Chapter Text
Penelope’s eyes scanned the most recent missive from her mother as she lounged across the sofa. The penmanship was hurried with small splotches of ink staining the page where the quill had scratched and spluttered. Even during this prolonged separation her mother spared little time or care for her third daughter.
She must have sighed audibly as Eloise raised a questioning brow in her direction. “Is everything well with your family?” her friend asked.
“Mama believes that Lord Kildare will propose to Prudence any day now. She writes that they could not possibly think of leaving Ireland any time soon. They will likely miss the start of the season,” Penelope explained.
“Is that not a good thing? Won’t this mean that you will have to delay coming out until next year like me?” Eloise added enthusiastically, but Penelope already knew her hope was in vain.
“She’s still insisting that I prepare for my debut and has been corresponding with your mother,” Penelope replied. “Your family has offered to host me for as long as need be. It seems that I will be staying at Bridgerton House when we return to town.”
This at least was a silver lining: if she must make her debut this year then she would much rather have the kind guidance of the dowager Viscountess. Penelope loved her mother, of course, but she often found herself dismissed in favour of her elder sisters. Not to mention that Lady Featherington’s fashion taste was questionable. She insisted on dressing her girls in “happy” colours with no care as to whether they suited the wearer. Up until now Penelope had accepted each of her unflattering dresses with minimal complaint, but she didn’t think she could bear making her bow in front of the Queen and all of society in the yellow frilled horrors that her mother preferred. Perhaps if Lady Bridgerton accompanied her to the modiste, she would be allowed to choose her own wardrobe.
She looked across to Eloise, who had returned her attention to the book in her hands. Her friend made no secret of her resentment of the role she was expected to play in society. Neither of them anticipated their debut with any enthusiasm, though each for different reasons.
Eloise longed for the opportunities open to her brothers: education, travel and freedom. While Penelope could admit that all of that did sound appealing, she also longed for a family and a happy marriage filled with love. Penelope wanted to find a husband, but the prospect of the season terrified her. She was shy by nature and found it difficult to converse with strangers, giving the impression that she had nothing of interest to say. She did not think herself unpleasant, but compliments on her appearance had never been plentiful.
And then there was Penelope’s unrequited love for a man who would never look at her: her best friend’s older brother Colin. They had met years ago, yet Penelope had few memories of childhood that were clearer. She had been playing Ring A Ring O’ Roses with Eloise and Franchesca at Hyde Park when Colin was prevailed upon to add to the circle. He was away at Eton when her friendship with Eloise formed so she felt rather shy around him. With only sisters, her experience with tall, older boys was rather lacking. Even then, she knew how rare it was for one to join in so good-naturedly at his sisters’ pleading.
He gave her a crooked grin as he took her hand in his, and she tried to take comfort in it. But her clumsiness came into full force under the strain of her nerves. Penelope tripped as they began the rhyme again, knocking Colin backward into some mud nearby as he tried to catch her.
Her lower lip trembled and she closed her eyes in fear. In her experience, when a mistake was made someone much older would soon unleash a torrent of criticism upon her. But instead, Colin began to laugh, standing up and commenting, “Well, that wasn’t very well done of me, was it?”
From that day on, she knew that Colin was a kind boy and she watched him with a sort of awe whenever he was home visiting his family. As she grew older, her feelings grew into what she could only call love. Her romantic little heart beat for Colin, although she knew that he treated all his siblings’ acquaintances with the same gentleness and respect as he did her. His attention made her feel like the most important person in the room, but that was simply Colin and his unique brand of charm. But it did make it rather difficult to approach the social season with any kind of anticipation. For how could any of the other gentlemen measure up to the ideal he had become in her mind?
It would do her no good to wallow in self pity, she thought, as she glanced at her mother’s letter again. Whether she liked it or not, she was to make her bow to the Queen this season. She just hoped that she could overcome her worries in time to bring some measure of credit to herself as a debutant.
______
Colin hummed on his way down the hallway, content with the day's accomplishments. The entire family was settling in at Bridgerton House in London after their weeks at Aubrey Hall. While he loved time spent at their ancestral home, there was so much excitement on offer in London at this time of year. As he considered whether to take in a boxing match with his brothers later in the week, he heard the muffled sounds of crying coming from a nearby doorway. It didn’t sound familiar, so he knew it couldn’t be Hyacinth, and Eloise never allowed anyone to hear her tears, so he was certain it wasn’t her.
It must be Eloise’s dear little friend Penelope. Penelope was a pleasant sort of girl, always with a sweet smile and a brightness to her eyes that suggested intelligence. Colin never minded her company when she stayed with the family at Aubrey Hall. He remembered his mother mentioning something about an extended stay and this must be her room. He knocked on the door without much thought and heard a soft voice bidding him to enter.
Penelope had been given a very pretty guest room, the walls papered in a pale shade of green and two cosy cream chairs placed in front of the fire. Tiny blooms were embroidered on the bed cover, delicate and feminine, just like her. She was hidden as she sat turned toward the fireplace with a handkerchief, but he could hear sniffles and the occasional endearing hiccup.
“I’m well, Eloise, do not fret,” Penelope said without turning around.
“How can I help but fret when a guest of my family is in such distress?” Colin responded lightly.
He was rewarded with a soft gasp as he approached and took a seat in the chair opposite her. She was wearing a frilly orange day dress highlighting the redness of her tightly curled hair. Her blue eyes were luminescent with tears. He reacted instinctually, taking out a handkerchief and handing it to her.
She murmured her thanks and focused on dabbing delicately at her cheeks, avoiding his eyes all the while. Colin waited patiently for her to gather herself.
“What seems to be the trouble, Miss Penelope?”
She hesitated, but perhaps realised that he wouldn’t leave without an answer. “The preparations for my debut begin tomorrow.”
Colin nodded sympathetically. “It’s rather overwhelming, I imagine.”
“I’m not certain if I am more afraid of being ignored or attracting notice.” Penelope finally lifted her eyes to his. “Were you anxious when you entered society?”
“Yes, a little,” Colin admitted. He was rather surprised to have said it actually, as he preferred to keep conversations on the lighter side. It was rare for him to confide something personal, but this young lady inspired his trust. “I suppose my worry was that I would be compared to my brothers. That I would be a disappointment somehow.”
“I never realised gentlemen might feel that way.” He was heartened to see that she seemed comforted by the thought. He supposed it must be rather frightening to enter the marriage mart after so little exposure to the opposite sex. “My fears are similar: disappointing my mama or yours, being compared unfavourably to the other debutantes…”
“You could never disappoint, Penelope. You are lovely and there is no one better suited to prepare you than my mother,” he said with an encouraging smile.
A bright little grin lit up her face in response, and he patted her hand before rising from his place. “I will allow you to rest, for you will need your wits about you tomorrow.”
“Good night, Colin,” she said sweetly, standing and bobbing a little curtsy even though they were in her bedchamber. She had never used his given name before and he found he rather liked hearing it in her soft voice. “And thank you. For listening.”
“It was my pleasure. Good night, Pen.”
______
The next morning, Colin was piling his plate high with his breakfast when his mother patted the chair beside her. He immediately went on his guard, as she had that slightly tight smile on her face that said she was about to make a request. She wasted little time with pleasantries when he settled beside her.
“Colin, the dance master will be arriving shortly. I will require you and Benedict to take turns partnering with the young ladies during their lessons.”
He buttered his toast carefully and suppressed a groan. “Will Eloise be taking part in these lessons?” What a nightmare that would be. He would sooner attend a thousand Smyth-Smith musicales than partner with a reluctant Eloise.
“No, since your sister has asked for another year to focus on her studies, I have seen fit to find her a new governess. A rather strict one who will not allow her to distract Daphne and Penelope from their duties.”
Colin chuckled at the expression on his mother’s face. As an experienced mother, she had foreseen every possibility. She may appear mild mannered in company, but she would never allow Eloise to interfere with the prospects of young ladies under her care. He must remember to discuss this development with Benedict and Anthony at the earliest opportunity so they could wager on whether Eloise or the governess would submit first.
“Very well, Mother. I am happy to help.”
Her expression revealed that she was a little surprised by his lack of resistance. He only shrugged.
“Miss Penelope is a kind young lady. The thought of joining society frightens her and I mean to show her that she has nothing to fear.”
His mother smiled at him fondly. “I’m certain you will, Colin. You are so much like your father, gentlemanly and thoughtful.”
Being compared to his father was the highest praise he could imagine, and Colin felt rather overcome.
“Thank you, Mother. I’ll do my best to make you proud.”
Just then, Penelope entered the room and greeted the table with a shy smile. She looked rather fetching in a pale yellow morning dress and Eloise’s maid must have assisted her with her hair, for it fell in soft waves around her shoulders rather than her usual tight curls.
“Excuse me, Mother. I believe I will begin my duties now,” Colin said distractedly as he rose to assist her with her plate. He was by far the best candidate to guide her to Cook’s best dishes as his appetite was well known. Penelope appeared surprised at first by his attention but as he made her a plate and carried it to the place beside him, he was able to win her over. Soon she was relaxed and laughing at his quips, and Colin was convinced that befriending her would be no sacrifice at all.
________
Penelope tried to remain composed despite the butterflies fluttering within her as she filed into the drawing room behind Daphne. The elder girl moved with grace and purpose; a true diamond ready to sparkle under society’s gaze. She was a perfect role model, and Penelope felt lucky to be sharing Lady Bridgerton’s tutelage with her. However, she worried that she would look dull in comparison.
Their dancing master, Mr Luton, greeted the young ladies with a bow and directed them towards their waiting partners. Penelope’s heart fluttered as Colin caught her eye and offered her a welcoming smile.
“I hope you’re wearing comfortable shoes today, Pen, I believe Mr Luton intends to put us through our paces,” Colin said to her sotto voce. They both turned towards the aforementioned dance master who was speaking animatedly with a surprised Daphne and an amused looking Benedict.
“He does appear very… enthusiastic,” Penelope commented in return. Colin rewarded her with a grin and offered his hand to lead her toward the cleared area of their makeshift dance floor.
The sprightly Mr Luton walked the group through the steps of their first dance, ensuring that they were all familiar enough with the movements before requesting that Francesca, who had been waiting patiently at the pianoforte, begin playing their accompaniment. The tune was bright and lively, suiting the playful steps of the jig and Penelope found her tentative smile growing brighter with each repetition.
Colin was a wonderful dancer, Penelope observed, his movements flowed with the music as if it were as simple as breathing to him. Each time the dance brought them together, he squeezed her hand in gentle encouragement and beamed widely whenever Mr Luton offered Penelope praise. She discovered that not only did she enjoy dancing, she was actually rather good at it too. By the end of their session, she could barely recall her earlier apprehension. If balls were even half as much fun then she would eagerly anticipate them. For the first time, she regretted that there were still several weeks until the first ball of the season.
She turned back toward Colin to thank him for partnering her. The words were on the tip of her tongue when she noticed that he was regarding her with an odd expression. She found it difficult to place, but his eyes were soft and held no censure. She wished that she were bold enough to simply ask him what he was staring at, but she felt suddenly shy and grateful when Lady Bridgerton entered the room to announce that it was time to leave for the modiste.
______
When Colin’s mother enlisted his help with the dance practice, he had been ready and willing to assist. He enjoyed music and dancing well enough if there was no expectation behind the act. However, the whispers about courtship and marriage that followed him whenever he asked a young lady to dance had taught him to be much less eager to participate. Lessons with Penelope were rather perfect in that regard, and today’s practice was no exception.
Penelope, despite her obvious nerves at the start, was a lovely dancer and an excellent partner. She looked so joyous as she wove her way through the movements, skipping and twirling and looking less and less like a timid wallflower as the lesson progressed. Each time Mr Luton called out, “Brava! Stupendous Miss Featherington!” her face lit up. Colin had never seen her smile so often. Happiness suited her.
By the time they bid the instructor adieu for the day they were all slightly breathless, flushed and dishevelled from the exercise. A few glossy curls had escaped from Penelope’s coiffure. They bounced playfully against the back of her neck when she moved. He resisted the urge to reach out and tug on one. As she turned to face him, he couldn’t help but notice how the rosy blush extended beyond Penelope’s cheeks. It coloured her neck and décolletage and for the first time he found himself admiring her ample bosom.
Her lemon yellow gown, like most of her dresses, was ill fitting. The waistline sat awkwardly on her, cutting across rather than under her bust, giving the impression from a distance that she was only modestly endowed. At this angle, however, it was clear that it was simply an illusion. The fullness of her breasts strained against the neckline of her dress, begging to be freed from their citrus prison.
His lustful thoughts were broken by the sound of his mother’s voice. Had Penelope noticed his inappropriate staring? His eyes met hers briefly, trying to convey a silent apology for his ogling but she was whisked away with Daphne before either of them could speak.
He felt strangely unsettled, a prickling energy running through his muscles. He turned to Benedict, intending to ask if he’d like to join in a round of fencing, but one look at his brother’s raised eyebrows and smirking mouth changed his mind. He knew that look– it would only lead to teasing and he was in no mood to be made sport of. Perhaps a ride in the park would do better to release this sudden tension that he couldn’t explain even to himself.
______
Penelope was utterly exhausted but it had been a productive morning. She spent two hours after breakfast practising her presentation with Lady Bridgerton and Daphne, with Hyacinth acting the part of the Queen rather convincingly. Another hour was spent with Benedict discussing art and culture so they could practise their social graces and conversation.
Then the modiste’s assistant had delivered the first of her many new dresses. After a final fitting, she was outfitted in a sky blue gown scattered with tiny daisies. Unlike her own mother, Lady Bridgerton had exquisite taste and her gentle suggestions about colours and cuts that may favour Penelope were invaluable. For perhaps the first time in her life, she felt confident in her appearance. She may never be an English rose like Daphne, but perhaps a kind gentleman might take a liking to her.
As she walked the halls of Bridgerton House, she carried herself differently, humming with satisfaction at the progress toward her coming out. In fact, she was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice Colin as she descended the grand staircase until she was nearly on top of him.
He gallantly reached out a hand to assist her down the final few steps. To her delight, he maintained his hold on her hand so he could spin her around, just as Mr Luton had recently taught them. But this time, she could see him taking her in from head to toe.
“You look lovely, Pen. I shall be the envy of all when I claim your first dance of the season.”
Penelope’s eyes widened. She knew that the Bridgerton brothers had been cajoled by Violet into helping, but Colin meant to dance with her in public?
“My first dance? Colin, you musn’t trouble yourself–”
Colin dramatically clasped her hand to his chest. “The only thing that will trouble me is if you refuse to dance with me. You simply must.”
Penelope flushed becomingly at his charming words and gave a small curtsy. “I would be honoured.”
For a moment they simply stood there grinning at one another until Colin realised he was still holding her hand. He reluctantly released it and offered his arm instead.
“Well then, should we proceed to your dance lesson? It wouldn’t do for us to be late if we plan to dazzle the ton with your grace.”
Penelope agreed readily and Colin couldn’t help but notice that he had never looked forward to the social season more. The days of preparation were unfolding rapidly and with each one Penelope grew a little in confidence. She was a delightful young lady and it was almost time for the rest of the ton to discover their hidden gem.
______
A lady should know how to elegantly handle a fan.
That’s what Lady Bridgerton said, and like most things, Penelope was inclined to believe her. She knew it was possible; she had witnessed Daphne flutter her fan expertly earlier today. The eldest Bridgerton sister had managed to look both demure and coy whilst holding her fan, an achievement Penelope was now practising in vain to recreate.
The household was in that lull between tea and dinner. The maid that she shared with the Bridgerton sisters would be busy with Daphne and Eloise for at least another hour before she would be free to help her dress for dinner. So, she was using her free time to practise her “fan etiquette” in front of the large mirror in the drawing room.
She spent a while rehearsing the flick of her wrist to open the lacy contraption. A slow unfurling looked most seductive, she noted. Next, she observed her reflection as she fluttered the fan gently in front of her face. Unfortunately, it only left her with watery eyes and windswept hair– not her most attractive look.
Perhaps if she moved the fan lower, in front of her bust, that might look more alluring to eligible gentlemen— or rather gentleman for she could admit how her own heart beat a little faster when Colin was near. While she knew it was a helpless case, she still wished to make him proud. Whenever he looked at her with admiring green eyes during their dance practices, she could feel her confidence blossoming and her love grew even deeper.
Abruptly, she closed the fan, the lacy segments concertinaing into a neat baton. She tapped the closed fan against her lower lip, considering for a moment which action to practise next when she heard a noise behind her. Startled, she dropped her accessory and whipped round to see Colin standing in the doorway, gazing at her in a most peculiar way. They stood staring at each other for a few moments before Penelope realised that Colin was not about to speak.
“I was practising,” she said but Colin still stood there mute. “With the fan, you know,” she added hesitantly. Colin shook his head ever so slightly before replying.
“You don’t appear to need more practise.” His voice was low and hoarse, as if he had recently awoken from a deep slumber. He stepped towards her and bent low to collect her dropped fan from the carpet. She watched as he ran the pad of his thumb across the handle. It was a gesture which seemed almost reverent but must surely be absent mindedness. Despite his strange behaviour, perhaps Colin could help with her dilemma.
“It feels rather awkward to me. When I fan my face, my watery eyes make it look as if I'm on the verge of tears,” she sighed.
“Let me see.” It was a request rather than a demand but it was said with such a charming smile that she found it hard to resist him. It was always hard to resist him. She nodded her agreement and took the fan from his outstretched hand.
Penelope slowly unfurled the folds until the lace fanned out completely. She held her hand lower and further away from her face this time and languidly batted the fan so as not to cause a rush of air. Colin’s eyes lowered to watch the movement of her hand and his lips parted. He was no longer smiling but Penelope didn’t think he looked unhappy either.
“How is this?” she asked quietly, her voice low and soft. The pink tip of his tongue darted out to wet his lips and he lifted his eyes to meet her own.
“I don’t think you need any more practice.” He held her gaze as a flushed Penelope mumbled her thanks. His ever present smile had still not returned and all of a sudden Colin was excusing himself and beating a hasty retreat from the room, leaving her to wonder what she had done wrong.
________
Colin wasn’t sure precisely why he felt so undone. One moment he was thinking how adorable Penelope looked as she furiously fanned her face, the force of the ensuing gust had caused her curls to dance about. The next moment he was entranced by the sight of her plump lip as she tapped the now closed fan against it. How had he never noticed just how full and red her lips were before?
He felt the first stirrings of arousal as he watched from the doorway, but his brain refused to acknowledge the feeling. It was becoming all too common whenever he spent time with her. Then he was drawn into the room by the soft tone of her voice. His new friend needed her confidence bolstered and he was happy to oblige. She was so quick to doubt herself– it saddened Colin that she didn’t realise how lovely she was. He smiled at her in what he hoped was an encouraging way; his signature charm had a way of putting people at ease.
He watched as her hand settled near her chest, the light flutter of the fan drawing attention to the gentle rise and fall of her bust with each breath. Her peaches and cream complexion glowed against the pale blue of her dress and he couldn’t help but notice how soft and delicate the skin on her décolletage looked. Was her skin that perfect everywhere?
As his thoughts strayed to Penelope’s body, he suddenly felt far too hot under all of his layers of clothing. Somehow, he managed to resist the urge to pull his suffocating cravat away from his neck until he was safely within the confines of his own bedchamber. He must have seemed awfully rude to Penelope, as he practically ran away from her, but he had been in danger of embarrassing himself if he stayed any longer. Behaving as a gentleman had never been more of a challenge, and it was all due to their beautiful houseguest.
______
Colin was determined to push the improper thoughts from his mind as he entered the drawing room the next day. He was Penelope’s friend and she deserved more than to be leered at. Mr. Luton drew their attention and announced that today they would be learning the waltz. Colin nearly groaned as having her in close proximity certainly wasn’t going to make his new resolution any easier to carry out.
He stood before Pen and captured her waist, taking her hand in his and drawing her close. There was an appealing bounce to her figure that encouraged him to explore her further, finding every curve and dip. Of course, it wouldn’t be gentlemanly to do so, but –
His wayward thoughts were interrupted by Mr Luton’s approach, the kindly older gentleman correcting their position. Penelope blushed as he gently scolded Colin and encouraged him to keep a proper distance.
Distance was the very last thing he wanted. Something about Penelope made him want to capture her attention. Usually his charm was a mere convenience, smoothing his way through life. What would happen if he used it deliberately to draw Penelope to him? The idea was irresistible.
As Mr Luton walked away, Colin leaned in to whisper, “I preferred embracing you more closely. You are too far away.” When he winked roguishly, the colour on her cheeks deepened.
“Colin, you ought not to speak so,” she said shyly.
“Whyever not? You would deprive me of flirting with a beautiful lady? And wouldn’t my mother be disappointed in me if I neglected any part of your preparations?”
“I dare say she would scold you thoroughly for engaging in such shameless flattery. And why would flirting help me with my presentation?”
Colin was grateful that he and Penelope were both gifted dancers, for he was only half listening to Mr Luton’s instructions as Fran began playing. He was far too focused on how warm and soft Penelope felt under his hands, and how her chest rose and fell as she exerted herself on the dance floor.
“Penelope, hasn’t my mother been instructing you on how to converse with gentlemen?”
“Well, yes. We’ve been practising our social graces with Benedict, particularly how to make polite conversation.”
Penelope blinked up at him innocently and Colin swelled with protectiveness. She really knew very little about courtship.
“Your suitors will compliment you and flirt with you,” he explained gently. “But none of them will say anything truly untoward, and if they do you must tell me immediately.”
Her eyes widened at the mere thought of it and he examined her carefully. In the safety of Bridgerton House, she looked…lovely. Enticing really, with her glossy waves of hair and sweet smiles. And her bosom was certainly shown to its best advantage in her flattering new gowns. He had hardly been able to tear his gaze away through their lessons. But when she met the men of the ton, they were certain to notice just as he had, and that would never do. What if they made her feel uncomfortable with their lustful stares and unsavoury innuendos?
Yes, it was true that he himself was flirting with her. But his intentions were entirely honourable. She was his friend and he was merely helping her prepare for the new world she would face when she entered society. But it was unacceptable that Penelope would be subjected to tawdry conversations by mere rouges and scoundrels who did not appreciate her as a precious young lady. He would need to intervene before her presentation.
He continued whispering asides to Penelope to make her laugh, all while considering his options. As soon as the lesson was over, he sought out his mother in her private sitting room. She was enjoying a peaceful moment by the fire and welcomed him to the room with a warm smile when he entered.
“Good afternoon, Colin,” she greeted with an appraising look. “What can I do for you? Shouldn’t you be fencing with your brothers?”
Colin took a seat in the chair across from her and cleared his throat. “I must bring a rather delicate matter to your attention. It concerns Miss Featherington.”
“Ah,” his mother replied. “I thought it might. Colin, you know that she must make her presentation before she can entertain suitors. And she is still under our protection so I’m not certain it would be wise…”
Colin nodded seriously, gratified that his mother agreed with him. “Precisely my thoughts. That is why I must express my concern regarding her new wardrobe with the strongest possible objections.”
“Her new wardrobe?” Now Lady Bridgerton looked utterly confused.
“Yes. Do you really mean to allow Penelope to wear such gowns? It will be like sending a sheep among wolves.”
“Colin, what are you speaking of? Penelope’s gowns are perfectly appropriate for a young lady.”
Colin paused, uncertain of how to broach such topics with his mother. But he would tolerate any discomfort for the sake of protecting Penelope, so he decided to speak with candour.
“They are far too revealing, Mother. She will be the subject of lustful thoughts as soon as anyone sets eyes on her. I know these men and how they think. What if they flirt with her or attempt to touch her? She is far too innocent for such advances!”
At this, Violet gave him an amused look that seemed entirely out of place given the gravity of their conversation.
“I assure you, Penelope’s gowns will be no different than those of the other debutantes. And I do not wish to be indelicate, but she is seeking a husband. Passion is an important part of marriage, so drawing a man’s attention is not a bad thing.” She seemed to be examining his face, but for what he could not imagine. “Attraction can sometimes allow a gentleman to realise his deeper feelings for a young lady.”
Colin could barely speak, he was so overcome with frustration. His mother was entirely oblivious to the danger that couldn’t be more evident to him. The thought of Penelope deliberately being coiffed and primped to tempt the gentlemen of the ton made him feel sick.
“Mother,” he finally managed, “I urge you to reconsider. You must have her gowns refitted – perhaps raising the necklines would be a start. Penelope is entirely too modest, but she is beautiful and vibrant. I do not wish for her to be noticed by the wrong sort of man.”
Lady Bridgerton reached over and placed a reassuring hand on his. “Colin, all will be well. But perhaps it would not be amiss for you to spend time with her at society events. Not only would she be well entertained, but she would also know you were available for her protection if any of her suitors behave improperly. Speak to her of her hopes and dreams and share yours with her. Show her how a true gentleman treats a lady. I am certain that will help her to make the right choice when the time comes to select a husband.”
Colin felt a weight lifting from his chest. Yes, it was a sound plan. He would dance with Penelope at every ball, fetch her lemonade at garden parties, and escort her to dinner at every opportunity. It would send a signal to any rakes that Penelope Featherington was not to be trifled with.
“Thank you, Mother. I will do just that.”
His mother smiled proudly at him as he left the room, cementing his decision to behave as Penelope’s personal protector as she entered society.