Page 44 of Awakening a Lord's Desires
“Max is not my responsibility, has never been and never will be, Penelope. I only indulged your compassion for that man because he is your family. But he is a young man who can find his own way out of the mess his parents made for him. I know you are trying to help him to marry well, but he will not receive a penny from me.”
Penelope rose. “What you are doing is wrong, you know,” she said before she stomped out of the room and shut the door behind her.
Once she was out of the eyesight of the baron, her shoulders sank, and she closed her eyes, trying to gather her energy. This would take some doing, but she needed to figure out a way to make sure that she received money, and that Max did as well.
But how?
And then a plan came to her. It was not fully formed, but a smile crossed her face. It would do, but first, she had to speak to Max. She left the house and walked down the steps, ready to send word for Max to return from his ride as soon as possible. They had much to discuss.
***
Caroline had thought to go visit Matilda after tea in order to discuss all the ridiculous things that had happened, but her father’s news had sent her to her room. She sat in there on her own for the rest of the afternoon in a comfortable chair before her hearth.
What will I do without him?
Her father had grown slightly distant over the years after his marriage to Penelope, and she wondered now if that had been because of his guilt for choosing a terrible woman to play stepmother to his daughter.
And now he wants me to receive all the money if he passes. Penelope will not let this go. She will make my life miserable; I know it.
But beyond that, her being the heiress meant that her father would have died. That he would have been the last family member she had, and then she would be left alone. That horrible feeling stuck hard in her chest, spreading like darkness throughout her.
But then she thought of Charles, and that lifted her spirits. Perhaps Charles might ask her to marry him, and she would have someone to move through life with, someone she loved, and she could leave Penelope and her terrible nephew far, far behind.
Her reverie was interrupted by a soft knock, and she turned to see that Lara was peeking her head around the door.
“Miss, it is time for dinner. The baroness sent me upstairs to fetch you.”
“Thank you, Lara,” she said softly, rising to her feet.
“Shall I help you dress?” Lara asked, eyeing her afternoon gown.
“No, I don’t think so. There has been too much busyness today, and I am very tired. I believe I will go straight to bed after dinner.”
“Very good, miss.” Lara curtsied and left, and Caroline made her way downstairs in a daze.
She had hoped to dine alone in her room, but it seemed Penelope was going to be insistent that they stuck with their usual habit. But as she approached the dining room, her heart began to beat faster. Had her father told Penelope the full truth? Would she be angry? Would she be even now planning her revenge? Would she ask Max to join in such revenge?
She walked in to find that Max and Penelope were already seated. Max rose at her arrival, and Penelope looked her up and down with a lifted brow.
“You did not dress for dinner,” she said as Caroline found her seat.
“No, I did not. There were too many other important things on my mind today.”
The first course was served, and Caroline focused on her soup as she ate, a little surprised that Max had not as of yet said anything to her. He looked a bit odd as well, not smug as much as… intent upon something.
Penelope cleared her throat, and Caroline tensed. “So, the doctor has come by and has put your father on strict bedrest. He is now being given laudanum and should rest without being disturbed. He must build up his strength.”
Caroline nodded, feeling hollow inside.
“But before the doctor came, and we spoke about what is to happen if the worst should occur.”
“I see.” Caroline lifted her eyes to her stepmother, glancing briefly at Max who was looking at Penelope as well. “What did you discuss?”
Penelope smiled. “I believe we have come up with a solution that will suit everyone.”
“Suit everyone?” Caroline asked with confusion.
“Yes. After our discussion, your father and I talked. We believe the best course of action will be for you and Max to wed.”
