Page 3 of Five Nights with a Rakish Duke
“Ah… I see,” Veronica said, her husky voice growing deeper. “It is sadly the way of the world.”
“Then it’s a cruel world indeed. Why can I not own my own estates?”
“I agree, it is a cruel world. I am not denying that, but it is the world we live in.” Veronica drew her forward again, deeper amongst the guests of the soiree until Penelope’s senses were overwhelmed by the people around them. There were strong scents of rosewater and lavender oil coming from ladies’ perfumes, and even pipe smoke that lingered on gentlemen’s jackets. “You cannot live with your cousins forever, depending on their good will. You must live your own life.”
“I wish for my life to be free of them; I do. It is just, I wish to live a life free of the binds a husband would install upon me as well.” Penelope broke off as a lady moved in front of them. The harsh jerk of the head the lady gave as she snapped her gaze toward Penelope was an action that she recognized all too well these days.
“Margaret,” she said to her cousin. “Enjoying the soiree?”
“Please tell me my ears are deceiving me.” Margaret Burton stood a little taller as she glanced between Penelope and Veronica repeatedly. “Oh, good Lord, you are already an embarrassment enough, Penelope. Now you wish to defy convention and not marry?”
“Margaret!” Penelope said in objection, to which Veronica moved forward, holding up a hand between the two of them.
“You two have argued enough in your own house recently; I will not have you arguing here as well and spoiling my evening and the soiree,” Veronica said, laying a dark glare on them both.
“I am sorry, Veronica,” Penelope said, fully meaning her words. The closest friend she had in the world these days was her godmother, and the thought of causing her any injury was truly horrifying. Yet Margaret did not give a similar apology. The blonde-haired beauty continued to glower at them both before she pulled out her fan and fluttered her face rather animatedly.
“If you had an ounce of respect for my brother, Penelope, you would not pray too long on his kindness,” she said, whispering and stepping toward the two of them with a harried tone. “He has already showed you more kindness than was required by taking you in after your father’s death.”
“He inherited my father’s earldom out of the deal,” Penelope said. “Besides, your brother has never suggested that I was unwelcome. He has been very kind to me.”
“I hope you do not take advantage of that kindness.”
“Ladies, please,” Veronica said, lifting a hand and pinching the bridge of her nose. “That is enough.”
“Rest assured, I do not wish to continue this argument any longer.” Penelope withdrew her arm from Veronica’s. “I apologize unreservedly. Please, enjoy your evening, Veronica.”
“I hope you are not finding an excuse to leave already,” Veronica said with lifted eyebrows.
“Not at all.” As much as Penelope wished to leave, it would cause her godmother great insult; that was something she did not wish to give. “I merely wish to find myself a drink. Greet your guests, and I will join you shortly.”
“Thank you, dear,” Veronica said with a smile before she turned her eyes to Margaret and dismissed her with a wave of her hand. Penelope hurried off in search of the drinks table, biting her lip not to laugh at the put-out expression on her cousin’s face.
She found the table eventually, pushed to the side of the room and half hidden behind some ladies that were lined up, all expectantly looking to the dance floor with hope. Penelope slipped past them and the violinists too, heading straight for the drinks table.
She eagerly poured herself a sparkling glass of wine before she turned her eyes into the room, her gaze involuntarily seeking out Margaret’s position as her cousin was led to the dance floor by a gentleman. Penelope had to admit that there was some truth to Margaret’s fear. Penelope never wanted to be a burden to her cousin, Adam Burton, the new Earl of Larson. A way to no longer pray on his kindness and income would indeed be to marry as Veronica had suggested.
Why must I marry!?The thought crushed Penelope as she turned away and topped up her glass. If she were a gentleman, she would already have her inheritance and would be able to travel the continent on a Grand Tour, experiencing life to the full. As it were, she was a lady, and she was doomed to wait until she married to obtain her inheritance then promptly hand it over into the waiting arms of a husband.
Something clattered against Penelope’s arm.
“What the–” a cry of surprise went up as Penelope felt not just a single wine glass but two wine glasses spill their contents down her gown. She looked up to see the culprit, only to find a pair of piercing grey eyes staring down at her in equal surprise.
Chapter Two
“My apologies,” Asher said as quickly as he could. “That was entirely my fault.”
“Think nothing of it,” the young lady said, though she looked down at the mess that covered her gown and blushed a bright shade of red.
“How can I not?” he said in amazement, hurrying to grab nearby napkins and proffering them to her. When his hand brushed hers, she jumped away though, nevertheless, she took the napkins and hurried to dry some of the wet spots on her gown.
There was something in that brief touch, a kind of spark that made Asher gaze at her more closely, seeing her properly for the first time. Where he was tall and well built, she was the perfect contrast, being petite, quite short, and with slim curves that were flattered beautifully by the Pomona green dress. Her eyes were the same color as the gown, bold dark green like lime tree leaves. She had light brown hair that was so fair, it was almost the color of caramel sweetmeats he could buy at the local confectioners.
She is quite the beauty.Asher felt all his wishes to find his future Duchess slip by the wayside. Perhaps he could spend one night indulging in his old ways before he had to change, especially when there was someone with such beauty standing before him, tempting him.
“Pray, forgive me,” he said, stepping toward her and handing her more napkins as he took her empty glass from her hand. “I should have been looking where I was going. I was far too distracted by the promise of the next glass of wine.”
“Ah, I see,” she said slowly. “You have come here tonight for what can be found at the bottom of a wine glass? Many do. Lady Chambers is known for serving good wine.”
