Page 58 of Her Sinful Duke

“I really don’t want to go,” Penelope said in the words of a spoiled child. Only, she had a good reason not to want to go.

“Why not?” Charlotte inquired curiously. “Your sister is back.”

Penelope frowned. “And with her, trouble is back, too.”

Charlotte lifted an eyebrow. “Perhaps she has returned a changed woman in that case?”

Penelope couldn’t help but chuckle at that incredulous suggestion. Such a thing was not possible.

“All Vanessa has ever considered in life is herself and her own needs,” Penelope clarified. “It has been like that from the moment I came into this world. She has never been a sister in the true sense of the word. Adeline, my younger sister, is the only one who cares about me in my family.” She smiled, scoffing. “It actually feels strange to call them my family. James and Grandfather and you, Charlotte, have been more of a family to me in this short period of time than they have for the duration of my entire life.”

Charlotte smiled. “Sometimes, we are fortunate enough to choose our family.”

“Indeed, dear Charlotte.” Penelope agreed. “That is why I am so reluctant to leave this beautiful home and go… there. Even if it is only for several hours.”

“It is just a dinner, Your Grace,” Charlotte reminded her. “And you will be there with your husband, the man who loves you and whom you love.”

Penelope blushed at the mention of love. The truth was that neither of them had yet admitted such deep emotions. She was in no rush to have those words said. They would come when the time was right. And in the meantime, she would enjoy the path that led to that destination.

Charlotte walked over to the wardrobe and chose a fitting gown. It was a beautiful shade of peach with shimmery details on the lace around the neckline and on the sleeves. She proceeded to place it against Penelope, showing her what it would look like.

“You will look stunning tonight, Your Grace,” she said. “This gown looks as if it was made for you.”

“Thank you, Lottie,” Penelope managed a small smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “You always know how to make me feel beautiful.”

Charlotte proceeded to bustle around her mistress, helping her put on the gown, carefully selecting the jewelry, and adjusting the folds. Although Penelope was warmed by Charlotte’s encouraging words, the evening’s dinner party loomed ahead, and it filled Penelope with a mix of dread and resignation.

Charlotte picked up a brush and began gently working through Penelope’s hair, preparing it for an elaborate style. Penelope couldn’t stop thinking about Vanessa and what her return would bring.

Growing up, Penelope was always seeking her parents’ approval, trying to earn their love, but no matter what she did, it was never enough. They always had their own plans and ambitions, and they never involved Penelope. Vanessa had been the most important child. The golden child. So, her running away was a big blow to her parents. But now that she was back, everything would go back to the way it was. Only Penelope didn’t care any longer.

Charlotte was standing behind Penelope, clearly attuned to her mistress’ distraught state of mind.

“Let’s start with a few loose curls at the front to frame your beautiful face, Your Grace,” she spoke tenderly as her fingers deftly worked through the Penelope’s soft hair. She carefully separated sections lifting them gently to ensure that they fell just right. Her touch was light yet precise, certainly from years of skill and experience.

Penelope watched in the mirror as Charlotte worked, her movements sure and graceful. She couldn’t help but focus on Charlotte’s fingers instead of her own troubled thoughts.

“Your hair is so lovely, Your Grace,” Charlotte commented as she worked. “It is such a pleasure to style it.”

“Thank you, Lottie,” Penelope replied, appreciating her friend’s concern as well as expertise. Usually, Charlotte didn’t speak much while she was doing Penelope’s hair. This was different. She sensed that Penelope needed a distraction, and she knew exactly what to do.

Next, Charlotte began gathering the remaining hair at the back of Penelope’s hair. She twisted and pinned sections into a loose chignon, allowing a few tendrils to escape and cascade down naturally. The style was elegant, yet effortless, perfectly suiting Penelope’s understated beauty. With each pin placed, Charlotte took a moment to step back and assess her work, adjusting the placement to achieve the desired look. She tucked a few small sprigs of delicate flowers into the chignon, adding a touch of whimsy and softness.

“Hold still for just a moment, Your Grace,” Charlotte instructed, adjusting one last bit of loose hair. “All done.”

Penelope looked at her reflection, marveling at how Charlotte had transformed her hair into a work of art. The curls framed her face perfectly, and the chignon added a touch of sophistication.

“Thank you, Lottie,” she said gratefully. “You’ve done a marvelous job as always.”

“It is my pleasure,” Charlotte replied, pleased with both her work and Penelope’s reaction. “You are now ready to face the evening, and you’ll undoubtedly be the most beautiful lady there.”

Strangely enough, Penelope felt a renewed sense of confidence and hope at her friend’s words.

Perhaps it would be just a dinner, she thought to herself.

She got up, turning to Charlotte and taking her hands into her own, squeezing them gently. “Thank you so much, Charlotte. Your friendship and your kindness mean more to me than you could ever imagine.”

Next, Penelope took a deep breath, readying herself. She descended the grand staircase, each step echoing softly in the opulent hall, mirroring the loud beating of her heart. The delicate rustle of her gown mingled with the quiet hum of evening activity in the manor. As she reached the bottom of the staircase, her eyes found James waiting for her.

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