Page 59 of Her Sinful Duke

She drank in the sight of him as he was standing near the foot of the staircase, impeccably dressed in a dark tailcoat and a crisp white cravat. The soft lighting of the hall cast a warm glow over his handsome features, highlighting his strong jawline and the intensity of his gaze. He looked every bit the dashing gentleman, and Penelope couldn’t help but think how handsome he was.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. James’ eyes locked onto hers, and a slow smile spread across his face as he took in her appearance.

“Penelope,” he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “You look absolutely breathtaking.”

Penelope felt a blush rise to her cheeks, his words making her heart aflutter. “Thank you, James. You look very handsome yourself,” she replied, her voice soft but sincere.

James extended his hand to her, and she placed her gloved hand in his. “Shall we?” he asked, his eyes never leaving hers.

Penelope nodded, feeling a warmth spread through her at his touch. They headed towards the carriage, stepping out into the cold, evening air. The coachman, standing dutifully by the door, tipped his hat when he saw them approach. James helped Penelope into the carriage, his hand steady and reassuring. She settled onto the plush seat, smoothing her gown as James climbed in after her and closed the door behind them.

As the carriage started to move, Penelope glanced at James, their proximity in the enclosed space making her heart beat a little faster. She couldn’t imagine this man being married to her sister now. He was her husband, and she was proud of that. Fate brought him onto her path completely by accident, but it was exactly as Grandfather had told her. Fate had a way of making things happen as they were supposed to happen.

“Penelope?” she heard him call out her name. “Are you all right?”

She smiled reassuringly. “Yes… much better now,” she assured him.

“I’m glad to hear that,” he replied.

They didn’t speak much, but still, the silence didn’t feel suffocating. On the contrary, it felt liberating. She loved being able to just be in someone’s presence and not fill that space with words. She breathed softly, slowly, just appreciating him by her side without any words being exchanged.

The carriage ride seemed to pass quickly even without them conversing. Soon, they were approaching her parents’ grand estate. That was when she felt nervous again. Her stomach clenched angrily, as if she had eaten something too spicy, and now, it was settling inside the pit of her belly like an angry beast. She tried not to let it show.

As the carriage came to a halt, James stepped out first, turning to help her down. She took his hand, her nerves momentarily forgotten in the comfort of his touch. She looked up at her parents’ home. The house was illuminated with lanterns, casting a shimmery glow over the manicured gardens and the imposing façade. It was truly a celebration. That was, at least, what her parents wanted everyone to believe, but she knew better.

Her heart pounded in her chest, knowing that the evening would be a challenge. However, she felt strangely ready.

CHAPTER29

“Penelope!” The front door opened and instead of her parents, Penelope saw Vanessa with her hands outstretched. “How wonderful of you to have made it!”

Without waiting for Penelope to respond, she rushed forward to embrace her sister. The hug seemed warm and affectionate, but Penelope couldn’t shake the feeling that something was not right. Vanessa’s grip was a bit too tight, her smile a tad too wide.

Penelope also couldn’t escape the realization that her sister seemed to have taken great care to look dazzling that evening. Even when she wasn’t trying, she was breathtakingly beautiful, the kind of woman who turned heads wherever she went. This evening, however, she looked more beautiful than ever. Her gown, a deep emerald green, perfectly complemented her striking features and golden hair which was pulled together in a low bun. Her eyes sparkled with an almost ethereal light, and her wide smile was radiant.

Her sister pulled away from her, resting her hands on Penelope’s shoulders. “Let me look at you, my dear sister.”

Penelope gritted her teeth. Her sister had never acted this way towards her.

“Hello, Vanessa,” Penelope smiled kindly but without much affection to her voice. “It is lovely to see you.”

Vanessa then turned her attention towards James. “And this must be the famous duke I’ve heard so much about.”

Penelope bit her tongue not to say anything. How did she have the nerve to speak in such a manner when she knew what she had done? Penelope couldn’t believe such two-facedness. She was fuming, upset that she was a part of this charade.

Before she could say anything, Vanessa threw her arms around James in a hug that lingered a moment too long. Penelope’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief as she locked gazed with a startled James, whose hands spread around Vanessa, but he did not return the embrace. When Vanessa finally pulled away, he smiled awkwardly.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Vanessa,” he spoke politely, bowing before her.

“Oh, it’s Vanessa, please,” she giggled, waving her hand at him. “Do come in you two; Mother and Father are dying to see you!”

The same happened with Penelope’s parents. “Penelope, you look… refreshingly unconventional today,” her mother pointed out. Then, she turned to Vanessa for confirmation. “Doesn’t she, my dear?”

“She most certainly does, Mother,” Vanessa was quick to agree.

Penelope forced a smile. She offered her cheek to her mother, both of them choosing to kiss the air instead of each other. The greeting with her father was far more formal.

“Penelope,” her father nodded curtly.

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