A Valentine Secret by Emily Murdoch

Author:Emily Murdoch [Murdoch, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Endeavour Press
Published: 2016-02-10T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

This was worse than anything I could have imagined, Penelope thought wildly, going on tip toes, trying to see where the mob of men had taken Jonathan. Could it not be possible for her to go out and enjoy herself without something horrendous happening?

Her cheeks burned as she recalled the words of Mr Saunders – an adventuress. It was not a phrase that one heard often in polite society, and although she knew it to be a complete untruth, she felt the shame of the accusation nonetheless.

A woman of the night was not the inference that she had hoped for this evening. Penelope closed her eyes, even amongst the shouting and bustle that had overtaken the dance, and tried to remember the words that Jonathan had spoken to her, only moments ago. A radiant flower. Those were the words that she had to impress upon her mind.

“And good riddance!”

The harsh tones forced Penelope’s eyes open, and she stared as Mr Saunders strode back into the room. Men were laughing, and slapping him on the back, and Penelope watched as two young ladies moved towards him, simpering smiles only partially hidden behind their fans.

Where had they taken him? Not a single other thought was now inhabiting her mind, and Penelope did not pay heed to the consequences of her next action.

The musicians had started up again, and the rest of the room took this as their cue to continue the festivities. The dance set was created as couples moved forward to take their places, and the murmur of chatter which sounded to Penelope’s ear like the warm hum of a beehive rose up once more. Maplebridge was not large enough to have carriages waiting in the street. They were completely alone.

I must see him, Penelope thought wildly, I must see that he is quite well. I am the cause, after all, of this entire situation.

She felt as though she may faint at any moment, but still, she was able to put one foot before the other, and then again, and again. Soon the door came closer, and it was not until she saw the stairs that she took another breath. The wooden banister to her left was a welcome relief; it felt strong and sturdy beneath her hand, and gave her a support to lean on as she moved down, looking continuously around the darkened pub for any sign of Jonathan.

They must have expelled him from the pub, because there was not a soul to be seen. Now desperate to find him and ensure that he was quite well, Penelope weaved through the tables to the door that was already standing open.

The street brought her a chilling wind, but it was welcome after the heat and chaos of the dance. Penelope breathed in deeply, relishing the feeling of the cold air in her lungs. The temperature seemed to sharpen her mind, bringing it out of the sluggishness that was threatening to overwhelm her.

Only a few shards of candlelight managed to reach the cobblestones, breaking through gaps in the shutters of the shops that lined the road.

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