Page 78 of Her Sinful Duke

Penelope met Vanessa’s gaze steadily, her voice calm. “There isn’t much to tell. I’m just grateful to be back home with James.”

“Of course,” Vanessa smiled almost tenderly, but Penelope knew better than to trust anything she said.

The conversation slowly moved to other matters, and Penelope felt more and more apprehensive. Her parents, particularly her father, seemed to hang onto Vanessa’s every word, often interjecting with comments about how lovely and accomplished she was.

“Vanessa has always been such a comfort to us,” he remarked, casting a meaningful glance at Penelope.

Penelope felt a surge of irritation but maintained her composure, determined to stay strong. Under the table, James placed a hand over hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She responded with a slight nod, her eyes reflecting both gratitude and determination.

As the dinner progressed, Penelope’s restraint and grace were evident to everyone present. She greeted each comment with poise, never once allowing Vanessa’s thinly veiled barbs to unsettle her. Penelope felt a swell of pride and admiration for herself, bolstered by James’ unwavering support.

“So, are we going to find out where you were, finally?” her father suddenly announced, obviously unable to remain patient any longer.

Penelope swallowed heavily. She felt James’ hand in hers, squeezing her again then she heard him take over.

“I am so very glad you asked, Lord Montgomery,” James said, smiling amusedly. “Because there is one among you who knows exactly what happened to Penelope.”

The earl and his wife frowned, exchanging a meaningful glance between each other. Penelope, in turn, looked at Adeline. James had told her that she was the one who helped him. Without her, Penelope would still be stuck in that godforsaken place, alone and away from everyone who might be able to help her. She couldn’t believe that Adeline, just like Ciara, risked everything to help her.

“What do you mean?” the earl inquired, still with that same frown adorning his crumpled forehead.

“Exactly what I said,” James repeated with the same calm and composed voice. “And I am giving that person one chance to come clean. Just one.”

Penelope looked at Vanessa, but Vanessa had that same look of surprise and shock as the rest of their family. Penelope couldn’t believe that someone could be so cold and calculating with her own family, her own flesh and blood. Although she knew better, Penelope held onto a small flicker of hope that upon seeing her back, Vanessa might regret her actions and repent. But now, Penelope could see that no such thing was possible. Vanessa felt no remorse. All she knew was selfishness. And that made Penelope feel sorry for her.

Seconds felt like hours, and everyone present exchanged glances with everyone else. Penelope waited, and so did James. Finally, the earl broke the silence.

“Well, is someone going to speak up or not?” he demanded impatiently.

James nodded. “Fine. I suppose it will have to be me. Because I will not allow my wife to go through that again, and alone.” James stood up, clearing his throat before speaking. “My wife was kidnapped, thrown into a carriage in the cover of the night and taken to a place that was supposed to keep her locked up for the rest of her life. Fortunately, she had a guardian angel, someone who risked everything to tell me where she was, so I could go there and bring her back.”

He paused, allowing the words to sink in. Penelope couldn’t tear her gaze away from Vanessa. She still couldn’t believe that someone could harbor so much malice inside of her.

“Who would do such a thing?” the earl asked.

James glanced at him incredulously. “If you were any sort of a father, earl, you would know immediately.”

The earl suddenly got up, his cheeks flaring red from the insult he had just received. “How dare you insinuate that I?—”

“I dare because it is the truth,” James spoke over him. “You were so busy focusing on one daughter that you forgot you have one more… in fact, two more. And the one you bestowed all your affection on is a cold-hearted monster.”

The earl’s eyes widened in shock. “What are you talking about?”

James lingered for a moment then he revealed the truth, much to everyone’s shock. “Your daughter, Vanessa, is responsible for Penelope’s disappearance.”

CHAPTER38

“Lies!” Vanessa shouted, pushing the chair and getting up. “All lies!”

“It is true!” Penelope finally found the courage to speak up, not needing James any longer to fight her battles. He might have opened the door, but she had finally mustered the courage to step through it and show them that they couldn’t treat her like that any longer.

All eyes were on her at that moment. She could feel them, piercing into her mind, trying to see what she was about to say. She would gladly share it with them.

“It is true,” she said much more calmly this time.

It was as if anger had left her, and now, indifference took over. She didn’t care about them any longer. She didn’t care about her mother. She didn’t care about her father. She most certainly didn’t care about Vanessa. Only Adeline. She was the only one she wished to keep in her life.

“Yes, Vanessa,” Penelope said victoriously. “Tell them how you pushed me into a carriage and how you paid a man to take me to St. Catherine’s Nunnery. And I’m certain that you paid the Mother Superior as well because she refused to let me go, no matter how much I begged and pleaded. Tell them the truth, Vanessa… if you are even capable of such a thing.”

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