Page 54 of Saved By the Rakish Duke

After barely acknowledging Lord Gloushire, His Grace immediately began introductions between Penelope and the gentlemen who turned out to be Duke of Montguard as well as the Marquess of Wayshell—whom Penelope had been waiting for and anticipating since arriving at tonight’s ball.

She attempted to keep herself interested in the discussion, but when Lord Gloushire excused himself and began walking away, she couldn't help but feel that she was now wasting time as well as an opportunity that held any real promise of bringing an end to the seemingly endless hunt.

With this in mind, she also excused herself—much to His Grace’s visible shock and bewilderment—and began searching through the crowd for him.

Just when Penelope thought she had spotted him again, she was caught off-guard by the dowager duchess locking arms with her and whispering, “Pet, this lovely gentleman has just asked to be introduced to you.”

Penelope couldn’t hold back her exasperated sigh as the dowager duchess herded her back towards their table. “I thank you, Your Grace, but I was hoping to visit the powder- Oh.”

Evidently, the gentleman who had requested the introduction was none other than the very one whose attention Penelope had worked so hard to catch with her fan.

“Lady Penelope, it is a pleasure to introduce the Viscount Fernside,” Her Grace chirped. “The very moment he saw that you had finished your conversation with the others, he bolted over to request that I introduce you both.”

“Your Grace...” the viscount half-heartedly protested, before bowing towards her. “How do you do, Lady Penelope?”

Penelope couldn’t help but smile at his nervousness. From this close, it was easy to tell that he was either exactly her age—or perhaps a year or so older. His skittishness very much reminded Penelope of herself when she was first learning how to flirt.

“I’m very well, thank you, Lord Fernside,” she chuckled, attempting to put him at ease. “I do hope you can say the same. Are you enjoying the ball so far?”

“Yes, thank you.” He awkwardly cleared his throat. “But it would be more enjoyable if I could perhaps have a dance wit-”

“Lady Pen!” hissed the Duke of Blackmoore, grabbing her arm. “Can I speak with you?”

“In a moment, Your Grace.” She shook her arm free. “As you can see, I am busy at the moment.”

The duke turned to her companion unsmiling and bemused. “Fernside, you may leave us now.”

“Yes, Your Grace, of course,” the younger man hastily answered, flashing Penelope one last sheepish glance as he left.

“What wasthatfor?” she asked indignantly.

“Please...” His Grace rolled his eyes, “A scoundrel like Fernside isn’t even worth practicing on.”

“He was perfectly sweet!” she protested, causing him to raise his eyebrows.

The duke clicked his tongue. “Did you learnnothingfrom our latest lesson? Fernside is far from ‘sweet’, he’s a gambler who latches onto anyone and everyone who could potentially lend him money.”

Penelope’s eyes widened in surprise. “I beg your pardon? That bundle of nerves couldn’t have possibly been-”

“It’s true,” His Grace drily insisted. “It’s rather unfortunate, but he got into races and cards when he was quite young. He's one of the few who managed to get barred from Gillingham’s for a reason, you know.”

He whispered even lower, “But never mind that now, what on earth has gotten into you? Do you know how long it took for me to pry both Montguard and Wayshell out of the other guests’ palms just to have you dismiss them without even giving them the time of day?”

Penelope exhaled, “I’m sorry, Your Grace. I didn’t mean to embarrass you, but I believe I was making real headway with Lord Gloushire.”

“Gloushire?” His Grace frowned. “As in the Viscount Gloushire? Didn’t you say you were going to aim higher?”

“That’s whatyouadvised.” She took out her fan, feeling her blood growing hotter the longer they spoke. “And look at what we have to show for it! I might actually stand a chance with Lord Gloushire—who’s perfectly agreeable and upright—but somehow evenheisn’t good enough. So then tell mewhois?”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Maybe we should discuss this elsewhere. Tell my mother that you’re going to the powder room, then meet me in the West Gardens, near the hanging wisteria archway.”

Penelope shot him an annoyed look, incredulous that immediately after she had lamented where following his orders had led them, he was now giving her even more to follow.

“Please...” he gave her a small smile, “trust me just one more time.”

CHAPTER18

Only once Duncan had finally caught sight of her did he finally feel like he could breathe again. Despite her irritation with him, Lady Penelope presently stood next to the archway—wringing her hands in nervousness—just as he had requested.

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