Page 60 of Her Sinful Duke

While they extended a lukewarm greeting to their own daughter, her husband received a far warmer welcome.

“Ah, Your Grace,” Penelope’s mother exclaimed, gently touching his arm as she spoke. “How lovely it is to have Your Grace in our humble home.”

Penelope’s father shook the man’s hand firmly. “You truly complete our little celebration this evening, Your Grace. Thank you for coming.”

James exchanged an awkward glance with Penelope, but there was nothing either of them could do to make the situation less awkward or unpleasant.

“And how have you been, Your Grace?” Vanessa wondered. “The life of a duke must be so very exciting!” She said, clapping her hands in amusement.

James frowned with a dismissive half-shrug. “Duties and obligations, I’m afraid.”

He was then showered with numerous questions regarding his well-being, his business, his estate. While they were excitedly talking to the duke, Penelope seized the moment to embrace Adeline. The very presence of her sister soothed her. It reminded her that even in a storm, there was a safe harbor for her.

Finally, they all sat down to dinner, and Penelope glanced at the clock on the wall. She swallowed heavily, realizing that there were still at least three hours of this torture left to endure.

As the evening progressed slowly, with each moment feeling like an entire hour to Penelope, Vanessa’s attention remained firmly fixed on James. She sat beside him, her every gesture and word directed towards him with an intensity that made Penelope’s unease grow with each passing second.

“James, do tell me about your travels,” Vanessa said, her voice sweet and melodious as she leaned in closer to him. “I’ve always found tales of adventure so captivating.”

James shifted uncomfortably in his seat, casting a quick glance at Penelope, who was seated across from him. Her parents, seated at either end of the table, seemed equally enthralled by Vanessa’s attentions. Only Adeline remained silent, almost invisible at the table.

“Oh, I’m afraid I’ve mostly traveled for business, rarely for pleasure,” he replied diplomatically, obviously in an effort to steer the conversation away from himself. “But tonight is about celebrating your return home, isn’t it? I do believe you should grace us with your stories instead of me boring you with mine.”

Penelope’s parents exchanged a knowing glance, but her father nodded agreeably. “Of course, Your Grace. But you are our esteemed guest.”

“Yes,” Vanessa’s smile widened, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. “And I’ve been told that you have such interesting stories to tell.”

“You are too kind,” James replied, “but I’m afraid that in this particular case, you have been told something that wasn’t entirely true.”

“Why don’t you share something with us and then allow me to be the judge of that?” Vanessa asked.

Seeing no way out, James recounted the tale of his travels to Spain with Vanessa listening to him as if in a trance.

Penelope felt a mixture of frustration and resignation as she watched the scene unfold. She knew her parents’ preference for one daughter over the other, and that was nothing new, but this evening, it felt especially pronounced. And James, caught in the middle of it all, seemed to enjoy the attention.

“My, my, my, thatisa captivating tale!” Vanessa said, clapping her hands joyfully.

“And how was your journey?” James asked politely.

Penelope shot a glance in her sister’s direction, but Vanessa didn’t acknowledge it. “Oh, it was absolutely wonderful!” Vanessa assured them all.

Penelope’s teeth gritted against each other in an effort not to say anything. She couldn’t believe it. She honestly couldn’t believe that someone had the nerve to act in such a manner when everyone around her knew the truth.

“I was hoping to stay a little longer visiting more places up in the North,” Vanessa admitted with a smile, “but I missed my family too much and had to return.”

Penelope cleared her throat so loudly that everyone looked in her direction. Her eyes were a blaze of fire, shooting right at her sister, who seemed to be willingly oblivious to it.

“I remember, this one time I was walking through York…” Vanessa started, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she recounted tales of her imaginary travels, her animated gestures drawing everyone’s attention. Penelope couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy as she watched her sister effortlessly command the room. She knew she had to do something.

“Indeed, York is quite renowned for its historical charm,” Penelope interjected smoothly, her tone light yet probing. “Pray tell us more about the Minster. I’ve heard it is the most magnificent cathedral in all of England.”

Vanessa hesitated for the briefest moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features before she continued. “Oh yes… the Minster was quite remarkable. The architecture was awe-inspiring and the stained glass windows were breathtaking.”

Penelope leaned forward slightly, her smile never wavering. “And did you have the pleasure of walking along the city walls? I understand they offer the most splendid views of York.”

Vanesa faltered again, clearly searching her memory for details. “Why yes, I took a lovely walk along the city walls. The views were indeed spectacular.”

“And did you happen to visit the famous Royal Crescent?” Penelope inquired, her eyes gleaming with a hint of early triumph.

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