Aunt Winthrop looked horror-stricken at the very thought of leaving Andrew and Letty alone in the drawing room, and cast her niece a dark look for even suggesting such a thing.
“I might have known something ill would come of your sharing a roof with a poet, even a bad one.”
Letty stiffened, but said nothing in her defense.
Andrew Oglethorpe compressed his lips, but politely kept his silence as well.
Letty then looked resigned and perhaps a bit amused that her awaited conclusion would have to be delayed.
“My dear, I have sent off an express to your guardian. Although rumor has it that he intends to return to England soon.” She bestowed a sly, superior look on her niece.
Penelope schooled her features so that her aunt wouldn’t know whether this news dismayed her or not. “I have never met him. I wonder what he is like.”
“Never mind that. I suggest you concern yourself with bride clothes instead. I shall take you to my mantua-maker, who has a way with flounces, if I do say so.”
It was to be hoped that the revulsion Penelope felt did not show on her face. Aunt Winthrop’s gown was of execrable design with an excess of flounces which did nothing for the skinny figure they floated about.
Knowing full well that her aunt intended to spend Penelope’s money on the gowns, never a cent of her own, Penelope bridled. “I have my own mantua-maker, thank you. She has my measurements, and that avoids the tedium of standing for ages while the tape is applied.” Penelope allowed for no argument, but swept on to another matter. “Tell me, how does Lord Everton feel about your plans? I have scarce seen him since that first day you came to Town.” If this was a gentle reminder that the supposedly love-struck swain was less than attentive, it missed the mark.
Lady Winthrop directed an arrogant look at Penelope, dismissing the other two as unimportant. “He has been much occupied, my dear girl. When one is as important as Ernest, there is much to do. He has been consulting with various warehouses as to the refurbishing of Everton House and is even now selecting the wall hangings. I suppose he ought to wait for your approval, but he has always displayed elegant taste, so you need not fear his choice,” she simpered.
Penelope recalled the yellow waistcoat striped in purple and nodded, barely suppressing a shudder at the outcome of such “elegant” taste. She could only be thankful that she need not marry the man. How she would relish informing her detested aunt that marriage to Ernest could never be.
“Have you accepted your fate, then, niece?” Lady Winthrop bared her yellowed teeth in a smile, reminding Penelope of an aging horse.
Letty interrupted at this point. “You would refuse Penelope the delights of the Season, Aunt?” It suddenly occurred to Letty that if she married Andrew, she could shed the name she shared with her detested relative. “There are concerts, balls, and routs to attend. Once she is married, I daresay she will wish to spend her time in the country.”
Penelope could see the old lady thought this fine, for it would relieve her the burden of managing the town house. Not for a moment did Penelope believe her aunt would permit Ernest’s bride the satisfaction of having one thing her way.
“Well . . .“ Aunt Winthrop faltered.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs, followed by an exchange between Mrs. Flint and a decidedly male voice, focused all eyes on the doorway.
“Dear cousin,” exclaimed Penelope as she rose decorously from her chair to cross the room. “You know our aunt, of course, as well as Letty and Mr. Oglethorp. What brings you here so early in the day?”
“I am pleased to see you have not forgotten our expedition to the theater this evening. I trust Letty and Oglethorpe will join us as well, for it is by way of celebration.” At the black look from his aunt, he added, “Have you not informed Aunt Winthrop, my dear? Naughty girl. But then, perhaps you thought she would observe your ring.”
Her aunt popped up from her chair to peer at the ring now displayed for her benefit on Penelope’s slim finger, her hand held possessively in Harford’s. Lady Winthrop knew the sight of the Harford sapphire without being told what it was. Anger burned in her eyes when she looked up at the pair before her.
“Think to out-fool me, do you?”
“I doubt if anyone could do that, Aunt,” Harford said respectfully, ignoring the tug from the hand he clasped firmly in his. “You see, we found we suit admirably well. Is that not correct, Penny, my love?”
“You said nothing to me, girl,” her aunt accused.
“You gave me little opportunity. Besides, I wished Jonathan at my side when we gave you the happy news.
Her sideways glance at Lord Harford made him clear his throat as though uneasy.
“I have been duped and misled by the girl I believed good enough for Ernest,” Lady Winthrop declared, definitely aggrieved.
“You see, dear aunt, I told you from the first I am not the one for him. You will no doubt find someone more suited.”
“I heard Miss Dunston is back in Town.” At Penelope’s indrawn breath, Harford added, “She was not feeling quite the thing, but her doctor declares there is nothing wrong with her. She would make a most biddable wife.”
Penelope could see her aunt was mulling over the aspect of a wife who would not interfere in any way with the plans Lady Winthrop had for her son. After terse farewells, they watched her depart, then turned at the outpouring of questions from Letty and Andrew Oglethorpe.
‘What happened?” Penelope demanded quietly when the others subsided.
“Smooth as glass,” Harford replied, wondering if Penelope realized that there was no way she might extricate herself from the upcoming nuptials he had arranged. “I presented our case to the Lord Chancellor, along with the range of
