The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

8) Catching Feelings

Duchess POV
Back at my Rothwingham house hold I was accompanied by Simon and Daphne. I was lay along my rather uncomfortable lounge chair with ice around my ankle. Still in disbelief that a man could be quite so rude as to knock me over and yet still carry on with his day, like it was not of his fault.

"That should stop the swelling and make it a little easier for you to make your way around the ball room tonight." Daphne spoke taking a seat across from me.

"Whatever would I have done without you." Gratefully I took a deep breath.

"Well now that we are all together, Annabelle you must tell us who you most desire for marriage. This is the question we are all so desperate for the answer." Daphne asked, giddy as a child.

"Oh, I do say Daphne give the poor lady a break." Simon joked as he entered the room.

"I have just spoken with Lilly and she has arranged for you to be dropped off at the Bridgerton house before tonight's event. Assuming you are still accompanying us." Simon carried on.

"I believe that should work well. I look forward to your company. If you don't mind, Daphne may I ask you something?" I quickly changed the conversation due to having a lot on my mind.

Daphne nodded, clearly curious as to what words I was about to speak.

"How is it that none of your brothers are married?"

I barely got to the end of my sentence when Daphne made an accusation.

"You want to marry one of my brothers don't you? It's Colin isn't it. See Simon. I knew it."

"What an earth gave you that impression?" My crimson face was hard to disguise.

"Annabelle, we have both witnessed the way you look at each other, the laughter you share when you're both in conversation. Not to mention the way my brother speaks of you. You are special to him and I believe you already have Anthony's and my Mother's blessing. They think of you as a wonderful suitor for Colin." Daphne smiled through her words.

"It's like you have already spoke of this matter." It was then that Daphne and Simon exchanged at one another.

"What is it?" I pressed for information.

"You didn't hear this from us. Colin told us all of your situation. With your Father's scandal. It appears that Colin has been catching feelings. Strong ones. He not only wants to protect you, Annabelle. He wants your hand in marriage. I have never seen him like this before, with so much interest and so much concern." Daphne spoke not making eye contact with me.

"He had no business in sharing my personal issues, not with you. As for my hand in marriage. He can't be serious. I have known the man less than a week. Sure he is charming, intelligent, knows his way around a room full of people, would definitely make a good ruler one day. He has this way of making me forget all the titles, the risks and realty... oh no. I too am catching feelings, aren't I?" Dumbfounded my forehead rested on the palm of my hand.

"Then what is it? Why the sad face?" Daphne sat beside me and rested her hand on my elbow.

"I don't know, I guess I'm scared. I'm scared of love, commitment, marriage. I am terrified that Lord Westington will show up. More so I am scared I am not able to provide Colin with all he desires. He is special to me and I don't want to let him down" My gaze rested on Daphne's eyes, trying to read what she was thinking.

Instead Simon was to speak next.

"Annabelle, you needn't worry. Engagement has been something you have prepared for your entire life. You will go into the union terrified of what is to happen, but you will see to it that you will become the most loyal wife and perhaps one day a doting mother. These feelings and fears you have are normal. Colin will make an excellent Duke and a brilliant husband. I couldn't imagine someone more suited for you. As for Lord Westington, I assure you that he will not come within a mile of your whereabouts. You have my word. I love you as though you are my younger sister that I never had the luxury of having. I believe in you, Daphne and I will do all we can to support you. You deserve to marry for love, don't let anyone tell you otherwise." I don't think I had ever heard Simon talk so much. At the very least that much sense.

"I guess we shall see what tonight brings. You two really are a match sent from the heavens. I'm really glad you managed to crack him Daphne. I'm really thankful to have such wonderful friends and your support and advice is most welcome."

Simon and Daphne left after going over the arrangements for tonight. I spent the rest of the day lay in the very same spot with Lilly bringing more ice every so often. Colin Bridgerton was once again the man on my mind. Simon was right, Lord Westington is not of my concern right now, so I shall simply forget his existence until I need to remember. Was Daphne right, did she speak the truth of Colin's feelings? Did he really want my hand in marriage? So many questions. I feel somewhat excited to see him tonight. It felt good to open up my feelings and have advice. Simon and Daphne made me feel like I had some guidance. Other than Lady Danbury of course, who come to think of it, I haven't seen in over 24 hours, which seems quite unusual. She must be occupied with other job roles she has within the ton.

Indeed, my foot was still in pain but the thought of dancing with Colin made it seem worth it. Lilly brought down my dress that had been delivered earlier and got me dressed in the dressing room on the lower level of my Rothwingham house. I once again braced myself for the harsh corset tightening around my petite waist and the heavy skirt of the dress that will rest on my hips to.

"You look truly flawless your Grace" Lilly said stepping back as I looked in the mirror.

"Thank you, do wish me luck tonight Lilly. For I plan to tell a certain Bridgerton man just how I feel."

I stood from the dressing chair and slightly limped towards the door. For my carriage awaits.