“It seems we have both been led astray. Had we remained true to one another, and confided in one another as we always did, we might have been happy.”
There was a melancholy in his voice he could not hide. So much pain, so much heartache had occurred between them. Could they ever set it all aside? To his surprise, Penelope pulled one hand away from his and placed it on his cheek.
“There is no reason we should not be happy now. For at last, we have confessed how we each feel. I love you. I know we are married in name only, but I would want for nothing more than to be the woman you love, as well.”
He broke into a wide smile and wrapped an arm around her waist. Feeling her so close made him rejoice. To at last be able to hold her and tell her how he felt and have her feel the same was all he ever dreamt of but never dared to hope for.
“Are you not scared at all? Of me? Of there being some truth to what your father said, of what everyone says?”
She shook her head and looked straight at him. “I am not. I know you. I know your heart. And I promise you, if ever I see a change in you or believe you to be falling into your father’s footsteps, I will stand up and tell you. I won’t be quiet. I won’t allow you to become him, though I am sure you do not have it in you.”
He pulled her closer and kissed her forehead. “I love you so much, Penelope. Your words mean the world to me. Promise that we will never allow anyone to separate us again.”
“Never. I promise.” She lifted her head up and their lips found each other, sealing their promise.
That night, for the very first time in his adult life, Daniel truly slept well. He suffered no nightmares, nor sleeplessness. At last, he was united with the woman he loved as she slept beside him, wrapped in his arms.
Chapter 37
The following morning, Penelope took ahold of Daniel’s hand as they stood outside the breakfast room. It was early still but the house was full of activity already. Her heart beat faster at the thought of speaking to her father but she knew that they needed answers. It still bothered her a great deal that he’d kept his reasons for sending Daniel away a secret all of these years. And that he’d told him this untruth about his family when it was so easily proven a lie.
Mrs. Swinson exited the breakfast room and stopped when she saw the two of them standing there. Her eyes went to their hands, which were intertwined and she broke into a smile.
“Well. Good morning. Aren’t you going in? His Grace is already at the table, enjoying his breakfast.”
Daniel looked at Penelope. She nodded and gave his hand a squeeze.
“We are. We just…”
The housekeeper grinned. “I understand. I venture to say His Grace will be surprised, but happy. Happy for you.” She went on her way, stopping only to give Penelope’s arm a squeeze. Mrs. Swinson’s support, silent as it was, gave her a boost and she stepped forward through the door, Daniel by her side.
“Good morning, Papa.”
He looked up from his newspaper, a smile on his face. Alas, the moment he laid eyes on the two of them and saw the change between them, his smile dropped from his face and a stony expression replaced it.
“Good morning,” he said stiffly, pushing away his plate. There was a strange moment of awkward silence between them until Daniel stepped forward.
“Your Grace, we have a matter to discuss with you.”
Penelope looked at him, surprised at his bluntness. A slight tinge of anger was in his tone.
I suppose it is understandable that he would be angry. Even though he and I are now united and in agreement on most things, he has suffered for years due to my father’s inaccurate statements and proclamations.
“I can see that. I thought yours was a union for the benefit of Penelope’s reputation only. Has that changed?”
She found herself startled at the anger in his voice. He had no reason to be upset. Her reputation was safe, no matter what. And while she knew he was not keen on Daniel’s own reputation, it still did not justify his displeasure.
“It has, Your Grace. For at last, Penelope and I have had occasion to converse in an honest fashion. And I must say I am deeply troubled that you have led me to believe things about my family that are not true. I suppose I should not have blindly taken your word for everything, but you were like my father and thus I believed you.”
“I told you no untruths,” her father said, defiance in his voice.
“Papa. You know as well as I that Daniel’s grandfather, the 3rdEarl of Carlton, was not a madman but a gambler. The vicar told me so himself. And madness does not run in his family. Even if it did, why did you tell him that he was destined to be like his father? That he had to go away to protect me and to marry someone he does not love?”
The Duke’s visage darkened. “I told him no such things. Daniel, I must say I am disappointed in you. To lie to Penelope is reckless, and after everything else you’ve done.”
She felt his fingers tighten around hers. Did he fear she might not believe him, given her father’s declaration?
“Papa, do you deny sending him away? Because you feared for my safety?”
