Page 41 of My Cruel Duke
Rhysand’s interest was piqued. What did she need time to adjust to? The grass? Or the food?
She looked up at him and smiled, catching the worry in his eyes. “You need not worry yourself about me. I am well.”
Rhysand nodded and intertwined his fingers with hers, leading her to the rest of her family who had arrived a little earlier.
The event started perfectly, and the day seemed to be going well. Penny had successfully gotten over her anxiety, thanks to her friends and family. Aunt Augusta even chose the mat furthest from the lake, assuring Penny that all she had to do was enjoy her time at the park. Of course, her family knew Penny was a bit skeptical when approaching open water bodies. They never had a conversation about it, but they knew about her “accident” and did everything they could to keep her from harm's way. It was in little acts like this that Penny knew she was loved by them.
They say a good day could never fully be a good day without a little hiccup, and the hiccup for the day was the Baron of Sigertem. He had sighted Lydia and her family from a mile away and made it his life’s mission to try and court Lydia in the presence of Rhysand. Claiming Rhysand had to give him his blessings to follow through with his marriage to Lydia.
With an aghast expression on her face, Lydia had voiced her displeasure with the baron and asked him to refrain from spreading baseless rumors about her as her reputation was at stake.
“I have refused your advances, my lord, do you not think it is a bit far-fetched to ask for the duke’s blessings for my hand?” A frustrated Lydia cried out. A little crowd had gathered, and people watched with wide eyes and lengthened ears, not wanting to miss a thing. Penny sighed, the papers would have a field day with this one, it seemed.
“You are all talk, Miss Lydia. You have refused the hand of every decent gentleman that has courted you. You must have forgotten that your sister is a duchess, not you. I suggest you come down from your high horse, and back to reality,” the man had the nerve to say.
“I so happen to love Miss Lydia on her high horse,” a new voice entered, turning the heads of the ton. The crowd parted until he stood between Lydia and the man. “It makes a beautiful view, staring at her from up there,” the Marquess of Angleton commented.
The ladies behind him squealed at the swoon-worthy line, and the baron frowned.
“You are also courting Miss Lydia?” The baron asked and the marquess nodded with an air of confidence.
“Now if you do not mind, I would like to take the lady on a stroll to help her calm down,” the marquess turned to Lydia and she offered him her hand with a shy smile.
“And I would love a word with you.” Rhysand took intimidating steps toward the baron. He swallowed and let Rhysand take him away.
When Rhysand returned, he did so with a woman beside him. beautiful raven-haired lady. Mysteriously beautiful with facial features that resembled a fox. Sharp jawline, high cheekbones, slanted eyes. Penny had never seen a woman so beautiful before. It was unlike him to be with anyone, especially someone from the opposite sex.
It left a bitter taste in Penny’s mouth.
Why is he so casual with her? Who is the lady?Penny wondered, but she kept her thoughts to herself until the couple approached her.
“Your Grace,” the lady curtsied and Penny was taken aback. How did this beautiful lady know her?
“Forgive my impertinence, but if you will, allow me to introduce myself. I am Lady Madeline Lexington, daughter of the Earl of Heisenberng.”
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” Madeline smiled.
“I have been seeking an audience with you for the longest, but I should have known that becoming duchess meant the immediate rejection of all who try to come close.” Penny did not like the tone of her voice, but she let her speak anyway.
Penny did not want to know who the lady was. She wanted to know how she knew Rhysand, and why she was acting so familiar with him despite knowing he was a married man.
Rhysand interrupted Penny’s thoughts as he leaned in to tell her he needed to have a word with his uncle, who conveniently arrived much later. Penny nodded and Rhysand left with a kiss to her forehead.
“I am a… friend of His Grace,” the lady smiled, “I saw him from afar and waved at him but he did not acknowledge my greeting, so I came over. I thought it would also be a good opportunity to meet you.” Penny did not miss Lady Madeline’s eyes and how they roamed around her face and body.
Penny found it difficult to believe Rhysand kept friends of the opposite gender. He had been vocal about his distaste for friendships and people in general, but this woman had touched him casually and called herself his friend.
Penny could not say a word but watch her.
“So, how is life as a married woman?”
“I cannot answer that. It is a private matter and I have only just made your acquaintance,” Penny sounded as polite as intended.
“My word, where are my manners? You must forgive me, Your Grace. I had one too many drinks this afternoon.” Penny stretched her lips awkwardly. With a strong need to exit her presence, Penny announced she would be going for a stroll, to which Madeline asked to accompany her.
“I know you must be flustered and uncomfortable with my presence since I asked about your married life. I was only worried because the duke looks unsatisfied.” Penny whipped her head and the boldness of the lady.