Oh, he understood and hated that Penelope was right. Except… “I do not know the first thing about how to plan a ball.” Hopefully his housekeeper did since there had been balls held in their mansion before his sister wed.
“I will see that it is done properly and train your cousins how to plan one as well. That way, it will be a skill they will have acquired before they wed.”
“Can one be planned in so short of time? And what of other balls and entertainments already scheduled. I receive invitations weeks before an event is to take place.”
“It will take some doing, but it is possible, especially for a duke. As to invitations—once one is received from you, those invited will set aside previous engagements. No one will want to miss the opportunity to attend a ball being hosted by the eligible bachelor, the Duke of Eldridge. I have no doubt it will be a crush.”
As much as Henry did not want to host a ball, given the determination in Lady Penelope’s green eyes, he knew that he had no choice because no matter how much he might argue the point, she would win in the end.
Blast!
He should have just kissed her and kept on kissing her until she forgot that he had five female cousins and then he would not be having a blasted ball.
Penelope had not truly expected Eldridge to agree to host a ball and was shocked that he capitulated so quickly. Maybe he understood the necessity or he feared that he would indeed have responsibility for his five cousins for the rest of his life.
Not that it mattered, because as soon as they were finished with the already scheduled plans for today, they would begin planning a ball.
“So, this is the home of the Duke of Eldridge,” Petrucio commented as he looked up at the four stories of the mansion. “I never thought I would cross this threshold.”
“If it was the father who still resided here, you would likely not be allowed on the street,” she chuckled.
“I have no doubt that as soon as I am inside, the former duke will rise from the grave to haunt the mansion.” He grinned. “It is good that I do not scare easily and I have performed Hamlet often.”
“Lady Penelope and Mr. Petrucio Valentine to see the sisters Simpson,” Penelope said to the butler after he answered the door.
“They are in the parlor.” He stood back so that they could enter and Penelope did not wait to be shown the way. The sisters knew to expect her. They just did not know the reason.
“Lady Penelope,” Jael cried, then grew sober when they noted Petrucio.
“May I introduce Mr. Petrucio Valentine.”
At her announcement all five sisters’ eyes widened and their mouths popped open.
“The actor?” Bernice asked.
“Yes.” Petrucio bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
The five of them brightened, almost giddy with happiness.
“It is a pleasure to meet you.” Judith took his arm and led him to a chair. “You must tell us everything about you and your family.”
Penelope frowned. Why would they want to know about his family…unless…they knew!
Still, in case the sisters were simply in awe of an actor, Penelope would say nothing about the relationship that remained a secret to many.
“I will ring for tea,” Damaris announced as Judith leaned close to Petrucio and said something but Penelope could not hear her words.
“It is a secret,” he returned and glanced back to Penelope. “But she knows. Her brother is married to the eldest of my sisters.”
Judith pulled back in surprise.
“His Grace is aware, but outside of family, Society is ignorant of the relation,” Petrucio added.
How had the sisters come by the information that the Valentines, by way of their mother, were cousins in the same manner as the Grell cousins? Two generations back, the Marquess of Wingate, Richard Grell, had fathered four children. One had gone on to father the Grell brothers who had waltzed with the sisters just yesterday. His youngest daughter, however, had married far beneath her and produced five sons. When her husband died, she became a mistress and had given birth to five more, illegitimate, children. Upon her death, all ten of the children were taken in and raised by a vicar and had become known as Valentines. The relationship between the Valentines and Grells was kept a secret. As for the former Marquess Wingate, his sister, Anora Grell had married the Duke of Eldridge, who went on to have two sons, one being the father of the current Duke of Eldridge and the other, the father of the Simpson sisters.
However, given how judgmental and sanctimonious the father of the Simpson sisters had been, Penelope was surprised he even acknowledged that there were Valentines, let alone mentioned them to his daughters.
“We shall not say a word.” Bernice made an “X” across her heart. “But we are so pleased to meet you and hope that we might have the chance to become acquainted with your siblings.”
