As she and Patience moved past the sisters and further into the ballroom, it was exactly as she had expected. Fans were raised immediately as matrons likely whispered about her ruined state and that she should not be in attendance.
“It is going to be a very long night,” she murmured to her sister.
Chapter 23
The line of guests was long and tedious, but necessary. He had neglected his duty when his cousins first arrived but with Penelope’s guidance, and her scolding, they were prepared to become a part of Society. He was just eager for the line to end so that they could join the others in the ballroom.
Henry knew that he must stand with his cousins and he would, but he also wanted to see Penelope again.
When she had stepped through the door, she had nearly stolen his breath with the dark ringlets that framed her face and her ruby lips against paler than normal skin. However, it was the golden gown that shimmered and hugged her to perfection that made his mouth go dry. There was no woman more desirable than Penelope.
Once they were situated inside the ballroom, gentlemen flocked around his cousins, begged for introductions and then took turns signing their names to dance cards. It wasn’t until the first dance began that he was finally granted a reprieve because each of his cousins were dancing, even Damaris. Henry used the time to locate Lady Penelope. She stood near an open window and watched the dancers, a very pleased smile upon her lips.
She should be happy. It was because of her that his house would now be flooded with gentlemen callers and not giggling misses. Though, he supposed he would have to worry about bachelors, but not tonight. There were more important matters that needed his attention and he crossed the room to the woman he was determined to make his wife.
“I congratulate you on a successful ball, Lady Penelope.”
“Thank you, your Grace.”
Very soon he hoped that she would address him as Henry. He wanted no titles between them. Just a man and woman with simple names of who they truly were.
“You have not given my dance away, have you?”
“You ordered me not to,” she reminded him.
“Since when do you do what you are told?” Was that not the topic of their most recent argument.
Penelope frowned. “I do not know, but I was compelled to follow your request, though do not expect me to always do so.”
He chuckled. “Oh, I promise that I do not.”
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes. “Though it is unlikely you will have any reason to tell me to do anything again.” She gestured to the dance floor. “Your cousins are a success and my work is done. In fact, after tonight, you shall be free of me.”
He certainly hoped that was not the case. “But I have become used to you being in my home.”
“As in underfoot?” she asked.
“No, of course not, but do you truly think my cousins are ready to greet callers in the afternoon? They have no experience with such.”
Lady Penelope blew out a breath and turned to face him. “I fear that they must, or you should join them when guests arrive. It is best that I bring an end to my guidance. It is for the best.”
That blasted sadness was in her green eyes again and he wanted to know the cause. “Best for who?” he demanded quietly.
“Us.”
Panic rose to his chest. He must say something to her now because Henry feared that if he waited, she might leave before he had the chance.
“Come with me, Lady Penelope.”
“That is the second order you have given me, Your Grace, and I am not certain that I will obey a second time.”
“There is something that we must discuss.” He glanced around the room to note several people watching and whispering.
Blast!
“What I need to say to you should not be said where others might hear. Unless you welcome more gossip.”
Penelope narrowed her eyes on him and then sighed. “Very well.”
