cigs on ice

The One With Colin's Flemish Kiss by bridgertonbabe

Colin's secret relationship with Penelope is nearly rumbled when he slips up and kisses his girlfriend in front of his sisters-in-law. In order to cover up his blunder he makes a bold impulsive choice to provide Kate and Sophie with a distraction - but it's a choice which his brothers don't take kindly to in the slightest. Friends AU

and it was all yellow by ninjamanda

Canon divergent AU one-shot where Colin and Pen actually "communicate" and talk through their issues on their wedding night!

all the strings attached by penelopecolin (sexymonk)

Penelope struggles to draw boundaries with her new roommate - and when Colin starts behaving peculiarly towards her, she finds herself headed for a downward spiral.

The Honeymoon Period by Rachel_writes_plays

A little story about one specific day between the ending of episode 8 and the events of the epilogue.

blue dress on a boat by missparker

Penelope's efforts to find herself a husband on the marriage mart are going poorly. Benedict Bridgerton needs a wife they strike a deal to marry. Colin comes home from his travels to discover the engagement, he handles it poorly, to say the least.

Broken Glass by Radomizedusername

When a happily married Colin and Penelope briefly move back into the Bridgerton house during the late stages of Penelope's pregnancy, Anthony finds his temper rising. He expected that he would hardly notice their presence back in his home. Little did he realize he would hardly notice anything else.

Six Pomergrante Seeds by jerrymander

Colin's heartbreaking words to Penelope lead her to make different choices just days away from their wedding.

Friends, Foes, and Fernes by Mariequitecontrarie

When Colin and Penelope run into Lord Debling as a couple for the first time, their awkward conversation unearths lingering doubts and insecurities.

Matchmaker by Readingchef45

 how Eloise ensures that Penelope will be her sister from the ages of 9 to 25.

wherever you will go by nojamhands

Penelope's job requires her to finally settle in London, while Colin's asks him to take on one last trek to the Pacific. When Penelope doesn't hear from him for nearly two weeks, she starts to panic, then gets a phone call that changes the course of her life forever

still i can't get enough. by stolemystark17

Anthony is looking for his Viscountess and Penelope made the list. Colin does not care for this development. (But not because he's courting her).

The Family Life by alexxou_stories24

One-shots about married/parents Polin (Regency/Modern/Fluff/Smut).

you got me overnight (just let me be close to you) by marriedpolin (bisexualoliviab)

Or, a 5+1 fic about respecting the sanctity of a shared bedchamber.

EpiPen by everlarktoast

Five times Bridgertons decide to stop eating nuts, and the time Colin realizes he’d given them up a long time ago.

When Lady Whistledown has a hangover by Luna1994

Penelope looked at the paper confused, it was the newspaper of Lady Whistledown.

"I would like to end this edition with probably the most scandalous thing that happened in last night’s ball, Penelope Featherington had a change on her appearance, I would not blame you dear reader for not noticing it, this author often forgets her existence, however Colin Bridgerton apparently did notice it, the two of them were seen in a dark corner

Juvenile Assumptions by NLovett

The one where Hyacinth runs away from home...yeah, all the way to Colin & Penelope's house across the square.

To London on Brooding Wings by FrenEdits95

As her world slowly devolves into a haze of lust, blood, and what can only be described as madness, she finds herself wondering if she should let her friends help her or if she should try and save them from herself.

The Love of Older siblings by Remus2039

This is a version of how Kanthony reacts to the lovers quarrel of Polin. And Kanthony's affection for Pen.

All Will Be Well by BritishGirl93

Polin AU - Medieval times

Promise Me by Jennnnyyyy

Penelope is nearing child birth and is worried that Colin might have to make a difficult choice, she has Benedict promise to be there and decide instead.

The First Draft by kws136

Colin is privy to the first drafts of the letters Pen wrote to his mother. He doesn't handle it well. Then again, maybe he does.

Twelve Days of Polin Christmas by 12daysofPolinChristmas

Thirteen authors, thirteen fics, and a LOT of birds ...

Echoes of You by Penny_Feathers_Bright

A fluffy oneshot where Edmund meets Penelope before the events of the main series.

Sugar by lixabix, wantisamlindyla

In which Colin slowly, inadvertently, and inevitably becomes Penelope’s sugar daddy.

Romancing ever after by georgialee006

Colin Bridgerton had been a fool to not realise what had been before him all that time. He loved his wife more than anything, and the life they had built. Yet often he wondered why he hadn’t known sooner that she was the one.

There Goes My Life by Jennnnyyyy

Agatha Bridgerton has an admirer and a crush - Colin goes a little haywire with the help of Anthony.

Fighting Over Miss Featherington by Mariequitecontrarie

Tired of Colin pouting and Penelope deflecting, Eloise decides to take matters into her own hands.

Hearts and Flowers Ball by Cassandra_of_Troy

I saw someone saying it was a crime for Colin not to see Penelope in the pink dress at the Aubrey Hall ball and this story was born.

You Are Mine by Littlepearlfairy

What if instead of Marina finding herself pregnant and unwed at the beginning of the season, it's Penelope?

A Picture of You by Mariequitecontrarie

Colin Bridgerton has a secret. He’s in love with his best friend, Penelope Featherington, and no one knows. Fine, one person knows, but he’s been threatened with fratricide if he breathes a word. Time and the courage to confess his feelings to Penelope are all Colin needs.

romancing miss featherington by penelopecolin (sexy monk)

After a mortifying conversation forces Penelope to publish Colin Bridgerton's embarrassingly loud declaration that he would never marry her in her column. Penelope resigns herself to spinsterhood, eager to seek solace in the safety of the shadows. If only the third-born Bridgerton would stop trying to apologize.

12 Days of Chrismas Cookies by Readingchef45

Colin and Penelope have an annual tradition: they meet up every other day in December to bake 12 different Christmas cookies.But on the 12th year two things are different.

1. Penelope has a boyfriend: Alfred Debling, a vegan who doesn't appreciate a good, buttery Christmas cookie. 2. Colin is, in fact, desperately in love with his redheaded best friend.

Through Scarlet Stains (You Found Us) by ArtistiqueReader12

5 times Colin got away with murder and the one time Pen caught him.

I Scream at You in Poetry by indiaalphawhiskey

or, Penelope is a storm Colin is determined to weather. A different take on the entrapment of it all.

My Only Wish by Poleverse

Penelope Featherington gets invited to stay 22nd-25th for the Bridgerton's Christmas Party. What she wasn't expecting is her long time crush, Colin Bridgerton to be back so soon from traveling abroad.

you're the measure of my dreams by theartistprince

After Penelope leaves the Bridgerton House to celebrate Christmas with her own family, Eloise is determined that by next Christmas, Penelope will be on her way to becoming a Bridgerton. She sets Penelope up with her single siblings, excluding Colin.

Field of Dandelions by Minathewise

Soulmate AU - soulmates occasionally tastes what the other is eating aka Colin tastes Pens tears.

Thank you Tiny Basset by Solaria_Flare

Important realizations are had, as Colin watches Penelope interact with his nephew.

Time Traveling Lord by Remus2039

Polin. Time travelling. Mystery. Canon Divergence. More fluff, less angst.

Add Soul as Needed by Auburnwolf

They haven't spoken since their wedding day and this distance is starting to take its toll on them both emotionally and physically, until Penelope has an idea. What could possibly attract Colin Bridgerton besides herself? Food

It Was All Yellow by urkrainianironbelly

Colin Bridgerton is about to become a father, and he’s absolutely certain that his future child’s nursery should be decorated in the happiest colour known to mankind - yellow. There’s just one tiny problem.

Rewriting Fate by WinterWidow

In an alternate universe of the Bridgerton world, Penelope Featherington marries Mr. Douglas Walker at the outset of her first season in society, leaving her dreams of becoming Lady Whistledown behind. When she returns to London to support her sister-in-law Felicity’s debut, she unexpectedly reunites with Colin Bridgerton,

Upon Further Consideration of Penelope Featherington by CosmicMuncher69

An annulment, an unexpected pregnancy and one hasty decison finds Penelope sequestered away to a cozy cottage atop a hill in hopes of setting those she holds most dear free from the consequences of her pen, though they don't intend to be freed from her so easily. Least of all Colin.

I Would Give You The Moon by nogonnagothere

The one where Pen takes a lover and Colin handles it about as well as anyone could expect (gets down on his knees and begs her to fuck him instead)

I'll Hold You, I'll Know You by Lovelymagnolia

In which, Colin reads Penelope's journal, and learns what was going through her head during their fallout.

The Fresh Air of the Countryside by tartheyes

After the end of the 1815 social season, Colin and Penelope decide to spend the off-season at Audrey Hall. Meanwhile, the rest of the Bridgerton family, including the newly arrived Viscount and Viscountess, reunite with Pen for the 1st time since the news of who is LW. A fun story of happily married Polin, spending time with the family, and falling into the usual Bridgerton chaos we know and love.

the blacken soulmark by penelopecolin (sexymonk)

Penelope Featherington's soulmark is black.And it's all his fault

A Brotherly Conversation by goyaliz49

Anthony and Benedict notice their brother’s exhausted and sleep deprived state. So they take him to White’s shortly after he returns from his honeymoon. The third born son appears to be morose and listless. What could possibly be troubling him?

Hide, Seek, Confess Et All by emikowrites

When a game of hide and seek at a Bridgerton birthday party turns into a chaotic chase, Penelope Featherington finds herself constantly cornered by the one person she’s trying to avoid—Colin Bridgerton.

mirrorball by headphonesbaby

Or the one where Colin starts to dress and act like his good friend Penelope's newest boyfriend.

Meant to be by Booklover1217

Penelope had no last name. Left in the woods at only four years old to die, a now twenty-two year old Penelope has been travelling the continent as a healer, with no memory of her past. That is until she meets a handsome nobleman in the markets and her entire world changes, and all the secrets that she had thought lost to the past are slowly revealed.

falling backwards in time, leaping downward to the altar by pain_somnia

“Did I really used to wear my hair like this?” Colin muttered, twirling a curl between two fingers as examined his reflection. A thought came to him and he tugged on a single strand until he yanked it out, feeling the sting on his scalp. “Shit!”

Don't want no other shade of blue but you by CVHsQuill

Colin’s unhinged ways get in the way of their happy ending.

Snow for Christmas by AmyB_Writes

Penelope has spent half of her life alone in love with Colin Bridgerton. In an unexpected development, she finds herself falling into a friends with benefits relationship with his brother, Benedict.

Pick a Card by Fifi2930

"Why did you invite me here?"

"Penelope."

"Don't Penelope me. What do you want from me?"

"Why have you been ignoring me for two weeks?"

Because of Aunt Bille by Honeycat80

Colin slightly despondent the day after the Hearts and Flowers ball goes for a walk and has a conversation that helps to slightly change his perspective.

Losing Count by Brave3001

Penelope knows how many times she has shared tea with Colin. She knows the number of times they have danced, knows how many times he touched her before they were engaged, how many letters they have written, how many crystal goblets they received as wedding gifts. She did not know he knew how many sugars she takes in her tea. That is something for which she did not account.

The Devil (Didn't make me do it) by StrawberryWhorecake

Penelope has accidentally joined a cult. A hapless, bumbling family cult that has her tied up as a “virgin” sacrifice to a demon. Never mind that she’s neither a virgin nor remotely devout: they insist she’s the chosen one. But the real surprise isn’t the ritual; it’s Colin, a shy, awkward demon who might be the least terrifying thing about this whole fiasco.

everything a heart could hold by everyusernameistakensoidk

After seven months of gruelling pregnancy, Penelope is finally about to give birth to their first child. There's only one problem: her husband, Colin, is nowhere to be found.

How About Forever by Holiday_Hustle

After the Butterfly Ball, Colin assumed that his marital troubles with Penelope were behind them. He assumed incorrectly.

Closeted by chickcentra1

Its the Bridgerton Sisters monthly night out. What happens if Penelope decides she doesn't want to go and the girls (mostly Eloise) don't know how to take no for an answer? Well you just show up at her flat unannounced and attempt to drag her out, naturally. So how did all seven sisters get trapped in this coat closet anyhow?

Rock a Bow Baby by chickcentra1

What happens when a brothers fishing trip to celebrate Anthony Bridgerton's new bass boat is hijacked by a VERY pregnant Penelope Bridgerton? Brothers, banter and..... Bedlam befitting the best of Bridgerton births.

Moments by somethingfunnybubbly

How one week at Aubrey Hall over the holidays changes Penelope's brain chemistry (and heart).

the only girl in the world by DollyPop

Colin leaves a night out with his brother confused, displeased- Other. To take a mistress- what could possibly be the appeal? How could he even think to stay there a moment longer, when the very thought made him sick? And recalls her, Penelope, the love of his life, fresh from reaching her pinnacle at his hand, staring at the clean palm he outstretched to her with eyes wide as a lamb's, asking him But won't your family see me?

the life behind by abvj

Colin comes home to his wife, clearly bothered, after his night out at White's. A quiet, honest conversation ensues. And then some.

Highwayman on the Hill by queenofthecon

Penelope Featherington is many things. A wallflower. A third daughter. A spinster. But when she is taken for ransom by a band of fascinating highwaymen, a man alone among them will make sure she will never again be the one thing she always thought she was. Unwanted.

they don't write a handbook for this by abvj

The plan is this: come home, get a real job, stop running away from the only woman he has ever truly wanted, and make Penelope Featherington see him as something other than her goofy, perpetually wandering best friend.

a very good man, indeed by grapefruitblues

Colin leaves his night out with his brothers and friends feeling unsettled after their talk about mistresses, and rushes home to tell Penelope everything.

The Scheduled Affair by betweendrafts

When Penelope finds out her husband is cheating on her, she wants to leave the marriage. Unfortunately for her husband the timing could not be worse. They come up with a compromise.

Closeted by chickcentra1

Its the Bridgerton Sisters monthly night out. What happens if Penelope decides she doesn't want to go and the girls (mostly Eloise) don't know how to take no for an answer?

Rock a Bow Baby by chickcentra1

What happens when a brothers fishing trip to celebrate Anthony Bridgerton's new bass boat is hijacked by a VERY pregnant Penelope Bridgerton?

I Choose Us Every Time by Zalovelymagnolia

What if Colin and Penelope reconciled a little earlier in episode 8?

Love Is Make-Believe by preferringsleep(mellarkey)

Penelope isn’t a high-priced escort like her friend, Genevieve. But when presented with an opportunity to earn some money just to keep a client’s friend entertained, she thought, “Why not live a little?” Genevieve promised Penelope that it was just dinner and drinks for her, no sex. So what happens when she meets her date and discovers that he is sweet, gorgeous, and wants her for the night?

The Ballad of the Singing Wind by ffygresw

What if, one day, a princess did not fall for a fearless knight or a charming prince? What if, instead, she gave her heart to a dragon—no less mesmerizing, yet far more untamed?

there you are by abvj

Colin and Penelope navigate the aftermath of 4x07.

Stay (For as Long as You Can)

Penelope is shaken by the quiet suddenness of John's death and becomes terrified that she might wake one day to find Colin gone the same way. Her fear keeps her watching him through the night until Colin confronts her, reminding her that love cannot be protected by vigilance.

Sleeping Where I Might Find You by KatofKanals

Or, the one where Colin is a sleepwalker and his sleepwalking plays a very important role in Polin finding their happily ever after.

cent'anni by applepuffsilver

the night before they elope, Colin comes to visit Penelope in her bedroom 1950s Mafia AU

See Me In Hindsight by Holiday_Hustle

Penelope is certain that Colin, who has been her friend with benefits for the last two years, is on a date.

So what is he doing waiting for her at Bridgerton House?

we are alone with our changing minds by uneventfulhouse

the one where colin get's pen's name tattooed and realizes he's in love with her.

Healing Process by catandcandle

Penelope is hurt in an accident. Colin takes care of her.

Persistent Babe by NLovett

Penelope Bridgerton had been told that childbirth for the second time could be slightly easier than the first, but holy moly she did not expect to wake up with their babe this persistent to come into the world!

Codine Confession by MistressofNone3645

The Great Stage of Fools by lottielots11

Penelope is finally engaged to the man she has loved for most of her life, and she could not be happier if it wasn't for the secret which hangs over them. And with Colin's reluctance to even discuss Whistledown, how will they ever overcome their differences in order to marry?

Scattered Flowers by Cortlandia33

After her fallout with Eloise and hearing Colin's declaration to never marry her in front of the entire Ton, Penelope left high society and found a cottage in the country. Now, almost three years later, her choice comes back to haunt her when a certain someone begs for her forgiveness... and her heart.

the last one in your corner by my_middle_name_is_awkward

Penelope cannot agree to marry Colin because she knows Eloise will not approve

Kintsugi by Metamorphases

Watch as Colin Bridgerton goes to increasingly mad lengths to keep Penelope Featherington safe and sound (and away from other suitors).

Dark is the world's night without you my love by angellus08

Penelope meets someone from Colin's past and her old insecurities crop up.

Affection by lixabiz

Colin returns to London for the Season of 1815, hoping to reconnect with his friend Penelope - only to discover that everything has changed between them.

Attachment by lixabiz

(Set post S2. Some elements from the S3 synopsis, but not a prediction fic.)

Butterfly's Reverie by CassandraGoth

What might have changed had Penelope told Colin privately that her cousin Marina Thompson was with child? Not an easy scandal from which to untangle himself without the public protection of Lady Whistledown’s society papers.

Foolish One by LeighAnne_Balsdon

Colin announces his engagement to Marina and Penelope doesn't take it very well. She makes a hasty decision to run away from Mayfair, to save her broken heart. When Colin and Eloise find out that Penelope is missing they decide to look for her themselves. What they find, however, is something no one was expecting.

One of us has got to change by itsjustabee

Colin and Penelope accidentally wear matching outfits to the Bridgerton ball

My Give a Fucks are On Vacation by SuzyH_82

It’s just a pity that for the last three years, she’s also been Colin’s ‘friends with benefits’ friend. I mean, it’s not like Colin could ever want a relationship…technically he already has a very public girlfriend…his fellow presenter Marina, on his travel log TV show. However, after their latest hook-up, Penelope overhears Colin talking to the press and realizes Colin is never going to see her as anything more than a friend and she finally decides to move on with her life.

i chose this cyclone with you (my heart exploding) by Vryalys

Well perchance it is I who do not wish to marry you any longer,” she hissed furiously at him, her eyes prickling as she moved away from him to the farthest end of the coach bench. She pulled at his mother’s ring from her finger, where she was sure it no longer belonged. “I will not marry a man who loathes to even look at me.”

The Disappearance of Penelope Featherington by hippiechick7897

Penelope Featherington leaves the many scandals of her life behind to start anew while Colin desperately searches to find her and bring her back home. When they are reunited, Colin finds a threat he had not anticipated and wonders if he's too late to secure the affections of the woman he's just realized is his love.

Violet's Fifth Daughter by kermitthefrogstanaccount

Penelope faints at her and Colin’s engagement dinner and Violet gives a piece of her mind to Eloise about continuing to love Penelope after everything that’s happened.

Ruin by Sea_Dragonfly

Colin wouldn't remember the details of what his mother told him next. He would remember her hand warm on his knee, her eyes wide with concern, her voice gentle as velvet. All of it in stark contrast to the devastating news she shared. Penelope was ruined.

Dishonest Conquest by lilyeval

Colin is such a gracious helper, he ruins Penelope’s every opportunity with her suitors. So protective of her honor, he even lets himself into her very private bedroom.

Just Having Fun by Spartangal22

When Eloise arrives home from Scotland, the very first place she goes is to see her best friend and brother in their home. And since they’re family, the rules of social etiquette need hardly apply. Why should she bother knocking?

her mother's daughter by secretlydelighted

the story where Lord Debling's son is courting Agatha Bridgerton and Colin is not having it, because why is another vegetarian all up in his business?

Meet Me at Midnight by Sevens11073003

Or eight times Penelope runs into a Bridgerton on the way to Colin’s room + the one time she runs into Colin on the way to bed.

have my back, yeah, every day by my_middle_name_is_awkward

Colin had very little patience for Cressida Cowper before he and Penelope were engaged. Now, he must make it clear that he will not tolerate her comments about his soon-to-be wife.

Unreliable Narrator by WhiskeyTinCup

Eloise has a lifelong habit of overreacting to Penelope's love life and everyone knows it, even if she refuses to acknowledge it.

I Do Not Want To Stand By Your Side by magentaverse

She didn’t need a love declaration. She certainly didn’t need him to sign his life to her. She just needed his love. A few smiles and his willing ear. But Colin Bridgerton did what he did best—he changed the course of her life the moment he muttered, "I do not want to stand by your side, Penelope Featherington."

Best Laid Plans meet MissCarriage by sanoiro

Or The unconventional birthing place of - the fated to be Adventurous - Miss Agatha Bridgerton...

Why do fools fall in love by NomDeJeen

Now that they are married, Colin wants Penelope to *win* the heir race with her sisters.

Benedict offers some unexpected advice.

It goes about how you would expect.

of manmade tales & honest lies by cchampdelevande

just saw someone asking "what if penelope finds out she's pregnant right after the lady whistledown fight with colin" and i genuinely think shonda is not above torturing us like that

Newton vs The Bridgerton Men by Lovelymagnolia

In which, Newton figures out Penelope's pregnant before she does, Colin develops beef with a dog, and a longstanding battle between Newton and all the Bridgerton men is unearthed.

Cracks by Vellinae

It’s a winter of firsts for everyone. It’s Colin and Penelope’s first winter as a married couple. It’s Penelope’s first time putting on ice skates and venturing onto the frozen lake with the entire Bridgerton family. It’s Colin’s first time watching the ice crack, just barely out of reach, and seeing his wife disappear into the murky water below.

At Least It Wasn't A Duel by SugMak

When Penelope sends Colin out of the house so she can focus on his journals, he hears Fife and the Toxic Lord crew talking about Penelope's breasts. He doesn't take it well. He's not particularly looking forward to her finding out about it.

Tintiddle Talks by goddammitfandom

Anthony ruins a wonderful family picnic by bringing up Colin's past indiscretions. He gets answers that somehow make him even angrier.

Tried to Pick My Battles 'Til the Battle Picked Me by headphonesbaby

Colin always seems to find an issue with Pen's boyfriends

I Wish You Knew by threefundamentaltruths

 which Colin and Penelope ran away together to escape the queen's wrath.

Visiting A Farm by ancoraimparo_youknowwho

Eloise is back from Scotland and eager to meet Her bestie. But things start on a very wrong note because who the hell does THAT to their wife??!!! Right??

uh-oh i'm fallin' in love (oh no) by stolemystarl17

Colin didn't stop the proposal at the Queen's Ball, but he can stop the banns.

grieving for the living by itwasglorious

Penelope marries Lord Debling and Colin cannot watch. So Colin leaves and Penelope settles into married life. A year later he returns.

Stand By Me by Musicalmidget

Penelope has been keeping another secret from Colin but upon see his family together at Francesca's wedding, she decides it's time to tell him and her plan for Lady Whistledown. This is a continuation of the scene from the study and will continue until the epilogue.

An Honorary Bridgerton by My_middle_name_is_awkward

The Bridgertons have always loved Penelope Featherington as if she was one of them.

Of course, they are all ecstatic that Colin will be making her an official Bridgerton, instead of just one of honorary status.

Scraped up off the pavement by missparker

After Penelope falls out with Eloise over her popular gossip blog, all the Bridgertons cut contact with her. Penelope moves to Scotland and buys a book shop and gets on with her life.

That is, until she spots Colin Bridgerton at the coffee shop next door.

Catch & Release by TonyStarksAngstyHeart

Everyone develops a tiny crush on Penelope as they wait, betting of course, for Colin to pull his head out of his arse.

Spanning 1803-1821

P-E-To-The-T-T-Y by jerrymander

Colin may be coming to terms with Penelope’s family but that does not mean he has forgiven them for their slights against Penelope.

The flicker of guilt that had been burning away in her gut ever since she’d resolved to hand in her resignation flared up into a veritable bonfire making her squirm a little uncomfortably. He obviously wasn’t happy about her decision any more than she was. Perversely, it felt nice to be wanted by him even if it was only in a work capacity. So much so that, for a second, she almost changed her mind.

Almost.

But then she thought of her family. Of her sisters who had managed to find real love against all the odds. Of her mother who now had a second chance herself.

And then she thought of all the years she’d been in love with Colin.

She wasn’t stupid, she’d spent enough time with him to know nothing was ever going to happen between them. At first as friends when they were younger and then the last four years when she’d worked for him. There had been trips away and too many overnighters to count, all of them giving him ample opportunity to make a move if he’d wanted to, but he’d never once looked at her with anything other than friendship.

In fact, over the last couple of years she’d wondered if it was even that anymore.

Ever since her cousin, Marina, had broken his heart, the Colin she knew had completely disappeared. No longer the affable, kind young man she’d loved from the moment they’d met, his heartbreak had hardened him. His youthful declaration of swearing off women had become a lifestyle and he guarded his heart with a fierceness that had eventually bled into all aspects of his life.

Being a seasoned traveller with an immensely popular blog at that time, it had been expected that he go abroad and lick his wounds in private when they’d split up. But to everyone’s surprise, he’d decided to take up Anthony’s standing offer of joining the family company and thrown himself into that work instead.

The Bridgerton Regency’s were their own chain of exclusive hotels, and his wanderlust had been sated by taking on projects overseas that had helped move the company to another level.

Initially, Anthony had been overjoyed that his younger brother had joined the fold and was finally doing a ‘proper job’ but, slowly, even he had come to see that Colin was a changed man.

He’d tried to talk to him. All his family had, but Colin had pushed back insisting he was perfectly happy with his life. To prove it, he took on even more work and then the hard shell he’d encased himself in started to affect his relationships within the family. Afraid that if they continued to press, he’d retreat further, they’d collectively decided to take a step back, agreeing to support him silently wherever they could.

His mother, Violet, worried for him most. She always ensured that there was some family event happening whenever he returned from a business trip and made certain that he attended no matter how much he tried to refuse.

It was a small thing, but she feared she may never see him again otherwise.

And as his workload increased, so did the turnover in his staff. When he’d gone through seven PA’s in six months, Anthony had finally stepped in. No-one wanted to work the hours that Colin demanded, and word had got around within the company that he wasn’t the easiest of bosses.

As a last resort, Anthony had approached Penelope for a favour. She’d been fresh out of university and looking for a job while attempting to write her first novel. Six months, he’d said. Just temporary while he found his brother the right assistant. She’d reluctantly agreed, her heart overruling her head. Besides, she felt she owed him. Although Colin had never openly blamed her for what had happened between her cousin and him, the guilt of being the one to bring her into his life weighed heavily on her, nonetheless.

Six months turned into a year. A year turned into two, then three, then four. As with their friendship, they’d clicked as work colleagues as well and it had been all too easy to stay.

And like the rest of his family, she’d done her best to look after him in her own way. Making sure he ate during late night sessions. Quietly spreading his workload so he wasn’t always working all hours. Ensuring nothing was planned for when his mother had something she wanted him to attend.

Anthony had seen it. Seen it and taken her aside one day to thank her. If he’d realised that her feelings ran deeper than she showed, he’d never said anything. Not directly anyway.

He’d allowed her that at least.

She wasn’t sure what he was going to say when he found out that she’d now quit, but she hoped he’d understand.

“Is there a problem, Penelope? Between us I mean?” Colin asked gruffly, drawing her back into the moment. “Because if there is, couldn’t you at least talk to me about it first?”

A problem? Where to begin?

“No. Nothing’s wrong,” she lied.

She picked up the desk calendar he’d given her last Christmas and debated whether it was classed as a personal or an office item. Deciding on the latter, she put it back down then picked up her ‘Writers Do It Creatively’ mug instead. There could no doubt that that was hers. She placed it in a small box with the rest of her belongings with a slight nod.

“Then why are you leaving?”

Hearing the barely contained frustration in his voice, she glanced up. He’d moved around the side of the desk now, looming over her so that she had to tilt her head back uncomfortably just to look at him. Despite herself, she felt her heart rate speed up as he gazed intently down at her.

“I just think it’s time.”

“You think it’s time,” he repeated flatly.

She nodded then stood up, suddenly needing to get more space between them. He didn’t move back as she expected and she found herself level with his broad chest currently encased in a pristine white shirt, blue tie and perfectly tailored navy suit.

“Excuse me,” she muttered, not looking at him.

He didn’t. He remained exactly where he was and she could practically feel him glaring down at her.

“You wanted time off even though we’re right in the middle of an important deal and I rearranged things to give you that,” he began tersely. “Now you’re back and giving me this!” He picked up the envelope and crushed it in his fist. “What’s happened? Is it your mother? Did she do something?”

She shook her head and glanced up at him. His eyes were a positive tempest now and she straightened up a little, raising her chin.

“No, she was fine. Everyone was fine. Happy, even.”

“Then I don’t understand,” he burst out irately.

“What’s to understand, Colin?” she retorted, irritation seeping into her voice. “I just don’t want to work here anymore.”

His mouth tightened, an undefined emotion flickering across his face before he hid it behind the deceptively bland mask he donned so easily now. Penelope frowned, a prickle of concern telling her she might have hurt him, only for her to push the thought aside almost immediately. More likely, he was aggravated that she was disrupting his well-ordered life. Besides, she thought bitterly, he’d have to actually let himself feel anything to be wounded.

He took a step back and she felt as though she could breathe again.  He studied her a moment, then, in a tone that was as devoid of any emotion as his expression had become he asked, “Is it really so bad working with me? I thought we made a good team.”

They did. The best. But it wasn’t enough. She was done living for him, it was time to live for herself.

“I work for you, Colin, not with you,” she reminded him curtly. “And it was only meant to be temporary. I have things I want to do with my life. I want to meet someone, have a family, write my book. I’ve put everything on hold for the last four years and I don’t want to do that anymore.”

She turned away and quickly checked the drawers in the desk for anything else she might have missed, then picked up the box of her belongings. She needed to leave before she said more things she’d likely regret later.

“I see. I didn’t know you felt that way.”

She gave him a pitying look. Of course he didn’t.

“How could you? You never asked and I never told you. It’s always been the next deal, and the next and the next. It never ends.” She stopped and shook her head, all her irritation vanishing suddenly, leaving a hollow emptiness in its stead. What was the point? “I’m tired, Colin,” she finally told him softly.

He stared at her, his expression still giving nothing away, and then he nodded abruptly.

“Fine, if this is what you want, then all that’s left for me to do is to wish you well.”

She gazed at him, looking for a sign of something more. Maybe an, ‘I’ll miss you’ or a shake of her hand, for God’s sake. Anything. She just wanted one tiny flicker of the man...of her friend that she used to know. 

The seconds lengthened, but when he remained as stoic as ever, the last ember of hope inside her turned to ash.

It should have pleased her, now she could move on.

Instead, all she felt was incredible sadness.

“Thank you,” she muttered, forcing a smile to her face.

Head held high, she walked past him to the door, her heart growing heavier with every step. Opening it up, she gave him one last look and saw he was still standing in the middle of the room watching her intently, hands shoved deep into his pockets. On impulse, went back to him, noting his eyebrows rise in surprise.

Raising onto her tiptoes, she steadied the box with one hand then placed the other on his shoulder and gave him a brief kiss on his cheek.

Feeling him tense under her fingertips, she mumbled out a quick goodbye and hurriedly left without a backward glance.

It wasn’t until she was in the back of the black cab she’d flagged down, that she let the tears fall.

It all felt so final.

Yes, she was friends with the rest of the family, but she could easily avoid seeing him as he was so rarely around.

Or, what was more likely, he would avoid seeing her.

She caught the cabbie giving her a couple of concerned glances in the rearview mirror and summoned a watery smile.

“Bad Christmas party,” she told him.

“Well, whoever it was, they’re not worth it,” he offered in a sympathetic tone.

She merely nodded in return and wiped her eyes. Clutching her box to her, she spent the rest of the journey sniffling and blinking back more tears. When they eventually pulled up outside her small, terraced house, she’d gained some semblance of control and exited the cab, giving the driver a generous tip before heading inside.

She put the box down onto the kitchen table then went over to fill the kettle and put it on to boil.  Letting out a sigh, she slumped back against the counter and got out her phone. Pulling up her messages she went to the last one from Eloise and read it again. It was the usual open invite to go to Aubrey Hall with the rest of the family if Colin ever stopped ‘being Scrooge for long enough’ so that she could attend.

She shouldn't really accept.

Although, as the rest of her family were going to be their respective partners for Christmas, she didn’t really want to disrupt any of their plans. And, she also didn’t relish the idea of being alone either.

Glancing up, she pushed off the counter and headed into her lounge. No tree. No decorations. She was supposed to be abroad with Colin finalising yet another deal as they had done every year since she’d started working for him. She understood why. She knew it was a hard time of year for him, but she also missed being home and the lure of a proper traditional Christmas with some of her favourite people was proving difficult to ignore.

She looked down at her friends offer again and bit her lip. What harm would it do? Colin wouldn’t be there; he would be jetting off tomorrow so there was no worry of running into him. And it would also give her a chance to speak to Anthony face to face and tell him about her decision to leave.

She dithered for a few more seconds then typed a response explaining that there had been an unexpected change of plans and she was free to join them. Moments later, Eloise rung her.

“When are you coming?” she asked without preamble.

“I was thinking I’ll drive down tonight, if that’s okay?” she replied hopefully.

“Of course,” Eloise assured her immediately, “I’ll let mum know. Just be careful though, they’ve forecast snow.”

“It won’t snow,” Penelope scoffed lightly. “Not properly anyway. It’ll be the usual few flakes that don’t settle, that’s all.”

“Maybe,” her friend allowed, then added sternly, “Best leave soon though, just in case. You know how dark it gets out here in the sticks, you don’t want to get stuck.”

“I will. I have to pack first, then I’ll be on my way.”

“Message me when you leave,” Eloise ordered and after Penelope told her she would, they finished the call.

She was relieved that she hadn’t asked about Colin. He was a subject Eloise tended to avoid ever since she had admitted her feelings for him when her friend had, yet again, been moaning one day, about the amount of Penelope’s time her brother was taking up with work. How it wasn’t fair. How just because he’d turned into a workaholic, it didn’t mean that he had to drag her along for the ride too.

“It’s because I love him, El,” she’d confessed, cutting her friend off abruptly as she'd finally revealed the secret she’d been hiding for years. “I’ve always loved him, and I just want to make his life a bit better if I can. Easier. And I know he'll never feel the same, especially after everything that's happened, but my heart made its choice a long time ago, so..."

She’d shaken her head and lifted her shoulders in a helpless little shrug, unsure of how her friend would react.

Eloise had stared silently at her for a long moment, then finally said, “Well…I don’t think that idiot deserves you…but I’m glad he has you all the same.”

And that had been that. They’d never spoken of it again.

The kettle clicked off and she hurried back into the kitchen to pour herself a tea. An hour later, she’d had a quick shower and was putting the last of her clothes into a case.

She gathered the presents she’d bought for the family and placed them into a small holdall, pleased that she would be able to give them to everyone in person this year. Well, all except Colin. She’d leave his with Anthony.

Taking her luggage downstairs, she placed it by the door and was just about to go and fetch her handbag when the doorbell suddenly sounded. Frowning, she turned back and opened it up, hoping it wasn’t carol singers. She was already going to have enough trouble getting out of London as it was without being delayed any longer into rush hour.

She froze.

It wasn’t carol singers.

It was the last person in the world she expected see.

“Colin!”