How to Hate the One You Love.

An Unwanted Development

The next morning Colin was not rested for he had not got any sleep that evening for thinking of Penelope. He had confirmed his conviction that he loved her. And he felt like a total fool for not seeing it sooner. But now that he had been sure he would make good on his promise! He would win Pens fair regard back...if it killed him! 

After a morning bath he quickly went down stairs got some food then went to find Eloise. She was on the way to breakfast when he greeted her and walked her towards the garden instead.

Eloise: Good morning to you too Brother. What do you want? I'm hungry!

Colin: Sorry but eat this and have something later. He handed her a butter croissant that he snatched from he eating room. Now I have important business to discuss with you and I need your help!

Eloise: What is this about? ANd what pray tell does it have to do with me?

Colin took in a breath and then spoke in a flurry of words. I hurt Penelope badly and realized now what a complete idiot I have been all these years but she loves me but did and now she also overheard me say I would never court her to Fife and them and now she hates me as I may have ruined her prospects for a future match! Please you have to help me!!

Eloise was in confusion and then shock at the bumble of words she just heard from her brother.  What? Wait...did you say Penelope loves you? And you so coldly dashed her unrequited dream of love for three years with one ungentmanly speech to Fife, of all people?

Colin nodded his head and shame covered his features.

Eloise: Oh brother you are done for! There is nothing to be done! Oh well better look else where for love.

Colin was aggravated now: Eloise! Please don't just tell me there is no hope! I love Penelope and I must make her see it now that I've finally realized it!

Eloise: Don't shout at me brother! And if you held her in such high regard maybe you should not have spoken so stupidly and to Fife of all people! The man is a noted Scoundrel! 

Colin: I know...God help!

Eloise: Did you try talking to her?

Colin: I did, I even trapped her in the parlour to keep her from running from me but she called me out as being a cad and then proceed to tear me down in proper order.

Eloise: I see. 

Colin: Well? Any ideas? Can you help me at all? You have been best friends for almost 11 years Eloise. Please you know her better than me. What must I do?

Elise: Well it appears I did not know her either not as well as you think.  

Colin: What do you mean?

Eloise: I mean... I never knew she was in love with you. She hid it well.

Colin: Hardly...I felt her feelings for me I think but I kept telling myself it was just a simple affection, a crush that would pass. But as time went on and she just kept being more and more wonderful. God ...What have I done sister!? I have ruined the chance of all happiness forever!!

Eloise: Calm down. ITs not so Dreadful as all that! It maybe the first fight you have had with a girl you love but I dear say it shall not be you last.  Lovers quarrels and all that!

Colin: It is not the first fight I have had with a woman Eloise.

Eloise: Yes idiot brother but I said one you have had with a woman you truly loved! And Don't dare say Lady Crane was one or I shall strike you in honour of Penelope! That girl was just using you and we did not see it! But Penelope did, Thankfully!