Page 20 of An Offer By the Beastly Duke

Penelope moved through the throng of gentlemen, her silk skirts whispering against the stone as she sought out Lord Hillsborough. She stopped several paces away from him.

“Lord Hillsborough,” she began, her voice was soft, but even she could hear her tinge of worry.

The Earl of Hillsborough turned toward her, his face flushed with the brisk morning air.

“Lady Romwich! A fine morning, is it not? The birds will be out in plenty today, I suspect.”

“Yes, it is a glorious day,” Penelope replied. “I apologize for bothering you right as you are preparing for the hunt, I wonder if I might ask a favor of you before you set off. It is about my son, whom you may have noticed standing at the edge of the group.”

Lord Hillsborough shifted his weight, giving her his full attention.

“Anything, Lady Romwich.”

Penelope’s gaze drifted toward her son again. Nicholas was currently attempting to mimic the stride of a taller man, his small hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket.

“He is most eager today,” she said, her voice dropping an octave. She pressed her palms flat against her midsection, trying to still the flutter there. “But he has never done anything of this sort before, and I worry his excitement could get him into harm. I would appreciate it if you could keep an eye on him. He is still so young, and I worry about him out there with the men. The woods can be… unpredictable.”

Lord Hillsborough followed her gaze, his expression softening as he watched Nicholas’s frantic enthusiasm.

“Of course, of course,” he said. He reached out and gave her arm a reassuring pat. “I shall make sure he stays out of trouble, my lady, and will keep him in my own party. It will be good for him to have a bit of adventure, build some character, but I will keep him in check. I promise you that.”

“Thank you, Lord Hillsborough,” Penelope said. She felt the tight coil of tension in her chest loosen by a fraction, though her pulse remained quick. “I trust your word. Truly.”

“It is no trouble at all,” he insisted, his eyes sparkling with the coming thrill of the chase. He straightened his waistcoat. “Let the boy have his fun. He’s in good hands.”

As he turned to join the cluster of riders and barking hounds, Penelope remained anchored to her spot on the terrace.

She watched Nicholas’s small figure move further toward the tree line, her gaze heavy and shadowed with worry. She drew a slow breath of the biting air, her heart a heavy weight in her breast, hoping with every fiber of her being that her trust was not misplaced.

“Penelope.”

The smooth voice broke through her thoughts like an unwanted touch.

Charles.

He stood just a few feet away, his presence feeling as oppressive as a summer storm. Penelope stiffened, her spine turning to a rod of iron, but she forced a polite, empty smile as he moved into her personal space.

“Good morning, Charles,” she said. Her tone was cool, cordial, and distant. “How are you?”

“Much better now that you have graced us with your presence.” Charles’s voice was too smooth, his gaze lingering on the curve of her throat for a heartbeat too long.

He flashed a smile that held far too much unspoken meaning, and Penelope felt the air between them shift, growing thick and cloying.

“Ah, I see you’ve managed to escape the house for a while,” she said, her eyes quickly scanning the group of men to avoid his stare. “I trust the renovations are going well?”

Charles followed her gaze, a hint of dark amusement playing on his lips.

“Indeed, and I have no doubt the hunt will go splendidly. I could not help but overhear you asking Lord Hillsborough to watch over Nicholas. Why not simply ask me? I am the boy’s uncle.”

“I merely went straight to the host,” Penelope answered. “It is his responsibility to look after his hunters, no?” The excuse felt like ash on her tongue.

Charles opened his mouth to speak, but she cut in again first.

“I am curious, though, has your family joined you in your estate out here yet?”

It was a smooth, easy way to remind Charles that he had a wife and his own family, that he ought to stay away from hers.

“No.” Charles mouth tightened. “My wife is visiting relatives in France, and her visit only made me realize just how much of my brother’s family I am missing out on spending time with. Do not worry, Penelope, that shall soon change.”