Linger in love

(38) A match

After Pen and Eloise headed back in. El felt a sense of pride having her best friend back. But she could not help but feel that she made a blunder revealing Colin already had a ring. Whatever she thought before had dramatically changed. If he already had a ring. Then perhaps, he truly cared. More than a friend.

Once Pen walked into the dining room once more. Colin and Pens eyes locked. This did not go unnoticed by the family. Hyacinth noticed that as well as the look between Pen and her brother. She noticed that the cloud that had covered Eloise for a year had finally dispersed.

Gregory seemed to be the only one who had not noticed the exchange in glanced. Smiled up at Pen. "Dessert is getting cold. Are you to talk in the garden all day!" He scorned.

Eloise chuckled "Apologies brother, I did not realise we were on a time frame"

There was a seat next to Colin and the other side of Anthony. Colin was surprised when Pen pulled the chair next to him. Eloise sat with Hyacinth and Gregory.

Colin turned to Pen "It's Apple and Gooseberry"

"Sounds wonderful" Pen gleamed "If I cannot finish, I will give you my crumbs"

He laughed "Am I that bad"

She jokingly scorned "No"

"It is good to see you here. I am glad Anthony invited you"

"So it was not your idea?"

Colin shook his head "I generally feel that Anthony noticed our little family was off it's axis and you were the remedy"

He leant closer "Anything to rid El of the mood she was in.."

Eloise suddenly called at Colin "I can hear you!"

"I do not deny it, El. But since you have no use of the gift I brought you back from my travels. Then you can let Pen read it" El smiled at his idea "Afterall we know Pen to be a formidable reader" Pen lit up at his acknowledgement.

"Pen are you staying for the Mondrichs ball"

Pen shook her head in confusion "The gentleman that owns the bar" her eyebrow rose.

Colin forgot for a moment how much Pen missed out on "Their eldest is a baron"

Pen smiled warmly "Good for them. Lady Danbury has told me a few times about her new friendship with the family, Mrs Mondrich especially. But I never realised"

"So. Lady Penelope will you do me the honour of letting me have your first dance" he sat up rather dignified.

Pen nodded "That would be kind, thank you Colin"

"Kind. I think you mean wonderful"

Anthony added "Galiant"

"And of course amazing" El added with a chuckle. She knew why he asked so far in advance though. Lord Debling may be in attendance.

Hyacinth perked up "Will Lord Debling and Lord Fife also ask for your dance card I wonder?" She asked no one in peticular.

Pens eyes flew to Anthony. He braced himself "It is not like it is a secret that every man is looking for your favour this season" Pen smirked while shaking her head. He added with warmth "And deservedly so. Every flower needs time in the light. Does it not?"

Violet smirked knowing her flower metaphors were rubbing off on her children.

Violet looked to Pen "I hear Lord Debling is looking for a wife"

"He is. He is travelling for thee years. It takes a year to go where he is going"

"That's along time to be away from someone you love" Violet added suspiciously.

"He does not seek love. Only an heir and a wife that is interesting and a joy to be around"

Gregory looked up from his dessert "I can see why he is interested in you. Strange that you did not add beauty to his prospects. Then he would be sure to find all of that in you"

Anthony looked at him surprised. Gregory didn't realise the eyes on him "What? I am a man am I not. Any man can see a beautiful lady in front of them. No use being shy about it"

"Gregory Bridgerton!" Violet scorned which led to an echo of laughter.

"I will be in society in a few years, and if you are still searching for a husband..."

Anthony hushed him "That is enough Gregory"

Hyacinth burst out laughing "Like she would be interested in you. You can't even reach her to dance"

"Hey, I have grown at least three inches and it is not like Penelope is tall"

"Looks like your suitors have gone up!" Anthony smiled at Pen "You'll be spoilt for choice" he smirked. Kate slapped his arm "Enough. I beg of you" she held back a cackle.

Benedict who had barely spoke through the meal suddenly looked at Pen "Perhaps, I should add myself to the hoard"

"Oh what of Lady Tilley?" Francesca asked shyly.

"It does not matter" he grimaced.

Pen knew that Benedict needed cheering up "I would be honoured to be your dance partner if it will distract you. Perhaps, put that smile back on your face" Benedict nodded at her reply.

"Oi. Why do I get a reply of kindness while Benedict gets the honoured treatment?!" Colin scorned Pen.

Ben tilted his head "Perhaps, she has been gone so long that she has moved to the better brother like me"

"Or me!!" Gregory added though not really meaning it.

Another cackle of laughter.

Kate laughed "Perhaps Anthony should chaperone you. Protect you from his brothers"

"What a lovely idea" Violet added.

"It wasn't a serious comment" Kate shot Violet down but she retorted "Perhaps it should be"

Anthony stared at his mother waiting for a longer explanation "Pen seems to have more interest than even her own mama could handle. You would be a wonderful judge of character"

"Are you quite serious?" Anthony looked bewildered, considering he was still chaperoning Fran and it was like El wasn't getting a lot of interest. She just preferred shutting them down. Reminding them who was smarter.

"Or a shield" Fran added. Violet laughed "Indeed"

"Why does it feel as though I do not get a say in the matter?" Pen questioned

"Welcome to my family" El laughed.