Linger in love

(49) Pawns

The Cowper Residents

"Good day papa"

"Good day, girl" his tone in his voice always made her shudder. Her body tensed as if going in a defensive mode. "What delights do you have in store for today" his tone had a hint of sarcasm. He did not care about her, at all. She was surprised he had replied at all. Even with ire. She was lying if she thought her mother was any better. She forced pleasantries. It made Cressida sick to her stomach.

"I was going to Rotten Row. A gentleman seems rather keen on me and I am told he has been speaking of getting married this season"

Her mama looked at her husband with interest "My Lord, if that is true we should accompany you"

"Who is the gentleman?" He was clearly hoping for a Lord, a Duke perhaps to get the daughter out of his house.

Cressida had to think fast "Lord Fife"

Her papa launched his tea out, narrowly missing his daughter who took a step back.

"Papa, do you not approve of the match?"

She could see her mother's smile getting wider. Lord Cowper however had know Lord Andrew Fife for a long time and he had never hinted at such a thing,

Cressida knew Lord Fife would be lingering wherever young ladies were in attendance so she thought she would take her shot. If she quickly explained the urgency he would surely help a woman in distress. Any chance for a lady to show interest.

The Palace

"Mr Bridgerton, for what do I owe this visit"

Colin Bridgerton stood rather dignified. His mother had always told him not to slouch. It shows weakness. He was appreciative of such advice. Especially now "I have come in search of your help"

"... my help" she let the statement hang in the air for a mere moment, looking to Brimsley to check if he had heard the same as her. It is not like others stood before her hoping for such huh a thing.

"Mr Norton is in town, which I am sure you are aware. I have also noticed how you have protected Miss Fairaway"

The Queen nodded. Yet, in truth did not know where the conversation is going.

"He had come to spread more lies about my friend. Please will your majesty come to Rotten Row tomorrow morning. To witness the..."

He raised his eyebrow "Scandal unfold"

The Queen gave a little nod to herself "You know your Queen all too well"

"I know you are strong, in doing what needs to be done. No matter the consequences it may throw onto you. You are our great Queen"

"I do commend your flattery" she really did, answering his smile with one of her own.

If Colin was good at anything, it was knowing how to win a lady over.

"I will be there Mr Bridgerton. You have my word as your Queen"

Charlotte loved any excuse to scare a man into submission. She smiled at Brimsley "This will be fun"

Charlotte always kept her word. Lord Fairaway was a good man and she could not stand for anyone besmirching his wife. That he had protected and loved until his dying day.

In a way this act of bravery on his part, made her feel closer to the young Featherington girl. Well Lady Fairaway had something in common with her. Loving someone that may die at any minute. Someone that no matter how much you love them, you feel forced to bear witness to their pain and suffering at an unknown opponent's hands. It was unfair and unjust to have such a duty as a woman. To watch the man she loved die.

Lady Fairaway had been through enough. She would make sure she would not be forced to be put through anything else.

The Cowpers Residents

Mr Charles Norton looked to the letter he had recieved.

Mr Norton

I intend to defend myself to you. Your faux accusations will not help you, I plead you for an understanding.

Meet me morning under the weeping willow tree at Rotten Row where we will not be disturbed.  We will meet alone.

Lady Fairaway

Charles notices how impolite the letter was, not just that it was short and to the point. Almost like a threat. Although he was intrigued as what she could possibly say to defend what he knew was true.

Mr Norton wanted to ruin Pen. She did not deserve such a title. If anyone were to have the riches it were he. He worked his way up from nothing, standing on all those shoulders to push himself up higher into society. He wouldn't let all that dedication go to waste.

He walked downstairs, and noticed Cressida looking quite beautiful this morning.

"And where are you off to this beautiful morning Cressida?"

"I am just meeting with friends to go shopping"
she gave Mr Norton her most flirtatious gaze she could muster "Do you have plans, Mr Norton?"

"Certainly, I have yet to see the beauty London has to offer"

"Wonderful. Enjoy your day"

"Oh I will Cressida. You have my word" he kissed her hand. Cressida took all the energy she had not to recoil. He made her feel uneasy. His breath alone lingered of cigars and death. But she could not let him sense her hatred toward the man.

The Bridgerton House

"Mama I would like to go to Rotten Row in the morning"

Violet looked surprised. She took her eyes out of her sewing "You do"

"I do"

"Why. You have never wanted to go before"

"Poppy cock mother. It looks as if will be a glorious day tomorrow"

"Are you well, my boy. You are acting.."

"Strange. He's been like this all afternoon" Hyacinth skipped in "Perhaps, there is a young girl that Gregory has a thing for"

"... there is?" Violet put her hands together excitedly.

Gregory thought, if that works then yes "... there is?" He realised he said it more as a question. So he spoke with conviction "There is"

"We will be there" Violet stood up in a rush she embraced Gregory which made Hyacinth giggle to herself at his awkwardness. "Ah my boy is becoming a man"

"Indeed, I believe I see his head inflating with male ego as we speak" Hyacinth joked while eating a biscuit. Fortunately her mother didn't hear her or she would have given her a disapproving look.

Gregory loved his mother a great deal. But the moment any of the family liked someone of the opposite sex, she would get all fluttery. Like an excited butterfly in a net. Wait til she find out it was a ruse. She will not be amused.