Linger in love

(36) Be our Guest

As Pen sat down, she realised how small she felt. These large men and beautiful ladies surrounding her at the grand table. She must have looked like an outsider to anyone else in attendance. But there was no one else. Was I the only one that was invited, who was not family.

Oh dear, was this a ruse. Had Colin asked for their assistance in courting me. He would not.

Perhaps he is feeling the need to up his game, now that Lord Debling has shown interest. Lord Debling is a nice catch. He has wealth, influence, and I am told he loves to travel. Which makes the life I would lead even more beneficial. So I could write again, perhaps something new.

Colin was the love of my life. 'Was' being the operative word. I will admit at times, I still feel the flutter from one of his gazes. But Tommy admitted his feelings and dove into them head first. How do I know Colin would not just get mistresses when he is bored or run for the hills. Like he tended to do everytime life got a bit too real. I need someone who will stick by me when the road gets rough.

When I give birth to a new heir. I do not know if Colin cares enough to stick around. Why would he. He may care? But only as a friend. He may have admitted to wanting more. But lust has a way of making us believe that the impossible is true. Colin shot her a comforting look. He gave a small and reassuring smile.

"Miss Featherington, you are in your own thoughts this evening" Anthony commented. He must have asked me something and I just blanked him. My eyes flew up and he repeated "Would you like a stronger drink?"

Violet shook her head "No, Anthony. I am certain Penelope is content with her lemonade"

She smiled knowingly at her "Yes. Yes, I am perfectly happy with the lemonade. Thank you my Lord. I must apologise. Mayfair was so busy since returning, I'm finding it here, among all of you. I find a sense of peace"

"Peace. With this lot!" Anthony laughed.

"It's refreshing. It is only a shame I will be returning home in a week"

Kate's eyes went wide "I did not realise you had elsewhere to call home, Miss Penelope"

"I have a home in Surrey"

Anthony looked surprised "You do, I was not aware" he carried on as he carved his steak
"Family, I presume?"

There was no delicate was of saying the next words "Of sorts. It is where my husband and myself resided until he unfortunately fell ill and died"

Anthony recoiled "My sincerest apologies, I did not know" he thought he best change the subject and apologise again for his blunder when the meal was done and they were alone. Why did Colin not say anything. Damn that boy.

"What is your title now, if I may be so bold" Kate asked a bit intrigued.

"Lady Fairaway"

"You are a lady" Hyacinth boomed. "Lady Penelope does sound awfully splendid"

"Do you have horses?"Gregory asked excitedly.

"We do" she grimaced "I do"

Colin noticed her discomfort "Do you ride, Pen?"

"I do, sadly my legs are too short for a mighty steed. I would look awfully small on one, I dare say"

"Would you care to join me at the stables after dinner?" She had only just been aquatinted with Kate, and she had already decided, that she really liked her. A strong, independent lady, put her own mama to shame "I would be honoured" that made Kate's smile grow from ear to ear.

Kate loved to ride. She loved the days of sneaky off and escaping for a while. The wind through her dark long locks. Nothing worse than being under the watchful eye of Lady Danbury. How wrong she was. Lady Danbury may have come across as a woman of steel, but Kate was pleasantly surprised that inside, she could be warm and caring also. Not many knew unfortunately how kind she could be.

Penelope was enjoying the atmosphere around her, the sound of joy and laughter she was not accustomed to growing up. It was all snarky remarks and rebuke.

Gregory had grown up so much, it was strange as I had not noticed before, the change in dynamic. He almost seemed awkward around the Viscount, afraid of his disapproval perhaps. Yet now he looks at him with a new sense of pride and Anthony looks towards his youngest brother with a maternal awareness. Maybe Kate had changed him, made his softer. Or perhaps, Anthony had become the man his father knew he would be all along.

A man to be proud of.

Pens eyes moved up from her venison. Violets eyes were on her curiously, the mother's eyebrow flew up when she noticed her gaze.

She called across the table, in her soft voice "Penelope, would you care to stay the night. It is getting rather late"

"That is kind of you, but I think my recent arrival home has given my mama cause to see me as much as she can before my departure" she looked at the Viscount Anthony and his lovely wife "I thank you for the invitation" she smiled at Violet "and the company"

Eloise had not spoken to her since she arrived at Aubrey Hall, Colin was also keeping his distance for some reason or another.

El may have not spoken but her expression spoke volumes. Her smile was tight and forced but her eyes were curious. She did not know what to say. So long and so much had happened since their argument at the Featherington Ball. Is she feeling regretful for her actions. Pen made circles with her thumbs. I know I am.

Colin, tilted his head to the door leaving outside. He wanted to talk after all. Was it something he wished to speak in private.

In earnest, she was unsure where they stood after the last ball. After Lord Debling had made his intention to court her known. Do I detect a hint of jealousy. He was a man not known to be such. Although perhaps it is his pride that was hurt.

Proving once again she was not his number one.