The Spy and His Lady Love by Christine Donovan

Author:Christine Donovan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Christine Donovan

Chapter 6

“Have you received any correspondences from the Duke of Newbury?” Penelope asked as she entered Thomas’s study one afternoon only two weeks’ time from the nuptials. After the night at the opera when she called him Hugh, the only communication was a hot house delivery of four dozen blood red roses with a card in large letters signed, H A R R Y, underlined three times. She’d not found it humorous and had taken offense.

If she’d insulted him, he never should have sent Mr. Sinclair in his place to dance and pay attention to her. The fault lay completely on him. Served him right if she’d fallen for his cousin. Except, that wasn’t true. She felt attraction to Mr. Sinclair, but Harry intrigued her, made her want to know everything about him. And his kisses…she wanted more.”

“What has you blushing?”

Good Lord, she forgot she was in Thomas’s study. “Nothing. Have you heard from His Grace?”

“Yes. Just his morning. He said he’ll arrive at Stoney Cross Manor two days before the wedding.” He leaned forward, elbows on the desk, his chin leaning on his hands. “Did I make a mistake by allowing him to escort you home from the opera? Did something happen in the carriage? We’ve not heard from him or seen him or his cousin in over a month?”

Indeed, something did happen. In the heat of passion, she whispered the name of Hugh. Embarrassed beyond words, she could not admit such things to her brother. “Nothing that I know of. Perhaps he has taken ill?”

“Perhaps.” Thomas looked at her with intense blue eyes, nearly the same color as hers, seeking her secrets. And she fought to remain still.

“If you’ll excuse me, Thomas, I think I will spend time with my nephews in the nursery.”

He chuckled. “You best change into a dress you don’t mind ruining.”

Her heart lighter than when she entered his study, she made her way up two flights of stairs to the third floor and the nursery where she could hear laughter and squeals coming from inside. Leaning against the door jam, her heart warmed at the sight of the two boys sitting on the floor, climbing all over Emma who wore wide puffy trousers.

“I dare say, Your Grace, no one would recognize you in your attire.” Emma burst out laughing as the two mischievous boys tickled her tummy. Then she rolled them over and did the same thing until their laughter could, no doubt, be heard two floors down. Such a happy house they all lived in. Penelope’s breath tangled up inside her lungs. She won’t live in a happy house much longer.

They decided to take the boys out in the gardens and let them run off some of their endless energy before naptime. After their nurse tucked the boys into bed, both Emma and Penelope yawned. “I could use a nap myself,” Emma said as they descended the stairs. “Since it’s almost teatime, I believe I’ll change and hope the tea revives me.”

“Me as well,” Penelope said as she entered her bedchamber and rang for her maid.

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