Page 51 of Snapdragons
“I don’tworry,” Violet said. “Iassume.”
“They have not yet realized that they ought to make the same assumption about their ladies,” Nicolette added.
Penelope very much liked the idea of a group of ladies who enjoyed a bit of mischief. “Does Lady Jonquil join you in these bouts of devilment?”
“She instigates most of them,” Violet said.
“Oh, I would so very much like to meet her.” Penelope understood why the newly delivered mother could not make the journey, but she grieved the missed opportunity to make the acquaintance of a lady she suspected she would thoroughly like.
“You will be pleased to know,” Nicolette said, “that Our Julia without question knows all the counties of Ireland and could recite them in alphabetical order.”
“Does she have connections to Ireland?”
Nicolette shrugged. “What she has is a deep and abiding love of learning and a mind that can recall most everything it has ever been presented with.”
“She’s very intelligent, is she?” Penelope didn’t know whether to be impressed or intimidated. Likely both.
“I would wager she is a genius.” Violet didn’t seem cowed by her friend’s astonishing intelligence. “Julia is also delightfully fun and personable. You would adore her instantly.”
“I suspect she would find me rather too thick for her to endure.” Penelope raised a sardonic eyebrow. “I’ve done nothingbut make a mull of things ever since arriving.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Violet reassured her. “Julia would applaud your decision to sniff out your absentee, would-be fiancé rather than simply shrug and accept the implied rejection.”
“The rejection was not merelyimplied.” Penelope’s pride had been hurt by the initial rejection. It was her heart that ached most now.
“And what do you think of our Niles now that you know him a little better?” Violet didn’t pose the question in casual tones.
“I suspect he likes horses as much as I do. He is interesting to talk with. And he’s kind and patient.” She truly was beginning to fall in love with him. “He is wonderful.”
He was undeniably wonderful, and she was quite suddenly running out of time. Liam had said they would remain for only two more days. The truce she had negotiated with Niles was a way of beginning again, but starting over when her time was so short seemed rather hopeless.
“How does Niles seem to feel about you?” Nicolette asked.
Her heart dropped a little.
Before Penelope could explain about her impending departure, the sound of men’s voices bursting into laughter at a distance down the corridor pulled all their attention to the doorway. A moment later, the Gents strolled into the room, grins on every face, mischief in every pair of eyes.
“We are off to Hamblestead, ladies,” Lord Jonquil declared. “I am afraid your time will be absolutely empty without us. Consider yourselves warned.”
“I suspect we will survive.” Nicolette waved off the pretended concern with a graceful swipe of her hand.
Mr. Fortier crossed to his wife and took her hand, raising it to his lips. “I will bring you back a sweet,ma chérie.”
“Bring back yourself, and I will be entirely pleased.”
They continued their conversation in French.
Mr. Barrington pulled Violet into an embrace. “I would offer to bring you sweets, Lily, but I don’t know that it is the best bribe.”
“Why do you need to offer a bribe?” Violet asked. “Are you planning to do something you will get in trouble for?”
“She sorted you quickly,” Niles said, laughing.
He had a very nice laugh. And his eyes lit up when he did it, a sight Penelope enjoyed immensely. Indeed, she couldn’t look away from the light in his expression.
Lord Jonquil set an arm around Mr. Layton’s shoulders. “I’m afraid there’ll be no tender farewells for you, my friend. You’ll have to content yourself with the Gents’ assurance that we think you’re quite a catch.”
The Gents were quick to good-naturedly tease their friend. Mr. Layton seemed to enjoy the humor swirling around, no matter that it was at his expense.
