He could not possibly be aware of his effect on her and Penelope certainly was not going to tell him.
“Tell me, why is it that you chose Petrucio Valentine, the actor, to cut their hair.”
Penelope blew out a sigh, glad that they returned to a safer topic. “He has an interest in becoming a Ladies’ Hair-Dresser, a Gentleman’s Hair-Dresser, Perfumer and Ornamental Hair Manufacturer.”
“Instead of acting?”
“Yes. He has made wigs for the theatre and assisted actresses and actors with their hair and believes he would enjoy owning his own shop over performing on the stage. It has grown old and he wants to be settled instead of traveling.” She smiled. “As he put it, he enjoys making people beautiful and has a talent for it.”
“Then I wish him luck in his endeavors.”
“You will not oppose him to visiting your home tomorrow.”
“No. Of course not. If you believe hair needs to be cut, then it shall be.”
Thank goodness, for she did not know who she would turn to for what was necessary if not Petrucio.
“Is it necessary that they not attend any functions for a sennight? What else must be accomplished?” He nearly grumbled the question.
She kept her composure but inwardly Penelope feared what his next reaction would be. “There is much that needs to be done to set the tone for when they reemerge in a ballroom. If anyone noticed they were gone, I want them to wonder why. If they are seen out in the park and shopping but not attending balls, they will want to know why. And as their appearance improves, they will become a curiosity, a mystery and many will wonder why they have shunned Society so that when they do finally make an appearance again, everyone will be eager to meet them.”
Eldridge shook his head. “Where and when will that occur?”
“In a sennight at the ball you will be hosting.”
Chapter 8
“I am what?” he nearly yelled.
“You, the Duke of Eldridge, will be holding a ball to introduce your five cousins to the ton.” Lady Penelope grinned at him.
“I most certainly will not! Not in my home, nor anywhere.”
“Yes, you will.”
“Why? It serves no purpose. You just explained your purpose; therefore, any ballroom they decided to return to should be good enough.”
“Does that mean they are not on the marriage mart?” Penelope questioned. “I thought it was established that you did not want them under your roof for what remains of your life span.”
He wished she would quit reminding him of his age.
“Of course I want them happily wed, eventually, but what does that have to do with anything?” He should have just kissed her a few moments ago when he had the chance and then they would not be having this conversation.
Oh, he had wanted to press his lips against hers and pull her into his arms. The temptation was so strong that it was nearly impossible to fight. Instead, she was ordering him about again.
He should have just bloody kissed her.
“The best way to accomplish such is for the Duke of Eldridge to host a ball for the single purpose of standing beside them at the entry as guests arrive and introducing them since they were likely overlooked this past month because they were hidden behind palms and holding up walls with the other wallflowers.”
He hated that she was correct, but not so much as he hated the very idea of hosting a blasted ball.
“I will see them introduced at other balls. I will take them in hand, walk the room, and stop before every person and make introductions. I will even parade them through Hyde Park, stopping and introducing them to every worthy bachelor that I see.”
Lady Penelope lifted her gloved hand to her crimson lips and tried to hide her laugh.
It was not that ridiculous of an idea.
“Not only will that be incredibly tedious and time consuming, but it is also not the same as an introduction in your home—a decree that you would like to see them danced with and courted and that you are the person any gentleman must approach. You signal to the ton that you expect them to be welcomed.”
