So what's Lord Debling offering Penelope the position of his housekeeper wrapped up with a wedding ring. When would he leave for his adventures/exploring? The moment the ceremony is over, leaving Penelope to rattle around alone in his stately house. Or perhaps worse with family members that he's said he doesn't get along with. When he apparently acts the hero with the balloon nobody else seems to notice he slides in at her back, leaving her trapped between him and the basket. If the basket got loose Penelope would be crushed between the basket and Debling, not helped. Plus it's an after thought, he only goes back after he'd already legged it without a thought for any ladies there including Penelope. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying he wouldn't be right for someone. Just not Penelope. I do respect that when he learns of her feelings for Colin he withdraws his attention from her.