All Henry could do was stare at Claybrook. How could anyone know that Lady Penelope had not attended tea?
Were they watched so closely? Did people have nothing better to do than involve themselves in the lives of others?
A rhetorical question, of course, since he was aware that there were those in Society who had eyes and ears everywhere just so they were the first to know the latest gossip and do their part in spreading it.
Which also made him wonder about the Alliance? Did they sit around and create scenarios so that they could mount a rescue the moment a duke or heir blundered as badly as he had done?
“Do you actually think people will believe you?”
He shrugged. “It does not matter, but enough will and those who do not want to lose favor with myself and others, will cease gossiping about the matter and welcome Lady Penelope, but will likely glare at you and keep their daughters away.” He grinned and settled into the leather chair across from Henry’s desk. “The plan is perfect and benefits you both.”
If it worked.
Except…
What the blazes was wrong with him? Henry should jump at this opportunity to free himself from an entanglement with a woman who did not like him very much and, according to Felding, did not want to marry him, so why wasn’t he?
“Unless you would rather not have our assistance?” Claybrook asked quietly.
Blast!
“I do not know what I want,” Henry finally admitted.
“Ah, so that is how it is.” Claybrook then had the audacity to smirk.
“How what is?”
“You want to marry her.”
“I am not so certain.”
Now he was even lying to himself. Of all the women he knew, and as difficult as Penelope could be, and a disruption to his life, he knew deep down and in his heart maybe, that she was the perfect match for him.
He took a deep drink from his brandy.
“How can things upend so quickly?” he wondered aloud. “The Season had begun quietly for me. My concerns were with Parliament. Then, five cousins arrive on my doorstep, but even they were not so upsetting to my household nor life.”
“Because they were unassuming wallflowers that you could forget,” Claybrook reminded him, which caused Henry to wince because he had not done well by them.
“Which is the very reason my life has been permanently altered. Not by them, but by Lady Penelope insinuating herself without even being asked.”
Claybrook smirked. “So, what are you going to do about it?”
“Marry her. If she will have me.”
“Is there any question?” Claybrook asked in surprise.
“I believe I have a better chance of crowning myself king than marrying Lady Penelope.”
“Certainly, you jest,” Claybrook laughed.
“I will let you know.” Henry drained his glass of brandy and stood. “I believe it is time that I call on my future wife.”
“Gentlemen are allowed a grand tour. Why should ladies not be allowed the same opportunities?”
“Which cities do they visit?” Patience asked Noah.
“I…um…I am not certain.” He looked at them as if they’d lost their minds or he feared they were serious, and Penelope most certainly was.
