It made her empathetic , if anything.
“Truthfully, I understand the role that I have taken on with this marriage, and the last thing that I wish to happen is to fail Odette in the one thing that she needs,” Penelope admitted. A part of her was worried that she had already failed, and Odette might never accept her.
“If I might make a suggestion…” Nancy trailed.
“Please, yes,” Penelope encouraged. “Go ahead. What do you think? I would love to get your perspective on things.”
“Well, have you considered bringing up the matter with the duke? I believe that might help you.”
“Do you really think so?” Penelope looked over her shoulder.
“Youareher stepmother now,” Nancy added gently. “And if anyone has a say in how to reach Lady Odette, it’s His Grace.”
Penelope remembered how Alexander had instructed her that she must only come to him when it concerns his daughter. But she had been so irked by his rules that she had half a mind to ignore that instruction out of pride alone.
But pride hadn’t gotten her far this week.
“Fine then,” Penelope nodded, “But please, keep an eye out. If I have not returned by the hour, assume that I might have fainted from disapproval alone.”
“Think positively, Your Grace,” Nancy grinned behind her hand.
“You are far too cheerful about sending me off to face the lion in his den.”
Nancy held her ground. “Well, someone has to be. And if you ask me, His Grace could use a bit of challenge .”
That made Penelope pause, her hand resting on the doorknob.
“Is that so?”
“From my observation, I have a feeling that His Grace is not nearly as indifferent as he portrays himself to be.”
Penelope mulled over the thought for a moment, and she found herself wishing that there was truth in the statement. It would make her understand him much better, if anything.
“You think he’s pretending?” Penelope asked.
Nancy gave her a meaningful look.
“Well, he might be,” Nancy nodded. “He seems to look at you with great curiosity, that is for certain.”
“Oh, he does not spare so much as an unneeded glance in my direction,” Penelope found the statement rather ridiculous.
“Oh, he certainly does,” Nancy said, clearly pleased with herself now. “He acts like he’s not paying attention, but I’ve seen it.”
Penelope flushed, caught between irritation and intrigue. “He tightens his jaw at everything. It is just his disposition, not his reaction to me.” Penelope gave her a look, but Nancy simply smiled serenely.
“You’re imagining things,” Penelope continued.
“And you’re stalling,” Nancy replied, one brow arched.
Penelope exhaled through her nose. “Fine. You win. I’ll go talk to him.”
“As you should,” Nancy said brightly. “And do try not to look like you’re heading into battle, Your Grace. You are only going to speak with your husband.”
Penelope tried to calm herself as she made her way down the corridor.
It had been a few days since she had last seen or spoken to Alexander properly. He had a habit of keeping mostly to himself, and she did not wish to disturb him much either.
A strange feeling spread through her chest with every step she took. Nervousness was one that she could identify well, but there was another jittery feeling that she had not felt before.
