Penelope turned back toward the looking glass and tried not to feel panic.
She was certain he’d been about to offer for her. She should not have allowed her temper to take over so quickly. She ought to have known Hugh thought himself clever, but really, his thoughtless joke could not have been more poorly timed.
Had she not landed him a facer, would he have proposed?
Penelope winced. Natalie had also described the spectacular blue and purple bruises around Hugh’s eyes.
She’d definitely overreacted.
She should have told him about the baby. She should have told him as soon as she’d arrived at Augusta Heights. Should haves… Too many of those lately. How many mistakes was she going to make where Hugh was concerned?
He would be at the ball tonight. It was to be hosted by Lady Hawthorne and Rome’s parents, the Earl and Countess of Ravensdale. It would be a crush. Nobody who was anybody missed the Spencers’ ball.
Penelope raised her arms as Rose assisted her into yet another new ball gown. This one was made up of a deep red silk. A gold broach where her bodice dipped, long white gloves, and a matching velvet cape in rich crimson completed the ensemble. Rose styled her hair similarly to how she had a few nights ago. But it looked even better this time. Rose said she wastrainingPenelope’s hair.
“You must tell him tonight, Penelope. No more delays. If you don’t receive an offer soon, your situation will become dire.”
“Don’t be so melodramatic, Rose.” But there was truth in Rose’s words. “Stop needling me. I’ll tell him.”
“Well, you haven’t told him before. What else am I to think? What will become of me if you are a fallen woman? Would I then be consigned to a life in the country, shunned amongst my fellow ladies’ maids and ousted from society along with you?”
“He very nearly came up to scratch. If only I hadn’t…”
“And another thing, no matter what the man says, do not, I repeat, do not injure him in any way. Sissy, Lady Hawthorne’s maid, says that one of Danbury’s manservants told her that the earl’s valet told him that Danbury says this sort of thing was why he avoided marriage. He says ladies are a dangerous breed.”
“What is your purpose in telling me all of this?”
“Well, what if you’d knocked out one of his teeth? Then you would have a gap-toothed husband! Who knows what you might do next? A well-placed kick could cause serious complications indeed…”
“I won’t kick him.” But upon reflecting on the turbulent emotion that had swept through her when he’d asked her to be his estate manager, Penelope was not so certain. If he tried jesting with her like that again… She shook her head.
Hopefully he would refrain from any more ridiculously ill-timed jokes.
She touched her abdomen. Dear God, she had to tell him soon.
* * *
The Spencers’ ballroom was considered to be second only to the regent’s. It boasted intricately detailed artwork, an abundance of glass along an entire wall of terrace doors, and perhaps one of the most jewel-ridden chandeliers ever made. The parquet floor was shined to a high gloss, and hundreds of candles cast a golden glow upon the dancers and other inhabitants.
As had occurred at the previous ball, Penelope’s card filled quickly once again. A little too quickly. Where was Hugh? She needed to save time to have their little… discussion.
Locating a pencil on a table nearby, Penelope scratched his name on the supper dance and a waltz later in the evening. She was going to have to pounce upon him as soon as he arrived to ensure he kept himself available for her dances.
Where was he?
As one set passed, and then another, and then more than she could count, Penelope realized the supper dance fast approached. Missing out on a dance didn’t bother her. It was the thought that Hugh may not be going to make an appearance.
Penelope reached down to massage her ankles. She’d danced more this week than she had in her entire life. At least if Hugh didn’t show up she could sit this next dance out.
“Would it be foolish to hope that you’ve saved a dance or two for me this evening?”
He had come. She forced herself to refrain from scolding him for his absence over the last four days and smiled back at him. “Not foolish.” But she had called him foolish just a few days ago. Right before…
She held out her wrist so that he could examine her card. “See for yourself!” And then he peered at it more closely and chuckled. When he looked back up, he winked.
“So, you are not angry with me?” The blues and purples around his eyes were beginning to fade to an ugly brown.
“I deserved it Pen. Areyouangry withme?” That lock of hair had slipped out of his que and he appeared less jovial than usual.
