Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(25)
“That dandy that asked Kitty to dance?” he said out of the side of his mouth. “Don’t tell Mother I told you this, but he was bragging he would get a pretty girl, marry her, and keep her pregnant so he could continue with his mistress. I almost feel sorry for her. Almost.”
“Really? That’s awful.”
“I’m glad he didn’t ask you to dance. I would have had to take him aside. I’ll tell you the story about Isobel’s dance partner later. Mother is staring at us.”
Edward took Penelope’s arm and saw Penelope had a smile as she walked to the group. She would never find out he made the whole thing up. It was a cardinal rule that what was said inside the club never left the club. Making up stories didn’t count.
He admitted he didn’t know either girl well, but they both gave the impression of being flighty. Men weren’t interested in trophy wives. Wives needed to reflect their husband’s place in society, have their own society peers on a high rung of the ladder, run a house or two, throw parties. And all gentlemen were under pressure to provide an heir. It wasn’t all fun and games. It was serious business.
He knew Penelope didn’t want to hear it, but at the risk of shocking her, Edward told her that either of those girls would be considered the perfect mistress, not the perfect wife.
“Oh,” she said. “I think I get it.” She turned to Edward, “You didn’t shock me, but I am a little surprised. They are beautiful and fun loving. Is that it?”
“Yes, Penelope. They are not to be taken seriously. I sincerely apologize for this subject. The majority of the gentlemen, including myself, have no interest in a mistress. That lifestyle would be more suited for someone like your cousin, Henry.”
The conversation had two effects on Penelope. First, she was gratified that Edward would approach such a subject with her. Although it was unseemly to talk of such things with a lady, Penelope was pleased her brother felt comfortable enough with each other to have that type of conversation. Second, Penelope understood the reason some men would want a mistress. Not a good reason, mind you, but why someone was chosen as a wife, and someone was not. It was an illuminating moment, like looking out her parlour window and not seeing anything until she ran the palm of her hand across the glass. It was always there to see just under the surface.
***
On an off night when the ton had no scheduled activity, and Penelope wanted to rest, Nash and Edward went to White’s for dinner. They had become close friends, finding they shared many interests. During their pleasant meal, Henry walked up to their table. Edward closed his eyes for a moment and chastised himself. He knew he should have requested a private dining room.
Nash looked up from cutting his food. “My, my, Henry. We meet once again. To what do we owe this visit?”
Henry looked down to see there were only two chairs at their table. “I want to talk with Finch alone, Edward.” He waved his hand in the air. “Go find something else to do.”
Edward leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “No.”
Henry stared down at him for what seemed like five minutes then looked at Nash. “Let’s go, Finch. We’ll find a private room and talk.”
Nash laughed then stood. He crossed his arms. Henry’s height reached Nash’s nose, and he weighed at least 30 pounds less than Nash. Edward knew Henry never did more than walk from his bedchamber to the kitchen – that was the end of his exercise. It wouldn’t be a fair fight. Edward couldn’t wait to see it.
Henry took a step back and said, “Fine. I’ll say what I have to say right here in the middle of the floor.” He didn’t hesitate at all but ploughed into his subject. “Back off Penelope. If you don’t, I’ll tell Father you’re causing trouble, and he’ll cut off my aunt and my cousins. They’ll be on the streets and have to fend for themselves. And the blame will be at your doorstep. You wouldn’t want that now would you, Finch?”
Nash calmly sat and tilted his head toward Henry. In a calm, slightly annoyed voice, he said, “Go away, Henry, my dinner’s getting cold.”
Henry’s rage showed on his red purplish face. Apparently, he didn’t get the reaction he wanted. He turned and went to the stairs, hopefully headed for the door.
Nash shook his head. “I’m sorry to say, Edward, I don’t really like your cousin.”
Edward burst out a short laugh. “Me neither. What do you think we should do?”
Nash gave Edward a small, Mona Lisa smile. Something was brewing in that head of his. “I’ll tell you what I won’t do. I won’t give up Penelope for that toad.”
Edward knew Henry was no match for Nash, and if Nash wanted Penelope, Nash would get Penelope. “Your interest in Penelope is that strong?”
Edward pushed his plate from him. “My meal is cold. I’ll wait on you then I’m ordering a cognac.”
Nash pushed his plate away. He raised an arm to flag down a server. “Two cognacs.” He looked into Edward’s eyes, “Yes, it is.”
Edward called for cheroots. He lit his from the candle on the table. “Why do you think Henry is so dead set against you and Penelope?”
Nash blew a circle with the smoke from his cheroot and took a sip of his cognac.
“I’m the only one besides your family who knows the truth about Penelope, except the village commoners, of course. He has no leverage over me. Henry can’t throw me out of my house penniless. I will willingly spread the word on Henry while Cecilia, you, and Penelope keep mum on Henry’s antics.