Earl of Gold (Lords of Scandal 7)

Natty ran down to him, taking his hand. “Doesn’t Miss Penny look beautiful? Like a real-life princess?”

Her skin once again heated, not a flattering color to go with the pale purple of her dress, she was certain of that. But she felt out of place in her fine clothing. No, that wasn’t it exactly. She wanted him to think she looked beautiful in them. Like she might belong in his world, even if her place was here. It was a fairy tale, she knew, but for a night, she’d like to pretend.

He looked from Natty back to her. The intensity of his gaze made the moisture evaporate from her throat. “She does, indeed.”

Chapter Six

Logan stared at the woman before him, barely able to speak.

He was amazed he’d been able to answer Natty at all.

Because he’d known how attractive Penny was, but dressed like this…she was devastating. His chest hurt, and he could hardly breathe.

The pale purple gown he’d chosen complimented her brown hair and eyes while highlighting the creaminess of her skin. The dress, falling just off the shoulder, accentuated her petite frame and rather ample bosom, the high natural waist showing off her figure and in a manner that stole his reason.

“Miss Walters,” he said, reaching up a hand. “Are you ready?”

She smiled down at him, soft and sweet and achingly warm. “Ready. I think.” Then she gave a little insecure laugh. “I’m not sure actually. I’ve never been invited to a duke’s home before.”

She came down the stairs and her gloved hand slipped into his outstretched one. Holding her fingers in his, he gave them a light squeeze. “Don’t worry about that. Darlington only wants to help you. He’s an ally and if he isn’t…” He smiled ruefully. “My face can withstand a few more hits.”

She made a squeaking noise, almost too quiet for him to hear but her eyes misted, and she held his hand tighter. “Logan,” she said so low, it was barely a whisper.

He heard the thank you in the way she uttered his name. He jerked his chin in response, in a manner that he hoped resembled a nod, emotion clogging his throat. He wanted to touch her. Kiss her and hold her in comfort and in desire. Instead, he looked up at Clarissa. “My groundskeeper is with me, but he’ll be staying here for the evening. He’s happy to sit on your front steps. If you’ll permit him, he could occupy your parlor. He’ll be returning tomorrow to put a fresh coat of paint on the house in order to help it sell faster.”

“Sell?” Clarissa lifted her skirts and started down the steps.

Logan raised his brows. She had on a shiny new pair of boots instead of leaving her feet bare. It made her look far older. More like a woman and less like a child.

Penny turned back toward her charge. “His lordship has raised his contribution. And I’m going to meet other possible benefactors tonight. That’s why I’m going. We may well be able to move.”

Clarissa broke into a large smile and without warning, grabbed Logan’s other hand, giving his fingers a squeeze. “Thank you,” she whispered as her blue eyes filled with tears as well.

The children began to clap and cheer, three little girls dancing at the top of the stairs.

His heart squeezed in his chest. How could he have not known helping them would feel like this? The worst part, it had been so easy. A paltry sum for him had literally changed their lives.

Shame filled his stomach as he dipped his head. He’d been so full of his own ambitions. Have the most gold, be the most successful, show every member of the ton his true worth.

He’d written to that marquess about his daughter. The man would likely reject him as others had before him. In this moment, he didn’t care.

But those pursuits had been so…empty.

Did they like him more?

Did those members of the elite value his gold or his prowess? Not at all.

But these people considered him a man of great value for six thousand pounds. And even more surprising, he valued himself.

“We should go,” he said, his voice rough and scratchy. “The Duke of Darlington is expecting us.”

Penny gave a tight nod as they crossed the room and he opened the front door, allowing Fergus into the house. He then placed a thick wrap about Penny’s shoulders to hold off the cool December air. After slipping Penny’s hand into the crook of his arm, he led her out the door and into the waiting carriage.

Evening cast the interior into shadow as she slid into her seat and he settled on the bench across from her. Silence fell around them like a blanket.

“Do you know who we are meeting this evening, besides His Grace?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I don’t.”