Dearest Colin, | Bridgerton

VIII : Rumors

A/N : The ring above is for reference

= ♠ = 

Previously at the Charity Ball:

"You wish to see me, Your Highness?" Isla curtsied in front of the Queen as her royal adviser shoo away any bystanders nearby

"I must apologize for the urgency but all is well now..." Queen Charlotte said in a whispering tone

"Oh? Might I know the issue?" Isla asks quietly

"King George's cousin was to attend with his friend the Marquess of Finley I figured who else to show him around but my unengaged niece but they had other matters to attend to.."

"Oh..." Isla replied with a bit of relief as she is actually enjoying this ruse she's playing. It would be a shame to end it so abruptly right?

"Word of advice dearest, if what Whistledown writes is true, I do not approve"

"Why not your Highness? He's a nobleman of high title doesn't that make him worthy of me?"

"Hush child. Unless you want London to find out sooner than we all wish." Queen Charlotte looks at her with a bit of annoyance

"I apologize..."

"I gave you the opportunity to be no more than a miss but you still think like royalty. Not everything is about power and possessions child. You should cherish something much better than what you already have" She says lovingly making Isla look at her softly

"Escort her away." Queen Charlotte sounding annoyed and pretends to shoo her away from her sight as Isla is abruptly escorted out by the royal adviser.

Isla returns to the busy crowd as she grabs herself a drink from the table.

"Hey, are you alright? Did she ask of something unlikeable?" Anthony asks with concern, placing a hand on Isla's shoulder.

"No need to worry Anthony, she just asked what took so long for me to present for the Clairemont's."

"Oh? Now I'm curious as well"

"I was occupied with... university back then. You know how the Clairemont reputation comes with profound education.." Isla lied as Anthony nod impressed.

"Shall we head back to the dance floor?" He asks lending out his hand

"You may go ahead... I might head outside the balcony for a while"

At Madame Delacroix's Boutique 3 days after the ball:

Isla was looking at some fabric while Lady Clairemont and Lady Bridgerton chat near Eloise as she fit her dress.

"Fancy to finally meet you Isla" Cressida greets her.

"Hello to you too Miss Cowper" Isla greets back

"Oh please, Cressida would do. I don't seem to see you here often. Are Madame Delacroix's dresses not to your liking?"

"I'm rather new in London and my Aunt Hilary has a fair share of dresses back at home.. but I do like the tailoring of the dresses"

"Your admirations are very much appreciated Miss Clairemont~," Madame Delacroix said while helping Eloise with her fitting

Isla touches the lace on the neck of one dress as Cressida immediately notices something peculiar.

"I feel sorry that you've let such a nobleman out of your clutches."

"Excuse me?"

"Mr. Bridgerton? Then again why to settle for a Mister when you have the Lord right?" She scoffs

"I care not of the titles they hold Cressida. Colin is just a friend if that's what you wish to know."

"So you wouldn't mind if I try my luck with him?"

Isla felt her blood boil but managed to speak out "Why are you asking me? It's not like I control what Colin shall or shall not like"

"Well as a probable sister-in-law of course!" She says grabbing Isla's gloved hand pertaining to the silver ring embedded with small diamonds. (A/N: photo above for reference)

Isla pulled her arm back surprising everyone in the boutique.

"Miss Cowper you're unwelcomed rudeness to assume such things are no place to compensate for your jealousy." Eloise jumps off the mini stage and joins Isla by her side

"Well said, Eloise. This ring does not and will not ever concern you." Isla said sternly

Cressida walked out of their presence as Isla and Eloise smile mischievously.

"Is it true...? Did he...?" Eloise asks but only to receive a hug as an answer from Isla

"I do not wish to spoil any news on my own... but we insist on telling soon I promise," Isla said holding Eloise's hands

"Oh... I see... I think dinner tonight is the best time as any."

At the Bridgerton Household

Colin's P.O.V

Dinner was being set up in the dining room as I watch over Gregory and Hyacinth.

"Brother. What seems to be the special occasion?" Hyacinth asks

"What makes you think it's special?"

"For starters, cherry pie isn't part of what we usually eat," Gregory says

"Might I add the bustling maids all morning?" Hyacinth added

"The Clairemont's are coming over... or was I the only one who remembered mother's
reminders," Benedict says sitting down on the couch

"The Clairemont's...?" I asked sounding intrigued

"You could not be more obvious." Benedict teases as Gregory and Hyacinth run off elsewhere the house

"Pardon?"

"Playing coy are we? You have the charms for Miss Clairemont"

"I do not," I said with emphasis on every word

"Right and I'm not seeing Madame Delacroix"

"You're seeing Madame Delecroix?!" I asked shocked earning a smack on my head

"Ow!"

"Scream it louder you dimwit I think the citizens down South weren't able to hear your announcement!"

"Since when?"

"Over little over last year since you left"

"Does Anthony know?"

"He does and he took the news oddly well"

"Going back to you. I'm sorry but if word in the boutique is true, you have to stop having the wits for her for your own good"

"What's the word in the boutique?"

"That Isla is engaged." A voice said entering the room

= ♠ = 

A/N : Hi! Sorry for the long wait university was flooding me with things to do ugh. 

Thank you so much for your endless support!! Hope you stick around 😊❣️