A Lesson in Friendship

by Jennifer Connors

  “But what does that have to do with...”

  Before he could finish, she finished for him. “Steel? What will the rail lines be made of? What will the rail cars be made of? Steel is the strongest metal there is and it will be worth its weight in gold when everyone and their brother starts building rail lines.”

  “I do not own a steel mill, Sarah.”

  “Of course you don't. You haven't worked a day in your life. But you could take your allowance and invest in one. Or several. The payoff would not be immediate, but it will grow and be steady. It would supplement your income from your estate. You will be able to live very comfortably, if not as extravagantly as before. Mostly, it will allow you to marry the woman you love.”

  “But my mother...”

  “You've already said that she would not look upon the match favorably. But if you want to be a man, and take care of yourself and Penelope and any children you might have, then you have to produce income.”

  Looking away, he muttered, “It would be unseemly.”

  Ginny shook her head and stood up. “Decide what you want, Martin and stop wasting my time. I gave you the perfect solution to your problems, but you're too close minded to see it. Goodbye, Martin.”

  Ginny walked from the room, leaving the man to his own thoughts. It goaded her even helping him a little, but she didn't do it for him. She did it for her friend. She didn't have to like Townshend, but for her friend's sake, she would help and put up with him. It would all be worth it in the end.

  Re-entering the ballroom where the breakfast was being held, Ginny found Oliver talking with Devon and Doncaster. When he saw her, he asked, “How did your discussion go?”

  “About as well as you would expect when someone doesn't really want help,” she answered.

  When Devon and Doncaster gave her a concerned look, she turned to Oliver. Ginny had no idea if they knew what was going on or not, so she thought it best to leave it her husband.

  Answering the question on her mind, he said, “They are aware of the situation, Sarah. They would like to help as well.”

  “I gave him a plan that could help him marry Penelope and he said it was 'unseemly'.”

  All three men gave her a strange look. “What did you suggest?” asked Lord Devon, looking intrigued.

  “I told him to invest his allowance in steel. With the railways being built, steel will be very important.”

  Now all three men looked surprised. “What do you know of steel, Lady Conway?” This came from Lord Doncaster.

  “Why not invest in the railways instead?” came from her husband.

  Answering Doncaster first, she said, “What's to know, Doncaster? It's a strong metal used in making stuff.”

  Turning to her husband, she answered, “The return on investment on the railways will be longer term. If they are building the rails now, they need steel now. Therefore, he should see returns more immediately.”

  When all three men looked astounded, Ginny rolled her eyes. “I'm not just an ornament, gentlemen. I do have a mind, you know.”

  “Of course you do,” Oliver said, still clearly unaccustomed to hearing any woman speak on investing and capital. Smiling to his friends, Oliver wore a look of pride on his face.

  “How would that be unseemly, I wonder,” Devon asked, as he was now considering following Sarah's advice as well.

  “Townshend comes from an old title, Devon,” Oliver began to explain. “Any sort of work would be considered... bad ton.”

  “How strange. Your wife makes a compelling argument. I might look into it myself.” Devon gave a flirty smile to Sarah, who returned it in kind.

  “Devon, do you mind not flirting with my wife of less than twelve hours.”

  Before Devon could issue a response, Lord Townshend walked up to the group. His gaze never left Ginny's as he approached. His demeanor was so serious, Ginny was a bit frightened. He had the look of a man who had been pushed too far and would exact his revenge.

  “Lady Conway, I have had time to consider your proposal. I will do whatever it takes to marry Miss Hammersmith.”

  Ginny smiled. “Good. What can I do?”

  “I would like to speak to Penelope alone. Can you arrange that?”

  “Sure. Meet us in the study in twenty minutes. I will need to speak to her first and make sure that she is willing to hear you out.”

  Bowing his head, Townshend turned on his heel and once again left the room. His three friends followed closely behind him and Ginny was left to find her friend and see what she could do to smooth over any bad feelings.

  Chapter 28

  After locating Penelope in an earnest discussion with one of Oliver's sisters, Ginny was able to extract her and lead her to the study without anyone noticing. The musicians were playing jolly music and many members of the party were dancing. No one seemed to think it strange that the bride and groom were no where to be found.

  After closing the door, Ginny asked Penelope to sit down. After taking the other seat, she regarded her friend carefully. Having no idea of her reaction, Ginny decided that blurting it out quickly would be her best bet.

  “I have just spoken to Lord Townshend. He has come to realize what an ass he was and wants to marry you after all.”

  Penelope continued to stare at Ginny with no emotion. When she remained silent, Ginny continued.

  “It seems that his mother controls his money and if he were to marry you, she would have cut him off.”

  “Why did he not tell me this himself?” Still no emotion, not a good sign.

  “I don't know. Maybe he was embarrassed to have you know that he is not as rich as people think he is.”

  Penelope sat back in the chair and stared at the wall. After a minute of quiet contemplation, she said, “How pitiful.”

  “I couldn't agree more, but men can be quite pitiful sometimes.”

  Penelope laughed and rose from her chair. “He sent you to me because...”

  “Because he wants to talk to you himself, but didn't know if you would agree to be alone with him. If you don't wish it, I'll tell him so. If you want to talk to him, but not be alone with him, I will stay. The ball is in your court.”

  Quirking an eyebrow at her friend, Penelope felt as if she, for once in her twenty years of life, held the power. Instead of her fawning over a man, he would fawn over her. And judging by the dismal looks on Townshend's face over the past week, he would be more than willing to fawn over her.

  Taking her seat once again, Penelope looked like a queen upon a throne. “Send him in. I will see him... alone.”

  “Okay. Promise to tell me everything afterwards?”

  Smiling at her friend, Penelope nodded.

  Ginny stood to leave the room when her friend's voice halted her. “What do you think I should do?” The confidence waned slightly, but she still looked regal.

  “Considering what you said to me about how you feel about the man? I think you should give him another chance. This is definitely something you can lord over him for the rest of your lives.”

  Ginny left the room to the boisterous sound of Penny's laughter.

  ********

  Penelope waited patiently for Martin to come in and beg her forgiveness. It was because of her patient waiting that she was completely shocked when the man entered the room looking smug and self-important. That would have to be taken care of.

  Walking straight to the sideboard, Martin poured himself a measure of brandy. He kept his back to Penelope, so she wouldn't see how his hand shook. Nothing had ever scared him as what he was about to do. If she rejected his suit, Martin was certain he would never recover.

  In order to hide his fear, he reverted to his usual indifference. Little did he know how it would affect her. He was about to find out.

  “Penelope, I thank you for seeing me.” His voice was even, showing no emotion at all. “Would you care for a drink?”

  “No, thank you, Martin. What can I do for you?” Her voice was stern, like a governess wi
th a brood of naughty children.

  Taking the seat across from her, Martin took a gulp of the brandy. The burning down his throat helped bolster him for the upcoming conversation. Taking a deep breath, he said the words he'd been practicing in his head since talking to Lady Conway.

  “I want you to be my wife. I am certain that Lady Conway made you aware of my particular situation, so I have little to offer you right now, but I hope to have more funds in the near future.”

  When he saw the funny look come across Penelope's face, a disconcerting feeling came over him. He thought she'd be so overjoyed that she would jump to hug him or something like that. When she continued to stare at him in that strange way, he began to worry. When she finally spoke, Martin was relieved, until he heard what she had to say.

  “When did I give you the impression that I enjoyed your company because I thought you were wealthy?”

  The question took Martin back. He stared for a full minute, then was only able to take another healthy swig from his glass. Finally, he said, “You never indicated that you were interested in my money. I just assumed...”

  Interrupting him, she said, “You assumed that because every other débutante was after a titled man with money, that surely I must be as well.”

  Answering honestly, he said, “Yes.”

  Penelope looked away from his face and stared at the carpet. So many things were going through her head that she had trouble focusing on the real issue. What did she want? Why did she love this uncaring man who didn't even know the real her? And what was she going to do about it?

  The sad truth was that Penelope Hammersmith, former commoner made lady by a twist of fate, was in love with the man across from her. It wasn't just their shared interests or his handsome face, but she had seen the real person inside and that was what she loved. But, her pride could only take so much. After what he'd put her through, she'd be damned if he didn't get a taste of it himself.

  “You broke my heart, Martin,” she whispered, mostly to the carpet.

  Hearing the words spoken out loud was nearly Townshend's undoing. She wouldn't look at him. He couldn't see her expression, but didn't really need to. The tone of her voice said it all. Itching to touch her, he kept his seat and waited for her decision.

  When Martin didn't say anything to her assertion, Penelope became incensed. How dare he not grovel? Was it too much to ask for an apology for his behavior a fortnight ago? Whipping her head up to meet his gaze, all she saw was his continued arrogance.

  “How dare you, Martin MacHugh? Have you nothing to say for yourself? I gave you my heart, freely. I found the man inside and you used me for your own pleasure. And now, when you are feeling left out, you come in here expecting me to take you back. Go to the devil!”

  Penelope rose to leave the room when Martin's hand reached out to grab her. He stood before her, towering over her, finally showing some emotion. Unfortunately for Penelope, he looked just as angry as she was.

  “Feeling left out? Is that what you think, my lady? I will have you know that since that night in Folkestone, I have not slept or ate a proper meal. The thought of losing you to some other buck has nearly destroyed me. I am willing to give up my family connections and a fortune to be with you. Does that mean nothing to you?”

  Penelope continued to stare at his face in surprise. It was the most emotional thing he'd ever done in her presence. But, she wanted just one thing more. “Do you love me, Martin?” she asked, whispering the question while her body shivered slightly.

  Taking his hands and cupping her cheeks, he sighed. “Of course I do, Penelope. I have loved you from the moment I first laid eyes on you. I have been a fool and I am sorry for it. But I cannot change the past. Please say you will be my wife. I will do anything to make you happy.”

  Penelope felt the bubble of laughter erupt from her. He loved her. What could be more perfect? She could think of only one thing.

  “We need not worry too much about money, you know. My father has saved enough for a dowry.”

  Leaning his forehead down to touch hers, Martin said, “It does not matter, my love. We will get by. It is not as though it could be that much.”

  Reaching her hands up to grab his arms, relishing in the feel of him, she said, “Twenty thousand pounds.”

  Martin jerked back and stared down at her. “What?” he asked, completely perplexed, knowing he must have misheard her.

  “My father has been saving since he received the title. He realized that if I never married, I would need something to live out my life on.”

  “Why did you not tell me? Why was that not known?”

  “Because my father wanted someone to marry me for a better reason than a large dowry. Does it make a difference to you?”

  Bending down once again, he placed his lips on hers. “Of course not, my love. I was willing to marry you without it. But now, I know I will be able to take care of you the way you should be cared for.”

  “All I have wanted is you, Martin. But I appreciate the sentiment.”

  He smiled one of his rare smiles. The kind of smile that makes one look ten years younger. And with the weight lifted from his heart, he felt ten years younger. Finally taking her mouth with his, he kissed her with all the passion he'd been saving since meeting her. Soon, this lovely creature would be his. And he had many things planned for their wedding night.

  “I should like to talk to your father today. I will procure a special license and we will be married immediately. I do not think I can wait for you.”

  “Whatever you wish. Shall I go and fetch my father and bring him in here?”

  “Yes, but first, I need to do this.”

  Martin gifted her with another long, improper kiss. One where his hands were not kept to himself and left his betrothed breathless in anticipation. When she was good and senseless, he scooted her out the door to retrieve her father.

  As he stood waiting for Lord Hammersmith, a feeling of peace and happiness came over him. It was the first time in his life he'd ever felt it. And he'd be damned if he would ever give it up.

  Chapter 29

  Ginny sat at her vanity, brushing her hair and staring at nothing in particular. Oliver had finally executed their escape from the wedding guests. His mother was insisting that they stay longer, but Oliver would hear none of it. In the end, after an obligatory first dance between the couple, they were allowed to escape upstairs. It was only late afternoon, but no one would begrudge them their alone time.

  MaryAnn had come and gone. Ginny felt a little silly wearing her new silky nightgown when the sun was still up. Usually, weddings were all day events, leaving the night for the new couple. But their wedding was before noon, and they insisted that a ball be thrown at another time so that they had the rest of the day for themselves.

  Her new suite of rooms were well appointed and luxurious. Ginny was getting too used to such luxury that she worried that in her next adventure, she might be back to roughing it. Nothing compared to her time in Scotland, where despite the horrible conditions, her life wasn't too bad. Still, a chance at a flushing toilet would be nice.

  Oliver entered the room from a side door to her dressing room. He was wearing only his shirt and pants, his feet bare. Since they'd already been intimate, several times, there was no awkwardness between them. Oliver had no worries about hurting his new bride.

  She glanced at him and he smiled and said, “You look like the proverbial cat, my dear. Congratulating yourself on a match well made?”

  Standing up and walking to his side, she answered, “You should be happy, Oliver. I like Lord Townshend a lot more now than I did this morning.”

  Wrapping her in his arms, he uttered, “Well, there is that, I suppose.”

  Ginny breathed in his scent. He smelled clean, like starch and soap. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she nuzzled her face into his chest and neck. “They will be happy together. Especially since Penelope is able to bring such a large dowry.” Giggling a bit, she added, “She told me
that the look on his face was quite humorous when she told him about it.”

  “I am sure it was.” Bending his head down, Oliver began to nibble on her neck. In between nips, he stated, “But I have little desire to discuss our friends.”

  “And what you would prefer to discuss, husband?”

  He pulled away and looked at her in earnest. “I love you, Sarah Dunworthy Conway.” His eyes were vulnerable and Ginny knew what he was waiting for. Although she knew it to be untrue, she wouldn't begrudge him his happily ever after.

  “I love you too, Oliver.”

  Now it was her husband's turn to look smug. “Shall I prove it to you then?”