Chapter Twenty-Six #2
“I dismissed the first as simply a distracted driver,” Simon admitted, running a hand over his brow in frustration.
“However, the second incident was blatantly obvious. In fact, the coachman marked me as I crossed the street and sped up, veering toward me and into opposing traffic. And I have the distinct feeling that I am being followed. Indeed, today a rather unsavory fellow trailed me as I made my way toward my barrister’s offices.
I know I saw the glint of a blade when I glanced over my shoulder at the man.
Once he realized I was aware of his presence, whatever nefarious intent he might have entertained was apparently abandoned.
The man ducked down an alley, and when I investigated, he was nowhere to be seen.
” His voice dropped, rough with worry. “I am loath to admit that a recent conversation with Penelope leads me to question the possibility of mere coincidences.”
Lucien let out a strangled noise of disbelief. “You can’t be serious, Simon. Do you honestly believe your new bride has a hand in this?”
Simon scowled, his brow furrowing deeply as a swirl of thoughts battled for dominance in his mind.
“No. Maybe. Damn…I cannot say for certain that she is uninvolved. Her parents have this bizarre notion that an annulment is still possible, even at this late stage,” he vented, frustration evident in the sharpness of his tone.
“It’s no secret that this marriage was forced upon us both.
Perhaps a devious plan has been concocted to rid themselves of an inconvenient husband. ”
Wylder regarded Simon with a calm expression that reflected both his concern and his steadfastness.
“If someone harbors ill intentions toward you, then yes, it’s reasonable to feel alarmed.
But I genuinely believe you are mistaken to suspect Penelope.
” His tone was firm, every word laced with conviction.
“The girl adores your family, particularly Emily. She would never dream of harming them to escape her position as your wife. Besides, she has been infatuated with you for quite some time. You’ve just been unwilling to notice. ”
“Infatuated?” Simon echoed in disbelief, even as his heart thumped faster at the possibility Penelope held even a small degree of fondness for him. “That hardly seems plausible.”
“But it’s true,” Wylder insisted, his gaze unwavering.
“Emily shared with me that Penelope has always held a tendre for you, even if it was from a distance. Of course, with our reputations as rakehells, we were far too reckless and wild to be seen as proper company for innocent young women like them.”
Simon clenched his jaw, suppressing the urge to point out that his own sister’s innocence had hardly been a barrier when it came to Wylder’s own advances. Not that he could deny the love between Wylder and Emily. The two were positively devoted to one another, as were Lucien and Charlotte.
Lucien’s voice broke through the stillness that had fallen over the trio of men. “What are you going to do about it, Simon?”
“I’m hiring a couple of Bow Street Runners before I leave for Willow Hill,” Simon said, leaning against the terrace wall with his arms crossed, the evening light casting shadows across his face. “While they’re investigating, I thought you two could keep your ears open as well.”
Wylder raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Do you suspect Lord Grant could be involved?”
“I don’t believe so, but anything is possible,” Simon replied, shaking his head.
“If this is truly happening, it makes more sense that her parents would be behind it. If something were to happen to me, Penelope’s inheritance, as well as a settlement from my estates, would be solely hers.
And I can’t shake the feeling that Lady True would welcome the opportunity to seize it all for herself.
She’s still furious that Penelope defied her and went through with the wedding. ”
Lucien shifted his stance and stubbed out his cigar against the cool stone wall. “You are considering a visit to your country estate then?”
“Yes,” Simon acknowledged. “By the end of this week, actually.”
“You know,” Lucien offered, “Penelope is welcome to stay with Charlotte and me if you’d prefer she isn’t left alone. We would love to have her visit. It might provide her with some comfort during this unsettling time.”
Simon shot a fierce glare at his well-meaning friend, his dark-blue eyes blazing with suppressed rage. “What kind of husband do you believe I am, Lucien? Do you truly think I would leave my wife behind in London?”
“What manner of husband are you?” Wylder mocked with a raised eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he interjected into the conversation.
“The kind who would tell his wife that he has no intention of escorting her to various social functions and then expect her to understand,” he replied in a dry tone.
Simon’s thoughts darkened. My own damned words are coming back to haunt me.
“That may be true,” he conceded reluctantly, his voice softening slightly. “But Penelope will accompany me to Willow Hill. If she is indeed the one orchestrating the near misses on my life, it will become glaringly clear there. Either way, I’ve no intention of letting her out of my sight.”
Wylder’s tone turned teasing, though his eyes remained sharp.
“Dare we hope that you are developing a genuine attachment for your wife? Have you successfully introduced the lovely countess to the illicit pleasures of your bedchamber?” he asked, a chuckle escaping his lips.
“If you have, it’s a good sign that she’s not yet run screaming from you upon learning the depths of your depravity. ”
“That is none of your damned business, Wylder,” Simon growled through gritted teeth.
“But rest assured, Penelope and I have discovered a shared appreciation for reward and punishment,” he added, the corner of his mouth twitching as he contemplated their complex relationship.
“May I count on you to investigate any rumors you might hear regarding Penelope and me? Anything that appears strange or unusual.”
Wylder’s expression sobered in an instant as he clasped a reassuring hand on Simon’s shoulder. “You needn’t even ask, Simon. Lucien and I are at your service. As brothers should be.”
Simon relaxed, knowing he could trust these two men with his very life. “I am relieved to hear it. Now, I should return to the ballroom and hope that my wife is still standing where I left her. If she’s not, I shall be very disappointed.”
Lucien laughed softly. “I do believe our wives delight in vexing us, and I am convinced they have ulterior motives for every act of disobedience.”
“I believe you may be right,” Simon replied, his blood heating at the thought of correcting Penelope’s behavior. Her reactions made him think she enjoyed those moments as much as he did. “And I suspect I shall put that theory to the test later this evening in the privacy of our bedchamber.”