Linger in love

(47) Lay Claim

They kept word of their upcoming nuptials to themselves. For the time being. It was their secret. Colin wished for people to know so he could speed up to their big day.

Penelope however was cautious, with her baby bump becoming more prominent by the day, it may look odd. Marrying a lady with an obviously pregnant belly. Colin did not care, he just wanted her now.

So they kept their ruse of friendship for a while longer, although Colin was not good at lying. If anyone asks what is going on between them both. He would simply reply 'I don't know what you mean' and hope that vague answer would keep the family at bay for the time being.

Although Anthony, Kate and Lady Danbury knew better. They were in the same house as them. They saw Colin leave to see her. They saw the longing looks and smiles. They were no one's fool. But they let them keep their secret until they were to reveal it themselves.

However Lady Danbury thought best to be forthcoming with Queen Charlotte. She can sniff out a lie from ten paces. Plus with the Queen keeping Lady Penelope safe. She was the one person she could divulge such information to.

The Queen was elated. The only thing left to say about the relationship, was that she wanted to be informed the very second when they would finally set the date for the wedding. It would only be right for her to be in attendance.

It was the middle of the night, Colin and Pen were enjoying one of their secret meetings when Pen once again surprised him.

She cleared her throat, and stood a little straighter "Mr Bridgerton, if we are to be wed?"

"If? You think you are to change your mind now"

"Apologies" she corrected herself "since we are to marry then I will let you claim me fully now"
I frowned. Did she believe I wanted her just for that. Naturally I had been thinking about it, more than I should. Shit. I still hadn't told her. He mentally slapped the back of his head 'Fuck sake Colin'

I took her hand "Come with me"

I sneaked her through the back entrance of my family home and up to my room.

I was feeling daring and stupid.

Mostly stupid.

"Colin? This is your bedroom" she noticed the yellow sheets. I locked the door. She looked like a deer in the target of a gun. It was now the second time seeing his room. This time though, she was not alone. He was with her.

"You do not need to do anything you do not wish to. I only mean you to tell me if there is anything you do not like"

Her lips trembled "I will like everything because I am with you" he liked the sound of that.

I locked my door.

Pen smiled at this man who meant so much to her "You were my first kiss" Pen put her head down "and I intent that you be my last"

"And you were mine" Colin traced her face with his fingertips.

Their faces locked. His first. What?

"What of Marina, you were alone at a ball were you not, when she planned to seduce you"

"I did not take liberties" the times when he was a gentleman, yet when he was in the presence of Pen, all his decorum seemed to go out the window. It did not even feel right being alone with Marina in a room. Yet I entrapped Pen so many times. Or looked at her longer than society would allow. How did I not realise it sooner.

"Oh, Colin. I thought.."

Pen is in my room. The realisation shot through me. Pen is in my room! All this time was she holding back because she thought my feeling for Marina were still there. Her hint of jealousy made me want her with more passion than I thought possible.