in quite deep// featherington oc

twelve

The final ball of any season is distinguished by one of two things, anticipation... or dread. For, while those who have been successful in the year's marriage market look forward to flaunting their perfect, joyous unions... others shudder at the thought of spending one last night before the discerning eyes of the ton. As they know, indeed, just what the evening signifies, that their time is officially up. And yet, to those who may still find themselves out of both choices and hope, fear not. For who knows when and where one's fortunes may change?

Daphne and the duke are hosting their first ball tonight. I am not really sure how my Mama was able to obtain an invitation. We are still very much on the outs with society. It seems people have longer memories than I thought.

I find Pen standing by herself. She looks rather down.

"Are you alright, Pen?" I ask.

"I am fine," Pen insists.

"Then why do you look as if you have been given devastating news?" I question.

"Colin is leaving," Pen tells me. I nod my head. "First thing tomorrow morning he is to begin his tour. The Mediterranean is first."

I grab my sister's hand. "He will come back, Pen. He will write you no doubt. It is only for a little while."

"I need a moment," Pen tells me.

"Of course," I tell her. "I shall cover for you if Mama should ask."

"Thank you, Patience," Pen tells me as she walks away.

"Someone as beautiful as you should not be standing all alone."

I smile as Bash walks towards me.

"You look beautiful, Patience," Bash tells me. He holds his hand out to me. "I simply must have a dance with the most beautiful woman in the room."

I laugh lightly. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Bash."

Bash holds me close as we take to the dancefloor.

"I should like to call on your father tomorrow," Bash tells me.

"Whatever for?" I question.

"Patience..." Bash starts.

"You plan to ask my father for permission to marry me," I state.

"I wish to propose yes," Bash tells me.

"Why?" I question. "We have talked about this."

"You cannot tell me you feel nothing towards me," Bash insists. "We have spent a whole season together, Patience."

"Doing what Bash?" I remark. "We have not been courting. We are friends."

"Sometimes the best marriages start as friendships," Bash offers.

Suddenly the sky opens up above us and rain starts to fall. I chuckle as Bash grabs my hand and rushes me under cover from the storm. Daphne does not move. Instead her and the duke stand in the rain. I cannot help but smile at the sight.

"Everyone... I believe this evening is complete. We shall thank our gracious hosts for such a splendid soiree in the morning. Now, go. Out. At once," Lady Danbury tells everyone.

"Please let us talk about this, Patience," Bash tells me.

I shake my head. "I must go home with my family and you with yours."

"Patience..." Bash starts.

"I need time," I tell him.

Bash smiles. "That is not a no."