Petticoat Rebellion by Joan Smith

Author:Joan Smith [Smith, Joan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 1997-01-14T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

As Abbie paced to and fro in her chamber, she tried to make sense of this enigma called Lord Penfel. She remembered various conversations with him and about him. He had boasted he had his financial affairs in order, yet Lord John said his brother’s pockets were to let. O’Leary’s offering Penfel a chance to win back the blunt he had lost at cards suggested gambling was his weakness. That and, of course, women. His own mama had accused him of being too fond of women. Lady Susan, on the other hand, had said he was not a lecher, and Lady Susan knew everything, or gave that impression.

She thought of their recent conversation in the gallery, when he had seemed completely carefree, flirting, happy. And all the while that stolen ring sat in his office, or in his pocket. Did he have no conscience at all, or was it possible she was misreading the evidence, that he was innocent? He might have won the ring from O’Leary in a card game. But O’Leary would not wager such an incriminating thing. Penfel knew the ring was stolen, so that excuse would not do. Excuse? Why was she looking for an excuse for him? He was nothing to her. She scarcely knew the man.

She only knew her heart beat faster when she was with him, that his smile made her feel special, that when she was in this house, her eyes were always on the door when he was not present, and on him when he was. She knew that, while she had acted grossly offended at his embrace, her heart had thrilled to it. She told herself it was only infatuation, and she was fortunate to have found out his true character before infatuation deepened to love, and tried to believe it.

Very well then, accept that Penfel was a man of weak character. What should she do? She could report him to Bow Street, but they would be intimidated by a noble criminal and palmed off with some explanation. Nothing would result but embarrassment and ill feelings all around. The kinder and more sensible thing would be to confront Penfel face-to-face, and get a promise from him to return his ill-got gains and sever his connection with O’Leary. And if he refused, then she would resort to Bow Street. At least he would be forced to stop stealing if he knew Bow Street was watching him. And he would hate her forever.

She steeled herself for the coming confrontation and returned to Penfel’s study. The door was closed. When she knocked, no one answered, and when she tried the handle, the door was locked. She went in search of Sifton, who told her Penfel had decided to ride out and join Lord John and the ladies. He had forgotten all about her. He was supposed to give her the key to the Leonardo cartoons.

“Did he leave a key for me?” she inquired.

“No, ma’am. He didn’t. Perhaps I can help?”

“It was the key for the da Vinci cartoons.

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