Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(14)

Nash smiled. It was like sunshine. It lit up his face so perfectly. She bathed in it. He said, “We should talk about a better subject than Henry Stanton. Tell me, are you staying at the Stanton townhouse?”

Penelope broke into a dazzling smile. “We are. Since my father passed, my uncle has been our saviour. We come and go from his townhouse to his country estate at our whim. He has been a most generous brother to my mother. And he introduced me to the peerage at the ball tonight. We are lucky.”

“I saw Avery and approached him. He pointed you out and spoke of you with great affection.”

The dance ended much too soon, and Nash accompanied Penelope back to Cecilia and Edward. As the true gentleman he was, Nash danced with Kitty, Isabel, and Dinah. They were all pleased with him and after he left, a rivalry began about with whom he would end up. None considered Penelope in the running.

Her mother being curious, Penelope told her how between his visit years ago and his talk with her uncle this evening, Nash figured out who she was and approached her.

***

Henry could not believe Penelope was dancing with Nash Finch. Henry had spent a lot of time since the last visit from Nash curbing his impulses. His father made sure of it. Like the King would really strip his title. Henry didn’t think so. For the most part, he was doing an adequate job of keeping his impulses at bay, but no one knew what happened when he went to the hunting lodge and had some fun there.

Now here was Nash Finch, back from his visits with Avery and Henry. Sheep, Penelope, and a dog. How dare he come to their home lodging complaints about things Henry had done. So what if they were true?

Hopefully, this would be one dance. After all, Penelope’s scar was ugly, and who wanted someone with her deformed face? He probably needn’t worry, but Henry would make sure they knew he wasn’t going to court her.

When he told Avery about this, his father was going to erupt like a volcano. He’d want to monitor it closely. He worked hard for his good reputation. If they were stripped of his title and lands, they both would be ruined.

Then a footman told him his father wanted him in the library.



***

Cecilia liked the Duke of Norfolk. His manners were faultless, and his conversation light and interesting. Cecilia remembered the Duke because he and his father visited just after Penelope got her scar. And he was one of the very few people outside the family that knew how she came about it.

Cecilia was sure it made a lasting impression on him. She remembered it rattled him. Nash could see through her scar. Cecilia knew it. Even as a boy, he had a big heart. Now, as an adult, he was down to earth, not some pompous poppycock strutting around the dance floor dancing with girls as if he were doing them a favour. He was genuine.

***

Later in the evening, Nash came back to ask Penelope for another dance. She thought he might feel it somehow necessary to circle back and ask her again, but she would dance with him no matter his motivation. With all the beautiful women in the room vying for his attention, a catch like Nash couldn’t possibly be interested in her.

“Are you enjoying this evening, Lady Penelope?” he said.

“This is my first ball, so I didn’t know what to expect. I am enjoying it more than I thought I would. Even though my mother, Edward and I live in London, I’ve met so many new people tonight. I’m sure I will see them at parties over the course of the season. What about you, Your Grace? Are you enjoying the ball? The ladies have certainly noticed your presence.” She laughed lightly.

Nash looked down at Penelope. Penelope’s face looked innocent as much as it looked damaged. He focused on the innocent part of her face, the part that showed her true self. Her warm brown eyes gazed into his, and he smiled.

“I am. When I came tonight, I wasn’t sure what to think. On one hand, it is an ideal way to meet women, but on the other hand, I thought it would be painfully dull. But I have not found it dull at all.”

“So you will attend other ton events?” As soon as the question was out, Penelope wanted to kick herself for being so forward. Would Nash think her nosy?

“Yes, I will. Tell me, My Lady, may I dine with you this evening? I believe they will announce the tables ready at any time.”

Penelope smiled. “I would love to.”

When the dance ended, and they went back to Cecilia, she gave permission for the two to dine together. She smiled faintly, hoping the two of them were as suited for one another as they seemed to be. She found Edward and asked him to escort her into the dining room.

When Nash escorted Penelope into the dining room, she gasped. Along one long side of the room a feast of every possible dish was sitting, waiting for the taking. She picked up a plate, Nash following her, and grabbed more than she needed or should eat in front of a man. She couldn’t help it.

Nash directed her to a temporary table the size of an ice cream parlour table and chairs she had seen at Gunther’s. Neither wanted to sit at the long table and make small talk during the meal.

She ate duck, beets, and squash. He ate venison, turnip, bread, and cheese. Penelope found that novel and also found it unusual to be eating opposite someone who was consuming something very different.

Nash’s eyes twinkled. He joked, “Would you like me to go back to the buffet and get you everything except the duck and beets and squash?”

She laughed. “Now, that would be fun, wouldn’t it?”