Page 24 of The Guardian Duke (Wayward Dukes’ Alliance #21)
The line of guests was long and tedious, but necessary. He had neglected his duty when his cousins first arrived but with Penelope’s guidance, and her scolding, they were prepared to become a part of Society. He was just eager for the line to end so that they could join the others in the ballroom.
Henry knew that he must stand with his cousins and he would, but he also wanted to see Penelope again.
When she had stepped through the door, she had nearly stolen his breath with the dark ringlets that framed her face and her ruby lips against paler than normal skin. However, it was the golden gown that shimmered and hugged her to perfection that made his mouth go dry. There was no woman more desirable than Penelope.
Once they were situated inside the ballroom, gentlemen flocked around his cousins, begged for introductions and then took turns signing their names to dance cards. It wasn’t until the first dance began that he was finally granted a reprieve because each of his cousins were dancing, even Damaris. Henry used the time to locate Lady Penelope. She stood near an open window and watched the dancers, a very pleased smile upon her lips.
She should be happy. It was because of her that his house would now be flooded with gentlemen callers and not giggling misses. Though, he supposed he would have to worry about bachelors, but not tonight. There were more important matters that needed his attention and he crossed the room to the woman he was determined to make his wife.
“I congratulate you on a successful ball, Lady Penelope.”
“Thank you, your Grace.”
Very soon he hoped that she would address him as Henry. He wanted no titles between them. Just a man and woman with simple names of who they truly were.
“You have not given my dance away, have you?”
“You ordered me not to,” she reminded him.
“Since when do you do what you are told?” Was that not the topic of their most recent argument.
Penelope frowned. “I do not know, but I was compelled to follow your request, though do not expect me to always do so.”
He chuckled. “Oh, I promise that I do not.”
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes. “Though it is unlikely you will have any reason to tell me to do anything again.” She gestured to the dance floor. “Your cousins are a success and my work is done. In fact, after tonight, you shall be free of me.”
He certainly hoped that was not the case. “But I have become used to you being in my home.”
“As in underfoot?” she asked.
“No, of course not, but do you truly think my cousins are ready to greet callers in the afternoon? They have no experience with such.”
Lady Penelope blew out a breath and turned to face him. “I fear that they must, or you should join them when guests arrive. It is best that I bring an end to my guidance. It is for the best.”
That blasted sadness was in her green eyes again and he wanted to know the cause. “Best for who?” he demanded quietly.
“Us.”
Panic rose to his chest. He must say something to her now because Henry feared that if he waited, she might leave before he had the chance.
“Come with me, Lady Penelope.”
“That is the second order you have given me, Your Grace, and I am not certain that I will obey a second time.”
“There is something that we must discuss.” He glanced around the room to note several people watching and whispering.
Blast!
“What I need to say to you should not be said where others might hear. Unless you welcome more gossip.”
Penelope narrowed her eyes on him and then sighed. “Very well.”
She took his offered arm and Henry led her out the open door and into his gardens. The night was young and few had reason to escape the heat.
“What is it that you need to tell me?”
Henry stared down into her green eyes and words failed him. If she rejected him, he would look the fool. But he would lose her if he did not tell her what was in his heart.
Never had he been so afraid to voice what he was thinking or feeling.
“Your Grace?” Penelope asked with concern. “Is something wrong?”
“No, I have simply come to a stunning revelation these past few days and I am trying to find the right words to express…”
“Express what, Your Grace?”
“Quit calling me that.”
Penelope startled and took a step back.
He must stop issuing orders or Penelope would leave him and likely the ball.
“My name is Henry and I would like you to use it.”
“It is too familiar.”
“Not after the kiss we have shared.”
Even in the poor light he could see her cheeks warm to a lovely crimson.
“Yes well, we lost our heads and it shall not happen again.”
Oh, he intended for it to happen often, and hopefully tonight.
“Your Grace,” she prompted when he did not speak again.
“Henry!”
“Which is the third order you have given me tonight.”
“Because you are being difficult.”
“I most certainly am not.”
“I want to hear my name on your lips.” For some reason it was terribly important.
“And if I do not?” she taunted.
“Then I shall kiss you most thoroughly where everyone in the ballroom can see.”
Her eyes widened and she took another step back and brought a gloved hand to her breast. “You would not dare!”
“Do you care to wager on it?”
She stared up at him with fear and alarm. “I suppose I do not,” she finally said.
He arched an eyebrow, stared down at her and waited.
“Henry.”
He couldn’t help but grin.
“Are you happy now?”
“Yes, because I rarely win when you are involved and I am going to enjoy my moment of triumph, for I am certain there will be few in the future.”
“It is likely we will not even speak in the future, let alone argue,” Penelope insisted.
He took her hand in his. “I certainly hope that is not the case, Penelope, because the stunning revelation that came upon me is that I have fallen in love with you.”
* * *
It was not possible that she had heard him correctly.
“Penelope, I have fallen in love with you,” he said after a moment when she did not respond.
“Is this because you feel that you must do the honorable thing.”
“Because I ruined you?”
“Yes!”
“No, I love you and I want you as my wife.”
His words were even more unsettling than her own realization that she had fallen in love with him. She never thought it would happen to her and she wasn’t certain what she should do. “This topic has been discussed before, but you still have not asked.”
“You told me not to.”
“Yes, well, I did not think…I thought you were just being honorable.”
“I was, at first, but then…” He smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “I realized that it was love.”
He really did love her. They were not just words being spoken so that he could do the right thing. He truly meant what he was saying.
Goodness!
This was…Penelope’s heart started pounding, not certain what to do. “Please excuse me.”
She turned and rushed back into the ball and made her way to the retiring room where she knew that he would not follow.
He loved her.
She loved him.
He ordered her about tonight.
She had not truly minded.
He would not be a tyrant of a husband. It was what she always feared, but that was not Eldridge’s character.
She would be safe with him.
Her heart would be safe with him.
Did she dare trust….
She would be a fool not to.
He loved her. She loved him, so why was she hiding?
Penelope marched from the retiring room, found Henry just inside the doors, and went directly to him. “A moment please.” She then strode right past him and into the gardens. When she turned, she found him directly behind her.
“Marry me.”
“You are rather bold, Penelope.”
“Yes, well, if I waited for you, I might never be asked. And, as I happen to love you too, a startling realization that occurred recently, I have decided that we will wed.”
The corner of his mouth tipped. “You love me?”
“Did I not just say that?”
“Yes, but…” He pulled back and stared at her. “Yes, I believe you do love me because if anything, you might be the most forthright and honest woman I know.”
“Yes, I do.” She grinned up at him, happiness filling her soul. “Now, kiss me, and I do not care who sees us.”
“Do you intend to order me about once we have wed?”
“Only when necessary, Your Grace.”
He chuckled.
“Are you going to kiss me or not?”
“Most thoroughly,” he said right before his lips descended to hers and soon she was clinging to him as he was to her, passion and desire filling her soul.
* * *