P is for Penelope

Chapter 15

Eloise had been intentionally trying not to notice, but it was obvious now.

Benedict had an infatuation with Penelope and or the Earl. Though she very much doubted that he was interested in the earl no matter how handsome he is.  She need to observe him more keenly to be sure but it was apparent.

He was absolutely interested with his gaze never leaving the couple. If she could get Benedict to admit his feelings and marry Penelope then she need not worry about her best friend being torn away from her. In fact they would be able to have tea, discuss books, play games and do all sorts activities together  more regularly!

Now she just needed to get them together. Daphne was better at romantic things so perhaps asking for a bit of assistance would be necessary.

She also needed to ask Penelope why she had never sang to her. Her voice was lovely. They are friends are they not! Many questions floated about in her head.

Detective Eloise was on the case.

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     It was bright outside. The moon was out full, and as I had walked Penelope to her door, I felt an urge to kiss her as she turned to me. Her eyes were ethereal in the moonlight paired with a mischievous little smile it took everything in me to leave only a mere kiss on her soft hand.  I must admit I should not have done so in front of the servants, but if they had not been there, it would not have been just a kiss on the hand. 

"Good evening, Lord Anthony." In her velvety tone rang over and over in my head at night. What about her had me going mad with lust!

All I could do was stare at the ceiling and wonder if I might be able to get a sample of her... but to do so without compromising her would be impossible. I could not do that to her. 

Not that I think she would even allow me to do so. She would more than likely cut me down to size if I even suggested it to her. Thought she acts soft and innocent, I know she has a cold type of fury in her.   

I gave up pretending to sleep and went to the study to drink and contemplate.  I have a lot of things to do, and I will admit that a wife would make things easier, but I am not ready for that.

"Indeed. I wish for as many as my future husband provides me with." Penelope's sweet voice with a fae like giggle invaded my mind. She seems ready. Perhaps...

Knock 

Knock

The door opened, and Benedict let himself in. He raised a brow at my cup. I sighed and poured him a cup as well. 

He stayed silent, and so did I. I guess we both had a lot to contemplate.

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 Eloise complained about not having enough books to read, and Daphne needed some new trims to match a new dress turned into him and Ben going on a trip altogether. At least it might take my mind off of Penelope. 

Eloise smiled and started waving across the street. I noticed Penelope in a pretty peach and gold dress her hair looked more vibrant in the sun, and her smile was serene. It was then I noticed a man next to her. He was taller than her with dark black hair and blue eyes. They looked nice together, which for some reason did not sit right with me. When he touched her soft little hand to help her into the carriage, it made me want to push him away from her. Break his hands for touching her and stab his eyes for looking at her. She smiled sweetly at him, and I wished to bash his head against the cobblestone. 

I know I have no right to stop them, but the urge to take her away from him and take her home with me was consuming me. I sat in silence in the carriage. 

 "I wonder who that was. I must admit he is quite handsome." Daphne mused when Eloise gasped.

"He must intend to court, Penelope! Now, I simply must know who he is and where his family estate is! What if he takes her away forever and doesn't allow us to visit or write letters!"

 If I do not ask for her hand, someone else will. She will not wait forever. Wait, I need to calm down. Nothing is official.

"It is not time to over react he must be one of her callers. Nothing is official until they actually start courting." I attempted to calm everyone down.

"Look, the carriage seems to be on the way to the park. Perhaps they will go on a walk. He must be serious in his intentions then." Daphne mused as she looked at the path the carriage was on. The park! That clad probably had plans to force Pen to marry him. IF he touches her in any indecent way, I will rip him apart! 

"We should follow them! Anthony, we need to make sure she is safe!" Eloise exclaimed while shaking me.  I need to find her and stop him!

"Indeed. Just to make sure she is safe. "

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Penelope's voice was not something that I had heard before. It was not like the trained sopranos in opera or the street performers.  It was other worldly and enchanting in a fairytale way. When they finished the phrase, I could not help but clap along with my siblings. When she turned to us with a blush  and wide eyes. The urge to wrap her in my arms and kiss her grew. 

"Our apologies we came upon you and had wished to greet Lady Penelope Featherington and heard your singing. It was quite lovely." Penelope's blush deepened, and I could not stop the smile on my face. 

Perhaps it is time.