Thankfully, Lady Penelope had saved him from having to do so, and provided far more descriptions and examples than he would have been comfortable doing.
What he had not expected was for Bernice to note his entrance, grin, then ask Lady Penelope about his reputation. Henry nearly stopped her but became curious as to what Lady Penelope thought of him.
At least her words were not too disparaging, but he was humored to see her face turn red in a blink.
Lady Penelope stood and grasped her skirt in fisted hands. “Your Grace, I meant no disrespect.”
“Of course not, especially since you speak the truth.” He chuckled.
“No wonder you have not wed, Cousin Henry. Like Lady Penelope, you fear giving up enjoyments and freedom,” Damaris offered with a laugh.
“That is not what I fear,” he retuned then focused on Lady Penelope. “I believe we share the same concern of making a poor match and becoming miserable but not realizing the mistake until it is too late.”
She stared back into his eyes, her green ones darkening.
They were in agreement.
Was it simply that they were both too afraid? He had no choice but to wed one day, but Lady Penelope did not suffer from the same expectations. Yet, she might understand him far better than anyone of his acquaintance.
It was not something to ponder now.
Henry cleared his throat and broke eye contact.
“What other plans do you have for the day?”
“The British Museum,” Lady Penelope answered. “And if there is time, we will visit Hatchards.”
“I assume there is another tea scheduled for this afternoon?” he asked politely.
“Yes, Cousin Henry,” Judith answered.
“The British Museum…I believe I will join you.” Henry did not know what possessed him to invite himself along, but he had a desperate urge to accompany them…accompany Lady Penelope.
What the blazes was wrong with him?
The wise thing to do would be to remain home, let them go on their way while he analyzed his sudden change in perception. Instead, he would foolishly accompany them. “I will have the carriage brought around.” It would be crowded but they would make do, and if his leg was pressed against hers…
Bloody hell!
Henry turned on his heel and marched from the parlor.
It was the longest and most uncomfortable carriage ride from Eldridge’s home to the British Museum that Penelope had ever experienced. Four of the sisters squeezed together on one bench while Penelope was placed between Jael and Eldridge on the opposite side.
Never had she been so aware of anyone as she was His Grace. Not only was his leg pressed against her, but in order to make more room, he had taken the arm closest to her and rested it along the back, which brought her arm in contact with his side. The light scent of his sandalwood cologne drifted near while the warmth of his body heated hers. Her pulse increased and her chest grew tight, and Penelope did her best not to reveal any of her inner turmoil. Thankfully, as soon as they arrived, it was Eldridge who was first to exit then offered a hand to each of his cousins. Penelope chose to remain last just so that she could gain some composure. However, instead of letting go of her hand after she was on the ground, he placed it on his arm to escort her inside.
What was he about?
She had already suffered enough embarrassment today when he overheard her claim him to be a respectable rake. One would think he’d want to distance himself from her, not escort her through a museum.
Unless he feared what other opinions she may offer as to his character to his cousins.
Once inside the museum, the sisters stopped and glanced around, eyes open wide.
“Is there anything in particular that you would like to view?” Lady Penelope asked.
“The acquisitions of Egypt,” Judith answered, her eyes bright with interest.
“Then I shall take you there,” Eldridge announced and walked forward, taking Penelope with him because her hand was still on his arm. She had also thought that once they were inside that she would join the sisters so that they could discuss the displays, but His Grace kept a more sedate pace. She supposed that she could have pulled away but he had placed her hand on his arm so Penelope was not certain what to do, which was very disconcerting since she almost always knew what to do.
