“It’s an admirable quality, and clearly one that you possess as well.”
He shrugged offhandedly, somewhat discomfited by the sincerity of her expression. “I do what I can to aid those in need, as do my brothers.”
“You know,” she said after a slight hesitation, “that actually brings to mind something that I have been giving a considerable amount of thought to recently.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, I’ve been thinking that perhaps I could take a more active role in some of your charitable foundations,” she replied, “if you’re amenable to my involvement, of course.”
Once again she surprised him. But was her interest genuine or was it feigned? “If you are truly interested, then I am certainly not opposed to the idea.”
“I am. Thank you,” she responded with an appreciative smile.
Gabriel tipped his head in acknowledgement. “I shall arrange for you to meet with several of the foundation heads in the upcoming weeks then.”
Penelope nodded and then after a moment retrieved her soupspoon and returned her attention to the soup bowl in front of her.
And while he did the same, turning his attention back to his own food, it wasn’t long before the remainder of his meal sat untouched as he stared pensively into his water glass.
_____
Later that same evening, as Penny exited the dressing room and reentered her bedchamber, she noted a large, black-velvet case resting on the top of her vanity table, a jewelry case by the look of it, and one that she was quite certain hadn’t been there earlier. “Meg, what’s this?” she asked, moving toward the table as she tightened the sash of her dressing gown.
“One of the footmen delivered it while you were in the bath,” Meg replied, her eyes alight with undisguised anticipation.
There was a small envelope propped against the bottom corner, Penny noted, as she stopped before the vanity. Reaching for it, she lifted the flap and withdrew the small, white card from inside. There was no salutation, nor was there a signature, just a single sentence written in her husband’s hand. Reading the words, her heart gave a little flutter. “I was informed that you will be wearing green this evening and thought that this might compliment your ensemble.”
Penny turned to Meg questioningly, “Did His Grace inquire as to what I would be wearing this evening?”
Meg nodded in the affirmative, the young maid barely able to contain her obvious excitement. “He did, Your Grace. Earlier this afternoon.”
“I see.” Penny knew that Gabriel had gone out approximately an hour after their luncheon, having witnessed his instruction to Thompkins to have the carriage brought ‘round as she’d passed along the upper landing. Had he purchased whatever was inside the case during that outing, she wondered?
Turning back to the vanity, Penny set the note aside and then slowly lifted the case’s heavy velvet lid, her breath catching in her throat as she beheld the contents within. It was a necklace, the center stone an enormous emerald, the oval shaped gem at least two inches high and completely surrounded by smaller, marquis-shaped diamonds, while the remainder of the circular strand was comprised of a series of additional, slightly smaller gems set into identical settings with each set of stones separated by a large, flower-shaped cluster of diamonds edged in gold. It was spectacular and easily one of the most beautifully-crafted pieces of jewelry she had ever set eyes upon. “Oh my,” she gasped, her hand going to her throat in astonishment as she gaped at the stunning necklace.
So mesmerized was she by the glittering jewels, she hadn’t even noticed that Meg had slowly inched up behind her until the maid let out a similar gasp as her wide brown eyes took in the glittering display of jewels. “Oh, Your Grace,” she breathed softly, “it’s… incredible.”
“Yes,” Penny agreed, swallowing hard, “it most certainly is, isn’t it?”
“You will wear it tonight, won’t you, Your Grace?” Meg inquired, glancing toward her with a hopeful expression.
She and Gabriel were attending a private soiree that evening, hosted by Philip Danbury’s parents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Farleigh. “Yes, I… yes of course,” she replied, still a bit dazed by the extraordinary gift.
Clapping her hands together, Meg looked to where Penny’s freshly-pressed gown was laid out across the foot of the bed. “Oh, you in that gown,” she exclaimed, “and wearing that necklace, surely you shall set everyone who sees you agog.”
Penny glanced toward the bed, her eyes falling upon the gorgeous evening gown, one she hadn’t worn before, the sumptuous fabric a rich, emerald-green Italian Doupioni silk, the vibrant hue, her aunt had insisted, the perfect complement to her fair skin and fiery, auburn locks. Making the gown even more striking, however, were the seven beautiful and intricately-detailed red and gold Chinese Pheasants scattered amongst a profusion of delicate, intertwined twigs and berries that circled the lower portion of the skirt. And as luck would have it, with the gown’s square-cut neckline and narrow, off-the-shoulder sleeves, the stunning necklace would be displayed to perfection.
Standing there, she couldn’t help wondering about Gabriel and the reason he’d presented her with such an extravagant gift. It certainly wasn’t due to necessity, as he knew that she had little need of jewelry, despite what had transpired upon their first outing to the theatre, for she had worn several of her mother’s jewels since then, the majority of the pieces more than suitable to grace the ears, neck, and wrists of a duchess and ‘woman who bore his name’ in particular. So why then? And why tonight? Was it possible that he was softening towards her as she’d secretly hoped? Could her father have been right all along, that given time Gabriel would come to know her for the person she really was, and that the umbrage and animosity that had slowly given way to the somewhat guarded amity they now shared would lead to something even more? Was there a chance that they could be husband and wife in more than name only, and that those wicked and scandalous dreams that now haunted her sleep at night might one day become a reality?
Goodness, but just thinking about the latter made her entire body grow warm and her heart begin to beat just a little bit faster. Would there come a day when he wanted her like that, she wondered, a day when he would come to her bed and they would enjoy those intimate pleasures she now longed for?
“Your Grace?”
Penny blinked, turning away from the bed. “I’m sorry Meg, did you say something?”
“I merely asked if you would like a cup of tea or perhaps one of Cook’s chocolate croissants before you begin your evening preparations.”
“Oh, thank you, but no,” she replied with an absent shake of her head, her thought’s focused more upon the sudden notion forming within her head as she abruptly returned her gaze to the foot of the bed. “Meg, how adept are you with needle and thread?” she asked after a moment, eyeing the emerald gown consideringly.
“Embroidery, Your Grace, or basic stitchery?”
“Actually,” she began, casting a quick glance toward the mantle clock before turning back to Meg, “I was enquiring more as to your proficiency with… garment alterations,” she clarified, motioning to the dress.
“Oh. Well I certainly don’t possess the skills of an accomplished dressmaker,” Meg informed her. “But my grandmother was an experienced seamstress and she taught me, as well as all of my sisters, to sew our own clothing when we were just girls. So, as long as the alterations aren’t too drastic,” she continued with a curious expression, “I’m sure I can manage.”
“Oh, Meg,” Penny proclaimed with a fervent, heartfelt smile, “you truly are a Godsend.”
Descending the stairs to the front hall, Gabriel pulled the gold watch from the front pocket of his evening jacket and absently checked the time. “Has the coach been readied?” he inquired of his butler.
“Yes, Your Grace,” Thompkins replied. “It’s been brought ‘round and is presently waiting out front.”
“Excellent.”
“Would you care for a glass of bra
ndy while you await the Duchess’ arrival, Your Grace?”
He was about to respond in the affirmative when he noticed Thompkins glance over his shoulder, his eyes abruptly shifting toward the top of the stairs. Turning to follow the butler’s gaze, Gabriel immediately noted what, or rather who, had caught the man’s eye. It was Penelope, slowing making her way down the marble staircase in a striking, emerald-green gown, the necklace he’d purchased from Alexi Gagarin just a few hours earlier, sparkling and glittering upon her neck as the brilliant gems caught and reflected the light from the chandelier overhead.
For several seconds he stood transfixed, for she looked so incredibly lovely that it nearly took his breath away. And in that moment, to see her like that, whatever regrets he might have had regarding the rather impulsive decision he’d made earlier that afternoon vanished in an instant.
“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting,” Penelope said softly as she moved down the final steps.
“No, not at all,” Gabriel replied, rousing himself from his momentary stupor as he walked forward to meet her at the foot of the staircase. Extending his hand he took her gloved fingers within his as she descended the last step. “My dear, you look… stunning,” he stated in all truthfulness.
“I’ve little doubt that I pale in comparison to the extraordinary creation encircling my throat,” she replied with a modest smile, lifting her other hand to place her fingertips upon the expanse of skin just below the necklace. “It’s simply magnificent, Gabriel,” she continued softly, her eyes locked upon his. “Thank you.”
“You’re quite welcome,” he replied, his voice sounding slightly rough to his own ears. Clearing his throat, he managed to affect an offhand tone as he said, “I thought that emeralds might compliment your coloring, and I can see that I was correct in my assumption.”
“Yes, I think you might be right,” Penelope agreed with another, unassuming smile. “Before tonight I’ve had little opportunity to wear emeralds or anything green for that matter, but the color does seem to work with this rather unusual hair color of mine.”
“Yes, well, it certainly does at that.” He regarded her admiringly, his gaze shifting from her face then to sweep the length of her emerald-green gown, then darting back up to focus for a moment upon the surprising cut of her bodice. While not quite low enough to be considered scandalous, he was certain that the bodice of the gown she wore now was cut considerably lower than any of the gowns he’d seen her in previously. Just low enough, in fact, to provide him with a fabulous view of the enticing swells of her spectacular breasts.
Damn and blast, he silently bemoaned, feeling the sudden rush of blood to his cock, vexed that the beauteous vixen still had the ability to stir his blood like no other woman had before. “Shall we, then?” he asked somewhat gruffly and then turning, rather abruptly, toward the front door.
_____
“Oh, I do so wish that your stepmother was here this evening,” Eleanor remarked as she and Penny made their way from the Danbury’s drawing room to the rear terrace, where the Marchioness had arranged for some after-dinner entertainment for her guests.
“Maryanne? Whatever for?” Penny turned to Eleanor with a grimace, for since her marriage to Gabriel, her stepmother’s feelings of antipathy toward her seemed to have markedly intensified, rather than lessened. It wasn’t altogether surprising, however, for it undoubtedly rankled her vain, narcissistic stepmother to no end that Penny not only outranked her but was considered a Society favorite as well, despite the scandal of her hasty union.
“Because I would have dearly loved to have seen her face turn as green as those emeralds you’re wearing when she caught sight of that necklace,” she murmured in a hushed voice.
“Eleanor, really!” Though Penny tried to maintain a staunch expression, she couldn’t help cracking a slight smile.
Eleanor merely grinned, clearly unrepentant. “You simply must wear it the next time you see her. Promise me you will.”
“Shall I don it the next time I pick up Charlie for a morning at the park?” she asked teasingly.
“Oh could you? Could you, please?”
Penny laughed. “Well, probably not. Not unless I took at least three additional footmen along with us to the park to safeguard my neck, anyhow.” Besides, she did her best to avoid Maryanne on those particular occasions, not further antagonize her.
“It truly is spectacular,” Eleanor professed, eyeing Penny’s necklace in admiration for a moment. “But you truly haven’t any idea why he gave it to you?”
“Not really, no,” Penny responded with a shake of her head, keeping her voice low.
They shared a meaningful look as Eleanor smiled and gently squeezed her arm.
Minutes later, as they stepped outside, Penny cast her gaze around the other guests milling around the terrace and caught sight of Gabriel standing with Rafael and Philip Danbury a short distance away. “I’m sorry that Michael wasn’t able to be here tonight,” she said to Eleanor.
“Yes, so am I,” Eleanor confessed. “Though I do hope his injury isn’t too terribly serious.”
“Apparently the doctor assured him that it was merely a slight sprain and nothing to be overly concerned about. Gabriel said that he simply needs to stay off of the ankle for a few days and then he should be as good as new.”
“That’s a relief. Though I suppose it really wouldn’t have mattered if he were here tonight, or not,” Eleanor said with a sigh.
Penny eyed her curiously. “Now why would you say that?”
“Well,” Eleanor said with a frown, “despite having asked me to dance at the two balls he happened to attend, he hasn’t given the slightest indication that his interest in me is anything other than friendly.”
“Mayhap he simply wishes to take things slow,” Penny suggested optimistically.
Eleanor shrugged. “Or it could be that he merely doesn’t find me attractive. I mean, let’s be honest, the man could have any woman he wanted with little more than the snap of his fingers,” she said, her tone disheartened.
“Has he shown an interest in anyone else?”
“No,” Eleanor shook her head, “not that I know of.”
“And did he ask any other unmarried ladies to dance at either of those balls?” Penny asked, knowing quite well that he hadn’t.
“Well, no,” Eleanor admitted, her face reflecting a slightly more positive expression.
This time it was Penny’s turn to give Eleanor’s arm a reassuring squeeze. “So stop fretting.”
Eleanor hesitated for only a moment before smiling. “Fine, I shall try.”
“Good.”
“You know, if Mother would only allow me to wear something more enticing than these insipid pastels and appallingly missish gowns,” she said with a roll of her eyes, “it would doubtless boost my self-confidence significantly.”
“A gown like this one, perhaps,” Penny asked with a knowing expression, motioning to her own dress.
“Precisely!”
Penny grinned. “If you attempted to leave your house in this gown, you would likely have to revive your poor mother with smelling salts.”
Eleanor grinned back. “I still cannot believe you had the nerve to lower the bodice an entire inch,” she whispered.
“Well, let’s just hope that Meg’s efforts weren’t all for naught,” Penny stated. “As regrettably I seem to have attracted the attention of a few more gentlemen that I had intended this evening and one in particular.”
“Yes, I couldn’t help but note that the Earl of Carrington was ogling you all through dinner.”
Penny grimaced. “He was wasn’t he? Do you think Gabriel noticed?” she asked uneasily.
“Most likely. But don’t worry,” Eleanor proclaimed, “for if that dress you’re wearing doesn’t manage to spark your husband’s interest, which seems highly unlikely, then mayhap the earl’s interest, along with the others, will accomplish the task.”
While sparking Gabriel’s interest was all that Pen
ny cared about, maybe Eleanor’s notion wasn’t too far off the mark. Perhaps if Gabriel had noted the marked interest of someone like Carrington, it would serve to provide him with an extra little nudge in her direction.
She and Eleanor had little time to discuss the matter further, however, as Lady Farleigh called for everyone’s attention and announced the start of the evening’s entertainment. Then, just a few moments later a dozen or more men and women, a troupe of gypsy performers it appeared, rushed from the shadows and out onto the rear lawn. Then, as three of the brightly-clothed, bare-chested men began to spew great bursts of billowing fire from their mouths and into the night air, whilst the others formed a wide circle and danced around them playing a host of various musical instruments, the captivated crowd looking down from the terrace, she and Eleanor included, erupted in a chorus of enthusiastic ohs and ahs.
Less than twenty feet away, Gabriel turned his gaze from the activity in front of him to where his wife was standing alongside Eleanor Cunningham, farther down the Italian marble balustrade, noting the obvious enjoyment reflected in her expression as she focused her attention upon the animated gypsy performers.
He’d been watching her surreptitiously throughout the long evening, scarce able to keep his eyes off of her as she’d circulated amongst and conversed effortlessly with the ton’s most elite members, appearing every inch a woman born to the position she now held, a woman ideally suited to bear his name and his title. Hell, if he didn’t know her for the accomplished deceiver who’d employed the vilest of methods to compel him to the altar, he could have easily imagined her as the perfect wife and duchess. And damn it all, that knowledge alone should keep him from wanting her and from the fierce, overwhelming desire to take her home and strip every last stitch of that bold, tantalizing gown from her luscious body and toss her into his bed; but much to his unending disgrace it did not. Instead, his body’s traitorous yearnings seemed to grow evermore powerful with each and every passing day. Even now, as his gaze drifted slowly along her profile to the graceful line of her throat and then on to the exposed portion of one creamy white shoulder, he felt a renewed tightening within his loins.
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