Chapter Sixteen #2
“My stomach has been in knots thinking of that moment,” Penelope confessed quietly. “Oh, Emily! I must tell you… my situation is far more dire than it was before you departed London.”
“How so, Pen?”
“Mother informed me this very morning that she and Father are crafting a marriage contract with Lord Grant.” Penelope’s tone was one of morose dejection.
Tears welled in her lovely green eyes as she related the awful news.
“Once I have returned to London, they will announce the engagement. I won’t even have the opportunity to object. ”
Emily’s heart clenched with sympathy and anger that Penelope’s parents could be so cruel and exhibit such a lack of empathy for their only child.
They simply saw her as a burden—one they might make a bit of money from if they were successful in trapping a wealthy husband.
“You will not marry that odious man,” she stated firmly.
“And it is obvious to me that our plans must be put into motion. If Lord Grant cannot find you to marry you, then he is sure to lose interest and find someone else to torment.”
“I fear just the opposite will occur, Emily. My mother was very sure of this arrangement. She said there would be no crying off,” Penelope murmured bitterly, her eyes flashing with uncommon ire. “It hurts to realize how little value they place on my happiness. But, then, it’s always been so.”
Emily could only squeeze her friend’s waist in commiseration, forced into momentary silence as they reached the top of the terrace, where Lady Blackthorne stood with arms open wide to embrace Penelope.
*
After ensuring Penelope was comfortable in her room with a nice pot of tea to settle her nerves, Emily ventured back downstairs, where more guests were arriving.
Every passing hour saw another coach pulling up to the curved drive, depositing lords and ladies in excited groups.
Before the end of the week, all seventy-five guests staying at Thorne Park would be settled into their rooms with the remaining fifty or so guests coming from estates within driving distance.
It would make for an exciting two weeks, with the guests of honor, the Earl and Countess of Ashcroft, arriving the next night.
“Hello, dear sister,” Simon called to her from the bottom of the curving staircase. “Look who has just arrived for the festivities.”
Emily slowed her pace upon seeing Wylder standing alongside her brother.
His head inclined in a slight nod of acknowledgment while Emily’s heart skipped several beats.
He looked incredibly handsome in his dark-blue suit and stark white cravat.
A tingle of pleasure reminded her of the evening he had tied her hands together with a cravat similar to the one he wore now.
“Good afternoon, Lord Wyldewood,” she said, venturing close enough that he could lift her hand and press a kiss to the back of it. It was swift and impersonal, executed as it was with Simon standing right there.
Simon’s gaze flickered to the top of the stairs as though expecting to find someone else descending them. A tiny frown formed between his eyebrows as Emily regarded him. Her brother was acting so strangely that she could not begin to guess what was amiss with him.
“I am sure the two of you are excited by the arrival of Lord and Lady Ashcroft tomorrow,” Emily ventured, calmly meeting Wylder’s gaze. His silver eyes were hungrily examining her form, as it had been nearly two weeks since they’d seen one another.
Simon’s attention shifted from the staircase as he slapped a hand on Wylder’s back. “The three of us had drinks at White’s just two nights ago. It was good to see the man was still in one piece and that marriage apparently has agreed with him. Isn’t that so, Wylder?”
Wylder cleared his throat and smiled tightly. “He appeared quite content.”
“I’m eager to meet the woman who could entice a rakehell to try wedded bliss,” Emily said with a pointed smile for the two men standing before her. “It gives many unattached females perpetual hope.”
“The new countess is a lovely girl,” Wylder replied dryly. “And Lucien is devoted to her.”
A guilty flush darkened Simon’s face, leaving Emily to wonder if there had been an intentional testing of Lord Ashcroft’s dedication to his new wife.
“That he is,” Simon muttered.
“Has Miss True arrived, Lady Emily?” Wylder inquired in a sudden change of subject. His head tilted, watching her so intently that Emily wondered if he had somehow discovered the secret plot to hide Penelope away.
That would be impossible. The only ones who know are also involved with the planning and sworn to secrecy.
“She arrived a short time ago along with Lady Bashear,” Emily said. “She’s resting for a bit as the journey from London was not a pleasant one for her.”
“With Lady Bashear as a companion, I imagine that is true,” Simon quipped. “But in the interest of being polite, I do hope that Miss True recovers quickly.”
“I expect her to be up and about by supper.” Emily studied her brother, noting his casual manner in mentioning Penelope. “She was feeling much better after a cup of tea.”
“I’m hoping we have a moment or two to go over those reports before supper, Simon.” Wylder bent at the waist, his gaze impassive as he stared at Emily. “You will both excuse me as I retire to prepare for the evening meal.”
Emily watched him go before turning to Simon. “Reports?” She feigned ignorance of Wylder’s statement and was rewarded by a rare bit of honesty from her brother.
“I’ve been helping Wylder with some financial matters.” He shrugged. “We must examine the results of some recent investments and determine if those paths should continue to be pursued.”
“I’m sure he is in excellent hands with you, Simon. You are a genius when it comes to such things.”
Simon’s brow arched high at the unexpected praise.
“You’ve a far better head for investments than I do, Emily.
If it weren’t a scandalous idea, I would suggest that you provide some insight into the decisions I’ve made on Wylder’s behalf.
However, I’m positive that Father would disapprove if you began advising the gentlemen of the ton when it comes to playing the ’Change.
And Mother would naturally be horrified if your instincts on financial matters became common knowledge.
” He recognized the look of concern that creased Emily’s forehead, adding earnestly, “Don’t worry, Emily.
I’ve kept your secrets regarding your investments and the funds you’ve accumulated.
But it must be said that whoever your future husband ends up being is in for a pleasant surprise once your dowry is settled and those accounts of yours come to light. ”
Emily frowned at Simon’s playful teasing. “It isn’t fair that those accounts will become the property of my husband when I wed.”
“Fair or not, that is the way of things, my dear sister.” Simon chucked her under the chin and grinned. “Perhaps the man will appreciate your remarkable talents and utilize them. I daresay he would be a fool to ignore them.”