Linger in love

(50) Berbrook

While living in Surrey, Charles had made one friend. A Lord Nigel Berbrook. Whose greed far weighed out his own. They became fast friends and depended on each other for their schemes to get Lord Berbrook back in the graces of society.

Berbrook paid Mr Norton to dig up anything he had on Miss Penelope Featherington.

He watched her for months. It did not take long before he realised her true identity as Whistledown. They devised a plan to ruin her in any way they could.

Even faking a friendship with the late Lord Fairaway. Nigel wanted revenge, to make the mysterious writer feel the embarrassment of the distain eyes of the ton. Like he had.

Charles however liked the idea of proving Lady Fairaway a killer and so her title would be taken off of her. In that, giving it to someone who deserved such a title perhaps. Who better than the one to prove the ladies guilt.

Rotten Row, Hyde Park

Lord and Lady Cowper arrived with their daughter Cressida. Within five minutes she saw Lord Henry Fife looking his usual respectable self.

"Lord Fife. I was promised a promenade" Cressida fluttered her eyelashes and forced a flirtatious smile.

Lord Fife looked at Lord and Lady Cowper and nodded "Indeed, Miss Cowper"

He held his arm out.

As soon as there was a distance "I apologise for the deception Lord Fife. But I need your help and it is an urgent matter"

"Of course, Miss Cowper. What do you need"

She had not noticed his smile before. It was rather tempting, one would think. She cleared her throat delighted at his enthusiasm.

"Just promenade with me today. Close to the Willow tree"

"Very well. Do I get something in return for helping a lady in her hour of need" his eyebrow twitched like he was finding this conversation amusing.

His smile got bigger. Was he flirting. But as always, there was always an angle. Why should she see surprised.

"Anything Lord Fife"

He seemed to relish her reply. She suddenly felt heated not knowing what she truly just offered the man.

"Allow me to court you"

"Me!" She sounded as if she were startled. Fife regarded her for a moment.

"Is that truly, such an ask" he lowered his gaze to hers.

Her throat went dry "Very well"

Fife looked pleased with himself. Yet, she wasn't sure why. They had barely shared a sentence in years.

This was not possible. Why was Fife proposing such an idea. It was mind goggling. She never cared for Fife, she never knew exactly what had happened between him and Miss Goring either. Yet, all she had to do to get a Lords attention, was not let her mama dictate who she should be with. Anymore.

They continued their walk. Cressida could hear her parents muttering about something behind her. Probably her. Their usual disapproving faces, she did not even need to turn to feel the judgement upon her neck.

Penelope stood and waited under the sixty year old weeping willow tree. It was a good choice of meeting point. Lovers and I suppose enemies would use this area as a place of business.

She did not feel anxious about the meeting with the, so called man. More like a mouse. Making accusations without proof. How people can fall for his, so called, silver tongue. I do not know.  The longer Pen waited. The more anger she felt.