Penelope's Guardian (Promises Book 3)

by Laura Clarke

  Offering him money made her feel as if she were selling herself. It also made her wonder why she was throwing herself at Andrew. She didn’t know him very well, and the few kisses they’d shared had been fun, but they were not of the passionate varieties that she’d read about in novels.

  Clara came back into the room and smiled. “The carriage is here, and I saw no sign of Lord Emmett. I do believe you hurt his ego when you told him you were doing what you wanted, no matter what he said.”

  “How do you know what I said?”

  “The whole household knows, Penelope,” Clara said.

  “What are they saying?”

  “Only that you are giving him what for,” Clara said.

  The look on her maid’s face told her something else was going on, but Penelope didn’t really have the time to find out. She needed to go so she could talk to Andrew. He was, after all, her only friend in London right now.

  Taking care to be silent, Penelope went to the ground floor and out the door. The driver opened the door to the carriage for her and helped her inside.

  It was only when the door was closed that she realized Lord Emmett sat opposite her.

  “Get out.” She turned her gaze toward the street. She didn’t want to see the look of triumph on his face.

  “If we argue we will be late for your appointment,” he said. “Where are we going?”

  “You are going nowhere,” she said, keeping her tone even and without anger. “I am going to meet my suitor.”

  “Portobello is a large place,” he said. “On what street is your suitor’s shop? If we don’t leave soon we shall be late. Will he wait for you?”

  “You need to leave,” she said.

  “Since your chaperone has not shown up, I will be doing those duties myself.” He flicked something off his trousers. “Before we leave, I would like to tell you this outing is costing me precious time.”

  “Then go inside and do what you want,” she said with a soft laugh. “I cannot imagine why you would want to take tea with Andrew and myself.”

  There was a pregnant pause before he said, “Where are we going?”

  She thought about trying to force her hand, but she knew he would not give in. It showed in the glare he shot her way.

  “We’re going to Miss Austen’s tearoom, on Portobello Road.”

  “Near where your lover has his shop?”

  “He’s not my lover,” she said. “Despite what someone wrote to you, you should know I am a virgin. I do not spread my favors to unsuspecting members of society.”

  The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, and her cheeks grew hot as a slow smile spread across his lips. It was arrogant, yet seductive, and she turned her gaze away from him.

  “Driver, Miss Austen’s on Portobello.” Once the instructions were given the carriage started forward.

  “I don’t know what you hope to accomplish by inserting yourself into this meeting,” she said. “You’ve proven you’re ineffective at most things by the fact that you can’t even find a proper chaperone.”

  She waited for him to take the bait. Unfortunately, he did not.

  “Of course, I would expect nothing less from a spoiled future duke, who expects things to be done for him.”

  “How did you know the contents of the letter?”

  Her breath caught in her throat and she gasped. “You told me there was a letter,” she said after a few moments.

  “I told you there was a letter,” he said. “I did not give you the exact wording, which you have just quoted to me. How did you know the wording?”

  “Don’t you mean the accusation?” she asked.

  “Call it what you will, but the fact that you knew the words contained in the missive tells me one of two things.” His eyes were narrowed, whether in anger or suspicion she didn’t know. “You either wrote the letter yourself, in which case I would question your motives. Or you’ve been sneaking around, reading notes that are not addressed to you.”

  “I assure you I did not write it,” she said. Only after the words were out of her mouth did she realize she’d just admitted to snooping around and reading things that were not her own. “Damn you.”

  “Language, Miss Martin,” he said. “We’ll discuss this matter when we get back to the house. In the meantime, I would like to know your exact relationship with Mr. Bixley.”

  She wanted to tell him to go to the devil. Instead she looked out the window. “It does look like the skies will open this afternoon. You should have stayed home, lest you get drenched.”

  “Your avoidance of the subject leads me to believe your earlier statement is not true,” he said. “Perhaps you and Mr. Bixley have been intimate.”

  The flush that had risen on her cheeks grew hotter.

  “I see that you have,” he said. “What are we talking about, stolen kisses? Has he touched your breasts? Have you allowed his hand to wander up your skirts?”

  “You, sir, are deplorable!” she screamed. “How dare you make such accusations!”

  “Will you not answer them?”

  “I will not,” she said. “Does your father know that you are such a scoundrel?”

  “I believe he does,” Emmett said. “It is well known that I don’t follow the rules. It’s one of the reasons I’m not married.”

  “Because no woman would have you,” she said. “It makes perfect sense.”

  “Oh, there are plenty of women who want to become a duchess when I gain my title,” he said. “I just haven’t found one that doesn’t bore me to tears.”

  “I’m sure some simpering fool will attract your eye before long,” she said. “Although someone needs to warn her that you are not someone she will want to spend very much time with, and she will have to close her eyes and beg for it to be over when you try to get her with child.”

  He laughed, so loudly that the driver pulled the carriage to a stop. “Is everything all right? Was that screaming?”

  “Everything’s fine,” Emmett said. “Miss Martin just told a very funny joke.”

  “We’re almost there, sir,” the driver said just before the carriage rolled forward.

  “How are you going to explain your presence to Andrew?”

  “Andrew, is it?” Was it her imagination, or did he just wink at her? “I don’t have to explain my presence to anyone, Miss Martin. I am simply following Chester’s wishes to make sure you are well taken care of.”

  The carriage rounded a corner much too fast, and Penelope pitched forward. She put out her hands to break her fall, but it didn’t work. She tumbled forward, and her head landed in Emmett’s lap. She felt the hardness of his thigh, and just upon her cheeks, she felt the length of his manhood. She pulled back as if she’d been burned.

  “Are you injured?” he asked.

  “I am not,” she said as she smoothed down her skirts. She’d never felt a man’s length before, even if it had been for just a few seconds.

  Emmett pounded on the roof. “Be more careful!”

  “I’m sorry, sir,” the driver called out. “There was a woman in the road and I had to port round her.”

  “Are you sure you’re not injured?” he asked. He took hold of her hand and turned it palm side up. Then he ran his finger over the bones in her wrist.

  A tingle ran up her arm and she tried to pull her hand away. “Stop that.”

  “I’m checking to make sure nothing is broken,” he said. He let go and she jerked her hand back. “Give me your other arm.”

  “I told you, I’m fine,” she said.

  “That was not a request,” he said.

  “Was it an order?”

  “Yes,” he said.

  She gave him her arm. If she didn’t, she knew he would just take hold of it anyway. He turned it over as he had the first and ran his finger along her wrist. Once more she tingled. She didn’t like the feelings he produced in her.

  “Are you finished?” she asked.

  “Nothing seems to be out of order,
” he said. He let go of her arm. “It’s a good thing my prick wasn’t hard, you might have damaged it with your forehead.”

  “You! Did your father and mother teach you any manners?”

  He chuckled. “Of course, it wasn’t hard before you rammed your head into it. But now, well, it is getting rather tumescent.”

  “Stop talking about your… member.”

  Once again, his laughter shook the carriage. This time the driver did not respond.

  “I see you waited until your father was gone to show your true colors,” she said.

  “Surely it’s not the first time you’ve felt a cock?” He leaned toward her. “Or maybe it’s just the first time you’ve felt one near your mouth.”

  Penelope wanted to slap him, but she knew if she did it would just escalate the situation. She worked to calm her breath. She did not want to be flustered when she saw Andrew.

  “I told you, sir, that your letter writer was mistaken.”

  “How did you get a chance to read the letter?” He leaned back against the seat and it made her feel better about things. “Was Mary’s room not the first place you visited last night? Did you go rifling through my father’s papers? Or perhaps you were listening at doors?”

  Penelope kept her mouth shut.

  “I’ll get the truth,” he said.

  “We’re almost there,” she said. “I don’t suppose I could talk you into allowing me to see Andrew on my own.”

  “Not a chance,” he said.

  “Even though what just happened proved to you that I have not been near a man in the manner to which you think I have?”

  “All it proved was that you’ve never been near my cock, until now,” he said.

  The carriage pulled to a halt. She reached for the door, but he pushed her hand away.

  “Wait for the driver,” he said. “I know Chester taught you manners. Why won’t you use them?”

  “Why are you not using yours?” she asked. “Maybe I am in a hurry to get away from you.”

  The door opened, and the driver offered her his hand. When she was outside the carriage she took a lung full of air. She coughed slightly, but told herself that anything, even the not so clear air of London, was better than being in the carriage with Emmett.

  That feeling dissipated when he moved to stand next to her. “Shall we?” He offered his arm and she thought about pushing it away. But people were watching them. She knew their appearance would cause gossip. Lord Emmett and his new ward. Or would people know she was his ward? She hoped not.

  The doorman opened the portal to the teahouse and they stepped inside. Penelope saw Andrew immediately. He stood and waved. The smile on his face disappeared quickly, and she knew he was not happy to see her with Lord Emmett.

  When they neared his table, Andrew bowed.

  “Lord Emmett,” he said. “This is a surprise.”

  “You have the upper hand sir, because I don’t believe we’ve met,” Emmett said. Penelope wanted to gag. He was so nice now, so courteous, when he’d been so rude to her just moments before.

  “Andrew Bixley, please allow me to introduce Lord Emmett Sway, Chester’s nephew,” Penelope said. “He is in town to handle affairs after his uncle’s death.”

  “Of course,” Andrew said. “My condolences, sir, on the death of your uncle. He was a fine man.”

  “My family thanks you,” Emmett said.

  “Please, sit, and I’ll order another cup,” Andrew said. Then he turned to Penelope. “My dear, it is wonderful to see you.”

  “Even with the unexpected guest?” she asked. “Lord Emmett invited himself along.”

  “As your guardian it is my right,” Emmett said.

  “Guardian?” Andrew asked.

  Even Penelope could tell he wasn’t happy to hear that word.

  “Yes, Chester wanted to make sure no one took advantage of her. My father has put me in charge of making sure she finds a proper husband.”

  “I see,” Andrew said. The server appeared with another setting for tea. She poured them all a cup and then vanished without saying a word.

  “To that effect, may I ask about your annual income, Mr. Bixley?”

  “Emmett!” Penelope said, much too loudly. The people sitting at the tables around them gasped, and Penelope knew this meeting would be the talk of the town tonight.

  Andrew sat back in his chair, and she noticed that he was grinning.

  “Would you prefer to put me on the rack before you question me, sir?” he asked.

  “If you have one handy,” Emmett said.

  “You are horrible,” Penelope whispered to him. “Please, stop this right this instant.”

  “It is my duty,” Emmett said.

  “Tell me, sir, do you love Penelope?”

  “I care for her deeply,” Andrew said. “Love cannot begin to describe what I feel.”

  “Oh Andrew.” Penelope reached for his hand. “That is so sweet.”

  “And did Chester approve of the match?” Emmett asked.

  “He did,” Andrew said. “I spoke with him the day before he died, and he had said we could have the banns read.”

  Penelope’s hand, which had felt so warm in Andrew’s hand just moments ago, went limp. She knew he was lying. Andrew had been nowhere near the house the day before Chester died.”

  “I’m sure Chester was thrilled that you had been introduced by his wife, the lovely Mary.”

  “He was,” Andrew said.

  Penelope pulled her hand from his. How could he lie like this? She should press him on it right now, but after throwing such a fit to come here alone, so she could ask Andrew to take her hand and marry her, she should be happy that he was willing to marry her.

  “And did he tell you how much money he would settle on her at the time of your wedding?”

  She glanced at Emmett, who looked so innocent he could almost be seen as a schoolboy.

  “He did not, sir,” Andrew said. “I am not interested in Penelope’s hand because of money she might receive. I told you, I love her.”

  This was the place where she should say, “And I love you, Andrew.” But she couldn’t. She kept her mouth closed, her mind whirling at this turn of events.

  “Yes, well I’m sure Chester had an amount settled in his will,” Emmett said. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to see the barrister about it. I will have to make an appointment with him next week. Until then I would ask that all your meetings with Penelope be approved by me first.”

  “No,” Penelope managed to say.

  “Of course, sir,” Andrew said. They both ignored her. “I can understand that you only have her best interests at heart.”

  “I have promised my father that I will take care of her, and I plan to keep that promise.”

  “Most admirable,” Andrew said.

  “Which includes making sure no one is taking advantage of her,” Emmett said.

  The two men locked gazes, and Penelope wondered if they might come to fisticuffs.

  “Andrew loves me.” She smiled at her suitor. “He said it earlier.”

  “So, he did,” Emmett said. “I must ask, however, that if you want to see Penelope in the future you arrange it through me. Or her chaperone, once she arrives.”

  “She is twenty-four years old,” Andrew said. “Surely she can make appointments on her own.”

  “I will not repeat myself,” Emmett said.

  “And I won’t be treated like a child,” Penelope said. “Andrew, perhaps tomorrow we can go for a ride in the park.”

  “Of course,” Andrew said. “My clerk can watch the store for us, as he is doing now.”

  “There will be no outing tomorrow,” Emmett said. “Once the chaperone is here I will let you know, Mr. Bixley.”

  “You are insufferable!” Penelope screamed. “I am not a child to be ordered about.” The entire shop grew quiet. Penelope looked around. Every gaze was on her, most of them looking like they’d just found a golden goose. The gossip would definite
ly be flying tonight.

  She took her chair and then took a sip of her tea.

  “Tell me, Mr. Bixley, since you are such good friends with Mary, when was the last time you spoke with her?” Emmett’s voice sounded as if nothing had happened, and it made Penelope’s blood boil. This was all his fault.

  “I haven’t talked with her since before her unfortunate husband’s death,” Andrew said.

  “She has left town, with objects that do not belong to her,” Emmett said. “If you know where she is, now is the time to tell me.”

  “That is an outrageous accusation,” Andrew said. He looked at Penelope, who kept silent. She wanted to hear what he had to say. After all, he and Mary were friends.

  “I hope you have evidence to back up your claim,” Andrew said.

  “Let’s go to another topic, one that is related.” Emmett continued as if Andrew hadn’t said a word. “What do you know of Clark Weston? He is the clerk from the lending library. He has also gone missing.”

  “I don’t know the man,” Andrew said.

  Another lie. Penelope’s stomach curdled. She looked down at the floor. There was silence around them, and she knew people were drinking in every word Emmett said. Was he doing it on purpose? Something told her he was. But why he was doing it was another matter altogether.

  “Is what he says true, Penelope? Did not the four of you recently have a party at Chester’s house? Well, not just the four of you, but the four of you were there.”

  “We were,” she said.

  “Penelope, I never talked to the man. There were a dozen people there. Have you talked to every person at parties you’ve attended?”

  Penelope second-guessed her words. Perhaps Andrew hadn’t talked with Clark.

  “I’m not sure,” she said.

  “You just don’t want to brand your lover a thief,” Emmett said to her.

  Loud gasps filled the teahouse.

  Andrew scraped back his chair. “How dare you! I am calling you out, sir.”

  “As in a duel?” Emmett laughed. He stood also. “I’m afraid I must decline. Dueling is, after all, against the law.”

  “Then I shall…” Andrew didn’t finish his sentence. Instead he balled his fist up and threw it in Emmett’s direction. Emmett sidestepped the punch and Andrew lost his balance and fell on the table.