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Lord Debling was away on business for a few days and nobody else was asking Penelope for a dance. While standing next to Colin and waiting for someone to take an interest in her, the music soared and the couples waltzed. Colin was happy to spend the ball with Penelope, but he was disappointed for her. She deserved to have fun, along with all the other couples.
“Are you sure I cannot convince you to dance with me? It would be my honor to lead you through a waltz. Or two.”
“While I appreciate the offer, Colin, I want to dance with at least one suitor tonight. And, you do not count, in that regard. It is such a shame that Lord Debling is not here tonight. He is such a charming man.”
Colin knew, and a part of him was grateful for the Lord’s absence, despite not understanding why. Penelope’s insistence that Colin, “didn’t count” left a bad taste in his mouth. The words felt too familiar and scathing…as though they opened an old wound. Scoffing and mumbling a “charming indeed.”, Penelope shot him a look of concern. Why did he seem annoyed at the topic of Lord Debling? It wasn’t as though he were a rake. On the contrary, he was one of the season’s most humble and honorable gentlemen who took a genuine liking toward Penelope.
Penelope observed Colin’s face, trying to understand what he was thinking. He was looking everywhere but in her direction, which suggested to her that he had a deep desire for dancing.
“But, you should go dance with someone, Colin. There are plenty of ladies here tonight who would love to be your partner, no?”
Despite his appreciation for her concern, Colin was uninterested in dancing with anyone besides Penelope and was happier with her…when she didn’t speak about other suitors. Her presence made his night, even in long moments of silence. There was no one else he would rather be with. Platonically, of course. Or, so he told himself.
“No one here is catching my eye, Pen.”
“Oh, well, that is a shame.” Pursing her lips and letting them vibrate, Penelope took a look around the ballroom. Her eyes landed on a lovely young woman across the ballroom with curly blonde hair and a peach-toned gown. Penelope saw her a few times over the past couple of weeks. Lady Jane Rose was unlike most of the women that evening, standing with a nervous posture. Her demeanor resembled Penelope‘s, back in her wallflower days. The lady was shy and reserved, but incredibly pretty.
This was Penelope’s chance to do something right.
“What about her? She seems darling! Go ask her to dance!”
Colin followed her gaze and observed the delicate beauty. Even he had to acknowledge her attractiveness. She radiated and revealed something pure and gentle, much like his dearest friend. Nodding his head to Penelope, he reluctantly left her side and walked over to the woman in the peach dress. Sporting a flirtatious smile, he introduced himself to her and offered his hand for a dance. Penelope was happy for him. After all he had done for her, he deserved to enjoy his evening.
They would look good together, she told herself.
The soft and steady music ended and a new orchestration with a quicker tempo was beginning. Penelope’s ears perked at the melody, and she made a rash decision for herself. How had it not occurred to her before?
She began dancing by herself.
Instead of standing at the wall, Penelope rhythmically swayed into the dance floor, moving to the music and feeling free. Dancing without a suitor was a strange sensation, but it took her mind off of her troubles and tensions. She paid no attention to the stares and glares shooting her way. Who cared if Penelope’s actions rebelled against what was deemed proper in society? This was something that she wanted to do for herself, and she was comfortable in her own skin to let all of her surroundings fade away.
Penelope danced the night away however she pleased. This was her night to shine, all on her own.