in quite deep// featherington oc

eight

One may say modesty is a virtue, yet this author is hardly a virtuous woman. It is therefore my great pleasure to announce the news others questioned, but I never doubted. The diamond of the season has made her match, officially betrothed to the Duke of Hastings. The bride, undoubtedly, is giddy with anticipation over the impending nuptials an event that will apparently take place sooner rather than later. Of course, there are only two reasons to procure a special license and race to the altar: true love, or concealing a scandal.

Mama stomps into the drawing room. "It seems Mrs. Varley had some trouble at the modiste this morning. Madame Delacroix is refusing to give her any of the dresses until the last few months' bills are paid."

"The young ladies have plenty of dresses. Perhaps it is possible for them to wear them all again," Papa offers.

"And perhaps it is possible for you to do without your tobacco as well!" Mama grabs the pipe from Papa's hand.

"Mr. Colin Bridgerton for Miss Thompson."

Colin walks into the room, flowers in hand. Much like he has done for weeks.

"Oh, Mr. Bridgerton, these are beautiful," Miss Thompson tells him.

"I applaud you, Miss Thompson. I bring you flowers on each of my visits, and yet you react with admirable surprise every time. I shall need to bring you something unexpected. A bushel of tomatoes, perhaps," Colin jokes.

Miss Thompson laughs. "Oh!"

"Marina hates tomatoes," Pen states.

"That is untrue. I love tomatoes," Miss Thompson insists.

"Colin, you know where I have heard you can get excellent tomatoes? Greece. Perhaps you could bring back a tomato plant for Miss Thompson as a souvenir when you return from your travels this year," Pen offers.

"I am uncertain of my travels at the moment, Pen," Colin tells her.

"But you were so keen to travel," Pen reminds him.

Miss Thompson looks at Pen like she may pounce on her.

"It is true. But, were I to go, there may be things in London I should miss even more than seeing the world," Colin explains.

"Some tea, Mr. Bridgerton?" Mama offers.

"That would be lovely," Colin tells her.

"Mama?" Pen calls out as Mama walks towards the door. I move closer to hear the two whisper. "Do you think this is wise?"

"Whatever do you mean?" Mama questions.

"Colin is young, years from seriously thinking about marriage," Pen states. "I would hate to think Marina is simply wasting her time, time she simply does not have, of course. That is all."

Dearly beloved, we are gathered to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony. It is said that marriage hath in it less of beauty but more of safety than the single life. ...in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. I now pronounce you man and wife.

I stand with Pen and Miss Thompson at Daphne's wedding breakfast. Pen is trying to get Miss Thompson to find another suitor. Someone other than Colin.

"What about him? He seems... pleasant," Pen offers. "Or him. Kind eyes. A fine enough husband, I think."

"Pen, I neither know nor have time for any of these men. Now, where is Colin?" Miss Thompson asks.

"You can choose anyone but him. He is my friend, Marina. I have known him forever," Pen tells her. "And I do not want him to be tricked and deceived into a lifelong commitment. You must not do this to a good man."