“If they know any better, then they ought to be.”
“That’s meant to be comforting?”
“I would hope.”
She could not help the smile that began to form on her face. A protective man, she had to admit that it was a nice feeling having him by her side. A natural instinct, perhaps.
“You know, I am beginning to understand something quite important,” she said.
“And what might that be?”
“Well, I think that Odette is not the only person you are protective over. I think you have grown to be protective over me as well.”
Alexander did not deny it, but he could not ignore how it made him feel.
“It would be better for us to leave now,” Alexander replied. “This is as much of the ton that I am willing to tolerate for a single night.”
“That is one thing that we agree on.”
CHAPTER 11
“Nancy, my family will be visiting this afternoon,” Penelope said to the maid that morning.. “I’d like everything to be in perfect order before they arrive.”
Nancy paused mid-dusting and turned to her. “This afternoon, Your Grace?”
Penelope offered a reassuring smile. "Yes. I know it's short notice, but I trust you,” she nodded. “Please make sure that everything is in order.”
“Do not worry at all, Your Grace,” the maid nodded. “I will see to it that everything is in place. You must be very excited for their visit.”
Penelope mulled over the thought for a moment. It was always a pleasure to meet Isadora, but the thought of having her father at the house felt a bit nerve-racking. She could only hope that he would not cause any trouble.
“It’s been a while,” she said after a pause, choosing her words with care. “So I suppose it’ll be... nice to have them here.”
Nancy didn’t push. She simply nodded. “Would you like me to inform the young lady of their arrival?”
“No,” Penelope shook her head. “She would be quite busy with lessons, I do not wish to disturb her.”
In reality, Penelope felt that it was too early to introduce Odette to her family. It was only now that she had made any progress with her, and moving forward, she would have to take things slowly. Introducing her now might overwhelm her and cause her to retreat back into her shell.
“As you wish, Your Grace,” Nancy nodded and then slipped out of the room.
It was not until late afternoon that her family finally arrived.
Penelope stood by the window, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as she watched the carriage pull into the driveway. She saw Isadora step out first, and then George followed.
Even from the window, Penelope could tell that he was already scrutinizing the place. An old and consistent habit of his. She felt a flutter of nerves again.
It’s going to be fine,she tried to reassure herself.
“Inform the duke that my family has arrived,” she said to one of the staff members before heading downstairs to greet them formally.
“Welcome,” she said, entering the drawing room where they had been sat. “I am happy that you could make it.”
Isadora rushed forward with a warm smile and pulled her into a tight embrace. “Penelope! You look so well.”
Penelope held her sister a moment longer than necessary before letting go. “It’s good to see you.”
“Penelope,” George grumbled, not bothering to stand.
