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This magic moment
So different and so new
Was like any other
Until I kissed you
And then it happened
It took me by surprise
I knew that you felt it too
By the look in your eyes
Sweeter than wine
Softer than the summer night
Everything I want I have
Whenever I hold you tight
This magic moment
While your lips are close to mine
Will last forever
Forever ‘til the end of time
This Magic Moment by The Drifters
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Colin had walked into tea at number five feeling like the cat who got the canary. He was sure all the ladies in his family would be delighted with his news. Not only would he be staying in London indefinitely, he was marrying Penelope. He was still floating on cloud nine and reveling in this new development in his life. Which is the only explanation for how he could have forgotten to come up with a proposal story that would be suitable enough to share with his sisters and mother. Since he could not reveal his discovery of her secret identity to his family or the subsequent carriage ride that led him to propose to Penelope, Colin had lied stating that he decided during his morning stroll. He was struck suddenly by what an excellent idea marriage to Pen was and had taken immediate action. This was most certainly not a valid explanation in their eyes for that is how he found himself in his current situation, suffering through the rapid fire questioning of his two youngest sisters with no end in sight. He was near his wits end! Honestly, was it not enough for them to know that their dear Penelope would officially be joining the family? Apparently not, Eloise was quite determined to hear the story and Kate, Hyacinth, Daphne and even his mother were all equally intrigued.
“I do not see why you need to know the particulars Eloise. I thought you would be the first to welcome Pen into the family officially.”
“Don’t you dare twist my words Colin, of course I am delighted to officially call Penelope sister. However as her best friend and confidant I do not understand how I of all people did not know that you were planning on proposing!”
“It was not something that I planned, it simply happened. I was talking with Pen and asked her to marry me, she accepted, end of story.”
Honestly Colin loved his sister but why did she have to be so nosy and meddlesome. Penelope would certainly agree that this trait was why he had thought her to be Lady Whistledown and not his witty and cunning new fiancée.
“Colin dearest, do not get upset.” his mother interjected before Eloise could speak again. “We all are delighted to at long last welcome Penelope into the family. While I know your relationship has not progressed in a conventional manner...”
“Understatement of the season.” Hyacinth snickered to Kate who tried her best to stifle her laugh.
“Hyacinth!”
“She has a point.” Eloise said under her breath but both her mother and brother heard her.
“Colin.” He turned to face his dearest sister, “I think what mother is trying to say is that we are all surprised that it happened in such a nonchalant manner. Given your inherent charm and flair for the dramatic, it seems rather, well dull to be frank.” Daphne looked into his eyes, willing him to understand.
“I think we can forgo the subtleties and get right to it Daph. Afterall it has taken him twelve long years to finally take notice of Penelope.”
Colin whipped his head at Kate and looked at her completely dumbstruck. He was not expecting her to join in tormenting him as well. At least not about this while she was trying to keep Charlotte seated in her lap!
“That is precisely my point!” interjected Eloise before he could begin to formulate a reply.
“Colin dearest after such an unusually long friendship it is easy to understand how you would be eager to start your life with Penelope.” Continued his mother.
“That is the understatement of the century…”
“Hyacinth dear if you have nothing but snide quips to add to the conversation I suggest you hold your tongue. Your brother moved at a glacial place in regards to marrying Penelope…”
“Mother!” Colin cried out indignantly.
Hyacinth, Eloise and Kate laughed at this outburst, even little Charlotte laughed and clapped her hands in glee. Only Daphne had the decency in his opinion to try and stifle her laughter but couldn’t help adding her opinion.
“That is the plain truth of it all Colin, we need not waste time arguing that point. You are most fortunate to still find Penelope eligible for marriage at this stage of both your lives. The gentlemanly thing to do is to make up for lost courting time. I believe a redo of your proposal is essential and the perfect place to start.”
“Absolutely essential!” confirmed Kate. “You must call on your fiancée first thing tomorrow morning.”
“With an expensive and meaningful bouquet of flowers.” Suggested Violet
“Be sure to think upon their meaning. A mixed bouquet in her favorite hues would be lovely. Pink roses to express care and appreciation. Lilies to represent humility and devotion. Tulips which can also signify new beginnings and gladiolas for sincerity.” Listed Eloise.
Colin stared at his sister, slightly confused, when exactly had she started studying the language of flowers. Something which she had little interest in before, how odd. He couldn’t think upon it too long since he was still being instructed on what to do by the other ladies of he family.
“A new book, because you should reaffirm your years of friendship and intimate knowledge of what brings her joy.” Exclaimed Hyacinth.
“Well said.” Agreed Daphne as Eloise and Kate also nodded their approval of this suggestion.
“Perhaps her favorite pastry as well,” Violet added. “You’ve always been willing to share a coveted treat with sweet Penelope.”
“Obviously a ring. Something that reflects your relationship and has a poetic touch to it since the first proposal was so spontaneous. Consequently making it ill planned and utterly unromantic.” Finished Kate as Charlotte tried once again to escape her mother’s grasp.
Colin tried to remember everything they mentioned; he obviously needed to follow their instructions if he wanted to live out the remainder of his engagement, nay his life peacefully! None of the Bridgerton women would be satisfied with anything else and would surely check with Penelope to ensure that he did follow their suggestions just so.
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Colin left the ladies shortly thereafter and headed to Bridgerton House. He hoped to have a private word with Anthony. His brother was in his study reading over some papers but welcomed him and offered him a brandy.
“To what do I owe the honor brother? Please do not tell me that you are ready to set sail once again? Mother will be most displeased with such news.”
Colin took a sip of his brandy to hide his smirk, Anthony would be both surprised and pleased by his announcement and he wanted to relish this moment.
“Actually brother, I am here to look at our collection of family rings. While I am not sure if there’s one suited for my fiancée, she is afterall a rare treasure and only an equally unique ring will fit the bill, I believe it’s the best place to begin my search.”
Anthony smiled and leaned back in his chair swirling his brandy in his glass. “That is splendid news brother... Tell me, when exactly did you propose to Penelope?” The mischievous glint in his eye and smirk that had formed on his lip vexed the younger brother and further delighted the elder. Anthony knew it was only a matter of time for Colin to wake up and realize what had been right in front of him all along. Whether it was a curse or some cosmic joke was unclear to him, but the Bridgerton men were slow to recognize true love. Heaven help him when Gregory’s time came, not to mention his two sons and the growing brood of nephews!
Colin frowned a little, not pleased with the fact that he had failed to surprise his eldest brother with the identity of his betrothed. He sighed dramatically, “This morning. It was a spontaneous decision which I have already been thoroughly chastised over at Number 5 by your wife, our sisters and mother. I am to rectify the situation and propose properly in the morning.”
Anthony let out a hardy laugh. He could only imagine their reaction upon hearing Colin’s news and if his reluctance to speak on it was any indication, the whole story behind this spontaneous engagement probably was not one to share with his younger sisters and mother. He could not wait for Kate to return, she was probably as intrigued by this new development as he was and probably had theories on how everything came about. Colin was a Bridgerton afterall, they were a fairly dramatic family. He was certain Kate would invite Penelope to take tea and try to extract the truth from her, however he doubted she would succeed. Penelope’s love and loyalty to Colin was steadfast, he was certain of that. His younger brother had drawn out this path, but he had always suspected that it would eventually lead him to Penelope and he could not be happier for the pair. However, looking over at this brother who resembled the cat who got the cream and had a definite mischievous twinkle in his eye he knew he would need to procure a license quickly for them in order to avoid a Bridgerton marriage scandal! He chuckled to himself at the thought and could not wait to celebrate with Kate; she was ready to lock Colin and Penelope in a room together at Aubrey Hall this summer if his brother did not wisen up by then.
“An excellent idea. Best not give that collective group a reason to team up against you.” Anthony chuckled at the thought while his brother shuddered. Penelope was beloved by the Bridgerton women and Colin would need to be on his best behavior with his future wife.
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Bright and early the next morning Colin was in his carriage collecting his gifts and was on his way to propose, properly to Penelope. As he rode along in his carriage to the Featherington’s town home he felt giddy with excitement. The more he thought about it the more enjoyable he found this task. He could not wait to see not only Penelope’s surprised face but that of her mother too. He was certain none of Penelope’s sisters had received such attention from their respective husbands during their courting or engagement periods and he was determined to outdo them all and shower Penelope with presents and affection. He went through his list once more. He had collected all the items his sisters and mother had instructed him to procure and was ready to face Pen.
Briarly was not surprised by Colin’s appearance but he was surprised to see the many packages he brought into the Featherington home. The entire household was abuzz yesterday with the news of Miss Penelope’s engagement to the third Mr. Bridgerton. He always suspected he was wise to leave them alone and not interrupt that Friday afternoon when they had found themselves alone. Miss Penelope was a kind and lovely young woman and he was glad to see her finally receive the attention and affection she deserved from the gentleman.
Colin cleared his throat when Briarly seemed lost in thought.
“Good Morning Mr. Bridgerton.”
“Good Morning Briarly, is Miss Penelope home and receiving?”
“She is in the drawing room already awaiting your arrival sir, this way please.”
Colin frowned slightly at this news, she was expecting him? He followed Briarly and upon seeing his fiance dressed in a lovely green day dress that made her skin glow and her hair appear brighter than ever he was momentarily struck dumb by her beauty and his good fortune in life. Daphne was right, he was a very lucky man to find Penelope unmarried and willing to be his wife after so many years of friendship.
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Penelope had received a very amusing series of notes the previous day. Eloise had begun writing her a letter the moment Colin left Number Five. First admonishing her for hiding her relationship with her idiotic brother, next questioning if she truly wanted to spend her life tied to Colin and then officially welcoming her to the family as only she could with humor and deep affection. Apparently the other Bridgerton women had felt equally inspired and all sent their own congratulations. She was invited to tea at both Bridgerton and Hastings House later that week in addition to dinner at Number Five tonight. She had also received a surprise letter from Lady Danbury a little later in the evening, Violet had shared the news and she was so delighted she had invited Penelope to take tea at her earliest convenience. Under both Daphne and Kate’s advisement she had been up bright and early readying herself for her betrothed. After reading her note from Hyacinth she decided on her green morning dress. She knew her mother did not approve but the look on Colin’s face when he entered the drawing room had been well worth the effort and comments made by her mother this morning. Felicity’s giggle seemed to alert her fiance that he was still staring at her. He cleared his throat and made his way to Portia first offering her a small bouquet and shocked her into silence when he offered his sincere thanks for granting Penelope’s hand in marriage. He next approached Felicity and with a wink and conspiratorial smile handed her a box of candies as he excused himself for never viewing her watercolours. Felicity could only offer him a small smile back, she would never be able to hold back her laughter if she attempted to reply and by the humorous glint she saw in Colin's eyes, he too knew it. Penelope could only sit back in awe as he mesmerized his family so their attention was elsewhere. Now they may indulge in a private moment without them eavesdropping as closely as they would have had he not disarmed them with his charm.
“Good morning Pen.”
“Good morning Colin, please do sit.”
She gestured to the chair across from her but with a smirk Colin placed all his packages on the table beside her and sat himself next to her on the settee. Penelope blushed and slid away trying to put some distance between them just as Colin turned to her and took a hold of her hands. As she gazed into his emerald green eyes she was left breathless by all the emotions she saw swirling around them. Could Colin actually care for her?
“Darling, let us never put distance between us again. We have spent enough time apart, don’t you think?” Colin spoke in the same low and husky voice he had while in the carriage ride back home yesterday. That memory left her feeling dizzy and brought an adorable blush to her cheeks. Luckily her mother and sister did not hear his passionate declaration. She could not look away from him and before she could stop herself smoothly replied. “None of those separations were of my doing or choosing sir, perhaps you will indulge me just this once.”
Colin beamed at her and moved closer as he whispered in her ear “Touche Milady Whistledown.”
Penelope’s blush intensified and she scooted away and gently pulled her hands into her lap as she cleared her throat. “To what do I owe the honor of your visit this morning, good sir.”
“I come bearing gifts for my betrothed in the hopes that it will rectify my grave mistake of not offering a grandiose enough proposal.”
“How perfectly charming of you Mr. Bridgerton.” Portia commented. “You will find that Penelope is a simple woman and not particularly attached to such things.”
Penelope looked down at her hands in her lap, she was used to her mother’s quips, but having Colin bear witness to it was another matter altogether and she felt embarrassed by it.
Colin took one look at her and instantly understood this. He covered her hands with one of his as he turned to address his future mother-in-law. “Perhaps she isn’t accustomed now Mrs. Featherington but I swear before you here and now that she will be spoiled like no woman before her and enjoy every luxury that I can afford her. In time it will be the standard in her life.”
Felicity's smile widened and she winked at Penelope. She then turned to her mother. “Mama, perhaps we could take a short stroll in the garden so Penny can open her gifts at her own pace.”
Portia sat stunned by Colin’s declaration and nodded dumbly at Felicity who led her away.
Colin turned back to Penelope and smiled, “Alone at last.”
Penelope looked into his eyes and smiled, he looked so pleased with himself and was bursting with excitement. She momentarily considered expressing how unnecessary all of this was but knowing how much joy this brought him made her hold her tongue. She could not deny how endearing she found him in this moment.
Colin turned and picked up a package from the pile on the table behind him. “For you my dear.”
Penelope unwrapped a copy of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Queen Mab. She looked up at Colin surprised, did he remember?
Colin’s eyes softened and a shy smile spread across his lips. “I apologize for having lost your copy all those years ago. I felt is was high time I replaced it.”
Penelope smiled sweetly at him, “Thank you Colin, it was a favorite of mine. I shall enjoy rediscovering it once again.”
He turned and passed a large bouquet of flowers into her open arms. She had never received flowers before and this was one of the loveliest collection. Pink roses, tulips, lilies and gladiolus interspersed with lily-of-the-valley, one of her favorite blossoms. She leaned in to smell the heady scent of the bouquet, when she looked back at Colin to thank him she was taken aback by the tender look in his eyes. “These are wonderful. I love lily-of the valley, I’ve never seen them used in a large bouquet before.”
Colin beamed at her, “The florist was opposed to the idea at first but when I explained how much my fiancée enjoyed the scent he capitulated. I recalled how much you enjoyed them at Aubrey Hall a few summers ago.” Penelope covered her blush by once again breathing in the scent of her bouquet, overcome by the fierce emotions coursing through her. Colin would continue to surprise her, she never realized just how much he had noticed her over the years.
“Sweets for my sweet.” He broke her out of her daze by presenting her with a beautiful box.
Penelope set her bouquet aside and undid the bow and lifted the lid of the box to reveal her favorite treat, marzipan. She was delighted but managed to remain calm and only smile up at Colin who was watching her intently. Her mother hated marzipan, therefore Penelope rarely got to indulge in her favorite sweet. She recalled sharing a few pieces with Colin once, while Eloise protested having only receiving one piece from her brother at their mother's insisting. Colin was always willing to share his treats with her, she had always assumed it was because Eloise always willingly shared with her and denied him all but one piece and Bridgerton's loved to one up each other but now she found herself questioning his true motives. “I suppose you would like one?” Penelope’s tone was a teasing one, she obviously knew he wanted to taste the sweet.
Colin chuckled as he scratched the back of his neck, clearly battling his natural instinct to devour everything in sight but wanting to be on his best behavior. “Lady’s first,” he said as he gestured for her to take one.
“Together then.” Penelope countered with a wide smile.
“Always.” Colin replied as he looked into her eyes, pleased to see how they shined with affection. It was a promise, they both understood that.
Their knuckles gently brushed as they both reached for a piece of marzipan and their eyes met as they brought the sweet to their lips. Penelope gently took a bite and sighed as she closed her eyes, savoring the first bite. See kept her eyes closed as she brought the second half to help lips. Colin sat completely transfixed by the scene unfolding in front of him as he chewed his piece of marzipan. Pen’s sighs and hums of delight reminded him of their carriage ride and he was consumed with very ungentlemanly thoughts. He audibly swallowed and shut his eyes tightly in an attempt to clear his thoughts.
When Penelope opened her eyes, Colin had a look of fierce concentration on his face. She wondered what he was thinking about. After a few more moments without any change to his demeanor she primly set the box of sweets aside and cleared her throat. “My favorite yet again Mr. Bridgerton, how astute of you.” She giggled when she saw a small blush grace his cheeks. “I cannot thank you enough. I feel thoroughly spoiled and delighted by all of your gifts.”
“There is one more gift to give. Perhaps the most important one of all.” Penelope glanced behind him and then back at him slightly confused. The table behind him was empty. What other gift?
Colin smiled, he could see that she was slightly confused by his meaning and had already checked the table behind him to confirm that he had handed over all the gifts he'd placed on the table. His final gift was hidden in the inner pocket of his coat. Tucked away safely over his heart. He was nervous now that this moment had arrived. He hoped he had made the right choice. He gently reached for her hands again and looked down at her delicate hands encased by his larger ones. It might not make sense to anyone else but they fit and he felt at peace by the simple act of holding her hands in his. He took in a steadying breath and looked into her beautiful brown eyes.
“Pen, I thank you for accepting my proposal yesterday, I know it was not what a lady of your standing was expecting. However it has brought me immense joy and I am excited to begin this new chapter of our lives together. As a symbol of my devotion to you and our future happiness, for I know we shall make each other incredibly happy, please accept this ring.”
At some point Colin had reached inside his coat and pulled out a green velvet box. Inside was a beautiful golden ring that had a brilliant oval cut emerald surrounded by marquise cut opals.
Penelope gasped at the ring and looked up into Colin’s eyes which were shining with pride upon her reaction. The ring was beautiful and something she would proudly wear throughout the remainder of her life, a life she was looking forward to building with Colin.
“If I may be so bold as to suggest that you’ve always liked my green eyes. That is what first attracted me to this ring. However the creamy color of your skin and the fiery streaks of red in your hair came to mind as I next observed the opals. A perfect combination of our favorite attributes of one another, don’t you agree?”
Penelope smiled as a tear slid down her cheek. “Indeed I do agree. This ring is perfect.”
Colin wiped the tear away with his thumb and gently cupped her cheek. “Absolutely perfect.” He murmured as he looked deeply into Penelope’s eyes. He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Of all the kisses they’d shared so far it was the most chaste but also the most heartfelt. She melted into him as he deepened the kiss and pulled her closer to him. When they were both in need of taking a breath he kissed his way up her face. Pecking a quick kiss on her lips, then on the tip of her nose, forehead and finally the top of the head as he pulled her into a tight hug. She happily sighed into the warmth and comfort of his arms and they stayed wrapped together until a giggle escaped from Penelope.
Colin pulled back and looked at her with an amused look on his face. “May I inquire what you find so amusing Pen?”
She smirked at him before she replied, “I daresay that your sisters, mother and even Lady Danbury will all be pleased when I report back to them at dinner tonight and tea in the coming days. You have exceeded everyone's expectations. However I must warn you that a new standard has been set and you must continue to live up to it. Afterall you would not want any of them cross with you.”
“You clever minx, is this your way of keeping me in line for the rest of our lives?”
“Perhaps, but you must admit that you brought this upon yourself. How could you not think of a better proposal story than ‘I decided on my morning stroll,’ you must have known that that would never be enough of an explanation for any Bridgerton!”
“That is exactly why I am marrying you dearest, you are far too clever to let me act so foolishly ever again.” Colin smoothly said as he slid the ring onto her finger and kissed her hand. When he looked up at her he found her looking momentarily dazed but she recovered quickly. They smiled at one another and began to laugh. Life would certainly not be boring together and full of fun and happy moments, both were sure of that.