Raymond Fife was not one to feel bad or have remorse for his words or actions..except when he saw Penelope Featherington rush away into her house tears into her eyes.He knew what might have happened. She had heard them!

Fife was only trying to throw off attention from himself to Colin. He had not imagined Colin would disregard the gurl in such a manner. He did not utter a word to anyone of Penelope Featherington over hearing them, usually he would have joked about it but ion that particular night he could'nt. He kept that to himself for months forgetting about it..till he saw her at the Ball and felt a surge of guilt over power his rationale mind. He decided he would apologize to the woman for his ungentlemanly act...this was so strange for him.

"Excuse me ... Miss Featherington ." Raymond was barely audible standing a few feet behind her.

Penelope turned aroundd to face him, Instantly the small smile on her face fell off...she turned pale however she quickly was able to mask her uneasiness with a practiced fake smile.

"Lord Fife...Good Evening."

She tried to remain as polite as she could be considering when she was speaking to...Raymond Fife a renowned Rake of the town..shameless as ever...she wondered why he was talking to her.

"Good Evening Miss Featherington ...May I ask of your company for a few minutes?" Raymond to ease her with his charming smile.

"Why?" Penelope asked abruptly...her voice clear of irritation that surprised him.

"I beg you ardon?" Raymond asked shocked ..How could she a mere debutant question him!!!

"Why are you seeking my company..Do you plan to humiliate me Infront of the entire group of friends now??"Penelope asked sarcastically.. she had been victim to the constant bullying from people like Fife and the company that he kept.

Raymond was put in the spot. People around them were starting to notice.

"Miss Featherington I was just .. I honestly was not intending..." Raymond tried to whisper and to calm her down , not to cause much of an attraction from the crowd.

"To what Lord FIfe? To corner a Man? TO make a joke out of me... or to shift focus from yourself ?" Penelope looked at him with blazing eyes her anger resonating in her calm voice.She was not dumb she clearly knew Fife was egging the group to speak about Colin and herself to shift all the speculation from himself and a certain Miss Goring.

"You Know??He asked stunned and impressed. The woman was smart to see though his games... that was interesting most of the women in town were more interested in what the recent trend of garments.

"Of course ...Do you really think we all are as naive as... "Penelope lowered her voice ..people were staring at her.

"Please leave me alone you already have done me enough damage."Penelope starts to walk away..feeling proud to face at least one of her adversaries.

"I'm afraid that's the speaker of the word's ...those weren't my words." Raymond caught up to her chuckling . He was enjoyomg this game.

"Well like yourself he too has no common and cannot his liqour." Penelope remarked with a sarcastic edge.

"MY !!MY!!! Miss Featherington your quite a character!!" Raymond stepped in from her.

During the entire conversation ...everyone of the Bridgerton we're watching the two of them carefully. Anthony had signalled Benedict to follow them closely and intervene if necessary. Everyone knew Raymond had a reputation to relentlessly pursue till he got what he wanted.Anthony and Benedict felt protectiev for Penelope Featherington like their own. Eloise had been observing them enter night and felt utterly confused.

"What do you mea?" Penelope asked him "Why have you stop my Path?"

Raymond smirked "Miss Fetaherington Would you honor me with a dance?" He said it loud enough for a few by stander to hear/ Penleop looked at him utterly shocked and angry.He had cornered her into accepting making asking her loud enough for people to her him. It was impolite to refuse in society.Reluctantly she agreed. Raymond took her hand in his feeling a sudden thrill escorting her through the crowd of the room to the dance floor. Everyone was or would be shocked to see them on the dancefloor.