The carriage was waiting outside. Lady Sophia entered first before Francesca followed. However, Penelope paused at the bottom of the steps.
She looked back toward the glowing entrance of the ballroom. Somewhere inside was the man who wagered upon her sister's heart.
Penelope's jaw tightened. He would have to get through her first, she thought, and stepped into the carriage.
***
The carriage doors closed behind them, shutting out the ballroom's brilliance and leaving the three Anderson women in the quiet of the night as it rolled away from the estate, its wheels striking the cobblestones in a steady rhythm. At the same time, the distant sounds of the ball gradually faded behind them.
Though the feeling remained. The carriage had barely begun its journey before Francesca turned toward her sister.
"You are certain you are all right?"
Penelope looked at her. She almost forgot she'd feigned being sick. "Yes."
Francesca frowned. "You have said that three times."
