Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(35)

There was a collective sigh of relief. “That man is evil,” Cecilia spat out.

“If he were not nobility, someone would have taken him to the docks, stomped his face in, then rolled him into the water. He can thank his title for being alive.”

“Nash! Would that really have happened?” Penelope put her hand to her heart.

“It happens every day, love.” Nash got up and shut the parlour door. He didn’t trust Henry at all. Cecilia and Penelope sat close together on the settee, and Nash sat on his heels in front of them.

“Edward and I are going to the club listening for anything we can pick up. He’s going to his third doctor’s appointment tomorrow so that will be complete. Are you able to begin to pack your things?” Both nodded.

“It can’t look as though you’re packing. If you cannot pack anything without tipping someone off, just leave it. I’ll make sure you have as much time as you need after the fact. You ready?” They both smiled and nodded.

Nash stood then leaned down and kissed Penelope’s forehead.

“Nash. Did you forget my mother is sitting right there?”

“No.” He smiled then turned to Cecilia, “She’s beautiful when she’s mad at me, isn’t she?”

Cecilia laughed.

“I am so happy.” Nash smiled. “But I need to leave. Too much to do. See you tomorrow at one?”

Penelope groaned, then lowered her voice, “I can’t wait to move.”

“There are two other people in this room that feel the same. Go shopping this afternoon. Goodbye, ladies.” Nash bowed and left.

***

“He was bouncing my head against the wall until Cecilia told him to stop. He threatened to tell everyone in White’s how Penelope got her scar.”

Avery paced. This had gone on long enough. He needed to eliminate Nash from his life and from Henry’s life.

“What are their plans?”

“There isn’t anything going on tonight, no ton events at all. Tomorrow night, they are going to the theatre then to the Harrington ball.”

Avery nodded. “We’ll make our move at the Harrington ball. In front of that many guests, she won’t say a word.”

***





Chapter 13


“Good afternoon, Your Grace,” Cecilia and Penelope rose and curtsied.

Nash bowed to them, then looked around. “Is Edward joining us?”

Cecilia nodded, “He is. He must be running late from his doctor’s appointment.”

Henry strolled into the room, “Another doctor’s appointment? You must be worried sick, Cecilia. Why aren’t you on your bed sobbing?”

“Hello, Henry. Edward is not ill. He is being checked out, is all. I’m not in the slightest bit worried.”

Henry smiled broadly. “Well, he’ll miss my wonderful news. Father is going to make an exciting announcement this evening around midnight. I trust you all will be at the ball then? It’s important you are there.”

Penelope looked at him suspiciously, “What is this about, Henry?”

“Oh, I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but let’s just say it has to do with your future.”

“My future?” Penelope said. “I don’t understand.”

“And you won’t until midnight tonight. It’s really wonderful news. Father and I are thrilled. Just remember tonight at midnight. It will be the talk of the ton.”

Henry left the room, and the three of them laughed.

“That came sooner than I thought. I can’t help believing I sped things up with my unfortunate outburst.”

Penelope pointed to the door. Nash got up and closed it.

“Are we set? I think I’d like to have my coach drive somewhere quiet and flag down a hack for us. The coach can continue on to the theatre, so it will be seen there. We’ll take the hack to the church. Is that all right?”

Penelope shrugged. She whispered, “It doesn’t matter to me as long as I’m married when I go to the Harrington ball.”

Nash laughed, “Oh, you will be.”

***

Nash arrived at half-past seven. The ladies walked down the stairs to him, and both had beautiful smiles on their faces. Penelope looked beautiful.

Her hair was different. Good for her. There were white ribbons intertwined in it with her hair pulled up and loosely falling like waterfalls on the sides of her face.

Her dress was perfection. The same hair ribbon was woven through her sleeves as well as the top rim of her dress, giving her breasts a little more coverage, pleasing Nash. Her dress fit her perfectly and showed every curve. She made a beautiful bride.

***

Nash helped Penelope and Cecilia into the carriage. He and Edward followed. He had already given his driver his instructions. Two blocks away, the driver would flag down an empty hack, and the four passengers would switch vehicles.

Nash’s coach, empty, would go through the streets in front of the theatre. The hack would deliver them to the church, and Nash’s driver would meet them there.

In the rectory of the church, Father Fallon would marry Nash and Penelope. Edward and Cecilia would witness. Then, they would all go to the Harrington ball.

They sat comfortably in the carriage, quiet and happy. Penelope looked as beautiful as he had ever seen her. Cecilia looked beautiful as well. She wore a plum coloured chiffon dress that was fitted. It made her look ten years younger. Nash was happy not to see her in a baggy brown thing that made her look old. He and Edward wore black with white shirts and cravats. It wasn’t any different from what they wore to any ball, but Nash wore a tan waistcoat that made Penelope think him the most handsome man she had ever seen.