Page 18 of Her Sinful Duke

My dearest Adeline,

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. Although it has not been long since I saw you last, it feels like an eternity since I have enjoyed your company. I find myself remembering your promise and yearning for your presence.

With the arrival of spring, the gardens are in full bloom and alive with the songs of birds. It would be so lovely of you to visit, so we could stroll through the breathtaking blossoms and indulge in a few quiet moments together.

Please, dear sister, consider this letter a heartfelt invitation to come and visit me at your earliest convenience. My new home is ready to welcome you with open arms, and I eagerly anticipate the joy of your company once more.

With all my love,

Your sister, Penelope

Just as she was penning out the last words, a knock on the door interrupted her. Penelope wondered who it could be.

“Yes?” she called out, and the door opened to reveal Charlotte’s cheerful face.

“I apologize for the intrusion, Your Grace,” she said politely, lingering in the doorway, “but I was wondering if you were perhaps in the mood for some tea or something to eat?”

Penelope smiled. “Actually, I am. How lovely of you to ask, Lottie, thank you.”

Charlotte smiled back. “I am your lady’s maid, Your Grace. It is my duty and privilege to look after you.”

“And you are doing such a terrific job of it, I must say. Yes, some tea would be lovely, and please, bring two cups. I would love some company.”

Charlotte nodded, obviously pleased. “It would be my pleasure.”

About fifteen minutes later, the two ladies were seated by the open window of Penelope’s chamber, enjoying the breeze as well as freshly brewed tea along with some scones with strawberry jam. As gentle clinking of porcelain filled the air, Penelope felt a sudden need to speak to Charlotte, seeing her as a friend.

“Are you close with your siblings, Lottie?” Penelope inquired, her voice soft with curiosity.

“Yes,” Charlotte attested, “we are all very close. Father raised all five of us on his own, and I never got to know my mother.”

“Oh,” Penelope felt a tug at her heart. “I am so sorry to hear that.” She wanted to ask what happened, but she was afraid that might be prying.

As if sensing the need to prolong the conversation, Charlotte continued without being prompted to. “She died in childbirth.”

“Your father must have been devastated,” Penelope nodded sympathetically.

“He was,” Charlotte confirmed. “But instead of succumbing to despair, he poured all the love he had into me and my brothers and sisters. And I can never thank him enough for all he has done for us.”

“Do you visit him often?” Penelope asked.

“Yes, we all do,” Charlotte affirmed, her eyes sparkling at the mention of the man to whom she owed her life. “I get one afternoon free every week, and I go to see him. He lives nearby, so I can easily walk there in twenty minutes, spend a few hours with him, and then come back.”

Penelope felt an onslaught of pain wash over her. She wondered what that felt like, to have parents, even least a single parent, who cared deeply about their child, but she was not that fortunate.

“Do you have any siblings, Your Grace?” Charlotte inquired politely.

“I do,” Penelope nodded, stifling a deep, anguishing sigh. “Two sisters. One is older than me, and the other, younger.”

“Are you close with them?”

That was the question Penelope feared. How could she ever explain her family situation to anyone?

“No, not really.” It was Penelope’s turn to smile sadly. Then, she got up and walked over to her escritoire, taking the letter into her hand and showing it to Charlotte. “I hope to rectify that. At least, with my younger sister, Adeline. Vanessa is… traveling. We do not know when she will return, so writing to her would be a futile endeavor.”

“I see,” Charlotte seemed to ponder. “I think your younger sister will welcome a letter from you.”

Penelope liked Charlotte’s cheerful outlook on life, despite her own less than cheerful circumstances. “Thank you for saying that. I appreciate it.”

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