Penelope nearly laughed when she realized His Grace was worried about a gentleman who might have taken an interest in one of his cousins. She hadn’t been certain what His Grace would ask or why they needed to be alone, and it had concerned her, especially since his arrival at Athena’s Salon had been a surprise, as if he did not trust her to watch over his mature cousins.
“You are worried about his attention to Bernice?”
“As her guardian, it is my right and duty.”
“Yes, of course, but certainly you know that he is as honorable as you.”
“That is not exactly comforting,” he grumbled and looked out the window. “I do wonder how much ladies and misses truly know about honorable men and how much of a true character is kept from reaching their ears.”
“The names of rakes are common knowledge,” she insisted.
“Yes, those are the gentlemen who do not care what Society thinks of them.”
Penelope frowned. “What are you saying? That you did not care what the ton thought of you.”
“No, I did not. I still do not. At first, I was heir to a dukedom. I am now a duke. I have great latitude in what I am allowed to do.”
“Such as riding alone in carriages with spinster ladies.”
“No, I should not be doing so,” he admitted. “Yet, here we are and as I would like an answer to my question. What is your opinion of Viscount Tylney?”
“That he is honest and respectable. What is your objection.?”
“I…well…um….”
“You do not have one! Well, except that he has shown an interest in Bernice and you are not certain what you should make of it.” She laughed. “Protectiveness, which is likely a very new emotion for you, is trying to rule your brain and thus, you will likely make irrational decisions when it comes to your cousins and any gentleman who may wish to call.” She could just imagine his discomfort with the attention they would receive once they were introduced by him at the upcoming ball.
“I can assure you that I do not make irrational decisions.”
Penelope had not meant to insult him, but it was quite fun because he got all blustery and foolish and defensive.
“Instead of asking me, what are your objections to Viscount Tylney? Surely it cannot be because he is Irish and Catholic. I would have thought you above such ridiculous prejudices.”
His Grace frowned. “He is Catholic?”
“Yes, which I suspect is the reason he has an attachment to The Apostate.”
“Bernice is Anglican, raised by a vicar, so even if he did want to pursue her, I am certain Bernice would reject his suit,” Eldridge quickly dismissed his concern as if the matter was settled.
Penelope arched a brow. “Are you so certain?” she chuckled. “Do not forget the type of man who raised her and a kind Catholic gentleman may have her turning her back on everything her father lectured and preached on.”
“I had not considered such. She could act the rebellious child, out of spite.”
“She would not be so foolish.” Penelope rolled her eyes at such a ridiculous statement. “She is not a female fresh from the schoolroom, determined to have her way, or thwart her guardian. Bernice is a thoughtful young woman who would not rush into anything, nor would she let something so minor as a difference in religion keep her from forming an attachment.”
“No, I suppose not,” he finally admitted. “This is damned difficult, being responsible for five misses.” He turned to study Penelope. “Perhaps I should seek the counsel of Felding. He has been responsible for his sisters these past nine years. Certainly, his advice would be helpful.”
Penelope couldn’t help but snort. “Are you certain you want my brother’s advice?”
“Why would I not?” Eldridge demanded.
“Because I am one of those sisters and I am currently riding alone in a carriage with a duke, who until recently had the reputation of being a rake.” She couldn’t help but tease. “And, to your point, how much do ladies and misses truly know about a gentleman’s true character—the one kept from reaching their ears? Which begs the question, Your Grace. Are you truly a reformed rake or simply hiding that part of your personality because of your new responsibilities?”
“If I were still, deep down, truly a rake, what then, Lady Penelope?”
The deep, rumbling of his voice caused a ripple of anticipation through her being, but Penelope couldn’t begin to understand why, though she was quite interested in learning the reason.
Chapter 16
