Mr. Winters cleared his throat. “Don’t keep the lady waiting too long. Her patience is not infinite.”
“Seriously?” He tossed up his hands as he started around the corner. “Are you telling me what to do now?”
Mr. Winters stepped into the hall and called after him. “Always, my lord. Speaking of, we should arrange for each of the children to have quarters of their own.”
Logan stopped and spun about. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell the man to mind his own business. But Mr. Winters had a point and besides…he was part of this wacky family too. “Natty has nightmares. She needs the other children.”
Mr. Winters cocked an eyebrow. “How thoughtful, and good point, my lord.”
Logan turned again, making his way to the front sitting room. It was the same one Penny had waited in.
He grinned. How much had changed in the past few weeks.
Making his way into the room, the Earl of Baxter sat with one leg propped on his knee, as he steepled his hands in front of his face.
“You’re early,” Logan grumbled, crossing the room to take the seat next to the other man. He noted that Baxter didn’t bother to rise in greeting.
“I am,” the other man answered.
Since they weren’t standing on ceremony, Logan didn’t bother with small talk. “So early, that I don’t have an answer for you.”
Baxter frowned. “Why not?”
Logan let out a low rumble. Did other people find Logan this abrasive? How annoying. “Because…” He leaned forward. “You are interrupting my meeting with Miss Walters.”
Baxter raised an eyebrow. “Forgive me. I assumed that you’d had the conversation several hours ago. The two of you seem…intimately acquainted.”
Logan let out a long breath, rising from his chair.
He saw Baxter’s eyes widen in surprise.
“Careful,” Logan said low and deep. “That’s the woman I intend to marry.”
Baxter gave him a knowing smile. “Exactly what I meant.”
Logan stared for a minute. He suspected that was not what the other man had meant. He’d meant that there had been an opportunity to discuss their future in bed, but Logan decided to let it go. “If you’d like your answer today, you’ll have to wait.”
Baxter nodded. “Fine.”
“Might be a while.” In fact, Logan might keep him waiting an excessively long time. Penny deserved time to make her decision and Baxter deserved a lesson in patience. And good business. He doubted that Baxter would be as serene as Penny had been. But then again, Penny was an exceptional person.
Baxter pulled several bags of coin from his purse. Slowly, he set each bag on the table next to his chair. “Since you’re about to speak with Miss Walters, perhaps you could pass these along to her.”
Logan’s eyes quickly scanned the eight bags of coin, one considerably larger than the others. “The buy-ins.”
“Yes,” Baxter gave a single nod. Then he pulled a sheet of paper from his coat. “And the contract for the house.”
“Miss Walters and I shall return shortly.”
“Very good.” Baxter winked.
“My lord,” a feminine voice called from the door. “Have you seen Penny?”
Logan’s head snapped up. Clarissa stood in the door, a look of concern marking her brow. “I can’t find her anywhere.”
He cleared his throat. “She’s in my study or should be shortly.”
“Who is your friend?” Baxter asked from behind him. His voice had gotten deeper, more menacing, losing its jovial tone.
Logan looked at the other man to see what had caused the change, but Baxter’s gaze was fixed on Clarissa. His visage was suddenly pale, his hands clenched in front of him. The man looked as if he’d seen a ghost.
Logan looked back at Penny’s friend and ally. With her shoes on and her hair neatly coiffed, she appeared far older than Logan tended to think of her. She was tall and willowy with thick blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. How had Logan not noticed?
But he’d been too busy looking at Penny, he was sure.
“Clarissa, this is the Earl of Baxter,” Logan said through clenched teeth. Then he turned to Baxter. “Clarissa is one of Miss Walters’ charges who is now under my protection.”
Baxter didn’t look away from Clarissa as he gave a single nod, his jaw tight with tension and his eyes filling with an intensity that Logan did not understand. He cocked his head to the side as he assessed the other man.
But Baxter’s only response was to quietly repeat her name. “Clarissa.”
Clarissa curtseyed in return, her gaze casting to the floor as color flooded her cheeks. “I shall…check on the children.”
Logan walked toward the door, escorting her out. “I’ll send Penny up as soon as we’re finished.”
Clarissa let her eyes stray back into the room and Logan held his breath. The Earl of Bastards was no one that he wanted this young innocent to trifle with. Her voice dropped low. “On the table. Was that what I think it is?”
Logan slumped in relief. She hadn’t been looking at Baxter but at the money. “Yes, it is.”
Clarissa raised a hand to her mouth. “Oh my.”
Logan chuckled. “Indeed.” He hoped this would be a day filled with many oh my moments.
Penny entered Logan’s study. It was a room she’d never been in and she was embarrassed to admit, she’d gotten lost…twice…attempting to find it.
A maid stood next to a tea service and bobbed a quick curtsey. “Tea, miss?”
“Oh please,” she answered gratefully.
The maid quickly poured her a cup and then curtseyed again. “His lordship had another visitor, but he said to tell you that he will be right back.”
Penny nodded and as soon as the woman left, she began slathering jam on a biscuit. She was ravenous. Belatedly, she realized they’d never eaten dinner and then she’d overslept.
Eating one biscuit, she took several sips of tea and then made another.
From the second-story study, she could see the back garden and she rose from her chair, nibbling on her breakfast as she made her way to the window.
Most of the plants were dead but she could see what a beautiful spot it was in the summer. Bench-lined paths wound through it, congregating at a center point, surrounded by a canopy of trees. She sighed to see such a lovely little spot. But her stomach grumbled again and she turned back toward the tray.
A note was open on the desk, large, bold scroll that caught her attention. She knew she shouldn’t look but the words “Christmastide ball” jumped out at her. And then “daughter” and “delighted” and…her hand covered her mouth.
Logan was courting another woman.
Her stomach dropped, and her shoulders curled in, one hand resting on the desk just to keep her upright.
Pain lanced through her body as she choked down a dry sob. She’d known, of course. Known he would never marry her. Why would he? But somehow this evidence hurt so deeply she couldn’t breathe.
They’d done things last night.
He’d never made her promises, of course. And she’d practically begged him.
Oh, merciful saints. She’d begged him.
She’d been so careful to keep her distance from men. Hold them at arm’s length. But he’d breached those defenses until she’d needed his touch so badly that she’d been unable to deny herself or him.
Shaking her head, she pushed off the desk.
He’d promised to help her.
And much as she’d like to push him away, Penny wasn’t a fool. It was in Fran, Ethel, and Natty’s best interests that she allow him to do so. Clarissa’s too.
But she hated it.
She’d made a fool of herself. She was a fool.
What she needed was to clear her head. Go for a walk. Sort out her swirling thoughts. Her breath caught. What if what they’d done resulted in a child?
Without allowing any more thoughts to swirl about, she headed for the door. She made her
way down the stairs and after donning her coat, went outside into the cold.
She began walking with no clear idea where she should go.
She knew her way back to the East End but knew nothing else in this neighborhood.
Deciding it didn’t matter, Penny quickened her pace, trying to outrun the swirling vortex of thoughts. Snow began falling, and she turned her collar up, hunching down into her threadbare coat.
Her mind was so full, she didn’t even realize a carriage had stopped next to her until the door snapped open.
“Penny?”
The Duchess of Darlington leaned out the door, her red hair flashing in the grey light. “Your Grace?” she choked on the address.
“None of that. It’s Minnie. Now get in. I insist. The weather is just dreadful.”
“I can’t,” Penny shook her head. “I’ve made a terrible mistake and I…”
“Then you definitely need to get in,” Minnie said holding out her hand. “Whatever it is, I am sure I can help you sort it out.”
Penny looked at the other woman. Was a duchess going to help her? How could that be true? “I couldn’t possibly. I—”
“In.” Minnie tugged on her hand.
Penny finally acquiesced. Climbing in, Minnie handed her a warming brick and a blanket.
“Now.” The other woman leaned forward. “Tell me everything.”
Chapter Fifteen
Logan returned to his study but stopped in the doorway.
A half cup of tea sat on the table along with an uneaten biscuit. Clear evidence that Penny had been in the room, but it was now empty. At least he assumed she’d been the one eating and drinking.
He stood for a moment, trying to decide what to do. Had she just stepped out for a moment? Would she return? Was something wrong with one of the children? Not sure what else to do, he headed upstairs.
But she wasn’t in the nursery, with Clarissa, or in her own room. Mr. Winters hadn’t seen her, and she’d not made an appearance in the kitchen. Running a frustrated hand through his hair, he returned to his study. Perhaps they’d just missed each other in the halls.
But before he could step through the door, he was met by Mr. Winters. “Her coat is gone.”
“What?” he asked, scrunching his brow. “Why would her coat be gone?”
Mr. Winters shook his head. “I don’t know. But it is.”
Sick dread filled his stomach. Snowfall had increased, and the wind howled outside. It was no time to be taking a stroll. Why would Penny venture out in such conditions? His gut clenched. “Is Baxter still here?”
“Yes,” Mr. Winters answered. “I had a tray of refreshments brought to him just a few moments ago.”
Logan scratched his head, then strode into his office. Part of him wanted to dash out the door and catch her, but learning why she left seemed important. He’d know where she’d gone if he could only discover what had sent her out into the snow in the first place. Logan crossed to his desk attempting to puzzle out what might have happened when he caught sight of the invitation on his desk.
He stopped, his blood going cold.
It lay in plain sight, exactly where he’d left it. The bold lettering legible from some distance. Did Penny think he planned to court another?
Well, he had planned that, actually.
But it felt like the Den of Sins all over again. He’d withheld information. This time, not intentionally. He’d simply changed his mind. He’d reached out to that other candidate to help move on and forget Penny. It had seemed right at the time but now…
And without context, she’d have no idea that he planned to wed a beautiful orphanage owner…
He groaned, scrubbing his face. While he still didn’t know exactly where she’d gone, she likely hadn’t set out with a plan either. It was unlike her to not put her charges first. Had she left upset and had marched off into the snow? Had she even worn enough clothing? His insides twisted again. “Have my horse saddled. Immediately. How long since she was last seen?”
“It can’t be more than half an hour.” Mr. Winters spun on his heel toward the door. “I’ll have your horse readied.”
“Thank you,” he said as he followed Winters out the door. That made him feel slightly better. She hadn’t frozen to death in a half hour. He stopped at the sitting room where Baxter waited.
Stepping into the room, the man was slung low in his chair. Was he asleep? “Baxter?”
The other man sat up, his eyes sharp, a frown on his face. “Is everything all right? You sound odd.”
Logan frowned. He wasn’t used to confiding in people. Nor did he like to ask for aid. Ever. But much in his life was changing. He didn’t like confessing to Baxter but another man searching would make his job far easier. “Penny saw some of my correspondence and has the mistaken impression I plan to marry another woman.”
Baxter’s smile returned, the serious look he’d worn a few moments before, disappearing. “How very interesting.”
Logan grimaced. He’d not feed the man’s interest any further. “She’s left the house and it’s begun to snow. I’d like to collect her before she freezes to death.”
Baxter’s smile slipped. “Say no more. How may I be of service?”
Logan gave a single nod of thanks. “I assume you ride?”
“Of course.” The other man was already rising. “Let’s begin.”
Logan gave a quick jerk of his chin. “Thank you.” He scrubbed his scalp again. “I’m of two minds. She either is ambling about with no real direction or she headed for Adderley Street.”
“Adderley Street? Near the Den of Sins?”
“Precisely,” Logan grimaced as they made their way down the back stairs toward the kitchen.
“I shall make my way toward the unsavory section of town. If I find her, I’ll return here.”
“Good,” Logan said. “I’ll begin searching the gardens and streets nearby. She’s been on foot for half an hour. That should give you a good idea of how far she might have travelled.”
Baxter nodded, shrugging on his coat. “I’ll see you again soon.” And then he strode out the door toward the barn.
Logan shrugged on his own coat as he stepped outside, the wind smacking him in the face.
It was too cold for her to be out like this. Real fear trickled down his spine. He didn’t blame her for needing a moment to be alone.
If he thought she’d marry another… Jealousy pressed his fists into tight balls.
But this was plain dangerous. She needed to be tucked inside away from the cold. And then he’d explain everything, and finally, after she was warm and cozy, he’d ask for her hand in marriage.
He drew in a deep breath. He’d only just found his heart and he couldn’t lose it now.
But as he climbed on his horse, he wondered how he might actually find her. It was a large city and she walked a great deal.
Fear beat in his chest like a drum. What if something happened to her? Snapping the reins, he started down the drive toward the gate. He saw Baxter seated on his horse, not moving but staring at a carriage. The other man looked back and gave Logan a wink.
That’s when Logan realized, the carriage held the Duke of Darlington’s crest. And as the door snapped open, Penny climbed out.
His first feeling was relief. His shoulders slumped and his breath rushed out in the cold, creating a cloud of vapor. She was safe.
But his second was red-hot jealousy. He sat back up again, stiff and straight in the saddle. Had she been alone with the duke?
Penny sat with the duchess as she dabbed her eyes. “And then I found a letter from a marquess inviting Logan to attend a party with the express interest of courting his daughter.”
Despite herself, she sniffed again.
Minnie’s mouth pinched. “The problem is that we have no idea when he began a correspondence with the marquess. Could have been yesterday or weeks ago. We just don’t know.”
Well that was an interesting point. Penny’s chest tightened
as she realized that she might have made a mistake. Perhaps, rather than running, she should have simply asked… But she was still afraid. Worried that Logan would leave her as everyone she loved did. “I think I jumped to conclusions because of last night.”
“What happened last night?” Minnie’s brows went up as she leaned forward.
A flush of heat, despite the cold air, filled Penny’s cheeks. “It’s…um…I…”
Minnie waved a hand. “I am the oldest of five girls. I’ve talked several women through the early days of a blossoming relationship.”
That might be true, but Penny was not her sister. “The problem is that I had no mother when I came of age and I’m not entirely certain what exactly happens—”
“Say no more.” Minnie lifted up a hand and scooted to the edge of her seat. “You are like a flower.”
Penny blinked. Not the beginning she’d expected.
“And he has a…” Minnie looked up at the ceiling of the carriage. “A rod or staff which he uses to plant his seed into your bloom. The seed may or may not take, but if it does, it creates life.”
Penny swallowed as she too edged out further on the bench, her voice dropping. “Are we speaking metaphorically?”
“No.” Minnie smiled shyly. “Though by flower, I do mean lady parts. And by staff, I mean the matching male ones.”
Penny’s brow scrunched. “Oh, I should have known his parts would have to be involved in order for a baby to be made.”
“Were his parts not involved? Did he, for example, remove any part of his pants?”
Penny shook her head, unable to believe she was actually having this conversation with a duchess, no less. “No. Only my…er…flower was involved. His staff…”
Minnie gave her a wide smile. “So he gave you pleasure but took none for himself?”
Dear Lord, was that what had happened? The more Penny thought about it the more it seemed true. “I am terribly selfish.”
Minnie laughed at that. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. You didn’t know. But I will tell you one thing. Men generally get more pleasure from the arrangement than women. So when it’s the other way around, it often means that they care…deeply.”
Earl of Gold: Lords of Scandal Page 11