Linger in love

(10) Mr Fairaway

Eloise was now out in society and had those awkward few steps to the Queen before a stroke of luck. Lady Whistledown. Eloise was elated when the Queen announced she had seen enough. Eloise turned her heel and ran out the door. Leaving Violet's eye's scanning the room. In hope no one noticed her daughter's speedy escape.

Mr Colin Bridgerton smartened himself in anticipation to see his friend Pen today.

I had hoped to see Penelope among the debutantes at Rotten Row but unfortunately no, but I had a small sense of dread lingering over my chest. Was she well. Did she miss me? Because I certainly missed her presence.

No matter of the beauties his travels had to offer. Pens smile and sense of humour was something that put her apart all others.

The day was dragging and I just wanted to get home, freshen myself and make my way hastily to a the Featherington Home.

He felt a rush of excitement, he thought for sure he would have seen her at his home when he arrived back and he felt a touch of disappointment when she wasn't. Anthony noted the change in his brother's demeanour almost instantly.

He knew Anthony wanted the whole clan to join him at the races but he wanted to escort Penelope if she would alow. It could be a chance for him to catch up, also to drop her the flowers he had picked that early morning ride.

He smartened his jacket once more and made his way across the square.

A glimpse of yellow stopped him in his path.

Then her laugh. She was linked on to a rather handsome man. The same build as him with a similar hairstyle. They were giggling so loudly that all eyes were on them. Not that they seemed to care.

Pen was glowing. I don't like how they are standing so close. It was improper. He didn't like how she smiled and looked at him with such warmth. His chest started to ache.

Was Pen courting. Her maid seemed surprised when she saw me looking at Pen with such intensity. The bunch of flowers tightened under my grip. I was worried I would drop them at my feet. Embarrassing myself.

Pen's eyes flew to me "Uh, Colin. You are home!"

"I am, it is lovely to see you Pen" he wanted to ask of her welfare, but the man standing to her left seemed to be sizing him up.

Pen noticed the tension.

"I do not believe we are acquainted" the man offered his hand.

"Forgive me, this is Mr Colin Bridgerton" Pen offered.

Colin smiled, although it looked rather crooked.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, I'm Mr Thomas Fairaway"

The cheek of this man holding her so close.

"When did you return home, Colin?"

"Just yesturday. I was hoping to pay you a visit today"

Her eyebrows adorable flew up "You were"

Pen noticed the flowers "Beautiful flowers Colin, are you courting"

I shook my head a little embarrassed "No, I was concerned about you, so I thought I would bring you something to brighten your room"

Pen started to blush profusely "Thank you, Colin"

He had to change the subject, she was starting to glow and Colin was starting to see how beautiful she was when she did so.

"Are you both off to the races today?" He forced a smile.

Thomas shook his head "Unfortunately, I have business to attend to. In fact.. " he looked at his pocket watch ".. I'm running rather late" he looked at Pen "I will walk you home Penelope"

Penelope? The cheek of this man. It is Miss Featherington.

"It is okay. I will escort her home Mr Fairaway" I spoke rather sternly. Considering this man had been nothing but polite.

He nodded in agreement. His eyes looked again towards Pen "Until tomorrow, Penelope"

"See you then, Thomas"

She called him by his first name! Colin felt like he may crumble to the floor.

Had he been replaced. Had he been away too long.

Pen smiled as he walked away. Then her attention was back on me, rightfully so.

"Pen, how have you been?"
She looked as though she did not want to share her grief "I am well, and you... " she quickly realised what a silly question it was.

He smiled as she cleared her throat nervously "It really is lovely to see you"

"And you. Pen, I was worried about you"

"About me?" Her cheeks heated up again.

"I did not get to say a proper farewell before I left and I am sorry if you felt I left you alone to deal with your grief"

"Colin, do not fret. The new Lord Featherington will arrive momentarily and take care of my family"

Colin smiled "I'm glad"

He wasn't glad. He wanted her to say how much his absence was hurtful and that she needed him.

How could I be so selfish, she had lost her father and all that pain me is that she didn't beg me to stay.

Would I have stayed if she asked me.

I do not know.

"So are you courting this Mr Fairaway" he scowled.

"Do you not like him?" She blinked and tilted her head noticing my scowl. Her question was so innocent. He didn't want to say he didn't like how formal he was with her, and how he held her tightly to him as they linked arms.

"I do not know him"

"Thomas is one of my oldest friends from Surrey. He is here in search for a wife"

"Is he searching for one in you?"

Pen gasped "Why ever would you think that. He is my friend" she softened her voice "Like you are"

Oh my god. Ouch, how could such a word hit so hard.

She is my friend.

What the devil is wrong with me.

She noticed my face contort. She didn't know why, so she asked cautiously "We are friends, are we not"

"Of course" I forced a smile "Friends"

Her gaze was on me, uncertainty written across her expression. What must she think of me now. Even the word 'friends' felt alien leaving my lips.

Have her eyes always been so blue.

Why can't I stop looking into them.

Pen drops her chin down, aware of how long they had been staring. Society would never allow such a long gaze. A longing gaze.

"We should go. Before we are noticed" she let a small smile linger. Pen was always aware of the eyes of the ton. I frankly could not give a damn. If I want to look at my closest friend, I cannot fathom how that can be misconstrued.

I walked her all the way to her front door. She thanked me again for the flowers. I noticed how she brought the petals close to her nose and breathed in the sweet scent.

How was she so beautiful when she was doing something so simple. Her eyes were closed, like that could somehow make her feel as though she were lying in a field of flowers. Her eyelashes fluttered open. I found myself still staring. "Will I see you at the races?"

"You will"

"Would you like me to accompany you?"

"There is really no need to Colin, I will be with my family and I know you must have missed yours while travelling. I will see you there, later"

I did not care for more time with my family. I only wanted to spend time with Pen. My Pen.