Linger in love

(30) The Question

After the confrontation with Cressida Cowper, the rest of the ball went rather smoothly. She enjoyed being on the edge, but it was rather liberating having Agatha and Violet standing with her. While they gave her all the gossip which she missed.

"It has been unfortunate not to have Lady Whistledown, I do miss the scandal, in all honesty"

"Will she write again, one has to wonder" Agatha's eyes going to me.

"Perhaps, she's done meddling in the lives of others" Pen frowned.

"Or perhaps, it is what the ton needed to see things a little more clearly"

Now Violets eyes were on her too.

"What are you trying to say, ladies?" I quirked an eyebrow.

Agatha stepped a little closer, her tone softer "Will you pick up your quill once more?"

Shit.

"How did you know?" She mumbled the last syllable.

Violet smiled warmly "I recognised the similar writing skill in your letters"

"Ah, I see" Pens chin tilted up more to face them "Lady Whistledown is dead"

"It is only a shame that your writings will go unnoticed when you are so proficient at showing society in a light they may not be accustomed to" Violet touched her cheek maternally "Whatever you do moving forward. As a friend, I am proud of you"

"As am I" Agatha hit her cane done.

The praise she had always wanted but never received. Pen let out a small smile.

"Thank you" she didn't know what to say "Both of you"

She had missed her writing.

Colin walked over to the three of them, nodding when he called their names "Lady Danbury, Mother" he breathed out Pens name softly "Lady Fairaway"

"My son. Have you seen Francesca?"

"I have not, but Mr John Sterling is in attendance, so I hope to see them both on the dancefloor"

He turned back to Pen "May I have this dance"

Sneaky bastard. Pen clenched her jaw, putting her hand in his "Mr Bridgerton"

He led her to the dance floor. Pen became very aware of the eyes on her now. Not what she wanted. She hated being the centre of attention.

"How long are you to stay in city?"

"Do you wish to rid yourself of me already?" She huffed.

"No. I only mean that I would like to call on you"

Her tone turned dismissive "Me. Whatever for?"

"Because despite what you are feeling, I care for you. I always have"

"Your words in the past contradict that" she did not want or need to play these games.

"I missed you"

"Then perhaps, you should get yourself a hound to follow you around smitten instead on me"

Shit she had said too much. So she added "I will leave tomorrow"

His eyes widened with her accidental slip up. She was smitten with him. All that time.

"Very Well" he looked sad. Really sad. He felt as if he was loosing her again "I do wish you would stay"

"May I speak bluntly?"

"Of course" his fearful tone was noted.

"Why would I want to stay in a city that does what it can to break me. What reason do I have. I have a family that does not care, a friend who turned her back on me and the one man I trusted was embarrassed by me. So pray tell, why?"