The Perfect Gentleman by M. C. Beaton

Author:M. C. Beaton [Beaton, M. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-7953-2093-4
Publisher: RosettaBooks
Published: 1988-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

“Morning, my lord!”

Penelope and Lord Andrew slowly came awake. Sunlight was pouring into the room. Mrs. Carter was standing smiling down at them indulgently. Lord Andrew realized his arms were still about Penelope, and his legs appeared to have become tangled up with hers during the night. They were both still lying on top of the bedclothes.

“Why did you not call me when the carriage was ready?” he said, sitting up.

“To be sure, there was nothing we could do about getting you anything in the middle of such a storm,” said Mrs. Carter. “Mr. Carter, he came up after supper to tell you so, but you was sleeping like babies, and so he left you. ’Tis six in the morning. Mr. Carter says I was to wake you as soon as we got a gig, which we did, and it’s the smartest little turnout you ever did see. Mr. Baxter himself brought it over and is waiting to see your lordship.”

“Thank you,” said Lord Andrew, while his mind raced. Provided Penelope held her tongue, they could still be in London before anyone was awake—the fashionable world not stirring until two in the afternoon. He dismissed Mrs. Carter and stripped off his dressing gown and nightgown and began to wash himself. The angry jerk of the bed curtains as the startled Penelope shut off the interesting view of his naked body sounded behind him. He felt himself blush as he had not blushed since he was an adolescent. How could he, who had been so perfect until so recently, have forgotten the simple proprieties?

After a rushed breakfast, they were both at last seated in a small gig pulled by a glossy little pony. Mr. Baxter had supplied them with greatcoats, for although the sun was shining once more, the morning was chilly.

Lord Andrew wondered whether to take this country gentlemen into his confidence and then decided against it. The explanations would prove too embarrassing. He thanked Mr. Baxter again, grimly introduced Penelope as his wife, and promised to send his servant back with the gig and pony the following day.

Penelope was glad of the greatcoat. Her gown had shrunk and was stretched indecently over her body. Lord Andrew, too, was glad of his covering. His clothes, although they had not shrunk, were wrinkled and shabby-looking. After various efforts with the mangled remains of his cravat, he had decided to wear his cambric shirt open at the neck.

He thought gloomily that he and Penelope looked like a couple of gypsies and could only hope some parish constable would not stop them and accuse them of stealing the gig.

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