'Since I've laid my eyes on you' | BRIDGETON

he's a gentleman

Florence woke up quite late as the sun seeked into her room. She came downstairs to the middle of breakfast right when Cornelius walked in.

'Good morning.'

'I am not sure it is good, Florence. The post came.' He clasped another of Whistledown's print.

'What is it, father?' Albert enquired as Cornelius put down the paper in front of Celestia. She glanced at Florence before reading it for herself.

'It mentions my name.' Tears started running down her face as she kept reading. 'And Colin's.' They glanced at each other with Florence who realised what the article is about.

'Show it to me.' Florence stole it as she buried her head into it, bugging her eyes out.

'Now tell me what are we going to do?' Cornelius crossed his arms as he stood next to his wife.
Catherine walked over to Florence as she gently took the print away from her. It said Celestia was involved with other men, betraying Colin who intended to propose.
'This was supposed to turn out right. But how could it have with you always bringing unwanted drama.'
Cornelius was furious. 'Your only job was to find a husband.'

'So you believe women are only worthy of marriage and pregnancy?' Florence glowered at him.

'And you are unable to do even that. Albert has been the only one to carry out his responsibilities in this family.'

'Cornelius.' Catherine said.

'Albert, the perfect child.' Florence scoffed as Celestia jumped up, heading upstairs.
'Sister.' Florence followed her into her room as she tried to slam the door in front of her face.

'How did she find out?' Celestia cried.

'Someone must have seen you.' Florence replied.
'If you hadn't gone there again none of this would have happened, Celestia.'

'It is late to give me lectures now.'

'The worst thing is that you've lied to me. We are supposed to have each other's back.'

'I have been involved with one of them but when I became aware of my feelings for Colin I stopped.' Celestia said between sobs. 'I love him.'

'What?' Florence gazed at her unbelievably.

'I love him, sister.'

'You must tell him then. You must be honest with him.' She said, strictly. Celestia gaped at her in despair.
'He has every right to reject but you need to at least try.'

'Now?' Just as they came out of their house, there was a carriage waiting outside.
'Colin.' She gasped, stunned.

'Lady Everleigh, I am here to conclude things.' He said, coldly as he stared at her.

'I know- I know I must appear vile to you after what you've read.' Celestia looked at her feet, nervous.

'You dishonored my trust.' He snapped. 'I almost proposed to you last time and-' Colin struggled to speak.

'I realise I failed you, my lord. I might never win your trust back but I want you to know I love you and you are the one I wish to marry.' Celestia sobbed, her eyes already turned red as she has been wiping them all morning.