by Deb Marlowe
Penelope blinked in surprise.
“The crowd was horrid, of course, but even my scientific fellows have heard the gossip surrounding the event. Several have included questions about it in their latest letters. I’ve answered and assured them that the rumors are true. The couple did wed under a flower-bedecked bower in a field by a river.” She shook her hand and stretched her fingers. “I’ve included descriptions and images of the local flora used, in each of my responses.”
“That was kind of you.”
“What is the scientific name of the autumn gentian?” her mother asked suddenly.
“Gentianella amarella.” Penelope was used to her mother springing random test questions at her.
“Very good. They were attractive, I admit.” She sighed. “Most of the questions, however, were about the horse. None of them could fathom a bride arriving alone on horseback and riding down the aisle, makeshift though it was.”
“I thought it was lovely—and very fitting for Glory, of course. She was practically glowing, all through the day.”
“Yes, well, thank goodness you are not horse-mad or prone to other such peculiarities.”
“I don’t think my interest in the natural sciences is considered normal, Mama.”
“Poppycock,” her mother declared. “It is the modern age and you have a fine mind. It would be unnatural to waste it. It should not be considered strange to take advantage of it. It is time women gave their intellects the same attention as they do their wardrobes. We have a duty to show them how to do so.”
“Yes, Mama.” She was very familiar with her mother’s views.
“In any case, doubtless Lady Tensford is happy to get back to her own duties, now that all of her guests have departed at last. Heaven knows I was relieved when your cousins all went home.”
“I do believe she is looking forward to Glory and her new husband returning to the neighborhood, at least,” Penelope replied. “I had a letter from Glory, and she is vastly enjoying their bridal journey. Ireland is beautiful, she says, and there are plenty of horses and stud farms for them to visit, but they will be coming back to Roudley Farm before too long. They mean to stay here for some time, at least for part of the year, to get their own horse breeding program started.” She took a breath, reaching for a relaxed tone. “Also, I did hear that at least one guest has returned to Greystone.”
“So soon?” her mother said with disapproval.
“Yes. Mr. Sterne is back.” And it took all of her considerable willpower not to let show the fluttering of her heart or the anticipatory shiver of her spine. But the very last thing she wanted was for her mother to get a hint of her interest in the gentleman. “I believe he feels it is his duty to discover who it was who struck him down and how they disappeared so quickly with that very large fossil.”
“Why should he?”
“It was under his care when it disappeared.” Penelope swallowed. She suspected it was partially her fault—and that she had distracted Mr. Sterne from his vigilance. “He feels responsible.”
“It is good of him to help, then, I suppose. I do know Tensford is distraught at the loss of it.”
“I thought I would offer to help them in their investigation—at least while they are looking at things locally.”
“Why?” her mother asked in surprise.
“I do like Lord Tensford. He and his family have been so kind to me. And Mr. Sterne is good company—and he is well known in some naturalist circles.”
“Not in the botanical community.”
“No.”
“Is he published?”
“Of course. And his uncle is Mr. John Sterne.”
“Oh, yes.” Her mother thought a moment. “That is a well known name. Well, then. Perhaps you should pursue the connection. You never know when it might come in handy.”
“Very true. I will, then, Mama.”
Penelope watched her mother turn and head back to her studio. Then, being her mother’s child, she turned to pick up a pen and began to organize her plan of attack.
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Deb Marlowe adores History, England and Men in Boots. Clearly she was destined to write Historical Romance.
A Golden Heart winner and Rita nominee, Deb writes Regency Romance and Young Adult Fantasy Adventure.
A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers! Find her discussing books, movies, TV, recipes from Deb Marlowe’s Regency Kitchen and her infamous Men in Boots on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Connect with Deb
www.DebMarlowe.com
[email protected]
Also by Deb Marlowe
A Series of Unconventional Courtships
Love Me, Lord Tender
Nothing But a Rakehell
Kiss Me, Lady, One More Time
The Half Moon House Series
The Novels
The Love List
The Leading Lady
The Lady’s Legacy
The Lady’s Lover
The Novellas
An Unexpected Encounter
A Slight Miscalculation
A Waltz in the Park
Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
Beyond a Reasonable Duke
Lady, It’s Cold Outside
The Earl’s Hired Bride
The Castle Keyvnor Pixies
Lady Tamsyn and the Pixie’s Curse
Lord Locryn and the Pixie’s Kiss
Writing as D.M. Marlowe:
The Eye of the Ninja Chronicles
Eye of the Ninja
Obsidian’s Eye
The Fire in the Ice