Page 93 of Snapdragons
Niles met the Butcher’s fearsome glare with one of his own.
And swung.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Penelope couldn’t keep still. Allmorning, she’d paced from one window to the next, one room to the next, watching the front drive, all the while knowing Niles wouldn’t be returning for hours. But hewouldreturn. She refused to believe otherwise. People died in pugilist fights, but he wouldn’t. People were horrifically injured, but he wouldn’t be. He wouldn’t.
“Boxing matches are a bit frowned on,” Violet said, finding her at yet another window, “but they aren’t technically illegal. And the local magistrate helped plan this one, so the Gents won’t find themselves in a dangerous situation there.”
The ladies had been told the Gents were attending the bout, but Niles’s participation hadn’t been revealed. And it wasn’t Penelope’s place to tell them.
“I have heard these pugilist events can turn to mob rule at times,” Penelope said. “I will feel better when he—they—have returned. Safe.”
Violet gave her arm a squeeze. “You don’t need to pretend with any of us that Niles isn’t special to you. We all know, and we all wholeheartedly approve.”
“I wish my brother did.”
“He came to England ready to sign the marriage agreement with Niles. He must have approved of him then.”
“Yes, but he was not very approving when he left here.”
“OfNiles?”
Penelope shook her head. “Ofme,” she acknowledged. “Of my hopes for resecuring the match with Niles, which Liam thought impossible, and of my determination to keep Fairfield, which he thought an arrogant and foolhardy dream.”
“You realize, of course, that if he had abrothershowing such determination to secure a good match and save his estate, hewould be unspeakably proud.”
That was undeniably true. “Were I a man, I would be applauded.”
Violet gave her an encouraging look. “And even if your brother does not choose to be proud of you, perhapsespeciallyif he doesn’t, you should be proud of yourself. You’ve managed what very few could, and that gives you ample reason to believe you can weather the storms ahead as well.”
Penelope hadn’t really thought of that. So many of her plans had proven ill-conceived and had needed to be abandoned. It could be difficult to remember how much shehadaccomplished.
“I did purchase a horse yesterday,” she said.
Excitement pulled Violet’s eyes wide. “I saw it in the stables this morning. Penelope, that might be the most gorgeous horse I have ever seen.”
That elusive feeling of pride swelled in Penelope’s heart. “Finding the stallion at the Hamblestead fair was a remarkable spot of luck. But recognizing the enormity of what I found and having the means to take advantage of it was the result of a lot of years of very hard work.” When had she ever acknowledged all the effort she had invested in the future she was reaching for? “And still, being here to attend the fair rather than on my way back to Ireland was the result of holding fast to what I know to be right.”
“And that, my dear friend, is inarguably commendable.”
“Have I thanked you and Kes enough for all you’ve done to help me?” Penelope hoped they knew how grateful she truly was.
Violet squeezed her hand. “You have thanked us, and we are happy to be in a position to help. You are one of us now, Penelope. And we would move mountains for each other.”
“Julia warned me that once a person is made part of this group, she is part of it forever.”
“Objections?” Violet asked.
“None.”
After a quick hug, Violet left Penelope to continue her vigil. And it was not many minutes later that a carriage arrived, a Pledwick Manor coachman up top.
Thank the heavens.
She rushed to the entryway, reaching it in time to see the Gents flood in. Niles was not with them.
Aldric was nearest, and she pulled him aside. “Where is he?” she asked in a worried whisper.
