Page 11 of A Duke's Wicked Secret
“Your words mean a lot to me to hear you say, Ms Ainsworth, but what makes you so certain of this?”
“Suffice it to say I have seen what madness is truly like, and you most certainly are not mad. It seems very clear to me that all this talk of you being mad is just the cruel and untrue gossip the ton thrives on,” answered Penelope.
“Well, aside from Mr Davenport and my household servants, you may be the only other person in the ton who sees me as sane. Your kindness is very touching,” said Theo.
“You,Theo, are the kind one …” answered Penelope softly.
With this answer, Theo leaned towards her, and as he moved his hand to her cheek, he brushed a stray curl from her face. Penelope’s breath quickened, and her lips ached for his, but just before he made contact with her mouth, he backed away.
Penelope had been so lost in the excitement of her growing passions and the warm heat stirring between her thighs that she had not noticed the sounds of the others moving from their seats, signifying the end of the musicale. Before anyone reached the area where she sat, Theo had disappeared from there, leaving Penelope to wish he were there still.
Chapter 5
Henry stopped at his favourite gentleman’s club after he had suddenly left the musicale. He raged as he thought back on what he had seen from the edge of the doorway, unbeknownst to either Penelope or Theo. He stood in the shadow of the doorway and covertly watched the pair as he seethed with jealousy. It was inappropriate for the duke to take such liberties with Penelope, hurt or not.
Who was he to think he could take off her glove and run his hands all over her bare skin? thought Henry. What angered him more about this scene was the clear attitude Penelope was behaving with. From her demeanour, anyone could see that she was infatuated with the duke.
How could she allow herself to develop feelings for the idiot? She knows he is crazy. Besides, she is supposed to be mine. That was always the plan.Finally, he could not bear it any longer and stormed out of the room, heading towards the exit where he yelled at the footmen to fetch him his horse.
Henry hated that he had not dared to face the duke and call him out for his improper behaviour, but for now, a glass of brandy would have to soothe his outrage. As he drank it down and started to pour a second glass, he noticed Mr Lancaster making his way over to him.
“Mr Carlton, tell me what is bothering you so? inquired Rupert.
“It is nothing; I am fine. I just needed a drink in peace if you do not mind,” answered Henry impatiently.
“Oh, I thought we were closer compatriots than that. Unburden yourself now, my good lad, and perhaps I can help,” Rupert urged.
After Henry had downed a third glass of brandy, he gave in and told Mr Lancaster all he had seen while at the musicale. Rupert was highly intrigued by the tale and told Henry not to share this information with anyone else, and to let him know if Henry saw anything else between the duke and Ms Ainsworth.
“I will go over there now and ensure everything is alright with Ms Ainsworth. I received an invitation to the musicale and was not going to attend, but now my conscious demands I see all is well with the poor child,” Mr Lancaster stated with an air of importance.
“Here, wait, I will accompany you …” slurred Henry as he struggled to stand on his feet.
“No, my friend, you need to take a chaise home and clear your head. Not to worry. I will see to everything!” instructed Rupert.
***
Penelope quietly excused herself after Theo was gone and went to the sitting room where she could have the privacy she needed. Initially, Penelope had simply intended to have a moment to calm down and regain her composure.
However, when she walked to the desk, Penelope noticed that the key for the sitting room was there and decided to lock the door behind her. After doing so, Penelope sat in the dim corner of the room in the biggest chair and pulled the soft cotton throw over her lap. Then she leaned back and closed her eyes.
Penelope found Theo there in her mind’s eye, smiling down at her. And with her hand, she traced the apple of her cheek where he had brushed his fingertips. Then she began venturing down the course of her body, and with a feather light touch, she surveyed her neck, down her chest exploring each of her breasts.
She toyed with each of her nipples over the material of her dress, then reached within the top so she could caress them directly. Penelope’s body began to awaken further to the purpose of her desires, and before long, her right hand was planted between her open thighs and playing in the wetness dripping down from her hot, peachy mound.
As Penelope stroked her most sensitive spot with her middle finger, her entire body climbed to higher heights. Upon the arrival of her peak, Penelope moaned out load, and froze in utter ecstasy. Once Penelope landed back to the reality of the sitting room around her, she thought how she longed it to be Theo’s hands and body causing her such complete pleasure.
Although she had never experienced anything with a man, she imagined it would be incredible in real life rather than what her inexperienced mind could come up with.
Penelope knew that her presence would be missed if she was gone much longer, so she folded the throw back in its original place, unlocked the door, and left it looking as though no one had ever disturbed its quiet solitude.
Penelope returned to where the rest of the party was located enjoying the small sweets laid out as well as the lemonade the cook had squeezed just before the musicale. No one seemed aware of Penelope’s absence. Once Penelope made her way to where Mr Davenport and Georgina were standing, she was delighted to see how impressed he was with her talent. He was continually complimenting her skill, not just on the piano but also her lovely alto voice.
Georgina appeared completely elated, blushing the brightest shade of red at Mr Davenport’s praise.
“Ms Ainsworth, have you seen His Grace anywhere?” asked Alexander.
“I did see that he left right before the end of the musicale. Possibly he did not wish to converse with everyone?” answered Penelope, trying to sound as natural as possible.
