Flawless My Dear ( English version )

Chapter 3

Colin paced back and forth in his room, unable to stop. He had only one thing on his mind, or rather one question: what was wrong with Penelope? It was true that they had both spent a lot of time out of town, but he had written her two initial letters to which she had never replied, which was unusual for Penelope.

He still remembered when, on his first trip, she started writing to him, asking him about the weather at his destination, and it had become a habit. Society might view that exchange of letters as courtship, which is far from the truth.

He looked at his reflection in the mirror. Had he changed so much that she would not have recognised him from afar? He ran his hand through his hair, which was still a little tousled from the journey. Just as he was about to take off his boots, his mother came in.

"Mother, I was going to change my clothes," Colin said.

"That's why I came here. Tonight, the Queen is giving a ball, and we all have to attend. So, I need you to dress presentably," asked Violet.

"Did you not like my arrival attire?" he said in a mocking tone.

"To woo a young London girl, perhaps. But not for going to a royal ball," Violet replied seriously.

"You always have to come out on top, don't you?" said Colin.

"That's what I'm your mother," she proclaimed, coming out of his room.

He didn't feel like attending, but for his mother's sake he had to. And if they were invited, the Featheringtons would be there too, so it would be the perfect opportunity to welcome his beloved friend Penelope.

(...)

Penelope looked down at the floor of the car and counted her breaths to keep from having a nervous breakdown. Her mother noticed immediately and didn't hesitate for a second to hold her hands to offer reassurance.

"Penelope, nothing has changed," said Portia.

"I have changed, mother."

"That's not what I mean. You're still the same person you were a few months ago, just try to have fun tonight. Nothing needs to happen today, in fact, don't expect it." But if at any time you don't feel well, let me know and I'll tell the coachman to come and collect us," Penelope's mother announced.

She said nothing, as leaving the ball that night was not an option she had contemplated. She was going to stay, she wasn't going to run away like she usually did by hiding in the back so that no one would say anything to her.

The coachman stopped, and a palace minion helped Penelope, Felicity and Portia out of the carriage. She gave a great sigh and a smile immediately formed on her face at the grandeur of it all. It reminded him of the ball Lady Danbury gave during Daphne's season. It was all set to be a magical evening.

They were walking along and some people were staring at Penelope but with surprise and pleasant smiles, which surprised her completely. They reached the door of the hall, and Portia looked at her daughters for their approval, to which they both nodded.

The first, but very first thing that happened was that everyone started to watch them, or rather, to watch her. They murmured but no one said anything in a clear voice. Until suddenly, a gentleman approached the trio of women.

"Ladies Featherington, I am Lord James," bowing as he introduced himself. "It is a pleasure to see you again. The season in the country has been rather tiring and boring, hasn't it, Miss Featherington?" he asked Penelope.