Colin – Resolute
Well, this afternoon had not gone as well as he had hoped. But at least Penelope had spoken to him, be it briefly. He had not bothered correcting Gerald Kentington when he had assumed he was courting Penelope. The idea held a great deal of appeal actually.
The Kentingtons were clearly well matched. Both were mischievous, fun loving and obviously in love with other. They made no attempt to hide their affection for each other. It must be so nice to feel that kind of freedom.
Normally he would try and find a reason to avoid balls, but he was looking forward to the Danbury ball. He was certain that he had allies in the Kentingtons. If he had his way, he and he alone would have all of Penelope's dances. And if hecouldn't, he was sure the Kentingtons would assist him in making certain he would at least secure Penelope's company.
His mother was reading what he guessed was the latest edition from Lady Whistledown when he came down for breakfast. "Morning Mother."
"Morning Dear." Violet Bridgerton didn't look up from her reading. She knew her son well enough to know that he would be busy loading up his plate with enough food to feed an army. There was no point in even attempting conversation until he was seated.
"I take it we will be attending the Danbury ball this evening." Colin tried not to appear too eager. The last thing he wanted this evening was his mother pushing possible brides in his direction.
"We will. Have you made the acquaintance of the Kentingtons?" Violet Bridgerton glanced over at her third child. It was unusual for him to not try and excuse himself from a ball. Although the whole Ton knew better than to avoid the Danbury ball if you had been lucky enough to be invited.
"Yes. I met them yesterday. They are a very entertaining couple. They have a young son. Why? Are you thinking of inviting them to the country next weekend?" Colin wondered if they would attend if invited.
His mother handed over what she had been reading. "I think it sounds as though they would be a lively addition."
Dearest Gentle Reader
A new season has begun and with it new visitors to the Ton. The delightful Mr and Mrs Kentington and their adorable son Marcus join us this season, be it only for a few weeks. Perhaps they can be encouraged to lengthen their stay providing they do not encounter further ignorance and bias regarding young Marcus being deaf that this Author learned was hurled at them yesterday.
"Well Lady Whistledown doesn't pull any punches, does she? It is a wonder she doesn't name Cressida Cowper as the person of ignorance." Colin was surprised. Not that Lady Whistledown had supported the Kentingtons, but that she hadn't thrown Cressida to the wolves.
"So, you witnessed the exchange?" Violet sipped her tea.
"Unfortunately, yes. After ignoring Penelope, Cressida then referred to the Kentington's son as strange because he was communicating with his grandmother using his hands. Penelope of course was enchanting and immediately requested to meet young Marcus." Colin had been so proud of her. "I thought for a moment that Mrs Kentington was going to tackle Cressida to the ground."
"I will make sure to issue them an invitation today." Violet watched her son over the rim of her teacup. "You are not to toy with Penelope's affections Colin. If you do not feel anything but friendship for the girl, you are to leave her alone."
"It is more than friendship Mother, but after last season I am uncertain that Penelope will believe that." Colin was not going to give up trying though. Penelope was worth it.
"Then you will need to try harder to get her to believe it." Violet hid her smile behind her teacup. She had always liked Penelope and the dear girl had worn her heart on her sleeve for Colin since she was sixteen. Colin had just been too blind to notice.
"I may need some help." He skimmed through the rest of the gazette. "Considering how knowledgeable Lady Whistledown usually is, I am surprised the Kentington's dining table wasn't mentioned." Colin chuckled.
Violet was confused. "Why would the Kentington's dining table rate a mention in Lady Whistledown's gazette?"
"It is not so much the table itself, but the method of its destruction that rated a mention." Colin watched his mother process the information and then realise what the missing detail was.
"Oh! Well they certainly do seem to be an interesting couple. Hopefully they will be a bit more gentle with our furniture than they are their own." Violet returned to reading the gazette her son handed back to her.
"I'm sure they will behave themselves at your Hearts and Flowers Ball." Colin chuckled. "Mrs Kentington's mother is charming as well."
"The whole family will receive an invitation." Violet reassured her son. If this new family could assist her son in his pursuit of happiness with Penelope, then she was only too happy to have the entire family stay at her country home.
When Colin arrived at the Danbury Ball that evening, he immediately cast a glance around the room. Considering Penelope was a redhead and usually dressed in bright yellow, she was incredibly difficult to spot. He did however see Mrs Kentington speaking to Lady Danbury.
"Mother, I see Mrs Kentington. Would you like an introduction?" Colin knew his mother would keep Lady Danbury busy while he spoke to Mrs Kentington.
Introductions were made and the three women fell into an easy conversation. Colin silently looked around the room again. "Miss Featherington has not arrived yet." Mrs Kentington was incredibly observant.
Mr Kentington joined them handing his wife some lemonade. "I believe they've just arrived dear."
Sure enough as they all turned to the entrance Portia Featherington came through with her elder daughter Prudence with Penelope trailing behind. Colin was about to excuse himself to go to Penelope when he found Mrs Kentington watching him.
"Would you hold this for me my love?" Rose Kentington handed her drink to her husband, who watched in amusement as his wife walked past Portia and Prudence nodding hello before taking Penelope's hand and leading her back to their group.
Violet also found this highly amusing. "Your wife is a force to be reckoned with Mr Kentington."
"She is indeed Lady Bridgerton." Gerald Kentington handed his wife back her drink before kissing the top of her head. "A pleasure to see you again Miss Featherington."
"And you Mr Kentington. Is your son with his grandmother this evening?" Penelope was clever. She had noticed on their first meeting that the Kentington's son was their pride and joy.
"He is indeed. My mother-in-law seizes any opportunity to look after our son." Gerald Kentington was clearly fond of his mother-in-law.
"You look lovely Miss Featherington. That colour is most becoming on you." Rose Kentington pulled focus back onto Penelope. "Does it not Mr Bridgerton?"
"It does indeed." Colin realised Mrs Kentington was quite correct. Penelope was wearing pale blue instead of her usual yellow, which made her beautiful eyes seem even more blue. How had he not noticed over the years how pretty Penelope was?
Penelope blushed. "You are all too kind." She had never been comfortable when she was the centre of attention. "How are your preparations for your Hearts and Flowers ball coming along?" Very clever. She had shifted the attention onto Viscountess Bridgerton.
It appears that his Mother had not wasted any time in issuing an invitation to the Kentingtons who had been just as swift in their acceptance. When a band struck up a waltz, Gerald Kentington excused himself to dance with his wife. Colin seized the opportunity. "Miss Featherington, might I have this dance?"
For a moment it appeared as though Penelope was going to refuse but then placed her hand in his. She was silent until they began dancing. "You don't need to dance with me out of pity or guilt Colin."
"I'm dancing with you because I want to and because it would be inappropriate to have my arms around you for any other reason than to dance." And now she was in his arms he found he didn't want to let her go.
Her eyes searched his face to see if he were making fun of her but couldn't find any mirth in his features. She nodded over to the Kentingtons. "How do you suppose they became so well matched?" The couple seemed to only have eyes for each other.
"I actually know the answer to that." Colin had been having quite the conversation with Gerald Kentington while Penelope was meeting his son. "Mr Kentington told me that they were children together and one day the future Mrs Kentington told him that he was going to be her husband and he saw no reason to disagree."
"How old were they at the time?" Penelope giggled. From what little they knew of the Kentingtons, it was entirely believable.
"Mr Kentington, I'm told was ten years old and Mrs Kentington was eight." Colin chuckled at the memory. Gerald Kentington had grinned over at his wife. It was actually humbling to be in the company of a couple so in love. "I asked him if he asked her father for permission to marry her at the time, but he said there was no need as she dragged him willingly up to her parents and informed them he was her future husband."
"It must be nice to be so certain of someone's feelings for you." Penelope smiled wistfully at the Kentingtons.
"As nice as being certain of your own feelings must be." Colin was disappointed when the waltz came to an end. He would have to let go of her.
"I think Eloise needs rescuing." Penelope nodded over to his Sister who was looking bored to tears by a gentleman who was talking her ear off.
"Mother hasn't lost hope of her finding a match." He caught Benedict's eye and nodded over to Eloise. Benedict frowned before glancing at his sister, rolled his eyes and strode over to ask her to dance. "Benedict's her favourite brother anyway."
"I'm sure Eloise loves you all equally." Penelope protested. "I believe my mother is beckoning me. Thank you for the dance." She excused herself and disappeared into the crowd.
"So what are you planning to do now?" Mr Kentington walked up with his wife.
Colin marvelled at the pair's sense of timing. "Well, with your help gain more ground at my mother's Hearts and Flowers ball." He grinned at Mr Kentington. "Oh and I am to inform you that Miss Featherington and I are not courting."
The couple shared a look. "So when do you plan to begin courting Miss Featherington?" Mrs Kentington asked cheekily.
"About two minutes before the waltz began." Colin grinned. "Now if I can just convince Penelope of my intentions."
"We may be able to assist with that." Mrs Kentington watched as Penelope attempted to fade into the background. She looked as though she had discovered an exciting project. This was going to work.