Read Online Bewitched by Melissa Lynne Blue - Free Book Online Page A

quiet or small. “I have the utmost faith in Major Breckenridge.” He gave John an approving nod. “Do let me know how things turn out.”
    “Certainly, S ir.”
    Simon’s face lit up. “You’re a soldier?”
    “I am,” John stated, granting the lad a smile.
    “My pa was a solider.”
    “Oh? And where is he now?”
    “Dead. Lung fever last winter.”
    John digested the information, his heart going out to the little scamp.
    Penelope reached for Simon’s small hand. “In the future, Simon, please tell us if you’re having troubles. At the very least tell me.”
    Simon nodded gravely. “Yes, milady.”
    John and Penelope’s gazes locked. Worry laced Penelope’s pretty face.
    John winked at her. “Not to worry. I’ll take care of him.” He put an arm around Simon’s shoulders and steered the boy toward the door. “Now, young man, tell me more about this Mr. Jeffries.”
    *               *               *
    John’s wink fluttered through Penelope from the tips of her ears clear down to her toes—taking an extra twirl around her heart. Good heavens ! W hat was it about the man that set her completely on edge and at ease at the same time ?
    “Lady Penelope?” Colonel Holbrook’s voice startled her from her thoughts, pulling her back to the reality of his visit. “ I realize the afternoon has taken a rather strange turn, but m ight I beg a moment of your time anyhow ?”
    Penelope closed her eyes and drew a deep breath before facing the colonel and her uncle. She had no desire to see this particular interview through, but there was no use in prolonging the inevitable. “Certainly, Colonel. Right this way please.” She led the way into the parlor, trying not to dwell on the passionate kiss she and John had shared just minutes ago. She sat on a cushioned chair and indicated fo r Holbrook to do the same. He remained standing.
    “Lady Penelope, I’m sure this meeting comes as no great surprise to you. I have made my intentions toward you clear , and your uncle has given consent.” He hesitated coming to stand directly in front of her and then taking a knee. “Would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”
    Penelope gulped, gazing down into Colonel Holbrook’s eyes. The same soft blue she’d smiled into when they’d danced or conversed at parties. In their limited acquaintance she’d believed him a kindly sort of man, but in the last few days she’d seen flaws in his character . Cheating and lack of charity toward the needy to name two .
    “Colonel, I am honored by your proposal, as well as flattered, however—”
    “Before you go on,” Holbrook interrupted , quickly standing. “I would point out that you received no marriage offers after this last season. One might speculate it was a direct result of the spe ctacle your father made in the H ouse of Lords last session.” He speared her with a pointed look, the sort a hunter might give a corner ed fox. “Future offers may not be forthcoming.”
    Penelope stiffened. “I’m sure I don’t need to be reminded. Thank you for the compliment of requesting my hand. I will require a few days to consider.”
    Holbrook inclined his head, adopting a gracious air and easy smile. He clapped a palm over his chest. “I look forward to your answer, Lady Penelope, and all that shall follow.”
    The man’s self-assurance nauseated her. Did he truly believe she had no better prospects than to accept a man who’d insulted her point blank ? A vision of her father , out of his mind with melancholy drifted through her memory . He’d made a royal fool of himself last summer. He was considerably better now, but p erhaps she didn’t have any better options.
    Colonel Holbrook vacated the room and Penelope dropped her head into her hands, massaging her temples. A sinking feeling settled in her stomach. She needed to think . After a moment she straightened. First, however, she needed to speak with her uncle about Simon. That boy’s