Chapter Sixteen
Penelope gasped for breath after Edward delivered a kiss that curled her toes.
He couldn’t get enough of her as he pulled her tighter to his chest. “For all that is holy, I feel like a man whose thirst has finally been satiated after being lost in a desert. But I need more.” He grinned like a fool as he studied her pink, swollen lips.
“That can wait,” Pen said breathlessly as held on to his lapels then smoothed one hand down his chest. She was touching him as much as he was touching her. “Are you real?”
“Flesh and blood just like you.”
“I can’t believe you’re here.” She tilted her head and stared into his eyes. “If this is a dream, I hope I never wake.”
Edward chuckled then kissed his wife again.
Just because he could.
Penelope’s brow furrowed slightly. “We should discuss what you said about us being married and that you’re the Duke of Archer. There is a real Duke of Archer.”
“And you’re embracing him.” Edward pressed another kiss to her lips. “Come with me, my love.” He took her hand and pulled her to the sofa in front of the nicely built fire, crackling in the fireplace. “The old Duke of Archer was my grandfather.”
Penelope slowly sat down, and Edward joined her. He touched his left arm where a black bombazine band encased his upper left arm. “He died several days ago.”
“Your grandfather,” Penelope’s eyes widened, then a look of sorrow fell across her face. “I didn’t know he passed.”
Edward nodded slowly. “He had his men kidnap me when I went to the village to pick up Miss Eloise’s packages.”
“What?” Penelope scooted closer.
“It’s a long story, my love.” Edward took her hands in his. “My grandfather was estranged from my father. I never knew his side of the family.” He shrugged slightly. “Now, I understand why. My grandfather didn’t approve of my mother because she was a seamstress. My father left and never returned.”
“Oh, Edward,” she exclaimed softly.
“It is all right. Though I didn’t get to spend a great deal of time with my grandfather, I spent the last two weeks with him.
He hired several men to bring you back to London.
” He smiled softly at her. She was still as beautiful as ever.
“And you were right here all along.” He cupped her cheeks and studied her face.
“You’re gorgeous, more so than the last time I saw you.
” He pressed his forehead to hers. “And you're my wife.”
“Edward,” Pen softly chided. “We’re not married.”
“We are.”
Before he could continue, her brother entered the room. “Pen? Edward? Is it true? You’re the Duke of Archer?”
“Not now, Charlie,” she tried to shoo him from the room.
Still holding her hand, Edward stood and greeted her brother. “It’s true. My father was the old duke’s youngest son.”
“Why the devil didn’t you send for us?” Charlie demanded with his hands on his hips.
“I did.” Edward squeezed her fingers gently. “But I couldn’t leave my grandfather’s side. I sent daily letters to Penelope at Miss Eloise’s school. As a precaution, I also sent several to you in Surrey.”
He was rewarded with one of Penelope’s brilliant smiles.
“I only discovered that you were in London when my solicitor Hawksworth saw your brother’s solicitor today and asked about your whereabouts.
” He brought Pen’s hand to his mouth. “As soon as I heard, I came straight to find you.” A tear ran down her cheek, and a saber running him through would hurt less. “Please don’t cry.”
“I can’t help it. I’m just so happy you’re alive and well. And here,” She sniffed, and he wiped away the errant tear. “I worried I would never see you again.”
“Nothing would keep me from my wife’s side.”
“Wife?” Kenbrooks growled.
Edward nodded and sank into the seat next to Penelope. “We vowed we were husband and wife to each other on Scottish soil. There were witnesses. Those vows on that day meant we pledged our troth and lives to one another.” He searched her precious face to see if there was a hint of distress.
She squeezed his hand and smiled. “Married, you say?”
“Hmm, yes,” he said softly. “And I’m completely besotted with you.”
“Oh, I like the sound of that,” Penelope murmured as she drew near and pressed her lips to his. “I’m completely besotted with you as well.”
The Duchess of Kenbrooks entered the room wearing a huge grin. “Welcome home, Edward. I mean Your Grace.”
“Felicia, did you hear the news?” Pen called out as she continued to stare at Edward. “We’re married.”
“Really?” The duchess turned to her husband. “Special license?”
Kenbrooks reluctantly shook his head. “Scottish wedding, according to Archer. Very similar to an anvil wedding without the blacksmith.” The duke rubbed a hand down his face. “If Archer’s solicitor says it’s so, then I believe him. Hawksworth is known as one of the best legal minds in the city.”
“Even if his ways are a bit unorthodox,” Penelope said. “I must have a chat with the man. I don’t want him taking my husband away from me ever again.”
“He was supposed to have sent you a letter telling you what had happened but forgot to post it on our way to London.” Edward’s heart flipped in his chest. He would never take for granted that he was lucky enough to marry this exquisite woman without either of them knowing.
“I’m sorry you were worried about me.” Edward drew her near, ready to kiss his Pen again.
“You’re stuck with me. For now, and eternity,”
“Which means you’re stuck with me.” Penelope met him halfway.
He laughed softly. “Indeed, wife.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I never thought I deserved you. And I’m still not at all certain.”
“Nonsense,” she said playfully as she searched his gaze. “You’re a duke.” She batted his arm and smiled. “More importantly, you’re my best friend.”
Edward stole another kiss. “Most importantly, the man who loves you with every fiber of his being.”
“I’ll let you in on another secret, Duke,” Pen whispered. “You’ve married a woman who’s proud to call you her husband, no matter whether you’re a duke or not. You’re perfect just the way you are.”