“My brother walked by after they were stopped before her home,” one of the guests said.
“As did mine,” another giggle.
“I do not understand. Why does it matter?” Damaris asked.
“It likely would not if they had not been kissing,” the first guest answered.
“My brother said that a man only kisses a woman in such a manner when he also plans on.”
“Plans on what?” Bernice asked in alarm.
“I do not know,” the miss answered. “He saw me and did not continue.”
Bloody hell!
“How many people saw the kiss?” Judith asked quietly and with concern.
“There were three other gentlemen with our brothers,” she answered. “They were on their way to White’s.”
Which meant the story likely had been told repeatedly. Henry wouldn’t be surprised if there were already wagers written in the infamous betting book.
No wonder Penelope had not called on his sisters. She had likely heard the gossip, or Felding had and forbidden her from coming here.
Henry turned on his heel and marched back to the library. There would be no greeting the guests today since there were far more important matters that required his attention.
Penelope tossed and turned all night. She could not get comfortable and her body was on edge.
She had never suffered the like.
She had even remained in bed long after she normally rose because she could not make sense of what was wrong, nor could she quiet her thoughts as they continually returned to His Grace and that deliciously wonderful kiss.
She wanted to experience more, no matter how wrong it would be to do so.
Did it truly matter if she allowed herself to explore and enjoy pleasure that left her ruined. It was not as if she intended to give up her freedom and independence so why save herself for marriage.
Except, there were consequences and she could not risk finding herself in an interesting condition.
Penelope rose from her bed and wandered to the window to look out at the day. The sun was bright for a change and promised pleasant weather.
Was it possible to enjoy pleasure without the fear…or not engaging in all activities that could result in a child?
Oh, she wished she knew more, but Penelope wasn’t even certain what the pleasure entailed. All she knew was that her body was on edge, tense, as if it needed…
She turned away from the window with a heavy heart. She had no idea what was wrong with her. All she knew was that it all began with Eldridge’s kiss and she hadn’t been the same since and wondered if she would ever return to herself.
Goodness! That thought was rather disconcerting. She had rather liked how things were before his lips.
Except, she was also immensely happy that she had experienced a passionate kiss.
Penelope sank into a chair. “Oh, what to do?”
At the knock at the door, she bid her maid enter.
“Marquess Felding has requested an audience, Lady Penelope.”
“She frowned. “So early?”
“It is noon, Lady Penelope, and I think he is concerned because you did not come down to break your fast since you have never slept so late.”
