Colin Bridgerton: Is something wrong, Pen? Between us, I mean. I wrote to you this summer, as I always do. And... well, you did not respond. Admittedly, very few did. But... If you are going to make me say it out loud, I miss you.

Penelope Featherington: You miss me? You miss me, but you'd never court me. Is that correct?

Colin Bridgerton: Pen, I...

Penelope Featherington: I overheard you... at my mama's ball last season, telling everyone how you would never ever court Penelope Featherington.

Colin Bridgerton: Perhaps we should talk somewhere more private?

Penelope Featherington: Because I embarrass you? Of course you would never court me. I am the laughingstock of the ton, even when I change my entire wardrobe. It just never occurred to me that you, of all people, could be so cruel.