Chapter Text
Penelope's labored breaths filled the room as she worked diligently, despite being on the brink of labor. She focused on learning the new occupation she had dedicated herself to. Colin and Eloise tried to be in her company, to talk to her, to convince her to depart with them, but she kept their interactions brief. Protecting herself had become second nature. Life had taught her to be cautious.
The possibility and implications of returning to London terrified her. She knew she would be immediately judged and condemned by her peers without a chance to defend herself. And by refusing to move back, she also knew there was the chance that Colin might take her baby, and that fear was one of the reasons she avoided them. She couldn’t afford to forge bonds that might bring her more pain.
In her heart, she knew her child would benefit from being raised as a Bridgerton, but the thought of giving her son or daughter up tore at her heart. And though she tried to ignore it, a small, insistent voice in her mind whispered that Colin's kindness was merely a ploy to ensure she carried the pregnancy to term. That once the baby was born, he would take it and leave her behind.
So, Penelope guarded herself, focusing on her task and keeping her interactions with the Bridgerton siblings limited. She was determined to secure her future however she could, even as humble as it might be.
Eloise admired Penelope's resilience and bravery, seeing firsthand her friend's ability to reinvent herself. She had been trying to mend their friendship. Colin was equally captivated by these qualities, regretting the choices that had led to their current predicament, though he couldn't shake the feeling that this entire ordeal had been unnecessary. If he could turn back time, he would have married her instead of jilting her, sparing them both the heartache. Instead, his anger, jealousy and inabilities had driven her away almost to the point of no return.
As the days went by, Eloise and Colin discussed the future in the larger, more comfortable house they had been staying in, close to Penelope’s cottage, and Colin shared his plans. "No one from the Ton is the wiser. Whistledown announced the end of our engagement, and then we both disappeared. If we return married, with our child, people will assume I went after her and made amends."
Eloise was skeptical. "But people know when you broke the engagement. They can do the math."
Colin dismissed her concerns. "I don't care. We can go to Gretna, get married, and return with our baby. What matters is making things right with Penelope."
As they discussed, Colin explained how he had been relentlessly working during their every moment to convince Penelope to move into their house instead of her current, cramped accommodations, but she wasn't ready to let her guard down.
"She’s protecting herself," Eloise said. "Miss Jenkins let it slip that Penelope was heartbroken and afraid when she arrived. And ever since we got here, she has nightmares that we’ll take the baby away. I’ve been working to regain her trust, but she's dealing with so much trauma and stress, and it’s a shame since it's almost time for the baby to be born. She shouldn’t be scared. She should be enjoying her pregnancy."
One evening, Colin, in another one of his attempts to make things right, visited Penelope at her home. The atmosphere was tense, but he was determined to have her listen to him. "Pen," he began, his voice filled with regret, "I acted out of immaturity and I shouldn't have bolted. My decisions haunt me every day. I'm unhappy, and I want to make a life with you if you'll have me."
Penelope listened, her eyes wary. "You think you do, but it’s your sense of honor talking. You don’t really love me, Colin. You despise me for Whistledown, for what I wrote about you, Marina and Eloise. If I hadn’t, you’d have been married a long time ago. I just hope our child will see me differently, will love me as others haven't."
Colin's heart ached at her words. "You are so wrong, Pen. I do love you. Maybe I've always loved you. And I'll spend the rest of my days proving it to you if you'll allow me." He reached out, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, his touch tender. "I am more in love with you now, enchanted by your strength and courage. You’re so strong, so brave."
Penelope’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Being strong is not really a choice. It’s survival."
Colin's voice softened, filled with sincerity. "You shouldn’t have to survive on your own. You should count on me, Pen. Let me earn your trust again, be the husband you deserve. I will never take you for granted."
Penelope's eyes softened slightly, but the wariness remained. "I don’t think we should be having this conversation. You and I? We have a child, nothing more. And we should limit our discussions to that matter."
Colin was devastated. He had hoped his words would break through her defenses, but her response left him feeling more helpless than ever. His heart sank, realizing the depth of the chasm between them. Had he broken her heart in an irreparable manner? He wondered.
Days later, a frantic knock at the door interrupted their routines. Miss Jenkins burst in, breathless. "Penelope's water just broke. We need help!"
Panic seized Colin and Eloise as they rushed back to the cottage. The scene was chaotic, with Penelope clutching her belly, her face contorted in pain. The midwife arrived moments later, immediately taking charge.
"Mister and Miss Bridgerton, you need to step outside," the midwife commanded.
Colin refused, almost rudely. "I'm not leaving her. I’ve already made that mistake once," he said, placing himself by Penelope's side, holding her hand tightly. "I'm staying right here."
Penelope, drenched in sweat and fear, looked up at him. The pain was unbearable, but seeing Colin by her side brought a flicker of comfort. As she pushed through each contraction, their hands remained tightly clasped, a silent promise of solidarity. Colin dried her face with a damp cloth, his touch gentle and reassuring. He caressed her hair, whispering words of encouragement, acting as he should have from the beginning.
In the simple room, Colin's eyes took in every detail. The handmade trinkets, the modest decor—how could he have been so foolish to let her go? His heart filled with a mix of regret and determination, realizing how much more he wanted for their baby.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the cries of a newborn filled the room. The midwife handed the baby to Colin, who was in awe, his eyes wide with wonder. The tiny life in his arms was perfect, so small and fragile. Penelope's eyes widened in fear, expecting him to take their son away. The midwife and Miss Jenkins noticed her hesitation and quietly stepped out, giving them privacy.
"How are you?" Colin asked gently, sitting beside her on the bed, their son in his arms.
Penelope struggled to find words. "I just... I want to be the best mother I can be. It's my chance to do something right after so much failure."
"You haven't failed, Penelope," Colin said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "The world failed you, including me. We took you for granted, toyed with your emotions, disrespected your wishes. I understand why you created Whistledown now. I failed you, and I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you if you'll let me."
Tears streamed down Penelope's cheeks. "Can I... Can I sleep for a while without worrying you'll take our baby away? I'm so tired, but this fear haunts me."
Colin's heart broke at her words. "Please, trust me. I beg your forgiveness. I’ll spend every day proving how important and loved you are. Rest easy, Penelope. We'll both be here when you wake up." He leaned in, his lips brushing her forehead gently. "I love you. Thank you for bringing our son into this world."
Exhausted and overwhelmed, Penelope nodded. For the first time in months, a sliver of hope crept into her heart. As she drifted off to sleep, Colin watched over her and their newborn son, vowing to protect and cherish them always.
The next morning, as Penelope awoke, she found Eloise quietly entering the room. Eloise smiled warmly, her eyes filled with empathy and concern.
"How are you feeling, Pen?" Eloise asked softly, taking a seat beside her.
"A little better," Penelope replied, her voice still weak.
Eloise smiled. "Congratulations, Penelope. You did wonderfully."
Penelope's eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you for being here, Eloise. It means the world to me."
As Colin sat beside Penelope, watching over her and their child, he felt a mix of emotions. The simplicity of the house was a stark reminder of his failures, but it also fueled his determination to provide a better life for their family. He knew he had a long road ahead to earn back Penelope's trust, and he vowed to prove his love and dedication every single day.