Linger in love

(12) Stuck on Repeat

Violet put down her sewing "Colin, what do you know about this Mr Fairaway. I hear he has shown interest in Penelope"

Fran smiled up at her mother from her piano forte "He's handsome, to be sure"

"Is he?" Hyacinth giggled.

He whined the name Thomas. Benedict coughed a laugh "Oh my god, brother. You are jealous"

"I am not!" he cleared his throat "Why would I be"

Benedict started counting his finger down at "Then explain the expression" finger pointing "The tone of your voice" another finger pointing "... The anger" Colin smacked his hand down with much gusto.

"I do not know what you mean. She is my friend. I don't know Mr Fairaway. I don't want Pen to get hurt. Men can be brutes"

Anthony leaned in "Perhaps we need a brotherly talk. Offer advice"

I noticed them stare at me like they wanted answers, but I just ignored their glares and left the room.

I am not jealous.

How dare they insinuate such a thing. They are supposed to be my brothers. Surely they know me more than that.

Colin was fumbling the other side of the hallway not realising that his older brothers had walked behind him.

Benedict put his arm around be shoulders and directed me to the study. Anthony was close to growling at me "Sit!" he spoke softly, although the growl of annoyance was still there.

Benedict stood next to the Viscount, assessing me like I was a small child that had done wrong. What a joke.

I grimaced at them "What is this about?"

Benedict leaned on the desk "Brother, do you care for Miss Featherington?"

Anthony's eyebrow agreed with the directness and looked back at me "Of course I do Benedict. She is my friend"

Anthony spoke directly and calmly "Are you certain it is not more than that?"

I grumbled. My head going down in embarrassment "I do not know what you mean?"

"You do" Anthony cleared his throat "We all knew this would happen eventually" they nodded at each other "You two are friends, yet you correspond, you feel a lot of warmth and concern toward the ladies welfare. Have you ever asked yourself why that is"

"Because she is my... "

"... your friend" Benedict finished my words for me "You have been constantly reminding yourself of this since being home. I do not know who you are lying to. Us or yourself"

I did not realise I had been repeating the words. Perhaps, it's because a friendship is rare between the opposite sexes. But I never thought I would have to defend myself.

"I am not lying" my eyes also turning back to Anthony's "I am not" my voice growing stern.
"I have to go, I'm am to meet with the new Lord Featherington today and you know how I hate to be late"

Colin left the home and paced to the Featherington home as if on a mission. No man could stop him.

He was greeted at the door and shown to the study or route he heard a clatter of laughter.

Colin could hear the familiar voice of Pen and Mr Fairaway.

What the devil is he doing here.

The laughter stopped and Pen was suddenly popping her head around the corner.

"Pleasure as always, Thomas. Thank you for the beautiful flowers" she smiled

It bothered Colin that she had not noticed him yet.

"You are most welcome, Penelope"

He took her hand "The pleasure is all mine" and kissed it softly. His eyes not leaving hers.

Colin could feel his heart breaking.

Mr Fairaway turned "Mr Bridgerton. How wonderful to see you. I am so sorry, if I knew you were planning to visit, I would have left earlier"

Colin nodded awkwardly "Good Day, Mr Fairaway. I am here to visit the new Lord Featherington"

"I see. Well I best be off. Enjoy your day"

Pen smiled as she watched him leave.

Colin looked down on Pen "Is Lord Featherington settling in well?"

"Indeed, Cousin Jack is a rather charming man"

There was a pause "Pen. You look beautiful today" he whispered.

He was not lying, she was wearing a summer green dress with a pretty pink shawl. It almost felt like a dare to touch the fabric. With a light green flowers embossed within it.

Pen was feeling rather shy at the compliment, her cheeks blushed at his candor.

"Thank you, Colin"

Colin could feel a giddiness overflow him. His eyes darted to her lips, then back to her eyes. The dress compliment her eye colour perfectly.

Colin shook his head a little "I best be off. I do not want to leave the man waiting"

Pen spoke fast as I started to walk away "Will you stay for lunch?"

"No, in fact I was not. Instead I wanted to ask if I can take you for some Ice cream at Gunter's Tea Shop in town"

"Really" her smile large and excited "I have not been there before"

"Well I would be honoured to take you"

He walked away leaving an uncertain smile on her face. Colin had never been so open before about taking the Wallflower out. Perhaps, time alone would give him the opportunity to have a real conversation with her.

He had not had the chance since being home.

Colin walked into the study, Lord Featherington smiled exactly as I took a seat "Mr Bridgerton, I am glad to see you today"

"Good day, Lord Featherington. How are you finding your bearings?"

"It is hardly the rustle and bustle of what I'm used to. But I believe I have navigated society well"

"I have been acquainted with the Featherington's a long time. I really do appreciate you arriving when you did. To protect these fine ladies"

"They are a pleasure to be around, to be sure"

"I hear you are a man of commerce" he enquired.

"Indeed, I have Ruby mines in Georgia. They are flourishing"

"Ah, where abouts in Georgia?" Colin showing his interest peaked.

"I can not divulge such information, to protect my worker's and my investors, you see"

"I understand" Colin was going to look into him, just as a precaution. He could not recall hearing of such mines on his tour around the americas. But he was certain he would investigate before exploring any kind of investment with the Lord.

Anthony would have had his head if he did not do his research, to be sure.