They had likely been starved of such discussions since their father never allowed them to take part.
“It is so good of you to join us this evening, Lady Penelope,” Lady Blythe greeted them.
Penelope then introduced Judith and Bernice and upon learning their relation to Eldridge, Lady Blythe brightened.
“Oh, His Grace has already arrived.”
“Arrived?” Penelope asked. Had Eldridge lied to her about being a member?
“Yes. He was given an invitation by the Duchess of Claybrook just today. As you know, she is one of the owners of Athena’s Salon. He arrived not long ago.”
No doubt as soon as he realized that his cousins had been invited, His Grace called on his friend the Duke of Claybrook to seek an invitation from the Duchess.
Did he not trust her to supervise his cousins? “Where might he be?” she asked and hoped that her irritation was not evident. This was an opportunity for his cousins to enjoy an evening among peers without the discomfort of their guardian watching what they say or do. Not that he had done so when they originally graced the ballrooms, but she suspected that he would become difficult in his supervision.
“I do not know.” Lady Blythe frowned. “No doubt you will discover him.”
Athena’s Salon was not so large that one could get lost since it only occupied the ground level of the home.
“I am certain we will,” Penelope finally answered and turned to Judith and Bernice. “Shall we retrieve a refreshment then enjoy the conversations.”
“Yes, please,” Bernice’s eyes brightened with excitement.
They first purchased a glass of wine then wandered to a group of women, which also included two gentlemen, who were discussing books they had recently read.
Bernice slipped into a chair completely enthralled and Penelope remained by her side while she watched Judith wander to another group standing before a selection of paintings on display.
At least His Grace was not here, which meant that he was probably in the room set aside for gambling, likely waiting for them to make an appearance so that he could give instructions.
Such a thought was quite irritating.
The fact that he was near was also rather disconcerting, though she could not identify why.
Last spring her feelings had been that of dislike while this Season she had developed a liking for him.
Of course, last spring she had not realized that he had been innocent of the actions of his sister. Yet, before that he had been a self-indulgent, son of a duke who enjoyed a rakish life, thus her lack of respect.
It was a behavior that no longer existed because he had set aside his pleasures to become guardian to his five cousins. A duty he was taking with much more seriousness than she would have previously given him credit.
He had become a man to be admired. Handsome, kind, thoughtful, even though there were times he was rather set in his ways and set in tradition.
Except, not all traditions should be shunned. Just the ones that did not allow women freedom, which was why she was thankful Athena’s Salon was available.
With one ear turned to the discussion of books, she kept her eye on Judith discussing the paintings, and Penelope sipped her wine. She was certain that in no time she would not need to keep an eye on them so closely since each person present was respectable and more interested in intellectual pursuits than seduction of innocent misses.
“I enjoyed Ormond: a tale when I read it.”
Penelope stiffened. She’d not even been aware that Eldridge had entered the drawing room or that he stood directly behind her.
“What were your thoughts on the book?” he asked quietly.
“I think it is the perfect book for young, wealthy lords because of the importance and determination of the character to be better by observation of others and avoiding drunkenness and gambling, and a life of morals.” She tilted her chin to glance back at His Grace. “I wonder if you would have enjoyed it as much had it come out a few years ago instead of last year.”
“I will admit that I may appreciate it more now and likely would have tossed it in my youth.” He chuckled.
At least he was honest, which was something she truly did appreciate.
Eldridge recognized and admitted his past faults and given he was a duke, most of them did not think they had any.
