Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(18)

They all agreed to get together in three months at Harriman’s estate and three months later at Wilson’s estate. Then, after another three months, Darrell’s estate. Once all four estates were visited, they’d find who had the biggest town.

Another night of cards, and Nash’s three friends left after the midday meal.

***

Cecilia stayed in her bedchamber for the rest of the afternoon. She sat in one of her navy brocade chairs, chairs made in India with specifications direct from Avery of the brocade pattern and colours to be used. The chair was close enough to the fireplace to warm her, but it didn’t. She had a cold, empty feeling inside.

Henry was going to ruin it. Just for his personal amusement. He would tell Avery about Nash’s interest in Penelope, and he would demand Avery cut it off.

Sometimes, Cecilia felt so helpless. Her brother was good to her, and he did the right thing by her. Hadn’t he danced with Penelope just last evening, drawing much-needed attention to his niece? Yes, he was well-intentioned, and Cecilia, Penelope, and Edward gratefully benefitted.

But Henry? He was a nightmare come to life. It was all too easy. Nash saw Penelope, knew her from long ago, introduced himself, then they clicked. You would only have to see them on the dance floor or while they sat and talked to see the interest they had in each other.

With every instinct in her body, Cecilia knew Henry would ruin the best thing that would ever happen to Penelope. Then Penelope would be broken hearted and probably settle for anyone willing to overlook her face. What gentleman would want to go into a marriage with a woman whose face carried a prominent scar? Even Edward clicked with Nash. He wouldn’t have to worry every day of his sister’s well-being if she were with Nash. Cecilia shook her head and mumbled, “The poor woman who marries Henry.”





Chapter 7


Nash called at one o’clock, lilacs in hand. The ladies curtsied, he and Edward bowed, and he presented his gift to Penelope.

She pulled the bell, and Waters came in to take the flowers and put them in a vase with water.

“Lord Balfour, I would like to ask you if Lady Penelope and I could go for a walk this lovely afternoon.” He turned to Penelope. “Is your maid available?”

Edward looked at Nash, “If Penelope would like to accompany you, you have my permission if we can find a chaperone for you.”

Penelope spoke, “I know Helen is available to me. I’ll just go upstairs and get her and find my wrap.”

Penelope rushed from the room while Nash turned to Cecilia. “Lady Balfour?”

“It’s perfectly fine with me. How long do you expect to be out of doors?”

“I’ll return her within two hours.”

Cecilia nodded. “That’s fine.”

Penelope came down the stairs with Helen close behind her. She came into the parlour, “I’m ready.”

Nash turned to Edward and Cecilia and bowed,” Lord Balfour, Lady Balfour.”

Being out in the sun walking with Penelope was Nash’s definition of an ideal day. He wanted to get out of that parlour and the invasive presence of Henry. If this worked out, he would do it again.

“Where would you like to go, Lady Penelope?”

“I’m not sure. Do you have suggestions?”

Nash thought. Sometimes there were less travelled areas of Rotten Row. “Could we walk towards Rotten Row? The flowers are in full bloom, and once off the main walkway, it’s not very crowded.”

“Sounds delightful.”

They walked at a slow pace, enjoying the weather, and in no hurry. Penelope told Nash of growing up in Somerset with Edward and Henry. Henry had always been a handful, even as a young boy. Penelope had to avoid him as much as possible. Every once in a while, Henry decided he wanted to be around Penelope. That’s when her days turned into nightmares.

“That bad?” Nash asked, knowing it to be true.

“Yes, that bad. Until this,” Penelope pointed to her scar, “then he left me alone.”

“I wish you could have had a fun childhood. Picking flowers, running through meadows, raiding the kitchen.”

Penelope gave a small smile, “Thank you. I wish so too. But it wasn’t to be.”

Nash hesitated, then spoke. “The first time we met, you were fourteen, and I was twenty. You had just been injured, but you came to the dinner table. That must’ve been difficult for you.”

“Yes, my uncle insisted I dine with you. I don’t know why.”

“I sat across from you and looked into those beautiful brown eyes of yours, and I felt a familiarity. At first, I thought we had met before, but that wasn’t it. It was more like a real connection two people share.

“You hear about twins who finish each other’s sentences or old married couples who will swear they know what each other is thinking. I felt it so strong, but I didn’t know what it was. I still don’t. Am I making any sense to you?”

Penelope tilted her head and looked into Nash’s eyes. “When you walked towards me in that crowded ballroom, the night we met? I felt something then. I was too afraid to even admit the feeling to myself.”

Nash was puzzled, “Why?”

Penelope pointed to her scar but didn’t say anything.

Nash rolled his eyes then took a sharp left onto a quiet path deep inside Rotten Row. He looked around to see if anyone was looking. “Penelope, Helen? Let’s pick some of these. They will look beautiful in your parlour.”