XVI. STRANGERS & PUNISHMENT

CHAPTER 16. STRANGERS AND PUNISHMENT

beautiful?" I ask him, holding a glass of juice. We were all at brunch, where we were standing across the Featheringtons, while I was, once again, standing with Prince Louis.

"It is even more." He replies. "I hope I could take you someday."

"You hope too much." I tell him, and we hear Colin clinking his glass, to get everyone's attention.

"May I have everyone's attention?" Colin asks, and everyone turns to him. "I would like to make a small but important announcement. I have happy news to impart. I have asked Miss Marina Thompson to be my wife, and she has accepted."

"Congratulations!" Lady Featherington tells them, as my jaw drops slightly.

"Well, they certainly look happy." Louis tells me, as I continue to look at them.

"Yes, they do." I say, still shocked. "Miss Thompson might be a polite young lady, but she is a stranger. I do hope this will not result the same, as the last time the Bridgertons trusted a stranger."

He gives me a 'are you entirely serious?' look, as I just smile at him, walking away.

"Are you ever going to let that go?" He asks, following after me.

"Now, why would I do that?" I question.

Benedict asks Hyacinth, as we were all sitting at breakfast. Benedict was across me, and Hyacinth was next to him, while Gregory was next to me. "Did you take the ribbon?" Benedict turns to Gregory.

"Dunno what you're talking about-" Gregory replies.

"I saw him do it." Hyacinth accusers. "I saw it in your pocket."

"It's not fair." Gregory says, as I hold my head.

"He does it every time." Hyacinth complains.

"Just give it back." Benedict tells him.

Gregory angrily throws his fork towards Hyacinth's plate.

"Gregory, stop!" I scold.

"Good morning." Colin greets, walking in.

"Morning, brother." Benedict and I greet.

"Colin, your engagement is in Whistledown!" Hyacinth exclaims, excitedly.

"Hyacinth!"

"What? It is!" Hyacinth defends.

"Very well." I tell them. "Everyone out, I think." I turn to Gregory. "And you, Mister, are coming with me."

Gregory complains, as we walk by the lake. "Why do I have to be punished?"

"You think it is a punishment to spend time with me?" I ask him, smiling.

"No, but it does kind of feel like I'm being reprimand." He replies.

"Well, you are not." I tell him, as he takes my hand. "We are going to have ice cream."

"Really?" He asks, happily.

"Only if, you promise to stop pestering our sister so much." I tell him.

"But I like doing that." He tells me, with a pout.

"Yes, and I am not telling you, not to play with her." I tell him. "Just merely telling you to not irritate her as much."

"I could do that." He tells me.

"Good." I tell him, as we walk into Gunther's Tea Shop.

"Diana." Louis's voice comes, as he spots me.

"Louis." I say, and gesture to Gregory. "I do believe you know my brother, Gregory."

"Of course." He replies. "He was the one throwing the peas, if I remember correctly."

"Mister Barnes, how are you?" Gregory asks, innocently, as I bite my lip to stop a laugh, at seeing Louis's awkward face.

"I am sure Mister Barnes is quite well." I tell Gregory, amused.

We sit down, and I order ice cream for all of us.

"I do hope, you do not mind." I tell Louis. "That I brought Gregory with me. He was pestering Hyacinth."

"Not at all." He replies. "I think I might enjoy his company more than your, after all, all you ever do is banter with me."

"Oh, do not tell me you do not enjoy it." I reply, with a scoff.

"Maybe a little." He tells me with a small smile.