Page 52 of A Duke's Wicked Secret
“I think so, though we will have to make it a short one so that we are not late leaving for our travels. Come on; let us get dressed.”
They both dressed quickly, aside from the delays of Theo’s constant attack of kisses all over Penelope.
As they rode down the road and enjoyed the delightful summer morning, Penelope thought how much her life had changed in such a short amount of time.
“So, Theo, will you tell me where we are traveling to first?”
“Humm, I suppose. Well, let me see if you can guess the place.”
“Oh, goodness, I have no idea … Erm … Paris?” Penelope guessed.
“No. First, we are going to Spain, or more specifically, the northern coast of Spain. I have been there before, and it is some of the loveliest country I have seen thus far.”
“That sounds wonderful. I cannot wait!”
“I know, I really think you will love it there. Each place I have chosen for us is a very special area and ones that I want to explore with my beautiful duchess.”
“And there is no one I would rather see the world with than you, my charming duke.”
They rode at a quick pace and then got down at their glen, letting the horses drink from the water there as they stretched their legs with a short walk before the long ride ahead of them.
Then it was time to return home for an early breakfast and then finish packing for their trip. When they finally got into their carriage and headed for their honeymoon travels, Penelope thought of her sweet friend Georgina and longed to hug her. There had been such a large amount of people craning for an audience with her that she had not had an opportunity to bid her farewell before they left last night.
Although Penelope was very much looking forward to their honeymoon, she felt sad to be away from her best friend for so long. The chaise made an unexpected turn.
Penelope looked at Theo with a questioning look in her eyes, “Why have we turned this way? Should we not have taken a right just there?”
“Oh, I have one place I need to spot before we truly start our journey,” Theo said, as though this was nothing of interest.
Penelope could see that he was not going to tell her where they were going, so she sat back and leaned her head on his strong shoulder.
Theo looked down at her and said, “Have I told you this morning my duchess, how beautiful you are, and that I am wildly in love with you. In fact, it may be idolatry how much a adore you. I worship your every movement.”
“Oh, Theo you are too sweet. You simply spoil me with all your flattery!”
“It is my job to spoil you. And speaking of spoiling … that reminds me of a present I have for you.” Theo said this and pulled a velvety box from a bag next to him.
Penelope opened it and saw a gorgeous set of emerald drop earrings, necklace, and bracelet. The entire set was beautiful craftsmanship, with exquisite designs in the construction of the silver chains.
“Oh, my goodness. I love it so much. Thank you so very much, perfect husband!”
“I am happy you like it. It is just a start of the honeymoon gift I wanted you to have. Here, let me put it on you,” Theo said as he helped her with the necklace and bracelet.
“Well, what do you think of it?” Penelope said as she modelled her jewels for her adoring husband.
“They honestly look more stunning now that they are upon you, my love!”
“Thank you, Theo. Do you truly like the wedding gift I gave you yesterday?” Penelope asked.
Theo pulled out his new gold pocket watch that she had got engraved for him. The inscription said:
To my Husband Theo
I will love you for all of Time
~Penelope~
“I love it and will cherish it always. I love the inscription on it. It was so thoughtful of you. I love that it looks so akin to your very own penmanship, as though you had etched it into the metal yourself.”
