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

However, one would think he’d be grateful that he’d avoided a collision, or relieved at not being dragged back into the drawing room to dance with her. A prudent man would be on his way before some other disaster befell him.
    “Hopefully today was our last shopping trip.” She flushed as his eyebrows rose.
    “Ah. I didn’t think any young lady felt she had enough gowns and folderols.”
    She couldn’t tell if he was teasing her, or serious. “Not me. I’d rather spend an afternoon shopping in a bookstore.”
    “Indeed?”
    Oh dear, now he would think she was a bluestocking, and Aunt Phoebe would be disgraced. But Aunt Phoebe wasn’t here, and Drake didn’t appear to be scandalized.
    “To me there is no better way to spend a dreary afternoon than skimming the shelves of a bookstore. The smell, the feel of the leather and paper. Some of my most pleasant memories are of days with my father as we discovered new botany books.”
    “And now, here you are, about to make your debut on the Marriage Mart.”
    She was stunned to find her eyes filling with tears. Tears that apparently had not gotten past Drake’s notice. He pushed away from the wall and took her hands in his. “Are you still so unhappy here?”
    Penelope swiped at her eyes. “Goodness, no. Your mother and sisters have been wonderful. I have never been around women much, but your family makes me feel, well, normal.”
    He threw back his head and laughed. “What an odd thing to say.”
    She flushed, once again reminded that she had very little in the way of social skills. “I mean, I never had a female friend, or even a relative. Truth be known, I am a bit overwhelmed by the number of feminine accomplishments your sisters possess.” Lord, why did she say that? She was making herself appear more and more foolish as they stood here. She should just excuse herself, run to her room, and climb under the bed.
    “From my point of view, they seem to be very accomplished at adding to their wardrobes,” he said wryly.
    Penelope warmed at his words when she realized they were again having an actual conversation. Without the terror of stomping on his foot, or in some other way causing him physical harm, she felt relaxed, actually enjoying their exchange.
    He tilted his head, his eyes narrowed, seeming to make a decision. “What do you say we take a trip into town one day this week and wander around a bookstore?”
    She broke into a smile, happiness welling up within her. “Would you mind? I mean, I’m sure you have other things to do than escort me to a bookstore.”
    “Not at all. I have been known to while away an afternoon in a bookstore, myself. And it would be beneficial to get away from the many ledgers and correspondence that take up too much of my time.”
    “Well, if you truly don’t mind, I would love to visit a bookstore.” She felt like a little girl who had just been promised a sweet.
    “Then it is set. Perhaps tomorrow afternoon?” At her eager response, he added. “Two o’clock?”
    “Yes, thank you so much.”
    Drake nodded and headed to the stairs, leaving Penelope happy and confused at the same time. What in heaven’s name ever made him suggest they go somewhere together?
    She headed toward her room, and then paused outside Marion’s bedroom. She tapped lightly, and waited until she heard a soft, “Enter.”
    Marion closed the book she was reading and smiled. “Thank you for coming again. I felt the need for company.”
    Penelope bit her lip to refrain from pointing out all the company she could desire was right outside her door. She closed the door softly and joined Marion on the settee in front of the fireplace. “I’ve bought something for you.” From her pocket, Penelope drew out a bright blue hair ribbon.
    Marion automatically reached for it, running the satin through her fingers. “It’s lovely. Is it to match your gown?”
    Penelope shook her head. “No. I bought it for you.”
    The woman smiled sadly and laid the