Page 24 of A Duke's Wicked Secret
“OK, let’s go then. I will ride with you down as close as I can to your home, and then I will watch from a distance to ensure you arrive home safely,” Theo stated.
“That is so kind of you, but it really is unnecessary. I am sure I can make it home all right on my own.”
“I will not hear of it. I insist, Penelope; allow me to escort you as far as I am able,” Theo said firmly.
“If you insist, I will happily accept your company for my ride home. Do not stress too much, though, handsome man. My household is used to me being gone first thing in the morning for my ride, so all I need to do is rumple up my sheets and blankets so that it looks as though I slept there.”
“Ahhh, I had not thought of that. Well, in that case, let us take the long way back to your estate and enjoy the morning for a bit,” suggested Theo.
“I would love that!”
As they rode through the countryside, Theo noticed that Penelope was rather quiet.
“Penelope, is everything all right? You seem so quiet; is something troubling you?”
“No, not really …” Penelope replied.
“That cannot be true. You are never this quiet. What is it; please tell me.”
“I suppose I just wonder how you see me now.”
“What do you mean by that?
“I mean, now that we have been intimate.”
“Oh, Penelope, you mean you are concerned that I might look at you differently now that you are no longer a virgin?”
“Well, yes … I mean … I just …” Penelope stumbled on her words, clearly unable to express what she was thinking.
“It is OK; I understand why you are worried about this, and to calm your fears, Penelope, no, I do not see you any differently or feel any different than before we were intimate together. Well, other than the fact that I feel more bonded to you now, of course.”
“I also feel very close to you now. Is that always the case when two people are intimate together, Theo?” Penelope asked.
“I believe that is how it is intended to be, but that is not always so. Also, Penelope, know that protecting your reputation, with your family and the ton is of utmost importance to me, and I will never risk hurting you in any way.”
“Thank you, Theo, that means so much to me! I love how protective you are and that you care so much about taking care of me, but that it does not turn into possession.”
“Thank you for allowing me to be protective of you! I know that you are a very independent woman, and that you trust me enough to act protectively towards you is very honouring for me.”
“Well, this is as far I should probably accompany you home to ensure we are not seen together. I will ride up to that hill in the distance and in the shade of that birch tree where I cannot be seen, I will watch and make sure you arrive safely.”
“I hate saying goodbye to you Theo … as soon as we say ‘hello,’ I begin dreading ‘farewell.’ I hope to see you and spend a few precious moments alone with you tonight at the opera.”
“Nothing will keep me from being there tonight if I can see your beautiful face there!” Theo replied, and with that, Penelope set off down the way to her home with a huge smile.
Penelope arrived home, and everything appeared as it always did when she returned from her morning rides. Just a few of the servants were starting their work for the day and paid Penelope little attention.
When Penelope got to her chamber door, she looked around and made sure no one saw her slip her key into the keyhole and unlock her door. She quickly rumpled the bed up so it would appear slept in and then set about changing into her dress for breakfast.
Even after dressing, there was still about half an hour until breakfast was served, so she decided to get her journal and sat in the reading nook. Before she started her entry, Penelope leaned against the window, looked out towards the Birch tree that Theo had said he would watch her from, and blew a kiss in that direction even though she knew that he was most assuredly already long gone from the spot.
April Twenty-fifth, 1811
Dear Journal,
Oh, how can I ever begin to express how I feel this morning? I feel as though I am not the same girl that left this room last night. No, she is gone and never to return. In her stead is a woman that looks much akin to her but in truth, she has completely left childhood behind her forever. I feel so different.
I can still feel him inside of me as though he has claimed me as his forevermore. The sheer level of pleasure that I felt as he made love to me was like nothing I have ever experienced before. I just hate that I have no one to share this with.
