The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

3) The Ball (Part 2)

The Duchess POV

"Suppose your evening is going well, your grace?" The gentleman who kissed my hand earlier interrupted my thoughts as I was stood alone on the balcony looking over Danbury's gardens.

"Your name? I can't quite remember what it was." I felt awful for forgetting, names have never been my strong suit.

"Colin Bridgerton, Daphne's brother."

"Well Colin, if you're here to ask for a dance I'm afraid I am all danced out for tonight." I brushed him off, after the night I have had I will be lucky if I am able to walk to the carriage.

"A dance, not quite what I had in mind. I wondered if I might be able to just simply enjoy conversation with you."

This was something I hadn't been used to. My night consisted of people stepping on my toes and tripping over my dress, one Lord even slobbered on my glove. I was about to reply when a burst of laughter took over the balcony. A group of other guests had formed close behind us. Probably a good thing I suppose, I should never be alone with a man without a chaperone. Not that I really have anyone to be my chaperone anymore.

"Your grace?"

"I do apologise, Mr Bridgerton. I'm afraid I trailed off in my mind, somewhere far from here. I think all the dancing has made me quite wary." I apologised to the poor man. So charming he was.

"Are you unwell, perhaps we could take a seat inside, I'll get you a drink." He placed his hand behind my middle back ever so careful not to lay a finger on me as he guided me back into the grand hall.

We made our way to the nearest table and sat with a seat between us.

"You've been ever so kind Mr Bridgerton. Thank you." I spoke as I took a sip of the cold beverage.

"Please, do allow me to assist you further if necessary." Colin went a bright shade of red.

"I do beg your pardon, your grace. I am usually not so thoughtless with words. It appears I am to, not myself tonight." He was quick to apologise.

This only made me giggle, I feel as though I haven't 'giggled' in a long time. Colin Bridgerton.

"You mustn't worry, I perfectly understood what you tried to imply. Tell me Colin, how is it I don't see you with a wife by your side?" My eyebrows slightly nestled together.

"My honesty is all you deserve. I did find myself engaged once. Last season. I was reckless and rushed into an engagement with a woman I thought I knew. She was beautiful, humorous and above all I thought she truly cared for me." A slight pause occurred.

"But she did not?" I pressed for more.

"I'm afraid to say she had already had relations with another, she was with child and in need of a quick solution. Luckily I had found out before we wed. I suppose I should have known better than to propose without knowing Lady Thompson." The conversation ended with a sigh.

"Well, Colin. It sounds to me as though she was a woman who yes, was troubled but you were there for her when needed. Nothing is more attractive than a man who isn't ashamed to show feeling and emotion. You should be proud of yourself for that. However you did not deserve to be lied to, no one should have to go through such a thing." A smile of sympathy was written on my face.

"Enough about me now. Please do share what is on your mind? You need a Duke, that is apparent, I just wonder why right now?" A swift change of conversation was interrupted by Lady Bridgerton and the younger Bridgerton Eloise.

"Might I interrupt your grace?" Lady Bridgerton spoke.

"Of course, Lady Bridgerton. Is everything okay?"

"It seems Eloise is a little tired, I wondered if Colin, you wouldn't mind accompanying her home so she can retire? I'd go myself but I have some unfinished business to attend." Lady Bridgerton asked.

"It seems I shall have to carry on this conversation with you another day your grace. Do try to stay of the dance floor, it was most pleasant chatting with you" Colin took my hand and kissed my glove before leaving a long with his younger sister.

However Lady Bridgerton seemed to linger.

"Can I help you? Lady Bridgerton."

"Do forgive me for intruding. I was just so very desperate to speak to you tonight. It seems your late Father wrote to me twelve months ago with word of his ill taking. He asked of me to keep my eye over you, to ensure you are making good decisions. To hep guide you towards marriage. He also left a letter for you, he told me to pass it over once he had passed. I just wish I had got it to you sooner than this." Lady Bridgerton spoke soothingly with little regret in her voice.

"May I ask how you both came to know each other?" I hadn't realised they where acquainted with one another.

"Your Father was a friend of my late husband and well, after his death. Your Father was there for me with advice on how to be a single parent. He was loved by so many, we felt it when he passed your grace."

"I see, I hadn't realised of your friendship. However it is nice to know someone else who knew my Father, I had feared he wouldn't be remembered. I see now I am wrong. The day after tomorrow I shall visit you to retrieve the letter. " My thoughts lay with Lady Bridgerton for she had lost a friend in my Father.

With the ball coming to a close I was escorted by Lady Danbury to my carriage.

"You and the Bridgerton boy would make a good match" She smiled before walking away.

Oh, Mr Bridgerton what a lovely man you are.