Page 46 of A Duke's Wicked Secret
Bessie agreed and gave her about half the amount she had poured for her last night, and once Penelope had swallowed it down and drank a glass of water to wash away the horrid taste, she laid her head on her soft feather pillow and fell fast asleep.
Chapter 18
The next few weeks went by quickly, with Theo and Alexander visiting often. Theo often came and sat for long hours reading some of his favourite novels to Penelope as well as anything that she needed. He babied her continuously, and although she often protested that he did not need to, it was clear to him that Penelope actually loved how attentive he was with her.
By the third week, Penelope was well enough to go out riding again, but she kept it to nothing more than a slow walk. Still being able to go out on her morning rides once more and seeing Theo alone without anyone looking over their shoulder at them was so wonderful.
When Theo finally tasted her sweet lips again at their spot in the glen, he felt as though he would lose himself in her, and if he were not careful, he would take her again. But Theo was determined to wait to be intimate with her again until their wedding night. Penelope deserved that from him, and he was going to give her all she deserved as well as the moon and stars if he but could.
“Can you believe our wedding is just a mere seven weeks away? I am so happy you convinced my father to let us marry at the end of this season so we could have a double wedding with Georgina and Mr Davenport.”
“Of course, my love. In all honesty, there is no way I could have waited any longer than what we are waiting. I would marry you today if I could!” Theo declared.
“I feel the same way. Will it not be wonderful when we are man and wife and can be together always?”
“I agree wholeheartedly. On a different topic, though Penelope, there has been something I have been wanting to tell you.”
“What is it, Theo?” Penelope asked.
“I wanted to tell you that I have been thinking back on everything surrounding the duel, and how now that I have had time to calm down about it and look back on it all, I am very glad that you had the wisdom not to let me end Mr Carlton’s life.”
“It makes me glad to hear you say this, but why do you say that?”
“I simply now see the wisdom in your decision. I would not have felt right having his blood on my hands, even with the terrible thing he tried to do to you. I want us as a married couple to swear to always come to the other with major choices and only go forward with them if we are both in agreeance over them.”
“I love that and think that is a wonderful plan to have, and it means so much to me that you value my insight and opinion. Not many men would care to take advice from a woman.”
“I think that is ridiculous and short-sighted. I need you. You make me whole and complete. Without you, I am only half the person I was created to be,” Theo stated.
“I love that you think of it as two halves of one whole. It is such a beautiful way of thinking about it!”
“There is something else that I needed to ask you if you do not mind,” Theo said.
“Not at all,” said Penelope looking out at the water. When she turned her gaze back at Theo, though, she was shocked to see him down on one knee with a ring box in his hand.
“Theo, whatever are you doing?”
“I did not get to do this properly the first time I asked you, so I wanted to rectify that now that I have the opportunity. Ms Penelope Ainsworth, will you do me the honour of being my wife and partner for the rest of my life? Nothing on Earth would make me a happier man than to call you my own and to have you by my side forevermore!”
“Oh, Theo, yes! You will always have my heart! I love you more than life itself and long to spend the rest of our lives together! Yes, I will marry you and be your wife!” Penelope replied.
Theo took the ring out of its box and slipped it smoothly onto Penelope’s tiny ring finger. It was a perfect fit. The ring was dazzling, the metal was made of the finest gold, and the centre stone was an extremely large deep blue sapphire with countless tiny diamonds that wrapped around it and all over the band. It truly took one’s breath away to see it. Penelope stared at the ring in awe for a long time.
“What do you think of the ring, my love? Do you like it?”
“I absolutely adore it. I do not believe I have ever seen a ring that is quite its equal! I feel so honoured that you would give such a precious treasure to me, Theo! Thank you so much; it is truly beautiful!” Penelope was so thrilled that she pulled Theo in, kissed him passionately, and had to force herself to stop before things became too intense and they both lost control of their senses and made love right there.
“It was made for a duchess, and that is exactly what you shall be. Many other beautiful pieces of jewellery have been passed down in my family, and they will be yours once we are married. I hope they will also be to your liking.”
“You are so wonderful, Theo. I am sure I will love them all as well.”
“I am sorry it took so long to get this ring to you. I needed to have it resized as I said, but once it was finished, I wanted to wait for a moment when the time felt right, and this is the first time that I felt certain that I should not wait for a better one to come along,” Theo stated.
“Sweet lover, please do not apologise! It was a perfect moment, and it means so much to me that you think about things so particularly and so in depth. I love how much you care even for the smallest of details.”
“Well, I think I tend to over think matters at times, but I am ever grateful that you are such a patient woman and see the value in my considerations. I do strive to do all things to the very best of my ability.”
“You do many a thing with great skill and expertise,” Penelope said with a sensual smile.
