Page 81 of My Cruel Duke
Of course, Penelope was behind the change. She liked to think pulled a successful prank on Rhysand by making him say yes to her request before she asked it, little did she know Rhysand’s reply was based on a promise he made to himself, that whatever Penelope desired, as long as he was living and breathing, he would get it done for her.
Rhysand had not expected the request would be holding Lydia’s and Philip’s wedding reception in Thornbury Hall but he was delighted to make it happen regardless.
“Sunshine. We are running late.” Rhysand called from the foot of the stairs. He had been standing there for nearly ten minutes, waiting for his beautiful wife to grace him with her presence so they could attend whatever was left of the solemnization at the church. Rhysand was sure their lateness would earn them a frown of disapproval from the vicar, but Rhysand did not mind.
“I was told pregnant women should always take their time with everything.” Penny appeared with a pout. Rhysand’s heart melted at the view of his beautiful wife. She was dressed in a cream dress that flattered her pregnant curves. Her fair skin glowed so much that Rhysand contemplated sitting out the wedding, but he could not. Penny had somehow gotten to the door before him and stood there yelling at him for allegedly wasting time.
When the couple arrived at the large church, the wedding had commenced, and Penny’s heart swelled at how beautiful and dashing the couple looked.
Philip had proven repeatedly, that he was the one for Lydia, following everything that concerned her with love and caution.
He had been there for her when she was torn about the news she had heard about her father, and what he had done to her sister. Philip had received her in his arms while she cried like a child, and consoled her. Their love was pure and beautiful to watch, playful and bright, just like they were.
“Here,” Rhysand sighed as he stretched out his handkerchief to Penny. He had gotten used to her mood swings and was always prepared for them.
* * *
The wedding reception was a silly excuse for Penny to throw a ball since it was not possible for her to do it during the Season.
The exotic decoration of the ballroom had been made to rival every ballroom Penny had stepped her legs in. The red and white theme had been a small bedroom vision that blossomed into the amazing outcome that was the beautiful room she now stood in. Everything from the meals served to the live orchestra Rhysand had employed, were one of a kind and perfect. Filling Penny’s heart with joy.
Matching the theme, Lydia had changed into a pink dress that made Philip keep his eyes out for his bride, lest any other jealous men of the Ton snatched her from him.
“Thank you so very much, sister.” Lydia wrapped her arms around her sister’s round belly, her hands barely able to cover Penny’s waist.
“You do not need to thank me, Lydia. I am honored to have watched you take your first step into society to get married. You are beautiful and kind, and you deserve all the goodness of this world.” Penny hugged her sister.
The emotional duo stood in each other’s embrace until Penny’s unborn child had enough. He kicked Penny so hard that Lydia felt it and pulled away from her.
“You are a little feisty one, are you not?” Penny rubbed her belly and the duo laughed.
“I find it a little offensive that you spend all your time with your sister and husband and have abandoned me.” Penny knew Eleanor’s voice like it was the back of her hand. Penny smiled.
“How lousy of me to ignore my best friend,” Penny smiled and laced her hand through Eleanor’s.
“How are you doing?” Penny asked over the music in the background. Eleanor gave a bright smile that told Penny she was up to something. Whatever it was, Penny was sure to support her friend.
“I cannot believe the size of this thing,” Eleanor rubbed a curious hand over Penny’s belly and they laughed.
“I heard from a friend that Lady Madeline fled London. Thank heavens. London does not need the likes of her roaming around spreading baseless rumors…” Penny’s eyes widened at the news.
She had not heard about Lady Madeline since the rumor died down, and truthfully speaking, Penelope did not care.
“Penny! Aunt Augusta has been looking everywhere for you,” Patrick appeared beside them.
“The next time you see her, tell her I have gone to rest…” Penny pursed her lips and passed Eleanor an apologetic smile.
“Is that so?” Penny heard the voice of the one she had been avoiding all evening behind her.
“We should have tea sometime, to catch up on everything we have missed,” Eleanor suggested as she stepped aside for Aunt Augusta. Penny nodded in agreement and kept her eyes locked on her aunt.
“I shall go have some rest now. No need to worry about me.” Penny hugged her aunt who had been keen on taking care of Penny and her health.
Ever since her official separation from Harold Patterson, she made it her life goal to direct all her love and care to Penny, and Penny was grateful for it, but she wished her aunt would find herself another gentleman to dote on.
“If you will excuse me, I need to borrow my wife,” Rhysand appeared with a smile and Patrick rolled his eyes. While they were not the best of friends anymore, Patrick and Rhysand had a certain understanding that made it possible for them to coexist without a hitch.
“I will take her to rest,” Rhysand assured Aunt Augusta, who nodded her head with a smile.