Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(22)

Edward took one of her hands in his. He looked at her and gave her a small smile. “Let’s see what happens. If what we think will happen comes to pass, we’ll figure something out. I refuse to roll over on this one. We will fight it the best we can.

“Don’t worry, Mother. Uncle won’t throw you out in the cold. He wouldn’t do that to you.”

Penelope and Nash came back from the dance floor laughing. He was shaking his head. “You’re right Lady Balfour. Someone needs to tell our hostess about the perils of an overcrowded dance floor.”

***

The season was now in full swing. Four or five nights per week there was a ton event, be it a ball, the theatre, or a musical. Young ladies and gentlemen began to pair off or if not pair off, they had narrowed the field to a few.

Dinah had found a nice gentleman who was shy but intelligent and who enjoyed the same interests as her. Penelope liked Dinah’s gentleman Jerome very much and encouraged the match. Nash suggested the four of them walk to Gunther’s one day.

The walk to Gunther’s was pleasant, and the weather cooperated. The six-block walk brought them through a section of town that boasted one townhouse after another attached so there were no gardens. They were rather thin and tall.

Nash looked up to the roof. “They all seem to be five floors with some sort of garden or vegetation on the roof. I imagine there are only two rooms on each floor and quite a few stairs.”

Dinah looked up and shaded her eyes with her hand, “Why do you suppose they built the townhouses this way?”

Jerome said, “These are new. The builder can fit more of them on a block, and they are less expensive, but in a nice area of town. I heard they all sold quickly. I would love to see the inside of one.”

Nash nodded, “Sounds right. They are well done and nice to look at. Seems a solid venture all the way around.”

The couples reached Gunther’s shortly after. They ordered their ices and sat at a table near the window. Gunther’s was busy. Whenever the weather was fine, business was brisk.

Two of Nash’s friends from school came in and ended up sitting with them. They told the tale of Nash’s escapades in school, causing Penelope, Dinah, and Jerome to laugh until tears ran down their faces. Nash wasn’t quite as amused. The group left the schoolboys behind, spilling onto the sidewalk in laughter when Jerome did an awful imitation of Nash stuck in a tree.

“I think it’s time to give Nash a break, shall we?” Nash said in a voice that could only be described as whiny.

That sent his three companions into laughter once again.

Penelope put her hand on Nash’s arm. “I’m sorry, Your Grace. This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”

Nash took her hand and curled it around his arm. “I’m glad you are having fun, even if it is at my expense.”

Penelope looked up into his face, “It’s not at your expense. I look at it as getting to know you better.”

Jerome snorted. “Yeah, and look what we know about you now.”

Another eruption of laughter ensued.

Nash, Penelope, Dinah, and Jerome were having a rare visit for tea when Nash asked if anyone had been to Vauxhall.

“Oh, no, I haven’t,” Penelope said. She looked excited by the prospect.

Dinah shook her head. “I haven’t had many opportunities to get out. My year of mourning just ended. I’m curious about it. What’s it like?”

Jerome answered her question. “There are gardens that I haven’t been to during daylight and walking paths. In the evening, there are boxes of seats where you can watch fireworks. Vendors come by and offer flatbread and chocolate. It’s very festive. On a mild night without rain, it’s crowded and festive.”

Nash continued, “There aren’t a lot of sconces. The darker it is, the better to see the fireworks display. It doesn’t last very long at all, but I think it’s worth it.

“It’s dark, and it’s busy. We would need to hold hands. I won’t allow you to get lost in the dark. Shall we go?”

Penelope nodded. Jerome looked at Dinah, and she also nodded.

The trip to Gunther’s was during the day, but the trip to Vauxhall was in the evening. Edward felt it necessary to join them, and they were happy to have him around.

They took Nash’s carriage to the edge of the gardens. The carriage was parked, and they were all handed down. It was a short but dark walk to the boxes. Once settled, Edward decided to take a short walk before the fireworks began. Couples and families were milling around, walking aimlessly. When the fireworks began, they would stop and look at the sky.

Out of the crowd, directly in front of them, Penelope saw Henry walking towards them. She placed her hand on Nash’s arm. He looked at her and saw she was staring straight ahead. He followed her gaze, and he groaned.

“Good evening, Penelope,” Henry said. “Are you out unescorted? I’ll have to tell my father about this.”

“No need, Henry,” Edward said. “I am her escort. What is it that you want?”

“I came out for a lovely evening, just like you. I don’t need to report my activities to you, and I certainly don’t have to explain what is none of your business.”

“Well, you’ve said your hellos. Good evening Henry,” Edward said and turned his back on Henry.