Page 30 of The Pleasure in Persuasion

Chapter Nine

“Would you like a glass of lemonade?” Lily asked Penelope as the two walked through the rear door and into the kitchen, where she set down the two empty lemonade glasses.

“No, thank you,” Penelope replied. “I’m fine.”

The words were clipped, and Lily slid her friend a surreptitious glance, as if her expression might reveal what she was thinking, and just why she was so furious with Frederick.

Alas, Penelope’s puckered brow revealed nothing more than Lily already knew, so she held her tongue until the two were safely ensconced in the empty private dining room, seated across from each other at the table.

“I’m sorry for upsetting you,” Lily said, folding her fidgety fingers in her lap. “I suppose I thought your brother had told you about our arrangement, but I should not have assumed. I should have made sure you knew.”

Penelope was quiet for a moment then she blew out a sigh. “What arrangement?”

Lily spent the next few minutes detailing everything that had transpired with Mr. Carstairs and Frederick’s subsequent offer of assistance.

“I didn’t mean for it to happen,” she said sheepishly. “Mr. Carstairs was asking questions about the betrothal I had just invented, and then your brother appeared and suddenly I found myself introducing him as my betrothed. It was...a moment of weakness. And your brother was kind enough to go along with it.”

Penelope had listened to the entire tale without uttering a word, and when she did finally speak, her voice was reflective. “And he did not ask for anything in return?”

Lily lifted a shoulder. “Only that he be permitted to help out around the inn.”

Penelope’s brow furrowed, as if the notion were difficult to believe. “Has he…behaved himself properly? Like a gentleman ought?”

“He has,” Lily said with no hesitation, though, of course, she had not forgotten their kiss. She simply chose not to mention it. Frederick had kissed her, yes, but only for Mr. Carstairs’ benefit, and only after he’d secured her permission. No one could call that ungentleman-like behavior.

“Is that why you were so upset?” Lily asked, leaning her elbows on the table. “You thought something improper was going on?”

Penelope sighed. “I told you before, my brother is a bit of a rogue, and because of that, I ordered him to stay away from you. When I learned about this betrothal today...” She pursed her lips. “I suppose I couldn’t help but assume the worst.”

Lily did not like to hear about Frederick’s past—or present—reputation with women, but she refused to allow herself to wallow in jealousy. What right did she have to feel jealous? How Frederick chose to spend his days and nights was absolutely no business of hers.

“I appreciate that you’re watching out for me, Pen,” she said gently, “but it isn’t necessary. Your brother is a nice man, and he’s been a great help these last few days, but there is nothing going on here besides chores.”

Penelope’s blue eyes searched her face intently. “You’re certain about that?”

“Yes. I’m certain.”

Only, she wasn’t—not even close—and her friend seemed to know it.

“It’s only that I watched you two together today,” Penelope said, “and it seemed there might be an attraction between you.”

“Well, there isn’t.” Lily blurted the words out then immediately contradicted them with an embarrassed blush that burned its way up her throat and into her face.

Penelope’s raised eyebrows suggested she’d noticed.

“And even if there was,” Lily said, stubbornly pressing on, “I am not the innocent lamb you seem to think I am. I can look after myself.” She gave her friend a small smile to soften the admonishment. “Please don’t worry about me.”

Penelope sighed. “You know I cannot help but worry. I don’t want to see you hurt. Freddy is going back to London soon, and I don’t know when he will visit again, but it likely won’t be anytime soon.”

“I know that,” Lily said, “and I’m fine with it. Truly. I will admit, I enjoy being with your brother, but I have no expectations, or even hopes, where he is concerned. I will enjoy his company and his help around the inn while it lasts, and then when he leaves, life will return to normal.”

Her heart squeezed at the thought, but she ignored it, shoving the feelings down deep where they belonged, and then she smiled, hoping to lighten the mood. “And hopefully by then Mr. Carstairs will be gone, off pestering someone else far, far away.”

Penelope leaned her forearms on the table, her eyes filling with worry. “I had no idea Mr. Carstairs was bothering you. I hope I didn’t expose your ruse today at the tavern. I was so surprised by what he told me, I don’t remember what I said.”

Lily shrugged. “I knew there was a chance he would find out. It was hardly a fool-proof plan, so if you did expose it, I promise I will not hold it against you.”

“Well,” Penelope said, “perhaps I can do something to repair the damage. How would you and your grandmother like to have dinner with me and Freddy at the house later this week?”