Most of the plants were dead but she could see what a beautiful spot it was in the summer. Bench-lined paths wound through it, congregating at a center point, surrounded by a canopy of trees. She sighed to see such a lovely little spot. But her stomach grumbled again and she turned back toward the tray.
A note 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.”