Linger in love

(15) Berkley Square

After a most splendid evening at the Smyth-Smith recital, Miss Penelope Featherington found her way taking her stroll through Berkley Square. It was rather late but she enjoyed herself so much with the family. Staying with them after the show had finished for tea and cake. They were a hospitable family and cared for others who showed genuine interest in the arts. She had so much fun that she found herself feeling more positive. 

The stars were shining brightly, almost like magic and she found herself enjoying the calm and peace of the cool breeze, and whispers of leaves rusting in the trees.

How would Lady Whistledown write such a feeling. Possibly a dream state of embracement of the darkness. Under the watchful eyes of the night sky. Is when a sense of contentment can be found. She smiled to herself.

Lady Danbury had a way of surprising her, proving once again that under the stern eyes that she allows, lies the heart of a good woman. A good woman who has been touched with doubt and uncertainty of the world.

After Colin finished his second drink he decided to leave, Lady Danbury did not want him speaking to Penelope until the next morning. So he allowed himself to stay behind later so he would not be tempted to knock on her door.

With her sudden burst of energy, she decided it had been a long time since she was this side of town unaccompanied. So the walk was pleasant. Although the music still rung in her ears. She found herself dancing a little. She made sure to look around her first.

As she bobbed along with a tune in her head, she heard a voice call behind her "Pen?"

Pen spun around "Colin!"

"Were you dancing?" His eyebrows were up, clearly finding it a tad amusing.

She shrugged "No"

He shook his head.

"If you cannot dance in Berkley Square, then where can you!"

Colin smirked.

"So where have you come from"

"The Smyth-Smith's, they were having a rehearsal. I thought they would enjoy some encouragement"

"That was very kind of you"

"Everyone needs to feel appreciated at some point and Cressida Cowper spent the last musticale laughing so loud the queen ad the whole ton could here"

Colin grumbled "Yes, I heard" Colin looked down at Pen curiously "May I have the honour?" he held his hand out.

"Pardon me?"

"Pen, do you wish to dance?" his slight turn up smile was hinting at the mischief that was reflected in his eyes.

Pen grabbed her chest in protest "We cannot!"

"We can. I demand it!"

"And who are you to make such demands?"

"Your friend" he reached for her hand.

She knew she would not convince him otherwise so she nodded "Very well"

Colin beamed. Colin started to sway her back and forth, spinning her around. She giggled. Then he pulled her closer. Too close than society would ever allow. But he was her friend so she thought nothing of it.

Then it seemed to suddenly get darker. Then she felt a tap on her arm, then another. Then one landed on Colin's cheek.

Oh dear. "Colin, It is starting to rain" as if on key the heavens opened.

Colin quickly took his coat off and wrapped it around pen. He put his arms around her and took her under a shelter. They stayed under the shelter to wait the rain off. Pen shivered a little. Which worried Colin "Oh, Pen. Your cold!" he looked really concerned. He rubbed his hand up and down her arms to burn his heat onto her. But as he did this innocent gesture, the space between them had become significantly smaller. It was not until Colin's eyes went down to her face and he glimpsed her bosom leaning on his stomach, he realised then. He had gone too far.

Noticing her discomfort. He stepped back "I am sorry Pen, I did not mean"

"I know Colin, all is well" she gave an awkward giggle.

Pens damp strand of hair, was in front of her face. Colin slowly and gently put it back. Her breath hitched. The close proximity was making Pens chest burst with excitement, that she could not calm down. Colin's eyes gazed over her.

God, she was so beautiful.

He cleared his throat "It should stop any minute"

In truth, he did not want the rain to stop. He did not want to escort her home. Colin wished she would stay here for ever. Colin took his cravat off, it was drenched anyway, but the hungry look in Pens eyes made him regret that action. She looked even more tempting. Water drops were still clinging to her skin.

Colin wanted to put his mouth to her neck, kissing those drops off and he was feeling mighty thirsty.

They exchanged their passionate gazes.

If she keeps looking at me with fire in her eyes, how can I stop myself.

"Pen, you need to stop that"

She blinked "Stop what?"

He gently touched her cheek and looked into her eyes "That"

She moaned his name "I do not know what you speak"

"I speak of the shallow breaths, the longing eyes" his thumb traced her plump lips "... and the softness of your lips, parted just so"

Colin's hand moved to her cheek. Smoothing down, and tilting her chin up. Their lips were less than an inch apart.

Pen could feel the heat from his breath.

Pen shook her head "I do not want to be kissed. Not again, not like this" her voice trembled.

Someone had kissed Pen before? Taken such liberties with his friend. He could feel jealousy hitting him hard. Who would do such a thoughtless act.

I will kill him.

Colin did not question her. He would wait until they were somewhere that could not be overheard. He couldn't push her. Her skin and voice were trembling. He felto like a monster in this moment. Who was he to look down to judge her. Especially when his mind wanted to do the exact same thing.

That was different though. He had known Pen a long time. He cared for her. Respected her. Whoever this man is. He is a villain and I would make him pay.

Then all went quiet "Pen. The rain has stopped. I will escort you home"

Pen nodded.

The walk back home was silent. Pen looked as though she was going over ever word in her head so she wouldn't misinform me. She was a good person like that. She would never tell me information if it was false or exaggerated. That would not be her.

Once we got to her door. She passed me my coat back. She forced a smile "Good Bye Colin"

"I will call on you tomorrow"

Pen nodded. Even that looked forced like she was hiding something else.

I walked back to my home. Dark thoughts entered my head. Making me feel restless.

I nearly kissed Pen.

Pen had been kissed before.

I was going to murder someone for this.