Page 30 of Her Sinful Duke

“I suppose I am as ready as I’ll ever be,” Penelope agreed, inhaling deeply.

“The duke is waiting for you in the parlor,” Charlotte reminded her.

“Well then, I’d better not keep him waiting,” Penelope said, embracing Charlotte, grabbing her reticule, then proceeding to walk down the stairs towards the parlor.

As Penelope stepped into the parlor, her heart fluttered nervously within her chest, the weight of anticipation hanging heavy in the air. Her gaze swept across the room until it found James, who stood waiting for her with an air of quiet intensity. As their eyes met, Penelope felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks, her pulse quickening at the sight of him. James’ gaze traveled over her, his eyes alight with a mixture of awe and admiration, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

In that fleeting moment, Penelope felt as though she were the only woman in the world, her every flaw and imperfection invisible beneath James’ gaze. She felt a surge of confidence swell within her, buoyed by the intensity of his regard.

“You look… breathtaking,” he said, obviously unable to come up with the right word to convey his true thoughts.

With a smile that spoke volumes, James extended his hand to her, his touch sending a jolt of electricity coursing through her veins. As she placed her hand in his, she felt a sense of completeness wash over her. She felt as if no evil eye of the ton would be able to reach her that evening.

“Thank you,” she replied. “You don’t look bad yourself, Your Grace.”

He laughed. “I like it when you address me like that.”

“So… officially?” she teased, as they stepped out into the evening together.

“Yes,” he murmured close to her ear. “It does something to me.”

“What?” she asked innocently, but she could venture a pretty good guess.

“Perhaps I might tell you all about it when we come back from the ball,” he replied playfully.

“Oh, a serious conversation… Your Grace,” she commented with a mischievous glint in her eye. “I look forward to it.”

“But first, we dance the night away,” he told her, helping her up into the carriage, making her forget all about her doubts and fears. He was by her side, and she felt safer than ever before.

Just then, she realized that James’ grandfather was already in the carriage and had fallen asleep waiting for them.

“Oh!” he exclaimed as soon as she and James stepped inside, and Penelope was equally shocked to see him there.

“It was worth the wait, my dear.” Grandfather adjusted himself in his seat, making room for them both.

“Oh, I’m so sorry that you were waiting,” Penelope apologized, taking a seat.

“We both were,” James corrected her. “But as Grandfather said, it was worth the wait.”

With one wink and a tap on the ceiling of the carriage, their journey had started, and Penelope wondered what the evening would bring.

* * *

As they stepped into the grand ballroom, Penelope could feel the weight of everyone’s stare, their curious gazes lingering upon her like a tangible presence. Her heart fluttered nervously within her chest as she became acutely aware of the attention focused squarely upon them. The grandeur of the ball only seemed to amplify her insecurities, magnifying every self-conscious thought until she felt as though she might crumble beneath the weight of it all.

But then, as if sensing her unease, James’ hand tightened around hers, his touch a comforting anchor in the midst of her uncertainty. She turned to him, finding solace in the warmth of his gaze, his eyes filled with a quiet reassurance that washed over her like a wave of calm.

“Are you all right?” he asked softly, his voice a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves.

“No, not really,” she admitted, seeing no reason to pretend otherwise.

She glanced over at the crowd where James’ grandfather had already found his friends and joined them for what appeared to be amusing banter, led mostly by him. Penelope admired him for being so open and easy-going. For someone like herself, a wallflower, that was incomprehensible.

“You are not alone,” James told her tenderly, his voice bringing her back to the present moment. “I am here with you.”

Penelope felt a surge of gratitude wash over her at his words, her fears melting away in the warmth of his embrace. With James by her side, she felt as though she could face anything, the weight of the world lifting from her shoulders as she surrendered to the comfort of his presence.

“Ah, Your Grace!” someone in the crowd shouted, and a couple approached them.

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