The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 24 -Hidden Thoughts

Pen entered the drawing room once more. Colin looked at her, like he wanted to say something but no words were coming out.

He looked down awkwardly before excusing himself from the room.

Colin sat at his desk. Looking over his journal.

I look forward even more to reconciling the relationship with Pen. Find out the reason for her absence of communication. Trying to find the words unfortunately would be difficult. For how can a man explain that her distance brings sadness and torment. Making one challenge one's own self worth. I believe that I may truly care for her and I can't explain it without Pen looking at me like a fool.

He clutched the page, ripped it out the journal. Throwing it across the room. It landed near the door. He ignored it and stormed out the room.

Pen started to walk to his study to see if he was alright, he did not look well from the engagement announcement.

She knocked before entering.

Pen stepped inside. The room empty. She saw a crumpled up paper on the floor and picked it up. Curious, she unravelled the paper.

She started to read the words. She froze. Just as Colin was walking back in the study.

His eyes caught hers, he snatched the paper from her "That is private Pen"

"So was mine and you read it. This was on the floor. I thought it may be a map of your next travel plans" She turned back with her hand on her hips "What is this, Colin"

His eyes looked away from her "You know what it is" his expression wounded. He looked her direction without looking at her face "I will return to the drawing room momentarily"

She nodded "Colin" her tone apologetic.

Do not pity me Pen, I cannot take it if you do.

He shut the door of the study.

Pen felt dreadful. She would have to tell Benedict. She could not keep anything from him. He trusts her.

Benedict's face lit up when she entered the room. She took a big relieved sigh. She loved this man. "Can we have a moment, Ben"

"Of course" Ben was feeling as though has marital duties had already started.

She stood in the hallway "You need to talk to Colin"

"Whatever for, Pen?"

"I came across a page from his journal, it was crumpled on the floor. I was the subject"

"Ah, how do you feel?"

"Embarrassed at seeing his writing and more embarrassed because he saw me. I think he feels hurt that I know and is not taking our engagement as well as he pretends to"

Ben wrapped his arms around his short 'soon to be' wife. Planting a kiss on the top of her head. "You are a good lady, Miss Featherington"

"I will speak to him when you return home"

She looked up at him with a smile. He leaned down his lips almost touching hers.

Violet walked out "Patience!" She put herself between them "Perhaps a fast wedding will be beneficial, the way you look at each other. It may be for the best" Violet put her arm around Pen and directed her to the door.