Linger in love

(19) The Vauxhall Ball

The Vauxhall Ball. 2 years ago.

The stars shine bright and the fire from the lamps burned, their reflection rippled into the water as my family and I made our way to port.

I hated being a lady sometimes. I wished I could smooth my fingers through the side of the board and feel the force of the tide. The current flowing over my palms.

Being of gentle breeding meant that I would have to wear gloves. No matter how pretty they were, seeing Me Colin Bridgerton makes my hands sweat with nervousness. Making my hands feel itchy and uncomfortable.

I am glad Papa is chaperoning. I got to wear a colour other than yellow. I didn't appreciate the girl that looks back at me when I face a mirror. But this colour definitely suited me better. I hope a gentleman will notice me tonight. I hope Colin notices me.

He is the only man that ever did.

Once I arrived, I stood alone like I usually do when I heard my name called.

I spun around to see Colin. Oh my god his smile. His jests. No surprise though, with that charm came immediate disappointment when he asked of Miss Thompson's whereabouts.

Marina, my distant cousin. Was the opposite of me. She had barely been accommodated in my home for a week when half the men of the ton showed interest. Including Colin.

She is beautiful. Dances well and has perfect poise. How would Colin ever see me, truly. When Miss Thompson stands in the wings. I envy her. I am glad that the jests on my behalf have not yet begun. But it is still early.

We were interrupted by Cressida Cowper. Surprise, the bitchiest lady of the ton had already had her claws out. I was once again invisible.

She poured a drink over me. The cool liquid soaked my boosom. I could feel Colin's eyes on me. I was so embarrassed.

Then Mr Colin Bridgerton. Fought back filing down her claws with his oh so gentlemanly back hand. He escorted me to the dance floor.

When we danced, I felt as though it was only us on that floor. His gaze rarely leaving mine.

And his smile.

Good god. That smile. Like some Greek god put on this world to torment me.

As he span me, the butterflies in my belly started to dance with us.

When the dance had stopped. Colin led me off the floor and I realised his hand was still on mine. What a cruel torture, to be sure.

We walked slowly to my papa. Before I heard his voice rise higher than his company.

"I'm sure they will do well. Not Penelope, unfortunately l. No one wants a fat bride" he laughed loudly. Everyone but him noticed his daughter's expression. Her face turned down to the side before she rushed rather fast towards. Well she did not know. She just kept walking. Wanting a quiet place to scream to the heavens.

Archibald spun around to see Colin "Mr Bridgerton!" He announced. Passing him a drink. Colin had already had a few drink before his arrival. This one might just push him as far as to smack the living shit out of Pen's father for being such an ass.

He swallowed the drink down in one gulp, using all the strength he had not to tighten his fist. He merely nodded "Good evening" and rushed after Pen.

He mutted to himself "God, for a small thing she is bloody fast" 

He saw a glimpse of her red hair in the distance. His expression pensive. He needed to make sure she would not run too far. A lady should not be wondering alone at night.

Pen did not see Colin so close behind her, that when he called she was caught off guard. She spun around. She started to fall backwards taking Colin with her. Leaving them both lying on the ground. Colin stroked his head and started to laugh. "Oh my, I am so sorry Pen"

He wasn't sure if it was the fall or the unkind words she overheard but Pen went pale as a ghost.

"Pen, are you well?"

He had not got off of her and her legs were wide with his between them.

Pen hoped no one saw them. Colin smiled down, removing a fallen leaf from her hair.

She kept repeating "I am fine"

Colin had sisters, he knew 'I am fine' meant quite the opposite. He placed his hand either side of her face "Pen, breath"

How was she to breathe, when Colin Bridgerton was calmly thrown between her legs. How could he be so calm. If her skirts had flown upwards it would have been an entirely different situation, to be sure.

She sat up, tidying herself feeling ever the fool. He mimicked her,  gazed down on her. Assessing her.

She repeated once more "I am fine"

"You are not well, Pen. You are practically trembling" he started to stroke up her arms. They were so close that their bodies were grazing.  "How is your head?"

Pen looked up into his eyes "My head?" She had quite forgotten herself.

"We fell?"

"Oh yes. I am okay"

Colin did not believe her trembling words. He helped her to her feet and touched the top of her head to check. It was then he realised their height difference.

He kissed the top of the head, like his mother used to do to him when he was a child.

"Better?"

"Much" she shrugged. It may have just been a friendly gesture. But Colin could not help smell the fresh flowers and a sweet scent lingering from her hair. "How about yours Colin?" She noted a small cut on the side of his head. Her fingers grazed at it. He winced and then his whole face heated up.

He put his hand over hers "Pen" his voice gruff, as if the man was starved for days. My other hand on his cheek. I wanted to see if he was ill. His eyes looked awfully sore. I put the back of my hand to his forehead "You are deathly warm, Colin. Perhaps we should take our leave"

But my touch left him begging me for more. He brought my hand to his lips. He removed my glove and started leaving a line of sweet kisses down my fingers. I let out an involuntary moan. Which only made a fire in him burn stronger. He kissed me fiercely and without remorse. I could feel his hands on my breasts as he kissed my bosom. Then they moved to my bottom and good god he squeezed. Squeezing my common sense along with it and possibly his own.

"Oh Pen" he moaned into a kiss.

What the hell was going on. I was merely his friend moments ago. Now, I do not know. All I know is if we get caught right now! Circumstances be damned.

"We had to get back to the ball. Before are absence is noticed, Colin"

"You are right" he answered before kissing me again. His tongue gently caressing mine. If we don't stop now. I may lose myself completely. Inside my legs I felt a burning sensation. A sensation to be touched.

Then are lips were gone, and I already felt like this fleeting moment would never happen again. Colin walked me back safely to my carriage, when my Papa flew around the corner "There you are. Well! in the carriage" I looked back at Colin upset to leave his side.

My father scorned "Today Penelope!"

Colin looked as though he wanted to go for his throat. But instead he gave me a tight smile and watched me leave.