“We have been told that London is full of sin. Who do we trust?” Damaris asked.
“How do we know that we can trust you?” Chloe questioned.
“You cousin knows me and no doubt will vouch for my ability to take you from wallflowers to desired guests at any entertainment.”
Jael brightened with excitement. Chloe matched her enthusiasm with a grin. Damaris worried her bottom lip. Bernice glanced at Judith for guidance. Judith studied her then gave a nod.
“We would be grateful for any assistance, assuming our cousin is in agreement.”
“I have no doubt His Grace would welcome my aid,” Penelope promised cheerfully, though she was truly not so certain what his reaction would be.
Chapter 2
“Thank you for the explanation, Claybrook, and I look forward to the list of dukes and heirs and hope that I never have need of it.” He set his empty glass on a table then exited the library. No doubt his cousins had returned to the ballroom by now and all he could hope was that there were no further disasters that drew negative attention.
“I do not see my cousins,” he said to Claybrook after looking over the crowd and to the area removed from others where they usually stood.
“The are just now returning.” Claybrook indicated to the stairs.
They seemed happy enough and Damaris was no longer upset, thank goodness.
He studied them further. Not just happy but smiling and laughing and then he saw her—Lady Penelope Johansen.
“Unless I separate my cousins from…I fear I may be calling on you for assistance after all.”
“Lady Penelope?” Claybrook asked with curiosity.
“Yes!” Henry ground out. “The last person they need in their life is an independent spinster who barely skirts the rules of Society.” He watched as they paused on the landing, his cousins listening aptly to what Lady Penelope was saying and his stomach tightened when he recalled the declaration he had overheard her say to her own sisters last year, not long after she had declared that she did not like him very much.
“I am a woman of independence! I intend to go forth and enjoy my own adventures and seek pleasures of life. I shall be my own counsel and enjoy freedom to do as I wish. A wife is not allowed such privilege and I will not be tied to house, home or a man.”
He would find such sentiment humorous if she weren’t so dangerous. She was admired by misses and feared by lords and Lady Penelope was now befriending his cousins. Who knew what damage could result and bring an end to his peaceful existence?
Judith turned then nodded in his direction. Lady Penelope’s smile brightened and he could only imagine what may be the cause of delight twinkling in her green eyes.
If she were any other woman, Lady Penelope would be easily dismissed for being a meddlesome miss. But she was not only the sister to a marquess, fully confident, but also possessed mischievous green eyes, a complement to her mahogany hair and the azure gown that hugged her breasts in the most delicious manner, her bodice cut just to the edge between respectable and scandalous. She walked a very careful line, one that he admired. Or, he had until she decided to befriend his cousins.
The six of them approached and Lady Penelope sank to a deep curtsey before him and Claybrook. “Your Graces,” she murmured before she righted herself.
“Lady Penelope,” he offered in a more formal tone.
“Your cousins are in need of my assistance,” she announced. “I assured them that you would not object.”
Yes! He did object but his cousins were looking at him so hopefully.
“I…um…”
Lady Penelope turned and addressed his cousins. “See, I told you he would voice no opposition.”
Blast!
Henry started to object but held back his words, and only because of the excitement that lit in the eyes of his cousins.
Had he failed them in preparing them for London?
Of course he had, but what did he know of such matters? Besides, he thought their being wallflowers and unassuming was what they preferred, given their upbringing.
It had also been easier for him to allow them to settle into such an existence among Society.
