Page 39 of The Duchess' Ultimatum
“So what?”
“So congenial.” He raised a knowing eyebrow, which had Dorian taking a sip of his drink in an effort to give himself time to think.
Not that all the time in the world would make much of a difference. For that to be the case, Dorian would need an answer. And just as his friend was confused about the situation at hand, so was Dorian.
Is it worth pretending that my relationship with Penelope hasn’t changed these past two weeks? And is it worth pretending that I don’t want it to?
Things had been so much easier when Dorian and his wife were on the same page. Neither wanting their marriage to work. Neither wanting to be in one another’s life. Even the deal they had made, where it was odd and would likely cause some tension, that she planned on leaving once it was done felt like a stay of execution, leaving Dorian free to pretend he did not have to worry.
It was these last few days where all that had changed.
Dorian remembered a few evenings ago, when Barabra had joined them for supper. How effortless it had been. How enjoyable – possibly the most he’d enjoyed himself in years. His sister too. And when he’d walked Penelope to her room and asked her that favor…
He was not such a fool that he couldn’t tell what had been on her mind. That was not his purpose, but that she reacted that way was telling. If Dorian did not know any better he would have saidthat his wifewantedhim. And not because he could give her a child, but because she was attracted to him physically in ways she hadn’t been before.
And he wanted her too.
Still, he was not sure what that meant exactly. If he should act on how he felt, or if he should push her back and pretend otherwise. One would see her leave and he would be free from her for good. While the other… was there a chance that something might develop between them? And if so, what exactly?
“There is nothing to explain,” Dorian said simply, forced to look away from his friend because the lie would be obvious on his face. “She is here to help me and once the party is done with, she will go home.”
“But why is she here to help?” Joseph pressed. “To what end – for three years you were happy to pretend she did not exist. What changed?”
Dorian balked… but only for a second. “Barabra,” he lied. “I knew that she would be able to help me with my sister. That is the reason.”
Joseph narrowed his eyes. “As you say. Even if it seems to me that there is more to this little… whatever it is, than you are willing to admit.”
“How do you mean?”
“Oh, come on, Dorian,” he scoffed. “The duke I know would never need his wife to step in for him – he would never allow it. And that she did…” He shrugged and threw back the rest of his drink. “She cares for you.”
“She doesn’t.”
“She does,” Joseph countered. “Just as you care for her…”
Dorian scowled at his friend in warning, not willing to discuss this further because he did not warrant discussion. But he knew well enough why his friend thought the way he did, just as he knew the lies were getting harder to swallow.
It had felt strangely nice to have Penelope defend him today. Not something Dorian wanted, but to have her there in his corner, defending him was unlike anything he had experienced. It had always been he who looked after those that needed it, never thinking that someone might want to do the same for him.
Never thinking that someone would care for him enough to do it.
Does she care for me though? Beyond what I can give her? Beyond mere attraction? Am I simply reading into what isn’t there?
“Whatever it is…” Joseph started across the room where he put his empty glass down. “It is good for you. I will say that much.”
“How do you mean?”
Joseph turned and smiled. “I’ve known you most of your life, Dorian. Since before you left for the war – and since you returned. You might be the middle sibling, but you’ve always acted as if you were alone. Dammit, as if youwantedto be alone. And I guess that…” His smile grew. “It is nice to see that there is someone else in your life that you might care for. Who thinks to do the same for you, for a change.”
Dorian had no idea what to say to that.
Luckily it was then that Reginald arrived and told the two men that supper was waiting. Dorian threw back his drink and walked with Joseph to the dining room table where he was greeted by a sight that made his heart soar.
First there was Barbara, dressed elegantly in a flowing gown, looking a little awkward but laughing softly at something that Penelope was saying to her.
Next was Penelope, and when she caught Dorian watching her she winked, and he beamed. He had asked her to bring Barbara into the light, and she was doing it without question. Not because he offered her anything. Not because she had to, or thought to use it against him. But because she wanted to do it. Because she wanted to help.
Dorian took his seat at the head of the table and Penelope took the one to his immediate right.
