Earl of Gold (Lords of Scandal #7) - Tammy Andresen Page 0,41

was open on the desk, large, bold scroll that caught her attention. She knew she shouldn’t look but the words “Christmastide ball” jumped out at her. And then “daughter” and “delighted” and…her hand covered her mouth.

Logan was courting another woman.

Her stomach dropped, and her shoulders curled in, one hand resting on the desk just to keep her upright.

Pain lanced through her body as she choked down a dry sob. She’d known, of course. Known he would never marry her. Why would he? But somehow this evidence hurt so deeply she couldn’t breathe.

They’d done things last night.

He’d never made her promises, of course. And she’d practically begged him.

Oh, merciful saints. She’d begged him.

She’d been so careful to keep her distance from men. Hold them at arm’s length. But he’d breached those defenses until she’d needed his touch so badly that she’d been unable to deny herself or him.

Shaking her head, she pushed off the desk.

He’d promised to help her.

And much as she’d like to push him away, Penny wasn’t a fool. It was in Fran, Ethel, and Natty’s best interests that she allow him to do so. Clarissa’s too.

But she hated it.

She’d made a fool of herself. She was a fool.

What she needed was to clear her head. Go for a walk. Sort out her swirling thoughts. Her breath caught. What if what they’d done resulted in a child?

Without allowing any more thoughts to swirl about, she headed for the door. She made her way down the stairs and after donning her coat, went outside into the cold.

She began walking with no clear idea where she should go.

She knew her way back to the East End but knew nothing else in this neighborhood.

Deciding it didn’t matter, Penny quickened her pace, trying to outrun the swirling vortex of thoughts. Snow began falling, and she turned her collar up, hunching down into her threadbare coat.

Her mind was so full, she didn’t even realize a carriage had stopped next to her until the door snapped open.

“Penny?”

The Duchess of Darlington leaned out the door, her red hair flashing in the grey light. “Your Grace?” she choked on the address.

“None of that. It’s Minnie. Now get in. I insist. The weather is just dreadful.”

“I can’t,” Penny shook her head. “I’ve made a terrible mistake and I…”

“Then you definitely need to get in,” Minnie said holding out her hand. “Whatever it is, I am sure I can help you sort it out.”

Penny looked at the other woman. Was a duchess going to help her? How could that be true? “I couldn’t possibly. I—”

“In.” Minnie tugged on her hand.

Penny finally acquiesced. Climbing in, Minnie handed her a warming brick and a blanket.

“Now.” The other woman leaned forward. “Tell me everything.”

Chapter Fifteen

Logan returned to his study but stopped in the doorway.

A half cup of tea sat on the table along with an uneaten biscuit. Clear evidence that Penny had been in the room, but it was now empty. At least he assumed she’d been the one eating and drinking.

He stood for a moment, trying to decide what to do. Had she just stepped out for a moment? Would she return? Was something wrong with one of the children? Not sure what else to do, he headed upstairs.

But she wasn’t in the nursery, with Clarissa, or in her own room. Mr. Winters hadn’t seen her, and she’d not made an appearance in the kitchen. Running a frustrated hand through his hair, he returned to his study. Perhaps they’d just missed each other in the halls.

But before he could step through the door, he was met by Mr. Winters. “Her coat is gone.”

“What?” he asked, scrunching his brow. “Why would her coat be gone?”

Mr. Winters shook his head. “I don’t know. But it is.”

Sick dread filled his stomach. Snowfall had increased, and the wind howled outside. It was no time to be taking a stroll. Why would Penny venture out in such conditions? His gut clenched. “Is Baxter still here?”

“Yes,” Mr. Winters answered. “I had a tray of refreshments brought to him just a few moments ago.”

Logan scratched his head, then strode into his office. Part of him wanted to dash out the door and catch her, but learning why she left seemed important. He’d know where she’d gone if he could only discover what had sent her out into the snow in the first place. Logan crossed to his desk attempting to puzzle out what might have happened when he caught sight of the invitation on his desk.

He stopped, his