Page 13 of The Guardian Duke (Wayward Dukes’ Alliance #21)
When Henry left the breakfast room, he was surprised to learn that Lady Penelope had already arrived. He had not expected her until the afternoon when the next tea was planned. Curious, he wandered to the parlor to find Lady Penelope and his cousins pouring over Debrett’s. Then to hear her descriptions of gentlemen that he would not allow near his innocent cousins, and the stories that he knew were true, he had been grateful.
It had been his plan to issue similar warnings as they neared the time for the ball because he knew that they would draw far more attention this time. Both from respectable gentlemen and the ones he wouldn’t trust to even glance at one of them.
He had also been uncertain how to broach the delicate topic without embarrassment for all, or even how much he should tell them. They were innocent misses who had been sheltered in the country. How could they possibly understand the dangers when a rake set out to charm and was eager to ruin?
Thankfully, Lady Penelope had saved him from having to do so, and provided far more descriptions and examples than he would have been comfortable doing.
What he had not expected was for Bernice to note his entrance, grin, then ask Lady Penelope about his reputation. Henry nearly stopped her but became curious as to what Lady Penelope thought of him.
At least her words were not too disparaging, but he was humored to see her face turn red in a blink.
Lady Penelope stood and grasped her skirt in fisted hands. “Your Grace, I meant no disrespect.”
“Of course not, especially since you speak the truth.” He chuckled.
“No wonder you have not wed, Cousin Henry. Like Lady Penelope, you fear giving up enjoyments and freedom,” Damaris offered with a laugh.
“That is not what I fear,” he retuned then focused on Lady Penelope. “I believe we share the same concern of making a poor match and becoming miserable but not realizing the mistake until it is too late.”
She stared back into his eyes, her green ones darkening.
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.
It was not something to ponder now.
Henry cleared his throat and broke eye contact.
“What other plans do you have for the day?”
“The British Museum,” Lady Penelope answered. “And if there is time, we will visit Hatchards.”
“I assume there is another tea scheduled for this afternoon?” he asked politely.
“Yes, Cousin Henry,” Judith answered.
“The British Museum…I believe I will join you.” Henry did not know what possessed him to invite himself along, but he had a desperate urge to accompany them…accompany Lady Penelope.
What the blazes was wrong with him?
The wise thing to do would be to remain home, let them go on their way while he analyzed his sudden change in perception. Instead, he would foolishly accompany them. “I will have the carriage brought around.” It would be crowded but they would make do, and if his leg was pressed against hers…
Bloody hell!
Henry turned on his heel and marched from the parlor.
* * *
It was the longest and most uncomfortable carriage ride from Eldridge’s home to the British Museum that Penelope had ever experienced. Four of the sisters squeezed together on one bench while Penelope was placed between Jael and Eldridge on the opposite side.
Never had she been so aware of anyone as she was His Grace. Not only was his leg pressed against her, but in order to make more room, he had taken the arm closest to her and rested it along the back, which brought her arm in contact with his side. The light scent of his sandalwood cologne drifted near while the warmth of his body heated hers. Her pulse increased and her chest grew tight, and Penelope did her best not to reveal any of her inner turmoil. Thankfully, as soon as they arrived, it was Eldridge who was first to exit then offered a hand to each of his cousins. Penelope chose to remain last just so that she could gain some composure. However, instead of letting go of her hand after she was on the ground, he placed it on his arm to escort her inside.
What was he about?
She had already suffered enough embarrassment today when he overheard her claim him to be a respectable rake. One would think he’d want to distance himself from her, not escort her through a museum.
Unless he feared what other opinions she may offer as to his character to his cousins.
Once inside the museum, the sisters stopped and glanced around, eyes open wide.
“Is there anything in particular that you would like to view?” Lady Penelope asked.
“The acquisitions of Egypt,” Judith answered, her eyes bright with interest.
“Then I shall take you there,” Eldridge announced and walked forward, taking Penelope with him because her hand was still on his arm. She had also thought that once they were inside that she would join the sisters so that they could discuss the displays, but His Grace kept a more sedate pace. She supposed that she could have pulled away but he had placed her hand on his arm so Penelope was not certain what to do, which was very disconcerting since she almost always knew what to do.
Once they reached the section housing the items that Judith was most interested in, Eldridge stopped as the sisters spread out, looking at the various items. All except Damaris, who remained in the center of the room, not going near any display. No doubt because she feared breaking something.
Penelope truly wished she could somehow cure Damaris of her penchant for mishaps but had no idea how to go about doing so.
“I understand that my cousins wish to see me matched or at least courting someone,” he said after the sisters had moved far enough away so that they were not overheard.
“Did they tell you so?” she asked with hesitation. One would assume that the sisters would keep their plans secret.
“I overheard them in discussion. My question is, did you encourage them in this endeavor?”
“No. Nor did I discourage their plans either.”
“I see.”
Penelope snuck a glance at him from the corner of her eye. His jaw was set with what she assumed was displeasure.
“Were you the one to suggest the misses who have been invited to tea?”
“Yes,” she answered quietly, not certain what his reaction would be.
Eldridge stopped and turned to look at her, his blue eyes hard.
Penelope gulped. Perhaps she should have told the sisters that playing matchmaker was a very bad idea.
“Tell me, Lady Penelope, is it your opinion that the giggling misses who were in my parlor yesterday were the type of woman that I would want as a wife?”
Oh, he was irritated, or was he insulted?
“I would not presume to know who or what type of woman you would like to marry, Your Grace.”
“Yet, you choose the ones that you believe my cousins should match me with.”
Oh, she needed to explain before they began arguing again. “I did not choose them for you, but them.”
“Them? Why?”
“First, despite your promise, they fear that you might overly encourage them to marry but believe if you are courting someone you will forget about marrying them off.”
He snorted but said nothing further.
“They also feel it is time you wed, for you have a duty, which you should see to before you are in your dotage.” He’d been sensitive about his age previously so she could not help but add in the last part.
“Tread carefully, Lady Penelope. I am still very much in my prime.”
Goodness, what exactly did he mean by that? There was also something in his tone that sent a little tremor, almost a thrill through her body.
“You still have not explained why those particular women came to tea, or the ones yet invited.”
“But I have. I hope that they will befriend your cousins.”
“That is all?” he demanded.
Her face heated because she had intentionally not invited anyone that His Grace might take an interest in even if they would make an excellent friend to one of the sisters. However, there was also another reason why these particular females were being encouraged. “While any of the guests would be thrilled to catch the attention of a duke, any friendship they forge with your cousins would be genuine. Whereas, others that I have not invited would use your cousins and pretend a friendship simply to land a duke.”
“That is all?”
“Yes!” she lied. He did not need to know the other reason why someone was not included, especially since she could not understand it herself. It’s not like she wanted His Grace for herself so why wasn’t she helping the sisters find his match?