Page 27 of A Duke's Wicked Secret
“Well, I am completely impressed! I would give the woman a standing ovation if I could at her triumph,” Alexander said, jabbing back at Theo for his earlier comment about him treating the entire ton as his family.
“Oh, hush!” Theo smiled. “Quit your jesting and help me concoct a plan to spend a few moments with Ms Penelope tonight.”
After about twenty minutes of debating the best course of action, the two men finally agreed and had everything decided.
***
“Pen, you look gorgeous tonight!” Georgina exclaimed. “Do you know if the duke will be at the opera tonight?” This question Georgina asked in the softest tone possible.
Penelope was looking in the mirror, checking her appearance one last time before it was time for them to leave for the opera.
“Yes, that is correct,” Penelope replied in an equally quiet tone.
“I hope you can have some time with him tonight. Let me know if I can aid you in any way tonight, and I can cover for you if need be.”
“That is very sweet of you, Georgie. I really appreciate your willingness to help.” Penelope pulled on her gloves, wrapped her shawl around her slender shoulders, and offered her arm so that Georgina could link arms with her as they headed down to the chaise.
On the ride to the opera, the girls said very little to each other because Ms Brown was strangely awake so they did not have any privacy. It was a short ride, though, and when they arrived, Penelope, Georgina, and Penelope’s parents spoke with a few friends before going to their own boxes.
The opera was always something Penelope loved going to and taking it all in, but tonight Penelope’s mind was on anything other than the performance on the stage. Penelope had seen Theo and Mr Davenport enter the opera house but could not catch his gaze. Mr Davenport had come over to their party so that he could speak with Georgina.
After a few minutes into the performance, Georgina took her fan out, and as she fanned herself, she leaned closer to Penelope and slipped a small piece of paper into her hands.
Penelope quietly opened the paper and read its contents.
“My beautiful Penelope,
The day today has felt more akin to five days as compared to the one that it has actually been. I will be up in the rafters of the left side stage, where I hope to see you there after the intermission.
Alexander spoke with Georgina and told her about the plan so that when your family asks where you are, she will say that you are still in the powder room and need a bit more time before returning to your box. I know it will not be a lot of time, but I am longing to see you again and have you in my embrace even if it is just for a few moments.
All My Love,
Your Theo”
Penelope’s heart fluttered, and it was such a challenge not to smile after reading Theo’s note. The rest of the opera's first act seemed to last two lifetimes, but finally, the curtain was closed for the intermission, and everyone went to talk and stretch their legs. As everyone began to return to their boxes, Penelope discretely drifted away from her family and went up to where Theo had written for her to meet him.
Penelope could not wait to see Theo. She was dying to run up to meet him but forced herself to walk slowly, not to draw anyone’s attention. The alley was tucked away in a corner leading to a dead end and was almost never travelled by anyone, so it was quite secure from unwanted onlookers.
Finally, she saw him, and when their eyes locked, they instantly flew into each other’s arms. Theo kissed his lovely lady and pulled her into his arms fervently.
How I wish I could take you away from here and stay with you all night. How are you, my love?”
“I would love to be with you all evening more than anything in the world, and I am very well. I thought of you constantly today, Theo. I feel as though I am starving to be alone with you again.”
“Can you meet me in the meadow where we first met tomorrow morning, Penelope. Do you remember where I am speaking of, my love?”
“Yes, of course I do. I will never forget it. And yes, of course I will meet you there tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you so much, sweet Penelope. Also, I want you to know that I am working on a plan so we do not always have to sneak around to see each other. I will explain it all to you tomorrow morning. For now, though, we must part before your long absence raises concern,” Theo stated as he kissed Penelope’s cheeks and lips in between words.
“I know, you are right. I am so glad I had a few moments with you tonight. Good night my handsome duke!”
After one final long kiss goodbye, Penelope turned and returned to her box with her family. Her mother leaned over and asked if she was feeling alright. To which Penelope responded that her corset was just a bit too tight and was causing her stomach to bother her slightly but that she was just fine now.
The rest of the opera was uneventful, and Penelope had time to think about Theo. As much as sneaking around and seeing him clandestinely like this was exhilarating, it also made her feel guilty and like the kind of woman that Penelope simply did not want to be. But what other choice did she have?
Until her father could be made to see the truth about her wonderful Theo, this may be what had to happen for a time. But what if her father never chose to see the light and allow her to be with Theo? Would he then force her to marry another suitor, and how would she get herself out of that? All these questions made her head spin, and she felt a bit of panic in her soul but forced herself to calm down and not worry about this now.
