in quite deep// featherington oc

eleven

Miss Marina Thompson's recent fall from grace continues to echo through every drawing room in town, days after it was revealed her engagement to Colin Bridgerton was nothing more than a sham. Of course, a lady's disgrace does not merely tarnish her own name. Like the tars of the Thames, it also leaves a horrid smear on anyone nearby.

While there is no parasol in the world strong enough to shelter a ruined woman, the fallen Miss Thompson can only hope she shall find a refuge... somewhere.

Penelope is getting ready for the Queen's luncheon. I have refused to attend. Mama has scolded me and threatened me but I will not go.

"Why is it that you do not have to attend?" Pen questions.

"Trust me it was not easy to get mama to agree," I tell her. "There was a few tense moments where I thought she might send me off to live in the country if I did not agree."

"I still do not understand why you do not desire to attend," Pen states.

I laugh. "I have had enough written about me this season I do not need to be there when everyone is whispering about Miss Thompson and by association our family," I explain. "I feel sorry for Miss Thompson but not that much. What did she or mama believe would happen? This was the only logical outcome."

"I am grateful that Colin knows the truth," Pen tells me.

"You are a good friend, Pen," I tell her. "Do not let anyone like Miss Thompson come between you and Colin. I know he probably does not express it but I am sure Colin relies on your friendship."

Bash and I are sitting in my family's garden. He showed up mere minutes after my mama and sisters left for the Queen's luncheon.

"You cannot stay long," I tell him.

Bash smiles. "I know. I simply desired to see you."

"And should my mama see us we will be seeing a lot more of one another then we bargained for," I tell him. "Though I suppose Mrs Varley will no doubt inform her of your visit. I would not be surprised if she were watching from a bush."

Bash smiles as he kisses me. "So I suppose I shall have to wait until later for more."

"Yes you shall." I push Bash. "Now go. I do not desire to be scolded by my mama today."

Bash smiles as he kisses me once more. "I will leave but I will not be happy about it."

I watch as my mama returns from the luncheon and heads straight for papa's study.

"We were ridiculed by all today, treated as though we were worthless, and it's all your fault," Mama insists.

"How could I have been at fault?" Papa questions. "I was not even there."

"If it were not for your habit, we'd have been able to rid ourselves of Miss Thompson the moment we learned of her condition," Mama explains. "None of this would have happened."

Mrs Varley eyes me as she walks into the study. "My lady. The Duchess of Hastings. She is here."

Mama plasters on a smile as she walks towards Daphne. "I am so glad you thought to visit us, Your Grace. I fear your mother was rather heated at the luncheon. But of course, if you have come to offer an explanation..."

"I require a word with Miss Thompson," Daphne states. "Alone."

"Well..." Mama says.

I find Pen reading in her room. I sit down on the end of her bed.

"Tell me all that happened at the luncheon," I demand. "Mama did not appear to pleased when she returned."

"There were whispers from the moment we arrived," Pen tells me. "We were asked to leave."