A Song Instead of a Kiss – Alannah Myles

A song instead of a kiss

Baby this is a song instead of a kiss

For all of you who ache who long

On nights like this

A song instead of a touch

Darling this is a song instead of a touch

To all of you who ache so long

And need so much

It is for those who love to cling

It is to those, those I sing

Here is a song instead of a clutch

Instead of a moon

Instead of a soothing touch in the afternoon

It is for those who love to cling

It is to those, those I sing

Here is a song instead of a clutch

Instead of a moon

Instead of a soothing touch in the afternoon

He knew that tradition dictated that he request permission to marry Penelope from her mother in the absence of a male relative. However he had seen Portia Featherington's dismissive behaviour towards her youngest daughter over the years and felt his own family's response to their happy news would be more welcome. Besides, Penelope wasn't objecting and her opinion was all that mattered.

Realising that Penelope was not walking beside him, he stopped and reached out his hand to her. Even holding her hand felt right, although he was a little concerned by how nervous she was. He kept hold of her hand as he led her through the house into the drawing room where most of his family were discussing this evening's ball, before releasing it. "We are engaged."

There was a pause in the discussion before they all realised who he was talking about. As expected most of the family were ecstatic over the news especially his youngest sister. "Hyacinth, I do not think Penelope can breathe." His sister was nothing if not enthusiastic.

"It is just … we've know Penelope for all these years, and now she will be my sister." Hyacinth hugged Penelope again.

Violet Bridgerton managed to untangle Penelope from Hyacinth to give Penelope a far more gentle but no less enthusiastic hug. "I am delighted for you both." His mother was so genuine but he suspected she wasn't that surprised. Violet Bridgerton missed nothing.

"Thank you Lady Bridgerton." Penelope looked so overwhelmed. He was fairly certain this sort of affection was not something she experienced at home.

"What is your sour expression for?" It was only upon hearing Francesca's words that he noticed that not everyone was happy to hear of their engagement. Eloise was uncharactericly quiet and not the least bit elated by the news.

"I cannot believe you shall be married before I am old enough to go to one tavern with you." And yet even Gregory looked happier than Eloise.

"I'm sorry about that brother." It was amazing how differently his siblings reacted. He could only imagine what it was like for Penelope. It was strange to see this from her point of view.

"Excuse me." Eloise walked out of the room. What on earth had happened between Penelope and Eloise?

When he tried to follow her Penelope stopped him. "Let me. Please." Perhaps that was best.

Truthfully he hadn't stopped to think of how his proposal would go down with his family. He had almost lost Penelope to another man and after what had just happened in the carriage, he was never letting go. But Penelope and Eloise used to be so close that he had assumed Eloise would still be thrilled to have Penelope as a sister. Hopefully the two of them were sorting out their differences.

Finally he couldn't wait any longer and went in search of his sister and future bride. He caught up with them just as Eloise walked off leaving Penelope obviously distressed behind. "What happened?"

"She's upset, understandably." That was the problem, he didn't understand. The only thing Eloise had said about the two of them falling out was that they had simply grown apart. Whereas Penelope would change the subject whenever he asked what had happened.

"All will be well. I am sure of it." He simply wanted to make her happy. She was his world and he had not seen it coming. But he couldn't be happier. If only he could be sure that Penelope felt the same.

This had all fallen into place so quickly. He had begun the evening trying to avoid attending another ball and had finished it by proposing. Perhaps Penelope had been swept up by the moment. Then she reached for his hand and his doubts over her feelings for him vanished.

Never had he dreamed that he would be engaged to marry this warm, intelligent, wonderful woman. He simply wished he had come to his senses and that they were already married. Life would never be boring with Penelope, of that he was certain.