Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(37)

“They have to be here,” Henry said.

Edward smiled. “Yes, yes, it’s important.” He leaned closer to Henry’s ear and said, “They are probably doing something important. They had a lot going on lately.”

Henry threw up his arms. “Not as important as it will be later tonight.”

“Henry, we just walked in when you assaulted us. Go away,” Edward said weary of the conversation. He and Cecilia walked into the ballroom leaving Henry behind.

Cecilia whispered to Edward, “I’m going to keep an eye on Avery. I may even talk to him. I’m interested to see if there is a young man following him around like a puppy.”

Edward nodded. “I’m going to keep an eye on Henry. Are you going to be all right without me? Do you see any of your friends?”

“Yes, Lady Jennings will keep me company. Don’t worry about me.” Cecilia paused. “I think it’s going to happen tonight.”

“I do too.”

***

Penelope was nervous for no reason. She was very pleased with Nash’s gentle handling of their first lovemaking.

It was a wonderful experience, and she was eager to experience it again.

She wanted to stay in bed for the rest of the night and skip the ball.

“It’s your decision, Penelope. I would like to see you show your life is better than some poor excuse for nobility.”

Penelope sighed. “Me too. You think it’s going to happen tonight, don’t you?”

Nash laughed. “Yes, I do.”

Penelope groaned. “I’d rather stay here.

“I like your thinking, wife. I’ll write a note to Edward and have it delivered. We’ll ask to see Avery tomorrow and tell him the good news. Until then, I think we should pretend nothing has changed. Agree?”

“Yes,” that all makes sense. “I can’t wait to see his face when we tell him, but I don’t think it’s worth getting out of bed to see.”

“I knew there was a reason I liked you.” Nash grinned. He kissed her forehead, and she saw him move to his writing desk.”

She rolled onto her side and pulled her sheets up to her ear.

“Don’t you dare fall asleep. I’ll just wake you,” Nash growled.

Penelope sat up, rolled her eyes, and lay back in bed. Nash laughed.

No sooner than Nash donned his robe than he was back in bed with Penelope. “Remind me, what were we doing before we were interrupted?”





Chapter 14


Early morning after staying at Nash’s townhouse, Penelope took Nash’s carriage back to the Stanton townhouse. She was mortified that she was let down from Nash’s carriage and let in the townhouse wearing the clothes she wore out the evening before.

When she got to her bedchamber, Helen came to her, frantic with worry for her well-being. Penelope smiled, and she asked Helen to sit on the bed. She sat next to her.

“There are going to be a lot of changes for you and me over the next few days. I was married to Nash last evening.”

Helen gasped and then smiled, “Oh, My Lady.”

“Yes, it’s wonderful. I’m so happy. I stayed at Nash’s townhouse last evening. I’ve come back to tell Uncle Avery and then pack our things.

“My mother and Edward are leaving here too. Nash has another townhouse that was his mother’s, and that’s where they will go. You will go with me to Nash’s townhouse.”

Helen grinned and bounced on the bed.

“But we can’t move until I tell Uncle. It wouldn’t be fair to him to hear it on the street or at the club. So, we’re going to pretend nothing is different until I meet with him. I hope to meet with him this morning.”

***

Penelope, Cecilia, and Edward went to the dining room to break their fast. Penelope asked Waters to let Avery know that she must speak to him today. It was important. Waters bowed.

Over the meal, Penelope asked if she missed anything at the ball. Both Cecilia and Edward rolled their eyes.

“We were greeted by a frantic Henry, wondering where you were. That lasted all night until close to midnight when he gave up,” Edward said.

Cecilia continued, “I was watching Avery, and he had this very young gentleman who looked like he was just let out of leading strings near him all night.

“His agitation level increased with every hour that went by. His cultured image slipped. I am sure his peers noticed. They couldn’t help it.”

Edward continued, “Henry went to him close to midnight and whispered in his ear. Avery went to the young gentleman and dismissed him.

“I can’t imagine what that carriage ride home was like.”

The three laughed, and Edward hooted when they thought about it.

“What are you all laughing about this morning?” Henry’s surly voice preceded him into the dining room.” There is nothing to laugh about.”

He sat without getting food from the buffet and poured himself coffee.

He turned to Penelope. “Well, where were you last evening? You said you were going to the ball, but you weren’t there.”

“After the theatre, I had a terrible headache and decided to go home and go to sleep. I feel so much better this morning, although I do want to talk with your father today. It’s important. Will he be around? When you see him, could you let him know?”