Earl of Gold (Lords of Scandal #7) - Tammy Andresen Page 0,43

her eyes. “And then I found a letter from a marquess inviting Logan to attend a party with the express interest of courting his daughter.”

Despite herself, she sniffed again.

Minnie’s mouth pinched. “The problem is that we have no idea when he began a correspondence with the marquess. Could have been yesterday or weeks ago. We just don’t know.”

Well that was an interesting point. Penny’s chest tightened as she realized that she might have made a mistake. Perhaps, rather than running, she should have simply asked… But she was still afraid. Worried that Logan would leave her as everyone she loved did. “I think I jumped to conclusions because of last night.”

“What happened last night?” Minnie’s brows went up as she leaned forward.

A flush of heat, despite the cold air, filled Penny’s cheeks. “It’s…um…I…”

Minnie waved a hand. “I am the oldest of five girls. I’ve talked several women through the early days of a blossoming relationship.”

That might be true, but Penny was not her sister. “The problem is that I had no mother when I came of age and I’m not entirely certain what exactly happens—”

“Say no more.” Minnie lifted up a hand and scooted to the edge of her seat. “You are like a flower.”

Penny blinked. Not the beginning she’d expected.

“And he has a…” Minnie looked up at the ceiling of the carriage. “A rod or staff which he uses to plant his seed into your bloom. The seed may or may not take, but if it does, it creates life.”

Penny swallowed as she too edged out further on the bench, her voice dropping. “Are we speaking metaphorically?”

“No.” Minnie smiled shyly. “Though by flower, I do mean lady parts. And by staff, I mean the matching male ones.”

Penny’s brow scrunched. “Oh, I should have known his parts would have to be involved in order for a baby to be made.”

“Were his parts not involved? Did he, for example, remove any part of his pants?”

Penny shook her head, unable to believe she was actually having this conversation with a duchess, no less. “No. Only my…er…flower was involved. His staff…”

Minnie gave her a wide smile. “So he gave you pleasure but took none for himself?”

Dear Lord, was that what had happened? The more Penny thought about it the more it seemed true. “I am terribly selfish.”

Minnie laughed at that. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. You didn’t know. But I will tell you one thing. Men generally get more pleasure from the arrangement than women. So when it’s the other way around, it often means that they care…deeply.”

The truth of those words settled over her. Did Logan care? He’d given up the club for her. Moved her entire hodgepodge family into his estate.

“Perhaps it’s time I talked with Logan,” she said in the quiet of the carriage.

Minnie winked. “I quite agree.”

Penny twisted her hands. “Thank you for this.” A new wave of heat surely colored her cheeks. “If we could possibly keep this conversation private, I’d be most…”

“Say no more.” Minnie reached out and covered her hand. “Your secrets are safe with me. Now go talk to your earl. He’s likely to be worried.”

Penny gave one last nod and then snapped open the door, climbing down from the carriage.

A mix of worry and relief made her draw in a ragged breath. She didn’t know what Logan expected from their future but running away wasn’t likely to get her answers.

It was time for them to talk.

“Darlington,” Logan’s voice boomed over the biting wind. “Come out here, you rat.”

Penny blinked, her eyes focusing on the pair of riders in the drive. Logan was there next to the Earl of Baxter.

Darlington? A rat?

He pushed his horse forward, his face set in lines of granite. “What were you doing in his carriage?”

She frowned, looking up at him. “His carriage?” she asked, shaking her head.

The door snapped open. “I object to being called a rat, Goldthwaite,” Minnie said from behind her.

“Your Grace,” Logan replied, his voice as stricken as his wide eyes. “Apologies.”

Then she leaned down, and in a loud whisper, clearly meant for Logan to hear, Minnie added, “Jealousy is another very good sign. But, if you need a protector, I will have my husband intercede on your behalf. Good day.” Then the door snapped closed again and the carriage began to roll down the street.

Penny looked up at Logan, blinking against the large flakes of snow. “I think it’s time we talked.”

“I agree,” he answered.

Baxter called from the drive. “Is this going to take a