My Maggie,

XXXVII

"How about Maggie?"

That question alone was enough to make Margret want to run home in tears, to push her way through her siblings, to sprint through the park and crash into the front door of the Nighthower household. To tumble and rumble up the stairs until her face hit the soft cotton of her bedsheets and sob into the soft material. Yet instead she raised her head a little higher, trying to ignore the pinging of her heart and the slight quiver of her lip. 

"Maggie is quite a lovely name." She began trying to ignore the peiercing stare of Colin. "But unfotuntaly an old friend of mine used to call me that, I fear the name is now tainted."

"Oh Im sorry to hear that." Marina began, "Is that the Featherington girl you're friends with? Matilda is is." 

"No, just an aquitance."

Aquatince. That word felt like a thousands diggers diving straight through Colins heart. 

Ophelia looked at the Bridgeton boy, her future brother on law, and felt a mix of emotions, anger being the main one, however she couldn't help but the pang of sympathy for the boy. She observed how he stared at her sister, his eyes full of love, yet full of turmoil too. 

"I know!" Marina stated loudly, snapping Ophelia out of her trance, "how about Gretel? You know like the story? Seems fitting."

"But that is not her name." Angelica stated louder this time, earning all eyes to fall the the youngest Nighthower.

"Oh and aren't you adorable, what is your name."

"Why should I tell you. Mother says never give out my name to someone I don't know, and no offence miss Thompson, but apart from being engaged to Mr Bridgerton I don't know you from that woman over there. Nor do I intend too."

"Angelina!"Scolded Gilbert. 

"What! Why should I want to know her? After everything..."

"Ange stop now." Whispered Ophelia, nudging the youngest girl slightly with her elbow. 

"Angelica was it?" Marina said, trying to ignore the sting that the young girl had just caused, "I would say we could nickname you Angel, but I don't believe it's fitting."

Just like lightening Tobias's cold scolding eyes flew from the young girl and towards the dark haired Thompson girl. "Excuse me Miss Thompson, but I dont believe that was very nice."

"Marina its time to go." Colin urged his eyes now only on the Thompson girl, a silent plead for her to leave this scene. More and more onlookers trying to see the commotion. "It's getting late."  With that Colin linked their arms once more and walked the girl away, Margret silently following them with her eyes before grabbing her book and walking back towards the house, her siblings shouting after her yet she just kept her head down and sped up.

When suffiencely away from the Nighthower family Colin quickly disconnected their arms. "What an earth was all that?! I told you we shouldn't have gone over there."

"Well you must admit, that was extremely rude, id expect more from a Nighthower, you know for the reputation thatfamily holds Im starting to doubt its factuality. After all I was told the youngest was a delight, well nothing delightful about that, and I was told Gretel was meant to be the kindest soul in London, well not very accommodating to me in conversation, how do you suppose I respond to one words!"

"Her name is not Gretel."

"Well Gretel is sure better then Margret."

"Marina you cannot go up to someone, anyone, and say their name is too formal and insult their family."

"Why? is it to Impropewr for you Colin."

"Its simply rude."

At this point they had stumbled to the corner of the square. 

"Well Mr Bridgerton I am so sorry that I cannot please you, I simply tried to make more friends. Goodnight sir." She said shortly and sarcastically before walking up the five stone steps to her front door.

With a deep sigh and a pang of the heart Colin turned back to begin his walk further into the square toward his townhouse when he stopped short. 

Their eyes meeting, neither dared look away or take a step. 

"Aquatince?" Colin squeaked out. 

"That's all you can be Colin." Margret said, her tears still falling. 

"I can't do this." Colin began slowly walking closer to the girl, "I can't be near you, or see you." 

Slowly the both walked side by side towards the Nighthower house. 

"Im sorry."

"Never apologise. I mean that never. I will never forgive myself for what I did to you Maggie I am so sorry. I am so sorry Maggie."

Her breath hitched. Maggie. That name. It caused a physical reaction, a heart palpation, a stomach flutter, yet also a stab to the back, a deep pain in the chest. Yet that pain quickly vanished when she felt his fingers slightly skim hers, drawing small circles. 

Just as soon as she felt it she felt is disappear, as her dark blue door came into focus. 

"Good day Colin" Margret squeaked out before bolting to her door.