Linger in love

(34) See what others cannot

Danbury Ball

"Colin?" Pen gasped

Colin shook his head, with a mischievous smirk "Pen"

"You said you wish to be discreet"

"Indeed"

"Then why have you been staring at me while looking over me for the past half hour like I'm an eclair"

"Well, Pen. I have an appetite and by god I'm hungry" He thought better not be that blunt, so he simply decided to add on "Apologies"although not meaning it.

He stepped closer. The air got thick. Pens eyelashes fluttered, blushing profusely

Colin regarded her. Her bust quickened. He enjoyed her reaction.

"Now, who's not being discreet?"

"That was your fault entirely"

"You blame me?" Colin stared her down.

"How is a man to focus.." he continued ".. when the most beautiful woman is a mere ten feet away"

Pen's stomach was doing cartwheels. This man, will be the end of me.

"Stop talking" she whispered in a husky voice.

"What will you do if I don't" he smirked.

Pen bit her bottom lip, suddenly very heated "Don't" she shook her head.

"Is that a threat?" Pen would have happily let Colin take her right here in the Danbury ball but thought Lady Danbury may frown over it.

"Mr Bridgerton... "

Thank god, I needed the interruption. My eyes fluttered. Shit. It was Lord Debling, he spoke briefly at the Bridgerton Ball, he was rather handsome.

"Would you mind if I took Miss Featherington for a dance?"

"Of course not" he lied.

He took Pens hand and lead her away. Colin stood at the edge of the ballroom watching Pen, Violets eyes were on him.

"So how are you finding the ball, Miss Featherington"

"It is Lady Fairaway, actually"

"Apologies, I only assumed"

"Your assumptions are granted. My husband has sadly passed away"

"My deepest sympathies"

"Thankyou" she realised that she had not answered his question "It has been surprising good. Your presence is a refreshing distraction" she remembered him speaking of his adventures across the continent.

"Well thank you. Yours also" his eyes looked to the distance, then back at her "I believe we have an audience"

Pen looked to where Lord Debling was looking and smirked "He is tenacious, isn't he"

"Indeed. I was thinking the word Jealous would be more accurate"

"Colin Bridgerton?" She shrugged "He is a flirt. Perhaps, I am just his latest victim" she joked.

"... or perhaps, he is yours"

"You think I'm a flirt?" She looked rather disgusted by his assumption.

"Not at all. I only mean that you have more than one gentleman's attention this evening without trying"

"Perhaps, I am entertaining. I have no idea why. I have yet to trip on my own feet tonight"

"Or you are the most beautiful creature in the room, and men are falling over themselves to have your favour"

Pen giggled loudly "Apologies, I understand that we have only just met. But here in Mayfair" she shrugged "I am the most ignored and uninteresting lady here, to be sure"

"Some may call that a challenge"

"Others call it, invisibility"

"Yet, I see Mr Bridgerton, Lord Fife and Lord Wilding looking at you like you are a delicious meal"

Pen laughed hysterically "Lord Fife hates me!"

"Hates a strong word"

"It is not an assumption, just a clear observation"

"He hates that you are getting the attention, more. Do you think Lord Fife and Mr Bridgerton may dual for your favour" he sarcastically pointed out.

She laughed, then paused "Ha! You really think so?" The idea was humorous. Fife would not stand a chance anyway compared to Colin.

"So Lady Fairaway, are you searching for a husband?"

"It is too soon to tell, I believe. Trust me though Lord Debling, you have plenty of choices in the ladies here today" trying to sway his attentions elsewhere.

"No one as lovely as you, i would think"

She took a big swallow "You flatter me, Lord"

"It is the truth" their eyes locked. Pen could imagine the disappointment on Colin's face before she even glanced at him.

She cleared her throat "I am with child"

His mouth opened in shock. Then dropped. She couldn't find a read on him.

"Lady Fairaway. I am so sorry" he was clearly uninterested now. "That must be a horrible ideal to be sure, to face parenthood alone"

"I am blessed to have been able to keep Tommy as long as I did"

"May I call on you next week"

She looked flabbergasted "Me?" She used all the truths to scare this man away, yet he was still interested.

He nodded.

"I do not know what to say"

"I could just sit with you for a little while, if you like. If you do not believe we would suit then I would make a good friend, I dare say"

"In earnest, you are not the only handsome man to ask that of me"

"You believe I am handsome?"

She started to started "No, I mean yes" she took a big breath.

"I take your reply as a maybe" he spoke flirtatiously.

She nodded "That would be kind of you, my Lord"

The dance was nearly over "Do you mind keeping my circumstances to yourself. I am still trying to navigate them myself"

He spoke softly "You have my word"

As their hands left, he bowed. As she came up from her curtsy. She saw a longing look coming from Colin.

How things have changed. Her first year out she thought her expression rather similar to his. While he danced with a lady. Perhaps, if he had noticed her on that day. Things may be different between them.

She looked to his left where Lord Fife noted Colin's expression. He smirked. It made Pen swallow hard as he looked back at her.

She felt like she may throw up. Surely he was not interested. She would rather stab herself in the eye than deal with the dreadful fate. Pen shuddered.

A moment later Lord Fife walked up to her "Miss Featherington, you seem to have blossomed since I last saw you"

She tightened her jaw "Thankyou Lord Fife"

His eyes went a little lower, then back up to her eyes. When he saw the disgust in her eyes he knew she must have noticed.

"I see Lady Danbury searching for me, Pardon me" she rushed away so fast, that she bumped into Anthony who must have noticed Pen in danger.

"Apologies Lord Bridgerton"

"No harm done, I am made of sturdy stuff, Miss Featherington"

He clearly did not know of her betrothal. His mama certainly knew how to keep a secret.

He noticed her discomfort "Would you like me to give a few harsh words to Lord Fife on your behalf"

She smiled no need to"I believe my scowl did the trick"

Anthony smiled "It is wonderful to see you home, would you like to join us at Aubrey Hall this evening. My mother tells me it will be a feast that all will envy"

"Thank you. I look forward to it"