Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(39)

With a red face and murder in his eyes, he grabbed her upper arm. “What do you mean you’re married. You can’t be married. I did not give you my permission.”

Edward stepped forward. “Why does she need your permission? I’m her guardian.”

“You,” his voice grew louder, “you are under my roof, and I have been taking care of the three of you for years.”

“That does not make you her guardian. I’m her older brother, and I am of age. That makes me her guardian.”

Avery’s fists were tight against his side, and his red colour had gone to a deeper red-purple. “You are not competent to be her guardian. I’ll have your guardianship thrown out.”

Edward said, “Although I didn’t need to, because I am her brother and automatically her guardian, I filed with the magistrate the guardianship documentation as well as three competency documents, from three highly respected doctors.”

He turned to face Penelope, his voice getting louder each sentence he uttered. “You are married. I suppose it is to him?” Avery pointed his chin toward Nash. “Has your marriage been consummated?

“I’ll have it annulled. What church allowed this marriage to take place?”

Nash was six inches from Avery’s face in a flash. “The license was issued by the Archbishop, a very good friend of mine. I doubt you can have the marriage annulled.”

The crowd was standing still and quite close to the drama playing out. Nash was certain the crowd could hear every word.

“Go home, Avery and stop trying to run Penelope’s life. Cecilia, Edward, and Penelope will be at your townhouse in the morning to pack their things. They will be living under my roof.”

Avery was furious. He looked at Cecilia, Edward, and Penelope. “You will not be allowed back in my house, ever.”

Nash lowered his voice and said to Avery, “Every ball guest is listening to you. Do you really want them to think you wouldn’t even let them get their belongings?”

Avery put a smile on his face, “Go and enjoy yourselves. Come by for your things at your convenience. You know you are always welcome.”

Nash whispered, “We’ll be over tomorrow, pack everything, and be gone before teatime. You and I will arrange for getting their belongings at the Somerset estate sometime in the future.”

Nash spoke up for the audience, “Thank you, Avery. You’ve been most helpful. Good evening.”

Nash helped the ladies into the carriage and rode toward Avery’s townhouse. Penelope turned to Nash, “Why are we going this way?”

“The three of you need clothes to wear tomorrow and whatever else you need. I am only familiar with what men need. I know Edward will pick up his razor for the morning.

As the carriage pulled out into the traffic, Nash knew that wasn’t the end of his discussion with Avery. If it could be called a discussion.





Chapter 15


Nash opened his eyes to see Penelope staring at him in the marriage bed, and Nash had never slept better. Now, with Penelope lying next to him with her mussed hair and shy smile, waking would be just as good as sleeping had been.

“Good morning, Duchess,” he said.

“Good morning, husband.”

He kissed her gently, but long enough to communicate his interest. Based on her response, she seemed to share that interest.

He recalled hearing somewhere that a successful marriage would be more successful if the husband and wife shared similar interests. Here’s to a long and happy marriage. When they went down to break their fast, Cecilia and Edward were already eating. They sat with their plates, Penelope pouring tea, Nash pouring coffee.

Nash began, “Today’s the big day. I will gather every footman from here as well as from mother’s townhouse, your townhouse, and will see Avery. Take care to pack everything. I fear Avery and Henry won’t be as hospitable again if you want to retrieve anything.

If there are items in the parlour or elsewhere in the townhouse that are yours, take them today. I’ll stand next to Avery and Henry to keep them in check.

“Cecilia, if you have a ladies maid, bring her now. Same for you, Edward. Although I’d be surprised if you had a ladies maid. Might you have a valet? They will be a great help.

“Since we are only going a few blocks, don’t have them pack with precision. An hour after we leave, they will unpack at your new home. The less time we are at Avery’s, the better. But don’t forget anything.

“Say as little about this turn of events as possible to the staff. They are probably thrilled for you and wish the best, but they have to answer to Avery. Don’t get them in trouble.”

Nash took another scone and turned it over, inspecting every last surface.

“If we are to be married for the next forty years, I must know why you turn over every scone you pick up to eat,” Penelope said.

He smiled over at her. “Your first pet peeve, my dear?”

Penelope coloured but kept a steady gaze on him.

“If you must know, I am assessing the amount of icing drizzled on the scone. The more, the better. Feel better?” He grinned.

She grinned back. “Yes, I do. Thank you for indulging me.”

“Any time,” Nash said.

*****

Nash went to knock on Avery’s townhouse door when Waters opened it.