Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 274

Penelope quickly moved to reassure her. "No, no, absolutely not. Once Beatrice gives her word, she won't go back on it. She's probably just recovering from her health issues and isn't up for receiving guests."

She turned her head and shot Arnold a pointed look. "Cousin, why don't you get going? I have matters to attend to here. We'll chat another day."

Arnold leaned against the doorframe, shoving his hands into his pockets, an incredibly loaded smirk playing on his lips.

"Well then, cousin... we'll catch up on things *later*..."

He placed a heavy, suggestive emphasis on the word.

Penelope's expression shifted drastically, but she couldn't afford a scene. She forced a stiff laugh and nodded. "Right, right. I won't walk you out. Take care."

Arnold strutted down the stairs, his footsteps echoing as he swaggered out the door.

Meanwhile, Jade was furiously biting her lip, growing angrier by the second.

"It's all Nora's fault! If she wasn't taking my place, I'd be the legal Mrs. Lancaster by now! I wouldn't have to wait outside like a beggar!"

Penelope sat down next to her. "Don't worry. Since Beatrice personally asked for you, the swap is going to happen sooner rather than later. Your position as Mrs. Lancaster is guaranteed. Don't rush it."

Jade scowled. "How can I not rush it? I can't even get through their front door right now!"

Penelope thought for a moment. "I'll call Nora. I'll make her arrange a meeting between you and Beatrice."

"What if she refuses?"

Jade scoffed. "She's living the high life at Cloudwater Estate, eating off silver platters. Why would she willingly give that up?"

Penelope's voice was absolute. "Don't worry. I'll handle it."

Jade eyed her skeptically. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." Penelope patted her hand. "Just stay here and wait for my good news."

Jade finally gave a reluctant nod. "Fine. Penelope, you have to make this happen for me."

"I will."

Penelope spent another few minutes coaxing Jade until she was finally smiling again.

Internally, her mind was spinning. She needed to deal with Arnold, and quickly.

"There's something... I haven't told you."

Hudson lowered his head, resting his chin against her hair. "What is it?"

"Actually... my Intimacy Anxiety is still there. It just seems like it doesn't act up with you..."

She paused. "When you touched me, I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. In fact..."

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I actually really liked it."

Hudson's body went completely rigid.

Nora could feel his heartbeat suddenly spike, slamming wildly against her palm.

She tilted her head up to find Hudson staring down at her, the familiar, dark intensity swirling in his fathomless eyes.

"Say that again."

Nora blushed furiously, turning her face away. "If you didn't hear me, forget it."