Page 4 of Saved By the Rakish Duke

His ghastly remark echoed in her ears long after she had left him. But as she ran upstairs to begin packing, the words breathed life into a new resolve within her.

There’s no other way. Imustfind a husband before this trip is over.

CHAPTER2

Penelope and her mother were practically swept off their feet the moment they arrived at Blackmoore Manor. The entire household appeared to be in a flurry of activity as the butler took their bags and explained that their rooms would be ready shortly.

Even before they had stepped into the drawing room, the Dowager Duchess of Blackmoore was already calling out to them.

“Oh, you little dears!” she exclaimed, her hands clasped together in excitement. “Come in, come in!”

Her energy was so infectious even Mother couldn’t help but smile. “You look well, Gertie.”

Once the two friends had released each other from their hug—still showering each other in compliments—their vibrant host turned her attention to Penelope, pulling her in for cheek kisses.

“My, my, what did I do to have such a lovely goddaughter?” the dowager duchess’ kindly eyes beamed.

“Oh, Your Grace, I’m sure you say that to everyone.” Penelope chuckled.

“Not so!” The older woman shook her head fervently, “Honestly! You and your mother are one and the same—always doubting the compliments paid to you.”

She lightly pinched Penelope’s cheek. “Youarebeautiful, my dear. AndI’mno liar. Now! Sit yourselves down and we’ll have them bring in a fresh pot of tea. I want to hear everything!”

Penelope stole a concerned glance at Mother but was surprised to see that she actually seemed somewhat enthused.

I can already feel the weight in my chest easing.

The servants arrived with tea, biscuits, cake slices, and fruits galore.

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t come to John’s funeral, especially afteryouwere so wonderful to me when my Barry died,” the dowager duchess sighed, filling their teacups. “But as I explained in my letter, we happened to be in South Bridlar at the time.”

“There’s no need to apologize,” Mother squeaked out. “In truth, I hardly knew where my own hands and feet were the entire time. The only reason we got anything done at all is because Penelope has been so wonderful.”

The duchess reached for Mother's hand. “Thank Providence for our children, no?” she smiled. “I don't know what I would have done after Barry’s death if it wasn’t for- Oh, but this isn't about me. Carry on, my dear, I’m sorry.”

Penelope sipped her tea, inevitably noting the stark contrast between the two older women before her. Yes, they both had full heads of white hair done up in neat little buns and laugh lines around their eyes, but Mother looked ever so frail next to her gregarious friend.

The dowager duchess did a wonderful job of steering the conversation towards more lighthearted topics: the newest fashion styles, upcoming parties, new recipes learned, and so on.

However, Penelope noticed one main aspect of conversation that had yet to surface: the gossip. Any tidbits could prove vital in helping Penelope accomplish her goal.

Returning her cup to its saucer, she waited for an opportunity to nudge the conversation in that direction.

“Oh, we simply must go together!” beamed the dowager duchess. “The Marchioness of Oakhurst took me right after we got back from our trip, and I haven’t been able to get the songs out of my head since.”

Ah! There’s my chance.

“The opera sounds lovely, Your Grace,” Penelope chimed in. “And did you mention the Marchioness of Oakhurst? I thought I read something the other day about her daughter-”

“Oh, I’m sure those reports were greatly exaggerated,” the host cut her off rather uncharacteristically.

Penelope did her best to hide her confusion at this peculiar reaction—but she evidently didn’t hide it well enough because the dowager duchess suddenly apologized,

“I hope you’re not offended, pet.” She fidgeted with her hands. “Most gossip is just- it's not even worth paying any mind to.”

“You are quite right, Your Grace.” Penelope smiled, somewhat surprised that the dowager duchess was evidently quite fond of the Marchioness of Oakhurst’s family.

It seems I shall have to find another source to learn of new prospects.she sighed to herself.

---