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    Summary

    In the year 1822, Mister Colin Bridgerton makes a grand return to England after almost 7 years of self imposed exile and reconnects with his estranged friend, Penelope. Will he be able to break the walls she keeps building between them and mend the bridges she is intent on destroying?

    “What’s stopping you from living your life then, Pen? You’re living alone, aren’t you? No mother watching over your shoulder. No husband dictating your choices…”

    “I mean, I can live alone, yes, but I’m still tethered. To reputation. To expectations. To the knowledge that no matter how independently I breathe, I will always be the subject of whispered pity or amusement. A woman alone is never just alone—she is sad, or defiant, or pitiful… never simply herself.”

    “Come with me. For a month or two. See the world outside Mayfair parlours and boring soirees. You said you wanted to feel free. Let this be that.”

    “But how? Where would we stay? What would people say, Colin? I’m not naïve—I know how this would look. Who would even accompany me as a chaperone?”

    “Spinsters do not need chaperones, Pen. You said it yourself once.”

    Language:
    English
    Words:
    108,083
    Chapters:
    22/22
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