They were in agreement.
Was it simply that they were both too afraid? He had no choice but to wed one day, but Lady Penelope did not suffer from the same expectations. Yet, she might understand him far better than anyone of his acquaintance.
A woman like Penelope certainly would not leave herself so vulnerable to confess a deep caring to him, let alone love, unless she was assured that it was returned.
Even if she did not return his feelings, Henry needed to tell her so that she would at least know.
When Penelope called on the Simpson sisters earlier, their excitement and nervousness was nearly overwhelming. Once again, they reviewed that all was progressing as it should so that everything would be ready for the ball before the guests arrived that night.
Thankfully Eldridge had not been at home because she was still trying to come to terms with her emotions. After the ball concluded, Penelope would have no reason to call on the Simpson sisters again because they would make the very best of connections, likely attract several suitors, so they would have no further need of her.
It was for the best because she needed to put some distance between her and Eldridge, even if it meant that she and Patience needed to take a grand tour on the Continent.
Penelope was even honest enough to admit that she was running away and not just from the gossip, but Eldridge as well.
How had she fallen in love with him?
A part of her still hadn’t gotten over the shock at her realization.
She never thought to experience love, and certainly not for Eldridge.
All she could hope for was that she managed to make it through the ball. First, she feared that she might say or do something that would reveal to Eldridge that she loved him and it was imperative that he never learned. If he had any idea of her emotions…oh, she did not want to even contemplate his reaction, but she was just as certain that her feelings were not returned and she certainly wasn’t going to humiliate herself by confessing.
The second reason was that it had not been so long since five men had caught them kissing, without them being aware. Would the matrons be so foolish to gossip about the incident in Eldridge’s home?
Yes, and Penelope prepared for the raised fans as women whispered while they watched her.
Paris would be a delightful holiday indeed.
Penelope walked beside Patience as they followed Noah and Rosalind into the mansion. The line was long, which hadn’t surprised her, given who their host was, and no doubt the ballroom would be a crush.
“Is all well with you?” Patience asked quietly.
“Yes, why do you ask?”
“You have been worrying your hands, some of the color in your cheeks has faded and you have spent a good deal of time biting your bottom lip. That is not like you.”
Oh dear, what did she say? That she was nervous about seeing Eldridge and since when did any man concern her?
“Do you fear the gossip?” Patience whispered the question.
“Yes,” Penelope answered because it was a concern, just not the biggest.
Blast, with each step she took to greet the hosts, her stomach and throat tightened.
She hated this and wondered if everyone that fell in love suffered the same, and all too soon she was standing before Eldridge and dipped to a deep courtesy. “Your Grace.”
“Lady Penelope,” he returned with the corner of his mouth tipped and humor in his blue eyes.
What had she done to earn such a reaction?
He then took her hand and bent over it. “You will save me the supper dance.”
It was not a request, but an order.
And even though she hated being told what to do, a little thrill rippled through her midsection. “Of course, Your Grace,” she returned, then stepped aside to greet Judith. Each of the Simpson sisters were brilliantly turned out. They had already been pretty, but with new styles in their hair, gowns that fit appropriately and were of a complementary color, they were radiant and beautiful.
Some of Damaris’ unease was apparent, but Penelope hoped that she would soon relax and enjoy herself.
