Chapter Text
Gloucestershire June 4th, 1813
The carriage ride to Romney Hall was silent. Phillip Crane always enjoyed silence, he relished on quiet walks in nature and silent nights with his books but this kind of silence was completely different, this was the kind of silence that was deafening. The type of silence that made his skin crawl and heart race, Phillip knew he wasn’t the most perceptive when it came to social interactions but even he could feel the nervous energy in the air. He was not the type of person to act on impulse; Phillip Crane did not like change, he was sensible and faced every interaction with a plan. Phillip thought back to the day last two days as he tried to analyze the situation. It all came so suddenly, the betrothal, the wedding, and now they were just two strangers in a carriage ride to their new home as newlyweds. As overwhelming as it was for Phillip, he understood Marina must have been feeling the weight of it all tenfold.
Man and wife, he thought, at nineteen? His whole future was now set for him and for Marina as well. They signed away their dreams and desires for security and honor.
It was the right thing to do. He reminded himself, over and over again. If it wasn’t for this marriage Marina would have nowhere else to go and who knows what would have happened to his future nephew or niece. This is for George. Damn, he missed him. His brother was a good man, polite, charming, and charismatic. George Crane was the type of man who would turns heads just by stepping into a room. To be fair that is what his father raised George to be, the perfect Baronet, meanwhile Phillip, the spare, just had to compete with whatever standards his brother would set.
When his brother died, Phillip’s father scrambled trying to prepare his second son to assume the title. Not even two weeks after George’s death, their Sir Thomas Crane died in a heated argument with Phillip over the continuation of his education. Sometimes Phillip wondered if his family was cursed, it was like death followed him, his mother, his brother, and then his father. He was completely alone, that was until this morning, when he vowed to marry his late brother's lover and raise his future nephew as his own. Although he was a rational man, a part of Phillip couldn't help but see this as a sign, a chance to do good by his brother. Despite knowing he was doing the right thing, he couldn't help but fell like an imposter; George’s title, George’s house, and now what should’ve been his wife and children.
Phillip looked over at Marina, a woman not much younger than he was and probably just if not more frightened. She was the love of George's life, no rings or documents could ever change that. Although he mentioned it briefly the day before at Featherington House, Phillip knew he had to repeat himself. He had to reassure her that his intentions were purely to take care of her and the baby.
He knew the only way to have an amicable marriage was to have some kind of agreement. Although itt took him a few seconds to find the right words, he finally mustered out, “I believe it would be best if we discuss the conditions of our marriage.”
Marina turned her head to look at him. She looked at him as if she was surprised he knew how to speak at all, but ultimately gave him a nod.
“I-“ he stumbled over his words unknowing how to say the right thing. “I do not wish to offend but I hope you realize I do not expect-” he didn’t want to say it so he looked into her eyes to see if she understood his intentions. Unfortunately, he found no indication of agreement. “um… relations between us.” She then nodded. “I will be living in the west wing and you in the east.”
Marina smiled at him, it must have been the first time he’d ever seen her smile, he thought even if it was out of courtesy. She looked forward, lost in thought, then turned back to him. “As you know my affections are still with George and will be for some time. Thank you for respecting that.” He gave her a small nod. “If-if you need to find- something elsewhere. I don’t mind. I, just ask you to be discreet since the reputation of our future family could be at risk.”
Like always, Phillip did not have the words. “I-“ he took a breath, “I hope you know I did not take those vows lightly. As kind as that is to suggest, I do not think that is something you should worry about.” Marina nodded and Phillip turned looking at the picturesque landscape in front of him. Till death do us part , he thought, this was forever. Certainly, Marina would someday stop mourning George and want to seek affection elsewhere. He knew he could not be the one for her if the day ever came. “That is to say if someday you decide that you wish to seek affection outside of our marriage- I too would not object. As long as you are discrete as well.”
London March 10th, 1816
Eloise walks into the drawing room of Penelope and Colin’s house. It was a strange thing, getting used to seeing your brother and best friend married. She loved them of course and was glad to see them happy, but she couldn't help but notice how London's atmosphere was different compared to years prior.
She thought Scotland was isolating, little did she expect a crowded London to be so much worse. Now that Frannie was married and Gregory was attending Eton. Only Hyacinth and Eloise were left, of course so was Benedict but he was 30 now and had his flat not too far from their mother’s house.
Eloise sat down next to Penelope on the sofa. Her redhead friend held the future Lord Featherington in her arms. Eloise looked down at the sleeping baby and smiled, he seemed so calm compared to her other nephews.
“El-“ Penelope started but stopped before handing over the baby to her, Eloise gently held the small creature in her arms, not moving in fear of waking him up. “Now that my Lady Whistledown business has been brought to light, I’ve been thinking of reconnecting and apologizing to my cousin.”
Eloise looked up from the baby. “Your cousin..” her eyes widened “Surely you don’t mean- “she looked at the door and whispered, “Lady Crane.” In truth, Eloise felt no hate or resentment towards Marina, but she did know it took Colin a while to get over their engagement.
Penelope nodded, “If this year has taught me anything it is that life is short. Family is everything and I would like Marina’s twins to know little Elliot.” She said looking down at her son. Eloise agreed with a small smile and nod. “I shall like to invite the Cranes to Elliots’ christening next month.”
Eloise knew Penelope’s heart was in the right place. Even if Marina rejected the invitation, Penelope would have a clearer conscience knowing that she tried. “I think that’s a splendid idea, Pen,” Eloise said with a genuine smile.
Romney Hall March 14th, 1816
Phillip and Marina sat on opposite sides of the dining table. It was clear, only a month into their marriage, that their relationship would be a distant one. They were so different in habits and views, the only thing they shared was their love of George and the twins. Most nights they ate dinner in silence as she read and he sketched. They would sometimes engage in small talk relating to the twins or news relating to the estate. Marina’s mood tended to change drastically from one extreme to the other, similar to his father’s, so he knew to keep his distance when those days came. On nights like those Marina would prefer to eat in her room, Phillip did not mind of course as he liked having more time in the greenhouse and eating there. Anywhere else this would be considered most improper but as it was only the two of them, and people would rarely came to visit, Phillip did not protest.
Their guest mostly consisted of his widowed Aunt Gertrude and his married cousin Cordelia, who would visit at most once a year for a week. The last time they had a non-family member visit was two years ago by Marina’s ex-fiancé Mr. Colin Bridgerton. Marina told him about her previous engagement and it was to Phillip’s surprise the kind man he met that day. The two men instantly hit it off and became friends. After their visit Colin wrote twice once as a courtesy and another time about a year ago of his most recent travels accompanied with a package of seeds he thought Phillip might enjoy.
Once they finished their dinner Phillip went to his study to look over the servants’ wages since payday was just a day away. Once that task was completed Phillip sat in his study going over the layout of the apple orchard he was planning with one of his tenants. That was when he heard a knock at the door. “Come in.” He said not looking up.
“A letter has arrived from London,” Gunning said, holding out the letter. Phillip thanked him and opened it as he left. It was a letter from Penelope Bridgerton. He didn’t quite understand why it said dear cousin, from his knowledge neither he nor Marina was related to the Bridgertons. He read on and realized it was an invitation to a Christening. He decided to step down to the library, Marina’s habitual lounging location and ask her himself. “Are you related to any Bridgerton?”
“No.” She said confused, “Why do you ask?”
He handed over the letter. “This letter came in. I do not recall Colin speaking of a Penelope Bridgerton.”
Marina smiled at the letter. “It seems that my cousin, nee Penelope Featherington has married Mr. Colin Bridgerton.” She handed him back the letter. “They are inviting us to their son’s Christening next month.”
“Would you like to go?” Phillip asked.
Marina looked around. As fond as she was of the country, she desperately missed the city and having a family outside the twins and Phillip. “If possible, yes.” She took a small breath. “I think it would be lovely for the twins to know they have family outside of us two.”
Phillip nodded in agreement, “I shall arrange our lodgings and travels.” He fumbled with the letter, “Would you like to write back or should I?”
“I could write back,” She said, reaching out for the letter.
He handed over the letter. “Splendid.”