Page 44 of One Night of Temptation
Did she? Her parents had done such a thorough job of sheltering her from relationships since the start of the Season. When she was married, they wouldn’t be able to control her. No, that would be Findon’s job.
A wave of desperation washed over her as she bid goodbye to Lady Viola and Lady Felicity. Woodenly, as if she were a puppet whose strings were held by someone else, Penelope rejoined her mother.
“Be careful with whom you socialize,” Mother warned.
“What’s wrong with Lady Viola and Lady Felicity?”
Mother pursed her lips. “You know Lady Viola’s background—she is not someone you should befriend. And Lady Felicity recently married that lowbornblacksmith. You can do far better, and you must. Come, we must get home. We have routs to attend this evening.”
Penelope wanted to scream. Why wasn’t she ruined? Why was she still having to suffer this ridiculous farce? So her mother could make the most of this moment of notoriety. Penelope was and had always been a tool for the marchioness’s social advancement. In fact, at the start of the Season, she’d wanted Penelope to land either Lady Viola’s brother or Lady Felicity’s. Lady Viola’s reputation hadn’t matteredthen.
The marchioness linked her arm through Penelope’s and led her back to the barouche. As they walked, they stopped three more times so that Mother could gossip and preen about Penelope’s upcoming marriage.
It was easy to block out the conversations and consider what she might do to avoid marrying Findon. She could contradict her mother and tell people she’d been ruined, but that would only earn her parents’ anger and she’d likely still be stuck with Findon.
Which left one option: refusing to marry him as Lady Viola had done. That would not just anger her parents, it would earn Penelope her father’s unending wrath. She could only imagine what he might do. It had been some time since he’d struck her, but if she didn’t need to show her face, he would likely do so.
Unless she left. If she didn’t do what they wanted and ruined any future chance for an advantageous match, of what use was she? One thing her disappearance had done was show her that she could overcome her fears and do what she must.
And she must dosomething. Or suffer a fate she was desperate to avoid.
Hugh knocked on the door of the Duke of Eastleigh’s house in Grosvenor Square. His butler answered quickly and directly showed Hugh into Eastleigh’s library. While Hugh wasn’t a frequent visitor, it wasn’t his first time in the duke’s town house.
A few moments later, Eastleigh—and Colehaven—arrived. Eastleigh regarded Hugh with surprise. “I can’t imagine what’s brought you into the heart of Mayfair, particularly at this hour.”
“Looking rather determined too,” Cole noted.
Hugh removed his hat. “I’ve come to ask for help.”
Eastleigh and Cole exchanged surprised glances, then Eastleigh gestured toward a seating area. “Let us sit. Would you like refreshment?”
“When you hear why I’ve come, you may want a brandy,” Hugh said.
“Well then, let us have brandy.” Eastleigh stepped out briefly. “Sadler will bring the drinks,” he said upon his return, dropping onto a dark green settee. “How can we help? I say we, because you are fortunate to have the two of us to provide assistance. Unless this is a matter that doesn’t involve Cole.”
“Why wouldn’t it involve me?” Cole asked. “Depending on the subject, my advice may be superior to yours. What if he wants to learn how to make ale?”
Eastleigh rolled his eyes and looked toward Hugh. “Are you here to learn to make ale?” Hugh shook his head, and Eastleigh glanced back at Cole. “He’s clearly here for something far more important.”
Cole made a slight face, twisting his lips. “I’d argue there is little more important than a good ale, but I suppose that’s not up for debate just now.” Cole directed his attention to Hugh. “I’m still eager to help.”
Hugh scooted forward in his chair. “While I agree that ale is important, I am here on a much different errand. I am attending the dinner at the Marquess of Bramber’s tomorrow. I haven’t a thing to wear, nor do I have any idea what to expect. Besides food.”
“Ah, that is a dilemma,” Eastleigh said. “But you have come to exactly the right place.”
Hugh expressed his gratitude as the butler entered with a tray and distributed the glasses of brandy. Grateful for the fortification, Hugh took the tumbler and immediately swallowed a hearty gulp.
“Sadler, will you send for my tailor?” Eastleigh said. “Tell him it’s an emergency, and he must come at once.”
“Right away, Your Grace.” Sadler inclined his head before departing.
“Your tailor?” Hugh asked.
“Don’t worry about the expense.” Eastleigh sipped his brandy. “Never mind. I forget your family has more than enough money. You lead such a simple life.”
Yes, his late father and now his eldest brother had managed their family estate quite well, and as a result, he and his siblings were not in want. Hugh poured the majority of his funds into his parish, but paying for a new suit of clothes would not be a hardship. “I’ve no need for fancy clothing or horseflesh or art.” He glanced toward the painting over the fireplace.
“No one does,” Cole said darkly. Just as Eastleigh had forgotten that Hugh’s family was relatively wealthy, it was easy to forget that Cole had come from nothing before shockingly inheriting a dukedom.
