Read Online What the Fates Decree: The Caversham Chronicles-The Titans of the Revolution by Sandy Raven - Free Book Online

ride through the park, at a time when there were perhaps a handful of grooms out exercising their masters’ mounts, and the week before London was overrun by the families of the members of parliament and the official start of the season. And before the gossips discovered she, Isabel, and Charlotte had returned to Town.
    His voice had trembled, much as her entire body had each time she was in his presence. Nathaniel’s English, while grammatically perfect, was spoken with his native Spanish accent. The timbre was deep, warm, sensual. It had enveloped her heart, and she’d fallen for him so quickly that it defied all logic.
    She and Nathaniel walked side by side, leading their horses and cooling them, with Charlotte and Isabel mounted on theirs. Her friends blocked their guards’ view of Penny and Nathaniel, and the two of them kept far enough ahead that her friends could not hear their conversation.
    “Would you be amenable to me… asking… your father for permission to court you?”
    He had lifted her hand and kissed the area above her glove, on the inside of her wrist. To this day, Penelope still felt the quivering low in her belly just thinking about the feel of his hot, moist lips on the sensitive flesh above her palm.
    “I know we haven’t known each other long. And, while I might not know what this assignment is that I’ll be taking, or when I’m leaving, I know I want you as my wife… that is… if you would do me the honor, because I will return as soon as possible.”
    He’d been so nervous that she could hear the vibration in his accented English.
    More tears spilled over and tracked their paths down her cheek. When Isabel hugged her, it brought her out of the past and back to her room at Castle Rathcavan.
    “Your mother said she would take us to Edinburgh with her next week if we wanted to go,” Isabel said.
    “I may take her up on that for this may be more than I can bear,” Penny said. “Though if you and Charlotte are enjoying yourselves you should certainly stay. Do not let me be the one to end your party.”
    “Let’s not think of that just yet,” Isabel said.
    “Isa’s right. Any thought of leaving early is premature,” Charlotte said. “We’ll know more after dinner with Olivia and Lady Edgar. And, of course, after we confront that blackguard, Mr. Santiago.”
    “I wish I knew when the earl was arriving with his friends. If I could leave with mother on Monday without having to see Mr. Santiago, I believe I will.” Penelope said. “The countess, my great-aunt Adina, said she didn’t know when they would return because the men were putting their equipment to rights after suffering an accident at the new earl’s iron mill. I believe that he, her grandson, owned one before he came into the title. For all I know, he may still own it.”
    Her maid entered the room from the connecting dressing area, and stood silently a moment. “Yes, Annie?”
    “I was sent to notify you that the family has gathered in the great hall.”
    “Will there be anyone other than family?” Charlotte asked.
    “Tonight? No, Miss,” replied her dutiful maid. “From what I’ve gathered, the guests who are invited to the birthday celebration and hunt will be arriving tomorrow for the festivities on Saturday.”
    Penny exchanged curious glances with Charlotte and Isabel. “Thank you, Annie,” Charlotte said. “Isabel and I will be down shortly.”
    After her maid was gone, Penny exhaled. As though an enormous weight lifted from her shoulders. “If you wouldn’t mind—” She pressed her hands together, bringing her finger tips to her chin. “Please inform my mother that I am claiming exhaustion from travel, and will decline going below for tonight. Annie can bring me a tray later.”
    “Does Olivia know about you and Mr. Santiago?” This came from Isabel as she sat next to Charlotte on the edge of the bed.
    “Lady Edgar does. She is the one who wrote to my mother when she recognized the name.