Earl of Gold (Lords of Scandal 7)

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 very long time? I’ve been waiting for an answer for hours.”

“I’m afraid so.” Logan swung down from his horse and took Penny’s hand. “You’ll have to come back tomorrow, Baxter. Get home before the weather gets any worse.”

“Fine,” Baxter replied, not sounding irritated at all. “But do make sure you actually discuss the proposition before I come back.” And then he kicked his horse forward and started down the street.

“Come on inside and get warm.” Logan began escorting her back up the drive. “Once you’re ready, we’ve much to discuss.”

Chapter Sixteen

Logan had tucked several blankets about her as she sipped on her tea. Somehow, he wasn’t certain how to start. There was too much, and he preferred to just look at her. He liked the way she curled in his chair in front of the fire. It made this place seem…homier.

“Are you going to that ball?” Penny asked, her eyes still on the flames.

“No,” he answered honestly. “I’m not.”

A small grin touched her lips. “Good.”