't hide just how beautiful she was. Her younger sister, since there was no point in denying the truth in the same bone structure, was stunning as well, but more approachable.

Portia almost lost her breath in anticipation. Never before that moment, had she wanted to hear her own daughter defending her. One big part of her needs Penelope to convince her friends that her mother would get rid of the body and do what was needed to defend them. Maybe that would be a way to fix at least something between them.

"We still share the last name. She'll do it. I presume this wouldn't be the first time she got rid of the body".

Those words won't go down in the history as the fiercest way one defended their mother, but it was a start. A small one, but start, nonetheless.

A smile started to grace Portia's face.

His right eye was pulsating from the pain. His stomach was queasy, and deep nausea he felt served as a foreshadowing of spending the night puking his guts out. This won't be a quick 'let's vomit and be done with it', this will be somewhere between sweating his ass off while sitting on the cold floor of his toilet and hoping that he didn't mess up his stomach enough to puke blood and actually puking blood. His mother's gentle hands on his forehead were nice, but no help whatsoever.

"My sweet, sweet boy," he could hear her saying.

The cold towel on his face brought mere seconds of relief, only to shape into shivers. Drops of water glided on the skin of his face, falling everywhere spreading discomfort.

"Why did you do it to yourself?", his mother's voice sounded like she was so far from him, with concerned warmth in her every breath.

"Mom, I messed it up," he confessed.

He knew that part of feeling so unwell came from realizing just how much he failed. If making mistakes is human...he held on to the hope that it will be better.

"It will be better", he said trying to convince himself as he felt ever stronger nausea, turn to the side, and puke all over the floor next to his bed. 

Lady Agatha Danbury was only 14 years old when she realized just how stupid people truly were. That day she rolled her eyes so dramatically not knowing that she would get almost infamous for that, and her scorching comments.

She married well, just as the women in high society do. Perhaps, the late lord Danbury and her didn't share great love, but nonetheless rarely any couple shared a warm friendship as they did. As a confidant of Queen Charlotte and society matron, she knew everyone and some more. Underneath the glamour and ridiculous wealth, the bonds of family and friendship were treacherous water where most people tried to present themselves better than they were holding alive the great lie they were taught - a belief that they were inherently better than others.

Fools.

There were certain circumstances when she could admit to herself, she was left clueless. And in each and every one, she welcomed it knowing that getting arrogant was key to losing what she had. And she had a lot.

And now in the late years of her incredible life, she was less about gathering fortune since it's impossible to take it to the grave and more about people around her: her family and friends. Like the Bridgertons, whom she adored but they surely shared a brain cell. Only that could explain so many things about that family. Violet is such a lovely lady, sweet and charming. However, being blind to her own faults made an entire mess. Late Edmund, like his wife, was a caring man. The consequences of his unwise choices were still carried onto the next generation. He had a perfect opportunity to distance his family from the criminal side of the business. His choice was wrong. Unlike many others, Agatha doubted he would do it if he survived. Years of experience have taught her just how much is needed to have a good partner. She had hers in her husband, and later in some of the men and women who shared her bed. Bridgertons were, on the other hand, just built differently. They fall in love truly, and while history has shown that in most cases the result was a beautiful relationship that spans years there were marriages that caused only pain and destruction.

And this generation, she feared for them. At least for the male side of the family. They were especially stupid or blind, depending on who was she thinking about. The eldest was especially stupid, the middle was blind, and the third son was both. Danbury could only hope that the youngest Bridgerton boy had more luck than those three idiots.

Her cell phone rang.

"How could you?", Violet was furious.

Danbury respected her mama bear attitude, to a certain point.

"I did what you were unable. And to emphasize your hypocrisy, I do not recall having this type of reaction when your daughter-in-law went through hell. Colin and Penelope needed a safe space to talk, and I gave them one. So, yes, I could, and I would do it again."

On the other side, she could hear heavy breathing.

"He got drunk and he's puking. Obviously, the conversation didn't go well. Perhaps it should have been in the Bridgerton house", Violet insisted.

Ok, Violet was being stupid, and Agatha Danbury had it with her friend. Somebody needed to tell her the truth.

"Violet, in all the years of our friendship, I never thought that you were cruel and stupid. And you are being now. Penelope would rather die than go to that house. It's not a safe place for her. Your son and the rest of your family, including you, were cruel and mean. Now, I can't speak about your son being stupid and blind, but I can speak about you. You were silent when she was harassed. You were silent when she was in tears. You didn't care enough to do anything...."

"I love Penelope", Violet interrupted her.

"Maybe in your mind, you do. But where are the actions that prove that?"

"My son was in jail".

"Oh, please. That's not jail. Children in school detention have harsher conditions than that place you call the jail. You failed, Violet. You failed and you continue to harm your children and others without taking responsibility for your actions. Honestly, I am disappointed in you. Violet, my dear...", Agatha's voice went from angry to soothing so quickly, "...we all make choices. You choose to fall apart because it was easier than dealing with problems. I can understand how that became the way you function every time when life goes bad, but that by itself has consequences. You are not a bad person, but your actions are bad."

She could only hear sniffing on the other side.

"I'm trying my best", she tried to defend herself. 

"Are you real or are you just using that as an excuse? Ok, Penelope will leave, and Colin will learn how to live without her. Maybe he'll never understand the gaping hole in his heart, but that wound will always be there. Even if he never realized that he lost the most important person in his life. What about others? Anthony...you messed him up by pretending that Edmund is perfect. You don't even see how far he from you is. Benedict is lost. He looks like there is no place in the world for him. Daphne mirrors you, and that will affect her relationship with her husband and her children. Eloise chooses Penelope and who could she not when she witnessed what your family does to those who are not Bridgerton? After all, it's clear that she often feels like she's not a member of the family. The same is with Francesca. When is the last time you had a meaningful conversation with her?".

Agatha Danbury wasn't a cruel woman. But she knew her mistakes, and she had to own them up.

"I am not blameless in all of this. I saw it all, and I didn't say anything. So, you see, to move forward, to heal, to understand where we need to go, we first must start with ourselves and our mistakes. It's never too late for that. Is it too late for certain relationships? Perhaps. Or they can start existing in a different way...I don't know that, but I do know that you will break your heart more with not doing anything than if you do."

Between sniffling and crying on the other side, she could hear Violet barely saying anything.

But what she heard, gave her hope.

Chapter Text

This wasn't the first time she witnessed something gritty, after all, she and Edwina grow up in Mumbai and then in London. Two cities which could proudly show its rich history, while having intrinsically complex present. So, Kate wasn't blind to all realities of living in a big city. But never ever and not even then she could ever imagine her own sister killing someone.

Kate killing someone? Now that felt more believable than Edwina bloodying her hands. Maybe if she never went to grab a drink with Penelope after the meeting with her husband, this would never happen. She failed her, and there was nothing she could do except count on Penelope's mother to do what needed to be done.

"Stop it", Edwina quietly ordered. She looked so small as if the world forced her to be less than what she was.

Kate, Eloise, and Penelope looked at her confused, not knowing what she was thinking about. They all were quiet ever since they left the apartment and went to one of the nearest pubs.

"It's not your fault, Kate. It's his. It's mine", she said almost desperately, took a big breath, and continued never turning her eyes from Kate. "It's an accident. Stop blaming yourself for something that was completely out of your control. I love you, but you blaming yourself breaks me more than his death".

For the first time after a long time, Kate didn't know what to say. She pulled Edwina into a hug, kissed her hair, and repeated several times just to show how much she loves her.

"Will your mother be able to handle it?", Eloise asked the question whose answer they all needed to hear once again.

Penelope nodded looking tired; a usual feeling she had when dealing with her mother.

"She cares only about herself, her ego, and my sisters. This is just about ensuring the Featheringtons are not involved publicly," pointed out the youngest of the Featherington girls while ignoring the looks of disbelief her friends gave her.

Eloise winced as if she couldn't comprehend the words coming from her mouth, and the taste of them felt unnatural. "I think she cares".

"We are family by choice. The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb", Penelope insisted, only for Kate to ask, "Does this mean we are witches".

And as Eloise pointed out several well-known examples of sexism regarding witches, Edwina could feel the muscles between her shoulder blade finally relaxing. It was probably the sedative Kate gave her, but perhaps it was the first time she felt safe that entire night ever since she took the vase and killed him with it.

Next morning

Francesca Bridgerton was a lovely girl. Unlike her attention-grabbing siblings, she was seen as being more reserved. Tabloids, of course, adored her. She was stunning, very well-educated, and looked like a proper lady. Pictures of her sold brilliantly, and many secretly gossiped that she was the conservative one in the family. After all, who plays pianoforte for pure entertainment without being conservative. To be honest, people who had comments like that didn't know Francesca very well or the music.

Being born in a large family meant that there wasn't a peaceful moment, and Francesca learned at a very young age that she enjoyed two things that were somewhat drastically different than the rest of her family: peace and keeping her mouth shut. And while in most circumstances that served her well, she was aware that it had its problems.

She wasn't loud enough, so it was easy to be overheard when she wanted to speak up. It happened more than once that she would say something at the dinner or oppose something, and her words would be lost in the symphony of her siblings' stronger tones. So, often she wouldn't even attempt.

She didn't feel alone. She loved her siblings and her parents, but, she was aware that there was a certain disconnect between them and her.

Hyacinth and Gregory were too robust for her, and while Francesca did enjoy their bloodlust, especially Hyacinth’s, they were still a little bit too much for her. Eloise and Colin were two sides of the same coin: both beautiful, one charming, one direct, one too focused, one without focus, and yet both twistedly obsessed with Penelope. In a way, they calmed and amused her, especially with their little revenge plots and how they never realized just how much help they needed from her.

Daphne was warm and cuddly, being a mother even before she had her own child, and her hugs felt like the safest place in the world. Benedict was an artist, and there was a deeper understanding of respecting one’s emotions and desires, but just like with her other sibling, there was a clear line between them. Benedict would always choose Anthony and Francesca could understand that, since she would too.

Anthony was her favorite. Strong, larger than life, and yet he never forgot about her and made her feel small. He would ensure that they go out together alone and hang out, often that meant that Francesca would buy tickets for the weirdest musical concerts she could find just to see Anthony sitting there and failing to hide the horror on his face. She kind of had a clue he knew she was doing that, but nonetheless, he always went with her and took her to dinner afterward.

She didn't have a bad relationship with her mother, but she understood that she was the obvious choice to be the one that fall down the cracks of having a large family and having lots of obligations. So, having her mother staring at her as she sat down for breakfast felt deeply unsettling.

"You know I love you, my dearest", her mother grabbed her hand.

"I do, Mum", she tried to convince her, not understanding this rather unusual behavior.

"I am so proud of you, and who are you becoming. There is no doubt in my mind that your father if he was alive, would think the same. You are precious and unique, and I would like it if you and I could spend some time...", Violet looked sad and guilty, "...just the two of us".

Francesca nodded since she was a good child but couldn't help to wonder what caused this change. Violet smiled, as there was a dash of tears in her eyes.

He was aware he had a complicated relationship with that door. When his father was still alive, it was hiding the place of laughter and mystery especially when business partners from all over the world would come. He was delighted at hiding and eavesdropping on conversations in foreign languages, perhaps that excitement influenced him later in life more than he was willing to admit. After his father's untimely death, the door represents everything wrong.

Now, his brother sat on his father's chair at his desk, being the adult, he was not. From a place of happiness and hours of happy moments, it became a place of begging. Begging to allow him to grow up, begging for a part of his inheritance, begging for independence, begging not to be married to a childhood friend...Colin could remember the moments of joy in his father's office after Anthony took it over, when the three eldest brothers drank until dawn or when he forgot that he stashed there some food before leaving on a trip and Anthony almost lost his mind because of the stench he couldn't locate.

His stomach was still queasy because of the disgusting amount of alcohol he had had last night, but somehow, he had to have this conversation today with his brother. Colin knocked on the door and hoped that Anthony wasn't there.

Hope lasted two seconds, as he could heard "enter".

Anthony raised his head from the papers, almost surprised realizing it was Colin.

"You never knock. What's happening? Are you all right?"

"I need to talk to you".

Anthony nodded, put down his pen on the desk, and looked worried.

"I talked yesterday with Penelope, and I will sign the divorce papers".

Colin honestly did not expect to see the rage on Anthony's face.

"You cannot. That bloody woman will win. I need more time and then you can", he ordered him, looking slightly insane.

"Who the hell are you calling bloody woman? I thought you liked Penelope. You were the one who told me to let her go."

Shame for a second appeared on Anthony's face.

"I meant Penelope's lawyer. You know I love Penelope. Her lawyer Kate Sharma is a menace, an enemy and I will deal with her. Do not worry".

Colin was still drunk but a moment of clarity happened. It made him almost giddy and drunk on his own ability to observe things.

"You like her."

Anthony looked offended.

"She's a viper. I do not. And she's trying to pull the wool on Penelope's eyes, taking advantage of her", he insisted, looking slightly nervous. Colin enjoyed seeing him like that, he felt human once again. Just for that alone, Colin liked Penelope's lawyer despite everything.

And that very realization felt like a cold shower.

"I'm sorry. She could never like a Bridgerton, after the shit I pulled with Penelope and how we harmed her," Colin told him, feeling guilty. Almost welcoming it.  It was one thing to mess up the most important relationship in his life but to manage to destroy a possible future relationship of his own brother was another level that he never thought would happen.

One moment of weakness was all he could see since Anthony closed immediately. Perfect viscount until the very end.

"I'm glad you will sign divorce papers since I know that is what Penelope wants. But I implore you to do whatever it's needed to protect her as her husband, and I will do the same".

Colin didn't want to cry like he was a boy who fell and hurt his knee.

"I know everything. How selfish I am, and horrid but I am doing the right thing", his tears felt so salty, and the aching hole in his chest felt larger by the day but the only way he could be better was by being a better person for the people in his life.

"It was about time, Colin. This is the right move. I do not deny that we all made mistakes, and for that alone, we all must try". Colin made a few steps and hugged him feeling slightly safer in his brother's arms.  He let him go after a few moments that felt longer than they were and left the room not noticing that the whole time Anthony and him weren't alone.

"He will be so heartbroken when he finally realizes".

"Yes, he will. Poor idiot."

Simon turned towards Anthony looking curious.

"Now, who is the woman that torments you?"

Chapter Text

The pressure in the air was electric, something was about to burst.

"Nobody", Anthony was short, but Simon just raised his eyebrows looking smug. A moment passed by. If he was still a teenager, a splash of red would cover his face. Luckily, he was an adult and mature.

"It's nobody", he added exasperated.

Simon smiled. It was the same smile Daphne would have when she thought she had all the information to have one over you. Couples do start to have the same expressions, and it was annoying, Anthony concluded.

"Kate Sharma is an incredible woman: brilliant, fierce, funny, stunning. Honestly, I can't believe it never crossed my mind just how good you two would be for each other", Simon said calmly.

"You know her?" There was a hint of betrayal in Anthony's voice.

"Of course, I do. Lady Danbury is my godmother, and Kate works for her."

"She's the devil".

Simon's smile got even bigger.

"I'll tell my godmother you said so."

Panic in Anthony's eyes was entertaining, as it was the rage that replaced the panic a few seconds later.

"I don't trust her, and I do not appreciate how she's acting. She accused me of planning to murder Penelope".

Simon rose from the comfortable armchair he was sitting in, staring, not knowing what to say.

"What?", he asked and then looked at his brother-in-law suspiciously. "Please, tell me that you are not planning that."

"Of course not. What kind of person do you think I am?" Anthony was offended, and he didn't even attempt to hide that. Yes, he was the head of a criminal empire, and he did kill when he had to and there wasn’t any other choice, but he would never kill Penelope.

"Then why would she accuse you of that?" Simon demanded the answer.

"I don't know. I would never kill Penelope. She's like my sister", Anthony didn't even hide that he was offended. Simon still looked at him, not hiding his mistrust, but the tension somewhat went lighter.

"Ok." Simon added and continued: "You are aware that if her lawyer thinks something like that, then probably so does Penelope".

Anthony was crestfallen if that very idea never crossed his mind.

Two hours later

Anthony was nervous. He had known Penelope practically since she was a child. To him so much older than her, she was just another child that hang out in the house. Unlike the Bridgerton children, she was small, silent, and painfully shy. And still, she was very much noticed. For Daphne, she was a beautiful doll she could play with. More than once he would find two girls playing. Daphne enjoyed combing Penelope's hair, and the other one enjoyed or was too terrified to complain, unlike Daphne's sisters. Eloise and Penelope were connected on such a deep level that everyone knew that Eloise's threats to run away were futile since she couldn't take Penelope with her. She was at every birthday party, at every major or minor event in their lives, and deep down, she felt like a Bridgerton.

Anthony wasn't blind to see how Colin looked at her, or even more important how she looked at him. So when a creepy old man offered the land the Bridgerton family wanted, Anthony decided to take the chance and play the game. He felt like everyone would win. Two people in love would finally end up together, and he would fulfill his father's dream.

He was wrong. 

"I bet you didn't expect me." First, he heard a smooth female voice, and then he saw her. He would never confess, but when he asked Penelope for a coffee, one part of him hoped that she would come. Kate Sharma. And she did.

"You are like a dragon defending the princess."

She smirked, amused, and it felt like the angels sang.

"Well, don't be the creep around the castle".

"Should I leave you two alone?" Penelope asked. She was dressed in a pink dress, with her hair down, cute as button, while Kate who was taller than her stood out in a remarkable white business suit. The only color on her was a green necklace. She was divine.

Anthony stood up, and as he went to hug her it didn't escape his attention that Penelope froze for a second. He pretended not to notice, but the feeling of sharp eyes on his person serves as proof that he wasn't the only one who realized it wasn't a surprise it was a moment of fear.

"How are you?", his voice was softer, like he was talking to Amelia. Penelope was a grown woman, however after feeling in his arms her trembling he couldn't help but regress to a moment when they all were much younger and more innocent.

"I'll be better when I am no longer a Bridgerton".

Oh.

"Colin told me today that he will give you a divorce".

Penelope smiled like that was the best news she could hear, only to turn towards Kate and hug her joyfully, only to separate themselves and sit down with big smiles on their faces. Anthony, on the other hand, felt horrible realizing just how much she wanted that. His sister-in-law was another person he failed. He tried to stop intrusive thoughts like 'your father would be so disappointed,' which unsurprisingly sounded like his mother, but it was difficult to hide sorrow. Kate's sharp eyes weren't looking at him as if she had won. No gloating from her, and he had to respect that since he wasn't sure he would be so honorable.

"Thank you, thank you so much. You have no idea how grateful I am".

Every word cut deeper than the previous one.

"If you need anything, anything at all, please do not hesitate".

Kate's expression changed and he didn't know where he fucked up.

"We all saw how Bridgertons helped", she commented. And as soon as Kate said it, Penelope froze, looking awkward.

"Please, let's not. What happened, happened. We can't change it, and there is no point in guilt-tripping".

Anthony took Penelope's hand across the table and ignored Kate's loud sigh. One little part of him enjoyed seeing that all of her attention was on him, and not on Kate. 

"She accused me that I want to kill you. I don't know where she would get that crazy idea, you have to know that. Penelope, we have known each other since childhood. You are my family", Anthony tried to convince her, but he doubted she was able to listen to him.

Penelope took a deep breath, as her smile was tense and uncomfortable.

"I do not think you want to kill me. Kate is", and the mentioned woman received a dazzling smile that disappeared as soon as Penelope turned to him, "just protecting me. And since Colin will sign the divorce papers, everything will be better now."

"We would never harm you".

"That's a good joke", Kate interrupted him.

"What do you mean by that?"

“Do you honestly think that abuse stopped only on being online? Few mean comments and that's it?"

"Kate!" Penelope yelled. Anthony looked at both of them, his gaze gliding between the two women, realizing that he doesn't know everything.

"They hated her. Because of the media frenzy and that damn tape, people hated her. They would approach her on the street and tell her they hoped she died, and in one case that I am aware a woman threw coffee on her. Where were any of you when that happened? Eloise excluded."

First came the shock, then disbelief, followed by anger and sadness. By looking at the mere expression on Penelope's face and the rage radiating from Kate's, he knew without any doubt that it was the truth.

They throw her to the wolves.

"Anthony, I'm fine. You and your family are not responsible for the actions of somebody who has mental issues. Luckily, coffee was cold", Penelope said almost without emotion.

"Oh, yes, let's be all grateful that she was drinking a cold brew, not something hot." She crossed her arms on her chest and look judgmental.

Anthony wanted to know all the details and make somebody pay. But he had a feeling that for that he would need to look in the mirror.

"I didn't know".

"You didn't want to know," Kate accused him.

"You are really rude to presume what I know and what I don't know."

"Funny. All I hear all the time is how overprotective Anthony Bridgerton is. Half of the speeches Eloise has is about your paranoia, and somehow you weren't aware. Just say you don't care and move on." 

Who was she to dare judge him? Kate smiled as if he had said something remarkably funny. He didn't. That very act made him nervous and anxious.

She leaned closer to him, and the scent was mind-blowing. He almost forgot to breathe, as her eyes twinkle in obvious devilish delight.

"You are not as good as they say."

Did she just challenge him? He smiled and let go of Penelope's hand who was being more amused than mad that she practically didn't exist for either of them. 

"You're right. I am not as good, I'm even better", Anthony smirked, knowing just how good he looked. Kate licked her lips, and Anthony leaned even closer to her. They were practically in each other’s spaces, both able to feel the breath of the other one on their own body.

"The only thing I hear is a boy bragging".

"I'm a little bit too old to be a boy."

"And yet, when you act like a boy", she stopped and smelled the air, "smell like a boy, then you are a boy".

Anthony couldn't remember the last time he was that excited about a conversation.

"And boys can grow up and become men."

Innuendo was clear to anyone under the sun. The smirk on her face was at the same time so adorable and infatuating. He just wanted to kiss her.

"And here I thought miracles do not happen."

"What would you like to order?", the waiter interrupted them, only for Penelope to say: "Ice".

Kate froze for a second, only to move away from him like he had a plague. Anthony never felt like his soul was drowning in sorrows as he did at the moment when she moved away from him. He was pathetic, and he couldn't understand why.

"Anthony, why did you want me here? While I am grateful that you informed me about divorce, that could have been easily done by an email", Penelope commented.

"I am not a meme", Anthony responded, almost on the point of being offended. It did feel different when other people offended him, and when Kate Sharma did the same.

This moment felt almost like a theater play.

"I never said you were. However, I do need to point out that this is the first time you asked me to go and grab a coffee. That is simply not our relationship."

A waiter carrying coffee and water was never so welcomed as he was at that moment. Anthony used that second or two to get a grip on a situation, and what he wanted from it.

"First thing I need to emphasize, I care about you. You are like a sister to me. While I can put the blame solely on myself for certain things that happened, I am aware that the situation is more complex than just pointing fingers and coming out and confessing my sins. That won't help anyone. I do need to say something. So first and foremost, I am so sorry. I made a mistake and then continue to make new ones thinking that I know what I was doing when I didn't."

A smile on both of their faces meant this was the right thing to do. A small step in the right direction is better than no step at all.

"That being said, I do need to say something that I presume you won't like that much. My mother and Daphne have expressed the desire to see you. I believe they also have things to say that needed to be said. We have so many regrets, and while we cannot change the past, we can at least attempt to be better for the future".

By the expression on Penelope's face, he presumed right. She wasn't very much pleased with the idea of seeing his mother or his sister, and rightly so, since it would serve, he believed, mostly to ease the guilt of both women.

"Thank you for your kind words. I just think that it’s best for everyone if the Bridgerton family and I go our separate ways." Her phone flickered, showing there was a notification. A quick look was enough for Anthony to see that it was a man's name.

Sometimes the best thing one can do is to ignore until one comes into his office and tells people to do research. Family doesn't stop just because somebody is divorced.

"I understand."

Margaret Goring loved cakes. Rich, velvety cream, and soft puffy sponge that soaked up the taste were among her favorite things to eat. The sweet smell of sugar felt almost like a lullaby to her nose. The sad fact was that she wasn't allowed to eat anything sweet.

Just because she wanted something doesn't mean she would get it. The same way her life went with cakes, it went with everything else. The boys she liked, her mother didn't like them, or it would be unseemly to be with them. So, she dated appropriately, and like any substitute for the cake, they were mostly bland.

"She is such a bitch", Cressida complained.

"Your mother or Daphne Bridgerton?"

A sharp stare pierced her.

"Both. I did nothing wrong, and I am to be blamed for everything".

"Didn't your cousin lose his job, and your family got blacklisted because you published the tape and sneak into Daphne's ball?"

Margaret promised herself to buy herself a cake if she survives this coffee with Cressida. Seeing a Queen Bee losing her crown was entertaining. They weren't really friends, and often Margaret wondered what it would mean to have a friend. She knew people had them.

"I just published the truth. I never lied, not even once. Life isn't fair".

Margaret learned a long time ago to tune out, and that skill was often used with Cressida. Cressida acted like she was the only victim when the Goring family also felt the bitter taste of Bridgerton's anger. When Daphne Bridgerton publicly announced they wouldn't come, there was a sudden influx of cancellations. Cowper's stink fell on them as well, and Margaret's mother was very unhappy. She practically ordered her to become friends with any of Bridgerton's sisters, forgetting that she was unable to do the same with Violet Bridgerton.

"This will blow over. Daphne is furious. I mean how long could that last?", she wondered loudly, pretending not to notice hope on Cressida's face.

"Daphne Bridgerton was always an uptight bitch like we all do not know about her family's criminal past. Little miss perfect and her bloody money".

Margaret's got bigger, as she felt a sudden chill on her back. The British high society was a small lake filled with piranhas, and yet somehow, even with all the lessons they learned, it seemed Cressida didn't learn one of the most important ones - some things are secret even if the public knows about them. 

"What criminal past?"

Cressida laughed maniacally.

"Don't pretend you don't know. We all know, and we welcome them into our homes and our lives. Every little girl’s dream is to marry Bridgerton. We are maybe ignorant of their dirty past, but I am not obtuse".

Margaret saw the shadow and knew that this day wouldn’t go well. She should have gone to a bakery to get a cake, not see Cressida.

"Please do tell me how you are not obtuse", Colin Bridgerton's voice was smooth and silky and pissed as hell. Cressida got up upon hearing him so fast that the chair fell.

"Colin! Oh, my! I am so glad that you got out of jail", she shrieked and jumped on him. Cressida hugged him and spoke about how happy she is, while he was standing as a statue with his face showing just how furious he is.

"I would be happy if I never saw you again in my entire life".

Cressida steps away with a heartbroken expression on her face. It was a known fact that she was sweet on Colin Bridgerton. Cressida would die if she could get herself a ring from any of Bridgerton's brothers, but Colin...she would love him in that marriage.

"You don't mean it", she was shaken like never before in her life.

"I do. You published that tape knowing very well that it would harm Penelope, and I will not put up with that".

"Penelope?! She's irrelevant! I published the truth", Cressida insisted as she was getting louder with each word.

Colin Bridgerton stood furious, like a soldier ready to go to war.

"Penelope is always relevant to me. You publish the old drunken mumblings of a fool who didn't know the value of who he had in his life, and you dared to imply that my wife forced me into a marriage...I pity you. I would die for her, and she will always be important to me and to anyone fortunate to have her in their life. You, on the other hand, are a bully who thinks the world should bow to you for just existing. Do you even have any friends?" Colin was fierce and anger shining from him.

Margaret couldn't believe it, especially since Cressida was about to cry. Public dismissal was one thing, but being rejected by the sweetest guy in their circle so brutally was a completely different story.

"You're being cruel", Cressida reprimanded Colin as if she finally realized they were in a restaurant, surrounded by people who were staring. It was a wonder nobody came to calm them down.

"You harassed my wife. Your cousin helped you sneak into my sister's party without being invited. I am not cruel; I just don't want you in my life."

Disgust was the only emotion you could feel from him. Cressida was shivering, barely able to stand.

"I do apologize for the scene, Margaret". Suddenly he addressed her. Nodding was the only thing she could do. He took a deep breath and left as if nothing happened. Cressida, she just realized, was crying.

Margaret never saw Cressida crying, not even when she fell as a child on a playground. But now she did. And according to the sounds she heard, soon an entire world will see Colin ripping Cressida into a new one.

She should have gone for a cake.

Chapter Text

She knew she wanted to buy that sofa the minute she sat on it. Even though the appearance wasn't anything special, it was remarkably comfortable. If anyone asked her how often she would choose to sit on that sofa and watch something rather than go out, she wouldn't know since the answer was obvious—almost every time. She would sit on the left side, feet tucked into the cushions to keep warm, with a blanket covering her for extra coziness. The windows allowed plenty of natural light, which helped brighten the room, even on gloomy days.

After she killed that man—there was no way around it—Edwina found herself at a crossroads. He had been grabby and scared her. While grabbing a lamp and throwing it at him wasn't the smartest thing, her goal had never been to harm or kill him. She just wanted to protect herself. And she did.

While Kate would likely see it as a personal failure and a sign of distrust that Edwina’s first call was to Eloise, the story was different. As Edwina knelt, staring at the body, she started to panic, wondering who could help her with this situation. The only person she could think of was Eloise Bridgerton.

Edwina’s sister wasn’t one to read much gossip or follow the social scene, but Edwina did. It was a habit she shared with Mary, a source of entertainment for both. She knew the Bridgertons were the “IT” family, and rumors swirled about their involvement in questionable side businesses—an open secret, it seemed, that no one dared to challenge.

So, when Penelope and Eloise entered their lives, Edwina already had a clue about who they were. And yes, she’d heard the rumors that Penelope was a cold, power-hungry woman who’d forced a man to marry her. Yet, when Edwina met Penelope on the day she moved into the building, she found a sweet, shy woman who often seemed scared. Edwina even witnessed an unknown woman throw coffee at Penelope and shout insults at her. That was the day Edwina “kidnapped” Penelope and took her home to calm her down.

It turned out to be the best decision she ever made.

Edwina tried her best to console Penelope, who was sobbing on her floor, whispering, “I want to die.” At a loss for what to do, Edwina called Kate. When Kate arrived, she immediately hugged Penelope, saying, “I’m here for you.” The scene left Edwina feeling inadequate, standing by and awkwardly patting Penelope’s shoulder, murmuring, “Everything will be okay.” From that moment, they became a group. Kate, now Penelope’s lawyer, took charge, and Eloise soon became part of their circle.

The doorbell rang, cutting off Edwina’s thoughts. She jumped up, excited to grab the Indian food she had ordered, ready for a cozy evening with her favorite TV show, a glass of wine, and some online shopping. But when she opened the door, she found a stunning woman standing there.

“You’re not my food,” Edwina blurted out, stunned by the sight of the stranger.

The woman laughed. “I should hope not. May I come in?” Edwina moved to the side, surprised at her action as she realized she doesn't have no clue who the woman was. 

"I am Claire Thorwood", she said with the poise Edwina would kill to have, only for her to freeze as she understood something important. That was the notorious kill-people aunt of the man Edwina killed in that very room. 

The only thing she could do was to introduce herself. "Hey, I'm Edwina."

After Penelope informed them who Claire Thorwood was, Edwina googled a little bit, but it seems that the pictures do not do justice to the woman in front of her. Claire Thorwood was in her late 50s with her hair long, wavy, shiny, and grey, and her face chiseled with everything she went through in life. 

"This is how I want to look like when I'm old", Edwina thought as she was delighted to see many smiling wrinkles. 

"Edwina, I do regret bothering you as you are relaxing, but my nephew Charles is missing. While I do believe my brother-in-law is a little bit dramatic since Charles is an adult, he is, after all, a family member", she explained, looking almost sorry for bothering him. 

Edwina wanted to die. A smile froze on her face, just like her mind. While having the urge to throw herself at her stunning legs and confess everything, Edwina was aware that would mean a death sentence for her and her ladies. 

"We learned that he went out on a date with you several days ago. And before we involved the police, I decided to come and ask a few questions. Maybe it will help locate him faster. We all know how the police work", she whispered the last few sentences as if she were her friend telling her a secret. 

"Of course. Do you want some water? You know what I'll bring it to you". 

Her fast movement woke up Newton, who was lying on the side. He looked rather annoyed, realized there was somebody new in the house, and went proudly to Claire only to fall to her petting three seconds later. That moment with Newton gave Edwina a few seconds to think just enough for her to calm down. 

Claire took the glass of water that had been handed to her, still smiling at Newton. 

"He's a cutie". 

Edwina giggled. 

"My sister's dog. He's....energetic."

Edwina showed her to a sofa, inviting her to sit next to her. 

"Yes, your nephew was with me. And if I never see him again, I will be just fine with that. We had a lovely dinner. It was ok, so I decided to invite him upstairs. It turns out, he wasn't as lovely as he was at dinner. So, I kick him out."

Claire nodded. There was a hint of surprise that Edwina decided to admit that they were together, but Edwina realized that there was no point in hiding what could be easily proven. People saw them together in a restaurant, and they saw them leave, and knowing London there was more than a few cameras that tape them together.

Claire took a big breath obviously uncomfortable. 

"I have to ask you. Was he violent?"

"He was. He was grabby, and when I told him no he didn't listen."

Honesty is the best choice. 

"Then I started to yell, and that unsettled him. I grabbed my phone and told him I would call security. He insulted me a little bit more and then he left. After that rather unsettling experience, I called my sister and friends and we had a mini 'Let's be single' evening."

"I am so sorry", Claire said. She got up and apologized, telling Edwina how she will have a stern talk with her nephew about respecting women. 

"Sorry for bothering you". 

"No problem. I do hope you found him", Edwina responded feeling slightly lighter as the notorious crime boss was leaving her apartment. 

Edwina would never learn that the very moment Claire left her apartment, the smile disappeared and anger came instead. Claire pulled her cell phone from her green purse and called her brother-in-law. 

"He's dead and I think I know who did it. I presume it was self-defense. Yes, we do need to find a body before we do anything", she said as in her hand was her nephew's lapel pin she found on the floor when she went to pet the dog. 

Moments like this meant everything and more in the world. His baby girl was lying on his chest and drooling on his Brunello Cucinelli shirt, and he couldn't help but be overwhelmed by being happy. Simon sneaks in little kisses on her face and hea,d enjoying holding what was the most precious cargo in his life. 

If one had told him that he would fall in love, get married, and have babies, he would call them insane and move on with life. But now, it felt like he was in a dream. Life wasn't perfect. And it took work. He was jaded and prone to suspicion, while Daphne had a tendency to live in a world that existed only for Bridgertons. Delusional family, they were. But every day Daphne and him choose each other and work on being better people, better partners to each other so that their daughter grows up in a happy home. 

And while he enjoyed with Amelia, Daphne was in her generalissimo mood, preparing a welcoming party for Colin. 

"What am I missing?" She asked out loud, standing in front of the huge board covered in pinned pictures and papers. It was obvious at that moment that Daphne was a Pinterest girl. 

"Food". 

She didn't turn, but clenched lips were sure signs of how unwelcome that comment was. 

"It's Colin's party. Food is the only thing that matters, everything else is for you."

"I just want it to be pretty", she whined.

Simon laughed. Daphne wanted the world to be beautiful, and for everyone to have a comfortable place in it. She was his place, his home, and knowing just how much she wanted that for everyone made him love her even more. 

"What food are you planning?"

Daphne turned slightly so that he couldn't see her face. 

"Daphne!"

"He will love it. He loves finger food", she insisted. 

"Oh God, that means he'll be hungry. Colin loves food and Penelope, and the second one is not an option; therefore, food must be there. The party is not for you, Daphne!", he warned her, knowing very well that Colin wouldn't blink to order food. Simon could just imagine a scene of delivery people bringing food into Daphne's party, Colin drooling at the sight of the food he would devour and his wife jumping on him and beating the shit because he disrespected her. 

"There will be a copious amount of food, but I can see your point of view". 

Victories like this tasted so sweet, Simon knew as he barely controlled himself not to show a smile. Daphne had the experience of siblings, and her almost rigid standing was a clear message that she knew he was hiding a smirk behind a well-crafted neutral expression. 

"He was in jail, where he had no option to eat some of his favorite food and drink what he liked. Relax the very idea of the party and bring real food to it. Bunch of food trucks or something like that, where he can go for one to another and eat."

"I can pull it off to be elegant."

"I have no doubt". 

And for those words, he was awarded with a big, warm smile. She made a few steps and kissed him hard, as their baby was between them, clearly not knowing what they were doing. 

"I love you so much", she spoke softly. 

"How come every kiss of ours is perfect?" he took one of her hair strands and twirled it between his fingers. 

"Because we work each day on our relationship?"

"You are teasing me", Simon complained as he looked at her face, trying to take in his memory as much as he could of this moment, knowing just how precious they are.  

Chapter Text

10 times. She watched it at least ten times. The first time she got aware of the video was when Eloise send it to her from TikTok, and listening to Colin bitch out Cressida was one of the most beautiful moments of her life. While she hated just how much she enjoyed seeing somebody serving justice on her behalf, she was aware that Cressida would never regret what she did to her. But still, even with a little bit of guilt present, she couldn't stop rewatching the video and reading the articles about it.

It went viral. It went viral so much that was commented upon by the royals.

Crown Prince George said to the paparazzi that he is team Bridgerton causing a media frenzy and unlike the last time, the media had no idea where she was living. So, they surrounded the Featherington house and the Bridgerton mansion. No official comment from both families and that alone confused Penelope who expected that her side of the family would jump for the attention.

The only person who said anything from both families was Anthony who came to the Parliament to fulfill his duty as a viscount in the House of Lords.

When asked about the video, he commented shortly: "Finally. Justice for Penelope". She started to cry when she saw that, feeling for the first time after a long time that she was seen by the people she considered family.

And yes, that became a hashtag on Twitter with people suddenly jumping on the train to defend her just as fiercely as they hated her a few months ago. One little part of her thought that Colin would contact her to tell her what he did, but the call never came. After a while, she could resist so she asked Eloise for his number. After being asked five times was, she sure she wants it, and then confronted with a heated stare, Eloise gave her the number.

"Thank you for defending me", she sent and waited for the response, only to realize she didn't sign her name. Her first instinct was to curse and delete the message, but it was too late. He already answered.

"Pen, anything for you".

Little dots appeared suggesting he was writing something, and after a few seconds that felt too long, he sent another message. Much shorter than she expected, which most likely meant he wrote it and then deleted it.

"I just want you to be happy."

Simple words probably meant nothing to him, but they gave hope to the feelings that needs to die. Was she always going to be tethered to them? Loving Colin was such an important part of her, that it felt unnatural to push those feelings to the side. Loving him meant hurting her, and she could no longer do it to herself.

"Will you go on a date with Ciaran? And what happened with the book guy?", Eloise asked her not raising her eyes from the Kindle she had in her hands.

"Aha...Book guy ghosted me, and Ciaran...I think I am not ready".

"Bullshit".

It always impressed Penelope just how much common-sense Eloise could put in one word.

"He's hot. I saw the photos", Eloise reminded her, and added: "Go grab a pint in our pub. Only way you can move on is if you move on".

Penelope nodded her head even though Eloise still wasn't looking at her. She glanced one more time at Colin's message and just turn off her phone.

"Stop staring at your phone".

Benedict ordered him.

"I am not staring".

"Just how many times can you watch that bloody video? It was entertaining, but you are crossing the line of good taste". Benedict said as he was lying on the couch reading a book, although Colin notice that book was more of a prop than being read.

She's not going to answer.

"I'm not. It's something else". Perhaps it was the tone of his voice or the way he said it, something got Benedict's attention enough for him to raise his head and stare at him suspiciously.

"It's nothing", Colin repeated weakly.

Benedict smiled like he had all the answers in the world. It was annoying.

"It's Pen, isn't it?" Benedict jumped on his feet, pointed the finger towards him, and glowed from being right. He grabbed his cup of coffee, took a sip, and stuck out his tongue as if he suddenly understood a joke that only he knew.

"It's always Pen, Colin. That is how it goes. A minimum of effort after years of nothing is nothing more than an empty gesture. The Internet may love you, little brother, but that love is fickle and treacherous".

Colin knew what his brother was saying, but that still didn't mean that he had to like it. It wasn't their love, he wanted. He wanted Penelope.

"I know there is a rift between us, and I just want to heal it", he said looking sad.

Benedict blurted out "Maybe you need couple therapy" and regretted it the very second as he saw his brother taking the idea rather too well. His fears were confirmed.

"Brilliant idea, Benedict. Thank you".  As Colin's face lit up with hope that had no place in real life, Benedict was horrified.

"It's not brilliant. You idiot. You two are not a couple, therefore no couple therapy. Your lack of logic is remarkable", he yelled at him.

"Friendship is a sort of partnership, and in therapy, people deal with partnership issues. Therefore, Pen and I can go and deal with our issues."

He hit himself on the head, not understanding how Colin got him so wrong. That boy was always so close to realizing the truth, and somehow always failing. He could never be that stupid, Benedict thought to himself almost as a promise to his future self. 

"According to your logic, Anthony should go and have a couple of therapy every time when there are business issues with his partners?", his words were colored in sarcasm and subtle "Are you dumb, man". Colin stops for a second as if he was attempting to come up with the right response.

"Well, Marcus definitely needs therapy. So does Berbrook. And, well, so does Anthony", he added uncomfortably. An entire family was well aware of certain problems their brother has but held a secret silent code between them of not mentioning it. Benedict couldn't negate Colin's words, since all three mentioned men needed help.

"Colin, Penelope wants a divorce. She wants and needs peace. Your suggestion is nothing more than an abusive attempt to get what you want. The only thing that you do is think about yourself, and that is truly cruel."

It was as if a bubble of happiness was burst, and cold harsh reality sank in.

"It feels like there is a hole in my chest when she is not around. Even before jail, I would talk to her every day, and now I don't have that option. I started even listening to her old voice messages...."

"My God, you are so pathetic".

Colin and Benedict turned only to realize their little sister was lurking behind the curtain, most likely she was sitting the entire time by the window and probably planning to rule the world.

"Honestly, no wonder Penelope dumped your sorry arse. You are horrid", Hyacinth complained looking much older than she was. A school uniform and long braids gave the illusion that she was just a girl, but her family was very aware that she was a demon. Not even Eloise in her most wicked moments could hope to achieve her brutal character. No wonder Anthony was proud when Hyacinth did her crazy. Daphne was the first to suggest that Hyacinth will be the one that will in the end take over the Bridgerton criminal empire, and sadly nobody contested that.

Of course, Colin wanted to get rid of her. He would rather talk to Eloise or his mother about his feelings, rather than with his youngest sister.

"You are not mature enough to comment on my relationship with Penelope", he told her sternly, feeling rather annoyed as she looked bored at his order.

"Neither are you".

Benedict giggles at that. It was an honest, unsolicited truth. Hyacinth stood up like the war lady she was meant to become. Barely a teenager, she held her head high knowing more than she should and Benedict cheered with every non-depressing cell of his, that Colin listens to her.

How dumb her ideas can be compared to Colin's, he asked himself.

"Ok, first. You will stop acting like a little bitch. It's embarrassing for the entire family. Be a dramatic baby sheep when people are not here to see it", she told him, furrowing her eyebrows in a worry that wasn't present in the tone of her voice.

"Baby sheep?", Colin asked what Benedict also wanted to know, but was smart enough to be quiet.

She started to walk towards him and moved her hands as if she was doing a spell.

"Shut up. Firstly, you need to call Lady Danbury and arrange a meeting where you will tell her that you wish to give Penelope some room, but that in a long-term situation, you would like that you are still friends. She won't believe you, but she is a sucker for love and Bridgertons, so she will help you. The next step is..."

Colin scratched his head, realizing that he should start writing down things.

"How many steps are there?"

"Go get a pen and paper. Now!" And Colin, like all the devils were hunting him, got up and left the room rather quickly. Benedict looked sideways at his baby sister not sure what to think.

"Your ultimate goal is not the friendship, I presume, little one."

Hyacinth rolled her eyes with affection, reminding Benedict just how much she hangs out with Anthony to pick up his facial reactions.

"Wedding and four kids are my goals, with the Colin's youngest daughter getting her second name after me. Unlike him, I actually know that he loves her and that they belong together."

He had to be suspicious.

"What's in it for you?"

"Don't worry. It won't hurt you."

"And him?"

His baby sister laughed as she sat on the sofa and crossed her legs. There were mobsters he felt safer around than he did with her.

"Realization that he messes up his entire life will be painful, but it will be worth it if we can ensure that he grows from that experience", she told him sounding like a creepy life coach only to add: "Don't worry, when you hold his first child in your arms, you will know that everything that we did was done for a good reason".

Luckily for Benedict, Colin returns with a green handbook, being more determinant than ever before, before their baby sister continues to scare the crap out of him.

The very second Penelope left the room, Eloise put the Kindle down to the side, grabbed her cell phone, and with a twinge of remorse, she went to check out what was new on social media. The first post on Instagram was Daphne's. A stunning photograph of a table filled with different types of food. From cute finger sandwiches, and fruits to something that looked like gyros she eat when in Greece set on the lovely green tablecloth. An unusual choice for her sister who was always on the traditional side when it came to food for her parties.

"Picking for the foodie", words under the post were enough for Eloise to realize that Daphne's silly welcoming party was still on the way. She loved her sister. She truly did. However, they were two vastly different people, and it wasn't about Daphne being girly as their mother presumed. That silly idea never sat with Eloise since Penelope was girly and she adored her, and it was misogynistic to presume something like that which Eloise gladly said to Violet - repeatedly.

The thing was that Daphne and she were two different worlds, and in those worlds, her world was lesser and smaller than Daphne's. She was aware that wasn't a reality, more of a perception she had since Daphne did everything right and perfectly. Eloise knew that her sister was a human being and flawed but it felt like if there was a choice everyone would choose Daphne, from her mother to every teacher, even the public. Everyone except Penelope.

Penelope loved to say that Eloise was her light in the dark and the only person that truly saw her, but Eloise rarely acknowledges that the same was for her. Daphne met the Featherington sisters first, and she already played with Penelope before even Eloise knew she existed. But when they saw each other, that was that. The choice was obvious, and for the first time, somebody choose her over Daphne. 

The only person who was ever a threat to Eloise-Penelope's bond was Colin. In the dark moments when her mind played games with her insecurities, she would recognize her own jealousy and deep-rooted fears that she would lose the only person who saw her. And when Colin messed it up, a little part of her was happy because that meant that she wouldn't be left alone. Now, months later she hated her first reaction after firsthand witnessing the damage.

Her emotional rumbling was stopped by the annoying sound of her cell phone.

Think about the devil, and she will call. 

"Yes, Daphne?". She couldn't help herself but sound annoyed.

A deep long sign was a clear signal something will go wrong for her.

"I need a favor."

There was only one thing Daphne was need, and that scared Eloise more than anything in life.

"I am not babysitting Amelie. I love her and all, but babies are scary. Find somebody else".

Daphne's sweet laughter didn't ease her at all.

"Oh, no. That is not what I need but thank you for clarifying that babies scare you. Now, I need Penelope's number."

"No."

Again, with a deep long sigh. Anybody else would think that Daphne was a cute and lovely woman, but Eloise as her sister was aware that under the facade was a manipulative genius. Firmness was the key to dealing with her.

"I need it", annoyance was obvious.

"And I need world peace, gender equality, and my favorite fanfiction writer to finally update a story. Neither of us will get what we want".

"Look, I appreciate that you are protecting her, but I would like to apologize for my role in hurting her and invite her to Colin's welcoming party".

Before Eloise could send her sister to hell, Daphne continued.

"I know she won't come".

"Then why do you want her number?" Eloise could hear in the background baby sounds, meaning that Amelia was there.

"Please. Just ask her. If she says no, then I will accept her decision". Her sister's voice was soft and accepting, almost if she was casting a spell on the person who was listening. Her entire life she saw people crumble at Daphne's methods of manipulation and in that very moment, Eloise knew she wouldn't ask Penelope or mentioned even that phone call.

"As always, you're insane. I'll ask her". The lie went so easily over her lips, and sadly no guilt to even torment her over that decision. Daphne profusely thanked her and quit the call without even asking Eloise how she was. That part slightly vexes her.

Later that day

It felt like an earthquake. Unexpected, and completely irrational, and yet it made sense. Her entire life trembled under the mighty force of that moment, and while Penelope didn't die, the atmosphere in their home felt like somebody died. When Penelope told her mother off, Prudence was shocked and amused not realizing at the moment when Penelope closed the door behind her, she left Prudence, as well.

Not even in the million years she expected to be cut and blocked from her sister's life.

If somebody warned her a few years ago, she would laugh at the very idea that it would be Penelope who broke them all. There was no denying that they were already scarred and slightly dented, but the Featherington family thrive even if it didn't look like that on the outside.

Looking back at their childhood, both Prudence and Philippa would say that it was happy. Not perfect, but they were happy. They lived in a pretty house, had a pretty mom, and went to a private school with more opportunities than other people ever would. But in that version, they ignored all things bad. Their parent's screaming matches, days when they feared how will they pay their bills, creepy grandfather, and of course, Penelope being the scapegoat for everything that would happen in their lives.

Prudence could remember quite well how mean she could be towards her baby sister, and even a little bit enjoyed when she would see her distressed. After all, she didn't do anything that her mother didn't do, she would tell herself if guilt appeared in the late hours of the day.

Now, years and therapy sessions later, she realized that while her childhood was good, her sister have a different experience. Phillipa still to this day believed that Penelope was dramatic because it was easier, but Phillipa moved out and Prudence could see the truth as the one that stay.

They were horrid and abusive. Phillipa tried to argue with her that sisters fight and tell mean things to each other, but the only thing Prudence could respond was with the question 'When was Penelope mean towards us'. Their mother was listening to the conversation and had nothing to comment on, withdrawing from all the mess she made.

Prudence had months to think with no job, with barely any quality education, and social status that went through the drain. And what she learned in the hours she spends on the Internet, broke her. There are many forms of abuse, and she was an active participant in one.

After reading everything she could get her hands on family dynamics, scapegoats, and people who went non-contact, she went on Reddit. There was no need for her to do Am I the asshole since she knew she was. But she found herself obsessed with stories about people who went no contact, and where there was any hope for them. Sadly, the more she read the more she understood her role in the family as the golden child, and that while she was in a better situation than Penelope or Phillipa, she was still messed up.

Her parents put emphasis on getting married well instead of education, leaving both of their older daughters lacking in that department which also meant fewer opportunities in life. Portia and Archibald Featherington never thought that their daughters might not marry or that they could get a divorce and leave without anything.

Fools!

Penelope was accepted to Oxford, got a job at Lady Danbury's company, and published a book. She had something to show and be proud of, Prudence had nothing but a high school diploma from a private school and unpaid bills.

No real friends, with only meaningful relationships she had, were with her mother and sister while seeing other women as a threat and danger, an obstacle to getting a husband. She didn't have her Eloise, and she hated that knowing deep down that perhaps she wasn't able to have such a type of friendship - an honest one.

Prudence was stuck in a miserable life without knowing what to do to move on.

Her mother informed her that Penelope agreed to come to a Sunday lunch at their house, and the only question she wanted to ask but never dare was how Portia managed to blackmail her sister. And since she couldn't pretend to put up with false happiness, she just took off.

She was walking perhaps an hour, ignoring Phillipa's messages and just not knowing how to react. Was she happy? Yes. However, the glint in her mother's eyes meant this wasn't a choice, this was yet another thing they forced upon Penelope.

In the first moment, she thought that thinking about her sister lead her to hallucinate about Penelope being on the street corner in front of a pub with a man. Prudence felt real physical pain in the stomach, for she had never before that moment seen her sister looking so pretty and happy. That wasn't the girl she knew. The man with her was good-looking, and Prudence could even from afar that his clothes were expensive.

Her first instinct was to call her name, only to realize that most likely Penelope would ignore her or send her to hell. Prudence just stopped and watched feeling tears in her eyes.

Three deep breaths helped her to calm down.

Phillipa would like to see this, she thought to herself as she took out her cell phone to take the picture. A second later, she heard "Paparazzo, leave her alone" as a man appeared in front of her. He was stunning and somewhat familiar.

"What the hell are you doing?", she asked him giving him the meanest Portia's stare.

He crossed his hands on his chest like he was a soldier defending a princess who from what she managed to see entered a pub with another guy.

"What do you care? It's a free country".

He frowned, looking at her face as if he was searching for something worthy.

"You’re a crazy stalker. That poor woman went through enough hell to be stalked on the street and her picture taken by a stranger".

The rain started to fall, and Prudence started to laugh maniacally.

"I'm her sister, you idiot".

"She doesn't have a sister....", he told her, and she just interrupted him by saying how Penelope has two sisters.

"Google me. Prudence Featherington."

The blond man pulls out his iPhone and literally did that. From the place she was standing, she could easily see her photograph with Penelope, and articles about her family. Mostly about Penelope and Bridgertons, but still, there was enough of her to confirm her identity. The unknown man now looked uncomfortable, his eyes going from his phone to her face and vice versa.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"Lovely. Now, you didn't answer my question. What the hell are you doing? Who are you?"

Sadness on his face quickly turned into awkwardness. Prudence didn't know what was happening in her sister's life, but somehow neither did the man who stopped her from taking the photograph.

"I'm Sam Debling. I accidentally ghosted your sister",

"People don't accidentally ghost other people. They do it deliberately. Somehow, I doubt your cell phone doesn't work, since it was working just a minute ago", she said pointing at his cell phone that was still in his hand.

His face reeked of despair and regret. One little bit of her felt sorry for him because he seemed to be sorry. Henry started nervously waving his hands.

"She's one of my favorite authors. Stunning, and lovely, and her ex-husband is Colin fricken Bridgerton. What would she want with me?"

Prudence listed what was, in her mind, a pathetic excuse.

"I don't know. Not to ghost her", she suggested, noticing how much that annoyed him.

"I didn't mean to. But all those articles in the tabloids scared me, and she was nice. I mean, she's one of my favorite authors."

Prudence was confused. There was no reason to mention that much Pen's book and this man was obsessed with it. How good was it, she wondered asking herself why she was still here. The rain was still falling, and she was getting cold.

"You know what. Good for you. I'm missed out on my sister, and have no intention remain here with you". Prudence informed him, deciding to go home. There was no point in staying with an unknown man. As started to walk away from him, he whimpered.

"Please, help me. I really like your sister. I know that you don't know me, but I would really like another chance with her".

Maybe she was pathetic enough, or desperate enough to know what means to be kicked out of her sister's life, but she could sympathize with him.

"I will check out who you are, and then I will make up my mind if I will help you".

Never before she saw somebody smile like that. Never before was somebody so happy to need her help. And she was pathetic enough to like it.

Chapter Text

Kate was aware that she was quite known in social circles for her temper and tendency to be overprotective, but somehow, she never planned to be a chaperon to a grown-ass woman in the 21st century. And yet that is where she found herself doing that that Thursday evening. When Penelope asked her for a favor, there was no doubt that she would show up and sit in their favorite pub and monitor the situation. Every person who ever had the pleasure of meeting her could tell without any doubt that she was someone you could count on.

So, she went, sat in her favorite booth, ordered a beer, and worked. There was no point in doing anything else. Occasionally she would check out how Penelope and her new thing were, and after confirming that everything was all right, she would return to her papers. It was no wonder she was bored out of her mind. And while she could always call somebody to come, that would mean that she could lose her eyes on her target and that wasn't an option. So, she checked out her papers four times before she gave up and put them on the side.

"Never expected that you would be a reckless employee". His voice was soft as a warm salted butter on a toasted bread. It was almost annoying how much she enjoyed hearing his voice, almost annoying as he was.

"Like you know what means to work for somebody", Kate pointed out, with a quick look just to check out if her word hit the target. A short and quick change on his face gave her more pleasure than she felt in a long time.

"I do work for somebody - for my family", he answered and sat next to her. So close she could feel his body heat. Anthony Bridgerton smelled like something she never smelled before, and she liked it. Kate smirked just to calm her senses that went suddenly crazy. Attack was always the best offense.

"Everyone works for someone. You are really not that special like you love to believe."

"I am. Otherwise why are you shivering?". Anthony put his hand on the booth behind her and slightly leaned over. She wasn't blind not to notice just how attractive he was and how he was very aware of that.

"Disgust." She glanced hoping to see him furious, or mad; a reaction that would make him leave and leave her alone. But it was as if he knew what the intention was. With swift movement of his finger, he moved the hair that fell on her face and just was there. The warmth of his body felt so good, almost precious. Never was she so aware of somebody else and a certain part of her knew that she would remember the imprint of his body on her soul longer than she was willing to admit.

"Disgust is a good emotion. A powerful one."

"Disgust, a good emotion? How so? Is it good that I am disgusted by you?"

"Disgust protects us. For example, you are disgusted by me, as you are trying to convince yourself because you are trying to protect yourself."

"So, according to you, I am protecting myself when I don't eat my aunt Carol's food." Anthony Bridgerton looked so much younger when he laughed, she realized not being aware that she smiled at him as he laughed.

"I kind of have a feeling that is more about Aunt Carol, than her food."

"Don't say twice. Her food is truly an insult to taste buds. I pity the ingredients she uses, since that is a pitiful destiny for food. A waste of their potential".

"Oh, my. Poor Aunt Carol."

"Who's Aunt Carol? Not our family, I think so", a man that looked like undeniably a Bridgerton interrupted them. Rage filled her up, as she removed Anthony's hand from her shoulder. He played her. Not a moment later, there was Colin Bridgerton looking frozen in time and space as Penelope laughed with another man. Kate turned to Anthony and didn't skip a beat to pinch his thigh.

"Asshole". Growing up in a family where punching (Eloise mostly), scratching, and pinching (all his sisters) were part of healthy communication meant quick reflexes. No, the very next second he grabbed her hand to stop the pinching and held her. Never covering other people's hands with his own meant something.

"I believe we need to stay here. It's quite clear two of you need an adult supervision". The third brother, the one that wasn't Colin or Anthony, said with a big smile on his face.

"Fuck you", Kate said ignoring the fact that Anthony still holds her hand.

"I think my brother would gladly fuck you. My name is Benedict. I am the one with common sense, as you will come to learn". He held out his hand to her across the table, noticing how she freed herself from Anthony who didn't miss to be very unsatisfied by that. It was almost adorable to see his brother act like a boy in love. It was about time.

"You're the artist. Penelope said that you are kind," Benedict smiled hearing that only to uncomfortable freeze after hearing the rest, "...but seeing you didn't do nothing and locked yourself in your study I would disagree".

Anthony could put up with criticism pointed at him, his mother or Colin regarding how that mess went, but the rest were off the table. Benedict pretended to be strong and tough, but especially in the last months he was on edge acting as if it was normal to be on the verge of insanity. Anthony wasn't blind not to notice that or even see just how much energy his baby brother spent hiding his problems. He helped him how he knew, and regretted daily he couldn't do more.

"Is there anyone who you won't attack? Maybe I should bring our youngest sister so that you might have a few words with her about the injustice you perceive was done to Penelope?" Kate grimaced realizing that attacking Colin was wanted, but not Benedict who stood awkwardly across her, only to uncomfortably call for a waiter.

"I have nothing against Hyacinth. She's a lovely girl. Very calm, and polite. Just like Gregory".

All three brothers were stunned. One, she met their baby sister, two, she believed that she was lovely and calm - two words nobody would correlate with Hyacinth. That alone meant that she was on her best behavior, which is practically unheard of. That meant that Hyacinth liked her, and one little part of Anthony's heart felt warm.

"When the hell did you meet her?"

"At Penelope's. She comes to movie nights." The waiter brought them beers, but the Bridgerton brothers were still dumbfounded barely noticing what was now in front of them.

"Was that guy at those movies nights?", Colin's voice showed full range of being poisonous and sad, as his attention was drawn by hearing Penelope's laugh. "No. But as the night is going, he might get an invitation for more than a movie night." Colin's eyes were glowing with anger. He scowled, looking even more like his older brother. Uncanny resemblance got even stronger.

"Give her a divorce. Or should she suffer to make little spoiled boy happy." Anthony was about to say something in his brother's defense, but Kate shushed him.

"Did you honestly think that she would be single for the rest of her life? You never had a real marriage, and she deserves a partner that loves her and appreciates her." Colin was still looking at Penelope who obviously was enjoying on a date.

"I appreciate her."

"LIAR! Who's Inspector Nicolas" The question was so unusual that Colin turned towards Kate and was just confused. Benedict closed his eyes almost as if he was giving up. Anthony was, on the other hand, enjoying being close to Kate and he barely missed the question. But he didn't.

"Is Penelope in any legal problems? Our lawyers are amazing." Kate laughed at Anthony's words.

"I'm her lawyer, and I am amazing. Inspector Nicolas is a character in Penelope's bestselling book. Your brother is such a horrible friend that he's now even aware of that. Luckily, my opinion about Benedict improved since he obviously knows who's Inspector."

"Well, how could he read a book if he's in jail? Maybe they didn't have it in the jail's library", Anthony defended his brother passionately.

"The book was published before he went to jail", she mentioned noticing that Penelope looking at her seeing very well who was sitting by the table and next to Kate. The happiness melted from Pen's face, and her date noticed that realizing very quickly the reason for that. Ciaran smiled at Penelope like everything was all right, got up from the booth, and put his hand in front of Penelope which she took. Kate almost giddily appreciated sadness swallowing Colin as a lovely couple approached them. 

My God, he was dumb. She thought to herself ignoring Anthony sitting by her side. She would swear that he was smelling her, but it felt ridiculous even to accuse him of that.

"Hey, my name is Ciaran Kennedy. Since there is no point in ignoring the elephant in the room, I believe I should introduce myself since there is such a vested interest in dear Penelope". Even though he gave out his hand for a handshake, not one of the Bridgerton brothers took it. And judging by a wicked curve of Ciaran's upper lip, that was expected.

When asked in years to come, Kate would always think of that moment as a missed opportunity to pull out popcorn and eat it. The Bridgertons brothers straighten their backs just a little bit and raise their heads almost defiantly as if they were challenging a man in front of them. Penelope was by the second more and angrier, and Kate couldn't wait for a moment when she would snap.

"We are her family", the head of said family pointed out, not even pretending not to like Ciaran.

"Actually, you are not", Penelope answered. Her voice didn't waver, not even for a second. "I do understand the need to meddle for that is a Bridgerton's learned behaviour, but there is no reason for you doing that. I am on a date, a very lovely one", she added and almost glowed under Ciaran's warm glance. Colin rolled his eyes, and Kate who was pleasantly surprised with the lack of his reaction noticed that Benedict grabbed his brother's knee some moment and squashed it.

"I just need to talk to you".

"But I don't want to. There is nothing to say. If there is, my lawyer is there", Penelope said and pointed towards Kate. Colin slapped Benedict's hand, got up, and moved closer to Penelope.

"Two minutes, please. I don't want to ruin your date", Colin insisted, only for Ciaran to say that he's not. Penelope took a deep breath and said: "Fine, two minutes. After that Ciaran and I are leaving. This was meant to be a date, not a party."

Marcus Anderson was born into a wealthy family. Unlike most of high society, he was lucky enough to be born and then surrounded by people who genuinely loved and liked each other. So, when he was 10 years old and his father lost the majority of his family's money during a financial crisis, his family didn't break. Faced with limited options, they choose their family. The family Maison was sold to a Hollywood movie star, and they moved into a smaller estate near Manchester and continued to live their lives. Was it a huge change to go from having everything to getting just by - yes. But Marcus and his siblings enjoyed something remarkable rare – parents who loved them greatly and who loved each other. So, after all, compared to others, the Anderson family still had a lot. The majority of so-called friends abandoned them, a yet a few that remained loyal meant a whole world to his parents.

Bad luck didn't last, and the Anderson family recovered. Never to the fortune they once had, but now when they had an opportunity to be a part of the highest echelon of society their children refused. After all, Andersons were never good with forgetting an insult. Marcus Anderson was a special child. That wasn't only his mother's selfish vision of her progeny, as often happens, but a fact. He was almost brilliant. He was doing experiments as a small boy that delighted his teachers and his questions about life and nature caused more than one academic to scratch its head. And to make things even more horrible, he was athletic with special affection towards gymnastics. Before he was 25 years old, more than one gallery in London was vying for his oil paintings. And to make things even worse, that was his hobby. If scientists and researchers were searching for a well-rounded person, his picture would be surely in an article.

His siblings were very much annoyed by him and had two or three traumas of being compared, but since he was kind and an awesome older brother, they didn't hold a grudge. So, Marcus Anderson was an awesome human being. It was a real shame, according to his aunt Lady Danbury, that he decided to become a fixer. Majority of time, he would help people, but had no problems crossing on the other side of the law in his case demanded that. After all, people were the greatest mystery one might discover.

"Thank you, Marcus, for coming so suddenly", Claire Thorwood's voice echoed. The Queen of British criminal underground, as he liked to tease her on their good days, looked tired. She wasn't dressed in her usual sharp suits or designer dresses, although he was convinced that her pink loungewear was quite pricey.

"Raina prepared coffee for you and a cake. You are her favorite", she mentioned. Marcus wasn't dumb. She wanted him to feel comfortable, and what better way than mentioning his former nanny who became Claire's housekeeper after his family's decline.

"What do you want?"

"My nephew Henry is missing, presumably dead." Marcus froze. A cold chill went all over his body. Claire was dangerous and vengeful, but her brother-in-law Thomas was insane. The loss of his son meant the streets of London would burn. He could only feel sorry for the killer and his family.

"We believe that Henry was killed in self-defense. A girl killed him after he allegedly attacked her. Knowing him, it makes sense he would die like that."

WTF

Not even Marcus was so good at hiding his emotions. One thing was being killed in a tuft war, but being killed because you are a creep...the insult was too big for the crime family, especially for one being led by a woman that everybody knew murdered her husband for being an abusive asshole. Claire frowned, drank her whiskey, and commented more for herself than for him:

"He always had a little bit too much of Seamus. We tried to curb him. At least, we weren't blind to his faults."

"I will not kill the girl". There was no point in being anything but direct. Claire didn't pay him a fortune to lie to her. Her raised eyebrow spoke just how insulting she perceived his words.

"We want his body. Then her destiny will be decided. I presume her friends helped her get rid of the body, and there is a clear contender for that. A younger sister of your former lover Benedict Bridgerton - Eloise."

A smile. There is no situation where that very name might not cause a smile. While they were completely wrong for each other, they were perfect in that short moment when they were young and still discovering the art scene in London.

"I doubt. Eloise is the least criminal out of that entire bunch. Her distaste is quite obvious." Claire waved with her hand, insinuating how irrelevant is that to her. Her experience taught her that in the harshest moments of life, people tend to fall on every security blanket they know. Regardless of how much they hate it.

"The second contender is Penelope Featherington. Her family are more crooks than killers, but still. Although I wouldn't discard Kate Sharma. It's clear she would do anything for her little sister." Marcus was now confused.

"Wait! You think little Edwina killed him?" For him, Edwina was a lanky teenager with a warm disposition and a never-ending desire to embrace the world.

"She was the one on a date with him. Last seen with him. She confessed that she argued with him. Nobody else. Plus, cameras near her building show her sister and friends coming later. And the first person that came running was Eloise Bridgerton." Claire leaned towards Marcus.

"Find the body. The girl's very life depends on that".

Colin felt nervous. Lately, that was one of the most common emotions he had. It felt like a century ago he was in jail, and somehow completely not knowing how or why, he felt at ease with Penelope. Everything is as it was. Unfortunately, not even he could lie that much to himself.

"How are you?", He blurted out. "Excellent. Ciaran is a lovely man."

"Your date shouldn't be lovely. It's a rule", he said knowing very well that was bullshit. Penelope didn't even flinch. She looked at him as if he didn't exist. As if they meant nothing.

"I want us to be friends. I want us to return a little bit of what we had before all of this." Penelope's shoulders slightly relaxed and that gave him a boost of confidence.

"I have no intention of bothering you or harassing you or anything like that. We could start with something small. Me giving you a divorce, and you say hello when you see me on the street. Who knows? Maybe one day we'll be friends again."

"All right. I can agree with that. As a start, I do not want to see you again on any one of my dates. If by some accident we end up being in the same restaurant, the last one that comes - they leave." Colin spread his arms and nodded his head feeling almost like a clown that put a smile on a child's face. There was something precious in that moment. He would say yes to everything she wanted.

"You look very nice. I say that as a friend", Colin awkwardly smiled realizing how her shoulders became tense again and how she threw almost desperate glances towards her warrior guardian.

"We should go. I know you have a date", he told her realizing how the air around her was different.

Penelope on the other hand nearly ran away from him towards the door. Ciaran followed her, as Colin slowly pushed through a crowd that didn't exist a minute ago. In the meantime, Kate got up and left after them, as Anthony's eyes followed her every movement. Colin joined his brothers, sat down, and took a sip of his beer. For a moment, they didn't speak.

"She smells like him. I don't like it". Colin never sounded more like a petulant child like he did in that moment as he slowly realized what was so different around Penelope.

"You are being creepy talking about how she smells", Anthony's judgment was obvious. The viscount didn't even attempt to hide his disgust.

Benedict hit himself in the head these days so much he was partially convinced he had a concussion.

"You have no right to comment since you inhale Kate Sharma like she's a piece of your favorite meat. Both act creepy. That type of behavior belongs in Criminal minds. "

A raised middle finger was the only reaction he got.

"I will never be like you", he told them. And someplace, very near their location, a woman called Sophie felt a twinge, like destiny herself pinched her.

Chapter Text

"Oh, no. Oh, no." He repeated those two words as if they were a prayer. And yet, nothing could calm him down. He got up, made a few steps, took a breath, and then exhaled as if he had run a few kilometers.

That bloody book was all he could think about.

Colin wasn't dumb. He knew that Penelope was a grown woman. But her words were doing sexy things to him. Letters shouldn't do something like that. Yes, she had written an incredibly steamy scene between a sexy detective who reminded him of somebody and a lovely, daring Elizabeth. That chapter had gotten him up from his bed and pacing around the room like a madman. For one, why was Inspector Nicolas so stupid? The idiot was in love with the lady detective, and he completely failed to realize it. Colin was reading a scene where Elizabeth saves Nicolas, and they end up hiding in a closet from the bad guys. Colin was about to burst.

"Kiss her, you idiot!" he yelled at the book, feeling utter giddiness upon reading that the inspector finally did it. Colin's smile stretched from ear to ear, and somehow everything was better in the world. He couldn't help himself, tossing onto the bed and rereading the entire scene, chasing that feeling of utter happiness.

Was it hot? Yes. Too hot? Possibly. But since reading the Regency genre was something he practically never did, maybe that was normal, he thought to himself. Sharma was right. By skipping one of the most important moments in Penelope's life and not supporting her the way he should have, he truly was a lousy friend. Thinking about their past, he knew that it hadn't always been like this. And he knew when everything went to hell.

Flashback

"Woohoo! My girl did it!" Eloise screamed proudly, hugging Penelope as if she were her child. No person was prouder of Penelope graduating with honors than Eloise, even though she was also graduating with honors. Portia stood still, rolling her eyes, looking almost uncomfortable. Penelope's mom pursed her lips and glanced around, trying to find someone more interesting than her daughter. Perhaps she was bothered by the fact that her youngest had achieved more than her sisters, or she simply didn't care.

Regardless, the Bridgertons were loud and proud enough for the Featheringtons and then some. That single moment poisoned his mind in the years to come, serving as evidence that he was not good enough and never would be. Jealousy is a weapon that always turns its blade on its owner, and Colin has been stabbed by it repeatedly. Somehow, his mind never realized that the person stabbing him was himself, not Penelope.

"Eloise, leave her alone so that others might get an opportunity to hug her," he complained, as he attempted to put his arms around Penelope, only to be stopped by Eloise, who shook her head.

"Nope, I'm not letting go. My girl is successful, and the world needs to know it."

"And what? My hug will make her less successful?" Colin joked as he gently but firmly pushed Eloise aside to hug Penelope. Holding her in his arms felt like heaven, but then he heard that sentence.

"Well, you’re a loser, especially if we compare you to her," Eloise said mockingly, sticking out her tongue. Maybe it would have ended there if his siblings hadn't heard it and agreed, as they tried to congratulate the girls.

Somehow, for a single moment, Colin was pushed to the side, forced to watch as Bridgertons overran Penelope. All of them were stunning, smart, and successful, and all of them knew what to do with their lives, while he lingered on the sidelines, hoping to someday figure out what his life’s purpose was.

End of flashback

Usually, their jokes wouldn’t hit that hard. But that day they did. Before and after that, he would have laughed it off. But not that day. That single moment carved itself into his mind and somehow changed the most important relationship in his life. It wasn’t Penelope’s fault that she was so talented and smart, but he couldn’t deal with it.

When she told him about her book deal, he was so happy for her, but also so jealous. What was his job? Eating and filming himself doing it. Even his little side job was nothing. Nothing fulfilled that gnawing hole in his chest that screamed what a failure he was. And it seemed that every move he made was the wrong one. Marriage? One part of him thought it was a brilliant idea; after all, people dream of marrying their best friend. He loved every moment of being with Penelope, only to realize he had taken away her right to be with someone she truly loved.  Colin knew if Penelope knew who he really was, she wouldn’t look at him ever again.

The only time he felt worthy was when he defended those girls. When they learned his sentence in court, most likely he did smile as Penelope said so. Not because he wanted to run away from Penelope, as she thought. It was more sinister than that. He would finally have a cause. A purpose. And how could he be mad about that? He had to be somewhere for a good cause, and he promised himself to use that time to figure out at last what he wanted.

Colin was happy in jail. There was a strict schedule, people were kind, and he finally saw the other side of society and understood just how privileged he was. And then that bloody tape happened, and he lost everything. Lost her. All alone. Pitiful. Only then did he feel the harshness of what it meant to be in jail. After he was released, it felt like he was hit with one blow after another, and Colin knew—deep down, he knew—he could withstand anything if she were with him. It took more honesty and reflection to recognize his mistakes.

Kate Sharma was right. He was a lousy friend. His best friend had written a book, and he hadn’t even read it when he should have been the first to read it and brag about how awesome she was. Friends get jealous of each other. That’s just life. But that doesn’t mean you need to be a jerk and make your friends suffer for their achievements. And in that moment, as he lay in bed with Penelope’s book in his lap, Colin Bridgerton finally realized the worst thing about his behavior. He was Portia Featherington, and that shook him to his core. And those tears that suddenly appeared in his eyes felt like a step forward.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Rarely were that many food (and wine) deliveries recorded for Grosvenor Square 3. But that night, the Featherington townhouse achieved a record that will never enter any history book — and yet, it will take around 26 years and three months to break it, and will include a political sex scandal. That night, more than one thing happened that would cause a raised eyebrow, starting with two matriarchs.

Society ladies would need therapy after seeing Portia and Violet drinking as if they were once again 21 years old and almost careless in their youth. Lady Danbury didn't even pretend to hide a sly smirk as she poured the wine. They were a boisterous mess, which was lovely, especially after Mrs. Varley put music on.

"Stop pretending that you do not know that Marissa Cho has a young lover. Her horse trainer looks incredible, and she spends too much time around him," Portia gloated without shame. Violet giggled for a mere second, only to comment,

"Perhaps she started to care about their stud farm. The Cho family was always known for it."

"She's allergic to horses. That’s why she's always on antihistamines during the polo season," Portia pointed out, laughing even harder.

Violet's eyes went wide — she could barely believe it. "No! She's married."

Lady Danbury started to giggle, a sight that slightly shocked Portia and Mrs. Varely.

"Lord Cho is known to have an interesting appreciation of young men's beauty. She's practically keeping the hobby in the family."

"How did I not know this?" Violet asked, completely shocked.

"About her or him? Because I might understand not knowing about her — Marissa has enough brains to hide her affairs. But John Cho… that is very well-known information. Didn’t you find it funny how he drags his assistants everywhere? And how handsome they look. So similar to each other," Portia's tone was that of a lurid story, almost as if it were an affair.

"The man has a type." The Bridgerton matron giggled.

"I meant about her. Everyone knows about John. He called me last year and politely asked for an additional invite to the Bridgerton ball for his ‘very dear friend’ who came to town because he didn’t want him to be alone for the holidays. The closest holiday was three months away." Portia placed her hand on Violet’s, causing her to turn towards her.

"You're lying. My, it seems he liked him. Usually, he simply says he needs his assistant with him or there will be problems with the company."

"Only if his penis is called 'company'," Lady Danbury interrupted, leaving the two of them in disbelief before they burst out laughing. Violet's cheeks turned red. She couldn't stop drinking, and if the glass was even slightly nearing empty, it would be filled — either by Lady Danbury or Portia.

Mrs. Varley disappeared at one point, clearly unwilling to put up with them any longer. Lady Danbury took an interest in the bottles around them, wisely noticing that they had only two more, which was simply insufficient.

Not to mention, she felt pressure in her bladder, which meant only one thing — she needed the toilet. Portia and Violet barely noticed as they moved from the Cho family onto a financial scandal that had recently shaken Parliament, especially after it was found that Lord Sparks enjoys buying red stilettos for himself. The public was shocked, mostly by the fact that Sparks finally became interesting.

"Found two more bottles. One is a Croatian wine, red, and I will not even attempt to pronounce that. But this is a very good year. Another one is a bottle of Pétrus. I have to admit, you do have an interesting taste in wine, almost eclectic," said Lady Danbury, barely managing to hold both bottles of wine.

"It's Mrs. Varley," Portia’s voice was filled with warmth as she continued to explain.

"She is a wine aficionado. She spends her holidays on wine tours all over the world. Last summer, she was in Croatia, where she got that wine from a small winery on the coast. Not to mention, she's currently working on her degree in Viticulture and Oenology. She knows what to buy."

Lady Danbury raised the bottle of Croatian wine with even more interest after that.

"We are definitely trying this one first." She set down the bottle of French wine, grabbed clean wine glasses, opened the Croatian bottle, and poured it. The simple act sparked more interest from Violet and Portia out of sheer curiosity. Each lady took a glass.

Lady Danbury twirled hers a little, pushed her nose slightly into the glass to smell it, and took a sip. Violet took a sip and almost involuntarily closed her eyes to taste it better, while Portia showed no restraint. She took several sips, her face relaxing as she enjoyed the wine.

"This is outstanding. Where is my phone? I need to photograph the wine label," Lady Danbury insisted, her sharp eyes scanning the area for her device. As she took a picture, she slightly turned toward Portia and commented, "I presume that you are planning to bury Henry Thorwood on your father's estate? I do believe that would be imprudent, considering the situation — that is the first place anyone would think to check. My suggestion is to bury him on my estate, since nobody would ever think I’d do such a favour for you."

Portia's face turned as maroon as the wine in her glass.

"I thought you went for more wine, not to snoop."

"I can do both quite well," Lady Danbury said, almost sassily, with no attempt to hide the fact that she held all the cards. Violet went white as chalk.

"It was you who killed him?" she blurted out, and almost seemed offended when Portia looked at her like she was stupid.

"Haven't you been listening to the Anderson boy carefully? I wasn't in the room where it happened, and the security tapes prove that. Edwina Sharma killed him accidentally, and then our daughters decided to get rid of the body. I’m the one who made the choice to help them, because anyone with common sense knows that the Thorwoods would have killed all of them. They wouldn’t care that they didn’t kill their precious boy. Both Penelope and Eloise would’ve gotten a bullet in the brain."

Violet flinched as the realization of the kind of mess her daughter was in set in her mind.

"Agatha, what can we do? I don’t want anyone else to die."

Lady Danbury continued sipping her wine.

"Tonight? Nothing. But tomorrow, we can do so much more. If the Thorwoods learn about Eloise’s involvement, there will be war. They won’t believe Edwina did it accidentally — they’ll think the date was a trap, that the Bridgertons killed one of their own to gain even more power and control. That alone will lead to war. And people will die. Your children will die."

Chapter Text

He never thought that he would even think something like that, but Colin could kiss Edwina Sharma for killing a Thorwood. Of course, he would never do it because she wasn't his type, but that act of hers led to seeing Penelope, and he could never, ever be mad at that, regardless of the circumstances.

"We have an urgent family meeting at Lady Danbury's Manor. I demand that you be present there at noon. No discussion about that whatsoever. If you have anything, cancel it. This is a priority," his mother's voice still echoed in his mind as she pulled him and his brothers aside during breakfast and ordered them.

Even though Anthony started to demand to know what was going on, one look from their mother was enough for all three to shut up and show up. While he didn't know what to expect, there was no confusion about the warmth he felt when he saw Penelope sitting in Lady Danbury's living room.

He felt uneasiness before that, remembering very well the conversation he had just a few days ago with her when she told him that she loved him and that she wanted a divorce. That moment wasn't something he wanted to repeat. But the moment he saw her again, that was something he always welcomed.

"Hello, Penelope! It's good to see you," his mother's voice broke the awkward silence. The intensity that colored the moment felt even stronger as Violet looked slightly smaller than she physically was, the guilt on her face shining through the awkwardness. She took a step towards her, slightly raising her arms as if she was about to hug her, but stopped as the girl whom she once called "her ninth child" raised her eyebrows as if she was about to ask what Violet was attempting to do.

"Hello, Mrs. Bridgerton," Penelope answered shortly, not even attempting to pretend that she would do anything more than basic politeness. The days of warmth between them were long gone. Colin and his brothers didn't miss the subtle shine in their mother's eye that could only come from tears. Penelope wasn't there to forgive anyone, and that included the woman she once loved more than her mother.

His wife wasn't there alone. On the sofa next to her sat a stunning young woman looking confused and unnerved. Colin had no idea who she was. He looked at his brothers, only to see the same expression on Benedict's face while Anthony's sharp gaze searched for something on that girl's face that only he could see.

As they sat almost opposite them, the silence felt heavy, and yet nobody knew what to say—not even the woman who forced them to come.

"You! I should have known you had something to do with it," a female voice broke through the uncomfortable moment as her heels loudly hit the floor. Colin was confused at first, only to realize it was addressed to Anthony, who suddenly looked alive. His head snapped up as if he had been electrocuted, and a smirk spoke the tale that only the two of them were privy to.

"You do enjoy accusing me. May I suggest a new hobby?"

"Why? This one feels very vindicating." Kate Sharma sat on the arm of the sofa, putting her hand for a moment on Penelope's back and caressing it, only to be rewarded with a generous smile from his wife. For a short moment, a thought—What if Pen and her lawyer were in a relationship?—went through Colin's mind, and it was a painful possibility he automatically rejected, but it still lingered somewhere very deep between his ears.

"How does it feel to be wrong?" Anthony crossed his arms, continuing to look at Kate as if she were a meal. And she was looking at him the same way. The air felt slightly spicy, almost like the smell of a margarita before you take a sip. He wasn't the only one who saw it. His mother was staring at them as if she were seeing her son for the first time. Violet sized up the woman sitting opposite her, and Colin would swear with every penny in his bank account that she approved of her. After all, he saw that soft smile on her face only once before—when she saw Daphne and Simon together for the first time.

"I wouldn't know, but feel free to elaborate. I have a feeling you incline to that."

"I could show it to you," Anthony said, only for Benedict to start choking on the whiskey he had managed to find in the meantime.

"Enough, you two. I am not old enough to listen to you two. You are being nasty," Benedict spat out as he was still coughing, and Anthony was hitting him on the back. Colin noticed the hitting got stronger with each word said. Benedict stepped aside, almost escaping from his brother, looking at Anthony suspiciously.

"Why did you stop them?" the young girl who was sitting next to Penelope objected. "Who are you? And I'm so telling our mom." Thanks to those words, Colin knew right away that it was Kate's younger sister.

"Anthony Bridgerton," his brother said proudly, obviously realizing, as Colin did, what the relation was between the two women and how Penelope knew them.

The reaction wasn't that welcoming. "Oh, yeah, no. Photographs in the media don't give you that much credit, and real life even less. Kate, please don't," the subtle whining in the last words felt like a stab wound, as it was obvious why she said it. Anthony's smirk melted off his face, and once again, he looked constipated.

"Excellent! We are missing only one person." For the first time in his life, Colin thought, Lady Danbury came at a perfect moment. She walked past the couch, around it, and sat down in the chair closest to the head of the table.

He couldn't stop looking at Penelope, only to feel guilty about it. So he would look anywhere else, only to return to her. She was, after all, his favorite person to look at.

Eloise greeted them and tossed herself into the accent chair that was opposite Lady Danbury. His sister took out a bonbon from her pullover pocket, unwrapped it, and put it in her mouth. A moment later, she tossed another one to Benedict, who unceremoniously just sat on the ground, ignoring everyone else.

"Even in this moment, she is late," his mother complained.

"It was expected. Anything otherwise would be a surprise," Lady Danbury said and continued, "As we wait for the last person, I will say it is a pleasure to see you all in the same room. I am aware that this may not be easy for some of you. However, regarding the seriousness of the situation and the complex challenges upon us that can affect more than one person here, it was decided that you all need to be together."

"Lady Danbury, do forgive me for saying this," Eloise said, looking as if she wasn't one bit sorry for anything that she does, "but what the hell is going on?"

"They know Edwina killed Thorwood, and that you three are covering the crime."

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse had nothing on Portia Featherington. She slid into the room like a snake and attacked, leaving only devastation after her. While it seemed like she was oblivious to the turmoil she caused, nobody could deny that she was gloating as she leaned against the mantel. Colin hated her.

"Are you fucking insane?" Anthony started yelling at Edwina. "What made you kill a Thorwood? Do you want to die?"

Kate got up quickly, not even noticing that she had hit the table, and stood as fast as she could in front of her sister. "Stop yelling at her, you idiot. She was defending herself. You would do the same."

"You weren't there, Anthony," Eloise pointed out.

"Enough!" Lady Danbury stopped them all in their tracks.

Perhaps the most surprising was Penelope's reaction. She just turned to her mother, almost giddy and disappointed at the same time, noticing that Portia was glowing at the drama. "This means our deal is off. I hope it was worth it, proving to me once again that there is no need to trust you, for you will inevitably mess it up."

"Stop! It was an accident. It happens. The Thorwoods, however, know that one of their own was last seen in their apartment, and that Eloise was seen there shortly after Henry Thorwood was there. There is a very real possibility they might believe that their nephew was lured and killed by the Bridgertons."

Anthony was almost offended and about to criticize, when he realized his mother was in the room. His parents loved each other so much, and yet that part of his father's life—his own life—was something his mother couldn't support. She wasn't openly hostile, but it was ingrained in him at an early age that those two things do not mix. And as long as he didn't endanger his siblings, she would ignore it.

"Do you wish to be here? I know that..." How to say in a room filled with people that he didn't know or trust that his own mother hated an important part of who they were, of who he was, Anthony mused before he continued, repeating once again what he said. "...I know that you do not enjoy... maybe we could discuss this later?"

"No. I need to grow up and face it. It is time. Avoiding the truth doesn't change it," Violet uttered, almost frozen in the unpleasantness of the situation. Anthony did notice that Lady Danbury smiled and nodded at her words, almost as if his mother were one of her children. Even in this situation, even if his relationship with his mother wasn't the best, he was grateful for Lady Danbury.

"Okay. Second thing, does Portia Featherington need to be here? We all have something to lose. Our lives, for a start. She doesn't. Not to mention that we can't trust her. I sincerely hope that nobody is that naive," he said without skipping a beat. Everyone noticed that Penelope didn't react. And, funny enough, Portia looked like she expected that to be said about her.

"She's here for a good reason. The body is in her freezer," Violet explained, her voice smooth and calm as if she were talking about flowers for the upcoming ball. For some reason, Portia looked victorious.

"Why would the Thorwoods think I would order the death of their heir apparent? Especially like that?" Anthony was almost offended.

"I don't know. I’m not a criminal like you," Kate spat out. Her fists were clenched, as if she were about to punch Anthony. It was obvious she was scared but ready to defend her sister until her last breath.

"The pot calling the kettle black. Your sister got all of us in trouble. Not mine."

"Enough. I will not repeat myself. We are in a serious mess, and if everyone else can keep their mouths closed, so can you two," Lady Danbury was quick.

"You would think the same if I ended up in such circumstances," Benedict pointed out.

"Now we know who currently holds the brain cell," Agatha's comment stung all four Bridgertons, as they were quite aware of the running joke at their expense. A joke started by their aunt, nonetheless.

"We have a problem, and there is truly no need to continue discussing all of the things that cannot be changed. We need a solution. For one, we need to get rid of the body. It cannot stay in Portia's freezer. Kate and Anthony, that is your concern. I do not need squeamish people. It needs to be done. I suggested my estate as a resting ground. Nobody will come here."

"No. While I do thank you, it's dangerous that so many people know where the body is," Anthony insisted. Nobody in the room could mistake the fact that he quite openly looked at Portia, and while it was slightly uncomfortable, it was an undeniable fact of who she was.

"We'll handle it, and we will be the only two people who will know where it is," said Anthony, as Kate added, "I agree with him."

Lady Danbury nodded. "Colin and Penelope, you two need to start destroying evidence. Don’t go overboard. Nobody can deny that Henry was in the apartment... but maybe him being seen a day later might throw them off," she pointed out, almost surprised by her idea.

Triumph mirrored on her face, an expression they were all more than used to seeing. "You know what? We need more time. Get me evidence that he is somewhere else. Pretend, bribe, lie."

Colin wanted this more than anything in life, but as Penelope started to breathe deeply, almost unsettled, he knew he couldn't. "No. I will not force her to be with me. You need to respect her boundaries," Colin objected. "Eloise will go with me."

Lady Danbury smiled as he finally did the right thing. It was a test, and Colin had a feeling he had finally done something right.

"All right. Benedict and Penelope, you will divert the attention of my dear nephew Marcus."

Benedict raised his head, finally reacting to the events in the room. "Anderson?! I love that man. We used to take the same classes at the Academy. Remarkable talent. How is he involved? Last thing I heard, he was a consultant for a start-up in Manchester."

"He's Claire Thorwood's little dog," Portia commented, ignoring how Lady Danbury looked at her. After all, Marcus was her family.

"That is not correct. He's a fixer, and he occasionally works for her." The pout on Agatha's face was a clear indicator that she took Portia's words as a personal insult. "Now leave. All of you. And do not share among yourselves what and how you will do it. The fewer people know, the better."

Colin had to say something, anything to Penelope. Just being in the same room with her felt like a cure for his sadness. Eloise pulled his hand to grab his attention as Penelope approached Benedict. And to Colin, while she was a little more closed off than he remembered, she treated Benedict like he was a wounded animal.

"What?!" He didn't even attempt to hide the annoyance in his voice at his sister.

"What is the plan?"

"Not here. I have something in mind." Colin had no plan whatsoever nor any idea how to do what Danbury wanted from them, but had no intention of telling that to his sister. "I just need to say something to Penelope, and we can go."

Glaring was almost unbecoming of his sister. "I will not bother her. I promise." Eloise clicked her tongue, visibly dissatisfied with what had been said. She didn't even try to pretend to get along with her brother.

Their relationship had always been a little strained by jealousy and the need for the other to have less access to Penelope in true Bridgerton style, but on the other hand, they loved each other enough to know that it couldn't be otherwise. Eloise chose Penelope, and while she loved him, he knew where her loyalty lay—and Colin loved her for that.

Benedict wasn't stupid, and Colin was so grateful for that. When he noticed Colin's gaze, he whispered something to Penelope and left, allowing Colin to talk to her.

He took a few steps, approaching her as if she were a wounded animal. "I won't bother you. I promise," he said, raising his hands as if waving a white flag. Since she didn't run away or say anything to stop him, Colin continued. "Your book is incredible. I loved it. Some scenes were pure torture. The inspector is an idiot. I don't know how many times I started yelling at him to get a grip and get the girl."

She smiled. And everything felt right.

"The pain I felt while reading that last scene and discovering that she's in an arranged marriage, and her fiancé is coming to London to meet her, while Nicolas still hasn't pulled his head from his ass... I already pre-ordered the next book."

Penelope was still smiling, and he honestly couldn't remember the last time that had happened. But he welcomed every second.

"Thank you. I'm glad you liked it." Penelope took a deep breath. "And thank you for your words to Danbury. It meant a lot."

If he could giggle, he would. It felt great knowing that he had done something good.

"I am trying to be a better friend. One step at a time," he told her. As he was leaving her company, Colin had to admit that he was quite happy that Edwina had killed Thorwood—for he got to see Penelope and talk to her. Almost inappropriately, a thought crossed his brain about how one man's loss is another man's gain.