Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(21)

“We? Who is we,” he demanded.

“Oh, Edward, there you are,” Cecilia said. “I thought we lost you amongst all these people. Did you have trouble finding us?”

“Yes, actually, I did. The Duke showed me a spot where we were able to see the whole ballroom. That’s how we found you.”

Henry’s face was getting red. “Don’t tell me you two are best friends now. You only met a few days ago. So help me; if you think I’ll stand for two against one, you’re wrong. My father will stop this charade before it goes on much further,” Henry said, much louder than was proper.

Edward grimaced, “Tell me, Henry. Why are you here?”

Henry looked from Penelope to Nash. “I’ll leave, but remember what I said. Break it off before I have Edward, you, and your mother thrown out. I wonder what you will do all day when you aren’t under my father’s roof any longer. Chambermaid, perhaps?”

Nash looked at Henry, his teeth grinding, his jaw moving. “Tell me, Henry, are you looking for a wife? I would have thought you wouldn’t believe gatherings like this fun.”

Henry, still red-faced, tried to calm himself enough to answer. His control was tenuous. “No. I won’t take a wife for years to come. I’m here to watch over Cecilia and Penelope.”

Edward’s head snapped up, and he looked into Henry’s eyes. His voice was ice, “No need, Henry. I am here, and it is my responsibility. Since you aren’t looking for a wife, and I am watching over my family, you are relieved of any obligation you may have felt, and you might as well go.”

Henry narrowed his eyes at Edward. “Are you dismissing me?”

Edward grimaced, “Tell me, Henry. Why are you here?”

Henry opened his mouth to say something and thought better of it. Instead, he said, “Well, as you said, Edward, I believe I will say good evening now and go.”

He left, taking any of the pleasure of the evening with him.

All four looked at one another. Cecilia said, “I’m not getting a good feeling about this. Why is he coming to the balls? He’s making me nervous. He has an end game. I just know it.”

Edward moved to be next to his mother and put his hand on her shoulder. “You are most likely right, Mother. We must be extra diligent.”

Penelope looked at Nash. “What should we do?”

Nash schooled his demeanour, looking relaxed and amused. “Your cousin likes to go around making trouble wherever he goes. Think nothing of it.”

Nash changed the subject. “My Lady, shall we brave the overcrowded dance floor?”

Penelope laughed. “Yes, let’s give it a try.”

***

Kitty pulled Isobel to an alcove on the far side of the ballroom. She looked left, then right before she spoke.

“What was it with Lord Finch? We all danced with him at the first ball. He seems interested in Penelope instead of one of us. He is good looking and has boatloads of money. Why is he interested in her? It’s not my imagination, is it?”

Isobel lifted her fan so no one could see her talking, “I don’t get it either. There are at least another five girls besides us with the looks and figures to attract the man. He seems oblivious to us all.

“Have you met Lady Ann Graves?”

Kitty nodded.

“She said she had a good dance with him, and he asked her to dance again later. She followed him around with her eyes and saw him introduced to us. That’s why she came to me. She wanted to know what happened. As soon as he was introduced to Penelope, she never saw him again. She tried walking by him a few times to catch his eye, but it didn’t work. He never went back for that second dance.”

“And she’s beautiful and witty. Most of the men in this ballroom have an interest in her,”Kitty said.

Isabel asked, “Have you seen anyone try to get him to notice them?”

Kitty shook her head. “It seems to be a waste of time. I don’t get it. I thought she’d be the last girl this season to find a man.”





Chapter 8


Cecilia and Edward watched Nash and Penelope attempt to find room on the dance floor. Lady Thompson had done it again. Someone should tell that woman that more people did not enhance a ball.

Edward turned to his mother, “What did Henry say was his reason for coming here tonight?”

Cecilia closed her eyes and blew out a deep breath before answering, “He said he was looking out for our well-being. He said he wanted to make sure men like the Duke didn’t prey on Penelope. He said he was sure Nash wasn’t interested in Penelope. Nash must have an ulterior motive. He thought Nash was using Penelope to get to him.”

Edward was surprised by that. “But why?”

She looked him in the eyes. Cecilia knew he could figure it out if he tried hard enough. “The dog.”

Edward’s shoulders dropped, and he looked at his boots. He said, “Nash knows why she has that scar, and he knows Henry killed his dog. Henry’s going to convince Avery to demand Penelope break it off with Nash.”

“Oh, Edward. No,” Cecilia groaned. “This is her chance for happiness with someone who doesn’t care about her scar. This is her chance. They are well matched. He seems happy with her too.” Cecilia turned to Edward. “Henry’s going to ruin it. What can we do?”