Page 20 of A Duke's Wicked Secret
“Of course, please tell me.”
“She said that on the way home from the ball, my parents bombarded her with enquiries about you and me. My mother had seen you and me dancing and did not think much of it until she was with my father towards the end of the night, and they were approached by Henry.”
“Of course, the weasel would go to them. What did he say?” asked Theo.
“He warned them that he was only trying to do his duty as an old friend but that he had heard the duke saying crazy and wild things to me while we danced and that I should not be allowed near you again.”
“God, blast that man. He is the absolute worst!”
“I know; he is much changed since we were young. My parents asked Georgina if you were courting me and that they did not want me left alone with you at any public events and charged her with keeping an eye on me,” stated Penelope as she finished her synopsis of the note.
“Well, as frustrating as this is, in all actuality, it changes very little, other than I shall have to work all the harder to achieve your father’s trust and approval.”
“Yes, and that worries me. He is the one I inherited my stubborn streak from,” answered Penelope reflectively.
“Penelope, are you sure you are OK with this? You can refuse my courtship, and I will completely understand. Besides, you have countless suitors, who have the freedom to pursue you openly,” said Theo.
At this question, Penelope was snapped out of her thoughts. “Theo, please do not ever ask me such ridiculous questions again. I meant what I said last night. That I long for you! You are the only man I desire!”
This statement touched Theo’s heart to the core, and he took her head in his hands and smothered her in kisses until she giggled in pleasure.
“Come on, my lovely lady, let’s go for a ride. I think it is high time we see who is better on horseback of the two of us!” suggested Theo.
“Oh, I already know who the answer to that quandary is! Race you to the river and back here!” declared Penelope as she jumped onto Phoenix and dug her heels, urging her mare to take off.
“So much for playing fair, hmm?” called Theo after her as he rushed to mount General and catch up with her. Penelope won the first race, and Theo demanded a second match since she had helped herself to a head start. Although Penelope disputed the need for a rematch, she obliged, and after the third race, they decided to call it a tie to keep from an argument.
After their races, they were both out of breath and hot, so they went down to the creek and drank from the cool water. Penelope offered to help cool Theo down.
“What do you mean by that?” puzzled Theo.
“Like this!” answered Penelope and proceeded to splash Theo. He yelled in response.
“Well then, here, allow me to return the favour, madam!” and he started to splash her back. Penelope squealed and tried to run away.
“Oh, no, you don’t. Get back here!” roared Theo and chased Penelope along the creek’s edge. They both laughed when he caught her in his arms with a huge bear hug and lifted her up in the air, swinging her around. They lost balance and rolled down the small hill, landing among the wildflowers, with her on top of him.
They both sighed, and Penelope looked down at him and smiled before planting a kiss on Theo. After a few moments, she made her way down his neck and kissed his chest and waist before rolling over to lay her head on his shoulder as they both looked into the bright blue sky.
“Theo, can you tell what it was that caused you to fall for me?” Penelope asked.
“There are so many ways I could answer this question, Penelope. Your grace, your strong will, your courage, your beauty, but most of all, I believe it is your kind and gentle heart,” answered Theo.
“Oh, Theo!” blushed Penelope.
“Can I ask you the same question, Penelope? What is it about me that made you want someone like me?”
“Of course, I will tell that, Theo, but will you first tell me why you say, ‘someone like me’ when you ask me that?” enquired Penelope.
“I suppose I say that because I am so used to people judging me by the reputation the ton has for me, and even though I know you do not share that harsh judgement of me, it makes me wonder why you would be willing to tie yourself to me.”
“I honestly care very little for what the ton thinks. So long as in my heart, I know that what I am doing is right, I will continue to do so, regardless of people’s opinions. Now to answer your question. Above everything else, I love your genuine honesty. You always tell the truth, even if it is unpopular, and I never have to wonder if I can trust what you are telling me,” said Penelope.
“Well, the morning is starting to get late; we should probably go so as not to cause any trouble. I am going to be at the opera tomorrow night. Perhaps we can find a moment together there?” asked Theo.
“You are right; it is time to go. I wish we could stay together all day long, though. And yes, I hope so!”
“Ride home safely, Penelope. I will miss your sweet smile!”
