Eloise laughed. "Oh, I wish Lady Whistledown were writing. She would skewer her."wI think Lady Whistledown is supposed to be her," Penelope said carefully.wOh, pish and tosh. I don't believe for one moment that Cressida is Lady Whistledown, and I can't believe that you do, either."wProbably not," Penelope allowed. She knew that her secret would be better protected if she claimed to believe Cressida's story, but anyone who knew her would have found that so out of character that it would have been quite suspicious indeed.wCressida just wanted the money," Eloise continued disdainfully. "Or maybe the notoriety. Probably both."
Penelope watched her nemesis, holding court on the other side of the room. Her regular crowd of cronies milled about, but they were joined by new people, as well, most likely curious about the Whistledown gossip. "Well, she's succeeded with the notoriety, at least."
Eloise nodded her agreement. "I cannot even imagine why she was invited. There is certainly no love lost between the two of you, and none of us like her."wColin insisted upon it."
Eloise turned to her with gaping jaw. "Why?"
Penelope suspected that the main reason was Cressida's recent claim to be Lady Whistledown; most of the ton wasn't sure whether or not she was lying, but no one was willing to deny her an invitation to an event, just in case she really was telling the truth.
And Colin and Penelope shouldn't have had any reason to know for certain otherwise.
But Penelope couldn't reveal this to Eloise, so she told her the rest of the story, which was still the truth.wYour mother didn't want to cause any gossip by cutting her, and Colin also said..."
She blushed. It was really too sweet.wWhat?" Eloise demanded.
Penelope couldn't speak without smiling. "He said he wanted Cressida to be forced to watch me in my triumph."wOh. My. Word." Eloise looked as if she might need to sit down. "My brother is in love."
Penelope's blush turned a furious red.wHe is,"Eloise exclaimed. "He must be. Oh, you must tell me. Has he said so?"
There was something both wonderful and horrible in listening to Eloise gush. On the one hand, it was always lovelyto share life's most perfect moments with one's best friend, and Eloise's joy and excitement were certainly contagious.
But on the other hand, they weren't necessarily warranted, because Colin didn't love her. Or at least he hadn't said so.
But he acted like he did! Penelope clung to that thought, trying to focus on that, rather than the fact that he'd never said the words.
Actions spoke louder than words,didn't they?
And his actions made her feel like a princess.wMiss Featherington! Miss Featherington!"
Penelope looked to her left and beamed. That voice could belong to no one other than Lady Danbury.wMiss Featherington," Lady D said, poking her cane through the crowd until she was standing right in front of Penelope and Eloise.wLady Danbury, how nice to see you."wHeh heh heh." Lady Danbury's wrinkled face became almost young again from the force of her smile.wIt's always nice to see me, regardless of what anyone else says. And you, you little devil. Look what you did."wIsn't it the best?" Eloise asked.
Penelope looked to her closest friend. For all her mixed emotions, Eloise was truly, honestly, and forever would be thrilled for her. Suddenly it didn't matter that they were standing in the middle of a crowded ballroom, with everyone staring at her as if she were some sort of specimen on a biology plate.
She turned and gave Eloise a fierce hug, whispering, "I do love you," in her ear.wI know you do," Eloise whispered back.
Lady Danbury banged her cane—loudly—on the floor. "I'm still standing here, ladies!"wOh, sorry," Penelope said sheepishly.wIt's all right," Lady D said, with an uncharacteristic level of indulgence. "It's rather nice to see two girls who'drather embrace than stab each other in the back, if you must know."wThank you for coming over to congratulate me," Penelope said.wI wouldn't have missed this for the world," Lady Dan-bury said. "Heh heh heh. All these fools, trying to figure out what you did to get him to marry you, when all you really did was be yourself."
Penelope's lips parted, and tears pricked her eyes. "Why, Lady Danbury, that's just about the nicest—"wNo, no," Lady D interrupted loudly, "none of that. I haven't the time nor the inclination for sentiment."
But Penelope noticed that she'd pulled out her handkerchief and was discreetly dabbing her eyes.wAh, Lady Danbury," Colin said, returning to the group and sliding his arm possessively through Penelope's. "Good to see you."wMr. Bridgerton," she said in curt greeting. "Just came over to congratulate your bride."wAh, but I am surely the one who deserves the congratulations."wHmmmph. Truer words, and all that," Lady D said. "I think you might be right. She's more of a prize than anyone realizes."wI realize," he said, his voice so low and deadly serious that Penelope thought she might faint from the thrill of it.wAnd if you'll excuse us," Colin continued smoothly, "I must take my fiancée over to meet my brother—"wI've met your brother," Penelope interrupted.wConsider it tradition," he said. "We need to officially welcome you to the family."wOh." She felt rather warm inside at the thought of becoming a Bridgerton. "How lovely."wAs I was saying," Colin said, "Anthony would like to make a toast, and then I must lead Penelope in a waltz."wVery romantic," Lady Danbury said approvingly.wYes, well, I am a romantic sort," Colin said airily.
Eloise let out a loud snort.
He turned to her with one arrogantly arched brow. "I am."wFor Penelope's sake," she retorted, "I certainly hope so."wAre they always like this?" Lady Danbury asked Penelope.wMost of the time."