Read Online Fenella J Miller by A House Party - Free Book Online Page B

had his full attention and he wasn’t smiling.
‘I had intended to suggest you send footmen to each apartment to see who was
missing. However, it’s too late to do that now. Whoever it was has had ample
time to return to the house undetected.’
    He cupped her face in one hand
gently brushing his lips across hers, sending spirals of delight twirling down
her spine. ‘You must not dwell on it, sweetheart. It was probably quite
innocent. Smugglers are common in this area. It could have been nothing more
sinister than a guest ordering illegal contraband.’
    ‘I hope you’re correct, my lord.
I heard the clock strike seven. Shall we go up? I don’t wish to be late on my
first night here.’
    He gently restrained her by
dropping his hands to her shoulders. ‘A moment longer, my
love. There is something else we need to discuss. I wish you to call me
by my given name, I’m heartily sick of hearing by future wife refer to me as if
I was a stranger.’
    She giggled. ‘I don’t know your
given name. I rather thought I should call you Weston in future. Is that not
the normal practice?’
    ‘My name’s Edward, but my
intimates sometimes call me Ned.’ His smile made her toes curl. ‘I wish you to
use that.’
    ‘I shall not use either in
public. But when we’re private I will endeavour to use Ned, but it will be
hard. I’ve never thought of you as anything but Lord Weston .’
    ‘Are you afraid of me, Penny?’
His voice was soft, his expression almost anxious as he waited for her reply.
    ‘At this moment, of course not. But you’re formidable and I
must admit that the thought of angering you does frighten me a little.’
    He kissed the corner of her mouth
then whispered in her ear. ‘Then you must behave yourself and avoid my wrath.’
    She froze, attempting to pull
away. His sudden shout of laughter made her look up. ‘You’re despicable, sir,
to tease me in that way. I don’t like to be made a figure of fun, even by my
betrothed.’ She tossed her head, enjoying the playacting. ‘I’m to be a countess
soon and expect to be treated with respect.’
    ‘Baggage!’ He pulled her undamaged arm through his. ‘I’ve asked Foster to have champagne
ready. I shall make the announcement now, if you’ve no objection?’
    ‘Could you give me time to
explain to my aunt that matters have changed between us? I don’t wish her to
believe this is still a masquerade.’

 
     

 
 
 
 
    Chapter Seven

 
 
    The hum of voices was clearly
audible through the open double doors of the drawing-room. Penny glanced
nervously at her escort. ‘We’re late, Ned. Everyone will stare. I hate being
the centre of attention.’
    He chuckled, squeezing her arm
against his side. ‘Then, my angel, you should desist from wearing that gown.
All the ladies will be green with jealousy and the men …. well ,
let’s say the men will be equally jealous, but of me, not you.’
    She was still smiling as they
entered the elegant room. The guests turned and several were open mouthed.
Penny was thankful Foster had not seen fit to announce them. She was tingling
with embarrassment and wished she hadn’t placed her arm quite so firmly in his.
    Mr Weston was the first to move.
‘Miss Coombs, Ned, we have been bereft without your company.’
    Penny slipped her hand free and
curtsied prettily. ‘Good evening, Mr Weston. Lord Weston was kind enough to act
as my guide. He found me lost in the emptiness below.’ Her answer caused a
ripple of amusement to travel around the assembled company. She caught the eye
of her aunt and moved smoothly in her direction, leaving Ned to charm his way
round the group.
    ‘My dear, what has happened to
your gloves? You are the only lady present not wearing a pair.’
    ‘It’s a long story, Aunt Lucy.’
Penny kept her left hand hidden in the folds of her skirt as she ushered her
aunt to a convenient corner away from prying ears. ‘Lord Weston, Ned, has asked
me to marry him. It’s a true arrangement