Page 20 of The Guardian Duke (Wayward Dukes’ Alliance #21)

He needed a plan. The only problem, Henry could not think of one.

At least he had Felding’s blessing, in a manner of speaking, and it was preferable to a dawn appointment, but they both knew that trying to convince Penelope to give up her independence and become a wife would be nearly impossible.

“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.

Would she allow fear that they would not be happy to keep her from making the wise decision to become a duchess instead?

He snorted. Any other woman would jump at the chance to gain such a title. He wasn’t so arrogant that he was the reason a woman would marry him, but many coveted that chance to be addressed as Her Grace and enjoy the power that came with it.

Which was another thing that he admired about Penelope.

Yes, she showed him deference to his title when they were in Society, but she also treated him no differently than anyone else and she certainly would not sell her soul to become a duchess.

At least when she married him, if she married him, it was because she wanted to be his wife and not to gain a title.

It was a small comfort but one still the same.

Yet, he still had no idea how to convince her to become his wife.

“I do not understand you, Eldridge.”

Henry glanced up from where he was brooding behind his desk to find the Duke of Claybrook.

“What is there to understand?” Why was he even here?

“You send a panicked missive, using the seal of the Alliance, because of a minor upset to your household. Yet, you ruin a lady and you did not send for me or anyone else.” He strolled to the sideboard and poured himself a brandy. “This is one of the very reasons the Alliance was created. To help manage such difficulties.”

Difficulty?

Henry nearly snorted. The situation was not so minor.

“How could you or anyone else possibly manage this?” he finally asked.

“Yes, well, we have enough power amongst us that with whispers in the right ears, Lady Penelope being in your carriage could be framed as simply an error in judgement on both your parts. You just could not allow her to return home, at night, after leaving Athen’s Salon, alone, because it would be too dangerous.”

“If that was all, it would be far simpler to ignore the gossips.”

“True and you did kiss her, rather passionately from what I understand, but that is where we can help.”

“How?”

“We put it out that you had forgotten yourself, being the former rake that you once were, and kissed her, but what the five men failed to witness after the kiss and as they walked on was her soundly slapping you, and maybe she had cutting words as well, before she exited your carriage. The fact that she did not return to your home today to have tea with your cousins would be evidence that she now holds you in contempt for your attempted seduction and that she had been wronged, not ruined.”

All Henry could do was stare at Claybrook. How could anyone know that Lady Penelope had not attended tea?

Were they watched so closely? Did people have nothing better to do than involve themselves in the lives of others?

A rhetorical question, of course, since he was aware that there were those in Society who had eyes and ears everywhere just so they were the first to know the latest gossip and do their part in spreading it.

Which also made him wonder about the Alliance? Did they sit around and create scenarios so that they could mount a rescue the moment a duke or heir blundered as badly as he had done?

“Do you actually think people will believe you?”

He shrugged. “It does not matter, but enough will and those who do not want to lose favor with myself and others, will cease gossiping about the matter and welcome Lady Penelope, but will likely glare at you and keep their daughters away.” He grinned and settled into the leather chair across from Henry’s desk. “The plan is perfect and benefits you both.”

If it worked.

Except…

What the blazes was wrong with him? Henry should jump at this opportunity to free himself from an entanglement with a woman who did not like him very much and, according to Felding, did not want to marry him, so why wasn’t he?

“Unless you would rather not have our assistance?” Claybrook asked quietly.

Blast!

“I do not know what I want,” Henry finally admitted.

“Ah, so that is how it is.” Claybrook then had the audacity to smirk.

“How what is?”

“You want to marry her.”

“I am not so certain.”

Now he was even lying to himself. Of all the women he knew, and as difficult as Penelope could be, and a disruption to his life, he knew deep down and in his heart maybe, that she was the perfect match for him.

He took a deep drink from his brandy.

“How can things upend so quickly?” he wondered aloud. “The Season had begun quietly for me. My concerns were with Parliament. Then, five cousins arrive on my doorstep, but even they were not so upsetting to my household nor life.”

“Because they were unassuming wallflowers that you could forget,” Claybrook reminded him, which caused Henry to wince because he had not done well by them.

“Which is the very reason my life has been permanently altered. Not by them, but by Lady Penelope insinuating herself without even being asked.”

Claybrook smirked. “So, what are you going to do about it?”

“Marry her. If she will have me.”

“Is there any question?” Claybrook asked in surprise.

“I believe I have a better chance of crowning myself king than marrying Lady Penelope.”

“Certainly, you jest,” Claybrook laughed.

“I will let you know.” Henry drained his glass of brandy and stood. “I believe it is time that I call on my future wife.”

* * *

“Gentlemen are allowed a grand tour. Why should ladies not be allowed the same opportunities?”

“Which cities do they visit?” Patience asked Noah.

“I…um…I am not certain.” He looked at them as if they’d lost their minds or he feared they were serious, and Penelope most certainly was.

“I was not given the opportunity.”

“It is easy enough to discover,” Penelope dismissed. “Besides, we would plan better adventures for we would be there for the culture.”

“And the shopping.” Patience grinned.

“Enjoy making your plans but remember that I have not yet given you permission,” Noah said before he left them.

Oh, she hated to have to ask permission from anyone, but even though she had reached her majority, Noah still held the purse strings. He was generous but not might be so much to allow her and Patience a holiday on the Continent.

Maybe after they had plans and could prove to Noah that they were responsible and reasonable, he would help them make travel arrangements.

“Why did gentlemen take a grand tour?” Patience asked.

“Enlightenment, supposedly.”

Penelope stiffened and turned to find Eldridge standing in the entry to the parlor. Where had he come from and why hadn’t he been announced?

“Supposedly?” she questioned and tried to remain calm even though her pulse and heartbeat suddenly increased tenfold, which came from being startled and no other reason. “Does that mean it was the excuse used so that they could drink, gamble and…well, whatever it is young bucks do when away from home?”

“Yes,” he answered. “Why the interest in a Grand Tour?”

Penelope straightened, lifted her chin and smiled. “Because Patience and I are going to embark on one.”

His lips twitched but at least Eldridge did not laugh at her announcement.

“When do you plan on leaving?”

Why wasn’t he arguing or discouraging her? It was clear that he was humored by her announcement, which may irritate her more than if he had argued with her.

He did not take her seriously.

Well, she would show His Grace that she would do exactly as she wanted, if Noah released some funds to her and Patience.

“We have not yet decided. First, we must plan, pack, then set out. Likely within the fortnight.” She looked at Patience. “Do you see any difficulty with such a timeframe?”

“No. However, we will likely need to hire an older companion.” She fell back against her chair. “Noah will insist.”

“Footmen too, for protection, I suppose,” Penelope added.

Not that she would have any objection since women should not travel alone. Not that they would get up to mischief, but there were many untrustworthy men in the world and she wanted to be shielded and protected from them or their grand tour would be ruined.

“We will hire a companion while we are in London, then set off for home where we will pack everything that we will need for an extended visit to the Continent,” Penelope determined. “We should be able to accomplish that within the next few days and be on our way.”

“Ah, I see,” Eldridge murmured.

“What do you see, Your Grace?” Penelope challenged, nearly daring him to demand that she remain and marry him.

“That you are running away,” he answered with disappointment.

“I am not running away,” Penelope insisted again, even though it might be true. “Patience and I have simply decided to take an extended holiday.”

Patience looked between them and stood. “I think I shall leave you alone and begin making a plan for our travels—an itinerary.” Then she hurried from the room before Penelope could offer an objection.

“And you will also abandon my cousins in the process.”

Guilt swept over Penelope. Even if she made arrangements for Rosalind to assist in her place, Penelope was breaking her promise to take them from wallflower to celebrated.

Except, their association with her could do them harm.

“Perhaps we can discuss a compromise.”

“Compromise!” What could he possibly mean? Either they married or she was ruined and if she was ruined, she could not remain in London. There was no middle ground.

“Or are you too afraid to hear a third option?”

She narrowed her eyes. Third options usually involved deception and while the ton may not ever speak of the incident again, their silent opinions would not change, which was just the same as being ruined.

“You intend to lie to Society? Try to make them believe that those five men did not see what they believed.”

He placed a hand on his heart. “While that was a possibility, it was dismissed.”

Ah, so he wanted out of their predicament just as much as she did. And, while Penelope should be grateful, it stung and a bit of disappointment and hurt stabbed at her heart.

“What do you propose, Your Grace, so long as it is not a proposal.”