The Unwilling Earl by Audrey Harrison

Author:Audrey Harrison [Audrey Harrison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Nov. Rom
Published: 2013-02-05T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Penelope had remained in control during the carriage ride home. She had expected to be pressed for an explanation by her mother when she asked to go home, but for once her words had been acted on immediately. What Penelope had not realised was how ill she looked. The flush of anger that had coloured her cheeks in front of her attacker had faded and been replaced by a ghostly paleness and eyes that looked sunken with pain. Her mother had taken one look at her daughter and acted immediately.

They travelled home in silence and were met at the door by the housekeeper, who also took in Penelope’s countenance without comment. “I shall attend my daughter.” Were the only words that Mrs. Hall said to the Housekeeper as she led her daughter upstairs.

Once in Penelope’s bedroom Mrs. Hall undressed her daughter, giving gentle instructions, but asking nothing. Penelope responded to the instructions automatically, almost without hearing them. When she was dressed in her nightclothes, she was led to the chaise in front of the fire and sat down. Mrs. Hall sat next to her daughter, she uttered two words in her quiet way. “Tell me.”

The words made Penelope meet her mother’s gaze for the first time and seeing the understanding and sympathy there was her undoing. She broke down as she had never done before, letting free the confusion, humiliation and hurt she felt.

It was some time before she could speak, but eventually she told her mother of the events before the ball and then the confrontation at the ball. “I don’t understand how he thought I was trying to trick him. He sought me out on my walks, I would have never found him otherwise. He believes I just want a title, but he wanted to speak to Papa, it was I who said wait.” She repeated again and again, trying to make sense of what had happened.

“I think your father’s comments about wanting a title for you must be more widely known than we thought. If his Lordship heard, he may have thought you were of the same mind,” Mrs. Hall soothed.

“If he had heard, I would expect him to laugh and ridicule them, rather than believe they were my feelings too. He would have asked me to explain. I do not understand why he did not question me. Although after tonight I do not think I know him at all.”

“So he proposed marriage and you accepted? He should have gone to your father first, but it shows his strength of feeling. And you cared enough to accept?” Mrs. Hall asked.

“I cared for him more than I have ever cared for anyone in my life and I thought he felt the same. I was wrong and it was clear tonight that he withdrew the offer,” Penelope said sadly.

“Anyone seeing him in your company will be under no doubt of his feelings, it has been obvious to me for some time that he preferred you. It was wrong

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