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

ribbon in her lap. “Thank you very much. I really appreciate the thought, but I’m still in mourning.”
    “Perhaps one day you will not be.”
    “I know what you’re trying to do. And my family members have tried as well, but I do not want to give up mourning. That way Tristan stays in my mind, and heart.” Marion leaned over and hugged Penelope. “But I will keep it, because you bought it for me. And I’m so glad you’re my friend.”

    Penelope was amazed that half an hour had passed in pleasant conversation when a knock on the door drew their attention. Mary stuck her head in. “Here you are. Mother wanted to know if your headache was any better because the dancing master has finished with Abigail and me.”
    Penelope felt her stomach clench. Marion cast her a sympathetic glance before directing her comment to her sister. “Sorry, Mary. Penelope just asked me for some headache powder. I was about to get it for her.”
    “Oh. All right, then. Maybe next time. I’m off to join Sybil and Sarah.”
    “Why did you say that?” Penelope asked after the door snapped close.
    “Because I’m going to be your dancing master.”
    “You?”
    “Yes. I will be the dancing master, you will be the pupil, and you’ve no need to be nervous with me.” She stood and pulled Penelope up. “Because we’re friends.”

Chapter Six
    Penelope studied herself in the mirror, a full grin emerging from a slight smile. The green silk gown, with the white lace overlay, brought out the copper highlights in her deep brown hair. Maguire had pulled it up into a topknot, leaving strands along her forehead and neck that she had curled with tongs. A deeper shade of green ribbon encircled her head.
    With her long white kid gloves, dainty green slippers, and flowered fan dangling from her wrist, she felt like a princess. Would that she could conduct herself as a princess this evening, and not make a fool of herself in front of the entire ton .
    “Here, Penelope, Mother said you should wear these tonight, because they go very well with your gown.” Abigail held out a lustrous strand of pearls and a pair of matching earbobs.
    “I’m afraid something might happen to them.” Visions of the lovely necklace plopping into a glass of champagne and splattering her exquisite gown horrified her.
    “Don’t be silly. Nothing will happen to them. There’s a very secure latch, and Mother’s worn them for years.” Abigail scooted behind her and fastened the clasp. “Here, put the earbobs in. I want to see how you look.”
    Fumbling with the awkwardness of the gloves, it took her a few minutes to insert the earbobs.
    “Penelope, you look like a princess.” Sybil swept into the room and came to an abrupt halt. “You’re beautiful!”
    The heat rose to Penelope’s face at the open admiration. Never before in her life had she felt beautiful. She turned once more to the mirror and regarded herself with the addition of the jewelry. Indeed, the young lady staring back at her did not look a thing like the girl she’d observed for years.
    I actually look like I belong.
    “Her Grace wishes for all of you to join her in the library. She is almost ready. His Grace is waiting there for you.” Kingston, the duchess’s lady’s maid, stuck her head in the door, then quickly went on her way, a colorful shawl draped over her arm.
    Sybil and Penelope gathered up their reticules and headed for the door.
    “Oh, wait. I promised Marion I would stop in to see her before we left.” Penelope held back as Sybil continued down the corridor.
    “I’ve already been to see her, so I will meet you downstairs.” Sybil waved before grasping the bannister.
    After tapping lightly on the door, Penelope entered as Marion turned from where she stood in front of the portrait of Tristan. “Oh my, Penelope. Come in. You look beautiful.”
    …
    Drake went to the sideboard in the library and he poured brandy into a crystal tumbler. After swirling the amber liquid, he took