Linger in love

(51) To be a Cowper

It had been a good half an hour since the incident and still the echoes of gossip filled the air. One word mostly of everyone's lips was 'Whistledown' on making the trap she had also inadvertently given her identity away.

Colin walked to her and kissed her hand "You were wonderful" which made Pen wish she could fall into his arms right there and then making all the frowns and glares in her direction disappear. Everyone played their parts to a tee. Perfect and flawless, all of them.

Violet looked at Pen with a new sense of pride. She knew of her identity but she did not know the strength the young lady held. She would not need Whistledown anymore when she could stand up for herself.

Cressida looked at Fife, he knew that her cornering him had something to do with what had just unfolded in front of all. It was lucky that her parents did not know, or they would probably disown her for sullying the Cowper name. Not that she cared. From now on she wanted to be more than her name. More than her papas title. She wanted to be appreciated. Pen appreciated her, more importantly Eloise did. She did not know why that girl had such a hold on her, but she did. She was the only true friend she had ever known and she was not ready to loose her by any means.

"You are very sneaky, Miss Cowper" he leant and whispered at her, so her parents would not overhear their conversation.

Cressida's face looked contorted and sad. Had he decided he didn't want to court such a lady. She would not be surprised if he didn't. Every man at the ton knew that a lady should act sensibly and should follow orders accordingly without complaint. Cressida always had until this point of recklessness. But she would be lying to herself if she didn't admit that she rather liked it. Liked not knowing what was going to happen if they failed. It was a thrilling thought.

"I like that" his voice turned sickly sweet as he tilted his head in respect "and I plan to keep my promise"

Cressida tilted her head in surprise "You don't think me foolish?"

"The opposite in fact, what you helped do. You are a wonder"

Cressida wasn't used to compliments. She was certain that like all men, Lord Fife, would turn towards someone else for giving affection as soon as reality set in. But for now. He liked her.  It was a strange feeling.

Cressida recoiled inward. Her parents may not forgive her when they learn of her betrayal of her papas cousin. It was entirely his own doing, it would not stop, however, the judgement when he would find out.

Fife could see the poor girls mind moving at the speed of sound. He brought her hand to his lips. "Do not worry. It will be our secret" he kissed her hand softly.

Then he walked away to continue his day.

Cressida was still gawping as he walked away. The open mouth slowly changed to a smile. Her face glowed. A little of embarrassment. A little because no man had just made her feel like he had.

Lady Cowper rushed to her daughter holder her wrist tight, as she dragged her away "Did you know, Cressida?"

"What?" Cressida played as dumb as she knew how.

"Did you know?" her tone was one that Cressida knew well. Disappointment.

"No" Cressida lied then quickly changed the subject "Mama I really care for him"

Her mother face changed from annoyance to relief "Ahh. Well that's lovely Cressida" she could see that her mother wanted to reach out and hold her arm, but she retorted. It was not like her, to show affection and she certainly did not want Lord Cowper to believe she had become soft.

Cressida smiled at herself and nodded "I think he likes me too"

"Well that is a relief" thank god, if my papa approves. Perhaps, he can get off my case. I cant seem to do anything these days without upsetting someone. Not like I mean to.

I looked up for a brief moment and saw Eloise's attention on me. She waved sweetly, and I returned the gesture. I smirked and looked to my mother "Mama, may I speak to Eloise. She has been a great friend to me" I pleaded.

Mother grimaced a little, but gave into sensitivity and for once allowed me to have fun without an ulterior motive.

I rushed to Eloise's side.

"Cressida. You have been misjudged for so long. I am sorry that I have in the past"

"It is alright. It was mostly deserved" I took a small breath of relief "I can see now, why you and Penelope are so close. I apologise for not understanding before. I see now why you broke off your friendship"

"It was both our faults. In earnest. She may have hidden a lot, but she also helped too. I mean could you imagine Daphne being married to Berbrook"

They both laughed "I suppose not. What will happen now?" I had to ask. What of Penelope. Would she get in trouble. I hate to admit it. But I like her.

"For once, in probably all my life, I do not care"

"But Whistledown is unmasked. She could be in danger, Eloise"

"She already was. Always has been I suppose" Eloise seemed unphased, like she knew that Penelope could take care of herself. Well, she wouldn't be wrong.

"She is quite brave, I wish she would lend me some of her bravery" My face turned down.

Eloise lifted my chin "Look what we accomplished today Cressida. What you accomplished. You are much braver than you give yourself credit for"

"Why are you so kind to me, I had done very little to deserve such"

"Everyone deserves a second chance. Even the most interesting ladies of the ton, don't you think?" Eloise smirked and bumped her arm slowly into mine.

"I have never met anyone quite like you Eloise, you never care what others think"

"I just don't understand why others don't see things from my point of view" she huffed "Want to come for dinner tomorrow?" she asked, a smile started to form at the edges of her lips