“No doubt that is true,” Miss Nilsson replied, accepting a flute of champagne from Darling with evident pleasure.
“We should be able to obtain an Order of Court, which, when approved, will stand the same as the consent of Penny’s guardian,” Jonathan added with relish. He placed his glass on his desk, then unlocked and opened a drawer. A small velvet pouch rested in his hand when he turned to face Penny once again. From the pouch he withdrew an exquisite ring. It was of delicately worked gold with a fine sapphire in the center.
Penelope sighed at the sight. How could she ever bear to part with such beauty? Especially when it came from Jonathan?
“I believe this will go with those lovely eyes of yours, my dear.” He placed the ring on the appropriate finger, noting with pride that it fitted perfectly. His guess had been staggeringly accurate when he’d gone to the jeweler to have it sized.
Penelope duly admired his taste, then expressed concern when he informed her that it was a family ring, given to each countess in turn upon the promise of marriage.
“I should dislike thinking that I had deprived Lady Harford the pleasure of wearing this magnificent ring.”
“Actually,” he said, well pleased that Penny looked on the ring with such marked admiration, “she gave it to me some time ago, in the hope that I might get around to selecting a bride one of these days.”
Penelope gave him a dismayed look, feeling a fraud, for he must wish his family and friends to believe the announcement of their betrothal, and what would they think when it came to an end? She said nothing more on that score, however, feeling it impolite to argue the point.
When the four drank a toast to the betrothal, even though one of them thought it to be a sham one, Penelope was observed to have a distinct shimmering in her eyes.
A rather annoyed meow came from the doorway. There stood Muffin, glaring at all with indignant eyes.
“Oh, bother!” Penelope exclaimed. “Poor kitty. I forgot that I brought her along for her safety. Aunt says she thinks she might kidnap Muffin, knowing how I care for my cat. May I leave her here with you?” she pleaded, one slender hand reaching out to touch Jonathan’s arm. “Darling assured me that Cook will watch after her.”
“I would be the veriest scoundrel to deny you the security of your pet, my love. Of course it may stay here. Did you have the least doubt?”
Muffin gave Jonathan a disdainful look, then stalked over to the high-backed leather chair and jumped up. She inspected her chosen spot with haughty eyes, turned about three times, then settled down to place her chin on his paws.
“I do believe she has decided to accept your hospitality, my lord,” Penelope said, trying not to laugh.
“1 shall do my best not to be overwhelmed at her condescension.” He exchanged an amused look with Penny, hoping this would be a giant step to reaching a feeling of harmony between them.
They strolled from the room, Jonathan musing aloud on the various things that needed to be done, and in what order, in a highly organized fashion.
An admiring glance from Penelope improved his self-regard, for it was plain she put much stock in his words, and that made him feel very good.
“I believe I shall see about an appointment with the Lord Chancellor, also do a bit of visiting with those gentlemen I mentioned earlier, the ones I thought might be of help. I can depend on them to remain tight-lipped about what we intend. It would never do for your aunt to find out what’s afoot.”
“Good grief, no. I would not put it past her to persuade Ernest to hie off to Scotland with me. She is a very determined woman, you must know.” Penelope gave Jonathan a concerned look, then tightened her shawl about her before taking her leave.
Jonathan stood for a moment after the two women left, wondering at his boldness in proposing to Penny as he had. Did she imagine that the betrothal was only to last for a short time, then to be dropped? Little fool. He had no intention of allowing her to go free ever.
He wandered up to his room, thinking about the lovely duets they could have, flute and pianoforte. He surmised, from the depth of her response to him, that they could create more than beautiful music together. She proved to be a never-ending source of delight to him. Provided, of course, that she didn’t drive him mad first.
Once suitably attired in the first stare of fashion, Lord Harford sauntered off to his club to find the first of his quarry. It proved to be easy to obtain support, for the fellow had no liking for Everton and thought Lanscomb a dashed loose screw for taking his duties as guardian to a beautiful young heiress so lightly. He didn’t deserve the honor. If the gentleman had thoughts about Harford’s position in the case, he kept them to himself.
The others proved to be equally agreeable. They fully believed the tale, knowing Harford to be a truthful, honorable man, who was, in addition, a prince of a good fellow. They also thought the heiress a lucky young woman to have captured the splendid gentleman who was held in such esteem by those who knew him.
Thus it was with anticipation of success that Lord Harford approached the office to the Lord Chancellor to request an appointment. It was promptly granted, for who would
