Page 31 of Her Sinful Duke

The woman was a grand dame, adorned in jewels and finery, her presence commanding attention, and her husband was a distinguished gentleman with a curious glint in his eyes. The lady swept forward with an air of grandeur, her voluminous skirts swishing around her as she extended a bejeweled hand in greeting.

“Ah, my dears, welcome!” she exclaimed with a warm, melodious voice that belied her imposing stature. “We were all wondering if you would attend our humble ball.”

“Lord and Lady Ravenscroft, it is always a pleasure,” James bowed. Penelope knew that now, it would be his turn to introduce her as his wife, but he didn’t get the chance to do so because the host interrupted him.

“And who might this charming young lady be?” Lord Ravenscroft inquired, his tone polite but inquisitive. “Is this your wife, Your Grace?”

“Yes,” James nodded, still holding Penelope by the hand. “This is my lovely wife, Penelope Chapman, the Duchess of Huntington.”

“Oh, my, my, my! She is utterly ravishing! Beyond words!” Lady Ravenscroft gushed over Penelope, who thought this was all a little too much, but it seemed that it was simply how Lady Ravenscroft reacted to most everything in life: theatrically and overly done.

“Yes, indeed,” her husband immediately agreed.

Penelope smiled. “Thank you both. You are so kind for inviting us to your lovely event.”

“It would not be much of an event without such esteemed guests, my dear,” Lord Ravenscroft commented, then he exchanged a knowing glance with his wife, their smiles widening.

“How lovely it is to be newlyweds,” Lady Ravenscroft gushed, her voice filled with genuine warmth. “We must make sure to show you both a splendid time tonight!”

“Oh, we are fine just watching from the sidelines,” James assured them.

“Nonsense!” Lord Ravenscroft waved his hand. “It is imperative that you return home this evening with a good impression.”

“That is already done,” Penelope assured them.

At that moment, someone called out to them, and Lady Ravenscroft pressed her hand gently on Penelope’s shoulder. “Do excuse us, dears, but being hosts comes with many responsibilities. We shall join you a bit later.”

“By all means,” James bowed as they watched them disappear in the crowd of people.

Penelope exhaled deeply, instinctively moving closer to James.

“They are a bit too much, I know,” James whispered into her ear. “Let’s hope the worst has passed.”

“It was fine,” she assured him, gently squeezing his hand.

“You know, there is a way to hide from everyone in plain sight,” he said mysteriously. “Everyone will see us, but no one will be able to talk to us. It isn’t allowed.”

“Really?” Her eyes widened in surprise. “How is that possible?”

“Easy,” he said with a smile. “Just dance with me.”

“Oh!” she laughed. “How clever!”

“Would you like to?” he asked more tenderly, gazing sweetly into her eyes.

“Yes,” she nodded, blushing a little under his gaze.

CHAPTER16

“You’re trembling,” he observed as they stepped into the spotlight.

He knew, just as well as she did, that all eyes were on them. Only, he didn’t care. He had gotten used to it a long time ago, but she had not. All of this was new to her. As James swept Penelope into the dance, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of exhilaration coursing through his veins. The grand ballroom seemed to shrink around them, leaving only the two of them twirling gracefully across the polished floor.

“Everyone is looking,” she whispered.

“Let them,” he urged. “They can’t help it because you are positively glowing tonight. I fear I may be overshadowed by your radiance even though I put on my Sunday best.”

He felt a surge of affection welling within him as Penelope’s laughter danced through the air, her cheeks flushed with amusement at his jest. Her response filled him with warmth, and he stood proudly, holding her in his arms.

---