Page 8 of A Duke's Wicked Secret
“I know you do not mean that unkindly Georgina, but I do not feel it has anything to do with you or your family’s wealth but rather that you can be so shy at times. If you would just come out of your shell more, you would have ever so many suitors,” Penelope advised.
“It is just so challenging for me, and I do not even know that if I did, it would matter; for example, last night at the ball when I was talking with Mr Davenport, he dropped out of our conversation in the midst of it to gain your attention.”
“You know that is the second time in the space of half an hour that you have mentioned Mr Davenport. Georgina, are you interested in the man?” prodded Penelope. As soon as Penelope said this, Georgina’s entire face flushed a deep shade of red, and she looked down at her hands to hide her smile.
“Well, if I am being completely truthful, Pen, I do not believe I have ever met another man I find more handsome and impressive than Mr Davenport. I would dearly love to get better acquainted with him.”
Penelope knew better than to question her friend further because she was such a meek girl, but Penelope could tell she would likely fall in love with the man. Penelope only needed to find out if the interest was mutual between Georgina and Mr Davenport. With that, Penelope began plans to make the match a reality for her best friend.
***
Theo had tired of making excuses about why they should not ask for permission to ask Ms Ainsworth and Ms Stuart to ride and found himself riding alongside Alexander headed towards the viscount’s estate. Once they arrived there and had been announced, the viscount received them both in his study. He looked surprised at their unexpected arrival but was polite, nonetheless.
“My Lord, thank you for allowing us a few minutes of your time. I am sure you have many important matters to attend, so we will not take up much of your time,” Alexander began.
“Thank you for your consideration. How may I be of assistance to you, gentlemen?” Mr Ainsworth responded.
“The duke and I wished to know if Ms Penelope and Ms Georgina were not otherwise engaged tomorrow at two hours past noon, would they be allowed to go for a ride with us. Under the supervision of a chaperone, of course,” Alexander stated.
“I know that Georgina is available for a ride tomorrow, but unfortunately, my daughter will not be as she has other obligations she must fulfil tomorrow.”
Both Theo and Alexander took their leave of the viscount and thanked him for his time. As they rode down the road, they spoke of their encounter with Viscount Ainsworth.
“Honestly, Theo, I find it a bit odd that the viscount behaved so abruptly.”
“I do not see why that should surprise you, Alexander. He was treating me with the same regard as all the ton does. I am the mad duke, after all,” Theo stated.
“I suppose I expected better of the man considering the way in which the two ladies under his charge behave with such grace and kindness. Would make you think he would reflect the same character.”
“Do not think about it; rather focus on your ride ahead tomorrow with Ms Georgina.”
“I am truly looking forward to it and the opportunity to get to know her better. She struck me as an intriguing lady,” Alexander answered.
Chapter 4
“Penelope, I have so much to tell you about my ride with Alexander … I mean, Mr Davenport! He is so utterly wonderful. I have never met a man that makes me feel as he does! But first, I have to tell you what I found out today!” Georgina exclaimed as she sat on the side of her bed and tried to take off her riding boots. She had little success with this task, which Penelope blamed on her excitement until her handmaiden came to Georgina’s aid.
“What did you find out?” Penelope asked.
“Well, as we were riding, and we had a bit of privacy from Ms Brown because she was struggling to get Fairfax to move at a pace to stay in step with our horses, Mr Alexander mentioned that he was told to extend the duke’s apologies for not riding with you today as well. But he hoped you would be available next time the opportunity arose.”
“I do not understand. What did His Grace mean by that?”
“That is precisely what I said to Mr Davenport. I said that you were a bit disappointed that the duke did not ask you to ride, especially since of the two of us, you are much more of the horse lover than I!” stated Georgina with much gusto.
“Well, what did he say?”
“He told me that both of them had come over yesterday and asked your father for permission for us to go ride today, and he had told them that I was available but that you were already otherwise engaged and could not. I have no idea why he would tell them this, but I am so sorry. I hope I have not said anything to him that I should not have!” begged Georgina.
“No, Georgie it is quite alright. I will simply have to discuss this with my father at length and see why this took place. For now, though, let us just work on our music together and then share some peace and quiet.”
***
Over the course of the next few days, Penelope didnot encounter the duke on her morning rides, and this concerned her, for she greatly longed to apologise for her father’s deceit. She had spoken with him about it on the evening she had found out about it, and he bluntly told her that he would not have a daughter of his seen with a madman, duke or not.
Although she had done her best to convince him that Theo was not mad, he said he had seen nothing of him to make him distrust all the tales he had heard of the duke from every one of the ton.
The discussion had ended on a very heated note, but Penelope had seen it was clear that her father would not change his mind about Theo until he was given irrefutable proof that he was sane and a good man.
