A Wedding In Springtime(67)

“You are going to keep to the house to try to catch this thief.”

Marchford graced her with another smile. “You are a clever one, Miss Rose. If you could pass along my apologies for tea? Tell my grandmother I told you I was feeling ill.”

“As you wish,” said Penelope, standing to leave.

“Oh, I almost forgot. This arrived for you.” Marchford reached for something in his inside coat pocket.

“Thank you.” Penelope took the letter he handed her. It was address to her, but other than originating from London, it had not return address or information. She broke the seal quickly, curiosity overtaking her. One glance inside told her she must read this particular letter in private. “I think I shall take a moment to rest and read my letter in peace.”

If he had hoped her to explain the letter, he accepted her silence and merely bowed in response. Penelope proceeded upstairs to her room to open the mysterious letter without prying eyes. There was another sealed letter inside the first one. The letter within was addressed to Madame X.

***

“Why, George, whatever is the matter?” Genie frowned into her brother’s formerly playful eyes. They had a dull appearance now. She took his hand and drew him to sit with her near the window of Hookham’s Lending Library.

“Nothing is the matter. This has been a great lark.” He rubbed his tired eyes with his hand.

“You look dreadful. Have you slept at all since we last spoke?”

“Been having too much fun to sleep,” said George.

“It does not look like you have been having any fun at all,” retorted Genie.

“Shows what you know. Some things are not meant for a girl. Turns out I have a knack for cards,” he said proudly, puffing out his chest.

“Cards! Please do not tell me you have been gambling away your school money, George.”

“All right, I won’t tell you. I didn’t ask you here to quarrel but to give you this.” He handed her a small box. Inside were two twinkling, emerald earbobs.

“George! These are beautiful!”

“I thought they would look nice with your coloring,” said George like he had been living in Town all his life.

“Why, yes, yes, they will. Thank you so much.” Genie gave George a warm hug. “But how could you possibly afford them?”

“Like I said, I have had a run of good luck. The cards love me!”

“Father and Mama would not approve of you gambling.”

“They would not approve of me losing money, but you see, I’m winning money. I cannot lose!”

“I do not think that is exactly what they meant by not approving of gambling.”

“I told you I wanted to do something to help you. I have seen the way so many of these ladies dress, all flash and sparkle. I know you haven’t a single earbob from Mama, so I thought your baby brother could come to your aid.”

“Thank you, George, now please go to sleep.” She could not help but feel concern over his gray complexion.

“Yes, Genie,” he said with puppy dog eyes.

“And go back to school.”

“One more night tonight and then I’ll go.”

Genie gave her brother another big hug.

Outside the window, Grant snapped the reins and drove off in his phaeton. He had seen enough.

***

Penelope glanced around her bedroom to ensure she was alone. The outside letter was a note asking her to direct this letter to Madame X and no one else (this last part was underlined). Inside was another sealed letter with the simple direction, Madame X. No signature accompanied the missive and no identifying marks were given. She examined the handwriting, but she did not know it. She turned the letter in her hands, wondering what to do.

Of course there was no Madame X, except herself and the dowager. She wondered if she should turn the letter over to the dowager but stopped, pondering why the letter had been addressed to her in the first place. It seemed more reasonable if someone was trying to connect with Madame X that they would ask the dowager, so why was the note addressed to Penelope? Only one way to find out.

Penelope broke the seal. When she unfolded the paper, a hundred-pound note fluttered to the floor. She stared at it as if it might jump up and bite her. She scooped it up quickly and read the note.

Dear Madame X,

I write you for I am greatly distressed and do not know where to turn for help. I have accepted an offer of marriage that is not of my parents’ choosing. Unfortunately, I am already officially betrothed to another. How can I break this long-standing marriage contract and wed the man I choose?