A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 10

She blushed, biting down on her lower lip to stop herself from replying to his taunt with angry words. He would not get the better of her this time. "I will not apologize if that is what you are after, Your Grace." "I will be insulted if you do. Good night, Miss Inglewood. Ladies." He inclined his head to acknowledge the women gawking at him, spun about, and walked away, leaving her more flustered and angrier than ever. The nerve of the man.

"What on earth was that about?" Lucy demanded, her eyes wide in astonishment as she watched the retreating duke. "How did he come about your shawl?"

Fiona glanced up at Penny and arched a brow. "I had no idea you were acquainted with the Duke."

"I'm not. I have only met him in passing twice now, and the second time was in the garden. He must have seen me wearing the shawl and returned it."

The two women did not appear satisfied by her sketchy explanation, but Penny was in no mood to be forthcoming and hoped Lucy would not mention the scandal. She suddenly wished she were home and in the safety of her bed, not in the same room with the vilest creature on God's earth.

"Well, the two of you were certainly engaged in quite the strangest conversation for mere acquaintances," Fiona replied coolly, sensing there was more her friend was not telling her.

"We are merely acquaintances. We have not been formally introduced." Penny sighed and rubbed her forehead, feeling the beginning of a headache. "I wish this ball were over soon. I long for a good night's rest."

Lucy looked at her, noting for the first time how tired her sister looked. She felt guilty, for she knew that Penny only came here to chaperone her. "Perhaps we should make our excuses and leave? I have danced enough anyway, and Lord Westbrooke has promised to call on me tomorrow."

Penny smiled at her gratefully. "Are you sure?" "Of course."

Relief swept through her, and she hurried to make their excuses to Lady Margrove. Dinner was about to begin, and the other guests were drifting towards the dining rooms. She caught sight of Edward for the first time that evening and was grateful that he had at least kept his promise to stay clear of Lady Jane in public. He was deep in conversation with Miss Letters, a petite red-head who appeared to be hanging onto his every word.

There would be no need to ask him to leave as well. He would come home when he was ready.

***

The cool air washed over the two women as they began the walk home in companionable silence, each lost in thought. Lucy no doubt was thinking about the wonderful evening with Lord Westbrooke and the promise of courtship in the days ahead, while Penny's thoughts inevitably drifted towards the Duke. Thankfully though, she had dispatched a letter to her father that morning, explaining the problem with Edward, and if the good weather held, he would get her letter in a week. Hopefully, it would not be too late by then.

Miss Rosebury peered out the open door. "Please do come, Miss Inglewood. I assure you it is not an inconvenience. I would love some company too."

Lucy looked at her hopefully, and Penny finally caved in.

"Very well." She dared not look at Newbridge's face as he held out a hand to help her into the carriage. His touch was firm yet gentle when she placed her hand in his much larger ones. Lucy had already climbed in and seated herself next to Miss Rosebury, so that left the seat opposite. She stiffened when he climbed in and settled beside her, his thigh brushing against hers in the small space.

The carriage set off with a jerk, and she was thrown against him briefly, feeling heat suffuse her body at the point of contact and the wry smile he cast her way.

An uncomfortable silence reigned in the carriage as the occupants rocked gently to the motion of the vehicle. Penny concentrated on staring at her hands safely encased in white kid gloves and wished for the journey to be over soon so she could escape Newbridge and his overwhelming presence.

Miss Rosebury cleared her throat, the sound mercifully breaking the silence. Penny looked up in time to catch the apologetic smile cast her way and forced a smile in return. She knew the girl only wished to engage in polite conversation, but she wasn't in the mood to engage. All she wanted was to be home as soon as possible and away from this torturous ride.