Page 16 of The Guardian Duke (Wayward Dukes’ Alliance #21)

When Henry had first gone to the home of Claybrook to request an invitation, he was not certain that he would be given one. Thankfully Her Grace had taken pity on him when he explained that his cousins were interested in attending, and given their sheltered upbringing, he wanted to be present in case they were shocked or overwhelmed.

Claybrook had snorted and rolled his eyes and if it had been up to him, Henry may have very likely been returned home without being granted access. Thankfully, Her Grace was more understanding.

He had been honest in his reasons for wanting to be present because even though it had been established by two women who were now married to dukes, it did not mean it was a proper place for his innocent cousins, despite their age.

Perhaps if it was only for women, he would not have had an objection, but to know that some gentlemen were invited to be members, it was important that Henry know who those men were.

At first, he had walked through the rooms where gambling was taking place and he had no objection to any of the gentlemen present. The same could be said for those who were viewing art displays and discussing literature, which was where he found Lady Penelope.

However, his comfort at such a gathering soon diminished when Viscount Tylney showed his singular attention to Bernice.

What was he about?

Was he truly interested in his cousin?

What did he know of Tylney’s character?

Just because he was a viscount did not mean he did not have ulterior motives for bringing Bernice into a private discussion.

What were his intentions?

Did he ask him directly or wait to see?

Those were the questions that he pondered as more discussions took place around them and Judith viewed artwork and chatted quietly with Lady Blythe.

In fact, he was an observer for the most part. An apt observer of Viscount Tylney.

“I believe I will take your cousins and leave,” Lady Penelope said, pulling Henry from his thoughts.

“I will see you and them home,” he returned.

“I have my brother’s carriage,” she said, which reminded Henry of what he had done earlier.

“I sent it home.”

She pulled back in surprise. “Why would you do so when you know that it was my conveyance?”

“A lady should not be traveling the streets of London alone after nightfall.”

Lady Penelope blew out a sigh. “I have done so before without issue.”

“Of that, I have no doubt, but as I am here, I shall see you protected.”

Lady Penelope simply shook her head and turned away. No doubt she though he had overstepped, but did she have any idea what could happen? Despite it being the Season and traveling in the best of neighborhoods, London was still not safe for a woman alone.

He paused in the foyer as his cousins thanked Lady Blythe and asked about purchasing a membership. She in turn promised to send the information to them the following afternoon.

“What of you, Your Grace?” Lady Blythe questioned.

“It will depend on what my cousins decide, though I do admire the concept of Athena’s Salon.”

“I will return next week,” Penelope said.

If Penelope regularly frequented Athena’s Salon, perhaps he should as well, in the interest of his cousins of course. He was certain that at least Bernice would want to return for the literature and possibly Viscount Tinley.

“Ah, yes, you do enjoy our scientific discussions and I am quite looking forward to Dr. Sinclair’s lecture on illnesses of the mind and the advancements made in treatments.”

“How often do you attend?” he asked Lady Penelope once they were seated in the carriage.

“At least once a week. I find it quite invigorating to have political and scientific discussions where ideas are shared and a woman’s view is equally as important as a man’s.” She arched a brow as if she expected him to disagree. “There are members of parliament who also attend and I value the opportunity to voice my opinion on votes that are being considered.”

Bloody hell! Did that mean that some of the members of Parliament were taking their advice from a bunch of enlightened citizens who attend a salon?

“You disapprove?” she asked as if reading his mind.

Henry wanted to claim that he did but was it truly the case?

“Do the members of the House of Commons, House of Lords…Parliament as a whole debate and hold votes on the very issues that affect the people who elected them?”

“Well, yes,” he answered.

“Then should not the people have a say?” She then narrowed her eyes. “Even those of us who are not allowed to show our preference by way of voting.”

Henry resisted the urge to pull at his cravat because she was correct.

Many women accepted that decisions were made by men, but there were also several, such as Lady Penelope and the type of women who attended Athena’s Salon who would dearly love to cast a vote for the representative they preferred.

Instead of arguing with her further, he turned his attention to his cousins. “I take it that you enjoyed Athena’s Salon.”

“Oh, yes, Cousin Henry,” Judith gushed. “I particularly enjoy the art. I am to understand that the selection of pieces is on loan for viewing from John Julius Angerstein’s, who I am to understand has a much larger collection, which includes works by William Hogarth.”

“I had not realized you had an interest in art,” Henry commented.

“Neither did I, having not truly been exposed to it before, other than the paintings in your home, which I also admired. I long to learn more and wonder if I might have a talent for creating such beauty.”

Whether Judith had talent or not, she had the right to discover that for herself, which was why he would see that supplies were purchased and delivered because Henry knew that she would not dare spend the money allotted her for what she might believe was not a necessity.

In fact, he would like them all to have what they needed to pursue an interest—giving them the permission that their father never had with no fear of spending funds because they would be gifts from him.

Maybe he could find an instructor to teach Judith how to paint.

It was something to consider, then turned his attention to Bernice.

“You seemed to take enjoyment in the discussions surrounding literature.” He really wanted to know if she had a particular interest in Viscount Tylney but feared that his tone would betray what he hoped she perceived as mild interest.

“It was delightful and I look forward to reading the books that were discussed. They were not housed in the lending library back home.”

He simply nodded. “Everything in my library is available to you.” But, as he voiced his offer, Henry remembered that there was a small selection of books that was tucked away on a top shelf that no innocent miss should read and decided that he would need to see them removed and hidden.

“Are you not going to return me to my home?” Lady Penelope asked when the carriage came to a stop before Henry’s house.

“I would like to discuss a small matter with you, Lady Penelope, and thought to have my cousins dropped at home first.”

“Oh,” she murmured though her eyebrows drew together with a frown.

After he assisted his cousins to the pavement, he got back into the carriage and settled on the bench beside her, instead of across from her where he had sat previously.

“What would you like to discuss, Your Grace?”

He smiled at her sudden nervousness. They weren’t sitting as close as they had when they traveled to the museum, but they were on the same bench and very much alone. As that was the case, if anyone were to see them, her reputation could be tarnished. Except, if he pulled the blinds and she was seen getting out of his marked carriage once she was delivered home, she would be just as ruined.

Lady Penelope reached forward and drew the blind on the window that face the street. “I would rather that carriages passing this one did not wonder as to my presence in yours without a chaperone.”

Either way, this could harm her reputation and something he should have considered. However, it was too late for concerns now.

“What do you know of Viscount Tylney?” He asked. “You seem to know everyone, or about everyone. What information do you have on the gentleman?”

* * *

Penelope nearly laughed when she realized His Grace was worried about a gentleman who might have taken an interest in one of his cousins. She hadn’t been certain what His Grace would ask or why they needed to be alone, and it had concerned her, especially since his arrival at Athena’s Salon had been a surprise, as if he did not trust her to watch over his mature cousins.

“You are worried about his attention to Bernice?”

“As her guardian, it is my right and duty.”

“Yes, of course, but certainly you know that he is as honorable as you.”

“That is not exactly comforting,” he grumbled and looked out the window. “I do wonder how much ladies and misses truly know about honorable men and how much of a true character is kept from reaching their ears.”

“The names of rakes are common knowledge,” she insisted.

“Yes, those are the gentlemen who do not care what Society thinks of them.”

Penelope frowned. “What are you saying? That you did not care what the ton thought of you.”

“No, I did not. I still do not. At first, I was heir to a dukedom. I am now a duke. I have great latitude in what I am allowed to do.”

“Such as riding alone in carriages with spinster ladies.”

“No, I should not be doing so,” he admitted. “Yet, here we are and as I would like an answer to my question. What is your opinion of Viscount Tylney?”

“That he is honest and respectable. What is your objection.?”

“I…well…um….”

“You do not have one! Well, except that he has shown an interest in Bernice and you are not certain what you should make of it.” She laughed. “Protectiveness, which is likely a very new emotion for you, is trying to rule your brain and thus, you will likely make irrational decisions when it comes to your cousins and any gentleman who may wish to call.” She could just imagine his discomfort with the attention they would receive once they were introduced by him at the upcoming ball.

“I can assure you that I do not make irrational decisions.”

Penelope had not meant to insult him, but it was quite fun because he got all blustery and foolish and defensive.

“Instead of asking me, what are your objections to Viscount Tylney? Surely it cannot be because he is Irish and Catholic. I would have thought you above such ridiculous prejudices.”

His Grace frowned. “He is Catholic?”

“Yes, which I suspect is the reason he has an attachment to The Apostate .”

“Bernice is Anglican, raised by a vicar, so even if he did want to pursue her, I am certain Bernice would reject his suit,” Eldridge quickly dismissed his concern as if the matter was settled.

Penelope arched a brow. “Are you so certain?” she chuckled. “Do not forget the type of man who raised her and a kind Catholic gentleman may have her turning her back on everything her father lectured and preached on.”

“I had not considered such. She could act the rebellious child, out of spite.”

“She would not be so foolish.” Penelope rolled her eyes at such a ridiculous statement. “She is not a female fresh from the schoolroom, determined to have her way, or thwart her guardian. Bernice is a thoughtful young woman who would not rush into anything, nor would she let something so minor as a difference in religion keep her from forming an attachment.”

“No, I suppose not,” he finally admitted. “This is damned difficult, being responsible for five misses.” He turned to study Penelope. “Perhaps I should seek the counsel of Felding. He has been responsible for his sisters these past nine years. Certainly, his advice would be helpful.”

Penelope couldn’t help but snort. “Are you certain you want my brother’s advice?”

“Why would I not?” Eldridge demanded.

“Because I am one of those sisters and I am currently riding alone in a carriage with a duke, who until recently had the reputation of being a rake.” She couldn’t help but tease. “And, to your point, how much do ladies and misses truly know about a gentleman’s true character—the one kept from reaching their ears? Which begs the question, Your Grace. Are you truly a reformed rake or simply hiding that part of your personality because of your new responsibilities?”

“If I were still, deep down, truly a rake, what then, Lady Penelope?”

The deep, rumbling of his voice caused a ripple of anticipation through her being, but Penelope couldn’t begin to understand why, though she was quite interested in learning the reason.