Magnolia || Colin Bridgerton

07.courting

As I exited the back door with caution I was able to see Colin making an attempt locating another pebble in the deep darkness of the night. A small smile formed on my face as I watched him continue to throw the stones, still unaware of my presence.

"If you break that window my family would be very displeased."

Colin jumped at my words before realizing it was me who spoke them. A hushed laugh escaped me as I saw his look turn from to surprise to his typical smile. He glanced between me and the window as he made his way closer to me.

"I was expecting to have to put more work into coaxing you out this evening," His voice came out just above a whisper, but he stood so close now I could feel the warmth of his breath. I could feel the warmth rise in my cheeks as my breath hitched momentarily. I stumbled back a few steps, my eyes finding my feet as I tried to compose myself.

"I missed you at the party tonight, we're you well?" Colin spoke again.

"Perhaps I wasn't invited," I smiled.

"In what world would the Haywards not be invited to a social event?" Colin chuckled.

"Oh you flatter me, Mr. Bridgerton," I laughed quietly, "Though it is true I was invited but I merely needed a evening of rest after yesterday's events."

Colin's smiled dropped, instead becoming a tight line as he look over me. His eyes once again fixated themselves on my arm where Lord Rhodes fingerprints were left. I quickly crossed my arms, careful to place my hand in the way of his view before speaking again.

"Well thank you for stopping to check on me, Mr. Bridgerton but I must be getting to bed."

"Wait," He sighed, running a hand through his hair before making eye contact with me again, "I also wanted to ask you a question."

I stood expectantly for a moment watching him. I'd never seen Colin appear the way he did now, so unsure and fidgety. Worry began to flood my body as I allowed his anxiety to fuel my own, wondering what he could have to ask that would make him like this.

"I wanted to see if it'd be alright with you if," His voice trailed off a moment before he took a deep breath, "If I were to call on you tomorrow afternoon."

My face fell and my body went ridged as his words hung in the air. I looked at him dumbfounded for a second before I felt a slight anger bubble within me.

"I told you Mr. Bridgerton, I am only able to entertain serious suitors. It is very important to me and my family that I marry this season."

He took a step forward to where I could feel his breath again before cautiously taking my hand into his.

"What if I was serious?" He breathed in a voice that was barely a whisper.

I felt my breath catch in my throat as I looked at him. It was becoming increasingly often that I saw this serious side that prior to this season I was unaware Colin had. Yet as I looked into his eyes there was no hint of humor, but pure honesty and a hint of worry dancing in the blue.

"You're too young to marry," I responded in the same low voice.

"Perhaps, but I fully believe on setting out for the things you want, Miss Hayward," He slowly began to smile again, "And I can confidently say I have never wanted something the way I want you."

I felt my mouth moving but was unable to form a single word, completely flustered. No part of me could understand how we could stand here like this now when just yesterday I had screamed at him. He still held my hand in his and I could feel the fresh scabbing on his knuckles, part of me still wishing to know what from. It then dawned on me that as much as I tried to convince myself otherwise there were many things I did not know of Colin Bridgerton. And I was constantly finding myself yearning to unearth each unknown part of him.