How to Hate the One You Love.

A Heart to Heart in the Library.

Two days after the picknick in the park had occurred Penelope has washed Colin's jacket by hand and was sending it over by a servant with a note of thanks When her mama noticed what she was doing.

Portia: Pray whose jacket is that Penelope?

Pen: Oh Colin Bridgertons. After I jumped into the pond to save Miss Fleur I was soaked and he kindly came to my aid with some warmth.

Portia: oooh too bad he had not done so in front of Mr. Sterling!!

Penelope: I am not sure I understand your meaning mamma...What difference would that make what so ever?

Portia: Foolish girl a gem in the hands of someone else is always more desirable!

Now Pen took the meaning and felt she might be ill.

Penelope: Pray Mama keep your scheming to Prudence or Phee as I am no longer an issue.

Portia: What do you mean? I would dearly love to see you wed as well dearest. You may be the youngest of my three daughters but I still cherish your future just as much.

Penelope: Hahah. That is news to me Mother!

Portia: Really Penelope I know you do not understand the things I do at times and we often disagree about a lot of things but know my intentions when it comes to you three are the strongest and most pure! I love all my daughters and the last time I checked you are one of them! Never forget that you are a Featherington and you should be honoured and cherished as such!

Penelope didn't know what to say to that.  It had been one of a few times she ever heard her mama speak of love or affection for her girls and most certainly for her.

Penelope: Thank you mama. I shall try to remember that. 

Portia: Good see that you do! Now off with you to the Bridgertons and return  Mr. Colins jacket.

Pen and Prudence were both in protest.

Prudence: Mother what ever for. Sure a servant can return it.

Pen: I hate to say this but I do agree with Prudence mamma. Or Here let Prudence return it! Gussy your self up you never know whose eye you will catch over there, hmm?

Portia: Nice try dearest! But no Prudence did you not promise tea to the duke of Willings this day?

Prudence: I forgot about that.

Portia: Besides Penelope what is the fuss about? You have spent a good many hours, days, nay years in the Bridgertons  company. A few short minutes to return his jacket will not kill you! Now go!

Penelope took in a breath and resigned to do just that. After all no reason for her to be nervous or worried. Yes She might run into Eloise over there but then maybe they could start a conversation about their argument. And since Penelope had promised herself that she would...no that she had given up her one sided love for Colin then seeing him in person really would not affect her now in the least. Not one bit.  She hoped! 

Drawing her sky blue clock that she often used for Whistledown business, she picked up Colins coat and started the short walk across the court yard to Number 5 Brambly.

AS she walked quietly she kept her eyes upon the house and the blue of the sky behind it like a great painting of Benedict. It really was a wonder to behold. As she came closer she stoped before the door and was about to knock. Maybe she could just leave the coat on the stairs, someone would notice it for certain. But before she could make up her mind the door swung open and the old butler Ramsey opened up and greeted her.