“I was not given the opportunity.”
“It is easy enough to discover,” Penelope dismissed. “Besides, we would plan better adventures for we would be there for the culture.”
“And the shopping.” Patience grinned.
“Enjoy making your plans but remember that I have not yet given you permission,” Noah said before he left them.
Oh, she hated to have to ask permission from anyone, but even though she had reached her majority, Noah still held the purse strings. He was generous but not might be so much to allow her and Patience a holiday on the Continent.
Maybe after they had plans and could prove to Noah that they were responsible and reasonable, he would help them make travel arrangements.
“Why did gentlemen take a grand tour?” Patience asked.
“Enlightenment, supposedly.”
Penelope stiffened and turned to find Eldridge standing in the entry to the parlor. Where had he come from and why hadn’t he been announced?
“Supposedly?” she questioned and tried to remain calm even though her pulse and heartbeat suddenly increased tenfold, which came from being startled and no other reason. “Does that mean it was the excuse used so that they could drink, gamble and…well, whatever it is young bucks do when away from home?”
“Yes,” he answered. “Why the interest in a Grand Tour?”
Penelope straightened, lifted her chin and smiled. “Because Patience and I are going to embark on one.”
His lips twitched but at least Eldridge did not laugh at her announcement.
“When do you plan on leaving?”
Why wasn’t he arguing or discouraging her? It was clear that he was humored by her announcement, which may irritate her more than if he had argued with her.
He did not take her seriously.
Well, she would show His Grace that she would do exactly as she wanted, if Noah released some funds to her and Patience.
“We have not yet decided. First, we must plan, pack, then set out. Likely within the fortnight.” She looked at Patience. “Do you see any difficulty with such a timeframe?”
“No. However, we will likely need to hire an older companion.” She fell back against her chair. “Noah will insist.”
“Footmen too, for protection, I suppose,” Penelope added.
Not that she would have any objection since women should not travel alone. Not that they would get up to mischief, but there were many untrustworthy men in the world and she wanted to be shielded and protected from them or their grand tour would be ruined.
“We will hire a companion while we are in London, then set off for home where we will pack everything that we will need for an extended visit to the Continent,” Penelope determined. “We should be able to accomplish that within the next few days and be on our way.”
“Ah, I see,” Eldridge murmured.
“What do you see, Your Grace?” Penelope challenged, nearly daring him to demand that she remain and marry him.
“That you are running away,” he answered with disappointment.
“I am not running away,” Penelope insisted again, even though it might be true. “Patience and I have simply decided to take an extended holiday.”
Patience looked between them and stood. “I think I shall leave you alone and begin making a plan for our travels—an itinerary.” Then she hurried from the room before Penelope could offer an objection.
“And you will also abandon my cousins in the process.”
Guilt swept over Penelope. Even if she made arrangements for Rosalind to assist in her place, Penelope was breaking her promise to take them from wallflower to celebrated.
Except, their association with her could do them harm.
