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Dear Lady Danbury,
I hope all is well with you, Agatha. I am writing to invite you to stay with us in Aubrey Hall for Christmas until Epiphany. Edmund and I are always happy to have your presence with our family through this celebratory time, and now even more with little Penelope. I cannot wait for you to meet her, she is so good. Thank you so much for the lovely letters and to answer the question you have sent in your previous letter—yes, Penelope will love your gift. She is very modest and does not have a lot to her name, so anything will do. I pray that good weather comes to us earlier so I can take Penelope to the modiste and have her fit for many new gowns.
With kindest regards,
Lady Violet Bridgerton, December 15 1801
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December 25th, 1801
Christmas
The day began with the Bridgertons, plus Miss Aubrey, going to church early in the morning.
Penelope was thrilled to finally venture beyond the confines of the house. While she derived great pleasure from the company of the Bridgerton children, who occupied her days with their antics, she was eager to explore more than the gardens of Aubrey Hall. Anthony and Benedict had developed a close bond with her, with Anthony reading for her and the other children and Benedict offering her guidance in drawing, Penelope felt profoundly welcomed and less anxious in their presence.
Penelope intended to express her gratitude to Lord and Lady Bridgerton for their hospitality. With the help of Anthony and Benedict, she made gifts for the couple and eagerly anticipated the opportunity to present them after their return from church.
Penelope shared a carriage with Violet, Eloise, Daphne, and Francesca; Edmund’s carriage had the boys. Gregory stayed home with his nursemaid because of how young he was. Going to church confused Penelope because she did not understand it, so she mainly sat down and behaved to make her guardians proud.
She did receive a few looks from bystanders, especially from those who had greeted the Viscount and Viscountess in a friendly manner. They asked no questions about her presence, but their staring lingered, causing her to feel uneasy.
Penelope was also uncomfortably wrapped in many layers of clothing to protect her from the cold. She was sweating profusely inside the church, and Eloise pointed out how red her face was at one point during the service, which prompted Violet to hastily remove her scarf and coat to allow the little girl to breathe a little better.
Edmund had been anxious about allowing her outside due to her weak state so he kept glancing at the girl once in a while during the service, unable to focus even when Violet squeezed his hand comfortingly.
Following the conclusion of the service, during the journey back, Violet informed the girls that Lady Danbury would be attending the Christmas Feast and that she would be staying in Aubrey Hall until Epiphany. Edmund must have informed the boys of the same fact, for when they arrived at Aubrey Hall, Penelope noticed how wan they all appeared.
She tried asking Colin why he looked so scared, but the eight-year-old boy merely stated that Lady Danbury was a terrifying woman capable of reading minds.
Edmund, who was near them, gave his son a gentle reprimand punctuated by a humorous expression and informed Penelope that Lady Danbury was a highly regarded matron and a close acquaintance of the family, especially to Lady Bridgerton, who had known her since she was three and ten.
All Penelope felt now was curious about her.
Lady Danbury arrived one hour later and her presence made quite the stir.
Firstly, Violet had all over her children, sans Gregory, standing from eldest to youngest in the foyer to greet her. Edmund stood by his wife’s side, proudly looking at his children and his ward warmly as Violet instructed them to behave and be cordial hosts to their guest.
Lady Danbury held a significant place in Violet's life, and despite the boys' initial wariness towards her, their upbringing was focused on instilling in them the values of proper conduct for gentlemen. As a result, Anthony chose to overcome his apprehension of Lady Danbury's discerning eyes and words and take the initiative to guide his younger siblings and Penelope in exhibiting proper behaviour, aiming to honour their parents' expectations.
The girls looked mostly bored. Penelope turned to Eloise and was met with a yawn, while Daphne fixed her gaze intently on her shoes. Francesca appeared to be on the verge of running out of the foyer—just imagining it made Penelope smile a little. It became evident that the Bridgertons' reactions to Lady Danbury's arrival varied significantly.
To Penelope, that was very amusing.
Lady Danbury was greeted warmly by Violet and welcomed graciously by Edmund, the three adults exchanged pleasantries as the children watched, standing still behind them with anticipating looks.
As valets and maids scattered around her belongings to get everything in one of the guest bedchambers as quickly as they could, Lady Danbury approached her in the foyer, singling her out from the other children. Penelope found herself uncertain as to her feelings towards her, but the boys' reaction had instilled in her a sense of trepidation.
In the end, Penelope curtsied clumsily to her and was inwardly startled when she was met with a smile from the woman—the genuine, beautiful kind smile. All her worries about her vanished right away and every single negative scenario she thought about when meeting her all seemed silly now.
Lady Danbury introduced herself and complimented the colour of her hair, and Penelope immediately decided that she liked the woman.
The other children were just glad her attention was not on them that time.
The Bridgertons, Lady Danbury, and Penelope moved to the main drawing room, where the gifts were waiting to be opened.
The initial trepidation the boys had felt towards Lady Danbury had dissipated, and they had begun to warm up to her. Penelope pondered the reasons for their initial apprehension towards her, considering it might have been her astute eyes and incisive words. She was intelligent and, as she discovered, part of the Queen's Court. The mere mention of the Queen caused Penelope to experience one of her usual headaches, but this one appeared more intense. She attempted to conceal her discomfort, but Penelope's head ached intensely, causing her to struggle to keep her eyes open.
After the adults settled on the settees the children (and teens) were able to open their gifts with ease, taking up a comfortable position on the floor, Penelope, feeling a painful pinch inside her head coming on, closed her eyes for a moment, at which point she felt Eloise sit next to her in an attempt to find the first gift that had her name.
Eloise was opening her third gift when a nursemaid walked in the room, carrying a somnolent Gregory who smiled happily at the sight of his family. Penelope watched with a fond smile as she handed the ten-month-old baby to the Viscount, who kissed his head and sat him on his lap as he had done for her as they had the portrait taken.
Penelope cast a glance at the painting, which was displayed above the fireplace, and felt her heart heavy with yearning. Even though she was depicted alongside this family in the portrait, Penelope could only wonder about her real family. She looked around, taking in the warmth emanating from the room, the scattered gift wrappers and bows on the floor, and the happy squeals and cries that filled the air as everyone opened their gifts.
Anthony received a leather notebook accompanied by a set of new quills. Benedict expressed satisfaction with his newly acquired art supplies. Colin was enthusiastic about testing his bow. Daphne showed great delight in her new doll, embracing it affectionately. Eloise smiled at the children's tales book and shared a knowing glance with Penelope. Francesca was delighted with her piano sheets, and Gregory—well, he received a rocking horse.
These gifts bestowed upon the Bridgerton children were not the only ones received; Lady Danbury had also brought her own gifts to the family. Penelope noted the presence of numerous new gowns and gloves, toy soldiers, and books.… she watched in awe at how everyone enjoyed themselves.
Then, Violet asked why Penelope wasn’t opening her gifts.
That is when she realised she had them.
Penelope had not anticipated receiving any gifts, and when she casually vocalised this expectation, her remark was met with a collective expression of pity from those present, including the servants.
Penelope was in a state of reverie as she opened her first gift: a white scarf and blue gloves knitted by Violet. She took her time to feel the fabric on her hands and held her breath for a moment, thinking them to be the softest things she had ever touched. Penelope looked at the Viscountess and attempted to suppress her tears as she thanked her. Violet's own eyes were wet at the sheer reaction the little girl gave.
She then regarded her new (and first) garments longingly before setting them aside meticulously and opening Edmund's gift. The music box was captivating and the most aesthetically pleasing object she had ever seen. Daphne swiftly offered a compliment and told her to open it so they could listen to the music within. When Penelope did so, she was taken aback by the golden comb inside. The comb was small and would most likely become unsuitable for use by the time she reached adulthood; however, at that moment, Penelope grasped it tightly in her hand and gazed at the two people who had bestowed upon her her very first belongings.
The gifts received by Penelope were now considered artefacts to her and as she attempted to suppress her tears, Lady Danbury instructed one of the maids to deliver her gift to Penelope. The gift was a large box, and Penelope was reluctant to open it due to how overwhelmed she already felt. She was uncertain and could not comprehend the fact that a woman with whom she had no prior acquaintance had presented her with a gift. Looking up at Lady Danbury, she was reassured by the fact that she received an encouraging smile, which served as a silent assurance that the gift was indeed intended for her and that she could open it.
It was a dress.
A baby blue dress. The elegant and delicate fabric felt silky to the touch, and it appeared to be a simple day dress. However, to Penelope, it was her dress.
She couldn’t hold it in anymore.
Penelope quickly concealed her face amidst the folds of her new dress and wept uncontrollably. The sheer joy she felt overwhelmed her body. Reactions were immediate: no sooner had she begun to weep than she felt a multitude of arms enfolding her. Although she felt it would be prudent to stop crying like a baby to avoid spoiling the happy moment, she found herself unable to do so. It was simply too overwhelming. Penelope felt truly blessed by her new belongings, and she could not help herself.
As Edmund lowered Gregory on the floor to comfort his ward, he witnessed his youngest son's swift and unhesitating crawl towards the weeping girl, his face bearing an unmistakable expression of resolve. Even Eloise and Daphne, who had been embracing Penelope, watched as their brother reached her and tugged on her arm to call her attention. Then, after a brief moment of blabbering, Penelope sniffed and unhid her face from the dress, giving him a questioning look as tears slid down her red, puffy eyes.
The child's exclamation signalled his desire to be the focus of his mother's attention, and he extended his arms towards her, indicating his desire to be picked up. When she placed him on her lap, still crying a little, Gregory then rested his head on her chest and placed his tiny hand on her cheek, caressing it slowly in a soothing manner. Violet and Edmund shared a surprised look, which then shifted into a fond expression. Whenever Gregory cried, Violet would always do the same gestures he was doing to Penelope, and it was evident that the toddler was now using this method to comfort the girl, which was a heartwarming sight to behold.
And it worked.
Penelope stopped crying and smiled at Gregory, grabbing the hand on her cheek to kiss it before thanking him and hugging him tightly.
Colin tried to warn Penelope about allowing Gregory to come too close to her face, but before he could explain why, Gregory attacked Penelope's face with his mouth, attempting to bite her nose or chin and leaving a trail of drool in his wake. Penelope shrieked with shock and delight at the sudden and adorable attack, and with giddiness, she fell backwards as Gregory continued his assault, causing those around them to laugh.
Anthony, the only one who appeared to be concerned, approached with haste and attempted to dislodge Gregory from the redhead. However, his brother had now firmly grasped her hair, so he asked his mother for assistance.
Violet, whose cheeks were reddening from her profuse laughter, tapped her husband's knee as a sign to him to assist their son. Edmund, her ever-dutiful husband, stood up while chuckling and helped Anthony pry Gregory from a giggling Penelope by gently unclasping the baby's fingers from her tresses.
Upon Gregory's return to Edmund's lap, a grin of triumph on his face, having successfully ensnared another victim, Lady Danbury dramatically struck her cane on the floor and proclaimed that Christmas at the Bridgertons was an unrelenting source of entertainment.
Penelope silently agreed with her as a grumbling Anthony wiped any drool from her face with his handkerchief.
When everyone calmed down and seemed to be in their own bubble as they all waited to be called for the Christmas Feast, Penelope took the opportunity to approach the Viscount and Viscountess—Gregory was seated on the floor now, engaged in Colin's playful interaction with the toy soldiers—and retrieved two envelopes from her dress pockets.
Edmund, who was engaged in conversation with Violet and Lady Danbury, cast his gaze towards the young girl and, taking Violet's hand, directed her attention towards Penelope. When both Violet and Lady Danbury turned their eyes to Penelope, displaying a curious smile, Lady Danbury leaned back in her seat, observing the unfolding scene.
She presented the envelopes to each and, visibly flustered, stated that this was her Christmas gift to them. Upon opening their envelopes, Edmund and Violet discovered a letter and a small drawing. Penelope clarified that she had Anthony's help in writing the letter and Benedict's help in creating the drawing, adding that, despite the gifts not matching those they had previously given her, Penelope still wished to express her gratitude.
Edmund pursed his lips in an attempt to conceal his emotions as he read his letter.
Dear my Lord,
I am saying this out loud as Anthony writes for me. He is a good boy, and he is not writing this about him, I’m the one telling him to do it.
(It is true Father, she is the one who said that. So it must be true.)
The sentence above was him. I told him to stop because this is my letter and not his.
(I have apologised to her, Father.)
Thank you for saving my life and not giving up on me. I love living here and I am never scared. I used to be. I don’t remember what happened or how I got here but I am glad that you were the one that found me.
You are a good man, Viscount Bridgerton.
I will do my best to be a good ward and I promise to never embarrass your family’s name.
I will be a good girl and I will make you proud.
With love,
Penelope Aubrey
Violet wasn’t looking better, she covered her mouth to hide her sob as she read her letter.
Dear my Lady,
Anthony is writing for me, everything written here is my words. He cannot write for himself in his letter because I will be upset with him.
My Lady, your hugs and kisses are very warm and always make me happy. My favourite is when you kiss my head, on top of my wound. Eloise told me that you are kissing it better and it always works, so thank you for using your Mama magic on it, I do feel much better every time you do it. I love it when you are already smiling at me when I look at you. Colin has the same smile and I like it a lot.
I know you are not my Mama.
That’s okay.
But you have a way to make me feel loved. And I think that’s enough.
I will make you proud, my Lady, and I promise to never bring shame to your wonderful family.
(Mother, do not tell Penelope I have written for myself in this letter. I think we must stop searching for her family and keep her. Even if they are actively searching for her, it has been three months and I think the children have grown too attached to her, so, I believe it is in my(scratch) their best interest).
With love,
Penelope Aubrey
Violet and Edmund carefully placed the heartfelt letters on their laps and proceeded to examine the drawings. They smiled at the distorted figures and haphazard colouring before them, finding it all to be absolutely perfect. Each drawing represented an attempt to capture their portrait, with their children and Penelope present in the background—it was perfect.
Both regarded their eldest sons with a sense of pride. Anthony appeared slightly embarrassed as he recollected his brief interjections in Penelope's letters, while Benedict nodded in acknowledgement, fondly recalling the amusement he derived from Penelope's sulking reactions to his playful teasing during her drawing sessions, leading her to eventually produce a work that pleased her the most.
Violet pulled the girl into a hug while still seated, settling her between her legs as she cradled her head gently, avoiding her wound. Edmund waited patiently, and when his wife released the five-year-old, he cupped her chubby cheeks and pressed a chaste yet lingering kiss on her forehead, muttering a quick 'thank you' as the lips pressed against her skin. Penelope smiled watery at both and rested her head against Edmund's chest when he embraced her as well.
As Penelope stood between the Viscount and Viscountess, she inhaled scents of orange, rosemary, mint, and lavender. She also caught a delicious fragrance of sweet vanilla and cinnamon—these aromas would forever be imprinted in her memory.
When it came time for the Christmas Feast, everyone moved to the dining room used to special occasions and Penelope was in awe at how the table looked like.
Roast meats, pies, pasties, and side dishes filled with healthy vegetables—desserts spread around so deliciously inviting! She even noticed a yellow cake with a small crown on top of it, and she wondered what its purpose was.
The atmosphere was of opulence, warmth, and festive cheer as they ate. Everyone was enjoying the abundance of food and drink and Penelope nearly choked on her cranberry juice when she saw Colin try to stuff too much food inside his mouth, resulting in him looking like a squirrel with how big his cheeks were. After Edmund lightly scolded his son to slow down his pacing, the sound of lively conversation and music from a pianoforte filled the air as the evening unfolded.
But the best part came afterwards.
When the clock struck four o’clock, the feast had vanished, leaving only the desserts on the table while the housemaids served tea and coffee. But before he could drink, Edmund told the children that, since it was still a sunny day outside, they could play hide and seek outside.
That included Penelope.
Only she had to wear more layers of clothing than everyone else.
At least Penelope got to try her new scarf and gloves, which fitted her perfectly much to Violet’s pleasure.
Anthony took charge of the group immediately as they left the adults inside. He gathered everyone in a circle in the same area where they used to play Pam Mall during the season. He suggested that they build a snowman first to warm up the muscles after such a big meal, and no one seemed to complain. Upon hearing the word "snowman", Eloise and Daphne immediately took hold of Penelope's hand and guided her to a pile of soft snow, where they proceeded to gather snowballs.
With the advantage of Anthony’s and Benedict’s longer arms, the children were able to make a snowman in thirty minutes, with the finishing touch of Benedict’s scarf as in it, everyone was proud of their work.
And Benedict was now slightly colder. But he didn’t mind.
Penelope noticed that a lot of eyes were looking at her. At first, she did not realise that this was happening; it began innocently. Colin approached her and asked if she would like to play hide and seek, to which she excitedly replied yes. Then it was Anthony. He was less successful in trying to be casual about it, and even a young child like Penelope noticed him staring. Then, Benedict jumped when Penelope moved quickly to get out of Eloise's reach while they were playing tag, and grabbed her by the torso. After startling her he apologised, explaining that he had forgotten he wasn't the one chasing.
One hour later, the children were now engaged in a competitive hide-and-seek game, with Anthony leading by two points. Colin, who was more sneaky than he appeared, was in second place and could win the final game if Anthony lost.
Penelope was currently hiding behind a tree with Eloise, both girls kept giggling and shushing each other at the same time, which made them giggle even more. The game was now in its final stages, and Anthony was keen on finding the two girls. Benedict reminded him that he had five minutes left to find them and Anthony began to look around with a sense of urgency, his eyes squinting as if he was hunting.
Just when the two girls believed that Anthony had left and they were on verge of winning, he suddenly appeared from behind them, made a loud noise, and took hold of them. He then laughed loudly when the two girls screamed in fright. When Eloise realised that it was Anthony, she immediately became annoyed and kicked his shin. At the same time, Penelope panicked and attempted to suppress the painful sensation in her chest, her heart was beating too quickly and causing her to feel uneasy.
Instead of panicking as she felt her heartbeat on her neck, Penelope merely forced a laugh and praised him on finding them, trying to avoid ruining the good afternoon she had just spent with the Bridgertons.
However, Anthony was able to sense her discomfort. He picked her up and offered Eloise his hand, informing them that now that the game was over, it was time to return indoors since the sun was beginning to set. Penelope felt slightly shy about being carried by Anthony, but she found herself at ease, resting her head on his shoulder, and realising how tired she was.
Eloise did not voice any objections. Penelope looked down at her and saw her pouting while attempting to rub the drowsiness from her eyes. It was evident that she wanted to complain about playtime being over, but her tiredness prevented her from doing so.
The children changed into their nightwear and gathered in the drawing room, a space used more informally by the family. While receiving guests in it was a rare occurrence, Lady Danbury was an exception. As the children sat in front of the fireplace, conversing happily about the day they had just had, Anthony took this opportunity to play a game of chess with Benedict to try to beat his score from the previous time. Meanwhile, Edmund watched them with amusement, filling in as the judge to avoid any cheating.
Violet and Lady Danbury were discussing their expectations for the new season when a housemaid entered the room with a tray trolley containing hot chocolate cups. Penelope, feeling better, had never previously tasted hot chocolate and was surprised by its thick consistency. However, upon tasting it, she found it to be the most delicious drink she had ever had, comparable to the chamomile and honey tea Mrs Wilson had once brought her.
As the Christmas festivities drew to a close, Penelope found herself wondering. She sipped her hot chocolate, while Eloise leaned against her, laughing at Colin's unfortunate mishap of burning his tongue by sipping too quickly. She found herself wondering if her Christmases used to be like this with her family. Did they have their own traditions? Did they exchange gifts? Did she have any siblings to play with?
Penelope was aware that she might never receive an answer to all of these questions. However, as she gazed out of the window and noticed the snowfall outside, she hoped that, if they were out there, they were having a warm, merry Christmas.
As she was.
