The date with the Duke of Blackwell was at a tea shop in town. Penelope, Joanna, and Lydia rode in the carriage together. They took the long way around so Joanna would arrive late.
“Remember,” Penelope said. “You need to make a horrible impression.”
“I will do my best,” Joanna said. Normally, her family’s reputation was enough for her to make a horrible impression on people. She wasn’t used to using her own wits for such a purpose.
When they arrived, Penelope stayed in the carriage while Lydia and Joanna got out. Her friend gave her one last encouraging smile before directing the driver to drive around the block.
Joanna squared her shoulders and entered the shop. There were only a few guests inside. Even though Joanna had never seen the duke before, she knew who he was immediately. In one corner of the shop sat a stern-looking man with bright blue eyes and black, curly hair. He scowled at her as they locked eyes, and a shiver ran down her spine. The man had certainly earned the nickname, the Duke of Ice.
CHAPTER 3
Evan felt his impatience grow as he sat at the tea shop. His date was almost half an hour late, and he wasn’t used to being kept waiting. He felt his indignation rise with every passing minute.
Even though he didn’t want this date, he also didn’t want to suffer the humiliation of the young lady not even showing up. His grandmother and brother would certainly get an earful about this if he was forced to leave the tea shop without even meeting Lady Penelope Atwood.
But after thirty minutes had passed, the door opened and a young lady walked in, along with her companion. Their eyes locked for a moment. Despite the unpleasant circumstances, he was struck by her beauty. Her ebony curls were carefully piled up on her head while her dark eyes captivated him. Surprise and fear flickered over her face when they saw each other, but they were quickly covered up by a mask of serene indifference.
He stood up as they approached. He bowed. “You must be Lady Penelope Atwood. It’s a pleasure.”
Instead of curtsying, she mimicked his bow. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Grace.”
He stared at her, a little perplexed. “I thought we were supposed to meet half an hour ago. Perhaps I was mistaken.”
“Not at all, Your Grace. I was quite late, wasn’t I?” She flashed him a smile as she sat down at the table, looking unbothered.
He frowned as he took the seat across from her while her companion chose a third seat. “I suppose you had a good reason for keeping me waiting?”
She shrugged. “Perhaps.” The lady leaned forward, putting her elbows on the table. “So, what’s good here? I have never been to this shop before.”
He felt his ire grow inside of him, along with shock. Was this woman truly the daughter of an earl? She certainly looked like it, but he had seen street urchins with better manners. He glanced at her companion, whose expression was neutral aside from a small smile playing on her lips. “I have not had the pleasure of dining here myself, but I have heard the earl gray tea is quite good. How are your parents?”
“The same as ever, Your Grace. They certainly never change.” Her smile turned slightly bitter for a moment before she looked away. “Do you like to read?”
“Read?” He was surprised by the abrupt change in subject.
“There are these things called books. They have pages with words. Perhaps you’ve heard of them.”
He frowned. “Yes, I am aware. Though I don’t appreciate being talked to in this manner, Lady Penelope.”
“What manner? All I did was ask if you liked to read. You were the one who seemed bewildered by the idea.” She leaned back in her chair, smiling. “I dearly love to read myself. My father doesn’t like it when I read books by Mary Wollstonecraft, but I must admit, she’s one of my favorite authors.”
He smiled despite himself. “Are you trying to shock me, Lady Penelope?”
She grinned in response. “Is it working, Your Grace?”
“Not in the least. I also find her work fascinating.” Mary Wollstonecraft was considered a controversial author because of her outrageous lifestyle and her radical views about women. But Evan wasn’t lying about finding her work fascinating. He ownedThe Vindication of the Rights of Womenand had read it several times.
She looked almost put out by his comment. Evan was beginning to suspect that Penelope wanted to be here as much as he did, and she was trying to provoke him. However, despite himself, he found it amusing.
Tea was served, along with pastries.
Penelope grabbed one of the scones and shoved it into her mouth. She groaned softly, and the sound sent an unexpected current of electricity through him.
“Bloody hell,” she said, her mouth still full of food. “These are delicious.” She grabbed another one as their eyes met, and she had the good grace to blush. “Apologies, I… Actually, no. I am not sorry.”
He now strongly suspected she was acting this way on purpose to dissuade him from courting her. Despite her showing otherwise, she had manners. She would not have apologized if she didn’t. He also noticed she was talking at a low volume so no one else would hear her shocking words.
However, her love of the scones was genuine. He didn’t know how he knew that, but he was certain. Evan picked up one of the pastries himself and took a small bite. He frowned and put it back down. “You can have as many scones as you wish,” he said. “I find them quite bland myself.”
