“A lot of women are,” Benedict replied, a tender expression coasting over his face. “I must laud you though, you have comethe closest to getting any commitment from him. You must be a very strong woman.”
A half laugh came from Penelope. “Not strong enough I suppose. A stronger woman would have seen through his pretenses and bravado to find the empty soul behind it.”
“You are better off without him than with,” Benedict said, his eyes flittering to Alice. “Would the two of you like to get ices at Gunther’s?” he asked. “I think a bit of fresh air would do us some good.”
Knowing it was Penelope’s right to agree or not, Alice waited patiently for her to reply. “Thank you, my lord,” Penelope murmured. “But I wouldn’t ask this of you.”
“You didn’t,” Benedict replied. “It is my delight to help.”
“Would you excuse us for a moment?” Alice asked, and with his nod, stood while holding Penelope’s hand.
Gently, she ushered her from the room to their bedchambers and before anything else, wrapped her sister in a tight hug. “I am so sorry, Penelope, I never thought he’d do such a thing to you.”
“You couldn’t have known,” Penelope said quietly. “I asked you to fix a problem I made for myself, and you did the best you could, Alice. You cannot see the future, sister. None of this is your fault.”
“It is not yours either,” Alice said strongly. “Men like him are not worth your tears. Now, let’s change your dress.”
While taking out a blue walking dress, Penelope sighed, “I can see why you like Lord Brampton. He seems to be a very thoughtful and attentive man. He seems to have all the makings of a good husband.”
Alice gave a small smile. “He does, doesn’t he?”
But I feel more for his brother than for him. What am I doing?“Let’s get you ready then.”
CHAPTER 17
Alice trailed a step behind the two as they meandered through the park near Gunther’s Sweet Shop. Ices in hand, she kept an eye on the two as they spoke, the conversation meandering around everything but Rutledge.
“I’ve never been to a fair,” Penelope said. “Mother used to say there were unscrupulous people there, preying on the innocent.”
“Maybe the ones who fall for the gypsy women’s fortune-telling ruse,” Benedict replied. “Otherwise, it is really enjoyable. There is one coming next week or so. Would you like to come with me?
Behind them, Alice frowned, did he mean the two of them… or only Penelope? As they walked, she noted people looking at them askance, as if questioning who Benedict was courting, her or Penelope.
“Alice, should we ask Aunt about that or not,” Penelope looked over to her.
“I don’t think we need to,” Alice replied. “We are adults, after all.”
“This tangerine ice is delicious,” Penelope mentioned, looking into her cup. “I never thought such a cold thing could be sweet, tart, and refreshing at the same time.”
Looking at her cherry-flavored ice, Alice stifled a grimace; she suddenly wanted to be anywhere else than here; she sorely wanted to be with Edward. However, this was a very traumatic day for Penelope, the least she could do was to see it through before running off.
“Alice?”
Her head snapped up; again, she had the concerning feeling that her sister—and possibly Benedict—had been calling her name multiple times.
Abashed, she gave them a small smile. “I’m sorry. What was that?”
“His lordship offered to refill our ices,” Penelope clarified, looking worried. “Are you all right?”
“You do seem worried,” Benedict said.
“I—I’m concerned about what Aunt will say when they see that broken end table,” Alice partially lied. “I am sorry for ruining ourouting with such humdrummery, but you know me, always the practical thinker.”
“I’ll take care of that,” Benedict told her firmly. “And if you need, I will explain about Rutledge too. It might be easier coming from me.”
You really are your brother’s kin.
“Thank you, my lord,” Penelope replied, blushing. “You are too kind.”
