- This page is about the book. For the Netflix episode of the same name, see Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Romancing Mister Bridgerton is the fourth novel of the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn. The book follows the love story of Colin Bridgerton, the third Bridgerton child, and Penelope Featherington, a neighbor of the Bridgertons introduced in The Duke and I.
Synopsis[]
Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for… well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret… and fears she doesn't know him at all.
Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of the neverending sameness of his life, and, most of all, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same—especially Penelope Featherington! The girl who was always simply… there is suddenly the girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide… is she his biggest threat—or his promise of a happy ending?[1]
Plot[]
Prologue
In 1812, Penelope Featherington fell in love with Colin Bridgerton after he fell off his horse when Penelope's bonnet accidentally flew into his face. In 1813, Penelope made her debut, and became a regular visitor at the Bridgerton household, becoming friends with Eloise Bridgerton. She saw Colin often, and fell more in love with him. She never had any suitors, but she still was in love with Colin. She hoped the tiniest bit that he would love her back until 1817 when she overheard Colin telling his brothers that he would never marry Penelope. Penelope was hurt, but accepted that Colin would never feel the same about her. While he traveled, Penelope became a spinster after not receiving any marriage proposals, keeping her love for Colin hidden. They remained friends while Colin was in town.
Chapter 1
April 2, 1824
Lady Whistledown announces that Colin Bridgerton, still unmarried but eligible, has returned to England.
Penelope's mother, Portia, finds out Colin is back, and wants to do matchmaking between him and Penelope's sister, Felicity. She insults Penelope rather flippantly, in the process. Penelope ignores it, and points out to her mother that Felicity is in love with Mr. Albansdale, a perfectly acceptable and wealthy gentleman. Portia loudly talks about how she wanted one of her daughters to marry a Bridgerton son, but doesn't feel like Penelope has a chance compared to Felicity or her two older sisters, Prudence and Phillippa, who are already married. Penelope is annoyed at Portia’s remarks, but chooses to ignore them.
Penelope is visited by Eloise, and they discuss Colin's travel to Cyprus and his return. They then discuss their spinsterhood and being friends till they die. Portia comes by, and they discuss Colin's return. She leaves, and Penelope tells Eloise about her mother wanting to match Felicity and Colin. Eloise doesn't think it will happen either, but they know Portia will never listen. They then discuss Lady Whistledown, and how her identity has remained a secret for over a decade. Eloise leaves to meet her family for tea.
Colin spends time with Anthony, and they discuss how long his return will last. Colin says he'll remain for the rest of the season, and dreads Violet's attempts to do matchmaking for him. Anthony says he won't be able to avoid it at Violet's birthday party the following week. He also tries to convince Colin to marry, but Colin just walks away, refusing to let Anthony finish.
Chapter 2
April 9, 1824
Lady Whistledown says that Violet's birthday party is a more upbeat moment in the boring ton season.
Penelope is enjoying an éclair at Violet's party when Colin greets her. The two make small talk, until Penelope realizes that she accidentally let the éclair filling drop on to the floor. Colin dares her to throw it into a nearby potted plant, which she eventually does. He tries to guilt her action, but Penelope quickly picks up on his scheme and says he is capable of getting away with murder, surprising him. Colin asks her to dance, but Penelope says since she's a spinster, Colin is no longer obligated to dance with her. Annoyed by Penelope's perceptiveness, Colin insists that he wants to dance with her. Penelope finally agrees, and they dance.
After finishing the dance, both Colin and Penelope are ambushed by Lady Danbury. She compliments Penelope and calls out Colin for bribing Penelope to keep him company. Lady Danbury comments how she can get away with anything at her age. Penelope asks what she can’t get away with, and Lady Danbury says she can’t get away with murder, prompting Penelope and Colin to laugh and explain Penelope’s previous comment to Lady Danbury.
Lady Danbury says the season has been boring, and the year has been dull. She calls a few more partygoers over, and asks their opinion. They agree, and say the only interesting thing is Lady Whistledown's column. Lady Danbury then announces that she’ll reward one thousand pounds to the person who can unmask Lady Whistledown.
Chapter 3
April 12, 1824
Lady Whistledown reports on Lady Danbury's challenge to unmask herself, and challenges the ton, saying they'll never figure it out.
Lady Danbury's words quickly spread throughout the ball, with everyone commenting on who Lady Whistledown could be. Colin and Penelope speculate on who Lady Whistledown could be. Eloise joins them, excited about Lady Danbury's challenge. Lady Danbury then asks Penelope who she thinks it is, putting her on the spot. At first, Penelope is shy at the attention, but after seeing Colin, she's quick to say that she suspects Lady Danbury. The matron admires Penelope's courage, and says she's "more than what she thinks she is," and Penelope thinks Lady Danbury is right.
Penelope heads over to Violet's house for tea the next day, buoyed by Lady Danbury's compliments. She runs into Colin, who playfully suggests they dance in the street. She refuses, saying people will think they’re courting. Colin realizes he cares more about people’s opinions than he realizes. He apologizes, and offers to restart their conversation, and they playfully re-greet each other. Colin asks why Penelope is not walking with a maid, and Penelope argues that it’s a short walk, and she’s a spinster now. Colin argues Eloise is, too, but he’d never let her do the same. They argue about marriage, as Penelope says Colin should also be married by now, but he’s not. They reach a stalemate, and head to Violet’s house.
Chapter 4
April 12, 1824
Lady Whistledown reports on the different couples she saw together at the Bridgerton ball.
Colin and Penelope join the rest of the Bridgerton family for tea. Hyacinth and Eloise quickly start arguing about good grammar. Kate then asks Penelope about Felicity’s upcoming engagement. Penelope asks how she knows, and Kate said she heard from Eloise, who says that Hyacinth knows whatever she doesn’t. Colin then insinuates that one of them could be Lady Whistledown. Violet shoots down it being Hyacinth, Eloise denies that she is Lady Whistledown. The discussion turns to how to identify Lady Whistledown, and the reward for finding her. Penelope talks about Felicity’s suitor, and her and Eloise being spinsters. Penelope is sad at realizing she’s given up on Colin. When Colin tells of Penelope’s guess of Lady Danbury being Lady Whistledown, Hyacinth then jokingly talks of Eloise being Lady Whistledown. Penelope notices Colin avoiding Eloise’s eyes at one point, but no one else does.
Chapter 5
April 14, 1824
Lady Whistledown comments on the absurd antics of the ton to try and uncover Lady Whistledown’s identity and win the reward.
Penelope visits Number Five a few days later to go shopping with Eloise. When the butler tells her Eloise isn’t there, Penelope opts to wait. In the room, she finds Colin’s journal from his trips. Initially trying to respect Colin’s privacy, Penelope becomes curious and starts reading about his journey in Cyprus. Colin suddenly comes into the room, and yells at Penelope for reading his journal. They argue, and before Penelope can apologize, Colin cries out after cutting his hand. Penelope quickly attends to it, and apologizes for making him angry, but Colin insists it wasn’t her fault.
Wickham arrives with food for Penelope, and she and Colin hide his injury until Wickham leaves. Penelope tends to his wounds, then explains that she was intrigued by his writing, and that’s why she read it. Colin is happy to hear Penelope’s compliments, and starts to realize how much he enjoys her company and her intelligence, not wishing for the moment to end.
Chapter 6
April 14, 1824
Lady Whistledown says everyone, including her, has secrets.
Colin is giddily happy over Penelope’s compliments about his journal, and though he feels like a fool, he can’t help himself. Penelope says how seeing Colin’s writing could make her feel that he also enjoyed writing it, as well. Colin realizes she is right, and wonders why he didn’t realize before that he enjoys writing. Penelope thinks it gives him purpose in his life, and Colin asks if she has one. Penelope admits she doesn’t, and is envious that Colin can travel. Colin says he can’t travel forever, defending himself.
Penelope listens as Colin says that he has no purpose once he gets home, and she doesn’t believe him. Colin then reveals how in comparison to his brothers, he feels he doesn’t have any purpose or substance to his character. He points out that Lady Whistledown calls him a charmer, which seems to be his only trait. Penelope then argues that he wasn’t called an “overripe citrus fruit,” like she was several years before. Penelope is annoyed at his statements, and tells him to find a new direction in life if he wishes to. She walks off, telling Colin that he’s adored by the ton, while she’s an on-the-shelf spinster, and he can do a lot more than he believes. Slightly shocked and annoyed by what she’s learned about Colin, Penelope leaves.
Colin feels bad about the way he spoke to Penelope, realizing he values her friendship more than he ever knew. He remembers how he inadvertently insulted her seven years before, when he declared he wouldn’t marry her, and decides to apologize to Penelope during the Smythe-Smith musicale that evening.
Chapter 7
April 16, 1824
Lady Whistledown reports that Colin was at the Smythe-Smith musicale with an injured hand, which drew the attention of many ladies, much to his annoyance.
Penelope is at the musicale, dreading every minute of it, with Felicity. Eloise then joins them, as they discuss Lady Whistledown insulting the girls in her next column. Lady Danbury then joins them, and points out that the cellist is not as eager to be there as the other three, something Penelope also noticed. Penelope empathizes with the girl, and Lady Danbury said she does, too. Lady Danbury then watches Penelope intently, and declares that she believes Penelope is Lady Whistledown. Penelope is flattered by her thought, and tells Lady Danbury she thinks she is. Lady Danbury says Lady Whistledown could be anyone.
Lady Danbury says that the ton is not solving her challenge the right way, as they should be looking for someone less obvious, someone nobody would suspect. Penelope is impressed with Lady Danbury’s observation, but still believes she’s Lady Whistledown. Lady Danbury then announces Colin’s presence, surprising Penelope, Eloise, and Felicity. As the musicale begins, Penelope is distracted by Colin sitting behind her while desperately trying to ignore the ill playing of music.
After the musicale ends, Penelope quickly goes to get a glass of lemonade, but she’s interrupted by Colin. She starts to apologize, but he instead asks her to take a turn around the room with him. He tries to apologize, but Penelope says she’s the one who stormed out. Colin still apologizes for whining and complaining when he has a lot more than others. Penelope then stops him, saying he can feel he wants, but if he wants to change his situation, he should simply change it. Penelope then suggests that he publish his journals, but Colin says nobody would read them. Penelope says his family and hers would, and he could become a famous writer eventually. Eloise interrupts their conversation, but Colin and Penelope both stay silent about their discussion. Eloise voices her frustration, which causes Penelope to start laughing and declare that she can’t remember a better evening. After returning home and getting to bed, Colin realizes he agrees with Penelope.
Chapter 8
April 16, 1824
Lady Whistledown reports on Penelope and Colin talking at the Smythe-Smith musicale, and Lady Danbury breaking Honoria Smythe-Smith’s violin.
Two days after the musicale, Penelope is excited when Colin calls on her. Penelope quickly gets herself ready, and greets Colin. He has a serious look, and tells Penelope that he believes Eloise is Lady Whistledown. Penelope doesn’t believe him. Colin tells her how Eloise hides in her room and writes a lot, based on the ink stains on her fingers. Penelope still refuses to believe him.
Colin is afraid that if Eloise is revealed as Lady Whistledown, her life will be ruined. Penelope believes he’s overreacting. Colin is still convinced, and worried that if he’s suspected Eloise, someone else will. He compares it to him saying that he ruined Penelope’s honor, and then realizes that he wants to kiss Penelope. He’s shocked by how attractive he finds Penelope. He starts to stand up, and Penelope stands with him. She then asks him to kiss her.
Chapter 9
April 16, 1824
Lady Whistledown reports that the Countess of Macclesfield’s ball will be the most feted event of the week, and she thinks many unmarried ladies and eligible suitors will attend, including Colin.
Penelope quickly says to forget what she said, but then changes her mind and asks Colin to kiss her, saying she’s an old maid, she’s never been kissed, and she might die tomorrow without ever being kissed. The more Colin watches her ramble on, the more attractive he finds Penelope. He finally kisses her, and the two are overwhelmed by the emotions they experience. They break apart, and Penelope thanks him. Colin suddenly feels guilt, and tells Penelope not to thank him. Penelope then composes herself, and Colin realizes she thinks he kissed her out of pity. Unable to express himself, Colin leaves.
Colin returns home, and finds a letter from his mother, asking him to come. He walks through the rain, and reaches Number Five. Wickham lets him in, and says Violet is currently talking to Francesca in her study. Colin decides to change into some of Gregory’s clothes. On the way, he’s found by Eloise, which makes him remember everything that happened with Penelope. He goes to change, trying to avoid Eloise, but she’s waiting for him. She knows that he visited Penelope, and asked what they talked about. Colin tries to dodge the question, but Eloise refuses to budge. He finally pulls her aside, and accuses her of being Lady Whistledown. Eloise denies it, but Colin points out the ink stains on her fingers. Eloise says she writes many letters, and Colin asks who she writes to; Eloise refuses to tell him. Colin says he doesn’t believe she’s not Lady Whistledown, and Eloise is furious that he doesn’t believe her. She tells him that he’s not being a good brother, and leaves angry, while Colin is just upset.
Chapter 10
April 19, 1824
Lady Whistledown announces her retirement. She says that many people have turned against each other in a bid to discover her identity, and have injured themselves, as well. She has grown tired of writing, as well, and says goodbye.
Penelope is with Felicity, Hyacinth, and Violet at the Macclesfield ball, and they’re all talking about Lady Whistledown’s retirement. Penelope asks Violet about Eloise, and she says she’s been ill for a week. Hyacinth then says that Eloise is upset after she fought with Colin. This piques Penelope’s interest, and she wonders if they fought the same day she and Colin kissed. Lady Danbury comes to speak to Penelope. Violet, Hyacinth & Felicity quickly flee, leaving Penelope alone with her.
Penelope is momentarily distracted, thinking she has seen Colin walk in, which Lady Danbury notices. She knows about Penelope’s interest in Colin, and thinks Colin should return Penelope’s affection. Penelope realizes that Lady Danbury is trying to play matchmaker for her, which she admits. Penelope asks why, and Lady Danbury says it’s because she likes Penelope’s character, and she wants to see her happy. Penelope immediately replies that she is happy, but when Lady Danbury questions her, Penelope realizes she’s only content. Lady Danbury says Penelope can speak her mind, which is so rare, and she likes her for that.
Penelope and Lady Danbury notice a crowd gathering, and find out that Cressida Twombley wants to make an announcement. Penelope quickly states how she hates Cressida. Lady Danbury inquires why, and Penelope says she always used to bully her back when they were still unmarried. She says the Bridgerton sons always used to rescue her, but she wishes she could stand up for herself. Lady Danbury is not fond of Cressida, either, saying Cressida got what she deserved: she married a man who was a lecher, who died and left her in debt.
Lady Danbury sees Colin coming over to her and Penelope, and he greets both of them before he also notices the crowd gathering for Cressida’s announcement. They all listen as Cressida declares that she is Lady Whistledown.
Chapter 11
Colin doesn’t hear Cressida’s announcement, as he’s trying to figure out how to apologize to Penelope. He asks her and Lady Danbury what Cressida said, but they’re too shocked to respond, as is the entire crowd. When Lady Danbury finally relays what she said, Colin, Penelope, and Lady Danbury all agree that Cressida is not Lady Whistledown.
Cressida immediately comes to Lady Danbury, wanting to collect the reward, but Lady Danbury refuses to give it, saying she doesn’t believe Cressida. The two ladies stare each other down, and Lady Danbury finally asks Penelope for her opinion. Colin sees Penelope is uncomfortable with being put on the spot, and offers her a way out, but Penelope changes her mind, and gives her opinion that she doesn’t believe Cressida is Lady Whistledown. She says she’s fond of Lady Whistledown, and “it would break my heart” to know it was Cressida. Lady Danbury lauds Penelope, subtly letting Colin to do so too, which he does. Cressida quickly attacks Penelope, but backs off when Lady Danbury and Colin come to her defense.
Lady Danbury then demands proof from Cressida, refusing to hand over the money. Cressida is at first incredulous, but promises to bring proof in a fortnight, then leaves.
Hyacinth and Felicity come over, wanting to hear what Cressida said, and it launches into a discussion about whether she actually is Lady Whistledown. Penelope then tells Felicity they have to leave, which both Felicity and Colin are upset about. Penelope says she’s not feeling well, and Felicity relents. Colin arranges to have their carriage brought, and is rather pleased that he’s able to hold Penelope’s hand, even though he didn’t apologize to her.
Chapter 12
Colin heads over to Penelope’s house the next day to apologize. When he gets there, he catches her sneaking out into a shabby hired carriage. Curious and suspicious, he follows Penelope in his own carriage. He becomes nervous as the carriage goes away from the main city and towards the slums. Eventually, Penelope pulls up to a church, and Colin follows her inside, wondering what she’s doing.
Colin watches Penelope go into a pew, and place an envelope between books discreetly. When she starts to exit, he accosts her, startling Penelope. She tries to keep her composure, rambling about how they’re at St. Bride’s church, the church for writers. Colin plays along, and tells Penelope that he’ll pray, barely keeping his anger in check. Penelope is confused, but Colin says he wants to pray for her. He then grabs the envelope that Penelope hid, to her horror. She begs Colin to give the envelope back, but Colin refuses, and tears it open, while Penelope runs out, shaken. Colin reads the letter inside, and is shocked by the contents.
Penelope runs outside, panicked, but realizes her carriage has left, and she’s trapped far from Mayfair. She despairingly sits on the steps, upset by what has happened. Colin comes out, and tells Penelope to get into his carriage, which she does with her own willpower. Colin hands the letter back to her, and the contents are revealed:
April 21, 1824
Lady Whistledown makes it clear that Cressida is not Lady Whistledown.
Penelope watches Colin, who is very tense and angry. She asks if he thought she was Lady Whistledown to lighten the mood, but fails. Colin then says how furious he is that Penelope came by herself into the city and put herself in danger. Penelope quickly replies that she couldn’t go in one of her family carriages, and she’s come there before, which makes Colin even more angry. He then asks her about the letter that proves she’s Lady Whistledown. Colin asks why she didn’t just let Cressida take the fall, and Penelope simply says that she couldn’t let Cressida be her.
Chapter 13
Colin still presses Penelope why she couldn’t pretend Cressida was Lady Whistledown, saying she could be ruined and ignored by the ton. Penelope argues that she already is ignored by the ton, which is why she got away with it for a decade. She argues that it is also why Colin and his brothers come to her aid, because they feel sorry for her being ignored. Colin argues that it’s because he likes her, but Penelope says that he doesn’t dance with Felicity like he does with her out of pity.
Colin still is upset by her Lady Whistledown charade, which hurts Penelope, because she’s proud of her column. He argues that he’s being an adult, but Penelope calls him out, saying he constantly travels to run away from responsibility; he doesn’t settle down and get married. Colin still thinks that Penelope writing her newest column is calling for trouble. Penelope insists that she’s not telling people she’s Lady Whistledown, but just that Cressida is not her. Penelope says she’s proud of Whistledown, and won’t let Cressida take that from her.
Penelope points out that Cressida wasn’t ruined by her announcement, and Colin says it’s because no one believed her. The more Colin watches her, the more attracted he realizes he is to Penelope. When Penelope says she isn’t attractive, Colin quickly replies that she is beautiful. He kisses her, and Penelope returns the kiss, shocked but thrilled. The two eventually fall onto the seat, making out with the warmth growing between them.
Colin eventually stops when he realizes that the carriage has stopped. When he asks if Portia has seen them, Penelope says no, but says Briarly, their butler, probably will. Penelope offers to sneak up to her room, but Colin says they’ll go in together. Confused, Penelope watches him get down. Colin finally pulls Penelope out of the carriage, and immediately proposes to her.
Chapter 14
Penelope is so shocked at Colin’s words, she falls to the ground. He helps her up, and she explains that she’s shocked by his words. Colin says he will not besmirch her reputation. The two head to the door, and Briarly greets them. Colin asks if Portia is home, and Briarly confirms it, saying she’s in the drawing room. Colin doesn’t let him finish, and immediately heads to the drawing room, with Penelope in tow. Briarly calls out in a panic, and Penelope catches this. She tries to stop Colin from going in, saying it’s not the best time. Colin asks if she’s planning to refuse him, but Penelope denies it. However, Penelope realizes it’s Tuesday afternoon, which is significant. Colin doesn’t listen, and walks into the drawing room with her.
Colin walks in to what he discovers is a weekly family meeting of all the Featheringtons: Portia, Felicity, Prudence, her husband Robert Huxley, Philippa, and her husband Nigel Berbrooke. Portia immediately shows a great deal of care for Colin, ignoring Penelope. Both Portia and Prudence try to get Penelope away from Colin, but Colin insists on her staying next to him. Portia then tries to get Felicity to talk to Colin, but it doesn’t work. Philippa leaves the room with Nigel, and Prudence tries to get Penelope to leave with her. Colin finally loses his patience, and tells Portia that he wants a moment alone with her and Penelope. Felicity, Prudence, and Robert leave the room.
After they leave, Colin asks Portia for permission to marry her daughter. Portia immediately calls for Felicity, and Colin asks why. Portia asks if he wants to marry Felicity, but he denies it, saying he had her leave the room. Portia is confused, and Colin is shocked. He then explains that he wants to marry Penelope, which shocks Portia. Penelope tries to lighten the tension, saying Felicity is also unmarried, but Colin argues that she’s Hyacinth’s age, and he wouldn’t marry someone so young.
Portia then looks to Penelope, who confirms that Colin proposed to her, and she said yes. Portia says she shouldn’t say no, and Colin is quick to tell Portia to treat Penelope with respect. Penelope tries to calm him, but he refuses, saying he was never interested in Felicity and kept Penelope by his side. He tells Portia that Penelope is a wonderful woman who would be a catch for any man. Penelope is secretly thrilled at Colin defending her. She recalls Lady Danbury’s words of being “more than who she thinks she is.”
Portia quickly gives Penelope and Colin her blessing to marry, and the two finally get engaged.
Chapter 15
Three days later, Penelope has tea with Eloise, and they discuss her engagement. Eloise says how Lady Whistledown would be shocked by her and Colin’s engagement, and Penelope mentions how Lady Whistledown said she’d have to retire if she ever married a Bridgerton. Eloise finds that offensive, even though she was shocked by their announcement. She still tells Penelope that she’s happy for her and Colin.
Penelope notices the ink on Eloise’s fingers, and asks what it’s from. Eloise is evasive, and claims they’re from writing letters to Francesca. Penelope knows that’s not the whole story, and asks Eloise what is wrong. Eloise tries being evasive, but admits to Penelope that she’s happy for her and Colin, but she was planning for her and Penelope to become spinsters together, and thought she’d have a companion for life. Penelope understands, and tells Eloise she never thought this would happen to her, either, but Eloise still has a friend in her.
Colin joins them, and asks what they were talking about. Eloise quickly says Lady Whistledown, trying to avoid talking about her conflicted feelings on their marriage. Eloise asks where Colin went today, and he admits that he was dragged around by Violet to wherever she went. Penelope says she’s just as exhausted, and Colin suggests they elope. Penelope goes along with the idea, and Eloise offers to set up a ladder. Colin points out that both their mothers would be upset, as they’re looking forward to this wedding, and Penelope knows, but still says the idea is tempting. Wickham brings a tray of food for Colin, and Eloise decides to leave the two of them alone.
After she leaves, Colin thinks about how Penelope has been the center of his thoughts since they got engaged. Penelope asks what he’s thinking about, and he comments how she’s become persistent and tenacious like Eloise. Penelope argues that it’s a good thing. Colin agrees, saying she should persist to stay by his side. They start kissing, and become frisky. Colin realizes the desire for Penelope has crept up on him, and he might be falling in love. He stops, and he & Penelope quickly compose themselves. They wonder if they can move up the wedding. Colin assures Penelope that he wants her, before leaving.
Chapter 16
Colin is walking around aimlessly, and ends up visiting Daphne. They talk about her children, and the upcoming engagement ball for Penelope and Colin. Daphne notices he’s distracted, and asks about it. Colin finally asks how one knows if they’re in love. Daphne fumbles, and finally says that it’s not instant, but love happens over time, and Colin should just welcome it. Colin is about to leave, but Daphne convinces him to stay and eat, then leave in her carriage to avoid the rain.
Penelope and Colin’s engagement ball takes place. Eloise and Penelope talk about Cressida, who is present and jealous. Penelope tells Eloise that Colin invited her to rub Penelope’s victory in her face. Eloise believes that Colin is in love. Lady Danbury joins them, also delighted by Penelope and Colin’s engagement. Colin joins them, and says he’s bringing Penelope over to his brother, to officially welcome her to the family. The two start heading towards Anthony, but suddenly, street runners come into the ball, with Lady Whistledown’s column.
Chapter 17
Colin is furious with Penelope. As everyone starts reading Lady Whistledown’s column, he looks at it, knowing what will be written.
April 24, 1824
Lady Whistledown says that people should support someone’s words with their actions, as well as their words. She says that she was going to retire, but due to recent events, she wrote one last column. She firmly says Lady Whistledown is not Cressida, and for her to claim she is “would break my heart.”
Eloise and Lady Danbury are delighted by the column, but Colin and Penelope both stay silent. They’re joined by Anthony, Kate, and Violet. Colin still remains silent to reign in his temper. Colin tells Anthony to make the customary toast because Penelope isn’t feeling well, and Penelope plays along. Anthony leads them to the stage, and makes his toast to Colin and Penelope. Colin quickly leads Penelope to the dance floor, to dance once. Penelope tries to explain, but Colin says to wait and just smile for this dance. Penelope tells him to smile, but he can’t, and the two are tense during their first dance.
Penelope knows Colin is upset, and also realizes her publisher had the column released during the Bridgerton ball instead of the Mottram ball, like she specified, because he wanted her to change her mind. Colin finally tells her they can leave without anyone noticing. Colin takes Penelope to his room through a hidden path. They’re in the dark, and Penelope waits for him to speak, but Colin doesn’t. She asks him to light a candle, but he refuses. He accuses her of publishing the column after their engagement so he wouldn’t leave her. Penelope is upset, but tells him that she was hoping he would understand her actions.
Colin is upset, and says how she’ll be found out by Cressida or someone else, and then vilified by the ton because of what she has said. Penelope still says she won’t let Cressida take credit for her “life’s work.” Colin realized the meaning of this, and suddenly, his opinion changed. He admired Penelope. When she tries to leave, he stops her. Colin realizes he’s in love with Penelope. He asks her to stay, and she agrees.
Chapter 18
Penelope realizes that Colin wants her to stay through the night, but she still stays. The two start kissing on his bed, and Penelope ends up with her chest bare after Colin pulls down her dress. He says she’s even more beautiful than he could’ve imagined, and Penelope feels beautiful. Colin joins her on the bed, undressing, as the air becomes charged with their attraction.
In bed together, Penelope tells Colin that she loves him. Colin tells her that he loves her too. Penelope says that he doesn’t need to say it because she did. He assures her that he didn’t, and reminds her that she knows him well enough to know he wouldn’t say it unless he meant it. Penelope realizes he’s right, and is thrilled to realize how much Colin loves her. He says though she has not changed, the way he sees her has changed, and that’s why he loves her now. The two are in a heated embrace, and pleasure each other as they finally make love.
Chapter 19
Colin and Penelope convince their mothers to move up the wedding so they’re married sooner to avoid an out of wedlock pregnancy. The rest of the ton is occupied with Lady Whistledown to worry about their wedding being moved up.
Three days before their wedding, Colin and Penelope are walking to Number Five when she brings up her writing the last Lady Whistledown column. Colin is tense, and tells Penelope that he doesn’t like her doing that, but he still loves her. Penelope then asks outright if Colin is ashamed of her as Lady Whistledown. Colin says he’s not ashamed, but doesn’t tell her that he’s jealous that she’s achieved something, which he wants to do. He avoids the question and quickly pushes Penelope towards his mother’s house.
A week later, Colin and Penelope are having breakfast as a newlywed couple. Penelope asks if they’ll go on a honeymoon soon. Colin says they’ll go later in the year. Penelope is disappointed, wanting to travel, and Colin admits that he wants to stay in town in case the truth about Lady Whistledown is exposed, so he can limit the fallout. Penelope is upset by this statement, but just continues to eat her breakfast.
Chapter 20
Penelope returns home from shopping a few days later, and finds Colin reading one of his journals. Penelope asks if she can read it, describing the feeling of writing the exact right words down and being intrigued by them. She mentions how he’s read her Lady Whistledown columns, and Colin suddenly becomes withdrawn and refuses to let her read his journals. Hurt, she leaves the room. Colin feels guilty for hurting her, as he thinks about Penelope’s suggestion to publish his journals, but he fears being rejected by everyone.
Colin comes to their bedroom that night, and lets Penelope read some passages from his journal as his way of apologizing. He’s impatient and tense as Penelope reads about his journey in Scotland. However, she tells him that she loved his writing, and wants to go to Scotland for their honeymoon. Colin suggests going to Italy, instead, because it’s “romantic.”
Penelope asks about Colin changing his mind about reading his journals, and he says that he values her opinion. She then asks about him shutting down when talking about Lady Whistledown. Colin finally admits he’s jealous, because she’s got a life’s work, but he has nothing; he wants to have something to leave behind. Penelope listens, then suggests that he publish his journals, offering to help him edit.
Colin asks how Penelope was able to keep her Whistledown column going. Penelope reveals how her solicitor helped her after accidentally discovering a note she wrote, complaining about the ton. He handled everything with the publisher until he died, then Penelope worked directly with the publisher. She and the solicitor worked together to have the money she made given through a late aunt’s estate, and thus to be used by Penelope. Colin suggests he could help her take control of the funds so that she could use for herself or their children.
Penelope then admits how she was upset because she thought Colin was ashamed of her Whistledown life, but she loves him even more for wanting a purpose. She suggests using her money for a honeymoon trip, but Colin refuses. Penelope then suggests using it to help publish his journals, and the two finally agree on it.
Chapter 21
A week later, Penelope is editing Colin’s journals when Cressida suddenly visits her. Surprised, Penelope goes to greet her. Cressida eventually reveals that she knows Penelope is Lady Whistledown, because she remembered how Penelope insulted her by saying it would “break her heart” if Cressida was Lady Whistledown, which is what Lady Whistledown wrote in her last column. Penelope says no one will believe her, but she says if she puts out the idea, people will eventually realize the truth.
Penelope asks what she wants. Cressida finally demands ten thousand pounds, but Penelope says she doesn’t have that much, which Cressida doesn’t believe, even though it’s the truth. Cressida gives Penelope one week to gather the funds, or she’ll ruin her. She leaves, while Penelope is left horrified.
Chapter 22
When Colin comes home, Penelope tells him what happened with Cressida. Colin says he’s going to figure a way out for her, but Penelope suggests asking Lady Danbury to lie for her. However, Colin tells her to hold off until he tries to figure out his own plan. He leaves to go see Anthony, promising that he still loves Penelope, and will protect her with his life.
Colin heads off, getting down from his carriage to get around a crash of a milk carriage, and starts walking on foot to Bridgerton House, furious over Cressida threatening Penelope. He eventually comes to Bridgerton House, and encounters Anthony, who is just returning. Colin tells his brother that he needs his help.
Penelope is getting ready for Daphne’s ball when she gets a note from Colin, telling her to go to his mother’s house, and head to the ball with them. Penelope knows Colin is planning something, but is not sure what. Penelope arrives at Number Five, and Eloise immediately jumps in the carriage, asking what is going on. Penelope is confused, and Eloise reveals that Colin sent a note telling them to stay by Penelope’s side all evening. Violet and Hyacinth also get in, and ask Penelope what’s happening, and she admits she doesn’t know. The carriage arrives at Hastings House, all decked out for the ball. The ladies all get down from the carriage and head inside.
Chapter 23
Penelope is greeted with the Bridgerton ladies by Daphne and Simon, who mention that Colin sent them a note, telling them to keep Penelope away from Lady Danbury. Penelope believes Colin has found a secret about Cressida that he’s planning to use. Eloise is unusually quiet during the exchange. Eloise mysteriously asks if she can be gone for a while, and leaves Violet and Hyacinth with Penelope.
Penelope stays with Violet and Hyacinth through the evening, as they make their rounds at the ball and talk to other guests. Colin finally shows up, but refuses to answer Violet or Hyacinth’s question about what he’s up to. He tells them that he’s going to dance with Penelope, and leaves with her. However, instead of going to the dance floor, Colin heads to a back staircase with Penelope, who asks what is going on. Colin refuses to answer, and instead kisses her.
Penelope breaks up the kiss, and demands that Colin tell her what’s going on. He admits that he’s decided to handle Cressida by telling everyone the truth. Penelope is mortified, but Colin says he’ll support her, no matter what. Penelope is worried about Colin being ruined, as well, but Colin doesn’t care. Penelope then counters that no one will buy his journals once they’re published, and Colin realizes how deeply Penelope loves him. Colin admits that he’s no longer upset, but proud of her, and wants the ton to view her the way he does. Penelope says they might hate her, but Colin is willing to take that risk, because he just cares about being with her.
Penelope relents, and Colin brings her onto a balcony that overlooks the entire ballroom. Penelope becomes shy, but Colin encourages her to be brave. The music stops, and Colin gets the attention of everyone in the ballroom by making a toast to Penelope, expressing his love for her. He then starts to make another announcement, and Penelope hears Cressida’s cry of distress in the background. Colin then gives a long speech ending with him revealing Penelope is Lady Whistledown. At first, the ton is silent, but then Lady Danbury starts clapping, followed by the Bridgerton family and Simon, then the entire crowd. Penelope is amazed at being celebrated for her accomplishments. She and Colin then quickly make their escape, leaving the ball behind.
Epilogue
Bedford Square, Bloomsbury
London, 1825
Colin brings the first copy of his new book to Penelope, who is eight months pregnant with their first child. His first book is about his trip to Italy, and Cyprus will be published soon after, as well as Scotland. Colin credits Penelope for helping him with editing, and she accepts the praise. Colin asks what she was working on, and Penelope admits that she started writing again, and is working on her first novel. Colin is excited, and asks her what it’s about. Penelope admits it’s called The Wallflower, and it’s partially about her life. Colin asks if it has a happy ending, and Penelope fervently confirms it, saying she only knows how to write happy endings.
Notes and Trivia[]
- Romancing Mister Bridgerton focuses on Penelope and Colin's relationship, the subject of season three of the Netflix series Bridgerton.
- Basing the Netflix series season three on this book means they skipped over the third novel, An Offer from a Gentleman.
Book Covers[]
