Page 38 of The Duchess' Ultimatum
Not that he ever got the chance.
Penelope turned on Albina, having had enough of her negative attitude and the rudeness she was offering up to her host. “That is quite enough, Albina.”
Albina balked in surprise. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” Penelope said, keeping her tone civil. She made sure to look at her cousin, her tone level, her stare not angry but stern. “I do not know what it is that has gotten into you, but I suggest that you do the smart thing and get over it. Quickly.” A raised eyebrow. “Since arriving here, you have been nothing but rude to my husband, speaking of things you know nothing about, and I ask that if you have nothing nice to say then you keep your mouth shut.”
Albina’s mouth hung open. “I… Penelope, I was not –”
“I am sure you did not mean it,” she continued, her tone turned friendly. “But whatever it is, now is not the time. Is that understood?”
“I… yes. I am sorry. Truly…” Albina’s chin was wobbling as she looked between Penelope and her husband. “I did not mean it…”
“That is quite alright.”
With that said, Penelope turned back to find Dorian watching her with his own look of utmost surprise. At first, Penelope worried that she might have gone too far, as many men did not appreciate their wives fighting their battles for them.
But slowly, his surprised visage took on a smile and a slight shake of the head at himself told her that he found the situation amusing, as well as revealing. She smiled back and when she did he reached across and took her hand under the table.
It was a small gesture, but it sent a pulse through Penelope’s body, a warmth come with it that wrapped her like a blanket. And what should have felt awkward and out of place, as they had never shown any such affection to one another before, felt strangely comfortable. It feltright.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Let me start by apologizing for my wife,” Joseph began as he handed Dorian a glass filled with whiskey. “She is… a little more outspoken than she needs to be.”
“That is one way of saying it.” Dorian took the glass and had a sip. “I will not enlighten you with the other way.”
Joseph grimaced. “I asked her – told her, in fact. Not to say anything. You would not believe the trip here. Or perhaps you would.” He had a long sip of his drink, exhaling as if from pain. “She is not a fan of yours.”
“And the reason?” Dorian asked, another light sip of his drink. “Or is it the usual?” Dorian was used to people thinking poorly of him, a natural consequence of the life he had chosen and his refusal to correct his reputation because he didn’t think it was anybody’s business.
“You wife is to blame, in fact.”
“Penelope?”
Joseph rolled his eyes. “My dear wife seems to have gotten it into her head that you and Penelope are mortal enemies. Every wrong she has suffered, all that has happened to her, and your name is the cause that she returns to.” He sighed deeply and sipped further at his drink. “She blames you for leaving Penelope alone for three years, and she seems to think that her being here now is due to some sort of… I don’t even now,” he scoffed. “That you are forcing her here against her will. She wasn’t exactly clear on what she thought to be the truth.”
“Ah, so she was merely defending my wife. How gallant.”
“And stupid,” Jospeh said. “I assure you, it will not happen again. I have spoken to her and where I cannot say that she is sorry, she promises that she will at least behave herself this weekend.”
“How kind of her.”
Dorian could not help but rudiment on the very real fact that the weekend had not even begun and already it threatened to turn into a complete disaster. And for once, it was not even his fault!
Although I suppose that isn’t entirely true. Despite Albina being very much out of line, she is not wrong in her assumption of the way I treated Penelope in the past. An action for which I am starting to regret…
It was early evening of the same day that Jospeh and his wife had arrived at the estate, shortly before supper was due to be served, which gave Dorian and his friend time alone to share in a single drink as their wives readied themselves – an affair which always took far longer than it did the men.
The remainder of the day had not been entirely unpleasant at least, as once Penelope put Albina in her place, she kept her mouth shut and allowed for the others to enjoy the day.
Such a serene and effortless day it had been, in fact, that Dorian found himself looking forward to supper. But not because he relished the chance to speak further with his old friend. Rather, it was Penelope who had his interest. Which was as unsurprising as it was a problem.
“Speaking of your dear wife,” Joseph began as if he was able to read Dorian’s mind. “Might I ask what exactly is going on with the two of you.”
“How do you mean?”
Joseph snorted. “Come now, Dorian. We can talk around the point and pretend that you have no idea what I am saying. Or you can come out with it.” He looked flatly at Dorian. “What on earth is she doing here? And why on earth are the two of you so…” He clicked his tongue.
