Unfortunately their private tte--tte ended, interrupted by the arrival of her aunt. Before Penny could digest the information shared by Lady Livingston, she was wrapped in her aunt's arms and sent to find Aubry and return to the salon for a visit.

The errand proved to take longer than antic.i.p.ated and by the time she and her sister found their way back, Dorothy had departed and the remaining two women merely spoke of mundane niceties. Penelope's heart sank at missing the most important details. She burned to know what Lady Fenhurst and her aunt instigated in regards to Elizabeth and Phineas. Oh, she had promised her cousin she would a.s.sist in the match, but she claimed no enthusiasm in the task. She doubted she would be able to a.s.semble any true eagerness. The better plan seemed to write Elizabeth a note and explain how Phineas was the last man she'd want to marry. On more than one occasion she'd heard him swear off the inst.i.tution. Clearly that did not bode well when husband shopping.

Still, she owed her cousin a debt by asking allegiance in hiding her true reason for coming to London. Whatever Lizzie told her mother, it proved effective as her aunt did not so much as question her, aside from asking of her health and plans for the future.

At the end of their visit, little progress had been made in her quest to find Simon. Instead, Dottie had mentioned a newcomer named Arlis Ridley and how the man was quickly becoming disfavored within the ton. It would appear men with a history of licentious behavior were not nearly as rare to society as Penelope thought true.

Chapter Sixteen.

Phineas landed a swift punch combination and ducked to the left as his sparring partner attempted the same and failed to connect. He couldn't keep the vivid remembrance of Penny and their stolen kiss from his mind. Every time he envisioned her pink mouth made for seduction, he lost all thought other than to bed her. Hoping to excise his obsession, he connected with a jarring left hook. He couldn't catalogue their kiss as an extraordinary mistake by the mere fact it felt too extraordinary, so where did that leave him? He threw a solid right and then another.

Harry and Constantine stood near the corner of the ring, carrying on a conversation as if they reclined in his study and not at Jackson's. The dull thud of punches striking sand-filled bags and the occasional grunt of a nearby boxer detracted little from their heated discussion.

"I understand Ridley balked on his payment of the grey. Things became heated when Trump confronted Ridley and the d.a.m.nable man had the b.o.l.l.o.c.ks to threaten the lord. I realize you're no longer interested in the horse, Phin, but I thought you should know since Ridley used underhand methods to win the thoroughbred in the first place." Con shook his head in disgust.

"I'm not surprised Ridley finds his pockets empty. Just as many men hold his vowels at the club as Winton's." Phineas ducked to avoid an oncoming blow. "His luck is running out." He could not explain the undeniable inkling that something untoward meant to happen. The feeling lingered, ever present, and the more he discovered about Ridley, the stronger his foreboding of ill intensified.

Phineas landed a cross punch that buckled his sparring partner's knees and ended practice. The two men tapped fists and moved apart.

"Don't like the chap much today, do you?" Harry watched as the defeated boxer staggered past.

"Let's say I needed the exercise and leave it at that." Phin unwrapped his fists. "Trump's ordeal, or not, I'm bent on confronting Ridley. Can I depend on both of you? I wouldn't doubt the a.r.s.e pulls a weapon." He spat the words, his low opinion of Ridley evident as he jumped from the ring.

"It's as if he's determined to achieve self-destruction by his careless actions. At first I a.s.sumed it all motivated by greed but who knows what drives him?" Con's face lost all pleasure. "One thing is clear. He doesn't want to cross me." His menacing tone echoed the threat of his words. "It's only a matter of time before he turns up on the wrong side of living."

Harry nodded his head and Phin needed no encouragement to agree.

"London gentlemen live by a code of honor. The Trumpington auction ended underhandedly but that incident only proved the beginning of his transgressions. He can apologize, confess and leave town, or take a beating while he changes his mind. In the meantime, Ridley would be wise to stay out of my path." A satisfied smile curled Phin's mouth. With no doubt he could easily take the man, but Ridley would not fight fairly. It would suit everyone involved if the blackguard decided to move on, out of London, and away from the people he cared about most.

Not much later Phineas began his ride home. His townhouse was a usual peaceful respite, but at present not only a squawking parrot and officious mother made him reluctant to venture there. Being out of house provided him the opportunity to escape the bewitching temptation of Penelope's smile. How could she swear her loyalty to a man who left her unprotected and brokenhearted, yet look at him with affection-no, desire? He'd had his share of fickle relationships. No wife, happy life. He cursed into the wind. How stupid to believe denial would be as simple as four words.

Halfway through Hyde Park and in no particular hurry, he noticed Elizabeth Bretton and her mother in an open carriage. As was fashionable, they meant to parade through the park in hopes of being seen, but Phin remained curious about her relationship with Penelope and he had been previously introduced. Convincing himself to act on behalf of proper etiquette, he aligned Abacus to walk beside their coach. The tiger slowed at once and they soon fell into step at a conversational pace.

"Viscount Fenhurst, how delightful to see you this fine day. I understand you met my daughter only a few evenings ago through an introduction by my niece. I regret the two of you did not have the opportunity to dance. Elizabeth is an excellent dancer."

The effusive greeting reinforced every reason he avoided situations like the one he'd initiated. Marriage-minded mothers reminded him of a wasp's nest: each needed to be handled with care or the consequences could be dire. Gritting his teeth to invoke patience, he donned a perfected grin of complacency. He needed to speak with Elizabeth alone, but how would that be accomplished with her mother hovering nearby envisioning him in a wedding coat?

"I will make a point of it at the next function. Today, I ask permission to escort your lovely daughter through the park. We'll remain on the path where your driver can follow." It was an innocuous suggestion in broad daylight in Hyde Park. The ton would have something to talk about and he graciously offered what any hopeful mother wished for most. The woman beamed her a.s.sent.

"Yes, I will have the footman pause so Elizabeth may step down." She vigorously signaled to the tiger then turned her anxious attention in her daughter's direction.

A few minutes later with Abacus trailing the carriage at a considerable distance, they strolled the flower gardens. Before he could make the proper gesture, Elizabeth looped her arm with a.s.sertive affection through the crook of his elbow. She laid her opposing hand atop as if to lock him in place. The cost of the gossip would be worth the price if he could learn more of Penny's problem.

With a slight tilt of his head, he a.s.sessed Elizabeth's pet.i.te profile. She was a comely woman. Of course, she didn't have fetching freckles or hair that glistened like mola.s.ses syrup, but she would do fine on the marriage mart, no doubt. But what of Penelope? She seemed so determined to find the elusive blackguard who claimed her heart it caused him unfailing worry and concern. Realizing he shared limited time to gain information, Phineas spoke to the point.

"Thank you for agreeing to this impromptu stroll. Your cousin has intrigued me with her problem, but she's reluctant to share her reasoning. It's my hope you can help me understand her actions. London can be a dark and dangerous place for someone who innocently mistakes a man's intentions." He threw a glance over his shoulder before leaning closer. "I am concerned she may be embroiled in something she knows not how to resolve. Have you considered the same?" He walked, eyes straight forward as if they discussed the weather or other mundane subject, although he noticed an immediate change in Elizabeth's countenance. Her words spilled forth, only they were nothing he antic.i.p.ated hearing.

"If you could help it would be more than rea.s.suring. I promised to keep Penny's confidence. Were I to break that vow, it would weigh heavily upon my conscience."

Perplexed at what the forthright chit suggested, he considered the insinuation. "Is there something I could offer in return? Something to ease your conscience? You should know my goal is to a.s.sist your cousin and protect her from harm." With confidence he navigated the conversation, anxious to gain the information he needed at whatever cost.

Elizabeth angled her face away and when she turned, her eyes lit with deceptive charm. "The Sheringham social is this evening. I would be delighted to have your escort." She paused, but for what reason, he could not determine. "To please my mother, of course."

Wasn't she shrewd? In for a penny in for a pound, although how poorly done in his underestimation of her capabilities.

"Consider it my honor." His acquiescence caused the dam walls to burst.

"Penny confided her father pa.s.sed, leaving her and Aubry entirely alone. I know her heart is broken, brought about by that devil of a fiance. He left them penniless-penniless, my lord. Absconded with every pound note the family possessed and all other valuables they owned, including her mother's cherished jewelry. Penelope believes she can find him and convince him to return what he's stolen. The perfidious man, he should..."

Phineas tempered her exclamations with a touch to her forearm. He could only imagine what any onlooker surmised. "You remain as overset as I." But not so concerned you would not barter for your own gain. "Let's keep this discussion between us while I deduce a way to solve the problem. Are you agreeable?" He had no doubt she would be.

"Yes. I shudder to think what the blackguard would attempt were he to discover Penelope seeks him. She isn't thinking clearly."

"I give you my word I will do my best. Now if you would tell me the gentleman's name, I..."

"Oh. I could never do that." Elizabeth waved casually at a pa.s.serby.

"Excuse me?" His voice possessed a tetchy edge. What was she about? If she thought to string him along and take her bait, she would not get far with her plan.

"I already told you more than my conscience allows. We need to take this one step at a time. Penny and I confide in each other and I wouldn't want her to feel I've betrayed her when I trust she'll keep my truest desire safe."

Without a doubt the female mind worked differently than the male's. They stopped walking at the end of the path and eyed each other as formidable opponents. No trace of concern marred Elizabeth's expression. Instead the chit waited, fluttering her eyelashes for his benefit. Or did she experience discomfort standing in direct sunlight?

The carriage pulled up and they exchanged goodbyes. He rode away more determined than ever to solve Penelope's problem. She could not rely on her family for unadulterated support. It was his duty to help and once he solved her problem, he'd then solve his own.

He found Penny and Maman before the window embrasure in the parlor when he returned. As he had perceived more than once, Penny appeared at home amidst the paintings and objets d'art; as if for years there'd been a missing element in the room and he'd finally found the perfect addition...the place where she belonged. A bittersweet smile curled his lips.

"I hope I'm not intruding." He dropped into the only open chair and made quick work of the remaining apricot scones on the silver serving tray.

"Not at all. Your timing is perfect."

His mother offered him a cup of tea but he declined.

"I'm visiting Dottie later this afternoon, why don't the two of you share the carriage with me? It is such a lovely ride to Mayfair. After last night's rainfall, there will be little smog through Piccadilly. I would invite Aubry as well, but she will be studying French with her tutor. Tres bien."

"If I may." Phineas turned to Penny and offered a waggish grin. "Neither Penelope nor I would appreciate an afternoon spent playing marbles in the parlor with Dorothy's two nieces, but the attempt to detract their precocious and inquisitive personalities from your own visit is admirable."

Penelope struggled to keep a bubble of laughter hidden. A flick of his eyes revealed his mother not nearly as amused.

"Mon dieu, they are not as intrusive as you imply. They are young and have had no true family structure, no parents, ils veulent du bien."

This time he was the one who chuckled. "You say they mean well and that may be true, but let's not forget what happened the last time you coerced me along for the call. Not only did I sit through individual pianoforte lessons, but I was volunteered to keep the hoydens occupied while you and Dorothy strolled across the street in Richmond Park. I served as nothing more than a glorified nanny. It was humiliating."

"Please stop reminding me Julia remains in Brighton. With your father away, I've been so lonely. Were it not for the Rosebery ladies joining us, I would be the one journeying to Brighton permanently."

Phineas rolled his eyes at his mother's dramatic declaration. "I highly doubt that. However would you manage without Chef Pierre? You performed a miracle convincing him to come to London. It would be over his dead body to travel to the coast."

His mother gave a little sniff of disapproval, aware no argument could be made. It surely pained her to concede.

"Never mind. You've given me a grand idea. Why not take Penelope along the sylvan through Richmond Park while I pay my call? The day is clear and the hour remains early enough to enjoy the verdant scenery."

Penelope's eyes lit with a sparkle of vivacity. Their last planned excursion had gone terribly awry. It would be enjoyable to spend the afternoon in her company most especially now that his evening would be occupied with Elizabeth Bretton.

"It does sound lovely. I've never been past the western end of Piccadilly, nor into Mayfair. I would enjoy seeing the scenery." Her cheerful reply erased any hesitation on his part.

By d.a.m.n, she looked beautiful. At least she was not consumed with her missing person of late. Did he dare hope she'd forgotten her intention?

"Then it's settled. We'll leave in one half hour." Victoria rose and hurried to the door. "I will need to change my gown and select my most ornate bonnet. Dorothy has a discerning eye."

She muttered her way out of the room much to Phin's amus.e.m.e.nt.

Exactly thirty minutes later, the three of them rumbled down the cobblestone streets and the conversation within the coach flowed with ease. Phineas had no difficulty whatsoever imaging a life shared with many coach rides where Penny sat across from him looking as delightful as she did now in her pale pink day gown and matching silk gloves. Very fine gloves indeed.

And if he allowed his imagination free rein, she was not always primly in place, but sometimes astride him, naughtily entangled atop his lap, scantily clad, her luscious body strewn against the velvet bolster. Rioting images of innocence and sensuality, the two of them wrapped wildly in bed sheets bombarded his mind. He clamped them down with effort.

He glanced to his left, one look to his mother seated alongside effective in stifling his desire to pounce upon Penny. Better to save the luscious fantasies for later when he was alone in his bedchamber.

Chapter Seventeen.

The carriage let them out at the corner of Richmond Park and Phin helped Penny descend the coach steps as the midmorning rain scattered puddles along the path. Doing his best to steer clear of any mishap, they joined the promenade circling the greens. Already past four, the dandies supplied amusing conversation as did the beaus and bucks who vied for attention of every pa.s.sing female. They fell into a companionable silence and again he considered the contentment felt with Penelope by his side. How wonderful it would be to take her hand, remove her pretty silk glove and bring her palm to his lips. Or pull her behind a thick hedgerow and ravish her under the waning sun. He had no doubt she would taste wonderful. He would start at her lips and work his way downward.

By d.a.m.n, he needed to cool his ardor.

"Would you like a flavored ice?" He indicated the vendor on the side of the path with a purposeful nod. Yes, something cold. Ice. Good idea.

"I've never had one. That sounds-"

A hard sounding crack jerked their attention to a bend in the walkway. Hearing her alarmed gasp, Phin gripped Penny's hand where she held his elbow and anch.o.r.ed her to him. Before them a small group of children practiced cricket in a clearing of gra.s.s too close to the path to be considered safe. Several boys cheered and ran with reckless abandon, their cricket sticks in tow. Recognizing Vicar James from St. Anthony's Orphanage seated on a wooden bench on the far side of the field, Phin waved in greeting and debated if he should stride over to politely suggest the children practice farther from the promenade. He enjoyed cricket as a lad and had received his share of knocks during the game.

Having depositing Penny below a magnolia tree laden with pink blossoms the exact color of her lips, Phin went to purchase their ice. As he placed the order, a young lad with bright red hair lowered his bat and struck the ball with an off-center shot toward the wicket. It pitched high into the air and veered in a direct line with Penelope. Phineas called a warning, but not chancing her safety he leapt sharply into the path of the ball and s.n.a.t.c.hed it out of the air one-handed.

The children remained frozen in awe, but Penelope reached him in less time than it took to register the stinging pain in his palm.

"Oh, are you alright?"

Her concerned tone brought a reluctant smile to his face regardless his hand burned wickedly. Without hesitation, she removed her gloves and tucked them into her pocket before she brought his hand to her waist. She opened the two-b.u.t.toned closure at his wrist with an a.s.sertive gesture and removed his leather glove. Preoccupied with watching her fingers as they swept over his skin, he almost missed her tender expression. Were it not for her sharp intake of breath at seeing the redness of his palm, he may never have glanced to her lovely face. The touch of her slender fingers wrapping around his hand did much to a.s.suage the pain and his heart thudded with the immediate concern she demonstrated for his welfare. Perhaps she was not so consumed by the blackguard that a small sliver of her heart remained open to his affection.

He'd dropped the cricket ball as soon as she'd hurried to his side and as the young lads filed over to where they stood, he bent to retrieve it and simultaneously noticed the complete ruin of Penelope's kidskin walking boots. The tips and sides were caked high with mud from the rain-sodden field. There would be no saving them.

And then a smaller pair of boots entered his line of sight. He stood and held the ball out to the child, no more than seven years of age, his grin absent of two front teeth. The lad accepted the ball with caution, his head bent low as if to await a harsh scolding.

"I am sorry, milord."

His repentant apology tugged firmly at the heartstrings. It would be difficult not to dismiss the incident when faced with the immediate charm of the urchin, albeit a lesson needed to be learned. The children must play farther from the promenade.

"It is not I who deserves the apology." He crouched on a level with the lad. A quick nod over his shoulder indicated the apology would be better served if presented to the lady beside him.

The child looked to Penelope. His solemn expression softened before he glanced back with a question in his eyes. "Is she your wife?"

Phin meant to remain stern, but a smile forced its way through. Beside him, Penelope stifled a giggle.

Oddly enough, the words didn't evoke the repellant emotions expected. Straightened to his full height, he returned Penny's hand to his elbow with a possessive purpose. "No, young man, my lovely companion is not my wife. May I introduce Miss Penelope Rosebery. She is my friend." The explanation seemed to disrupt the child's understanding of the world.

"But she's a girl." The lad's objection coupled with his disbelieving look was utterly endearing.

Phin cleared his throat to avoid chuckling. "Yes. I've noticed. A very pretty one at that, wouldn't you agree? It would serve you well to make your apology directly to the lady as your ball would have struck her had I not interceded." His words were meant to admonish, although he allowed a hint of amus.e.m.e.nt to seep through.

"Yes, milord." With repentant brown eyes turned upward, the child continued. "I am sorry, miss."

"It's quite alright." She favored him with a kind smile. "A lady need not worry about wayward cricket strikes if she walks with as fine a gentleman as Viscount Fenhurst."

Phineas straightened his shoulders and absorbed the compliment with pleasure. "Go on now, you little scoundrel, and play further in the field."

The lad needed no other encouragement and bounded away, returning to the friends who surrounded him, anxious to hear of the adventure that had transpired near the walking path. Phineas led Penelope the few paces required to reach the promenade and fell into compatible step as if the near miss episode hadn't just happened.

"I don't know what I will do without you forever rescuing me."

Something in her voice spoke directly to his heart. Still her words implied a time would come when he would not be beside her.

d.a.m.n it all to h.e.l.l.

He fought all reaction and tried with effort to resurrect the familiar comfort of his central belief.

No wife, happy life.

Why did he bother? His words lacked all conviction, hollow of the emotion that once motivated him in his vow to avoid meaningful relationships. Natalie had been controlling and unfaithful. She'd been hurtful and driven by selfishness and altogether nothing like Penelope. Sweet Penny, motivated by survival and willing to sacrifice everything to ensure the betterment of her sister's future.

They continued along, lost in individual considerations, and the path wound through a small grove of trees, then led to a footbridge that arched over a narrow brook.

"Look!"

Penelope's gleeful exclamation banished his reflective thoughts and he followed her extended arm to where she pointed at the horizon near the far end of a gra.s.sy slope. A hot air balloon, white as the clouds dotting the sky, ascended with grace over the tall oaks. He glanced at the balloon and then back again, more interested in viewing the spectacle of Penny's appreciative expression, her head tilted to the side, a serene smile on her petal-soft lips.

"Have you ever seen anything so lovely?"

Never.