Chapter 12
Nash came calling at one o’clock. He knew it would seem strange to Henry if he didn’t. He went directly to Penelope and pulled her into the corner of the parlour, whispering what he and Edward had done since this morning. Before he could get Penelope up to date, Henry entered the room, more surly than usual. He all but growled at the four of them, complained about the teacakes, told Cecilia she looked old in that dress she was wearing and told Penelope her scar stood out even more so than usual.
At that Nash grabbed him by the neck and slammed him into the wall. “How dare you speak to her that way. You are the reason she carries that scar around, and yet you mock her for it?” Nash slammed Henry’s head against the wall like a child would throw a ball against one.
Cecilia interrupted, her voice high and loud, “Nash, put him down at once.”
Nash turned, noticing Cecilia as if she had just entered the room. It had just been him and Henry.
Nash opened his fingers and walked away. Behind him, Henry crumpled to the floor choking, drawing in loud, noisy breaths.
He stood. “I demand this man be escorted from this house, immediately.” He pointed then moved to the door and opened it. “Waters, come here. Escort that man,” he said, now pointing at Nash, “out.”
“I’m sorry, My Lord, but I am unable to throw out a Duke on your orders, as you know.” He bowed and went back to his post.
Henry turned to Nash. “Don’t you ever lay a hand on me again.”
Nash laughed. “I will if you ever mention Penelope’s scar in front of me again, the scar you gave her, that you should be ashamed of yourself about.
“And what’s more, if I had been thrown out, I would have told everyone in White’s that you said derogatory things about a scar you gave Penelope. And I would tell them how you gave it to her.
“So I suggest Henry, that I don’t get thrown out of here or I’ll just have to go to White’s.”
Edward gave a small cough. “I need to leave for a doctor’s appointment. I expect everyone in this room can play nice?”
Nash rose from his seat and bowed. Edward bowed back and left the parlour.
Henry sat. Penelope passed Nash a teacup and a plate of cookies. He took one and thanked her. Cecilia sipped her tea as Henry sat. Nash winked at Penelope, and she stifled a laugh.
Finally, Penelope couldn’t take it anymore. “Mother, could we go shopping in the morning? There are a few special items I’d like to see.”
Nash asked Penelope, “When did you say we are going to the theatre?”
Penelope breathed out a growl. “I told you not ten minutes ago. We are going tomorrow evening and will need to leave at half past seven. And if you feel up to it afterward, the Bennetts are having a ball.”
“Do we want to go to the Harrington ball?”
“Yes, Nash, we do.”
“All right. Theatre then Harrington ball. Half past seven. See? I can remember.”
Henry said, “What’s wrong with Edward?”
Cecilia sat up, “Pardon?”
“He said he had a doctor’s appointment. What is wrong with him,” Henry said testily.
Nash broke in, “Cecilia, don’t answer anyone who speaks to you in that sort of voice. It’s rude and not respectful.”
Henry gave Nash a withering look. “Enjoy yourself, Finch. You won’t be around here much longer.”
Nash leaned forward and looked at Henry. He held Nash’s gaze. “Until then, Henry, you will speak to your aunt with respect.”
Henry looked at Cecilia. “Dear Auntie. Why did Edward go to the doctor? Is he well?” Penelope thought she swallowed a sugar cube; Henry’s voice was so sickeningly sweet.
Cecilia smiled at him. “I don’t know, Henry. He didn’t tell me, and I didn’t ask. I’m sure if it’s something serious, he’ll tell me. I’ll let him know you were concerned for him.”
Henry stood, “Don’t bother,” he said, leaving the room.
There was a collective sigh of relief. “That man is evil,” Cecilia spat out.
“If he were not nobility, someone would have taken him to the docks, stomped his face in, then rolled him into the water. He can thank his title for being alive.”
“Nash! Would that really have happened?” Penelope put her hand to her heart.
“It happens every day, love.” Nash got up and shut the parlour door. He didn’t trust Henry at all. Cecilia and Penelope sat close together on the settee, and Nash sat on his heels in front of them.
“Edward and I are going to the club listening for anything we can pick up. He’s going to his third doctor’s appointment tomorrow so that will be complete. Are you able to begin to pack your things?” Both nodded.
“It can’t look as though you’re packing. If you cannot pack anything without tipping someone off, just leave it. I’ll make sure you have as much time as you need after the fact. You ready?” They both smiled and nodded.
Nash stood then leaned down and kissed Penelope’s forehead.
“Nash. Did you forget my mother is sitting right there?”
“No.” He smiled then turned to Cecilia, “She’s beautiful when she’s mad at me, isn’t she?”
Cecilia laughed.
“I am so happy.” Nash smiled. “But I need to leave. Too much to do. See you tomorrow at one?”
Penelope groaned, then lowered her voice, “I can’t wait to move.”
“There are two other people in this room that feel the same. Go shopping this afternoon. Goodbye, ladies.” Nash bowed and left.
***
“He was bouncing my head against the wall until Cecilia told him to stop. He threatened to tell everyone in White’s how Penelope got her scar.”
Avery paced. This had gone on long enough. He needed to eliminate Nash from his life and from Henry’s life.
“What are their plans?”
“There isn’t anything going on tonight, no ton events at all. Tomorrow night, they are going to the theatre then to the Harrington ball.”
Avery nodded. “We’ll make our move at the Harrington ball. In front of that many guests, she won’t say a word.”
***