Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(54)

“I’m not,” Henry yelled and jumped out of his seat.

“I have to think, Henry, about what we’re going to do with this problem. I shouldn’t have to lock a grown man in his room so that he won’t disrupt a wedding. Until I have thought this through, you will not have any contact with Penelope. If I hear that you have had contact with Penelope, you will be locked in your room indefinitely.”

“That’s ridiculous, Father.”

“What’s ridiculous is your behaviour towards Penelope.”

Henry slammed down his glass of whisky and left the room.





Chapter 22


Penelope and Cecilia were in the bedchamber Nash always kept empty so Penelope had an extra space in the townhouse. There were at least four maids coming in and out of the room at all times.

A maid was helping lace up the back of Cecilia’s gown. A fitted light yellow coloured chiffon gown flattered her. Madame Leduc outdid herself.

Madame patiently waited for Penelope’s hair to be dressed before she got to work.

“More tea for our guests, Roberta,” Cecilia said. Roberta pulled the bell to get the kitchen started going then went downstairs to carry the tray to the bedchamber.

“Last chance, Penelope. You’re sure you want to wear your hair that way?”

Penelope laughed. “I’m sure.”

She looked in the mirror then moved her head left and right. There it was. Her scar.For the entire world to see.

Her hairstyle was perfect. Brushed back in a low chignon. The large sapphire earrings fell halfway down her neck, four three-carat stones on each side. Nash laughed when he gave them to her as a gift.

“You can’t help looking at these earrings. Your eyes are drawn to that area.”

Penelope had laughed back. “It will give them a good excuse to look.”

“Exactly.”

Madame Leduc approached Penelope, arms carefully holding the dress she made. She held it over Penelope’s head and carefully let it slip to the floor without ruining her hair.

All in the room stilled as they saw the gown on Penelope for the first time. Madame Leduc snapped her fingers causing her two assistants to get to work buttoning the gown. Penelope couldn’t help thinking how frustrated Nash would be unbuttoning all those small buttons tonight.

Penelope was a vision in all ivory lace that had the give to hug every part of her body. The long sleeves hugged her arms so her sapphire bracelet, more three-carat stones, was on display. Her neckline began at the top of her breasts and fitted her to the waist where the fabric flared in a drape that was elegant. The six-carat sapphire teardrop necklace finished the look.

Madame Leduc stood back and clasped her hands. “You are beautiful, my dear.”

Edward knocked on the door. “Penelope, it’s time.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Cecilia went to her. “What did you decide about the veil?”

“No veil.”

Cecilia smiled. “I’m so happy.”

She pulled on Penelope’s hand and led her out the door. Edward gasped but was tongue-tied, and Penelope giggled.

Penelope looked around the carriage on the way to the church. She was on one bench while Cecilia and Edward were on the other.

She beamed. “My family.”

Having found his voice, Edward said, “You look nice, sis. Don’t trip on your dress walking down the aisle. You’ll have the whole place bowled over.”

“Thank you for your concern Edward,” she said dryly.

The carriage stopped in front of the church, and two footmen helped Penelope down. When she lifted her head, her eyes met those of her uncle’s. He smiled but looked sheepish. She nodded and gave him a small smile back.

The organ began to play. Avery took Cecilia’s arm, and they walked slowly down the aisle to settle into the first pew.

Edward turned to Penelope. “I’ve never been more confident that you are doing the right thing marrying Nash.”

Penelope looked into Edward’s eyes. “Thank you for always being my champion.”

He patted her hand and began walking. “You’re welcome.”

Penelope saw the Calla Lilies at the end of each pew were beautiful. She could see their two huge arrangements at the altar. She gave her biggest, most beautiful smile and didn’t have to force it. It came naturally.

She and Edward were walking slowly enough so Penelope could see the looks on people’s faces to her left. Eyes went wide. Women put their heads together to talk. Young ladies in their season looked puzzled.

When she finally made it to the altar and Nash, she was home. Facing each other, holding both hands together, standing in front of the priest felt like the most natural thing she had ever done. She had no nerves and no reservations.

During the ceremony, the guests had plenty of time to see Penelope’s scar. When she stood face to face with Nash, it was on display. She wondered what they thought and decided she didn’t care. It was liberating.

After the ceremony, walking down the aisle to the exit, Penelope felt she accomplished what she set out to do. They all may have thought she’d marry last. Boy, were they wrong.

Nash and Penelope had to sit on opposite benches during the ride back to the townhouse. Her dress took up a lot of space.

Nash smiled and laughed.