Chapter Text
Prologue.
Penelope Featherington's life has never been a fairy tale; in fact, it's quite the opposite: a selfless father, a cruel mother and two ruthless sisters, but she always believed she would get her happy ending.
Her love for Colin Bridgerton was an open secret, and she longed for him to realize his feelings were mutual. That one day he would confess his love, passionately court her, have their dream wedding, or perhaps run away to Gretna Green. To be honest, the wedding wasn't the important thing for her, all that mattered was the happily ever after, no matter the difficulties along the way.
But none of that happened.
Two disastrous seasons on the marriage market were enough for Penelope to forget the romantic expectations promised by the books she likes to read and to let go of her love for the third Bridgerton.
During her first season, Colin broke her heart by getting engaged to her cousin. The wedding didn't happen, but the wound was deep. And during her second season, at her own mother's ball, he declared her unmarriageable in front of the eligible gentlemen, ruining her marriage prospects and driving a stake through her heart.
His inappropriate comments, his evasion of responsibility, and his flight from London were the last selfish actions she was willing to endure from the charming Colin Bridgerton.
Penelope finally understood that real life isn't what it's portrayed in books and that marriages are rarely for love, but she also realizes that just because she can't have the future she always dreamed of, doesn't mean she can't be happy.
She took advantage of the off-season to focus solely on herself. She changed her wardrobe going against her mother, Rae learned new hairstyles and asked Lady Danbury for advice on how to behave more appropriately in society. It's no secret that the Featherington family isn't the most elegant or classy in the ton.
Her new appearance gives her a sense of security she hadn't felt before, and she's determined to find a husband before the season ends, as living in Featherington House alone with her mother is becoming more unbearable every day. She doesn't need a titled gentleman, she doesn't even care if he's handsome; she just needs someone who isn't old, who is kind, who gives her peace of mind and the freedom to continue writing her column.
The new season has begun and Penelope Featherington is ready to make her grand entrance at the Danbury Ball.
The Featheringtons are announced. Phillipa and Prudence descend arm in arm with their husbands, followed by Lady Featherington. Penelope is slightly delayed, struggling with her coat, and when it's her turn to descend the stairs, she does so confidently. She knows the eyes are on her, but they don't intimidate her.
She walks through the crowd. She can't hear them, but she's aware that everyone is whispering about her appearance, and for the first time in her life, the comments aren't cruel. She passes by some gentlemen, among whom is Colin Bridgerton, and he looks at her in surprise. The bastard looks more handsome than before, but she flatly ignores him and continues on her way.
The time passed quickly, so much so that she barely remembers her brief conversation with Francesca Bridgerton and decides to forget the disastrous and awkward approach of three gentlemen.
She heads to the dessert table and grabs a vanilla ice cream, eating it faster than she should and deciding not to finish it.
“Too cold or too fast? “ a deep unfamiliar voice asked. Penelope turned her face slightly and saw a burly, blond man she'd never seen before.
“Both. “ she replied.
“You could try another dessert. “
“I'm fine for now. “
“You should know I'm an expert on desserts; if you need a recommendation, don't hesitate to ask. “
“Maybe I will, Lord... “
“Lord Debling. “ The blond man turned, and Penelope did the same. Lord Debling is a handsome man and his blue eyes seem kind. Penelope knows it's too early but perhaps she's found a match. “And you are? “
“Penelope Featherington. “
Lord Debling took her gloved hand and kissed the knuckles. Penelope blushed slightly; it was the first time a handsome gentleman kissed her knuckles. She smiled shyly and he smiled back, obviously pleased by her reaction.
“Miss Featherington, may I si...”
“Little Penelope! “ Cressida Cowper's sweet voice dripped with venom. Penelope turned around, intending to face her, but was speechless when she saw Eloise Bridgerton, once her best friend, standing next to the woman who has hounded her most cruelly her entire life. Another Bridgerton broke her heart. “I almost didn't recognize you; you were easier to spot in your old dresses. “
“I didn't know you attend the balls with the intention of find me. “ Penelope has a horrible feeling that something bad is going to happen, she feels a hole in her stomach.
“That's a beautiful dress, Penelope. “ Cressida moved a little closer until she was beside Pen. Her attitude was definitely not normal.
“It really is. “ Lord Debling agreed.
“Thank you, my lord. “ Penelope said, turning slightly toward him. As soon as she turned, she heard her dress rip. It is now ruined. She looked over and noticed Cressida's foot stepping on it. Another ball ruined by the ruthless blonde.
“Forgive me, Penelope! I didn't realize. “ she said, feigning guilt, and Pen had to agree that her performance was convincing.
“I'll get a maid to help you. “ Lord Debling offered chivalrously.
“No need. “ Penelope replied. “Excuse me. “ She didn't curtsy; she simply fled.
“Pen... “ Eloise said, looking guilty, but Penelope didn't even look at her.
It's only the first ball of the season, and the monotony is already killing Lord Fife. Year after year, it's the same, every social event is: beautiful debutantes vying to be the queen's diamond, trying to impress the gentlemen with rehearsed conversations, and meticulously taking care of every detail so as not to abandon the script. But the worst are the matchmaking mothers dedicated to stalking men like him, who flee from them at the first opportunity.
He regrets attending, but he knows that if he had stayed home Lady Danbury would have reproached him for months, and it's definitely better to endure a few hours of agony than countless blackmail from the Dowager Countess.
“Change your expression, Reg, anyone would think you don't want to be here. “ Lord Cho said, frustrated by Reginald's attitude.
“I don't want to be here, James. “ Reginald assured him.
“Really? I wouldn't have guessed! “ James said with a sarcasm that exceeded mockery. “Come with me to the smoking room you need to drink something stronger. “
Reginald pretended to consider it for a moment, just to increase his own drama and unnerve James a little more, but eventually agreed. They both know the waltz is the next dance, and they have no intention of stepping onto the dance floor.
They sipped some brandy as they settled into a boring conversation about horses and betting with other lords, which at least was helpful in knowing when the races would be held. Reginald likes to attend and have a favorite, but avoids betting like the plague.
The conversation strayed to other topics, and that was his cue to slip away. He left so quietly that not even James noticed the moment he disappeared from his side.
Returning to the ball so soon isn't his intention, and he knows Danbury House better than his own house, so he seeks out the room that has been his favorite since before he went to Eton, a small art room with a wonderful view of the gardens. He and Agatha used to spend a lot of time there painting and drawing. He knows it's always open to him.
He enters, removing the mask he shows to high society every day. His features relax, and he immediately looks younger, kinder, and more handsome. He loosens his cravat and lights a couple of candles, but as he does so, he hears a sob.
He takes one of the candles and walks discreetly through the room until he sees the silhouette of a woman sitting on the floor. Her knees are drawn up to her chest, her hair cascading down, hiding her face. He moves a little closer, and a flash of red curls is enough to know who it is.
She raises her face and looks at him. Reginald immediately puts his mask back on, hardening his expression.
“Are you all right, Miss Featherington? “ he asked politely.
“Yes, I just... “
“Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your moment. I didn't know you were here. “
“I shouldn't be here. “ Penelope stood up immediately and turned to the wall, wiping the tears from her face. Reginald could barely see her silhouette in the darkness.
“Please stay. I'll go. I'll leave a candle lit; in case you need it. “
“Thank you, Lord Fife. “
Penelope gives an elegant curtsy, which he acknowledges with a slight nod. Reginald turns and walks to the door, places his hand on the knob and turns it, but hears voices outside and doesn't open it. He has never been a devout believer, but at that moment, he used all his prayers to ask that no one enter because the room is so small that there is no place to hide.
“Is something wrong? “ Penelope asked. He placed his index finger on his lips, signaling her to be silent, then blew out the candle in his hand. He took long, silent steps to reach the other candle. Just before he could blow it out, the door opened, and the light from the hallway illuminated the small art room.
Reginald recognized Agatha's voice, but she left an incomplete sentence probably in surprise. He knows what it looks like: he is alone in a dark room with a young lady. He also knows that with a little effort he could get away with it, but won't be the case for Miss Featherington. Her reputation would be permanently ruined.
He turns slowly only to be met the horrified faces of Lady Danbury, Lady Harrington, and Lady Bridgerton, he knows exactly what they're thinking and can't blame them, deserved or not, his reputation precedes him.
“What's going on here, Reginald? “ Lady Danbury asked, maintaining her composure.
“This is a mis... “ Penelope rushed to respond, but was quickly interrupted by Lady Harrington.
“You two are shameless, you can't even respect Lady Danbury's property. “ she said, completely scandalized. “Was he forcing you to do something you didn't want to do? “ Lady Harrington approached Penelope when she saw her reddened eyes.
“What? No! Of course not! “ Penelope said with a firmness that left no room for doubt.
“Alice! “ Lady Danbury scolded her for making such a nefarious advance against Reginald.
“Miss Featherington is happy, and are only tears of joy. I proposed to her, and she accepted. “
The ladies fell silent, Lady Bridgerton even paled. He approached Penelope, but didn't look at her, unable to see the disappointment on her face at finding herself engaged to a complete stranger.
“The first wedding of the Season! We have to announce it immediately! “
“I-I… first w-we have to tell my-my m-mother. “ Penelope was completely stunned, unable to even process everything that is happening. “I just need a moment. “
“Of course. “ Lady Danbury said, sending everyone out of the room. She walked a few steps away with Reginald to speak to him without the other ladies hearing. “You did the right thing, Reginald. “
“I needed a moment alone. She was there when I came in, and…”
“I'm not asking for explanations, darling. I know you better than anyone, don't forget that. “ Reginald just nodded, and Lady Danbury adjusted his cravat.
“I hope you have time to plan a wedding. There's no way I'm allowing Lady Featherington to do it. “
“Don't worry, I'll make sure you have the wedding of the season because you accidentally got the best bride. “
“Really? “ Reginald asked incredulously and Lady Danbury nodded.
“You're a lucky man. “
As soon as everyone leaves the small art room, Penelope exhales the breath she's been holding. She sits down on a single sofa, and her hands begin to shake. She clenches her fists to get rid of the trembling, but it doesn't work.
Are you courting the girl, Bridgerton?
His words echo in her mind as clearly as she heard them months ago. Her breathing begins to quicken, but she forces herself to calm down.
She thinks on a way to escape the situation, but quickly convinces herself there isn't one, which is why she didn't dare contradict Lord Fife. She's sure he's as unenthusiastic about the engagement as her, but she's also aware that he could have walked away with his reputation intact without caring what would happen to her, but he didn't. He stepped forward and behaved like a perfect gentleman.
Penelope realizes that all she knows about him is what's rumored, and that Lord Fife probably doesn't know a single thing about her. The inevitable marriage is a toss-up for both of them... but aren't all marriages?
There's nothing else to do. Penelope stands up, smooths her dress, forgetting it's ruined, tosses her hair over her shoulder, and sighs deeply.
There's an engagement to announce.