How to Hate the One You Love.

At The Ball

The night was beautiful with stars shining brightly. The Danbury Ball was in full swing now. As the couples danced and the elderly chatted together, all was right.

The Bridegertons had come ten minutes ago and presented Francesca to the group. Colin looked with Pride she really was sweet. He hoped his sister got lots of dances this night and from good gentlemen. He and Benedict were tasked with a watchful eye for that.

Then the Featheringtons came in and all was stilled for a moment. Lady Portia Featherington. Miss Phee Featherington, And Miss Prudeance Featherington and her Fiancé Lord Charles Dearling.

Well the crowd started to bustle in excitement and the smile upon Portia's face could not be wiped off with a wash cloth. But wait where was Penelope?

Colin came forward with the others and greeted them but he kept an eye for the door.

Colin: Where is Penelope? I did not see her come in with you.

Portia with another smirk. Oh Lord Sterling came by earlier and asked if he might escort Penelope. Apparently his youngest sister Fleur has taken quite a shine to our Penelop and she insisted they come together. Why how could a lady refuse?

Colin: In deed. Without another glance he walked back to his side of the room and brooded for nearly 10 minutes.

Eloise: Brother...What is that scowl for? Tell me you do not want our Pen to see you in such a mood.

Colin: Our Pen? She is not here. 

Eloise: She isn't?

Colin: No. apparently Lord Sterling is accomplanying her with his family to the ball this evening.

Eloise: I say. That is a new development.

Colin: In deed.

Eloise: Well so what. We will still get to see her and talk with her tonight.

Colin: In deed.

Eloise eyed her brother who was acting like a spoiled child who did not receive his toy. Oh for Heavens Sake Colin! Knock it off. The Jealousy in you is clear as the nose on your face.

Colin: I am not jealous....

But they were interrupted as the Family Sterling  was announced to the Ball.

The Lady Elise Sterling and daughter Miss Rose Sterling. The Lord Henry Sterling and friend Miss Penelope Featherington.

Colin: Friend? How dear he claim such a thing. He barely knows her. Colin was on the way to the stairs to greet the Sterlings as was gentleman fashion but on seeing Penelope all reason, voice and air left him. She was breathtaking.

Her gown was Dark Blue like the night sky. He had never seen her in that shade before. In that shade her skin seemed to glow like a  warm moonlight. Its tiny sequins looked like little diamonds as she walked and the light caught each one. It was as if the stars had descended to adorn her gown and her hair in a cascade of Red loose curls and white stars to poke out at different corners why she looked like the Fairy Queen from a Shakespearean story.

Everyone greeted the Sterlings except for Colin who seemed to be in frozen animation all he could do was look at Penelope and a lop sided Grin which he could not help adorned his face.

Lady Sterling looked from the two and had to hide her soft laugh. Good Evening. Mr. Bridegerton.

Still no response. She started to smile heartily and laugh out loud now. As Lady Violet came in front and greeted her properly.