#polin's pun

[spaceorphan18]

A little sunflower joking that a bee might pollenate her.

A little sunflower being pollenated by said bee.

[himbo-buckley]

No but

„It pains me to see you upset“ „then perhaps you should not have come“

And

„I could die tomorrow“ „You are not going to die tomorrow“ „But it would kill me“ „But you’d already be dead“

Clown to clown communication, they really said ✨sassy✨

[livelovecaliforniadreams]

[herinnerwolf]

penelope and colin being the first bridgerton couple to get an original song written just for them see when you're the it ship and the people's princess and the production's favourite all in one

[bunnykaye]

Now he's thinkin' 'bout me every night, oh Is it that sweet? I guess so Say you can't sleep, baby, I know That's that me, espresso Move it up, down, left, right, oh Switch it up like Nintendo Say you can't sleep, baby, I know That's that me, espresso

"Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter

[waltricia]

Of course he loves her, she laughed at this terrible pun.

And the fact that she laughed is how you know she loves him. Literally, if he wasn’t so unaware of who he is, he could’ve caught on way sooner. smh dumbass lol

[doomed2repeat]

When people try to insult Colin Bridgerton by saying he’s too nice and he’s a nerd and a loser and that’s literally all the reasons I love him:

[lillywhitefield]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Bridgerton (TV), Bridgerton Series - Julia Quinn Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Colin Bridgerton/Penelope Featherington Characters: Colin Bridgerton, Penelope Featherington Additional Tags: Smut, Mildly Dubious Consent, Sex Pollen, Multiple Orgasms, Regency, Loss of Virginity, Overstimulation, Fluff, Aphrodisiacs, Marina who??, chaotic proposal, more book-verse than show-verse i guess Summary:

Colin returns from his travels and wishes to show Penelope a mysterious plant that has finally bloomed in his greenhouse after a year of waiting.

This "heart flower" has quite a bit in store for them.

[simplyalexeiofficial]

Say what you will about skipping Benedict’s story, but with season 2 of bridgerton focusing on the bee imagery, it seems really only natural that season three should be about…

… Polin 😎

[conejita-canelita]

The charm to polin is that at their core they are both losers. They make corny ass plant puns that never land with whatever crowd they’re with. Penelope’s idea of flirting is to act like you're seconds away from fainting from heat stroke. She runs a successful gossip column and yet she's extremely shy outside of that. Colin can't help making dick jokes in the presence of his own mother. He's set on ruining the love of his life and he follows through with about as much backbone as a snapable glow stick ( I mean, he succeeds!!! but not in the way everyone knows he meant). Their idea of being bad together is to drop an eclair into a potted plant as if they're five again. Neither of them can register a damn social queue. The two of them break every rule of propriety there could possibly be between them unintentionally. They both somehow think that dating lessons with each other are going to be no strings attached. Polin at its essence is boy and girl cringefail being so disgustingly in love it makes everyone else around them sick. You need to understand, love, and accept this to be on board with them.

[summerpearlgirl]

Polin Fic Recs - One Tree 🌳 & Sex Pollen 🐝🌼

Pen wants to climb Colin like a tree. However, in these fics, Colin is the one doing the tree climbing to reach Pen's bedroom. Much like the One Bed fics, we all know where this is going.

I may have gone on a sex pollen (#sex polin?) tangent when making this list 🐝🌼. The pun is right there! Gold stars to all the Polin fic writers who go hard with the puns 🌟

1. My Heart Is Thrilled By The Still Of Your Hand by ShirlyGallagher

Explicit. Regency. Complete. 6,722 words. Under 1 hour read. Classic Book!Colin climbs the tree fic with a steamy late night rendezvous in Pen's bedroom for the engaged couple.

2. Foolish One by LeighAnne_Balsdon

Mature. Regency. Complete. 43,498 words. Set in S1. This fic has got a runaway Pen and Colin & Eloise Bridgerton as the search party. Thank goodness Eloise is along for the ride because this is full force Chaos Colin. Slow burn with eventual tree climbing smut.

3. Dishonest Conquest by lilyeval

Explicit. Regency. Complete. 21,960 words. Set S3. Flirting coach Colin Bridgerton gets very jealous of his excellent student Pen's suitors. The flirting train is off the rails. Pen has no filter and may be more oblivious than Colin for once. Colin has climbed into her bedroom at night and she still thinks this is a friendly flirting lesson between friends.

4. Loudly and Fervently and canyonoflight

Explicit. Regency. Complete. 6,369 words. Under 1 hour read. Set post-S2. The whole of London are overcome by a mist of sex pollen 🐝🌼. Colin tries to be a gentleman, but Pen naughtily displays her breasts at her window towards Colin’s bedroom which gets Colin climbing that tree speedily.

5. Love Is Merely A Madness by Sea_Dragonfly

Explicit. Regency. Complete. 6,900 words (Perfect word count for the amount of smut). Set post-S2. Pen is sequestered in her bedroom because of a mystery fever (sex pollen 🐝🌼) and Colin climbs the tree to Pen's bedroom to check on her. The sex pollen debauchery is offset by lots of trust, consent and tenderness.

6. Bonus sex pollen fic with no tree climbing. Love in Bloom by LillyWhitefield

Explicit. Regency. Complete. 5,250 words. Under 1 hour read. Book!Polin get sex pollened in a greenhouse by a mysterious flower 🐝🌼. Sweet & savvy Book!Pen deserves a sex pollen shag too.

[cathreaux]

So, I'm assuming, after weeks of pretending that is all casual, that I'm in the polin fever too. I mean, the way I'm OBSESSED with them that I even started to write fanfics again after yeeears AND also posting, sharing and comment a lot (like, I'm more like a quiet fan, but this time I can't) but the way I'm going onto some headcanons about the show... Oh, sweet fanfic-child, remember their not canon.

But, as a wise yearning man on tears said, "I cAn'T" and now I can't stop thinking about what if Pen was Colin's childhood crush?

✨imagine with me for a moment✨

As we know —I think? We know? I think we know this or maybe I'm spend too much time here— from the beginning Colin been found Pen charming, intelligent, funny, brave, pretty, interesting, sensible, lovely and a long list of qualities that Colin "my wife" Bridgerton would love to tell you. And for him is so normal, like, "of course I think she's amazing, have you seen her?" that the idea of him being ashamed of her was ridiculous. And he let her know that so many times during the season, even before the kiss. Her silence was tortured him when he was in his tour and, even if he wasn't conscious, part of all the changes he did were thinking if that would bring her attention back.

Ok, with that on mind, what if when they know each other he has a crush on her? In the show they meet when they were kids, and she make an unforgettable first impression that even after years he remembered with a big soft smile. But ALSO he REMEMBER when the Featheringtons moved to their house (he see her BEFORE they meet in the incident with the horse). He was mesmerized, so charmed by her and trying to cause a good impression (his reaction after fall of the horse said a lot), but the fact that she start a friendship with Eloise and he keep seeing her, also influenced on what I think was the big Colin's travel of childhood'crush/myverygoodfriend/ohshitIwasinloveallthisfuckingtime.

Because, first of all, if Pen and Eloise hadn't become friends they would never have had the opportunity to seen each other so much and less yet to know themselves as they did. Society rules wouldn't let them. They were children but even in that moment of their lifes a friendship between girls and boys wasn't good looking for others. But Pen and El becoming friends (I'm sure that would happen with or without Colin) and that created so many moments for them. For develop the proximity, the puns, the games, the conversations, to sharing interest, the fact that they think the other is pretty but doesn't know if he/she think the same, the chemistry. They have enough space and time for nervous giggles and show a discrete interest that they can hide as a friendship' start, but not enough space and time alone for profound theirs feelings and show/seen more of how the other feels.

If Pen had not become friend with Eloise, they would be only neighbors and he would be interested, but more like a distance fantasy that something more real and deep, more easy to let it go (and maybe it would return when she debuts). But being friend with her changes everything. His interest for her was bigger and bigger, but, how he can keep her in his life without pushing her away? He had to let his crush and feelings stay in the shadows of his childhood, where every infant love is supposed to remain.

If Eloise wouldn't been always present or interrupting their interactions they're would also deep their relationship (no encontré cual es la palabra correcta para lazos porque la que me salió no es la que estaba buscando), maybe would notice (both of them) that it wasn't only friendship for the other... But the thing is Bridgertons doesn't know how to share (that's included friends) and, for the way the ton work in their context, he can't claim her as his (in any way) at the same way that Eloise do. Even call her his friend was go against the status quo, any other claim being so young would only distance them for the society rules. In fact, his family give them so much freedom that they wouldn't have with any other that wasn't a Bridgerton. But the rules are still there. So, he have to choose. And childhood crush only remains in the past, right? He want her in his life permanent, so a very good friend has to be.

Another point is, yes, he was more closed to his sister's ages and with them in general, but Pen was the girl he meet by himself, the person outside his family with who have most proximity. And he finds her charming from the beginning. And he was always so romantic, he probably loved to play the prince, the knight or the savior pirate when he played with Pen and his sisters. He's always trying to prove to others that he is enough, trying to been seen in a good way, in forms that he would like to be perceived or at least what he think other people want or expect.

And she see him. She listen him. She talks to him. She doesn't think that his dreams, fears, hopes and doubts are dumb. She validates his feelings, always do. She see the real Colin. But as a friend.

That is what he thinks.

Also, as I said before, friendship between girls and boys wasn't allowed to be. Having Pen on his life, having a girl-friend in his life wasn't something normal, he don't have references for how is supposed to be or feel.

And then is all the El's opinion about the ton, the marriage market and Pen always seems like she support all her opinions. As far as Colin or any Bridgerton knew (except for Violet), Pen felt the same way. When Penelope debuted, he doesn't believed she would be interested in marriage. Yes, he understand that she doesn't feel comfortable for so many reasons (her mama, Cressida, society in general) but he also believes that she don't have any interest of being part of that (and we know that wasn't her perspective). So, he keep the "she is a very good friend" discourse. Because she doesn't want him, as she never did (for his perspective) but she doesn't want a husband or prospects in general, so that's okay. She will keep being his friend and he's still the more important man in her life outside her family.

And then we have aaaaaall that he heard for his entire life. How is supposed to feel love, desire, passion and interest in the adulthood. The way how he would feel instantly after he seen the other person and would be mutual, the fact that any other man never talk about the tenderness, the laught or the softness he always feel with Pen.

And after Marina, after all the jokes about him being green, his doubts about his place in society, the silence with he had to deal in his travel after the Featherington's Ball, and his thoughts that that is what he need to be, even if is not himself... He changes. Only for discover when he return that everything changed.

He want Pen back, he apologized after knew what he did, but then he discovered that Pen want prospects. Pen want to marry someone else. Pen is open to the idea of having a partner. Someone that is not him.

Never wasn't him, right? But he offered his help, because he want her back, he wants to spend time with her in any way he can, and yeah, she wants marry. Is fine, is perfectly fine. They're friends. As always. Is okay she's gonna give to other man the privilege to be her most important man on her life. Cool. Is not breaking him at all...

But only for the work... what is she looking for in a husband? What's she want? Why can't be him?

And after the kiss... Well :)

I think that (and I known myself, I probably gonna talk about the scenes between them having this headcanon on mind) would suite a lot with all his journey in his story with Pen 🖤 thanks for coming to my Tumblr talk 😘

[sunflowerofchaos]

Okay enough time has passed for me to throw my two cents into the Bridgerton discourse. Many are displeased with the season and part 2 specifically. I have been trying to piece together what my issues were with it and I hope that someone can find this and maybe find something that clicks as to why the season may have been disappointing.

I am a big polin stan. In fact I started watching for and because of them. Totally believed in the supremacy of their story because of their adorable friendship and the long build up ever since the pilot.

I loved part one. That will be controversial but I truly did. Was the pacing a bit off? Yes it was!

But did it give us the romcom atmosphere, the yearning, the love? Yes definitely! I'll even argue that part one, the going from "friendship to love" is done more beautifully in the show than in the book. People said one kiss is all it takes for Colin but that's really not true in the show. If you take account of the history we have because of season 1 and 2 it doesn't feel that way.

And the funny thing is that despite part one having a bunch of side plots, it worked. It was walking on the edge of being too much but it didn't cross the line.

Not yet anyways... so here are my 6 big errors of part 2

Like everyone I was way too hyped after the carriage scene, which leads to..

Error number 1: The break after the carriage scene set the bar too high. The long break filled with press and interviews further hyping up part 2 after that high consequently did damage to the reception of part 2. I believe that almost anything after the carriage would appear as a let down due to the wait. That's kind of unfair to the show I know, but it also makes sense as we, the audience would have abnormally high expectations that are difficult to please.

Part 2 is flawed and there is no arguing that. The beginning of it felt like a let down due to the split right after the carriage scene aka the climax of part 1 (pun intended) but fine objectively speaking episode 5 and 6 are nice. But then comes error number 2, the fact that we have 2 episodes where their love is clouded by the secret of lady whistledown. I feel like that was problematic to the pacing of part 2 (which is a problem in itself). The tension in episode 5 was necessary but also so much. So much that Colin literally questions her feelings. Then episode 6 instead of lifting that cloud sooner, continues to sour the polin scenes until the very end of the episode. The reveal should have been earlier in episode 6, so they have time to properly heal and be happy. (Seperate errors that I will adress)

Error number 3 is how the wedding fell under the dark cloud of the angst. I was wishing it would be the happy wedding of bridgerton and it was happier than Daphne's or Anthony's (not that we saw the real one) but the queen disrupting the wedding felt like another punch. One more time we were close to seeing their happiness but couldn't. (Something we barely get to see at all)

Then error number 4 (my personal enemy). The pacing of the conflict and healing. The way Colin was hurting was amazingly portrayed by Luke and I even understand how Colin wanted to hurt Pen with the entrapment comment and unlike many I won't hate him for it at all. But one thing where the writing really failed me is how polin shared a number of scenes that could've had a bigger role in their healing but ultimately didn't. I will list the scenes and how EVERYTIME we think they are a step closer to healing, they go back to square one and how that effects the scene where they eventually do "heal".

Exhibit A: The modiste scene. Beautiful confrontation and it really set up the possibility of them talking through it more but then it ends abruptly with Colin shutting down (however I'm inclined to give this one some saving grace because at least they talk)

Exhibit B: The wedding. Colin once again gives us hope that perhaps they're closer to making up but when Colin walked away with Pen and they had a second confrontation where she states that she is lady whistledown, I expected Colin to at least accept that statement and not revert back to being in denial about it afterwards and shutting down again. This could've been the scene where Colin starts to accept them as one. (Not to take away from the letters scene but it would have been a great foundation for it)

Exhibit C: The bedroom scene. Ah my personal nominee. This scene could've been so much more and no I don't mean a sexy scene. This scene could've been thee scene where they talk. It would've felt more powerful to have the talk that they have in Bridgerton house in their bedroom instead. I can't stress how it would've fit perfectly and been book compliant. If they had utilized this scene better, then polin being at Fran's wedding the next day would've have felt more emotional and helped convince us of them gradually solving the conflict. Netflix, that wouldn't even take from your running time. Pen could've confronted him there as she did in the book. Colin could've faced his jealousy right then and there instead of having Cressida point it out for him and still not facing it.

Exhibit D: Bridgerton house. Yes they do talk here and you can see that scene as the one where they settle things prior to the ball, BUT one it is too close to the end and it feels cut short which frankly doesn't seem enough for the viewers to believe that they now have joined hands. This scene was personally not enough for me. I think if you expand the conversation it would be much better or again if you put this dialogue in the bedroom scene it would have been powerful and helped the pacing as the bedroom scene was in the first half of the finale and this one way too close to the ball.

You'll see that every scene post reveal is following the same frustrating pattern of them brushing over the problem. You in turn get your hopes up for it to develop further into forgiveness, then voila Colin shuts down and goes back to square one. That was extremely frustrating for me as a viewer as it happened multiple times, especially since it seems ridiculous to leave the conflict in the air till the last 10 minutes when they have had several opportunities to solve it sooner. Colin's peace at the end comes too suddenly as those previous scenes don't see him gradually make peace with the matter but always shutting down and running. Those scenes could have been used to show the steps of him gradually getting over it, forgiving her and facing himself.

Error number 5. The side plots and overall pacing.. As I said part 1 walked the fine line but part 2 crossed it. What do you mean that we get more scenes of secondary characters than polin getting over their conflict and having some time to see their happiness. That messes with the pacing, making part 2 seem to want to cram up as much plot as possible. You have Francesca's love match, Benedict's exploration, Eloise's general conflict and dynamic with Cressida, Cressida's own story, Violet's arc, lady Danbury and her brother's conflict, the Mondrichs arc, the solicitor, queen etc...

This season was simply TOO ambitious for its own good. It tried to do too much. Suddenly it didn't feel like polin season but rather the season to set everything up for the next season and that really hurts as a polin fan.

Finally error number six which is by far the most famous error. The lack of happy polin. As I explained episode 5 and 6 while showed some happiness it didn't feel real because of the secret constantly hanging around. They were happy but you as a viewer might have felt more worried and had a more bittersweet feeling. Especially when you see Colin get more and more anxious and insecure during those episodes. Then episode 7 and 8 sees them miserable most of the time. That sucks even though it is necessary it still sucks. Sucks because after all that put together we don't get to see it pay off. 4 episodes of angst and they give you one scene that suddenly heals it, 10 seconds sexy scene and an epilogue scene where they suddenly have a baby. It is simply not enough to balance out the dark vibe of the entirety of part 2. That is why thousands of people are hanging onto the petition to release the deleted scenes. So we can finally see the pay off of the angst and can properly balance out the emotions that came with it and move on.

Not to mention the absolutely wasted confession of Colin Bridgerton.. when he said I love you at the end of episode 8 I was already thinking "with everything that you are, everything you have been and everything you hope to be????!!!" But then he didn't say it and I was confused as to why they would possibly not use THEE love confession??? Since that's Bridgertons thing??? Having incredible confessions... And it's not like it didn't fit in fact it would have fit so well. At this point if you squint you might imagine hearing luke continuing the line for God's sake. That remains a mystery that makes no sense to me.

So by now I don't think anyone got that far and I can't complain because I wrote this for me. To structure my thoughts and make peace with it. And so to sum up these errors: the split, the structure of episode 5/6, the wedding sadness, the way the conflict/healing was handled, the pacing with the side plots and the lack of happiness to counteract the angst. I will revisit part 1 happily and just stop after the mirror lol. I will look forward to seeing polin happy in 2 years I guess.. and I do believe that when season 4 comes out and they're happy and are hanging around we will accept season 3 way more and come to hopefully love it.

[moirindeclermont]

Day 30!!! Final day of this BridgertonS3 Polin Kinktober. Prompt is Sex pollen modern AU (but consensual, we like consent here).

Just a reminder, we start on Monday with the first longer fic, spanning six days. All I can tease is that Colin is a Vampire and Pen is... Someone who loves puns, stakes and Vampires as well (well, one vampire). From here until Monday I have plenty of memes to share!! Enjoy this one (and as always, thank you for everything)!

Colin Bridgerton, her long time crush and best friend told her he bought a plant for her new apartment. He was also so kind he helped her settle the plant in her living room. It was a nice plant. He told her it was a caryota mintis* and there are legends around the plant. Allegedly, the pollen in the air can cause a state of lust and lack of inhibitions. He shook the plant, the pollen spreading... She did laugh with him, after all, who believe such a thing as sex pollen can exist?

They were on the sofa, looking at a movie together, when she felt suddenly hot. Scorching hot. Pen looked at Colin, who also seemed in a similar state. She looked at his lips... So inviting and just there, but she stopped. She felt feverish.

"Colin, something is wrong..." She said, and Colin nodded "I feel it too. What's happening?"

She looked around her apartment, until her eyes caught the plant. No, no, no.

"Colin... Maybe the plant." He shook his head. "It can't be."

She didn't care what was the cause, to be honest. She needed to be touched. She felt like she was going to explore of he didn't touch her, "Colin... Please."

He shook his head again. "I can't Pen. Not like this."

She pouted. "Please."

"I waited too long for our first time to be like this, Pen. You must resist."

That pause her for a moment. "What?"

He seemed skittish now, almost embarrassed. "Colin, tell me."

If she had to suffer, at least knowing why would have been nice.

He seemed troubled, but then he started to talk. "Pen, I'm your best friend. But... I want to be more than that. So much more." He was looking at her with such intensity her heart skipped a beat. She got close to him, almost in his space. "Colin, you're my best friend as well. And there is nothing that would make me happier than be more than friends."

His hand was on her cheek and she stopped breathing for a moment.

"Can I kiss you, Pen?" She nodded.

She had waited some years to experience this kiss. She had time to imagine it over and over again. The reality was, quite frankly, so much better. Their passion, so long buried, came alive. She moaned into the kiss, the hot fever coming again but this time she knew it would be satisfied. They kissed and kissed until Colin's knees buckled against the sofa. They separated for a moment, both their eyes barely containing the lust they felt.

Colin took his shirt and pants out, a hard outline already visible, making her gulp. She took out her shirt and skirt, unclasped her bra and looked at him. Colin was looking at her like... A supplicant may have watched Venus. She knew she will never forget that moment. He sat in the sofa, and she went on his lap, grinding her hips to find a bit of relief. They both moaned at the contact, Colin's hands went straight to her breasts, cupping them slowly and pinching her nipples.

"Pen, you're so gorgeous," he said before kissing her again, his mouth then descending on her neck and then further down, taking the hard bud in his mouth. She felt wild. She felt free. Sex was not like this for her. She was just so sure that Colin loved her that she didn't have to hide anything from him. Pen glided her hand through his hair, making him looking at her in awe.

She felt even hotter. And so wet.

"I want you Colin!"

He took her in his arms and in a few steps they were in her bed.

They paused just to remove each other knickers. Pen was already pumping him slowly, licking her lips. "Later, love. I want to come inside you." He said to her, making her shiver.

She laid down on the bed, spreading her legs open for him. "Make me yours."

He touched her inner thighs, but both were too strung out to tease. Colin pushed a finger inside her, then another one when he felt no resistance. "Fück Pen. So wet. For me?" She nodded. "Only for you. Always."

She threw her head back as he started pumping in and out. "Coliiiin. I need you."

Colin kissed her, making her taster herself on his fingers, before aligning himself and push. Full. So full. Pen lifted her legs and put her heels on his lower back, pushing him even deeper.

"We'll have time to make love, Colin. Now, just fùck me."

"Shit," Colin sweared, but starting driving into her with strong and powerful thrusts that made her sigh and moan louder than she ever known.

They both knew it was going to end soon. But they also knew it would be just the first round. They both exploded after some minutes, panting hard in each other mouths as their 0rgasm overcome them.

They laughed. "To think I have to thank a plant for this," he told her, kissing her deeply. It was a long night indeed for both of them when they finally fell asleep in each other arms.

They moved the plant in their bedroom after that day.

*the plant does exist and it is slightly toxic, however it doesn't have those effects.

And if you're still reading, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Can't wait to start sharing new stories with you all 💓

[hereforthescience1]

Match Game is complete!

The final chapter of Match Game is up, so if you've been waiting for it to be complete before checking it out, now's your time!

This fic has a little of everything: Bridgerton sibling shenanigans, group chats, a variety of tropes (one bed! forced proximity! surprise dates! matchmaking!), lots of fluff, some brief angst, smutty smut, lots of puns, an HEA, and so, so much Polin.

I hope you will check it out <3

[spaceorphan18]

The Lady Whistledown Papers : 2x02 Off To The Races (Part 2)

Welcome back, Gentle Readers, to The Lady Whistledown Papers, where I’m taking an in-depth look at Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s character arcs and romance within the show Bridgerton!

For previous issues, follow tag : The Lady Whistledown Papers

You. Guys. this episode continues to be a delight to meta. The Polin stuff in it is soooo delicious. I love it. Love it so much. Ooff, this season is so truly the real beginning of their story in a lot of ways.

At The Races

We're outside! At an event that isn't a ball or randomly walking up and down a sidewalk. It's kind of nice when the show throws in that there are other things to do in Mayfair.

We see the Featheringtons show up first. Philippa is excited about her upcoming marriage to Albion -- and it's really sweet that they allow her to have this love match. Penelope's on a mission to find the Bridgertons (and I love her for it). Prudence rolls her eyes - and I have to say, I wonder sometimes, if Prudence is not bored and lonely at this point. I think Philippa was her bff - but now that her attention is turned elsewhere - a man of all things - Prudence doesn't know what to do with herself. She also clocks Penelope.

As an aside, even if Eloise was blind to it, if there were two people who did know bout Penelope's crush - it was Prudence and Philippa. I just feel it.

Meanwhile, Anthony is fixated on Kate and Edwina and the Sharma shenanigans. Colin is paying attention, too, and I kind of wonder what he thinks about all of it. He literally just got back into town, and now Anthony is dragging him everywhere because he needs to best a girl. I kind of wonder what his actual thoughts are on it, since he's very removed, really, from all of it.

(Also - I am here for any kind of ABC brother interaction. I kind of love that they're all there in their solid Bridgerton blues, but each are dressed very differently. I wish I knew more about fashion to make a comment about it.)

Will comes along and is excited about his new prospects. It is odd, at first, to see Will without Simon - as he was firmly Simon's friend. But the whole point of this scene is to set up Will having his club.

Colin inquires about him going back into boxing, but Will says that he's opening a bar instead. Anthony brushes it off -- as they've got a club that they're already apart of, but Benedict jumps at the chance to talk to something, I'm sure, that isn't related to courtship. Colin seems somewhat interested as well.

I also need to point out.... When Anthony is chatting about family and togetherness, we get a pan over to said family. You notice two people are missing? That would be Colin and Eloise, both of whom are seeking out he same person. One of them is going to find her first.

Symbolic? Or Coincidence? -- actually narratively Colin needs to for the flow of the episode. But doesn't mean we can't inject a little symbolism into it. ;)

Alright, so Colin is actually hanging around just chatting with people. He's been gone a long time, and I'm sure people are curious. And Colin is going to chat anyone's ear off who will listen.

I was thinking, earlier, about Colin and friendships, and despite a little chatter last season that he does actually have some friends, I don't know that I buy that he has any actual close friends outside of his family and Penelope. He's friendly to everyone, but it's casual and cordial at best. And the minute he starts making olive puns, I get the impression most of them start looking for other people to talk to.

Look, I know we don't get to see this fully on display until he shows up at Marina's, but I'll argue that Colin tendency to be unabashedly himself lends himself to a social awkwardness that isn't fully unlike Penelope's. It's one of the reasons he goes inward at the start of Season 3. If he hides himself, he can fit in more.

Anyway... this girl, I swear... She is the most adorable. In her quest to find some Bridgertons, she sees Colin, and stops right in her tracks. And grins. Just -- the biggest grin ever. She is so happy he's back. But then, she downplays it, and pretends to be so unaware of what's going on until he takes notice of her. Make him come to her - I see what you're doing there, Penelope. It's so hilarious and cute, and I love how she's like, ladeda pretending I don't see my favorite person in the world.

I really should have grabbed a gif for this moment but.. just like with her, the moment he sees her, his entire face lights up. He literally takes a second and does a little gasp and pauses and his whole world is brightened. He's thrilled to see her.

Their body language in this scene is just... so, so, good.

I love that, at first, Penelope tries to act casually surprised that he's interested in seeing her. She's hilariously terrible at playing subtle, but he really doesn't notice, because he wants to see her and wants to talk to her.

And here's the thing that really stands out to me -- Colin comments that they didn't get to talk earlier that morning. And Penelope makes her cute, awkward little remark about shouting his name. And in this moment she is just as weird, just as awkward, just as ridiculous as she is going to be in those Season 3 scenes where she's attempting to flirt (and failing).

But that's the thing -- instead of being offput by it, Colin is visibly charmed by her oddity. Part of it is, yes, he is used to her. He sees her far more frequently than a lot of the other members of the ton. But he is sincerely endeared by her and her mannerisms. It's not off putting at all -- it's adorably just Penelope.

A Penelope he's gotten to know through the intimacy of their shared, written correspondence. They haven't been face to face in months -- but coming back together again, feels like the most natural thing. Because they have been talking. And because there is now something privately shared between the two of them.

That's why the writing together while he was away is soooo important to their relationship. Because they have given small parts of themselves to the other one. And seeing each other in person just reinforces that -- hey, I really enjoy this person. Penelope is outwardly aware of it, as her feelings have always been there. Colin is just starting to figure this out.

Penelope states that she's wants to hear more about his travels. And it's sincere! She does! For some complex reasons, too. She always wants to hear more about him, as she does adore him, and seeing the world through his eyes is a way to bring her closer to him. But also, she's got a limited world view -- being stuck in Mayfair, pulled by the strings of her mother. To have someone whom she loves dearly be able to help expand her world's view, is really quite special to her, I'm sure.

And Colin, again, lights up at her interest. Colin is a bit insecure at times and her interest is validating. (Especially when, we'll see, no one else is going to care about his travels.) He does some self-deprecation again, when he says - I'm sure you would have been bored of my travels, dismissing himself as if it were nothing. But then goes on to let us (the audience) know that she's written to and replied to more of his letters than anyone else (I'm sure combined).

She has a genuine interest in him, and that's really stuck out. And it's meaningful. It's, again, validating (and good for his ego), but also compounds and sheds light on something he was aware of but not focused on -- the fact that Penelope, when stripped away from the baggage society throws on her, is intelligent and witty and warm and fun. And being around her makes him feel good.

His compliments of her make her shine as well. She is so thrilled by this interaction, feeling validated herself that what she imagined in the letters is actually true -- that they did mean something to him. (Remember, this is coming off the previous episode where her mother and sister insist that Colin couldn't possibly be her friend.)

But also she states that there is so much more than one can put on paper. And an amused little grin crosses his face. It's fascinating actually - because he's agreeing with her, yes, but there's something more there as well. He is so giddy that someone shows a genuine interest in him. So thrilled that she wants to hear more.

Colin asks how she's been, and she responds -- well. She's pretty giddy as well. Because she has been doing well. Lady Whistledown has been well respected and getting her (secretly) a lot of attention. She feels more confident in her abilities because of it. And her shininess helps her be more herself.

But also - Colin has a genuine interest in her, too, which also makes her giddy. (Of course, narrative foreshadowing! Our hero is in a good place, only questionable things going forward... but I'm getting way ahead of myself.)

Penelope, in turn, asks how he is though jokes that she does not need to, as she's heard about it. And we get a little snippet of what he did on his travels, which was quite a lot! And we can also gleam from this just how much he has written to her about what he's been up to. And he is just thrilled to hear all of this spouted off to him. It means that she's been actually paying attention to him.

And that's important in their relationship. Both of them have issues with feeling ignored and displaced in their world(s). But they see each other. They pay attention to one another. They listen to each other. And that is so key as a foundation of their relationship.

Colin states that it was all very exhilarating! It was - it was quite the experience, and having someone to share it with makes it even more special.

And here's where I get to my -- THESE TWO ARE JUST THE BIGGEST IDIOTS -- level of analysis.

Because, ultimately, they have been apart a long time, and all they really want to do is go in a corner somewhere and catch up. And talk. And discover more about each other. And if it wasn't 1814 (or whatever year it's supposed to be), they'd probably go do that.

My point is, though, that THIS episode is the real beginning of their romantic storyline. Season 1 was more of a prelude, a set up and introduction. But their story here -- totally romantic comedy.

And I'll reiterate... this is why I love Polin (and multi-season television as a story device). Because there are layers to this relationship that are built upon.

But I also want to add in a big point. One of the key factors here is that they do genuinely like each other. Genuinely want to be around each other. They WANT to be together. And they ARE friends.

Yes, this very much is the beginning of a romantic relationship, and Penelope is very much in love with him. But I don't want to take the friendship element for granted. This relationship doesn't start because two people find each other attractive and act on it. This is a relationship born out of similarities and a foundation of genuine affection. This is the groundwork for the whole friends-to-lovers thing, because we see their friendship on great display here. And that is special.

Penelope then goes on to ask if it was lonely. And she's so kinda bashful about it. It's somewhat hilarious, actually, because what she's really doing is poking around to see if he found someone to... idk, court? marry? find companionship with? She is the gossip hound after all, and she wants to know if all the things.

And this is where I have some headcanons about Colin... I don't think he started sleeping with women until his second tour. I think the first tour was to clear his head and (as he'll say later this episode) he's sworn off women. So her question is truly perplexing -- he doesn't get that what she really wants to know is if he's hooking up with other women.

And here's where I want to know so much more about Colin and his travels! Because how did they work? Did he go with a group of people? Or did he show up to places and get adopted by them? He states that he was never alone -- and for sure, he wasn't. A man of his class probably wouldn't be. But it does make me wonder, was he lonely? Does he think that Penelope may recognize that -- despite all these exhilarating experiences, there was some loneliness in it? That he may not have had a close friend to share it with?

More over, was he not that lonely because he always had her and her correspondence to reply to?

It's interesting, though, that the minute he says he was never alone she immediately jumps to the conclusion that he's met someone. There's something... modern in the way this moment is phrased. Idk, I feel like you don't casually just meet someone and 'court' them or whatever, which is what her question implies. Also - the dude will not shut up about things he loves, so doubtful he'd keep a secret girlfriend secret.

I am really amused that the beat is played up -- as he doesn't really get a chance to answer because...

ELOISE!!!

And I love it. I love the dynamic of these three. I'd watch a whole show just of these three. (Actually, I would miss other characters, but... I really would watch the Polin/Eloise show).

I love that Penelope is grumbly that her other favorite pereson in the world is ruining her special moment. I love that Eloise's line -- you've only been here an hour an you're already in my way. The siblingness of it is just... so perfect. So, perfect. And Colin's cute little -- *sigh* good to see you, too.

It's going to be twenty years later, and this dynamic is still going to play out like this, lol. (also kudos to the comedic acting chops of everyone here. they're so, so good and let Bridgerton be comedic.)

On a final note about Colin, though, he is a little sad that Eloise has swooped in and taken Penelope away. He was enjoying that conversation. But also -- it's deflating his ego a bit that Eloise (and most of his family) have kind of moved on in their lives without him in it. Nor do they seem at all that interested in what he's been up to. (I don't fully get this myself -- as I would be asking all the questions, too.)

So moving on -- we have Eloise freaking out because she's made a discovery -- that she might know Lady Whistledown's publisher. And this has Penelope freaked. The way she dismissively says 'impossible' with such a firm tone, and yet is completely unnerved by Eloise's discovery is just... ooff. She was riding such a high two seconds ago, and now LW stuff is coming to haunt her.

Eloise goes on to discuss the physicality of the pamphlet (and I love their little, comedic exchange about it feeling like paper -- and Pen's comment about how all paper feels the same).

Eloise goes on -- discussing how the pamphlet about dogs is identical to the LW papers, and yes, she is acting a bit unhinged. But... she's also not wrong, and Penelope knows that, even as she downplays it.

Penelope's confidence in her secret is not shaken, however. Eloise calms down a bit, knowing she's a bit off her rocker in that moment. And Penelope states that Eloise is finding mere coincidences. And I love how amused Penelope is at all of it. She's cool and calm and not at all seriously worried yet.

Also, idk, I kind of love the genuine amusement we get from Penelope in this scene. There's something about her this season that feels like growth. She doesn't seem quite so young (even if she isn't as /adult/ as she is in season 3).

From across the way, Portia signals for Penelope to return which....

oh my god, I should mention before I forget -- does anyone really notice Penelope and Colin talking? Alone? Unsupervised? Take a drink, guys, we're now on -- Pen and Colin do things how they want because no one really cares -- Season 2 edition.

Anyway, Penelope has to go back to her family now, play time is over. I love the cute little tap Pen gives Eloise with the fan. (The fan, in general, is a great prop in this scene.)

Colin is clearly into the horse racing. Dude loves some sports.

Omg, is he sitting next to Portia?? I mean, that's Jack in the purple. Like, where is Pen??? She had the opportunity to sit near Colin (and Eloise) and she didn't take it? I can't seem to spot her at all in the crowd stuff (though it's very hard with the wide shots.) Did they give Nicola a day off?

Also, everyone is happily screaming, and Colin looks as pissed as Anthony does. Did he loose a bet? Was there cut content?? I want to knoooow.

I guess I'll leave you with those open ended questions for now, dear readers ;)