The Wicked Proposal by Emily Hendrickson

Author:Emily Hendrickson [Hendrickson, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 1992-05-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Penelope was allowed little time to dwell on her misdeeds. Between paying social calls with Lady Harford and the adorable Charis, and trying to persuade Letty that she would be utterly miserable without Mr. Oglethorpe in her life, lamenting her shortcomings had to be tabled for private moments, of which there were few.

Henri had come to call on them, putting Mrs. Flint in a stew, not being accustomed to a mere servant presenting himself at the front door. His suave continental manner placed her in a greater quandary, for although she knew he was a chef, now at Lord Harford’s elegant establishment, he possessed an address many men of the ton might envy. Truth be known, he set poor Mrs. Flint’s heart all aflutter.

Penelope concealed her amusement when the dear lady informed her in tremulous tones that that Frenchie was here to see her, and in the morning room, no less!

“Henri, what have you to report?” Penelope asked with a glum countenance. She knew she ought to be happy that he might find his family, or at least his estate. She made an effort to smile, hoping she did a better job of it than Miss Nilsson, who, in spite of the concoction Penelope brewed up for her, still looked the melancholy Swede.

“Very little, I am sad to say,” he replied after bowing low over Miss Nilsson’s hand and offering her a small nosegay. His attentions brought a blaze of pink to her cheeks and a flustered glitter to her eyes.

Her simple dove-gray gown was subtly becoming, Outlining pleasing curves and flattering her delicate coloring. She studied the bouquet of pale primroses with demure eyes. Her hand strayed up to tuck a soft blond curl beneath her dainty cambric-and-lace cap, her one great vanity. All of Miss Nilsson’s caps were exquisitely embroidered in white with elegant flowers in attractive patterns and of the very latest style.

Since Miss Nilsson and Henri had frequently been at vociferous odds while at Fountains, Penelope found this new behavior distinctly curious. Was she to be surrounded by lovelorn souls? It seems to be the case, for Henri had eyes only for Miss Nilsson.

“You may as well tell us what has happened up to now.” It hadn’t been all that long, Penelope realized, a matter of five weeks since coming to London, but so much had happened to her that she felt it near a lifetime.

“I have decided to take my chances, now that peace has uneasily settled over France. I confess that I do not trust Napoleon, but I feel impelled to investigate. It would mean a great deal for me to regain the family property.” He ostensibly spoke to both women, yet Penelope had the feeling that it was to Miss Nilsson that the words were sent. “It would free me . . .“ His words faded off, leaving Penelope to wonder precisely what it would free him to do.

“When do you leave?” Miss Nilsson braved the answer she obviously feared.

“This week, once I can make arrangements with Lord Harford.

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