Chapter Text
Anthony Bridgerton stirred from his slumber, the early morning light filtering through the curtains of his bedroom. With a yawn, he stretched his limbs and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, feeling refreshed and ready to face the day ahead.
As he swung his legs over the side of the bed and prepared to start his morning routine, his thoughts drifted to the events of the previous evening. He couldn't shake the image of Penelope from his mind, her laughter and smile etched into his memory. Despite his attempts to push her from his thoughts, he found himself drawn to her in a way he couldn't quite explain.
With a sigh, Anthony pushed aside his lingering thoughts of Penelope and focused on the tasks at hand. He had a busy day ahead of him, and he couldn't afford to be distracted by thoughts of a certain Miss Featherington.
As Anthony made his way downstairs, the familiar sounds of the Bridgerton household greeted him, comforting in their routine. He descended the grand staircase, the polished marble cool beneath his bare feet, his steps purposeful as he headed towards the dining room where breakfast awaited.
"Good morning, everyone," Anthony said with a warm smile, taking his usual seat at the head of the table.
"Good morning, Anthony," his mother, Violet Bridgerton, replied, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Did you sleep well?"
"Like a log," Anthony chuckled, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "And how is everyone this fine morning?"
"We're all well, thank you," Violet replied, glancing around the table at her children.
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Penelope Featherington, who entered the room with a bright smile.
"Good morning, everyone!" Penelope greeted cheerfully, taking a seat beside Eloise.
"Good morning, Lady Featherington," Anthony said warmly, offering her a nod of acknowledgment.
Meanwhile, Violet interjected with a smile, "Daphne is coming after breakfast to finally give us the news about her pregnancy."
One of her daughters asked in surprise, "How do you know that, Mother?"
Violet chuckled softly. "Because I'm her mother, dear. I just know these things." Penelope couldn't help but laugh at Violet's confident assertion, her laughter ringing out melodiously.
"Isn't it just like Lady Bridgerton to know everything before it happens?" Penelope remarked, her laughter still echoing in the air.
Anthony grinned, amused by his mother's uncanny ability to foresee events. "Indeed. She's always right anyway, isn't she?"
Benedict, who had been listening quietly, chimed in with a smirk. "Well, I suppose years of experience as a mother do grant one certain powers of intuition."
Penelope chuckled, nodding in agreement. "That's true. Although, I must say, I'm quite impressed with Lady Whistledown's ability to uncover the juiciest scandals before anyone else."
Anthony raised an eyebrow playfully. "Are you suggesting that Mama might have some competition?"
Penelope feigned a look of mock offense. "Of course not! Lady Bridgerton wisdom and Lady Whistledown's gossip are in entirely different leagues."
Benedict chuckled, shaking his head. "I dare say you're right, Penelope. Mama's insights are unparalleled."
After finishing breakfast and exchanging pleasantries, the Bridgerton family and Penelope made their way to the elegant drawing room to await Daphne's arrival.
As they settled into comfortable chairs and sofas, the room filled with the soft murmur of conversation. Anthony poured himself another cup of coffee while Benedict perused a nearby bookshelf, occasionally pulling out a volume to inspect its contents. Penelope sat gracefully on a plush armchair, her eyes wandering around the room, taking in the exquisite décor.
"Any idea when Daphne might be arriving?" Benedict inquired, glancing at his mother.
Violet checked the time on the ornate clock adorning the mantelpiece. "She should be here shortly. I expect she wanted to ensure everything was in order before joining us."
Francesca nodded in agreement. "Knowing Daphne, she probably wanted to make a grand entrance."
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway, signaling Daphne's arrival. The family members exchanged anticipatory glances, their smiles widening in anticipation.
Moments later, Daphne entered the drawing room, her presence commanding attention. She greeted everyone with a warm smile before settling into a chair opposite her family and Penelope.
"I apologize for the delay," Daphne said, smoothing down her skirts. "I wanted to make sure everything was in order before joining you."
Violet waved off her concerns with a gracious smile. "Not to worry, my dear. We've been enjoying a lovely morning together."
Penelope watched with bated breath as Daphne settled into her chair, a radiant smile gracing her features. There was an air of anticipation in the room, everyone waiting for Daphne to share her news.
"I have something wonderful to share with all of you," Daphne began, her voice filled with excitement.
Penelope's heart fluttered with anticipation, and she leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Daphne.
"I'm pregnant," Daphne announced, her eyes shining with happiness.
A collective gasp of delight swept through the room, followed by an eruption of joyous exclamations. Penelope felt tears welling up in her eyes as she watched the sheer happiness on Daphne's face.
Violet was the first to recover from the initial shock, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. "Oh, Daphne, that's wonderful news!" she exclaimed, moving to embrace her daughter.
Anthony and Benedict both wore wide smiles, their expressions a mix of pride and excitement. "Congratulations, Daphne," Anthony said warmly, his voice filled with genuine happiness.
Penelope felt a surge of emotion as she joined in the chorus of congratulations, her heart overflowing with happiness for her dear friend. She reached out to grasp Daphne's hand, squeezing it tightly in a silent gesture of support and affection.
"That's marvelous news, Daphne!" Penelope exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.
Daphne smiled gratefully, but her gaze held a trace of concern. "There's more," she admitted hesitantly. "The doctor determined that I'm actually three months pregnant, not two as I initially thought."
A hush fell over the room as Daphne's words sank in. Penelope exchanged a concerned glance with the others, realizing the significance of Daphne's revelation.
Violet was the first to speak, her voice filled with reassurance. "It's not uncommon for there to be a discrepancy in the timing," she said gently, moving to comfort her daughter.
Anthony and Benedict nodded in agreement, their expressions supportive and understanding. "What matters is that you and the baby are healthy," Anthony said reassuringly.
Penelope reached out to grasp Daphne's hand, offering her a reassuring squeeze. "We're all here for you, Daphne," she said softly, her voice filled with empathy and support.
As Daphne shared her news, she decided that it was time to shifted the conversation, her gaze lingering on her sister Eloise.
"Eloise made her debut at court, and it was truly a magnificent affair." Daphne began, her eyes sparkling with anticipation
Penelope nodded in agreement, recalling the splendor of Eloise's debut. "Yes, it was a splendid event. Eloise looked absolutely radiant."
Daphne's smile widened as she continued, her pride in her sister evident. "She caught the eye of many suitors, including a few notable gentlemen."
Eloise blushed at the mention, her cheeks tinged with a delicate pink. "Oh, Daphne, you're exaggerating," she protested.
Violet chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Nonsense, Eloise. You were the belle of the ball last night."
Daphne's attention then turned to Anthony, her expression curious. "Speaking of suitors, Anthony, when do you plan to settle down? Surely, one of the debutantes had to caught your eye."
Anthony's cheeks colored slightly under Daphne's scrutiny, but he maintained his composure. "Ah, well, you know me, Daphne. I'm still searching for the right match."
Daphne raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Surely, there must have been at least one young lady who piqued your interest."
Anthony glanced around the room, his gaze thoughtful. "There were indeed many lovely debutantes, but none who captured my heart." Anthony sensed the need to shift the focus. He cleared his throat and addressed the room with a charming smile.
"Speaking of enjoyable outings, I was thinking it might be nice for the family to spend a day at the racetrack," Anthony suggested, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "It's been far too long since we've had a day of leisure together."
Violet's eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect. "That sounds delightful, Anthony. It would be a wonderful opportunity for us to bond as a family."
Anthony then turned to Penelope, extending the invitation to her with a warm smile. "And of course, Lady Featherington, we would be honored if you would join us. It wouldn't be the same without you."
Penelope's eyes widened in surprise and delight at the invitation. "Oh, My lord, I would love to come," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.
As Anthony extended the invitation to Penelope, her heart raced with excitement at the prospect of spending the day with the Bridgertons at the racetrack. However, she knew she would need to tread carefully when asking her mother for permission.
"But I must first go home to get ready and ask my mother for permission." Penelope replied, her voice tinged with anticipation.
Anthony nodded understandingly, his expression sympathetic. "Of course. Take all the time you need. We'll eagerly await your arrival."
With a grateful smile, Penelope bid the Bridgertons farewell and made her way home, her mind racing with nervous anticipation. Upon arriving home, Penelope approached her mother tentatively, steeling herself for the inevitable confrontation.
"Mother, may I have your permission to join the Bridgertons at the racetrack today?" Penelope asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Mrs. Featherington regarded her daughter with a cold, calculating gaze, her lips forming a thin line. For a moment, Penelope held her breath, fearing her mother's wrath.
After what felt like an eternity, Mrs. Featherington finally spoke, her voice dripping with disdain. "Very well, Penelope. You may go," she replied curtly. "But don't think for a moment that this excuses your recent indiscretions."
Relief flooded Penelope's heart as she thanked her mother quietly, careful not to provoke her further. With her mother's reluctant permission granted, she hurriedly made her preparations, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere of her home and join the Bridgertons for a day of freedom and joy at the racetrack.
As Penelope made her way back to the Bridgerton household, she couldn't shake off the lingering tension from her interaction with her mother. Despite the chilly reception, the prospect of spending time with the Bridgertons provided a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of her family situation.
Arriving at the Bridgerton residence, Penelope was greeted warmly by Anthony and the rest of the family, their genuine smiles serving as a stark contrast to the harshness she faced at home. She quickly pushed aside her concerns, determined to savor every moment of the day ahead.
"Lady Featherington, we're so glad you could join us," Anthony said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Shall we make our way to the racetrack?"
Penelope nodded eagerly, her spirits lifting at the thought of leaving her troubles behind, if only for a few hours. "Yes, let's go," she replied, a sense of excitement coursing through her veins.
As they arrived at the racetrack, the lively atmosphere enveloped them, filled with the sounds of hooves thundering against the track and the excited chatter of spectators. Penelope's spirits soared as she took in the vibrant scene, grateful for the distraction from her troubles at home.
Anthony led the way, his easy confidence guiding them through the bustling crowds. "I thought we could start by watching a few races before exploring the rest of the grounds," he suggested, his voice filled with anticipation.
Penelope nodded eagerly, her eyes alight with excitement. "That sounds wonderful, Lord Bridgerton. I've always loved watching the races."
As they made their way to the grandstands, they found seats with a good view of the track. The first race was about to begin, and the air was charged with anticipation.
Later, she found herself deep in conversation with Hyacinth, discussing their favorite books and authors. "Have you read the latest novel by Mrs. Radcliffe, Penelope?" Daphne asked eagerly.
Penelope nodded, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Yes, I have! I found it absolutely captivating. The way she weaves suspense and mystery is truly masterful."
Daphne nodded in agreement, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "I couldn't agree more. We'll have to swap book recommendations sometime."
As they continued to explore the grounds, Penelope found herself drawn into yet another conversation, this time with Violet. They discussed their shared love for gardening and exchanged tips on cultivating the perfect rose garden.
As one particularly spirited race began, all the Bridgertons found themselves standing near the edge of the track, caught up in the exhilarating energy of the moment. The crowd roared with excitement as the horses surged forward, their hooves pounding against the ground with thunderous force.
Suddenly, disaster struck as one of the horses veered off course, hurtling towards Anthony and Penelope with alarming speed. In that split second, Anthony's instincts kicked in, and he acted without hesitation, pulling Penelope into his arms and diving out of harm's way just as the horse thundered past.
They landed in a heap on the ground, Penelope's laughter ringing out amidst the chaos. Anthony held her close, his heart pounding with adrenaline as he realized what had just happened.
"Are you alright?" he whispered, his concern evident in his voice as they lay tangled together on the ground.
Penelope nodded, her laughter mingling with relief. "Yes, thank you. That was quite the rescue."
They shared a moment of shared amusement, their whispered conversation a brief respite from the chaos around them. But their bubble of intimacy was soon burst as their family rushed over, concern etched on their faces.
"Penelope, Anthony, are you two alright?" Violet Bridgerton exclaimed, her eyes wide with worry.
"We're fine, Mother," Anthony replied, helping Penelope to her feet. "Just a bit shaken, that's all."
As the commotion settled and their family members breathed sighs of relief, Penelope straightened her attire, brushing off the dust from her dress with a self-conscious laugh.
"Thank you, Anthony," she said, whispering just for him to hear her.
Anthony smiled warmly, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of reassurance and affection. "It was nothing, Penelope."
Their eyes lingered for a moment, an unspoken understanding passing between them before they were interrupted by Eloise's worried inquiry.
"Are you sure you're both alright? That was a close call," Eloise said, her concern palpable as she reached out to grasp Penelope's hand.
Penelope nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "Yes, we're fine, Eloise. Just a bit shaken, but nothing serious."
As they made their way back home from the racetrack, the events of the day played over in Penelope's mind like a vivid reel. She couldn't shake off the adrenaline rush from the near miss with the horse, nor could she forget Anthony's quick thinking and protective embrace. But amidst the whirlwind of emotions, a sense of unease crept over her as she thought about returning to her own home, where her mother's coldness and cruelty awaited her.
As they reached the Bridgerton household, Penelope's heart sank with the realization that she would soon have to bid farewell to the warmth and comfort of their company. But before she could voice her concerns, Violet Bridgerton spoke up, her voice filled with genuine concern.
"Penelope, dear, I couldn't bear to send you home after the fright you've had today," Violet said, her eyes soft with compassion. "Why don't you stay with us for the night? It's the least we can do after all the trouble you've been through."
Penelope's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected offer, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Oh, Lady Bridgerton, I couldn't possibly impose on your hospitality," she protested weakly, though a part of her longed to accept.
But before she could protest further, Violet reached out to grasp her hand, her expression firm yet gentle. "Nonsense, my dear. It's settled. You'll stay with us tonight, and we'll make sure you're well taken care of."
Penelope felt a rush of relief wash over her as she nodded in agreement, overcome with gratitude for the Bridgertons' kindness and generosity.
However, a flicker of worry crossed her mind as she thought about her mother's reaction to her unexpected absence. Sensing her concern, Violet smiled reassuringly, as if reading her thoughts.
"Don't worry, Penelope. I'll send a note to your mother, explaining the situation and asking her to send over your belongings and your lady's maid," Violet said, her tone decisive. "You'll have everything you need here, I promise."
As the evening progressed and the sun started to hide, the family gathered in the drawing room, waiting for the staff to announce that dinner was ready, each member preoccupied with their own thoughts and concerns, Anthony seized a moment of respite to approach Penelope discreetly.
In the corner of the room, away from the prying eyes and bustling conversations, Anthony leaned in close to Penelope, his voice barely above a whisper as he addressed her.
"Penelope," he began, his tone hushed yet earnest, "there's something I've been meaning to discuss with you."
Penelope turned to him, despite the lively chatter and activity around them, she felt a sense of intimacy in their secluded corner, as if they were sharing a secret world of their own.
"What is it, Anthony?" she asked, her voice soft as she met his gaze.
"I have read all of these," he confessed softly, his eyes flickering to the collection of books arranged neatly on the nearby desk. "And... I set them aside for you."
Penelope's heart skipped a beat at his words, a rush of warmth flooding her chest. She turned to look at him, her eyes wide with surprise and gratitude.
"You did?" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
Anthony nodded, a shy smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yes. I thought perhaps you might share your thoughts on them," he finished, his gaze meeting hers with quiet sincerity.
Penelope felt a rush of emotion swell within her, touched by Anthony's thoughtful gesture. It was a simple act, but it spoke volumes about the depth of his kindness and generosity.
"Thank you, Anthony," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I would be honored to share my thoughts with you."
As the staff announced that dinner was ready, Anthony and Penelope reluctantly broke away from their private conversation, their hearts still warmed by the intimacy they shared. With a final glance and a silent understanding, they made their way to the dinner area alongside the rest of the family.
The dining room was elegantly set, bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance. As they took their seats around the table, the Bridgerton family and Penelope exchanged polite conversation, the events of the day temporarily set aside in favor of the shared meal before them.
After dinner, as the family dispersed to retire for the night, Penelope made her way to her guest room, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. She changed into her nightgown with the help of her lady maid, ready to settle in with a good book and unwind before bed.
However, as she glanced around her room, her gaze fell upon the book she had been reading earlier in the day. She realized she had left it in the library and suddenly felt a strong urge to retrieve it. After all, she wasn't quite ready to call it a night just yet.
With a determined nod, Penelope slipped out of her room and made her way through the quiet corridors of the Bridgerton household. The mansion was filled with an eerie stillness, the only sound the soft echo of her footsteps against the polished floors.
As she approached the library, a faint light caught her eye from down the hall. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if someone else was already there, but curiosity got the better of her and she decided to investigate.
Stepping closer, Penelope noticed the door to Anthony's study room was slightly ajar, a thin sliver of light spilling out into the hallway. Her heart skipped a beat as memories of their last encounter flashed through her mind, the memory of Anthony's anger still fresh in her thoughts.
For a moment, she hesitated, unsure if she should intrude on his privacy once again. But then, a surge of determination washed over her as she remembered her conversation with Anthony earlier that evening. He had offered his support, and she couldn't let fear hold her back from helping her friend.
With a deep breath, Penelope pushed open the door and stepped into the study room, her eyes scanning the dimly lit space for any sign of Anthony. As she moved further into the room, she noticed him sitting at his desk, lost in thought as he flipped through a stack of papers.
"Anthony?" Penelope called out softly, her voice breaking the silence of the room.
Startled, Anthony looked up, his expression quickly morphing from surprise to relief as he spotted Penelope standing in the doorway.
"Penelope," he said, his voice warm with surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"I... I just wanted to retrieve a book from the library," Penelope replied hesitantly, feeling a pang of guilt for intruding on his solitude. "I didn't mean to disturb you."
But before she could turn to leave, Anthony rose from his desk and crossed the room to stand beside her, his gaze filled with gratitude.
"You're not disturbing me, Penelope," he said earnestly, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. "In fact, I'm glad you're here. I could use you some distraction” Penelope's heart swelled with a sense of purpose as she realized the significance of Anthony's words.
Penelope's mind began to wander, and before she opened her mouth to answer him, suddenly, an idea sparked within her, and she turned to Anthony with a hopeful smile.
"Anthony," she began tentatively, "would you like to accompany me to the kitchen to drink some tea?"
Anthony's expression shifted to one of surprise and confusion at the unexpected proposition. He hesitated for a moment, clearly caught off guard by the suggestion, but then a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Well, I must admit, I didn't expect that," he replied with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But I suppose a cup of tea sounds quite lovely."
With a sense of excitement bubbling within her, Penelope rose from her seat, gesturing for Anthony to follow her as she made her way out of the study room and towards the kitchen.
As Penelope and Anthony made their way to the kitchen, a sense of anticipation tinged the air between them. Penelope's initial intention to offer advice faded as a spontaneous idea took hold of her mind.
As they entered the kitchen and found it empty, Penelope motioned for Anthony to take a seat while she set about gathering the necessary supplies for tea. She moved about the room with practiced ease, her movements purposeful as she located the milk, cups, and kettle.
As Penelope and Anthony found themselves alone in the kitchen, a sense of spontaneity filled the air, igniting a spark of excitement within Penelope. She watched Anthony closely, noting the hint of curiosity and amusement in his expression as he recounted a humorous anecdote from his past.
As Anthony shared the story of his and Daphne's misadventure with preparing warm milk, Penelope couldn't help but laugh along with him, finding joy in his lighthearted tale. His laughter was contagious, and soon they were both chuckling at the memory, their shared amusement filling the room.
"Well, let's remedy that, shall we?" Penelope said with a grin, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Stand up, Anthony. I'll show you how it's done." With gentle guidance, Penelope led Anthony through the process of preparing warm milk, explaining each step with patience and clarity.
As Penelope poured warm milk into a kettle in the kitchen, Anthony leaned against the counter, his gaze fixed on the swirling patterns in the marble. The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken thoughts and lingering fears.
"Would you like some tea, Anthony?" Penelope asked softly, breaking the silence as she reached for a jar of honey.
Anthony shook his head, his expression distant. "No, thank you, Penelope," he replied quietly. "I don't like honey."
But Penelope couldn't help but notice the flicker of hesitation in Anthony's eyes. "Are you sure?" she pressed gently, her voice filled with concern. "I could have sworn I've seen you enjoy honey with your tea before. And wasn't your favorite dessert a honey cake?"
Anthony's jaw tightened as he looked away, his gaze fixed on the floor. "That was before," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "Before everything that happened with my father."
In that moment, Penelope felt a surge of empathy wash over her. She knew there was more to Anthony's aversion to honey than he was letting on. Gathering her courage, she took a step closer to him, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Anthony, there's something I need to tell you," she began, her voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and nostalgia. "When I was a little girl, I had an experience that changed me forever."
Anthony's brows furrowed in concern as he listened intently, his worry for Penelope evident in his eyes. "What happened, Penelope?" he asked softly, his voice laced with a hint of anxiety.
Taking a deep breath, Penelope recounted the memory that had haunted her for years. "I was riding horses with my father in the countryside," she began, her voice faltering slightly as she recalled the events of that fateful day. "I saw a bee buzzing around a cluster of red flowers, and I was mesmerized by its beauty. Without thinking, I reached out to touch it."
Anthony's heart clenched at the thought of Penelope in danger, his chest tight with fear and desperation. "And then what happened?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Penelope's gaze dropped to the floor, her hands trembling as she continued her story. "I started to feel dizzy and lightheaded," she recounted, her voice thick with emotion. "I ran to my father, tears streaming down my face, and told him what had happened. He rushed me to the nearest doctor, who confirmed that I was allergic to bee stings."
Anthony's breath caught in his throat as he listened to Penelope's tale, his heart breaking for the pain and fear she must have endured. "I can't imagine how terrifying that must have been for you," he murmured, his voice choked with emotion.
Penelope nodded, tears welling in her eyes as she relived the memory. "It was the scariest moment of my life," she admitted, her voice trembling. "But it taught me something important – to never let my fears hold me back, to never let the bees have power over me."
As Penelope finished recounting her childhood ordeal, a solemn silence settled between them, broken only by the soft crackle of the fireplace. With a deep breath, Penelope looked up at Anthony, her eyes searching his troubled expression.
Anthony felt a surge of admiration for Penelope, her strength and resilience shining through even in the face of adversity. "You're incredible, Penelope," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "And I promise to always be here for you, no matter what."
"Anthony," she began tentatively, her voice breaking the quietude, "would you... would you be willing to try a cup of tea with honey with me?"
Anthony's gaze flickered with uncertainty, his inner turmoil evident in the furrow of his brow. He hesitated for a moment, his thoughts swirling with memories and fears, before finally meeting Penelope's gaze with a determined resolve.
"I... I would," he replied slowly, his voice tinged with hesitation. "But only if you're right by my side."
Penelope's heart swelled with a mixture of relief and affection as she reached out to grasp Anthony's hand in hers. "Of course, Anthony," she murmured softly, her voice filled with reassurance. "I'll be right here with you every step of the way."
As they sat side by side at the table, their fingers intertwined, Anthony took a tentative sip of the honey-sweetened tea, his eyes never leaving Penelope's face. And as he savored the familiar taste of honey, a sense of calm washed over him, his fears momentarily pushed aside by the warmth of Penelope's presence.
Penelope watched him closely, her heart swelling with pride at his bravery. She knew how difficult it must have been for him to face his fears, but he had done it with grace and determination. "See, not so bad, is it?" Penelope said softly, a gentle smile playing at the corners of her lips.
Anthony returned her smile, a sense of gratitude shining in his eyes. "No, not at all," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "Thank you, Penelope, for helping trying to overcome my fears."
Penelope squeezed his hand gently, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Anytime, Anthony," she said, her voice filled with warmth.