The Courtship Scheme

Chapter 6

Colin wanted to die.

The euphoria he had felt when his lips had finally touched hers was gutted mere seconds later. He had poured his heart out to her, or at the very least had tried to, yet she had silenced him. Colin considered himself to be a pretty upbeat fellow, unbothered by matters of the heart, but this... this was a hurt that he could not shrug off. His chest felt like there was a massive hole it it, pain seeping into his stomach, furthering poisoning him.

The following week had been a whirlwind of gambling and drinking with the other inn guests. When he wasn't in bed sulking, he played cards, smoked cigars, and rambled on and on to whomever would listen. He droned on and on about his travels, the faceless beauties he encountered, and his recently broken heart. Everyday was the same, and every night, he would climb into bed, his world spinning off its axis from the drink.

Tonight, like clockwork, Colin once again found himself back in his room, slumped against the wall, a brandy in hand. He was just about to pass out when he heard a knock at the door.

"Go away!" He cried out, attempting to stand up. "I've already had my night cap!" A hand suddenly reached out and helped him to his feet. Once up, he came face to face with Benedict's judgmental gaze.

"Predictable as always." Benedict murmured taking in the state of Colin's room. "Might I recommend a long bath brother? Perhaps two?"

"Get out, Benedict." Colin growled, pushing him away. "I don't have time to deal with you."

"Naturally, look how busy you are." Benedict quipped. "Are you ill?"

"You know damn well that I am not."

"So you are wallowing like a child again?" Colin huffed and took another drink.

"Why does no one in this family allow me to feel my emotions? Can a man not be heartbroken? Am I to ignore whatever ails me?"

"You do love her." Benedict grinned knowingly. Colin glared at his older brother.

"Do not look so celebratory," He warned, holding up his now empty brandy glass. "My love is wasted, just like me."

"You want to get obliterated and be pathetic? Fine, just know that it will not win Penelope's affections."

"I do not need to win her affections." Colin grumbled.

"She returns your feelings?"

"She does." Colin replied with confidence. Benedict crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.

"Did she actually say those words?"

"She did not need to, I kissed her and she kissed me back." He slurred.

"Colin," Benedict's voice grew terse. "Penelope is a lady, you can't just kiss her and not offer a proposal of marraige."

"I told her that I wanted to court her, but she silenced me. She would not hear what I had to say. I even sent her a note declaring my intentions."

"What was her response?"

"I have not yet received it, nor do I expect to." Benedict shook his head, his disappointment evident. Colin began to refill his glass, but Benedict quickly took it from him.

"Blast it Benedict!"

"Oh blast yourself!" Benedict rolled his eyes. "You should be putting your energy into finding a way to fix things with Penelope, yet here you are, smelling like a drunken beggar."

"You don't know Pen the way that I do. She is stubborn, and will not open up to me unless she is ready."

"Colin! You cannot just waste away in your own filth until she decides to reply! This is no way to live your life!"