Page 15 of The Guardian Duke (Wayward Dukes’ Alliance #21)

It is not that I do not believe in love, Your Grace. I simply have not experienced such.

Those were her words that had left him disturbed.

Lady Penelope should be loved and she should know love. How was it that no gentleman had won her heart yet?

Had nobody tried?

She was beautiful, enticing, intelligent, desirable, opinionated, stubborn, but had a good heart. There was kindness and sensitivity to her so rarely openly displayed in Society. Yes, she could be difficult, but not in a mean-spirited way, but to make people better, think beyond themselves. She had done that to him.

There was much to be admired about Lady Penelope, not to mention desire. A longing. Lips that beckoned to be kissed. A body he ached to caress…

Bloody hell! If he did not watch it, he would be the one falling in love with the one lady who did not believe in such.

Except, she had simply not experienced it…would her heart and mind change if love visited her?

Those where his thoughts after they returned from the British Museum.

When the guests for tea began to arrive that afternoon, Henry returned to his library to hide, and he was not ashamed to admit that was exactly what he was doing and only emerged about the time the tea should come to an end.

He greeted the guests, having already met them on various occasions, and silently agreed with Lady Penelope’s assessment of those she had invited.

None of the women were of interest to him, not that he would openly admit that to his cousins, but he knew the guests by reputation and family and they would be good to have as acquaintances if not friends for his cousins.

He then retreated once again to this library but left the door open so that he would be alerted when the guests finally departed.

And, despite that he had matters that needed his attention, such as the household accounts, bills before parliament, and correspondence from his estate manager, Henry could not stop thinking about what Lady Penelope had said at the museum about love.

When the last of the voices bidding goodbye faded and the front door closed, he got up from his desk and made his way to the parlor where his cousins remained with Lady Penelope. She, however, was standing, and ready to depart.

“I shall call for Judith and Bernice at seven.”

Henry frowned. Where the blazes was she taking them? She was the one who had insisted that there would be no balls or other entertainment until after he reintroduced them to Society.

“I cannot wait to hear all about your evening,” Chloe gushed.

“Are you certain we are too young?” Jael asked.

Now he truly was alarmed. Where could he possibly take the two older cousins but not the younger ones.

“You are not, but I think it is best if I only take the two eldest with me. Then we shall determine if anyone else should visit.”

“Visit where, Lady Penelope?” he asked from the entrance.

“Athena’s Salon, of course.”

He had heard of it, of course. A salon, or club for independent-minded women such as Lady Penelope, to discuss arts and politics and whatnot. They also had tables for gambling. From what he understood, only women may be granted entrance.

It was also owned by Her Grace, the Duchess of Ellings and Her Grace, the Duchess of Claybrook. Except, the Duchess of Ellings was not in London and the Duchess of Claybrook was in mourning, so who was in charge of Athena’s Salon?

“Are you certain Judith and Bernice should attend such a…place.” They already wanted to avoid courtship, and Judith was considered on the shelf, with Bernice closely approaching it. If he allowed them to embrace the same independence as Lady Penelope, they might never wed.

“Of course. What is your objection?” she asked with curiosity, almost censuring. This was one of the questions that if he did not answer correctly, they would likely end up in an argument.

“I thought you did not want them to attend any functions before the ball.” The very ball that he still did not want to have.

“They still need to be seen, remarked upon, and become a curiosity so that others in Society are eager to meet them.”

Yes, she had mentioned that previously and perhaps Lady Penelope did understand Society more than he did. “I suppose there is no harm,” he said after a moment. “Only ladies are in attendance after all.”

She frowned. “There are gentlemen who are members.”

There were? “Who?”

“It is a list that I cannot share. Membership to Athena’s Salone is private.”

That would not do. “I cannot allow my cousins to attend such a place if I do not know who will be present and cannot watch over them.”

Lady Penelope pulled herself straight. “Are you saying that you do not trust me,” she demanded.

“I trust you. I do not trust the male population. From what I understand, Athena’s Salon not only has intellectual and artistic discussions, but every alcohol usually enjoyed by men.”

Lady Penelope arched a brow, but he continued.

“And gambling.”

“Which is the very reason we are attending tonight.”

He gaped at her. “Not for the discussions?” he asked slowly.

“They must learn all the games and I cannot think of a better environment to teach them.”

She then had the audacity to grin at him.

“I can teach them,” he insisted. “The two of us together can give them proper instructions. All five!” It would also mean that she would be in his home in the evening without the interference of others, outside of his cousins.

“It is better that they learn from others,” she dismissed and turned to Judith and Bernice.

“Then I shall attend with you.” How could he let Lady Penelope take the two eldest of his cousins to a gambling establishment without him there to act as the guardian that he was.

“Have you received an invitation?” she asked.

“No, but can I not attend as your guest?”

“It is not allowed but I will ask the current manager.”

“Who is that?”

“A widow, Lady Blythe, the widow of Lt. John Clay.”

He frowned. The name was familiar but he couldn’t recall way. “Lady Blythe Claxton, the daughter of the Duke of Arscott?” he asked.

“Yes,” Lady Penelope answered with a smile. “So, there is no need for you to fret about where Judith and Bernice will be this evening.”

Henry pulled back. “I do not fret .” How dare she accuse him of such a…well…matronly emotion.

Lady Penelope laughed. “I apologize, Your Grace. And I promise to properly chaperon.”

There really wasn’t much else he could say. Besides, Judith and Bernice were past their majority and could make decisions for themselves, just as Lady Penelope did.

This is always what he feared—that she’d encourage independence, which would lead to permanent spinsterhood. Maybe it wasn’t the gambling he needed to worry about but the salon that often hosted conversations that tended to be more liberal and free thinking—a place Lady Penelope likely fully enjoyed.

“Very well, I will trust in your judgement,” he finally offered, then bid them good day because he had a call to make on the Duke of Claybrook.

* * *

Penelope paused just inside the entry of Athena’s Salon as Judith and Bernice took it in with wide eyes and excitement. To their right was a door that opened to a parlor where members had gathered. Further down the corridor another door was open to the drawing room. The wall between the parlor and the drawing room had been removed, though pillars still offered support, so that members could wander from one conversation to another. On the back wall was a servant and bar where nearly any type of beverage could be requested.

Across the hall from the drawing room was a door that opened to the gambling room.

“May we listen to the conversation and debates?” Bernice answered quietly.

“I thought we were to gamble,” Penelope reminded her.

“I would rather listen to enlightened minds discuss the issues of the day.”

They had likely been starved of such discussions since their father never allowed them to take part.

“It is so good of you to join us this evening, Lady Penelope,” Lady Blythe greeted them.

Penelope then introduced Judith and Bernice and upon learning their relation to Eldridge, Lady Blythe brightened.

“Oh, His Grace has already arrived.”

“Arrived?” Penelope asked. Had Eldridge lied to her about being a member?

“Yes. He was given an invitation by the Duchess of Claybrook just today. As you know, she is one of the owners of Athena’s Salon. He arrived not long ago.”

No doubt as soon as he realized that his cousins had been invited, His Grace called on his friend the Duke of Claybrook to seek an invitation from the Duchess.

Did he not trust her to supervise his cousins? “Where might he be?” she asked and hoped that her irritation was not evident. This was an opportunity for his cousins to enjoy an evening among peers without the discomfort of their guardian watching what they say or do. Not that he had done so when they originally graced the ballrooms, but she suspected that he would become difficult in his supervision.

“I do not know.” Lady Blythe frowned. “No doubt you will discover him.”

Athena’s Salon was not so large that one could get lost since it only occupied the ground level of the home.

“I am certain we will,” Penelope finally answered and turned to Judith and Bernice. “Shall we retrieve a refreshment then enjoy the conversations.”

“Yes, please,” Bernice’s eyes brightened with excitement.

They first purchased a glass of wine then wandered to a group of women, which also included two gentlemen, who were discussing books they had recently read.

Bernice slipped into a chair completely enthralled and Penelope remained by her side while she watched Judith wander to another group standing before a selection of paintings on display.

At least His Grace was not here, which meant that he was probably in the room set aside for gambling, likely waiting for them to make an appearance so that he could give instructions.

Such a thought was quite irritating.

The fact that he was near was also rather disconcerting, though she could not identify why.

Last spring her feelings had been that of dislike while this Season she had developed a liking for him.

Of course, last spring she had not realized that he had been innocent of the actions of his sister. Yet, before that he had been a self-indulgent, son of a duke who enjoyed a rakish life, thus her lack of respect.

It was a behavior that no longer existed because he had set aside his pleasures to become guardian to his five cousins. A duty he was taking with much more seriousness than she would have previously given him credit.

He had become a man to be admired. Handsome, kind, thoughtful, even though there were times he was rather set in his ways and set in tradition.

Except, not all traditions should be shunned. Just the ones that did not allow women freedom, which was why she was thankful Athena’s Salon was available.

With one ear turned to the discussion of books, she kept her eye on Judith discussing the paintings, and Penelope sipped her wine. She was certain that in no time she would not need to keep an eye on them so closely since each person present was respectable and more interested in intellectual pursuits than seduction of innocent misses.

“I enjoyed Ormond: a tale when I read it.”

Penelope stiffened. She’d not even been aware that Eldridge had entered the drawing room or that he stood directly behind her.

“What were your thoughts on the book?” he asked quietly.

“I think it is the perfect book for young, wealthy lords because of the importance and determination of the character to be better by observation of others and avoiding drunkenness and gambling, and a life of morals.” She tilted her chin to glance back at His Grace. “I wonder if you would have enjoyed it as much had it come out a few years ago instead of last year.”

“I will admit that I may appreciate it more now and likely would have tossed it in my youth.” He chuckled.

At least he was honest, which was something she truly did appreciate.

Eldridge recognized and admitted his past faults and given he was a duke, most of them did not think they had any.

The conversation turned to another author, a Thomas Love Peacock.

“I have heard his name, but I am unfamiliar with his work,” Bernice said. “What does he write?”

“The first, I believe was Headlong Hall ,” Lady Willoughby answered.

“It is a humorous, satirical piece of fiction,” Eldridge offered. “I have a copy in my library if you would like to read it.”

“‘All philosophers, who find, some favorite system to their mind, in every pin to make it fit, will force all nature to submit’,” Lady Willoughby offered with a smile. “And that is how it begins.”

“Oh, I do believe I will enjoy such a novel.”

“His second novel is Melincourt .” Eldridge grinned. “The story revolves around an orangutan, known as Sir Oran Haut-ton, who is a Member of Parliament and mimics humanity. However, it does discuss controversies such as the inequities of the current system of representation, and how the human condition might be improved.”

“Oh, I do believe I would enjoy that book as well,” Bernice said with excitement.

“It is in my library,” Eldridge informed her.

“Has anyone read The Apostate by Richard Lalor Sheil?” Lord Tylney asked.

Bernice frowned. “I am not certain that is a book in which I would have an interest,” Bernice whispered to Penelope.

“You are the daughter of a vicar, are you not?” he asked.

Her eyes widened, and likely wondered how he would know such a fact about her since to Penelope’s knowledge, they had not been introduced. They simply happened to be taking part in the same conversation at an informal salon.

“Yes,” Bernice offered slowly.

“The story involves a man who is torn between his Catholic faith and his love for a Protestant woman.”

Bernice leaned forward with interest. “What did he do?”

“I shall not spoil it for you,” he returned with a smile. “However, I do promise that it is a compelling piece of literature with themes of religious conflict, love and loyalty.”

“Oh, I do want to read it.”

“Once you do, perhaps we might discuss it further and at length.”

“I would enjoy that….” Bernice’s face flushed in a delicate blush and Penelope could only assume that it was because she did not know his name.”

“Lord Ryan O’Clery, Viscount Tylney of County Galway.”

The corner of her lips twitched to a near smile. “Miss Bernice Simpson.”

“I know,” he answered, eyes darkening. “You are out of wine.” He stood. “Let me fetch you another.”

“Oh…um…that is not necessary but thank you.”

“Tell me, Miss Bernice Simpson, what books have delighted you?”

Her cheeks deepened to a near apple red.

“I am afraid that I am not as well-read as you, or anyone else here.” She gestured to the gathering. “But I do adore a good novel, or even a work of non-fiction. There is so much that can be learned from books and how one’s perception can be altered by additional, unknown knowledge and information.”

The two were now speaking to each other as if there was nobody else in the room. It was quite delightful to watch and perhaps Bernice may have just made her first conquest. As far as Penelope was aware, Viscount Tylney was an honorable and respectable gentleman and she could think of no objection if he wanted to call on Bernice.

Penelope glanced back at Eldridge, certain that she would note approval in his blue eyes.

Instead, he glared.