XXIX

"Oh my god." Josephine was frozen in shock at the secret that had been slipped.

"Oh, thank god." Penelope sighed with relief. "I've been doing so well keeping this whole thing secret, but I just need someone to confide in."

"Oh. My. God. Penelope." Josephine whispered, looking up at the redhead before her. "It would be you. You have the brains for it. And the wit." Josephine was beginning to piece it all together.

"You can not imagine how difficult it has been to keep this from Eloise; I hate lying to her." Penelope looked down

"But Penelope...you have said such awful things, made shrewd comments even of your own family!" Josephine's shock was wearing off, but she was still in awe.

"They are not my family; they have hardly treated me like one, so they, along with many others, will know the truth," Penelope said defensively.

"Pen, you cannot do this forever." Josephine wasn't quite sure why she was saying this to the Featherington girl before her. None of her business was, but she felt hurt by all the chaos lady Whistledown or instead Penelope had caused.

"I thought you would be supportive. Out of everyone, you are so gracious and honest you were meant to be supportive." Penelope began to rant, somewhat panicked. "Promise me, Josephine, you won't tell a soul. Not Anthony, no one."

"Of course, Penelope...." Josephine tried to reach out, but Penelope had already rushed inside towards the front door, no doubt.

*****

Josephine clung tightly to Anthony's hand as they stood in the drawing-room with Benedict and a woeful Colin Bridgerton. She felt sick to the stomach, knowing that Penelope had so mercilessly exposed Marina's secret to the ton, for what? Jealousy? Spite?

She felt just as awful watching Anthony's blood boil at the news and knowing she couldn't do anything about it. A truly solemn feeling weighed down the Bridgerton brothers.

Squeezing Anthony's hand, she let go sitting next to Colin on the couch. "Well, as much as your brothers and I wish we could do something to fix this, we cannot. There is nothing left for you now to reflect on the love you shared; although fleeting, I know it was valuable. Such value doesn't just disappear, Colin." Josephine sighed, sharing a weak smile with Anthony.

"It's not your fault," Benedict added, trying to raise his brother's case to anywhere but his fiddling hands. "Colin. It's just those troublesome women!"

Josephine tried not to laugh as she threw a pillow at Benedict's head, making direct contact. This caused a small smile from Colin, which meant progress.

"We will stand beside you every step of the way." Josephine rubbed Colin's shoulder reassuringly.

*****

"Evening, everyone." Daphne Bridgerton smiled shortly at her family and Josephine as she entered the house.

"What are you doing here? Should you not be frolicking in newlywed bliss?" Benedict teased, genuinely hoping the arrival of his sister would lighten the mood.

"I came as swiftly as our carriage would allow when I heard the news," Daphne responded, embracing her family in tight hugs.

"In the middle of your honeymoon?" Josephine questioned; Simon must have been annoyed. As if reading her mind, Anthony spoke.

"Hastings must surely be cursing the Bridgerton name for this. Where is he, anyhow?" He raised an eyebrow glancing at Josephine.

"He went to set up Hastings House," Daphne said as she sat with the others.

"Well, if you don't mind." Josephine stood, wanting to see her brother.

"Of course not, dear, take the carriage." Violet smiled kindly, Anthony rising to walk her.

"I will come with you love." Anthony smiled weakly at the woman.

"Love, that is new. I like it." Josephine giggled as she held his eyesight. "But please do not worry, spend some time with your sister."

"We hardly get a moment to ourselves." Anthony sighed, grabbing Josephine's hands.

"Every night is hardly nothing, Anthony." Josephine teased, squeezing his hands.

"Night is where we hide; I want to see you in the daytime when the sun is bright, and I can bask in your features, your warmth." Anthony sighed slightly.

"You know our relationship is complicated. We are lucky your family trusts us so." Josephine looked sadly at the man she loved, wishing nothing more than to kiss him in broad daylight where everyone could see them. In the middle of the street, in a cafe, at the lake.

"You are right. Selfish of me to say such things." Anthony replied curtly.

"You're not fair," Josephine whispered.

"The world isn't fair," Anthony responded, letting go of her hands and storming off down the hall.

Josephine was struck with confusion. Their conversation had escalated so quickly. She was getting sick of fighting. She felt tears burn her eyes as she pushed open the doors to the carriage.

As she sat crying of the seat, Anthony Bridgerton took his anger out on a wall, silent tears streaming down his face.

The world wasn't fair.

****

Ahhh, ok, so you have no idea how hard it was to continue this story; I had no idea what I wanted to do... but I think I've figured it out!!!

I hope you enjoyed it! As usual, let me know what you think :)