Penelope powdered her nose a final time, then rose from her dressing table. It was almost time for her birthday ball and she could barely contain her frayed nerves. Not even the warm cup of invigorating tea a maid had brought her earlier did much to quell her irrational fears. She tried to focus on the familiar, instead of the unknown.
She recalled all the other parties and dances she and Charlotte had prepared for together over the years in her relatively unchanged bedroom. Almost every week, Charlotte would come to Penelope’s house to have her hair dressed, face powdered, and gown buttoned up before the pair would set off to the latest society event.
But no matter how comforting her chambers were, she couldn’t stop the pattering of her heart. “What if everything goes wrong?” She sighed.
“Nothing will go wrong,” Charlotte promised. “You look divine, the guests have all arrived, and I do believe I saw some rather lovely gifts piling up for you in the entryway.”
She inspected herself in her full-length mirror. She wore a gown of the palest blue, a shade that flattered her creamy skin and pale, blonde hair, set in a series of rolled curls piled upon her head, with loose coils falling down her back. The dress had been carefully made in Paris. From under the wide pickups peeked white lace, hung in place by light pink silk roses.
“I do suppose I look like quite the lady tonight, do I not?”
Charlotte nodded. “A most fine example of an English Rose.”
“Father always did say I rather resembled a young Elizabeth Woodville.”
“Who?”
“Elizabeth Woodville, the wife of King Edward IV. You read more than a professor does. Surely, you know who I’m speaking of?”
“I haven’t done much reading, of late.”
“Well, she was a widowed mother of two sons when she made Edward IV fall madly in love with her. She was a common woman who was so beautiful that she turned the head of a king.”
“Penelope,” Charlotte began, placing a hand on her friend’s shoulder, “you are anything but common. Now, enough with the history lesson. Let’s go find you a husband.”
***
As the two ladies glided down the grand staircase into the Elmsly ballroom, their names were announced by a footman in livery to the gathered guests.
“Miss Penelope Elmsly, daughter of the Baron Elmsly, and Lady Charlotte MacLeod.”
The Elmsly ballroom was not the largest in London, and it had once been described as rather cozy, but it was now decorated immaculately in a glaze of blushing roses and white linen. Edmund and Cecily had not spared any expense when planning the event. Waiters in livery shuttled sweets and wine about the room, which was lit with hundreds of candles in golden candelabras.
“It is a nice turn out, don’t you think, darling?” Cecily asked, appearing suddenly at her daughter’s elbow, her eyes sharp.
“Lovely,” Penelope answered, already counting the number of men swarming around her, sharks in the presence of a marriageable heiress.
“Miss Elmsly, may I introduce myself? I am Franklin Harrison,” the first interjected over the din. He was a rail thin man with more teeth than face.
Ever the hostess, Penelope set out her hand to be kissed. “Thank you so much for attending my birthday ball.”
“I could never refuse an invitation from your ravishing mother.” Franklin grinned, making him appear quite horse-like.
Penelope shifted her eyes toward Charlotte, who hid a bout of laughter with a delicate cough behind her fan.
“Oh, you’re too much, Mister Harrison.” Cecily’s round cheeks reddened.
“Allow me to introduce my brother.” Franklin motioned to the man at his side. “Theodore Harrison, the proprietor of the Atlantic Star Shipping Company,” he added with a look of exaggerated modesty.
Theodore grazed Penelope’s fingers. “How do you do?”
“Quite well, and yourself?” Her voice was soft with surprise. Theodore and Franklin hardly looked like brothers. Where Franklin was all gums, fangs, and flourish, Theodore was classically handsome. He possessed a straight nose, carefully parted light brown hair, a dashingly dimpled chin, and a pair of warm brown eyes that did not stray from her face as they met.
“Much better now that I am home in England,” he replied smoothly.
“My brother has just returned from the East indies,” Franklin said proudly. “He saw all sorts of savages and wild things, but has brought back quite the variety of exotic goods.”
Cecily raised a brow, a habit given to her only daughter. “How interesting. You know, my husband owns The Piccadilly Emporium.”
Franklin pressed a hand to his chest, feigning shock. “What a coincidence. Did you hear that, Theodore?”
“Yes. I actually have a meeting with Baron Elmsly next week,” Theodore explained, finally looking away from Penelope. “I was hoping to make a trade agreement, if he finds my wares up to snuff.”
“I have no doubt my husband will be enamored with all of your wondrous commodities.” Cecily nodded her head. “Yes, yes. Edmund, my husband, has always been captivated by the Indies. He would have served Her Majesty’s army in the colonies, had he the chance. But he got his mother’s knobby knees!”
“Then I’m sure we will have much to discuss at our meeting,” Theodore said with a small smile. “If you ladies will excuse me, I see a business associate I must speak with. Might the lady of the hour spare me a dance this evening?”
“Of course. I’ll place you on my dance card presently,” Penelope promised, watching as Theodore and Franklin disappeared into the crowd.
“The proprietor of the Atlantic Star Shipping Company,” Cecily whispered as she dug her nails into Penelope’s arm. “You could do worse.”
“He did seem rather nice,” Charlotte said. “And he was very handsome.”
“He was, wasn’t he?” Penelope penned his name on her card for one of the longer waltzes.
“Penelope! Charlotte!” Flora pushed through the ton, positively glowing in a dark purple gown.
“We were wondering where you were.” Charlotte smiled. “I thought you were coming early to dress with us?”
“I was, but I dropped a hot roller onto my first gown last night while selecting which jewels to wear, so I had to run out today and find a replacement.” Flora looked toward Penelope. “Who was that man I saw you speaking with?”
“The proprietor of the Atlantic Star Shipping Line,” Cecily said with a raised voice.
“Mother, how many times will you say ‘the proprietor of the Atlantic Star Shipping Line’?” Penelope giggled. “You’re very much like an advert in the back of a novel.”
Cecily huffed. “Don’t poke fun, I think it’s a fine profession. Now, I’m going to go find your father and speak with him about this meeting with Theodore Harrison.” She waved a small goodbye and hurried off to plot and plan with her husband.”
“Theodore Harrison? Is that the man?” Flora questioned.
“The very same,” Charlotte said, pulling out her elaborate fan and fluttering it gently, making her hair move. “Penelope’s mother seemed quite fond of him.”
“Don’t fret, my mother will find fault with him soon enough.” She straightened up into an overdramatically proper stance, taking on a higher-pitched tone. “Theodore Harrison? Oh, goodness, no! His eyes are too close together and I noticed three freckles on his cheek! He’s obviously a murderer and a thief.”
Charlotte let out a snort. “That sounds so much like your mother.”
“What do you think of him?” Flora was craning her neck to peer over the guests.
Penelope shrugged. “He’s handsome and owns a rather prosperous business. I can’t say for certain if he’s my type, though.”
“You could do worse,” Charlotte mimicked Cecily.
“Do stop it,” Penelope scolded with a smile. “He seems to be one of the better looking gentlemen in attendance, though.”
“But would he make a fine husband? Do you think he could fulfill all of your qualifications?”
“Honestly, how could I say? I’ve only just met the man!”
“Oh, here comes Drummond.” Charlotte’s hazel eyes widened. “He certainly looks rather striking this evening.”
“Charlotte, do you ever stop teasing?” She glared at her, much to Flora’s amusement.
“Lady Charlotte, Lady Flora, Miss Penelope.” MacGregor nodded to each in turn before focusing on Penelope. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you, Mister MacGregor.” She smiled. Although she wouldn’t dare admit it, he did cut a fine figure in his kilt and jacket. His rugged good looks could charm a snake. If only his bland personality could measure up to his muscular form and graceful quietness.
“Lady Charlotte, Lord MacLeod sent me to find ye. He’s only just arrived and is waitin’ by the entrance for ye.”
“Oh, thank you, Drummond. I’ll go to him presently.” Charlotte winked at Penelope and snapped her fan shut before leaving to see her husband. Flora slipped off silently at her heels, looking over her shoulder in that playful MacLeod way.
“How are you finding your time in London, Mister MacGregor?” Penelope asked.
“It’s a fine place to visit, but I’d like to be in Scotland all the more.”
“I’ve never been, but I’ve promised Charlotte I’d come and visit her often. At this point, I might as well move there with her.” She laughed a bit, thinking inwardly of growing old into a spinster in Scotland, a gaggle of sheep to keep her company in lieu of the traditional cats. She could take up knitting and become an old crone in the castle, the witch of legends.
He studied her for a moment, bright green eyes taking in her amused expression. Penelope acquired that strange feeling, once again, that he could see into a secret part of her that even she did not know of. It sent a peculiar chill up her spine and when she saw a familiar face in the crowd, she took advantage.
“Do excuse me,” Penelope began, “but I see an old friend of my brother’s and I really must go say hello.”
MacGregor bowed as she turned away and hurried over to where her brother’s school friend, Charlie, stood grinning as she approached.
“The lady of the hour!” Jolly natured Charlie greeted her, sloshing drink from his cup in his hurry to press her hand.
“Charlie, it’s so good to see you!” She meant it. He was almost like another brother to her, having spent many vacations at her country home with her brothers whenever school was out of session. Certainly, he had spent a lot of that time playing dolls with her, but it made her love the jovial man all the more to have seen his soft side.
“I could never miss a party in your honor.”
“But to come all this way? I’m flattered.”
His freckled face drew near, obviously ready for a tidbit of gossip. “But, I must ask, who is that large man you were speaking with? Rather a big fellow, but very handsome. Or, what is it the Scots say? Bonny?”
“Yes, that’s right. And I suppose he’s good enough to look at, if you’re attracted to that type.” Penelope tried to sound unaffected, but it only seemed to make Charlie all the more interested.
“You mean you’re not attracted to a strapping lad in a savage kilt?” He looked around, then leaned toward her. “I say, do you know what Scots wear beneath their kilts?”
Penelope choked down a laugh and slapped him with her fan. “Do hush before you embarrass yourself. As I was about to ask, do you remember my friend Charlotte?”
“Of course! She ran off to Scotland with a lord. Rather explosive business,” Charlie said, his cheeks pinking. “Rather exciting business, at that.”
“Well, he’s one of Conner MacLeod’s cousins. He’s staying in London as a male chaperone to Lady Flora MacLeod, Conner’s sister.”
“Is that the only reason he’s staying in London?”
“Whatever do you mean?” Penelope asked.
Charlie’s brows disappeared into his mop of red hair. “Surely you’ve noticed how he looks at you? One might assume you’re involved.”
Penelope shook a finger at Charlie. “I know you’re fishing for a morsel of juicy chatter, but I’ll tell you now there’s none to be had.”
“If you say so,” he mumbled into his goblet of wine. “But, as an uninvolved third party, I must say that I wouldn’t give it a second thought if you were to take him for a turn about the room.”
She gasped, her cheeks burning. “Charlie, you’re shameful.”
“Oh, you love it!” He took another gulp and perked up as his eye met something in the crowd. “I say, here comes Theodore!”
Theodore Harrison made his way toward them, nodding at Penelope as he entered their space. “Miss Penelope, I didn’t know you knew Charles.”
“Oh, yes,” Charlie said eagerly, eyeing Theodore with appreciation. “I was at school with Penelope’s bothers, Samuel and John. We’ve been as family for many years.”
“Well, then, I hope you won’t mind if I come to collect your foster sister for a dance?”
Charlie waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, no, please do!”
Theodore turned to Penelope and extended his hand. “Miss Penelope, may I?”
“Of course.” She placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor.
Theodore proved to be a skilled dancer. His level of smooth movement was one born of careful education and constant use. Penelope appreciated that he took obvious care in his dancing, as well as his physical appearance.
Theodore wore a perfectly cut dark evening coat with tails and a deep green vest, topped off with a paisley ascot. This impeccable suit, paired with his handsome face and appropriate height, made him a fine match for Penelope’s English Rose appearance.
“Are you enjoying your evening, Miss Elmsly?” Theodore questioned, his face placid and calm.
“Quite.” She noticed how his voice sounded strong and firm. She appreciated his steady pitch. “How did you find the Indies?”
He paused a moment in contemplation. “Extremely hot, but altogether it was a fine trip that I look forward to making again.”
“It sounds ever so exotic. I do love hearing about faraway lands and the interesting cultures within them. Have you had the chance to visit anywhere else?”
“Not outside the usual France and Germany. I was hoping to see Spain later this year. I heard the coastline is most beautiful.”
The song ended and the next began, but Penelope stayed in Theodore’s arms. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied her mother, watching them closely with an odd look upon her face. Penelope recognized the expression. The gears within her mother’s head were turning at a rapid pace, which wasn’t always a good thing.
“Are you all right, Miss Elmsly?” His forehead creased in concern.
She pinked a bit, embarrassed to have let her mind wander. “Oh, quite all right, I merely saw my mother in the crowd.”
“She is a lovely woman. By the time I had given my regards to your father, she had already sung my praises.” He seemed rather pleased by this fact.
“Well, that doesn’t sound quite like my mother,” she mumbled to herself.
“Would you care to take a turn about the room?” he asked, offering an arm.
Penelope placed her hand upon it, smiling up at his eager face. “Do you plan on staying in London long?”
“Perhaps,” he said as they passed a group of chaperones that nodded in mass approval upon seeing the pair. “I have a bit of business to take care of in the city, but I could stay longer, if I wished.”
“Do you have a home in the city?”
“Two, actually.” He cleared his throat. “One near the theater district and another closer to the finer residential area.”
Penelope took a mental note. “And the country? Do you find yourself spending much time there?”
“Not as of late. I was hoping to purchase a small estate, once I’m settled down.” His voice had an odd lift as he spoke. “Do you find the country agreeable?”
“Quite. My father has a country home that we often spend our summers at.”
“I must speak with him, then. Perhaps he could help me find an agreeable piece of land to build upon.”
“I’m sure he would be more than happy to help.”
“Surely you have other callers to check off your dance card,” he said as their circle of the room sent them back toward Cecily. “I can’t monopolize the birthday girl’s entire evening. Although, I would like to have another dance later, if I may?”
“That would be lovely, Mister Harrison. Thank you.” Penelope smiled as he left her with her mother.
“So?” Cecily gripped her arm, bringing her face closer. “Tell me everything.”
Her eyes widened. “Mother, really. We’ve barely spoken.”
“You had a dance and a stroll. That’s more than enough time to decide if you like him. So, do you?”
“He’s nice enough, handsome, owns two homes in the city, looking for land in the country, and owns a thriving business. He certainly checks off many of the requirements. I promised him another dance.”
“Good, this is good.” Cecily let go of her and tapped her chin with her fan. “Perhaps he’ll call on you tomorrow? No, too soon.”
Penelope scanned the room, catching sight of Charlotte speaking with one of the other women. “I’ll speak with you later,” she told her mother before scurrying around the dance floor toward her friend.
“Thank goodness I’ve found you. My mother is insane.”
“You’ve just now noticed?” Charlotte giggled.
“I must get away from her. She’s driving me wild.”
“Come by for dinner tomorrow. I was thinking of having a bit of a supper. Nothing terribly fancy. I just hoped to spend some more time with everyone before we return to Scotland.”
“You’re not leaving soon, are you?”
“As soon as the children’s home opens, we have to return. We’ll have been gone almost three months by then and Conner really needs to get back.”
Penelope pouted dramatically. “However shall I survive without you here?”
“I have faith in you. Will you come for dinner?”
“Of course. Who else will be there?
Charlotte waved a hand. “It’s only us.”
“Who is us?”
“Conner, Flora, Drum, you, and me. Merely a small party with the nearest and dearest. But tell me about Theodore Harrison. You looked as if he was amusing enough.”
“He might have checked all the boxes,” Penelope said behind her fan. “Handsome, moneyed, two town homes and plans to buy in the country. He’s also quite an easy conversationalist.”
“So, he is a prospect?”
Penelope spied her mother stalking toward Theodore with Edmund in tow. “More like prey.”