Linger in love

(46) Trouble

Pen hid herself away for a week. Feeling overly sensitive. Between the child growing inside her, Colin's proposal and the insinuations of the cruel man back in Surrey. She found herself wallowing a little.

Taking a long respite. To hide herself from the ton. Pen thought herself above hiding in the shadows for so long. Yet, here she was again.

Portia was not one to beg, yet she needed Pen to return to society so that is exactly what she did. Begged and pleaded to get her own way until Pen agreed to attend the upcoming ball.

Not long after Pen stepped through the door that she felt something strange. Whether it was just her emotions heightened or dread. The only thing clear was how much she did not wish to be there.

The only light in this crowded room was the Bridgertons huddled together in a group. As always Pen was glad for their attendance. Yet she saw no sign of Colin. She hoped he wasn't mad at her taking some time alone.

Across the room, she spotted a fox in the hen house. None other than Mr Norton was in Mayfair. Pen's mouth fell.

What was he doing here. More lies.

Pens worried lines turned quickly into a scowl when she realised for whom the man was speaking. The Cowpers. Cressida Cowper to be more accurate. She could feel a rage boiling. Has Cressida truly sunk so low as to hang out with that man.

Anthony noticed Pens sudden change in demeanour, he followed her eyes. Shit.

Anthony walked straight up to the man, his tone stern, considering the company "May I have a word?"

"Lord Bridgerton we are in the midst of a conversation" Lord Cowper shot.

"Are you acquainted with this man?" he asked as politely as he could.

"He is my cousin. Now why have you interrupted us" Lord Cowper was known to be rude at times to his own blood but Anthony was not his blood and Anthony's scowl made him realise his place. Lord Cowper attempted to look more dignified, smartening his jacket.

"Because your.." he gritted his teeth on the word "cousin. Is a fraud and a liar"

Lord Cowper raised his voice a little "How dare you come to our family ball, and insult our guest. I must ask you to leave"

Anthony didn't have a retort. Nor did he need one. He simply nodded "Gladly"

Lord Cowper tightened his jaw.

Anthony walked up to his mother "We are to leave at once, the Featherington's too"

Violet shook her head, Anthony arm had already linked onto hers. He started directing her out. The family followed suit. Once they were out, he returned for Pen.

Pen and Cressida's eyes were locked. She looked worried. Which was a strange look for her. She almost looked as surprised as the Bridgerton's.

"Anthony" Pen gasped "Why is he here?"

"He is Lord Cowper's cousin" Anthony spoke sternly, but Pen could see how irritated this made him. If they did not leave soon, Anthony may kick the living hell out of the man in the middle of the ball.

"You must be joking" she choked out.

"I do not. I do not trust the man, you need to take your family and leave at once" he wanted to sound forceful, but his tone was more gentle than she expected. Pen cared a great deal for Anthony and knew he had the greatest of intentions.