Linger in love

(13) Tea and cake

Penelope asked if the carriage to drop them off the other side of Berkeley Square. So they could walk through the park before arriving at their destination, Gunter's Tea Shop.

Colin was only happy to oblige.

"Pen, may I ask you something?"

"Of course Colin" her tone sweet, and Colin thought quite challenging.

"How did you and Mr Fairaway meet?"

"It is an embarrassing story, Colin" she dismissed him.

"Please tell me, Pen. I am interested" his eyes watching her lips intently, wish made Pens eyelashes flutter when she noticed.

"Very well, I was hiding from my family after receiving a number of jabs for the day. I had enough, I searched for some much needed solice. I saw a cart narrowly miss a rock and a poor boy fell in the water. When I came across him, his body was starting to sink. There was no one around. I could not call out. So I dived in and pulled him to shore"

Colin looked perplexed "You saved his life"

She put her head down "Anyone else would have done the same"

"I doubt that Pen, I do not see Miss Cowper damping and possibly ruining her dresses willingly to help any man who was not significantly titled"

"I helped him to get home and that is where our friendship started. His family were not too happy about it"

"How come?" She was surprised he even had to ask.

"He had no title. They thought the situation would ruin my reputation and put much speculation on his. Society wouldn't be gentle on a man saved by a woman"

"If I ever am in need of saving, I would be honoured if you come and save me"

"If the opportunity arises..." she remember the unmanageable state of her dress last time. She did not think of the implications before she carried on "I will possibly remove my dress first. My mother was not too happy about the state of the silks last time"

Colin's eyes grew wide.

"Apologies, I did not mean"

Stop rambling on woman. He scorned to himself. I could feel my heart racing of the thought.

"All is well, Pen. I am not likely to refuse help from a lady in her undergarments now am I"

The air got thicker. Colin's eyes were on her face, they slowly lingered down and then back up to her eyes. He was imagining it. At that moment. He had to clear his throat to mentally remind him of his surroundings.

"We should..."

"... ah yes. Of course" their pace quickened. Not just from the awkward silence that started but Colin's heart was beating so fast he thought he may explode.

Why would you say that, idiot!

At the shop, Pen had a strawberry ice cream. Colin decided to buy a variety of cakes as well, to treat Pen. As he had not seen her in a long time.

Pen was elated, but could not help noticing the eyes on them as if they were doing something wrong.

"Colin. Are you sure you want to be seen with me?"

"Whatever do you mean, Pen?"

"I do not want to bring scandal to your door, they will think we are courting"

"Is there a reason any man would not wish to court you?"

"Is there a reason you wish to?"

"Would you like me to wish to?"

"Would you want me to like you to wish to?"

They both laughed "Apologies Colin. I do not believe that was English"

"What I mean to say is. Do you have anything against me being a possible suitor"

"Of course not Colin"

"Then, Miss Featherington. If that is the only way we can resume our conversations without interruptions, then I would like the opportunity to court you" he wanted more time with her as friends. This was to end badly to be sure.

"Are you being earnest"

"Yes. Why not. We are friends are we not?" how one small word can bring so much hope. Pen smiled almost like she had relief in her heart. But then the word friends once again lingered in there. Like a trigger at her temple.

Did she want me too. As much as wanted her. Or was it to be a ruse to get Mr Fairaway.

Little did Colin know that when Mr Thomas Fairaway had visited Miss Penelope Featherington that morning he had asked her the very same thing.

But for Mr Fairaway, he wanted to court her as he believed it was his last chance to be happy. He had a secret. One that he was not yet prepared to tell the only person he cared about.

Penelope had always been his anchor when she visited. He had been lying to her for so long. Not only had his parents died many years ago now. It was becoming apparent that he was very sick.

His title of Lord Fairaway of Surrey he kept to himself. After all the blood he had coughed up, he had realised time was running out for any chance of bearing an heir.

He knew if he asked for Pens hand, she would only accept it as a friendly convenience. He knew she could never love him.

He also did not wish to scare her away by asking for her hand before a courtship.

She was all he knew. The only one he had ever loved. If he had not have gotten sick, he would have waited for her to return her affections, however long it would take.

One thorn in his plan would be Mr Colin Bridgerton. Who clearly cares for Penelope also. If she, does indeed, love him. Then Thomas would step back.

I love her, but time is, indeed running out. If I cannot heir a son. The title, the home all the wealth would be given to someone else. Society frowns on a lady getting the entitlement.

If Pen loves Colin, then the only option is to stand before the Queen and beg her to let my will include the transferring of funds to Miss Penelope's account. Under the ever watchful eyes of the ton.