Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(19)
Nash and Helen started picking flowers, but Penelope didn’t move. “And when we walk out of here with flowers in our hands?”
Nash turned to Helen. “Is she always a scaredy-cat?” He winked.
Helen nodded.
Penelope looked up to the sky, then down to the flowers. “Oh, all right. If I get arrested, things will get ugly quickly.”
When they emerged with fists full of lilacs, daisies, Iris, and lavender, all three looked very pleased with themselves.
Penelope began walking at a brisk pace. “Quick. Let’s get back before someone sees us.”
Nash laughed. “So, it’s fine to commit a crime as long as no one sees us?”
Penelope gave Nash a fake smile, “Very funny. Let’s go.”
When he opened the door for them, Penelope handed the flowers to Waters. “Could you please have someone get a vase and water for these?”
Nash and Penelope went into the parlour. Nash was happy to see there were tea and a few cookies left.
He sat back while Cecilia poured his tea. “Did anyone else join you for tea?”
Edward answered, “Funny you should ask. There was a gentleman here looking for both of you. He thought my mother and I were idiots and lying to him when we said we didn’t know where you went.
“There was a bit of agitation, then quiet. You really didn’t miss anything.”
***
Cecilia and Edward picked up their teacups while Edward looked at the plate of cookies. Henry could see Edward taking two.
He looked around. “Where are they?” he said, irritation in his voice.
“Who?” Edward said, still choosing his cookies.
“Don’t be such an idiot, Edward. Where are Nash and Penelope?”
Edward lifted his head. “I don’t talk with people who call me an idiot,” he said, then went back to putting another cookie on his plate.
“Then you mustn’t have many people to talk to,” Henry said, raising his voice.
Edward ignored Henry. “Mother,” he said, “I may take the carriage this afternoon. If I go out, is there anything you need?”
“Stop it, both of you, stop it,” Henry said, loudly. “Where are they?” he screamed.
Cecilia said, “There’s a package at the milliner’s if you are anywhere near there. They are on Long Street.”
Edward nodded, “Yes, I know the one. Anything else?”
“No, thank you, Edward.”
In a conversational tone, Henry asked, “Where are Nash and Penelope?”
Edward blew out a breath, “Mother, ignore him. He doesn’t talk to idiots.”
Henry’s face was getting red. The blood in his veins was racing and felt hot. He could hear the blood rush through his ears.
“I’m sorry Edward. You are not an idiot. I spoke out of frustration, and I apologize. Could you please tell me where Nash and Penelope are?”
Edward smiled, and it wasn’t a smile because of his victory over Henry. It was a smile that was a precursor to what was about to come.
“They went for a walk.”
“What? They did what?”
“Nash, Penelope, and Helen went for a walk.”
“Where did they go?”
Edward shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Henry stood, his arms flailing, “You don’t know. You don’t know anything? Nothing? Not the direction they went in when they left? You are an idiot.”
Henry left. He couldn’t take it anymore. They weren’t cooperating with him. They would find out what a mistake that was.
***
Penelope wanted to take extra care dressing for the Thompson ball. She went to her mother’s bedchamber.
“Which gown should I wear tonight? I want to look my best, and I’m not sure which to choose,” she said.
Cecilia smiled. “Let’s go,” she said as she took Penelope by the shoulders and turned her around. She gave her a lighthearted push. Once in Penelope’s bedchamber, she went to the wardrobe and examined every gown.
Cecilia pulled out Penelope’s lavender gown and handed it to her. “Here, this one makes your eyes radiant and shows off your figure. It’s one of my favourites.”
Penelope hugged her mother. “Thank you. I’m a little flustered. Nerves, I think.”
Cecilia put her hand on Penelope’s shoulder. “Why are you nervous? You have one ball under your belt; you should feel better knowing what is expected of you.”
Penelope’s smile was rueful. “I didn’t have anything to lose last time. This time, I do.”
“Ah, five minutes of him in your presence will settle your nerves. Besides, you heard Edward. Their dinner at the club went well. He talked about you more than once without Edward even bringing you up. And you had a nice visit with him when he came calling today.”
Penelope hugged Cecilia, “You’re right.” She shook her head, and then sobered. “I can’t shake this feeling of trepidation. But it will be fine.”
***
Cecilia was right. Lady Thompson had invited too many people. The ballroom spilled over into the corridors. Along the walls of the ballroom, the girls’ chaperones were elbow to elbow. That was cause for complaints. The ballroom floor was so crowded with dancers that bodies were bumping into each other, causing the ladies to need help from their dance partners to keep from falling to the floor. There were a few more gentlemen’s hands on ladies’ bodies than was proper. That may have accounted for more dancers.