Her Devious Scoundrel

Chapter 6

Penelope walked silently beside Johnathan, his fingers softly stroking Penelope’s, which were resting in the crook of his arm. Much to her chagrin, she was enjoying the warmth of his large hands against her much smaller ones. She was confused still as to why this strange man had dragged her into the chilly garden, in the middle of winter for goodness sakes!

She sighed, looking around at the beautiful gardens, the sheer size alone put the ones at Stalwort to shame.

“What is wrong my lord? I assume you did not drag me out here for a silent walk in the cold.” Penelope questioned in a bored tone. Jonathan glanced down at her, laughter glittering in his eyes. Her breath caught as the smile he was now giving her, for a reason she couldn't quite explain she found herself inexplicably attracted to this odd man.

“You are right,” He stated simply, “I brought you out here to come to know you better. Is that not what you wanted? You did say that you declined dancing with me because I was a stranger.”

“Ha, you are correct sir. However, this time you take to know me better is a waste.”

He frowned at this.

“And why is that my lady?” His brow shot up in a questioning manner. Penelope sighed, and looked away before giving him an answer.

“I am engaged.” She stated simply. At this he gave her a strange look. He stared at her for a few moments, as though he were deep in thought and contemplating what his next words would be. Then he smiled, tilting his head slightly.

“Can I not want to know you as a friend? Must all men have ulterior motive when speaking to you?” mortified, Penelope was stunned into momentary silence.

“That is not what I am saying. I just want you to know before you get the wrong impression.”

“You love him? This man you are to marry.” Penelope burst out in laughter, letting go of his arm to hold her stomach. “What is so funny in what I have said?”

“It is just that I could never love a man like my betrothed! First off, I have never even met the man, and second, he is the most deplorable philanderer, I have ever heard of.”

“If you have never met the man, then how are you able to judge his character so?”

“The rumors about my future husband are plenty. No one has thought to spare me even the tiniest detail since learning of our engagement.”

“I see, and you have belief in these rumors then? Why is it then you would agree to such a match?” His gaze settled on her face, his eyes turning from liquid pools of blue to icy shards.

“I have no choice.” She stated simply, “And yes I do believe the rumors, because this engagement is a transaction to repay a gambling debt my father owes the man. If he is willing to take a bride as payment, why would he not be guilty of all the rest I have heard?”

“I see, so you wish to not marry this man?”

“No way! I have tried to find other options, but not being able to fund a getaway has caused great difficulty in my attempts.” She looked away guiltily. “I should not be saying all of this to you.”

Jonathan’s gaze roved over the delicate lady in front of him, an idea formulating in his mind. This beautiful woman needed help and help he would offer, even if it is not the help she thinks she is getting.

“My dear, if I might offer so assistance?” She looked up at him, her face still burning in embarrassment from her overshare.

“What kind of assistance can you give me?”

“Well, I leave tomorrow for my country home. I have some business to attend to and I would like to visit my mother. I had hoped to announce to her of my intentions to take a bride, however, she will want to meet the lady.” Her eyes bore into his, confusion coloring her expression. “What if I took you with me? You pose as my loving newlywed wife and I will get you away from your unwanted fiancé.” Penelope looked stunned. She was silent a long moment before answering his query.

“But, I do not know you, nor you me.”

“That does not signify.” He said with a wave of his hand.

“It does to me, leaving with you would ruin me, my reputation would never survive” She muttered, “besides, why would you help me?”

“I am moved by your plight.” He grinned down at her. “You must decide now, dear Penelope. For if you do not your opportunity will be past.” Penelope was quiet for several moments, staring at the ground, obviously mulling over her choices. She glanced up at him, then back to the ground, pacing a short distance then returning. If she left with this man, this stranger, then she would no longer be considered pure for her marriage. Even if her parents were to come after her, and catch them, it is possible that her future groom would reject her as a bride. Not only would he reject her but so would most other men, she would possibly avoid marriage for good. Though she remembered her father's threats were she to try such things as she was contemplating at that very moment.

“What is in it for you?” she asked suddenly, “I have no money to offer, and I will not be trapped into marriage nor will I be sharing your bed.”

“These things were never expected. As I said I would like to be able to bring a woman home to my mother, she is ill, and I want her to see that I will be okay once she passes.”

“You would lie to your dying mother?”

“If it made her remaining life and passing easier? Then, yes.” His expression told her that he felt this was the right thing to do, he obviously cared that his mother thought him settled and happy.

“And when it came time for you to return to the city?” she questioned.

“While we are in the country I will help you to make arrangements, so that you may live out your life wherever you wish.” He watched as Penelope continued her internal discussion, weighing the ups and downs of his offer.

Penelope stood quietly, her mind racing. On one hand she had her opportunity to escape the dull drum life that was being laid out in front of her, but on the other hand, she didn’t even know this man standing in front of her. There were things that could go wrong if she went along with this man’s plan. He could be a murder, or a r****t!

“Going once…” The man whispered in her ear. His warm breath tickled as it drifted across the back of her neck, making her hair stand on end, her skin tingling. She studied his face, looking for any tell tale signs that might indicate this man was planning some nefarious action toward her. He looked so normal, albeit handsome. He had a strong angular jawline, narrow straight nose and his blue eyes held a devilish twinkle, yet looking at him, nothing seemed threatening. In fact, Penelope had the very strong urge to step closer to him, when, in reality, she should probably run, and fast.

“Uhm,” He cleared his throat bringing her attention back to the matter at hand.

“Okay...” she whispered, barely audible. Her eyes widened, shocked by her answer.

“Great! You go inside and make your excuses. Tell your parents that you are feeling ill, buy yourself for time, that way you can return to your home and gather your things before we leave. Meet me at the square, before first light, the party will be winding down around that time. By the time they realize you have gone, we will be far away from London.” He nodded toward the doors leading back into the ballroom, dismissing her, before turning on his heel and making his way towards the front of the house.

 Penelope stood for a moment, watching him walk away from her. Her mind was racing, but she quickly shook away her doubting thoughts. She had no time for second thoughts, she was never going to get out of this wedding unless she did something drastic, this was her last chance to change her life for good, with that thought she rushed towards the ballroom, her mind focused on what excuse she could use that wouldn’t rise suspicion, and let her mother feel comfortable to stay while she attended home alone.