The Duke's Quandary by Callie Hutton Read Free Book Online

to Her Grace.
    The duchess raised her eyebrows. “Surely you’re not tired of shopping.”
    Penelope felt heat rise to her face. “No. I mean, well yes, maybe a little,” she finished lamely. Truth be told, she was very tired of shopping. Goodness, how much clothing did a girl need to get through the Season? There were morning gowns, walking gowns, tea gowns, ball gowns, dinner gowns, riding habits—the list was endless. And of course, matching bonnets, gloves, reticules, fans, shawls, slippers. Her head was swimming. All that money wasted, since she would never wear any of it again once she returned to the country.
    “Perhaps Penelope is correct, and we’ve done enough for today.” The duchess smiled fondly at Abigail’s groan. “And the dancing master is due to arrive this afternoon. I think it’s time we started for home.”
    The dancing master . Another reason for Penelope to squirm. At least she hadn’t been subjected to the torture of practice with Drake again. But even the dancing master was losing patience with her, although he did try very hard to hide his annoyance.
    Since the dancing debacle, she had tried her best to avoid Drake. At dinner, and whenever they met in the house, he was courteous and always the epitome of a gentleman, but he no doubt feared being stomped, spilled on, or crashed into. Every encounter in the corridors had her searching for a potted plant to hide behind, lest she inadvertently inflict pain on him in some manner.
    Had she not been desperate for paper to continue with her drawings, she would never have sought him out in his library. But the encounter had been pleasant, and he seemed to be genuinely interested in her work. At least he’d asked her some questions, which is more than what most people did. Even that brief conversation had her longing for her home and work.
    “How long does the Season last?” Penelope blurted out the question before she even thought of it. Five brightly colored bonneted heads turned in her direction.
    “My dear, it has just started. You will have a wonderful time, I promise. Why, most young ladies are nervous at the beginning of their first Season. Am I right, girls?”
    Less than enthusiastic nods answered her. Mary cleared her throat. “Of course. I’m a bit anxious myself. And remember, we have each other.”
    Somewhat mollified, Penelope smiled in her direction and then gazed at the passing scenery.
    Mary might be a bit nervous, but I’m terrified.
    The girls scattered when they returned from their trip. With the help of their lady’s maid, the twins planned to try various hairstyles. Abigail and Mary were slated for the dancing master. Penelope begged off with a headache. Both Abigail and Mary were as graceful as can be, and there didn’t seem to be any reason for the services of the dancing master.
    But happy with her escape, Penelope hurried up the stairs and came to an abrupt halt as she almost plowed into Drake. “Oh, excuse me.” She veered back. He reached out and grabbed both of her arms before she landed on her bum.
    “Hiding from someone?” He grinned as he glanced behind her. “Or are you being pursued by suitors already?”
    Penelope shook her head and gulped. “No. No, not at all.”
    Releasing her, he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. “I heard my mother say the dancing master was expected. Surely you’re not hiding from him?”
    She felt the heat rise to her face. But then he looked so amused, she giggled. “Yes.”
    “You needn’t worry. It will come to you in time.” Then instead of excusing himself, he surprised her by asking, “How was your shopping trip?”
    She did not think of Drake as someone who was interested in ladies’ shopping trips. She’d heard grumblings from him about his sisters’ modiste bills, and assumed it was not a pleasant topic of conversation.
    Yet, as he regarded her, there seemed to be genuine interest in his eyes. Perhaps because her bills were not being sent to him.