Page 39 of The Pursuit of Mrs. Pennyworth
Elliot laughed. “Why?”
“Most likely because there was a strong attraction between us, and neither of us wanted our parents to be paramount in selecting our mate.” He leaned back and rested his foot on his bent knee. “We tried for weeks to ignore each other, but our parents made sure we were thrown together enough times that it became a chore to continue the charade.
“Eventually, we met once again at an assembly, and waltzed. We did nothing the entire time, but stare at each other. When the dance was over, I took her by the hand, dragged her outside, and proposed.”
“What did she say?”
“It’s about time.” They both laughed loud enough to catch the attention of a few other members who regarded them with raised eyebrows.
“That was certainly an interesting courtship.”
“Indeed, it was. We were so anxious for each other, we insisted on a wedding within weeks. When her mother complained about the rush, Miranda reminded her she had started it all.”
“And you’re happy.” It was a statement, not a question. Anyone who spent more than a few minutes in Jennings’ company knew he was happy, content, and in love.
Love.
Dare he even think of such a thing? Was he willing to take a chance again, suspecting there was something she was holding back? Of course, it could be something as simple as a spurned sweetheart.
His attention was drawn to Jennings as he stood, folded the newspaper, and placed it on the table in front of them. “Now I must pay the penance a man must in order to have a content life. Miranda becomes upset if I am not at home for the hour before dinner to inspect the little ones and listen to tales of their day.”
Elliot watched as Jennings walked across the room, his stride one of a man happy with his life, and anxious to return to it. He reached over and snatched the newspaper, but soon found himself not reading the words, but instead, considering returning to his rooms, with no adoring wife to greet him, or little ones to climb on his lap to tell their tales of the day.
* * *
Charlotte tuggedon her beige kid gloves as she joined Elliot at her front door. They were off to the Adelphi Theater, their first outing together since the attack. The dinner she’d attended a few days before had been nice, in that she was finally among friends again and not staring at her walls, but she’d missed Elliot not being beside her.
A frightening thought, that.
He looked quite dapper in his polished shoes, well-creased trousers, fine wool overcoat, and silk top hat. In fact, they made quite a pair with her rose silk gown and matching cape and bonnet.
Elliot extended his arm and she took it, sneaking a final glance in the entrance hall mirror at the two of them. “We look quite stylish tonight, Mr. Baker.”
He helped her down the stairs and into the awaiting carriage, holding a large umbrella over them. “Indeed, we do look dashing, Mrs. Pennyworth.” Elliot glanced around the area, before stepping into the carriage.
He tapped on the roof and Bones began the trek to the theater. They enjoyed companionable silence on the ride to the theater. The only sound was the familiar clip-clop of the horses on the cobblestones, and the creak of the carriage wheels as they turned.
They arrived early enough to take a stroll around the theater lobby before the call to take their seats. After surrendering their outerwear to a footman, Elliot tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “I understandUnion Jackis quite a successful play.”
“Yes, it is. I have seen it before, but I never turn down tickets to the theater, so when Mr. Talbot offered them, I was happy to accept. Plus, I find that the various actors bring a different tone to the characters.”
“A very insightful observation, my dear.”
Charlotte loved the theater and had been thrilled when Mr. Talbot had appeared unannounced one afternoon with the tickets in hand. At first she’d been uneasy, since she had grown wary of his attentions, along with a few other men who Elliot had put on his “suspect” list. But, he had been ever the gentleman, presented the tickets, waved off her offer of tea, and bid her good day.
“It was very nice of Mr. Talbot to invite us.”
The tickets turned out to be excellent seats. Mr. Talbot had also invited Miss Garvey who insisted on sitting next to her. The woman was still a stranger to Charlotte, and there was something about her she found odd. She spoke very little but seemed to be a pleasant sort. Once or twice Charlotte had caught her staring at her in a peculiar way. The thought crossed her mind that the woman sought Elliot’s attentions and saw Charlotte as a rival.
Although she and Mr. Talbot appeared together at many functions, she didn’t think they were actually courting. She got the impression from the way they behaved toward each other that theirs was no more than a friendship.
Union Jacklived up to its reputation. The story of Captain Morton, a nasty sort who was blackmailing Sir Philip Yorke with a view toward marrying his ward, Miss Ethel Arden, captivated her. A poor petty officer, Mr. Jack Medway, fell in love with Miss Arden, and Jack’s sister, Miss Ruth Medway, was in turn seduced by Captain Morton. Sir Phillip killed the captain, and was arrested, which left Jack free to marry his love, Miss Arden.
The four of them took a short walk during the intermission. Mr. Talbot secured lemonade for him and Charlotte, both Elliot and Miss Garvey declining the offer for refreshment. “It appears you are loving all the intricate plot twists that are thwarting the lovers.” Mr. Talbot regarded Charlotte with amusement.
“But I am expecting a happy ending.”
He nodded. “It has been my experience that women love happy endings.”
