Once they reached the section housing the items that Judith was most interested in, Eldridge stopped as the sisters spread out, looking at the various items. All except Damaris, who remained in the center of the room, not going near any display. No doubt because she feared breaking something.
Penelope truly wished she could somehow cure Damaris of her penchant for mishaps but had no idea how to go about doing so.
“I understand that my cousins wish to see me matched or at least courting someone,” he said after the sisters had moved far enough away so that they were not overheard.
“Did they tell you so?” she asked with hesitation. One would assume that the sisters would keep their plans secret.
“I overheard them in discussion. My question is, did you encourage them in this endeavor?”
“No. Nor did I discourage their plans either.”
“I see.”
Penelope snuck a glance at him from the corner of her eye. His jaw was set with what she assumed was displeasure.
“Were you the one to suggest the misses who have been invited to tea?”
“Yes,” she answered quietly, not certain what his reaction would be.
Eldridge stopped and turned to look at her, his blue eyes hard.
Penelope gulped. Perhaps she should have told the sisters that playing matchmaker was a very bad idea.
“Tell me, Lady Penelope, is it your opinion that the giggling misses who were in my parlor yesterday were the type of woman that I would want as a wife?”
Oh, he was irritated, or was he insulted?
“I would not presume to know who or what type of woman you would like to marry, Your Grace.”
“Yet, you choose the ones that you believe my cousins should match me with.”
Oh, she needed to explain before they began arguing again. “I did not choose them for you, but them.”
“Them? Why?”
“First, despite your promise, they fear that you might overly encourage them to marry but believe if you are courting someone you will forget about marrying them off.”
He snorted but said nothing further.
“They also feel it is time you wed, for you have a duty, which you should see to before you are in your dotage.” He’d been sensitive about his age previously so she could not help but add in the last part.
“Tread carefully, Lady Penelope. I am still very much in my prime.”
Goodness, what exactly did he mean by that? There was also something in his tone that sent a little tremor, almost a thrill through her body.
“You still have not explained why those particular women came to tea, or the ones yet invited.”
“But I have. I hope that they will befriend your cousins.”
“That is all?” he demanded.
Her face heated because she had intentionally not invited anyone that His Grace might take an interest in even if they would make an excellent friend to one of the sisters. However, there was also another reason why these particular females were being encouraged. “While any of the guests would be thrilled to catch the attention of a duke, any friendship they forge with your cousins would be genuine. Whereas, others that I have not invited would use your cousins and pretend a friendship simply to land a duke.”
“That is all?”
“Yes!” she lied. He did not need to know the other reason why someone was not included, especially since she could not understand it herself. It’s not like she wanted His Grace for herself so why wasn’t she helping the sisters find his match?
Chapter 13
