“I am in full agreement,” Penelope said.
“Because of the waltz?” Jael asked innocently.
“No because a woman must gain permission for everything.”
“Is that the reason you rejected Cousin Henry’s offer of marriage?” Judith asked.
“First, he has not asked me and second what do you know?”
She was then told of the gossip during the tea she had not attended and by the time the sisters were finished, Penelope wanted to disappear.
“Maybe I should not attend the ball.” It was worse than she imagined it would be and her presence would be a distraction since the night was for the Simpson sisters.
“You must!” Damaris cried. “We cannot have the ball without you.”
They would be fine, of that she was certain, especially since His Grace was more attentive, but the five were so alarmed at the very idea of her not being there, that she simply offered, “I will give it further consideration.”
“Let us return to the topic of Cousin Henry,” Chloe announced. “Why did you reject him?”
“As I stated, he did not ask but spoke with my brother, who will not force me to wed.”
“Why are you against marriage—to anyone?” Judith asked. “Is it simply the lack of freedom as you claim?”
“Well, yes. A husband or guardian has all the control over the woman.”
“Everything, Lady Penelope?”
How long had His Grace been standing behind her and how much had he heard.
Penelope had hoped to avoid His Grace during this visit because she still had not come to terms with the fear that she might be in love with Eldridge. She needed more time to determine exactly what her emotions were and could not do so if she was with him.
As there was little she could do now, Penelope took a deep breath and turned.
Why did he have to be so handsome? Why was she drawn to him?
Why did her pulse race when she looked into his eyes, her blood heating as she recalled his kiss.
It wasn’t love. It was desire!
“Tell me, what would change in your life if we wed?”
An excellent question. “I would need permission to leave, purchase items, you would decide if I had any allowance for purchases. You could even decide what I could purchase.”
“Much like your brother does now.”
“Yes, but Noah gives me more latitude than a husband would.” Noah allowed her to make the purchases she needed without interference, and paid little mind to her comings and goings so long as she was not ruined…
Henry stared at her. “Do you really think that I would be such a tyrant?”
“It does not matter what I believe because I would become your property.”
“That does not mean we would not have respect between us.”
“You would let me leave the house when I wanted.”
“I would need you to tell me where you are going.”
“That is exactly the control I want no part of.”
