by Abigail Agar
***
Henry stood rigidly next to Penelope. Seeing Nash again across the ballroom was making the past rise up again. He thought of Nash’s dog. How dare he accuse Henry of killing his dog. He didn’t care how long ago it happened. Sure, it was true, but that wasn’t the point. The point was with no evidence whatsoever he came over to their land and came in their house to make accusations about a terrible crime.
Revenge would be his. He hadn’t seen Nash in years. Now, they would see each other regularly, and he could put his plans for revenge in place. He wondered if Nash owned a dog. It certainly looked as though Nash didn’t have a wife or fiancé. Too bad. That would have been fun.
He would prevent Nash from getting a lady to court him. That would be fun. That’s what he would do. Starting this evening, every time he saw Nash, he would stick to him like glue and work on breaking up his alliances. He would make that man miserable.
***
Avery watched as Nash moved across the dance floor in search of Edward and Penelope. This man came out of nowhere. It had been years since he’d seen him about the sheep then the dog.
Now he was deliberately in search of Penelope. Something must be done. He and Penelope could not get close. If they put their heads together, Avery would be in big trouble.
Avery handed a footman a coin and asked him to get Henry to the library. He left for the library and started pacing.
The door opened to Henry. He shut it, locked it quietly, and poured a drink for himself and his father. He sat, but
Avery kept pacing. “You know why I called you here?” he said.
Henry got up and handed Avery the glass of whisky he poured for him. “I was shocked when I saw him, and more shocked when he danced with Penelope. He’ll take a long look at her face and run away.”
Avery shook his head no. “We can’t be sure of that. For all we know, he might like it.” He turned to Henry. “If they even look at each other again, you need to break them up.
Henry nodded. Not only did he have to do it for the sake of their title, but also he wanted to do it. He wanted to make them miserable. “I will be where they are and do what they do. They won’t have enough time alone to develop a relationship in the first place.”
Avery looked at him hard. “Make certain of it.”
***
Nash strode across the ballroom floor at the edge of the dancing. The lack of floor space made the dancers look like ants scattered in all directions. There would be a toe or two stepped on tonight.
Nash was a tall, sandy-haired man with twinkling blue eyes whose presence had rippled through the ballroom. He walked up to Edward and the four girls who looked at him motionless to see who he would approach. He smiled warmly and asked, “Lord Balfour? May I introduce myself? I am Nash Finch, the Duke of Norfolk, and your neighbour.” He bowed.
Edward bowed. “Edward Balfour. Your neighbour is my uncle, Avery Stanton. Do you know him?”
“I do,” Nash said, “But not well. My father and I visited you probably four or five years ago now. We dined at your table.”
“I remember you and your father visited us. I took you around the estate.”
Cecilia came and stood next to Edward. “Your Grace, may I introduce my mother, Lady Balfour.”
Cecilia curtsied, and Nash bowed.
“I remember you, Your Grace. You and your father. He has passed?”
“Yes, My Lady. Some three years now.”
“My condolences. I remember you well. So polite and caring. You and your father were pleasant dinner companions.”
Nash turned back to Edward. “Would you introduce me to your sister, Lord Balfour?”
“I’d be delighted. Penelope?”
Penelope walked over to Edward. Nash remembered her, but when he’d met her, she had just acquired her scar. It was inflamed and seemed much harsher and larger than it was now. She wasn’t disfigured by it, and he gave a sigh of relief for her.
Edward introduced Nash to the three girls standing with her. The girls curtsied, and Nash bowed. He turned to Penelope. “May I have the next dance, Lady Penelope?”
Penelope smiled while the other girls hid their enthusiasm for the single Duke behind their fans. “Certainly.” The ballroom had been buzzing about the young, handsome Duke. The fact he was with them had many in the ballroom turning their way.
“Our dance, Lady Penelope?” Nash asked. He looked down at her and smiled.
As they walked to the dance floor, Penelope said, “I must admit, Your Grace, I have only a vague recollection of having met you before. I find it amazing that you remembered.”
Nash smiled warmly at Penelope, “You made quite an impression on me that day. You handled your dinner guests and your cousin with great ease. I think greater ease than I tolerated Henry.”
Penelope looked down then up into his eyes, “Yes, Henry. I suppose I was more used to him than you were. Back then, I spent a lot of my time in the practice of staying out of Henry’s way.”
Nash smiled. It was like sunshine. It lit up his face so perfectly. She bathed in it. He said, “We should talk about a better subject than Henry Stanton. Tell me, are you staying at the Stanton townhouse?”
Penelope broke into a dazzling smile. “We are. Since my father passed, my uncle has been our saviour. We come and go from his townhouse to his country estate at our whim. He has been a most generous brother to my mother. And he introduced me to the peerage at the ball tonight. We are lucky.”
“I saw Avery and approached him. He pointed you out and spoke of you with great affection.”
The dance ended much too soon, and Nash accompanied Penelope back to Cecilia and Edward. As the true gentleman he was, Nash danced with Kitty, Isabel, and Dinah. They were all pleased with him and after he left, a rivalry began about with whom he would end up. None considered Penelope in the running.
Her mother being curious, Penelope told her how between his visit years ago and his talk with her uncle this evening, Nash figured out who she was and approached her.
***
Henry could not believe Penelope was dancing with Nash Finch. Henry had spent a lot of time since the last visit from Nash curbing his impulses. His father made sure of it. Like the King would really strip his title. Henry didn’t think so. For the most part, he was doing an adequate job of keeping his impulses at bay, but no one knew what happened when he went to the hunting lodge and had some fun there.
Now here was Nash Finch, back from his visits with Avery and Henry. Sheep, Penelope, and a dog. How dare he come to their home lodging complaints about things Henry had done. So what if they were true?
Hopefully, this would be one dance. After all, Penelope’s scar was ugly, and who wanted someone with her deformed face? He probably needn’t worry, but Henry would make sure they knew he wasn’t going to court her.
When he told Avery about this, his father was going to erupt like a volcano. He’d want to monitor it closely. He worked hard for his good reputation. If they were stripped of his title and lands, they both would be ruined.
Then a footman told him his father wanted him in the library.
***
Cecilia liked the Duke of Norfolk. His manners were faultless, and his conversation light and interesting. Cecilia remembered the Duke because he and his father visited just after Penelope got her scar. And he was one of the very few people outside the family that knew how she came about it.
Cecilia was sure it made a lasting impression on him. She remembered it rattled him. Nash could see through her scar. Cecilia knew it. Even as a boy, he had a big heart. Now, as an adult, he was down to earth, not some pompous poppycock strutting around the dance floor dancing with girls as if he were doing them a favour. He was genuine.
***
Later in the evening, Nash came back to ask Penelope for another dance. She thought he might feel it somehow necessary to circle back and ask her again, but she would dance with him no matter his motivation. With all the beautiful women in the
room vying for his attention, a catch like Nash couldn’t possibly be interested in her.
“Are you enjoying this evening, Lady Penelope?” he said.
“This is my first ball, so I didn’t know what to expect. I am enjoying it more than I thought I would. Even though my mother, Edward and I live in London, I’ve met so many new people tonight. I’m sure I will see them at parties over the course of the season. What about you, Your Grace? Are you enjoying the ball? The ladies have certainly noticed your presence.” She laughed lightly.
Nash looked down at Penelope. Penelope’s face looked innocent as much as it looked damaged. He focused on the innocent part of her face, the part that showed her true self. Her warm brown eyes gazed into his, and he smiled.
“I am. When I came tonight, I wasn’t sure what to think. On one hand, it is an ideal way to meet women, but on the other hand, I thought it would be painfully dull. But I have not found it dull at all.”
“So you will attend other ton events?” As soon as the question was out, Penelope wanted to kick herself for being so forward. Would Nash think her nosy?
“Yes, I will. Tell me, My Lady, may I dine with you this evening? I believe they will announce the tables ready at any time.”
Penelope smiled. “I would love to.”
When the dance ended, and they went back to Cecilia, she gave permission for the two to dine together. She smiled faintly, hoping the two of them were as suited for one another as they seemed to be. She found Edward and asked him to escort her into the dining room.
When Nash escorted Penelope into the dining room, she gasped. Along one long side of the room a feast of every possible dish was sitting, waiting for the taking. She picked up a plate, Nash following her, and grabbed more than she needed or should eat in front of a man. She couldn’t help it.
Nash directed her to a temporary table the size of an ice cream parlour table and chairs she had seen at Gunther’s. Neither wanted to sit at the long table and make small talk during the meal.
She ate duck, beets, and squash. He ate venison, turnip, bread, and cheese. Penelope found that novel and also found it unusual to be eating opposite someone who was consuming something very different.
Nash’s eyes twinkled. He joked, “Would you like me to go back to the buffet and get you everything except the duck and beets and squash?”
She laughed. “Now, that would be fun, wouldn’t it?”
He put down his fork and leaned forward. “And you know, Penelope, we haven’t even tackled the dessert table yet.” The twinkle in his eyes was irresistible, and she grinned uncontrollably.
She was having so much fun with Nash that she didn’t see Henry approaching holding a dinner plate of his own. Without asking or giving a greeting, he sat down between them.
“Well, well. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you two were enjoying each other’s company. But that can’t be,” Henry said, shaking his head dramatically. “Because you two barely know one another, and you won’t be continuing your friendship. Make it easy on yourselves and end it now before it becomes difficult to say goodbye.”
Nash ground his teeth and spoke through his clenched jaw. “Leave now, Henry, before I pick you up by your scrawny neck and throw you across the room.
Chapter 6
The next day, at the beginning of calling hours, Nash was at the door. The ladies and Edward were in the parlour, hoping Henry wouldn’t wander in and decide to stay.
Nash smiled. “Lady Balfour, Lady Penelope, Lord Balfour,” he said, waiting for the ladies to curtsy and take their seats. He bowed.
Edward motioned to Nash, “Your Grace, please sit and join us for tea.”
“That sounds wonderful. I’m afraid I need to get used to the shift in time due to the balls. They let out at three or four in the morning. Your teacakes look delicious to a man who got a late start and hasn’t eaten much today.”
Cecilia leaned forward, “Would you like something more substantial? I can have the kitchen make whatever you like.”
“Oh, no don’t bother but thank you. After another ball or two when I get home at four in the morning, I’ll have my breakfast habits once again aligned. I must say, I enjoyed the ball last night, did you?” he said to no one in particular.
Edward answered, “I am new to the ball. Both my sister and I will be on the ball circuit and whatever else the ton throws at us this season. If the rest of the balls are similar to last night’s, I may have to revise my opinion and say the process we go through to meet women isn’t so bad after all.”
“Oh, Edward.” Cecilia laughed and turned to Nash. “He’s been complaining for months about attending these events. And look at him now.”
Nash gave a broad, gorgeous smile that showed his beautiful teeth and twinkling eyes. “I have to agree with you, Lord Balfour. I was dreading the experience. That is until your uncle pointed out your beautiful sister.”
Edward smiled broadly, “That’s kind of you to say. Do you happen to know any single young ladies you could recommend to a gentleman?”
Penelope cleared her throat. “Would you two like us to leave so you may finish your conversation? It sounds as though you’re at the club, not in a parlour having tea with ladies,” she said with a smile.
“You are right, My Lady. White’s? Dinner? Tomorrow evening? That will give me time to think about any ladies I might be able to recommend,” Nash said.
“Seven o’clock?” Edward asked.
Nash smiled. “Perfect. Although, I have noticed you do seem to have a nice lady under your nose. Lady Dinah may be worth getting to know better.”
Edward snorted, “I thought you were going to say Kitty or Isabel. I would have wondered why you disliked me so much.”
Both men laughed, and Penelope cleared her throat again.
Nash looked at Edward, “I think we had better change the subject before I am kicked out.” He turned to Penelope, “Are you ladies planning to attend the Thompson ball later this week?”
Cecilia was quick to answer. “We are, Your Grace. It should be a lively event. But I hear that, in the past, Lady Thompson has invited more people than her ballroom holds. I hope that isn’t the case this year.”
Nash turned to Edward again, “If that is the case, shall we retreat to the card room after a few dances?”
Edward shook his head no. “Not if I want to stay alive.” He looked at his mother. “I mean my mother and my sister may have other plans for me.”
Nash laughed. “I think you and I are going to be great friends.
Edward bowed. “I believe you are right.”
“Right? Right about what? What have I been missing since you started tea without me?” Henry asked, coming in and taking a seat with no bow or greeting to anyone.
Cecilia spoke in a low, slow, steady voice. “Hello, Henry. You know we begin tea every day at one o’clock. You have a standing invitation but rarely join us. Do you know the Duke of Norfolk?”
“Oh, I know him,” Henry said in a loud, hostile voice. “He’s the one who accused me of killing his dog.”
Penelope gasped, and then put her hand to her mouth. Oh, that neighbour, she thought. She remembered the incident and looked over at Nash. He was putting down his teacup and his plate. He was going to leave.
Nash stood. “Lady Balfour, Lady Penelope, Lord Balfour,” he bowed, “I look forward to our next encounter. Thank you for a lovely visit.” He turned to Edward. They nodded to one another but didn’t say a word. Neither wanted to risk Henry showing up at White’s for dinner tomorrow evening.
The ladies curtsied, Edward bowed, but Henry stayed seated. Nash left.
What was he doing here?” Henry spat out.
“He was visiting the ladies,” Edward said in a low, flat voice.
“He has interest in you, Penelope? Even with your deformed face? I wonder if Father will permit you to be courted by him,” Henry said, trying to bait Penelope.
She rose and curtsied. “If you’ll excuse me, I fin
d I have a headache and need to rest.”
When Penelope left the room, Edward turned to Henry, “That was a mean thing to say and uncalled for. I suggest you think before you speak, Henry. One day you will say the wrong thing to the wrong person, and you will regret it.”
Cecilia stood, curtsied, and excused herself. Tears filled her eyes as she clung to the railing while climbing the stairs. She hated herself for saying it, but she hoped Henry died in a ‘hunting accident.’ So many people hated him; it couldn’t be such a far-fetched hope.
Cecilia saw Edward leave the parlour and talk with their butler, Waters. He was probably going riding to blow off some steam. And with that, tea was over.
***
