Penelope's eyes narrowed.
For several seconds, she remained where she was, watching the gathering from a distance.
Francesca was still laughing. It wasn't the polite little laugh she offered when one of their mother's acquaintances said something mildly amusing. This was genuine, bright laughter, the sort that came easily when she was comfortable enough to forget herself.
Anthony stood directly beside her.
Penelope's stomach tightened. The mere fact that he was the reason sickened her to the core. Or was it his presence in general? Did she really think a man like him would respect her decision?
After all, he had made it abundantly clear that he intended to find his way into Francesca's company. Apparently, he had succeeded with considerably less effort than Penelope would have preferred.
However, a part of her assumed he would listen this time. Perhaps she was foolish enough to believe he would steer clear of her family. Yet she'd thought that he wasn't stupid either.
