Page 42 of Five Nights with a Rakish Duke
“Yet was there anything else to object to?”
Asher paused in thought, realizing Dorian was right. Lady Margaret was a beautiful woman, very eligible with a good dowry. The fact that her conversation was a little dull played right into his hands, for it would mean he’d respect her but be in no danger of ever falling in love with her.
“You are right. Lady Margaret fits my needs perfectly. I will write to Lord Larson and tell him I wish to know his sister better and would be interested in courting Lady Margaret.”
“Wait… you are going to court Lady Penelope’s cousin?”
Chapter Fourteen
“Penelope, there is something you must know,” Adam said as he drew her into the ballroom.
“Now, Adam?” she asked softly. “We have just arrived at Lord Martin’s ball! Surely any serious discussions can wait.”
“I know, but it is something I feel is important for you to know now.” Adam’s arm was linked with Penelope. As Margaret hurried off, talking to some of her friends, Penelope found it difficult to concentrate on her cousin’s words. She was searching people’s heads, looking for Veronica, though in her heart she knew, she was looking for another as well.
Asher.It felt odd to call the Duke by his Christian name, so personal and intimate.
“It is about Margaret,” Adam’s words made Penelope focus on her cousin at last.
“What about her?”
Adam drew her toward the side of the room, until they were in the shadows, hidden under the boughs of candelabras that cast the ballroom in orange candlelight. It was a boldly decorated room with summer flowers trailing from each candelabra and trailing the tables of wine and china plates of food laid out for the guests.
“I received a letter this afternoon from a gentleman that wishes to court Margaret,” Adam said in a whisper.
Penelope worked hard to bring a smile to her face. “That is wonderful news,” she said softly. “Margaret longs to be married.”
“Indeed, she does,” Adam said with a sigh. “But I thought you should know who wishes to court her.”
“Who?” Penelope asked, glancing to Margaret across the room. She had so much attention from different gentlemen already; Penelope rather expected it could be any number of men.
“The Duke of Kendall.” Adam’s words made her go rigid.
Asher wishes to court Margaret?
“I beg your pardon?” she said, struggling to move her mouth to ask the words.
“I wanted you to know.” Adam shifted uncomfortably at her side. Penelope found her feet felt wobbly beneath her, and she suddenly clung to Adam’s arm much more so than before, needing the support he could offer her. “I suppose there is some comfort in the idea.”
“Comfort? What comfort?” Penelope said, reeling with shock.
“Your estates,” Adam said carefully. “I suppose if all goes well with the courtship, at least the estates will stay within the Larson family, will they not?”
Penelope couldn’t answer. She was uncertain which strain of jealousy grew stronger inside her. She was burning with envy at the idea Margaret could now obtain the estates that were always to be her own. Yet there was another stronger feeling of envy that grew within her, all because of Asher. Margaret could have the Duke for life, whereas Penelope could only have him for five nights.
“Is all well, cousin?” Adam asked, his voice full of concern. “You are gripping me tightly.”
“Yes, of course,” Penelope said hurriedly, desperately trying to move through her surprise. “Forgive me, I am just in shock. I feel I need your support a little longer,” she continued, glancing down at their connected arms.
“Then I promise not to let go,” he said, his tone gentle and reassuring. “Come, let us get you a drink.”
“Thank you.” Penelope was not sure what had come over her, but she spent a long time clinging onto Adam’s arm and staying by his side, needing his kindness and support.
* * *
“You are certain of this?” Veronica asked.
After about an hour at the ball, Penelope eventually found herself able to part from Adam’s side. She had sought out her godmother, sat down by the piano playing woman, and, under the cover of the tinkling music, conveyed to Veronica all that Adam has said.
