Linger in love

(16) Friends

Later in his bedchamber, Colin was uncomfortable, he moved around restlessly on his pale yellow sheet. His eyes slowly gave in.

Penelope laid in a field of yellow lilies, wearing nothing but yellow bed sheets. His bed sheets.

She slept soundly. The sheet clinging to her curves. His eyes traced up from her ankle. Her fire red locks curling through the petals. She called his name softly. He laid next to her. Fully clothed. His eyes traced to where her bust was then up to to her rosy lips. She whispered his name softly.

Colin

His hands slowly slid over her hips. Her shapely figure was driving his mind wild. Colin put his hand under the sheet. Her skin was so soft, and the scent of lavender and Poppy tickled his nose. Pen leant back into him, her bottom slightly grazing his manhood. Colin let out a moan

Colin

Her head turned back to face him. Her eyes lashes fluttered up. Colin's mouth made its way along her neck and into her shoulder. His breath brushed against her ear. He couldn't see her lips but he knew a devilish smirk must have appeared.

"Colin!" He jumped up. "Brother are to sleep all day! You have a visitor"

"Is it Pen?" I looked too enthusiastically.

The sun shone blindingly into my room. I couldn't see. The booze from last night was starting to have the after affects. My head was thumping, my skin cold and shaky. I must look a mess. Pen won't be impressed.

"No, brother. It is a Mr Thomas Fairaway"

I couldn't help the look of disgust on my face.

"What the devil!" I rubbed my eyes. "I will be down in a moment!"

Benedict frowned "Brother, are you well?"

"I'm fine" I barked.

"You don't sound fine" he was rather observant. What did Mr Fairaway want. Why was he here.

"Benedict. Just please give me a moment"

Benedict knew that look well. He shook his hipflask at me "Hair of the dog?"

I shook my head worried that the nausea may get worse.

Benedict looked at me with a bit of humour he smiled "Very well"

A moment to make myself look at least the picture of health since I felt a flutter in my belly and an arousal which was not disappearing fast enough. Is it wrong to dream about one's friend in such graphic terms. I need to rid myself of such perversions. Pen would not be impressed with my indecent thoughts.

I half stumbled down the stairs. Just knowing he was in my house was irritating enough.

He took a deep breath before entering the drawing room.

"Mr Fairaway" I attempted kindness.

"Mr Bridgerton, I am sorry to come unannounced, but I wish to have a word"

"Please sit" he motioned to a seat

"I don't know if you are aware, but I have had friendship with Miss Featherington along time"
He spoke wearily. Like he expected me to thrash him right there in my own home.

"Yes, Pen had mentioned this to me"

"I was unsure if you were aware that I am courting Miss Penelope, but I could not in conscious do that, if I knew that you and she have feeling for each other"

My voice dropped a little "We are friends"

"That is a relief, she speaks of you often. I did not want to hurt anyone's feelings, you see"

She speaks of me.

Often.

My stomach started to flutter again. What was this feeling. Perhaps I should eat something. Am I ill, because I certainly do not feel myself.

When Thomas said he was relieved. He truly looked it. Why would he ever think that Pen and I would be anything else. Has she hinted as such. I needed to know.

"Mr Fairaway. What made you believe the opposite may be true?"

"Like I say, she speaks of you often and as for the day we met"

"The day we met?" I questioned. Drawing a blank.

"You could not keep your eyes off each other. I felt as if I was intruding which is why I made an excuse to leave her side"

"Trust me. All the feeling we have toward each other are ones of friendship and mutual respect"

Thomas smiled. This man was up to something. I decided then and there that I did not trust him. He stood and spoke like a gentleman. But if he was truly Pen's friend then why did he not ask to court her sooner.

"Thank you for your honesty Mr Bridgerton. I will make my leave" Thomas stood up, brushing down his suit.

I walked him to the door and shook his hand.

Eloise walked past him with a book in her arms "Good day, Thomas. Enjoying your day?"

Thomas smiled at El as he turned to get out the door "Immensely Miss Bridgerton. Don't let me interrupt your book"

"Wouldn't dream of it!" El giggled. Then scowled when she saw Colin "What?"

Mr Fairaway wanted to court her.

I should be happy for Pen, elated even.

Then why god, do I feel like this is somehow the end.

I feel so angry. Irritated. I have never been so rude to a man. Who clearly does not deserve it. He has been nothing but a true gentleman to Pen.

I should be supportive, that's what friends do. I just wish I would not feel so confused. My mind and heart are pulling me in both directions. I just wish someone would explain to me what I am feeling. Because I am certain I haven't the foggiest Inclination.

Why does Eloise like Thomas so much. Is she the reason he is courting Pen. God, I hope not. My own sister against me. Her and the whole bloody world I suppose.