Temptation: 3 (Timeless Series)

by Sandy Loyd

  Penny sighed and nodded. What did she want? She did love Geoff. Maybe he could forgive her and she could still be happy with him.

  Chapter 22

  “Good day, everyone,” Penny said cheerfully to the group in the dining room later that day. Ignoring Parker, who she could see out of the corner of her eye watching every move she made, she breezed toward the table.

  Elizabeth’s words still played in her mind. Maybe things could work out with Geoff. Her spirits rose, giving her newfound hope. Maybe she could get him to stick to their original plans of going to San Francisco. She rather liked the idea of having that adventure before making the trip back to England. She still had several months until her twenty-fifth birthday, but she certainly didn’t want to stay here any longer. There were just too many memories. Too many reminders of what would never be.

  Geoff stood at her approach. “Good day, Pen. I missed you at breakfast.” He bestowed a quick peck on her cheek after holding out her chair. “I hope you’re not avoiding me,” he added a little lower so that only she could hear.

  “Of course not, Geoff.” Smiling warmly, she sat down. “I slept late and then I helped Mrs. Davis in the garden.”

  “Yes, the dear has been helping me get the beds ready for winter,” Elizabeth chimed in. She sighed heavily and her voice turned wistful. “I’ll miss all the beautiful flowers when the first frost hits. That we haven’t had one yet is definitely a blessing.”

  “I hope this beautiful whether holds enough for the ball tomorrow night,” Catherine said.

  “Surely the weather won’t affect the ball, will it?” asked Markham. Then he added jovially, “If we waited for perfect weather in England, there’d be no fancy balls.”

  “Of course we have the ballroom, but I was hoping to use the patio and gardens like we’ve done in the past.” Catherine’s expression turned dreamy. “I love dancing under the stars.”

  “Ah, a romantic,” Markham said, amusement showing in his voice. His smile softened his harsh features, making him appear boyish and approachable, not at all like the formidable picture he presented earlier. “How nice.”

  “Not our Catherine,” Lucas chortled. “There isn’t a romantic bone in her body.”

  “That’s not true. Dancing under the stars is romantic and I do love it,” Catherine said, jutting out her chin.

  “Now, now, Lucas. Quit teasing her. You both could learn lessons about romance,” Elizabeth said, not bothering to hide her exasperation. “And wipe that smirk off your face, Parker. You’re no better than your siblings. All of you are disappointing in the romance department.”

  “At least I’ve tried,” Parker said. Though he kept his expression serious, his eyes danced with good humor.

  “Asking the wrong person doesn’t count. Lady Margaret was wrong for you and you know it,” Elizabeth chided, her annoyance growing. “What I want to know is what you’ve done since.”

  Parker’s gaze touched Penny’s briefly, and his smile was quick. “Like I said, Mother. I’ve tried.”

  Casting her glance lower, Penny felt heat rush up her face. When she noticed his hand resting on a goblet, fingering the stem, the warmth deepened. She looked back up to see if he’d caught it.

  Parker’s grin spread. “It just didn’t work out,” he said, shaking his head. “And since we’re so disappointing in our romantic pursuits, I think you should concentrate on those grandchildren only Sarah and Rebecca can give,” he teased.

  “Humph,” Elizabeth said, dismissing her errant children with the wave of her hand and picking up a fork.

  “I’m sorry,” Penny murmured, turning to Geoff and quelling the flood of sensations seeping through her system that only now were subsiding. “I didn’t catch that. I was daydreaming.”

  “How about a ride later?” Geoff leaned closer. “We need to talk. We left things unfinished yesterday.”

  “I’d like that.” Penny offered a soft smile, happy to have something else to think of besides the man sitting across from her who seemed too impossible to ignore. Time with Geoff was just what she needed to put her plans into motion. “A talk would be nice,” she answered honestly, her eyes searching Geoff’s. Noticing her handsome best friend’s earnest expression, she exhaled a deep sigh. Her smile deepened. All was not lost. He certainly seemed to accept her perfidy. Maybe he really could forgive her.

  ~~

  Penny and Geoff rode off on horseback, acting much as they used to when younger.

  “I bet you can’t beat me to that fence post,” Geoff challenged, goading her into a race.

  Penny took off, letting the wind blow through her hair. She felt freer and happier than she had in a long time.

  As they neared the post, Geoff shouted, “Stop. I concede defeat.” Laughing, he galloped closer once she’d slowed. “You always could outride me, Pen.”

  Once he caught up, they ambled, neither speaking.

  “Why can’t it be like it used to be?” he asked moments later, interrupting their companionable silence. “We had so much fun back then.”

  Her eyes focused on the surrounding scenery. “That’s true. We did.” Fall hadn’t made much of a presence yet and the trees still appeared more green than yellow or red. Keeping her gaze on the horizon, she added, “I guess we’ve grown up. Things have happened in the past year that have changed who we were.”

  “Did you lie when you said you still love me?” he asked, halting his mount, his intent gaze traveling across her face.

  His whispered plea gripped her soul. She reined her horse to a stop and answered honestly. “No. How can I not love you after all we’ve shared? But you have to admit, your love has always been stronger.”

  “I don’t believe that.” Shaking his head, he urged his horse forward. Penny did the same. “I don’t know what happened with the earl. Nor do I know how you came to lie with another man. I really don’t want to know or think about either. It eats at me. I blame myself. I can’t change the outcome and I should’ve done more to prevent both. But I refuse to believe you’ve changed so much. What I see before me when I look at you is the same engaging minx I used to follow all over the wilds of Northumberland before I went to Eton.”

  “No, I’m not,” she said. “I’ll never be that girl again.”

  “Maybe. But know this. I’d still follow you anywhere.” Judging by his fervent expression, he meant it. “You need me, Pen. I’ll take care of you.”

  All of a sudden, her doubts prevailed. “I don’t know, Geoff.” Her trepidation grew. “I’m confused.”

  “How can you be confused?”

  “Because I don’t know what to do right now.”

  “It’s very simple. You marry me. After you reach your majority, we’ll go back to England and you can take your rightful place as your parents’ heiress. The earl won’t be able to do a thing about it, especially if you’ve conceived. If not, it’s easily remedied.”

  “I thought I could marry you, but now I don’t think it’s what I want.” She pulled on the reins and dismounted. Looking around, it dawned on Penny that she’d led Geoff to the same spot where she and Parker had made love weeks earlier. She shook away the memory when Geoff stormed up to her.

  He put his hands on her shoulders. “It’s a perfect solution. But we don’t have a lot of time. The earl could find you and then where will you be?”

  His words brought to mind that first time Parker told her she should marry him. They were so similar. Was marriage to Geoff what she really wanted or just a solution to her problem? Glancing at him now as he paced and rubbed his neck in obvious dismay, she came to a sudden realization. She had changed. His love didn’t seem to be enough anymore. Instead of voicing her thoughts, she said, “I’m not in England and I’m not afraid of him any longer. He can’t force me to marry him. Not here. I’ll figure out a way.”

  “I don’t understand why you won’t marry me,” he said, halting in front of her, his expression becoming sullen. His gaze went out toward the water before retur
ning to hers. “No one will love you more than me.”

  Penny sighed and placed a hand on his face, lovingly tracing his firm jaw. Always her golden champion. Oh, how she wished she loved him as she did Parker. And because she didn’t, she had to let him go. “I know. You deserve someone who loves you just as much.”

  “So you’re saying you love this other man? The man you’ve lain with?” he asked, taking her gloved hand and kissing her wrist. “Tell me that and I’ll leave it alone.”

  “I don’t know what I’m saying. I’m confused and because I’m confused, I’m not marrying anyone,” Penny replied, pulling her hand out of his. She turned and walked to the rock, her gaze resting on the water. Holding it there, she said, “In fact, I’m leaving here. I’m going to California as we originally planned. I’d hoped you’d accompany me.”

  “So you will marry me?” Hope swelled in his tone.

  “No. You misunderstand. We’d travel together, but I won’t marry you. I’m going whether you accompany me or not.”

  “You want me to accompany you without being married?” Geoff asked, clearly incensed at the thought. “I can’t do that.”

  “Come now, Geoff. Surely you can’t be afraid for my virtue. I have none,” she teased, amusement sliding over her expression.

  Her teasing only made him angrier, which came out in his voice. “You’re being unreasonable, expecting me to bend propriety. It simply isn’t done.”

  “Now you sound like Markham. I didn’t think you’d changed, but I just realized you have. You never used to be so bound by convention.”

  “Why? Because I want marriage to the woman I’ve loved most of my life? You’re just as bound. You’ll never change the fact that you’re an English heiress. You should stop all this talk about such nonsense.”

  “It’s not nonsense. The Davises have taught me much. I like it here in America. I think you will too. You’re the younger son. You can make your fortune here.”

  “Penny, you’re not thinking. What will you do for money to live on?”

  She hadn’t thought about that. “I still have the money you gave me.” And she still had her mother’s jewelry to sell.

  “That won’t last long.”

  “After my birthday, I’ll fight the earl for my money.” Once she attained the age stipulated in her parents’ will, she could find a barrister who’d take her case. Of course, it wasn’t lost on her that her case would be strengthened if she had a husband.

  Geoff swore under his breath, kicking the ground in obvious frustration. “You’re an Englishwoman. An English heiress. You can’t hide from who you are.”

  “I know that part of me will never change, but I don’t think I can go back to being Lady Penelope Lytton. I like Penny Layton too much. I think she’s been with me always, hiding underneath.” She grabbed his hands and squeezed, trying to make him understand. “Come with me. It will be an adventure. Think of the fun we can have.”

  “No. I’ll not do it, and neither will you. Do you hear me? I’ll give you time to come to your senses and realize that I’m your best solution. I love you, and I expect you to marry me. After your birthday, we’ll be going back to England, where you can take your rightful place in society.”

  Penny kept her eyes on his stubborn expression, which said he’d never back down. “It seems we’re at an impasse.” Sighing, she shook her head. “I’m not marrying you, nor am I returning to England to live.”

  “You will marry me and once you’re my wife, you’ll have no choice but to obey me. You have several months to get used to the idea,” he said before turning and stalking to his horse.

  Penny watched in stunned silence as he mounted. She never thought to see Geoff acting so much like Markham.

  Her spine stiffened when he glanced at her without bothering to conceal his irritation. “It’s time to go back.”

  Keeping her chin up, Penny walked resolutely to her horse and mounted. “I’m not changing my mind, Geoff.”

  “Nor am I, my lady,” he replied, clicking the reins to get his horse moving.

  ~~

  Standing in front of the mirrored glass in Catherine’s room, helping her dress as well as receiving help, Penny tried to muster up some of the same excitement Catherine couldn’t hide. She simply wasn’t in the mood to pretend happiness when she had nothing to be happy about.

  The day had been impossible. It had been hard enough to keep from thinking of Parker, but every time she looked up and caught Geoff’s resolute gaze, her task of remaining sane became more arduous. Geoff had then dogged her heels and wouldn’t let her be. Somehow she had to make him understand. She meant what she said. It annoyed her that he didn’t listen to her. He acted like every other man she knew, thinking she should obey him and that he could fix what was broken rather than accept what was.

  At least no one else had paid her any attention, as all had been wrapped up in the ball, which would take place in less than an hour.

  A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

  Laughing, Catherine rushed to open it. “Parker?” she said, drawing Penny’s attention. “What are you doing here?”

  “Bending the rules.” His nod indicated the room. “Is everyone decent?”

  At Catherine’s grin and yes, he strode over the threshold, and spotting Penny staring, his grin spread. “Ah, there you are and looking much like the angel I know you to be.”

  He was dressed in formal evening attire. His debonair looks could grace any ballroom in England. She spun around and glanced at her reflection in the cheval glass in an attempt to dismiss him from her mind, not wanting to find him attractive any longer.

  He moved to stand behind her while taking something out of his pocket. In the next moment, he placed a sapphire necklace around her neck, the same one she’d admired during their outing in Baltimore. The warmth of his fingers seared her neck as he secured the clasp.

  Penny’s confused gaze caught his in the mirrored glass and her hand went to the beautiful piece, fingering it lovingly. “Parker?” she asked. “What’s this?”

  “They don’t suit Catherine. Never did. In fact, from the moment I saw them I knew they’d suit no one but you.”

  Smiling wistfully, she said softly, “I can’t accept these. Surely you know that.”

  “Yes, you can. Call them a wedding gift from a friend.” He held out the earrings. “You need these to complete the picture.”

  Spying his earnest gaze in the glass again, Penny was torn. His expression was one of acceptance and friendship. Sincerity shone from his eyes. Still, she shook her head and said more firmly, “No. Such a gift is too valuable. You should keep them for someone you care about.”

  As she lifted her arms to remove them, Parker placed one hand on her shoulder, stilling her attempt and turning her around. When Penny wouldn’t meet his eyes, he took her chin and raised it up, forcing her to look at him. “Take them as an apology for all the pain I’ve caused you. Please? I won’t take no for an answer. I care about you and I bought them for you because they match your eyes perfectly.”

  Then opening her hand, he placed the earrings in her palm and closed her fingers around them. He kissed her forehead, before pivoting and walking out of the room.

  Penny stared at his departing back in bewilderment.

  Catherine, who’d silently watched the whole scene unfold, whistled softly. “Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Parker like that.”

  Penny’s brow furrowed. “Like what?”

  “Smitten. My Lord, he gave you sapphires. Do you know what this means?”

  “No,” Penny shook her head, having not one clue. “What does this mean?”

  “He cares about you.”

  “I don’t think so,” she quickly said, dismissing Catherine’s claim. “But you have to admit these sapphires make this dress. I can’t possibly keep them, but I’ll definitely wear them tonight.” All of a sudden her mood lifted and she turned back to the glass. After putting on the earrings, she glanced at
Catherine. “What do you think?”

  Catherine gave a hearty laugh. “I agree they make that dress, and I think if he feels he’s done something to warrant giving you these, you should definitely keep them.”

  The idea sounded like something Catherine would do just to snub her nose at convention. How she got away with it and could be so bold, Penny wasn’t sure. She just didn’t think she could be as bold. “I’ll think about it,” Penny said, grinning.

  Penny followed Catherine, who did a better job of gliding while all dressed up, down the stairs. Guests had started arriving. Geoff caught sight of her and headed their way.

  “I hope you’ll give me the honor of leading you in the first waltz,” he said once she reached the bottom stair.

  “Of course.” Seeing no way out, she bestowed on him a smile and took the elbow he offered. He led her into the ballroom, staying resolutely by her side while people flowed into the room. His proprietary manner annoyed her. The entire time he stood next to her, his stance dared anyone to challenge his right to be there. By the time the orchestra finally started up a waltz, relief swept through her as Geoff took her into his arms, adroitly leading her around the room.

  “I don’t remember seeing those sapphires. Are they new?”

  She swallowed her irritation. There was something in his tone, and she leaned back to search his handsome features. “They were meant as a gift. I’m not keeping them, only wearing them tonight because they match this dress so well.”

  “I see.” But his expression belied the two words. He remained silent, clearly sulking. “Are they from him?” he finally asked in a clipped, angry voice, his features distorted with resentment.

  “Him?”

  “Don’t play coy, Pen. It doesn’t become you.”

  “And jealousy doesn’t become you,” she shot back, her ire getting the better of her.

  “I’m not jealous. I’m annoyed. There’s a distinction.”

  A realization struck. The more she was in his company, the more like Parker and Markham he became. Penny shook her head, saying sadly, “I used to think you were different. I thought I knew you.”