in quite deep// featherington oc

nine

Dearest gentle reader, I must send felicitations to the new Duke and Duchess of Hastings. Congratulations and stamina as they embark on the most exhilarating time in a young couple's life. I am, of course, talking of the honeymoon. Is there a more romantic notion? To retreat from society together finally leaving watchful eyes behind.

While this author, along with the rest of the ton, will certainly miss its most-remarked-upon couple back in London, perhaps we might find solace in the promise of the duke and duchess returning to us bearing a surprise.

There is a picnic today. Much to my protest Mama has forced me to attend. I turn towards Pen. I notice her starting at Eloise.

"You two have still not spoken," I state.

Pen shakes her head. "No. We have not."

"I do not know what happened but it cannot truly be so bad for you two to never speak to one another again," I reason.

"We both said rather nasty things to one another," Pen tells me.

"So it seems you both have something to apologize for," I offer.

"Lady Seton."

I take a breath before turning to face Bash. "Lord Wilds."

"My stepmother desires to meet you," Bash informs me.

"Me?" I question.

Bash smiles. "Yes. You."

"Why?" I question. "Why would your stepmother desire to meet me?"

"Her and my father have seen us dancing," Bash explains. "And she has read everything that Whistledown has published about us."

"Does she think we are courting?" I question. "Because we are not..."

"I know," Bash assures. "And I have told her as such. She simple wishes to meet the young lady who she believes to be charming for sure."

"This does not mean anything," I tell him.

Bash nods. "Of course not."

I do not know why but it makes me angry that Bash's stepmother is a wonderful kind woman. His three younger sisters have apparently heard much about me from Bash. Even his father was happy to meet me. I know little about Bash's family but it would seem the know plenty about me.

I turn to find Benedict with a group of men. I gesture for him to join me. He smiles as he walks my way.

"I saw you with Bash's family," Benedict states.

I take a deep breath. "He forced my hand."

Benedict laughs. "It did not seem forced to me."

"It is not like that," I insist.

"Seems to everyone else it is," Benedict offers.

"Everyone was one about Lord Ashford and I not even two weeks ago," I remind him.

"Well Lady Whistledown has moved on so has the ton," Benedict tells me.

Colin hits a glass with a knife drawing the attention of everyone. "May I have everyone's attention? I would like to make a small but important announcement. I have happy news to impart. I have asked Miss Marina Thompson to be my wife, and she has accepted."

I turn to Benedict. "Did you know about this?"

Benedict shakes his head. "No. Did you?"

"No," I tell him.

"I suppose we should congratulate them," Benedict offers.

Bash is surprised to see me when I show up at his door.