Free The Duke's Quandary by Callie Hutton Page B

around her.
    “Perhaps one day I will join you on a garden stroll.”
    Penelope’s head snapped up and she regarded Marion. From what she’d been told, the young widow had not left her room since informed of Tristan’s death. “That would be pleasant.”
    “Yes.” Marion nodded slowly. “I would like that.” She turned in Penelope’s direction. “You could show me the plants you are so fond of.”
    After several moments of working up her courage, Penelope blurted, “Tell me about Drake.”
    Marion’s eyebrows rose. “What is it you wish to know? I would think at this point you know my brother better than I do.” She studied her closely. “Has something happened that you wish to discuss? Remember, I’m your friend.”
    Not quite prepared to approach the subject of the kiss, since she hadn’t worked it out in her mind yet, she shook her head. “No, it’s just that I continue to make a cake of myself in front of him. I’m sure he thinks I’m a complete ninny, and he’s so perfect.”
    Marion burst into girlish giggles. Again, Penelope was struck at how young and pretty she looked when she was not enveloped in a shroud of sadness.
    “Perfect? My brother? I assure you, he is anything but.” Then she sobered. “Actually, from what my sisters tell me, he’s been quite unsure of his role since Father died.”
    “Why would he? Hadn’t he known from birth that he would be duke one day? I find that quite surprising. He seems so confident, even regal.”
    “No. Let me tell you something. Although Drake always knew where his future lay, he assumed, like the rest of my family, he would have years to ready himself. After he finished at university, he spent a great deal of time in Town, doing what most young titled men do. Gambling, drinking, attending balls, and whatnot.” She smiled sadly. “Not like my Tristan, who decided to serve his country.
    “In any event, when my father was suddenly taken from us, Drake returned from Town a different man. I think the grief and shock my mother and sisters suffered quite did him in. Here he was a young man, who adored our father, and now he had to assume the mantle he didn’t feel prepared for. At the same time, he needed to push his grief aside to comfort the rest of us. I’m sure it was daunting.”
    “But he does such a good job. The way he takes care of all of you, manages the estates, I just don’t understand.”
    “Ah, that’s because he keeps it from us. Or tries to, anyway. Sybil tells me he’s searching the Marriage Mart this year for the ‘perfect’ wife.” She grinned at Penelope. “There is no such person, you know. In fact, what I think he needs is a very ‘imperfect’ wife to ease his mind somewhat, to make him see the silly side of life.
    “I just hope before he makes a serious mistake and offers for that ‘perfect’ woman, he finds the ‘imperfect’ one.” Marion smiled slyly and added, “Someone like you.”
    Heat shot to Penelope’s face at Marion’s suggestion. Truly, she was an imperfect woman, but she did not want to dwell on the possibility of Drake viewing her as anything except an annoying houseguest he needed to drag prospective suitors to.
    But there was that kiss.
    …
    A few days later, Drake entered the library to find Penelope tucked into a comfortable chair with a large book on her lap. Her face was scrunched up in concentration, and she chewed furiously on her lip.
    “What is it you find so interesting?”
    Penelope jerked, the book sliding to the floor at her feet. “Oh my goodness. You startled me.” She pressed her hand to her chest, then pushed her spectacles up, peering at him wide-eyed.
    “I’m sorry.” Drake strode to where she sat and picked up the heavy tome. He glanced at the cover, his eyebrows raised. “ Observationes in varias Trifoliorum species? ”
    “It is a botany book. I enjoy any book on science.”
    He handed it back to her. “I must say I’m not surprised you found this book here. My