Page 41 of A Duke's Wicked Secret
Theo would not say outright that he was going to duel Henry, but he knew that it was obvious what his meaning was to the viscount.
“Why would you take such a risk for my daughter when by rights it should be me doing this?”
Theo paused before he answered him, but his heart told him that he had to tell the man the truth. “Because Your Grace, I care for your daughter more than any woman in the world, and it is my fault that Mr Carlton was jealous of my relationship with her.”
“I do not understand your meaning …”
“I wish to court your daughter, and he proposed to Ms Ainsworth, but she denied him in favour of me. Your Grace, it is my deepest desire to court your daughter if you will allow it,” Theo explained.
As he did this, he knew that the man might slay him where he stood for pursuing his daughter without his knowledge or approval, but Theo felt completely at peace with the risk he was taking. Penelope was worth it.
The viscount’s hands balled into fists, but he said nothing for a long while until, “You may court my daughter. I realise that some of this is my doing for not allowing you to in the beginning. I was wrong about you. You are a worthy suitor for my daughter, Your Grace. I realise that now.”
Theo felt a wave of joy and disbelief wash over him like a wave, and he broke out in a huge smile. He thanked the viscount over and over.
“Enough, it is I that should still be thanking you for saving my daughter and finding out who attempted to end her life. She awoke about an hour ago. Would you like to see her?”
“Yes, My Lord. I would be delighted!”
***
Penelope heard a knock on her chamber door, and when she told her handmaiden to open the door for them, she was stunned to see Theo. Her maid gave them as much privacy as she could, busying herself at the opposite end of the room while they spoke.
“Your Grace, I am so shocked to see you here,” Penelope said, mindful that she had to appear as though she was not close to Theo.
“Your father said I could come and see you. Oh, Penelope, I am so happy to see you and know that you are all right.”
“Yes, I am fine …” Penelope said before her brain caught up with the fact that he had openly called her by her first name in front of someone else, and she knew she must have missed something. “What has happened?”
“I have learned who tried to hurt you, and I told your father as well about my intentions to pursue you, and he has given his approval,” Theo answered, smiling.
Penelope’s heart jumped, and she almost leapt out of her bed, but Theo stopped her. “No, my darling, do not move.”
“But who has done this? What do you mean?”
Theo lowered down closer to Penelope and explained everything to her, and that he was going to duel with Mr Carlton tomorrow. Penelope again tried to get up, but Theo would not let her up more than to lean against her headboard.
“Theo, no. I beg of you do not do this. If you are caught, you will be arrested.”
“I cannot let what he did to you stand. He almost got you killed, Penelope!”
“But why would you put yourself at such a risk for me, and how do you know that they will honour the rules and not try and kill you?” Penelope asked.
Theo smiled softly and brushed the stray curls from her damp face.
“Oh, sweet Penelope, do you truly not know the answer to that by now? I do not wish to court you just for the sake of courting you. I love you and wish to marry you … if you will have me? As for them honouring the rules of the duel, Old Man Philips will oversee the duel and see that everything is upheld as it should be.”
Tears formed in the corners of Penelope’s eyes, and she blinked them back, but one escaped and made its way glistening down her lovely cheek.
“Theo, of course, I will marry you! I love you more than life itself and have dreamed of nothing else but you as my husband for the rest of my days!” Penelope declared overjoyed.
Theo leaned down and kissed her sweetly. “Now, rest my dear.”
“Theo, please promise me, if you must do this … donotkill him. I do not want his blood on your hands, no matter what he has done.”
Theo did not answer her for a long time and appeared to be struggling to decide how to answer her pleadings. “I promise, my love.” And with that, he kissed her hand and left her chambers.
Penelope felt as though she could dance around her room for hours, sprained ankle or not, but she knew that her handmaiden would have a fit if she but moved one toe out of her bed.
