Part 17 (1/2)
Her eyes returned to the brooch. She gently took it from his palm and ran a fingertip over the delicate likeness engraved into the agate stone, almost as if she desperately wanted to touch it, and at the same time restrained holding it too long as in a painful joy, if such emotion existed.
”The cameos were made in my likeness many years ago...”
She paused in the telling, never raising her eyes to his, and surely missing the incredulous look on his face.
”It's only since Lord Livingston's death that I've dared attempt to reclaim them. I would never dishonor him while we remained married, but I've always wished the cameos returned to me, their rightful owner.”
”Does Maman know this about you?” He spoke softly, the matter precious.
”No. No one does, save you and me, and I would prefer it remain that way.”
He replied without hesitation. ”I am honored to keep your confidence.”
He reclaimed the cameo as a rush of conflicted feelings gathered in his mind. Dorothy Livingston remained a dear family friend, but Penelope, the keeper of his heart, meant more to him than any one person in the world.
He wrapped the pin in his linen handkerchief and slid it into his pocket. Once he reconciled everything concerning the matter, Penelope could speak with Dorothy and help her understand the heirloom's significance to the Rosebery family.
”I will tell my mother you are waiting here.” He smiled at her warmly. ”Thank you for all your help.”
He walked to the entry hall, his mind muddled by the morning's hectic turn of events, and there nearly collided with Jenkins.
”Please inform my mother Lady Livingston awaits.” He paused, a long exhale in order. ”And the Rosebery ladies, Jenkins? Where might I find the lovely sisters this morning?”
”Miss Penelope is observing her sister's dance lesson, my lord. I escorted the instructor in not thirty minutes ago.”
”Thank you, good man.” His words trailed behind him as he made long strides to find Penny. His body hummed with antic.i.p.ation, while his mind replayed images of their sweet ecstasy the night before.
He stepped into the room, Penelope's name on his lips, and he barely had a chance to catch her eye before the instructor called him to the floor, a mixture of pleasure and relief displayed on the master's face.
”Lord Betcham, your timing is perfection.” The older man beamed as he motioned Phineas forward.
The furniture had been moved to the perimeter of the room and a large carpeted area remained open as a makes.h.i.+ft dance floor. The instructor stood at the center, Aubry waiting at his side.
”Lady Aubry would benefit from seeing particular dance patterns in motion. While I can instruct her in the intricate steps, to understand the fluidity of a glissade or pas de basque she must observe the movement within the flow of the dance. Would you be so kind to partic.i.p.ate before the lesson ends?”
Phineas smiled, but he had no intention of dancing with Aubry. He stifled a wicked smile and turned to the fetching young woman who sat demurely on the chair by the doorway. He extended his arm in invitation and they took to the floor, their natural elegance within the formation a whispered echo of how in tune their bodies played only hours before. When he clasped her hand, a s.h.i.+ver ran through her and his grin broke loose. He hoped she conjured the same images as he. With Aubry and her instructor conversing on the side of the room, their keen attention focused on dance steps, it was more the pity he could not sweep Penny forward for another delicious taste of her lips.
”It is scandalous, how late into the day I've slept. You are trying to ruin me.” Penelope tried her best to scold Phin for the transgression but there was no way she could sustain the stern tone. She smiled up at the man holding her with grace within his strong arms. How utterly euphoric to be unfettered by guilt and despair now that she'd shared the burden of her past. Their sensual interlude felt absolutely heavenly, but the relief of sharing her secrets proved meaningful in a way she could never describe.
”I adore you, Penelope.”
His amber eyes fixed on hers as if he looked straight into her heart. If he was able, he would see only love reflected there. Another smile blossomed. She had no way to stop it, as if her happiness forced itself out from within. His hand, resting at her back, played loosely in the lengths of her hair and the intimacy of his caress caused her pulse to quicken.
”You have been the answer to all my wishes and I don't know what I ever did to deserve such good fortune, but I'll be thankful every day from now on.”
”May I suggest a few ways to convey your grat.i.tude?” He flashed another wicked grin.
Her eyes drifted to his lips, the same lips that had explored her body in immeasurable detail, and the erotic remembrance caused her to miss a step. She tried to recover, but he stalled her with his laughter and then Jenkins entered and while the dance instructor took his leave, the butler presented a package wrapped in plain brown paper.
”This arrived at the door, my lady.”
Aubry rushed to where they stood, curiosity the likely motivator.
”And the card?” She turned the large box over but no markings were visible, as with the first package she received over two weeks before.
”I'm afraid there is none.”
As Jenkins left, she sat down and placed the box on her lap. Her fingers worked at the string closure, but then Phineas stepped forward with a small knife he'd produced from his pocket and sliced through the string efficiently.
”Do hurry and open it. I can't wait to see what's inside.” Aubry hovered over the box in antic.i.p.ation.
”I'm not sure I want to know. Who could be sending me presents?” Penelope murmured as she flicked her eyes to Phin where he stood staring out the window.
Aubry, quick to speculate, offered an idea. ”Maybe Cousin Lizzie thought to gift you.”
Penelope let out an inelegant scoff. ”Without a card announcing her intention? I think not. Lizzie would want everyone to know so she could take full credit of her generosity.” She paused as she discarded the wrapper and raised the lid of the hardboard box.
”Then what about Carrick? Do you think...”
”I'd prefer we didn't mention that little troll.” Fully aware of the conversation, Phineas interjected as he approached.
With great care, Penny set the lid on the floor and pushed aside the thin paper liner. ”Oh, they're lovely.”
Aubry's voice sounded filled with awe and Penelope understood why. A pair of the finest chocolate brown boots lay nestled in the box. Their sleek wooden heels glistened and a row of neatly covered b.u.t.tons lined up the kidskin in the latest fas.h.i.+on. They were the most wonderful boots she'd ever seen, never mind hoped to own.
”They are beautiful,” She took the top boot from the box and placed the carton on the floor. Then removing her slipper, she began to unb.u.t.ton the fasteners of the boot when Phineas knelt before her. He placed her stocking-covered foot atop his thigh and gently removed the boot from her grasp.
”Allow me.”
He made quick work of unb.u.t.toning the shaft before angling it delicately and slipping her foot inside.
”Oh, I do hope they fit you. They're too breathtaking to be of no use.”
Penelope's lips quirked at her sister's heartfelt reaction.
Phin commented as he stood. ”They'll fit. I'm sure of it.”
She didn't understand how he could be so sure, but as soon as her feet were well planted inside the boots she found him to be correct.
”They feel as if they were made for me, they fit so perfectly.” She tore her eyes from the boots and looked to Phin's handsome face. It took only a heartbeat for comprehension to dawn.
The scoundrel had the audacity to wink and her heart turned over. The man in front of her, rescuer of her future and owner of her affection, deserved more than a perfunctory thank you formed from words. Unfortunately little could be expressed with Aubry standing near.
Penny walked to where Phin waited, her eyes never leaving his amber gaze. ”Aubry, please do me a favor and fetch my ivory embroidered gloves from upstairs.” She spoke to her sister, but held Phin's gaze with adoration. Their eyes communicated on a whole different level, reliving their earlier intimacy and making secret promises for the future. ”I do wish to see how well they match my new boots.” She glanced to her toes peeking from the edge of her day gown and then turned and offered her sister an entreating smile. ”And please do not return until you have found them. I must know if my gloves match perfectly.”
Aubry rushed from the room happy to do her bidding and Penelope took the steps needed to bring her scandalously close to Phin, her heartbeat thundering in her chest. What words could ever express her overwhelming sentiment?