Work Text:
Dear Reader,
One floor below the servant's quarters of the Featherington house was a room that was off limits to everyone. The door leading there was at the end of the hall of the servant’s quarters and blended in with the paint and wainscotting, so that it might have even gone unnoticed if you were passing by. Mrs. Varley, the head housekeeper, was the only person who had the key to that door, and the contents of that room. Everyone in the household, staff and the Featherington family knew of this room, and why she would go down there, however none had ever seen it. The shelves lining the stone walls were stocked with jars of various herbs, flower petals and other plant leaves. A stove sat against one wall with plenty of wood and several types of pots. An old tattered book filled with generations of notes and recipes was perched on a table in the middle of the room. Some might call them potions or spells or remedies to be brewed. Mrs. Varley called them “teas”. Her innate sense of how to use them for good and with recipes that had been handed down over generations, enabled her to make a very special tea to solve a young lady’s heart's desire. And also sparked an idea to help a gentleman acknowledge and act on his feelings.
The Featherington house was home to Lady Portia Featherington and currently her youngest daughter Penelope, unmarried as of yet. Lord Featherington had an untimely passing a few years back, at the hands of some derelict, supposed gentlemen, he was gambling with. The two older daughters, Prudence and Philipa had recently moved out as they had married. Lady Portia was somewhat glad that Penelope hadn’t had much luck being courted or securing a husband, since this meant Penelope might remain in the home to care for her in her later years.
Little did she know that Penelope had other ideas. Despite not being particularly successful on the marriage mart, she did not desire to spend her days with the title of spinster and caring for her mother. Although Portia had mellowed out somewhat as the years went by, she had previously been particularly harsh to Penelope regarding her as ‘the least desirable amongst her daughters’. It was not uncommon for Penelope to hear disparaging comments about her hair, or how some of her dresses fit, or how she spent so much of her time reading, which Portia felt put ideas in a woman's head that she didn’t need. And of course there were plenty of comments about her lack of engaging with any Lords at the season's balls. None of this endeared Penelope to her mother.
Thankfully, Penelope’s maid, Rae, had a soft spot for her and was very kind. This helped ease the stressful times with her mother. Rae might take extra time to brush and style Penelope's hair. She would go out of her way to find a soap with a pleasant scent for bathing. She would offer compliments as Penelope headed off to yet another ball. Although it wasn't usual for house staff to enter into conversation beyond their duties, Rae and Penelope had developed a more relaxed relationship over the years. Rae couldn’t help but want to engage with Penelope, who was always so polite, thanking her for any assistance given, and even inquiring about her day and if she was well.
Because of their friendship Rae knew about Penelope’s desire to be courted and eventually marry. However, over the last couple of years since Penelope had debuted to the marriage mart she experienced an increasing number of times of feeling rejected and quite disheartened that she might ever find someone who was interested enough to marry her.
Although they usually didn’t speak of it openly, Rae was also aware of Penelope’s long time admiration for her friend Colin Bridgerton, one of the older brothers of her very good friend Eloise Bridgerton. Penelope had made friends with Eloise years ago when they moved into the neighborhood, based on a love of reading, sharp witty conversation and curiosity to learn about the world around them. The Bridgerton home with their 8 children was always a lively place. Penelope had been welcomed in by the family, she was often included in afternoon tea, picnics, walks in the park, and of course there was always lively conversation with Eloise and Colin about the world. Eloise’s love of books, Colin’s love of travel, Penelope’s keen observations of the world around them made for lots of interesting discussions. Additionally Colin was always very kind and caring, seeking her out whether at the Bridgerton home or a ball for conversation and always a quip. She came to enjoy his company so much that it had been easy to develop more than just a passing fondness for him.
In reality what she felt for Colin was more than appreciation for his friendship. She did admire many things about him, his kindness, caring for others, and his sense of humor, and how easy it was to converse with him about most anything. But in addition to these traits, over the years as they both grew older and more mature, she couldn’t help but notice he had become quite appealing to the eye. There was his head of chestnut hair that fell into soft curls that she couldn’t help to think how soft it might be to touch. There were his deep blue eyes, which made her feel seen, like he was looking deep into her soul when talking. There was his broad chest, which in her dreams she would occasionally find herself cuddled against. She relished being in his company but it was getting more difficult to not be affected by his physical presence. To feel like she wanted to know what his lips felt like, and other parts of him.
So, as Penelope watched her sisters and other ladies of the ton get married, she began wondering if she was ever going to find someone she would be content and happy with. Especially when pondering this idea, the one person that she really wanted to attract the attention of was Colin. But Penelope was never quite sure if he might feel something more for her than friendship.
Rae however, sensed … No, she knew there was something special between the two. She had accompanied Penelope on enough outings and strolls where she was privy to observing Colin. She knew in her heart that he felt drawn to her in ways greater than friendship, even if Penelope didn’t see it yet. Hopefully it would just be a matter of time before he acknowledged and acted on his desire to be with Penelope in all the ways that love and marriage includes.
One night after another ball, Penelope was feeling sad and discouraged after watching other unmarried ladies get asked to dance. Although she tended to stay near the perimeter of the room, it wasn’t as if she was invisible. Conversation with other ladies was slight and Colin was away traveling at this time, so even he wasn’t there to discuss any recent scandals with or ask her for a dance. Even Eloise wasn’t at this ball to keep her company as she was feeling under the weather and had remained home.
While Rae was assisting Penelope with her nightdress, she could see the sadness in her face. She offered some comforting words, Penelope opened up even more than usual, telling Rae how much she missed Colin’s presence at the dance for he could always be counted on to keep her company and dance with her. She went a little further in describing how much she cared for Colin, so Rae asked Penelope, “Do you think that Colin may also care for you as more than a friend? You two seem to enjoy each other's company so much. Might it be possible that he cares enough to court you?”
Penelope tried to pretend that this was an idea that had never crossed her mind, when in fact it was crossing her mind more and more. Which in fact was leading her to miss him increasingly.
“Well, Rae, I do not know about Colin’s desire to wed or court anyone. We have never discussed the matter. Although in truth I would be delighted if such an opportunity arose.”
As Rae retired for the night, she was feeling unsettled and deeply wanted to find a way to help Penelope. The following morning she decided to talk to Mrs. Varley about her special teas, maybe, just maybe she had something that might help Penelope feel less despondent. And, possibly assist Colin in realizing what was in his heart, and the act on it.
As soon as Lady Portia and Penelope were bathed and dressed for the day, breakfast eaten and cleaned up Rae found Mrs. Varley. “Mrs. Varley, may I have a few moments of your time? There is a matter I wish to discuss with you”. She pulled her into a private corner of the servants quarters. “I would like to ask you about your special teas you brew from time to time”. Mrs. Varley looked at her with curiosity as Rae continued. “As you may know, I have certainly enjoyed my time being Miss Penelope’s lady’s maid. And although it may be uncommon, we do converse while going about morning and evening routines, and Penelope has confided in me at times, somewhat private thoughts”. Mrs. Varley nodded in understanding because it seemed to her reasonable that young Penelope, who did not have the most positive support from her mother might appreciate a congenial relationship with Rae.
Rae went on to explain her conversations with Penelope and how she was becoming more and more discouraged about the thought of finding a husband. How she had shared her desire to have a husband, and lead her own life with someone she cared for deeply. And to not have to remain in her mothers home for the rest of her life, single and under her mothers scrutiny. She explained all the observations she had of Colin when they were together, his body language of leaning towards Penelope, the strong eye contact he maintained when they were talking, his constant smile when he was with her. And she finished by sharing what Penelope had told her about how fond she was of Colin.
Mrs. Varley listened carefully. From everything Rae told her, and with the urgency and insight she expressed, Mrs. Varley was very much tempted to assist. She explained to Rae that she needed to be very careful with her teas, making sure they would only be used for good.
“Rae”, she said, “let me ponder your request and I will let you know if I feel I have something that will help lead to a positive outcome. You know, I am also very fond of Miss. Penelope, I think she deserves a happy life and would be honored to help her achieve that. But first, I wish to consider the history of the particular brew I have in mind and its effectiveness.”
Rae smiled in agreement, “Thank you for understanding and your consideration”. Rae hesitated as curiosity had really been after her for years, but she thought maybe after this conversation she might finally have the courage to ask. “Mrs. Varley, I know this is a very bold question, but, are you what’s known as a witch?”
“Rae”, she replied, “some may use the term witchcraft to describe what I can do. And that is reasonable given the history of witches, what they do and what I can accomplish with my brewed teas. With the knowledge that has been passed down to me from my ancestors, I choose to use the craft to help people. I use elements from nature, and focus on ways I can be helpful such as healing or bringing relief to those who may be suffering in any manner.” So, yes I am known as a witch.
“Thank you for explaining Mrs. Varley, I am thankful for your time this evening and your consideration”. And with that Rae was quite content to retire for the evening.
The next morning Mrs. Varley pulled Rae aside to discuss the matter of brewing a tea for Penelope. “I have decided this is a very worthwhile reason to use one of my recipes, and, I have an additional idea that I’m certain will result in success”. Rae’s smile beamed from ear to ear at this news, “but I have been thinking, what about Mr. Bridgerton, how will we ensure he is ready to act on his feelings.” Mrs. Varley said, “ahh, I have thought about that, I have liverworts heart shaped leaves, and if dried by a fire, the powder made by the leaves could be sprinkled on Colin’s clothing and between the tea and the powder both Penelope and Mr. Bridgerton will finally acknowledge each other in a way that will bring them together”. Now the only thing to resolve was how and when to get the powder on Colin’s clothing. As Rae and Mrs. Varley discussed their ideas, they both decided they would not tell Penelope, and would just brew a tea and serve it to her at a regular tea time. They would time this with an opportunity to be near enough to Mr. Bridgerton to place the powder on him. The conversation ended with Mrs. Varley offering to have Rae accompany her downstairs when it was time to prepare everything. Rae was rightfully shocked, but also very excited!
About a month later Colin returned home from his most recent travels. Penelope was at the Bridgerton home when his carriage arrived. As Colin was greeted with hugs and smiles and excitement from his family, Penelope stood nearby, with a somewhat shy but also rather broad smile on her face. As she glanced up, Colin was looking directly at her, in that way that made her feel giddy. When he broke free from his family he greeted her with an equally broad smile, asking if she was well, which of course she replied “Yes, quite well, thank you”. After things settled down, Penelope, Eloise and Colin broke off to visit as they often did, discussing who was reading what, what news Colin had received in letters written to him while he was away, and any news from around the Ton. Of the two settees at the other end of the drawing room, he chose to sit next to Penelope, which both excited her and made her feel a little unsettled being so close to him. Nonetheless, she was able to enjoy visiting with them both.
Eloise took notice of Colin’s choice to seat himself next to Penelope before she could. Eloise had actually taken notice in the past year or so of the many times Colin would interrupt them at a ball to join the conversation or ask Penelope for a dance. Or at the Bridgerton home he would seek them out and insert himself in their conversation, or inquire when Penelope might be visiting again. She also took notice that when they would leave the house to go anywhere, she would catch him looking over at the Featherington house for a moment or two. Although he was trying to act nonchalant, it seemed clear to Eloise that Colin was taking more and more of an interest in Penelope.
When it was time for Penelope to return home, Colin inquired if she would be attending the ball the next evening, “Yes, I do plan to attend, mother doesn’t push as hard for me to converse or dance as she once did, but she wouldn’t want to miss out on a social affair such as ball hosted by Lady Danbury so she has made it clear we will be there”. “Wonderful! Colin replied, "I shall seek you out so we may dance and see who might be worthy of our notice!”.
That evening Penelope talked with Rae about how she might like to dress for the next evening’s ball, as she was quite animated in telling Rae about her visit to the Bridgerton home, Colin’s return, and his plans to also attend the ball. Penelope was hoping to try a different hair style and had a particular dress in mind. Rae reassured her she would help her look lovely.
As Rae finished up her duties and departed for the night she said “I hope you will be able to dance with Mr. Bridgerton more than once, Miss Penelope, I think you would both like that very much. I know you are very fond of Mr. Bridgerton, I hope he will show how he takes notice of you, finally.” Penelope was slightly caught off guard and curious by “I hope he will show how he takes notice of you, finally”. As she was falling asleep she pondered the idea that Colin might in fact have feelings for her. An idea that she secretly wished for, yet thought was likely never to happen.
Once Rae was done with her nightly duties, she went immediately to find Mrs. Varley. “Now is our chance I believe! Miss Penelope will be attending Lady Danbury’s ball tomorrow evening, and so is Mr. Bridgerton.” “Alright” Mrs. Varley replied, “tomorrow we will brew the tea and make the powder from the liverworts leaves. We know that we will serve tea to Penelope, but have you decided how we can get the powder onto Colin’s clothing?”
“I have been thinking about this part which is a little bit tricky. I am going to try and enlist the aid of Miss. Eloise Bridgerton. I believe she is an intuitive young lady who sees what I see between them. She is a devoted friend to Penelope so I think she would want to help her friend find happiness with Mr. Bridgerton. I have heard Penelope talk with Eloise about her desire for happiness by being married and having her own household and family. And although Miss. Eloise doesn’t seem as excited about the marriage mart herself, she shares many words of support to Miss. Penelope that she wants her to have happiness in life”.
“My thought is when Miss Penelope is finished with her morning stroll with Eloise, I shall slip her a note which will have a small pouch of the powder. I will explain my observations and reasons for doing this and will ask for her assistance”. Mrs. Varley thought about the risk of involving someone outside of their household, but she felt of all the people who might understand and be willing to help it would be Eloise, so she agreed to the plan.
Mrs. Varley awoke extra early the next morning and approached Rae’s room to find her already up and getting ready for the day.
“I’m much too excited, yet also nervous about today to sleep,” Rae explained. “I am just finishing writing out the note to give to Eloise.”
“Rae, you may recall when we talked about the brewing, I am pleased to honor my offer for your accompaniment as I believe I can trust you to understand that not everyone holds the power to make these brews work. But it seems we are in this plan together so since you are up so early would you like to come downstairs with me for a bit and help me get set up? We need to get to work so we can be ready for the normal morning household duties, we don’t want to cause suspicion with Miss. Penelope or Lady Portia by being late, your assistance will be helpful.”
Rae was thrilled as she followed Mrs. Varley down to her basement room. She helped her fire up the stove and pulled the containers of leaves off the shelves as Mrs. Varley instructed. Soon there was enough of a fire to get busy drying out the Liverworts’ heart shaped leaves. After they were crushed into a fine dark powder, it would not be noticeable on a dark tailcoat a gentleman would wear to a ball. With the assistance of Mrs. Varley they packed up the powder and sealed it in with the note.
As Penlope and Eloise headed out on their stroll, Rae followed behind as usual trying to calm her nerves. And her anxiousness only increased as they were nearing the end of the stroll. She was thankful for her usual position of walking several steps behind, for she could keep a close eye on their surroundings trying to determine the best way to give the note to Eloise. But with the number of people in the park she was deciding if that was going to be helpful or a greater risk of her getting caught. For what reason would a lady’s maid have for giving a note to a member of society? Finally, just as the two young ladies were nearing the end of their promenade, Penelope’s attention was drawn to the sound of a horse braying, a sudden rush of wind, and the sight of a young man being tossed off. Something in her reacted strongly and she moved quickly to see what had happened, without paying attention that Eloise or Rae had not followed her. This provided Rae with the perfect opportunity.
She approached Eloise, slid the note out of her cape and handed it to Eloise. She looked at Eloise earnestly, “Please Miss. Eloise, do not let anyone see this, and I beg of you to read it as soon as you return home. I know you wish the very best for Penelope and I have a strong feeling you have noticed the connection between her and your brother Colin, as have I. With the help of a trusted source I wish so very dearly to carry out a plan outlined in this note, but the best chance of success is with your help.” Eloise looked at Rae with curiosity, but could see from her face that she was very serious about whatever the note contained. “Rae, I know you care deeply for Penelope, she told me how much you mean to her as well. And yes, the feelings between Colin and Penelope seem obvious. I will give this serious consideration once I return home” as she placed the note under her cape. Now all Rae could do was hope that her suspicion about trusting Eloise was right.
That afternoon Mrs. Varley returned to the basement room, and stoked the stove to heat it back up. She gathered the necessary herbs and flower petals in the shape of hearts to work on brewing the tea. She left it simmering and when it was time for Penelope and her mother to have afternoon tea she served Penelope, commenting that she was attempting a new tea blend that she was interested in having her try. Penelope paid not that much attention as she sipped her tea while reading.
That evening, Penelope and Lady Portia went off to Lady Danbury’s ball as planned. It was only moments after the Bridgerton’s started arriving that Colin found his way over to Penelope. As usual they enjoyed observing the lords and ladies, and chatting about who might be trying to court who, and who’s mama was looking pleased or not. Colin asked to take up several spots on her dance card, more than their usual. At the end of each dance when Colin might normally excuse himself and go to check on a member of his family or get pulled aside by the other gentlemen of his age and status, Penelope noticed he stayed with her instead. His hands held onto hers a tad bit longer than might be acceptable as they left the dance floor, and he was maintaining eye contact with her longer than usual. The eye contact that at times makes it seem like he is looking right into her soul. As the evening went on Penelope was acutely aware that something about him seemed different. And she was certainly enjoying the extra attention. The other unusual part of the evening was Eloise keeping her distance from them, which was more than odd since she usually used them to shield her from advances of gentlemen whom she wasn’t interested in dancing or conversing with.
All evening Rae was anxiously waiting for Penelope and her mother to return from the ball, nerves getting to her at times as she wondered how things were going between Penelope and Colin. When they were finally home and in Penelope’s bed chamber, Rae inquired how her evening had gone.
“It was actually quite delightful, Colin took up most dances with me, many more than usual and we enjoyed quite a bit of conversation. It was rather odd, but I did quite enjoy it”, Penelope shared. Rae smiled and wished Penelope pleasant dreams and went off to report to Mrs. Varley what she had hoped was a positive outcome of their efforts.
The next morning, as Penelope was settling herself on the settee with her book, Mrs. Varley announced a visitor. Penelope was quite surprised when she looked up to see Colin.
Jumping up she exclaimed, “Colin, what brings you here this morning?”
“I thought it was such a lovely morning I wondered if you might join me for a stroll?”
Penelope smiled, “I would like that very much. Rae, please let mama and Mrs. Varley know you will be accompanying me and Mr. Bridgerton.
As they made their way over to the park, there was some discussion about the weather and other things they noticed but there were some silences that Penelope wasn’t accustomed to with Colin. Conversation usually flowed between them so easily. She noticed Colin to be slightly more awkward than he was at the ball, fidgeting with his hands, looking at her then darting his eyes away. She was usually comfortable in Colin’s presence and with his friendship, but there was something about today that was making her feel more aware of his physical presence next to her. Her own curiosity of him asking for a stroll this morning was likely contributing to her sense that something was different between them. And then there was her desire to reach out and touch his hand and feel its warmth and strength.
She wasn’t quite sure where the sudden feeling of bravery came from, but she just needed to know what was happening.
“Colin, are you well? You seem distracted today. It was so very nice of you to visit and suggest a stroll but you are not acting like your usual self,” she finally said.
Rae overheard this as she strolled behind them and smiled to herself, thinking “I do believe the brewed tea may be working”.
Colin took a couple of deep breaths, looked around a little nervously and replied, “I do believe I am well, but there is something I wish to discuss with you and I am feeling uncertain about what your response will be. However, I have been thinking about this for some time, but I am feeling today like I need to explain myself. Come with me, let’s take a seat on the bench under that tree.”
“Of course,” Penelope replied, feeling a little apprehensive about what Colin wanted to discuss, but also a little excited to be seated next to him on the rather small bench.
Rae kept some distance from them but within view so she could try and determine what would hopefully be Colin acknowledging his feelings for Penelope and finally telling her.
Once seated he went on, “I know I am usually quite comfortable talking with you, but today I am feeling more emboldened to speak of a more personal matter.”
Taking another deep breath, he made direct eye contact and held it. He started, “Penelope, our friendship has been one of the things I have cherished for years. You are so bright, and easy to talk with, and I enjoy our visits and conversation when I am home. You have always made me feel truly listened to and cared for. Recently I find myself looking more and more for your company and thinking maybe I will travel less so I can see more of you. You may have noticed last night that I took up several spots on your dance card so I could spend more time with you. More time actually touching you as well. Your hands are so soft and gentle and make me feel a special connection to you when we are dancing.” With this statement he slowly but with care to not seem obvious reached over to where Penelope’s hand was on the bench and took a hold of it.
Penelope was surprised at this, but also thrilled as she grasped his hand in return. “Colin, I very much enjoyed being with you more than usual last evening and I am happy to hear what you are saying right now. I would like to spend more time with you very much.” When Colin’s face lit up, she finally grasped that somewhere deep down she had actually summoned the courage and said those words out loud to him.
“Penelope, what I am trying to say is that I would very much like to court you in hopes that you might find yourself feeling the same towards me, and that we might consider what our future might hold.”
Penelope squeezed his hand, her face lit up now. What she really wanted to do was jump up and throw her arms around him. Instead she replied that she would very much like to be courted by him. In return Colin continued to grin at her.
“I want you to know how very special you are to me, how much beauty I see in you. And how very pleased I am that we will be seeing more of each other. Let us return to your home and I will speak to your mother about visiting more often.”
With that they announced to Rae that they would be strolling back to the Featherington house. Rae could see the difference in both of them. Both walked with a purposeful stride, almost like they were in a hurry for something, both were smiling and kept looking over at each other. She even noticed a couple of times that they let their hands come near enough they brushed their fingers. The closer they came to home the more excited Rae was becoming. She just knew in her heart that her plan, with the help of Mrs. Varley, was succeeding.
Once home Colin said to Rae, “Please find Lady Featherington at once.”
Rae found Mrs. Varley first and declared “I am positive the tea and the powder have worked! We must get Lady Featherington right away as Colin wishes to speak with her.”
Lady Featherington had barely entered the drawing room, when Colin greeted her and did not waste any time, “I would like to declare my feelings for Penelope have grown to a point where I would like to court her and I am asking for your permission to do so”. Portia looked between Colin and Penelope several times, their faces glowing, smiles wide. Although she thought she detected a slight note of worry on Penelope’s face. And she was correct because Penelope was concerned that her mother might deny her what she so dearly wanted. Portia, who had previously come to the conclusion that Penelope would never marry and remain with her, couldn't help but be struck by the energy between the two. Even she couldn't deny that there was something brewing between them.
“Colin, I know you and Penelope have been friendly for years, and although I did not foresee this happening, I will give my permission. You may visit with the supervision of Rae”. Rae nodded in the background with a smile directed at Penelope and Colin.
As Colin returned to Penelope’s side, he raised her hand to kiss it, refusing to let go as he said, “Penelope, I am so looking forward to calling on you again tomorrow, and hopefully every day from now until eternity.”
With a wide grin on her face as she held onto his hand she exclaimed, “I am looking forward to that so very much. I am not sure what got into both of us today, but I am very happy that we finally spoke what was in our hearts.”
Rae and Mrs. Varley were in the doorway of the drawing room observing everything. Mrs. Varley had a look of relief on her face, Rae had a very genuine look of pleasure and couldn’t help but smile softly at Penelope. As they left to return to the servants quarters Rae turned to Mrs. Varley and exclaimed “I’m so very pleased our plan appears to have worked! And I’m so very thankful for your assistance Mrs. Varley!”
“Well that was a nice little bit of excitement for us to share in, and I’ve had no reason lately to brew up anything so I enjoyed the opportunity to dabble with my recipes as well.”
That night as Rae was helping Penelope with her nighttime routine, she said, “Miss. Penelope, I would like to say I’m so very happy for you. You know I have always wanted the best for you and it appears that Mr. Bridgerton has come to realize his true feelings for you and acted on them today!”
“Rae, I have a question, something that’s been on my mind. The other night you said something to me about Colin that I have been curious about. You said, ‘I hope he will show how he takes notice of you, finally’. Have you had some knowledge or suspicion of Colin’s feelings for me that you haven’t shared?”
“Miss. Penelope, I believe I was mostly expressing wishful thinking, but I’m so pleased that my wishes have some to fruition. I hold in my heart a great deal of hope for your future!”. And with that, she said her goodnights, closed the door of Penelope’s room, paused for a bit with a huge sigh of relief, and retired to her room for the night with a smile on her face.
Over the next month, Colin did visit Penelope every day. Some days they would promenade through the park, others they would stroll around the Featherington gardens stealing opportunities to hold hands. If the weather was not conducive to being outside they would read together and share conversation about what they were reading. Colin might share stories from some of his travels. Several times Colin brought beautiful bouquets of flowers which Penelope would place in her favorite vase in her bedchamber. Rae was always present as was expected during his visits, but kept her distance and never seemed to warn against any physical closeness she may have witnessed.
Penelope continued to be invited to tea at the Bridgerton home as usual. On the days she accepted those invitations Colin saw her there too. Penelope and Eloise continued to enjoy each other’s company and Penelope was always delighted by the jovial atmosphere and the goings on of the Bridgerton siblings. After the news of Colin officially courting Penelope, Eloise learned quickly to expect that Colin would eventually join them for tea with a plate of biscuits, wanting to know what they were chatting about and inserting himself into their conversation.
Rae and Mrs. Varley spoke once or twice about how things were progressing with the couple. They discussed the brewed tea and powdered Liverworts leaves and Mrs. Varley offered to assist if Rae thought any additional help might be needed, but Rae assured her she felt everything was going well.
About six weeks into their courting Colin proposed marriage to Penelope. It was on a gloriously sunny day, in the Featherington garden while they were sitting on their favorite bench. He presented her with a beautiful gold ring with several pearls formed into a small flower. Penelope’s face beamed with happiness as Colin’s beamed with a proud smile. They sought out Lady Featherington to tell her the news, she offered her approval and best wishes. “Mr. Bridgerton, having watched your courtship over the last weeks, I do believe you will be a good husband to Penelope. I will miss her presence, but trust that you will not be moving very far away.”
Holding hands and with smiles, they took the short carriage ride over to the Bridgerton home arriving just in time for tea. Colin’s mother and siblings were excited to hear the news, there were hugs, best wishes and congratulations offered. Even Eloise commented “I guess if I have to continue sharing Penelope with you brother it’s good she will now be a sister in addition to a friend. You will have to let me have time with her now, without interrupting us,” she exclaimed, “for you will have plenty of time with her at home”. Colin grinned at Eloise, “I will give consideration to your request”.
Later that evening when it was nearing time to settle down for the night, Penelope was looking forward to having a few moments to talk with Rae. “You may have heard by now that Colin and I are engaged, he proposed today.”
“Actually I did hear the news, your mama shared the news with Mrs. Varley, who was so pleased she just had to share the news with me. I have been looking forward to offering my best wishes to you. I hope you have had a happy day.”
“And I have been looking forward to seeing you Rae. It has been a delightful day, mama smiled and offered her approval and best wishes which was a welcome relief. I imagine the next couple of weeks will be very busy with wedding preparations and I am pleased that you will be here to help. I look forward to having you by my side even when Colin and I move into our own home.”
Penelope and Colin were married two weeks later. During their courtship Penelope had shared with Colin the closeness she felt with Rae and the support she had offered her over the years. As they made decisions about their new home it was decided that Rae would be given the role of head housekeeper. She was very pleased to accompany them and assist Penelope with running a new household.
One morning, a few weeks after they all had worked on getting belongings moved and settled in, Rae visited Penelope to discuss some matters of food choices for upcoming dinners and what her preferences might be for entertaining guests during tea. Once all decisions had been made, Penelope asked Rae to stay on for a moment and join her.
“Rae, there is something that has been on my mind that I have been wanting to ask you for some time. Colin and I have talked from time to time over the last couple of months about Lady Danbury’s ball and how we felt differently all evening dancing and being near each other. Then there was the following day when we both unexpectedly experienced a braveness that took us by surprise to start sharing our deeper thoughts about how we cared for one another as more than friends. We may not be able to put our finger on exactly what happened, and this may be an odd way to describe it, but it felt like someone put a spell on us in the most positive way.”
Rae smiled a sly smile, “A spell? What an interesting way to describe what you think may have happened.”
“You know Rae,” she said with a sly smile in return, “I am aware of Mrs. Varley’s basement room and her teas. Do you suppose she brewed something up? And if so, I wonder where she might have gotten that idea. I feel it is important to know that I would not be the least bit upset if she had, for it may have helped Colin and I get to where we are now, being happily married.”
Rae grinned and with a slight shift of her eyes to the side she replied, “Well, you know she does enjoy using her teas to be helpful. And, I believe that the timing was just right for the feelings that had been brewing between you both to bubble to the surface and not be denied any longer.” Rae then stood and said “I have enjoyed our visit, is there anything else you will be needing for now Miss. Penelope?”
“No, Rae, I do believe we’re all set for now.” She winked at her and with a smile mouthed a very quiet “Thank You”.