Never Give Up On You – Lucie Jones
Tell me your secrets, I'll keep them safe
No sign of weakness, it's a sign of faith
We'll stand tall so you don't fall
You're not defeated, you're in repair
Don't have to call me, I'll always be there
We'll stand tall, so you don't fall
If you could see how far you've walked
You would see that all's not lost
I will never give up on you
I don't care what I've got to lose
Just give me your hand and hold on
Together we'll dance through this storm
I will never give up on you
You're the one that I'm running to
Just give your hand and hold on
Together we'll dance through this storm
Under the surface, I see you glow
I'm right beside you, you're never alone
Don't let go, when you're so close
If you could see how far you've walked
You would see that all's not lost
I will never give up on you
I don't care what I've got to lose
Just give me your hand and hold on
Together we'll dance through this storm
I will never give up on you
You're the one that I'm running to
Just give me your hand and hold on
Together we're dancing through
This madness, we're running through
This magic, it's inside of you
It's madness, it's madness
Now you can see how far you've walked
The mountains climbed, the oceans crossed
I don't care what I've got to lose
Just give me your hand and hold on
Together we'll dance through this storm
I will never give up on you
You're the one that I'm running to
Just give me your hand and hold on
Together we'll dance through this storm
Penelope Featherington was looking to take a husband. He had been so desperate to get their friendship back that he had jumped at the chance to help her find one. To be fair he had been distracted by how stunning she had looked in her new wardrobe. It was as though she were a totally different person.
He was only half listening to Benedict and Eloise while keeping an eye out for Penelope. When he spotted her, he excused himself and went to join her. It was unbelievable that this woman was the same girl he had grown up with.
"So … how do we begin?" She looked so adorably nervous. "Or perhaps there is a book I might read on charm." And have her hide herself away? No, that would be a crime. Perhaps Lady Whistledown's column had caused her to reconsider his offer of help.
"Are you certain you want my help after what Lady Whistledown wrote?" It was bad enough that his own actions had almost cost him their friendship. He certainly did not need Lady Whistledown adding fuel to the fire.
"She had never been more wrong about anyone." That was his Pen. Always coming to his defence. "Let us pay her no head."
"Indeed. Sooner or later, she will be caught, and we shall dance on the day of her demise." His words had been meant to reassure her but seemed to have the opposite effect. "Now, no more talk of books. If you are to secure a match, you must engage in real life. I should like to see your skills as they are first." After all, how bad could they be? They had communicated with each other for years. Although Penelope was certainly more verbose in her letters than in person.
"But I have none." He found that hard to believe. Surely her mother had given her some sort of instruction.
"You know how to wave your fan. Flutter your lashes." He had seen women do less and still get the attention of some gentlemen. He seriously doubted Penelope would have to do more than flutter her lashes. What man wouldn't want to themselves in those beautiful blue eyes? "Often, that is all it takes. Men are quite simple beings." After all, he had been with Marina.
"Well, I suppose I can show you." That probably not a good idea. Especially if she was serious about finding a husband. She was his friend. For that she needed the reaction from someone who would respond to her as a potential wife.
"Not me. Them." Three gentlemen at once was probably a bit much for a novice like Penelope, but they had to start somewhere. "Gentlemen. I believe you know Miss Featherington."
"How delightful to see you all." Alright Pen, the fan waving is a bit overdone and why has your voice dropped an octave? "Such splendid weather we are having." Sticking to the weather. That is a good idea provided you don't take someone's eye out with that fan.
"Miss Featherington, you seem discomposed." Actually, she is adorable. Just trying a bit too hard.
"No. I'm quite well my Lord." Well, now she just looks as though she wants the ground to open up and swallow her whole. Still, this is only her first attempt. He would need to think of some other approach for the next lesson.
Of course it cannot appear as though he is helping Penelope secure a husband. That would not bode well for either of them. Meeting up at the market place seemed a good idea. Although Penelope's maid clearly knows that something is going on.
"Are you quite sure you wish to resume my lessons? I would not be angry if you found me to be a lost cause." She could not give up after only one attempt. It really had not been so bad. It might be a good idea to stay away from using fans in future though.
"The truth is, you do not need a lesson." She had always been charming and now that she had more control over her wardrobe, she was stunning as well.
"You agree. I am un-teachable." That was not what he had meant.
"You are very teachable. You simply do not need to be taught. You already know how to do this." She had been talking to him for years without any trouble.
"I assure you, I do not." Had she not noticed how easy it had always been between them? Or at least until he had taken too many drinks and said something stupid for her to overhear. Not his finest hour.
"Do you remember when we first met?" It was a memory he had been recalling more and more often lately. "I was riding my horse, minding my own business, when I was assaulted … by a devilishly yellow head covering." It did his heart good to see her smile.
"It was not my fault. The wind blew it clear off my head." He could see the memory brought her joy as well.
"Wind or not, you certainly seemed pleased when I landed in the mud." Once the initial shock of falling off his horse had passed, he had been able to see the funny side as well.
"I apologized." Her musical giggle really was enchanting.
"Yes. And you were so very charming about it." She was still charming. "Teasing me. Mercilessly, in fact. And I think I know why." She almost looks alarmed for a second before turning away. "Because we were children." What was he missing? Now she looked relieved. "Before the self-consciousness of adulthood set in. Before we started caring what others think."
"Colin, it is impossible to be in society and not care what others think." Not impossible. Certainly difficult. Especially when Lady Whistledown kept publishing others secrets in her papers. "Society is entirely composed of the judgement of others."
"Do you know what I discovered when I was abroad?" He realised he did not know if Penelope had even read any of the letters he had sent her. "No one knew me. No one knew who I was supposed to be. I was entirely freed of being the Colin Bridgerton the Ton knows me to be. Which is how I became myself." Penelope's maid was keeping a discreet distance whilst keeping a sharp eye on him. It was good to see that someone cared seeing as Lady Featherington and her other two daughters were nowhere to be seen. Did they even know where Pen was? "Pen, living for the estimation of others is a trap. Once you break free, the world opens up."
"You make it sound so easy." He imagined her world felt so small to her. Especially considering her maid showed more concern for her than Penelope's own mother.
"Why is it you want a husband?" As far as he could recall Penelope had never shown an interest in finding a husband previously.
"So that I may have my freedom." It must feel a bit like being in a cage living in the Featherington house. "So that I may feel comfortable in the world."
"I see. And it will be finding that comfort in yourself that will get you there." An idea popped into his head. That was what was needed for Penelope to feel comfortable in her own skin. "What is the one thing in the world that makes you feel most comfortable now? Most at ease?"
"It used to be Sunday teas at Bridgerton House. It was one of the few places I could go un-chaperoned and truly be myself." She had fit in so well he recalled. So much so that it was not a surprise to arrive home and find her there on any given day. "But that is no longer a possibility."
"I'm sorry about whatever might be coming between you and Eloise." He had once thought that nothing could come between them and he never thought Eloise would be friends with Cressida Cowper. "What exactly happened?"
"I should get back." So this was more than Pen and Eloise simply growing apart. "Before we are noticed." Judging by the knowing look the maid was giving him, they had already been noticed. Though he doubted she would tell anyone. The maid seemed quite fond and protective of Penelope. Almost, he realised as much as he felt for her.