Andrew Oglethorpe nodded sagely, taking the hint from the look directed at him. He would follow suit, since there was no impediment to a marriage between himself and Letty, her being of age. He’d wait no longer, regardless of her family. Harford gave his blessing. That was good enough.
Clasping her hands nervously before her, Penelope began to pace back and forth before the fireplace, seeing it a very fine spot with no furniture to impede her progress. “You think this step is necessary?”
“I do,” he intoned, then drew his little love out the door to leave the others with a moment of privacy for what he suspected was on Oglethorpe’s mind.
Ignoring any propriety in leaving the others, Penelope turned her attention to the other menace that plagued them. “And what about Miss Dunston? Is she really returned to London?”
“Yes, indeed,” Harford gravely replied. “It seems her most worthy doctor found her quite normal, given the set of circumstances that would put any young miss in a pelter. He told her mother he considered henbane an effective medicine for colds and sleeplessness, and suggested she not fail to keep it in the house. You may imagine what tremblings this information gave me.”
“I wonder how many other love potions she has found?” Penelope was torn between amusement and exasperation.
Chapter 13
Jonathan was greatly tempted to gather her worried little self into his arms, if only to reassure her there was no need for concern. He had an idea.
“But you see, Penny, my love, when she discovers that you and I are to be wedded, she will look elsewhere to fix her attentions. As well, she will recall that private and incriminating dalliance of ours in the library and believe she knew it all beforehand.” His face wore the pleased expression of one who has answered all questions.
“Oh, that,” Penelope murmured as they slowly neared the foot of the stairs.
“Someone might have believed her rantings, had she dared to make them known at the time,” he reminded.
“I should have thought of that.” How foolish he must find her.
Lord Harford gave her what she deemed a rather superior smile, then kindly replied, “I suspect you were finding it a bit difficult to think of anything at the moment.”
Of course it was the truth, but he need not have said so. “Wicked man,” she said with a shade more fervor.
“My mother wishes you to come over immediately, if you would. She feels we must make a few plans.”
Just as Penelope was about to reply, Letty and Mr. Oglethorpe came from the drawing room to the head of the stairs, a sheepish expression on Letty’s plump face—her glasses once again in place—a distinctly satisfied one on his. They drifted down to where Penelope and Jonathan stood with watchful expressions.
“An announcement, by the looks of Jonathan said close to Penelope’s ear.
“We have decided that I am to marry Andrew,” Letty said at length, while pushing her little gold spectacles up on her nose. Her satisfied look might have been attributed to their restoration but for Penelope’s knowledge that Letty was as besotted with Andrew Oglethorpe as he was with her.
Penelope held out her arms in a happy sharing of joy. Letty, fussy and inclined to waver, accepted the felicitations, declaring they would have to have a family celebration.
“You must join us at Harford House. Mother will want to wish you happy. I hope you might be able to come now?” Jonathan gave Andrew Oglethorpe a significant nod.
Sensing that more could be found in the invitation than met the eye, Andrew agreed they could go, for the poetry had lost its hold on them for the nonce.
Letty discovered one of her paisley shawls draped over the bust of Caesar, and Penelope accepted a light pelisse from Miss Nilsson.
“Please come with us,” a thoughtful Lord Harford urged the companion. “You are one of the family and this is to be a gathering of the clan, minus Ernest and his mother, of course."
Gratified beyond speech to be included, Miss Nilsson hastily picked up another shawl from the pile that seemed to accumulate in the entry, and joined the exodus.
Lady Harford welcomed the news of Letty’s coming marriage to Mr. Oglethorpe with delight, hugging Letty and exclaiming over the rightness of the connection.
It seemed to Penelope that with Lady Harford’s approval Letty relaxed considerably. If she might tell her mother that none other than Lady Harford found the marriage quite the thing, her mother certainly ought to see reason. Besides, she would now be in a position to help her younger brother attain the schooling at Cambridge that he so ardently desired. That ought to be significant as well.
After Lady Harford ordered an elaborate tea, she directed them all to take their places, including a puzzled Lady Charis, who had slipped in late.
“Now,” Lady Harford said with complacency, “we shall discuss what is to be done.”
“Forgive me, my lady,” Penelope offered hesitantly, “but what is there to do? Letty has accepted Andrew, Jonathan insists on going to Doctor’s Commons tomorrow. What, precisely, needs to be planned?”
Lady Harford gave a wise nod. “We must see that your odious aunt does not spoil things.” She exchanged a meaningful look with her son that Penelope failed to see because she was watching Letty shyly settle by her Andrew.
“Since we have already had the come-out ball, and all of you girls are nicely established with highly acceptable gentlemen, present company quite lauded, we can allow nothing to upset our plans.” She frowned. “I understand Miss Dunston has returned to Society. I suggest we be on guard. Who knows what might be in another potion?”
The footman and
