A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 12

Surprises and Unpleasantness

"Miss Inglewood! A moment please," a voice called out just as Penny exited the church. She paused and turned, seeing Victor Barstow, the vicar's son hurrying towards her, an earnest look on his young face. Beside her, she heard Lucy let out a groan.

"Oh, for heaven's sakes," Lucy muttered crossly, glaring at the approaching man. "Does he not have anything better to do?"

"Hush now, Lucy," Penny admonished, even though she shared her sister's sentiments. She beamed at Victor.

"Hello, Mr. Barstow. You wish to have a word?"

The shy young man turned red at her bright smile, clearing his throat nervously as he tried to remember what he was about to say. Beside her, she heard Lucy snort and barely suppress laughter, and Penny frowned at her.

"L–lovely service today. Y–you sing marvellously well, Miss Inglewood." Victor cleared his throat again and fiddled with his necktie, looking even redder if possible. Penny felt a smidgeon of pity for the man. "Y–your rendition of the hymn was p–particularly extraordinary. I–I have n–never heard it s–sung with such passion."

She smiled and inclined her head graciously, even while Lucy struggled to contain her mirth. "Thank you, Mr. Barstow. That is quite a lovely compliment. I am glad it pleased you."

He seemed to gather courage at her words and finally looked up to meet her gaze, a lock of his blond hair falling over his face, giving him a youthful look, even though Penny knew he must be about twenty-nine. "Oh yes, indeed, quite moving, quite moving. I felt like I was being touched by the very hand of God."

"Oh Lord!" Lucy muttered.

Oh Lord, indeed. Penny agreed, though, she nodded in agreement at Mr. Barstow's words.

"You flatter me too much, Mr. Barstow. I am not good by any standard."

He adjusted his coat and beamed confidently at her, his shyness now a thing of the past. "Are you by any chance walking home? May I escort you, lovely ladies?"

"No!" Lucy practically shrieked in horror.

"Yes, we would be delighted." Penny cut in, shooting a disapproving glare at Lucy, who simply glared back defiantly, annoyed at having to put up with Victor a moment longer than necessary.

He reddened and tugged nervously at his necktie. "P–please you must not t–think me forward. I have been mulling over the matter for a while...and I–I have put it off for too long but..."

He broke off and looked at her helplessly, seemingly pleading with her to understand his unspoken request.

Penny's heart sank. Oh no, surely he did not mean to offer for Lucy's hand? That would be most awkward indeed considering that Lucy had no interest in him whatsoever, and she had been chattering non-stop about the Earl's intended visit and had constantly professed an acute dislike for Victor. So to have him offer to court her would not turn out well. She felt distinctly uncomfortable as she pondered how to let him down gently, but she nodded at him to continue speaking.

"I–I would like y–your permission to call on you, Miss Inglewood. I know it is rather sudden, but I assure you, my intentions are honourable, and I would be honoured if you will accept my request."

Penny was astonished. She stopped and stared at him in stupefaction. Of all the things she had expected, this was most certainly not one of them.

"Mr. Barstow! Surely you are joking?"

He appeared offended by her words and frowned down at her. "I beg your pardon. I assure you I am not jesting in any form. I wish to court you with your consent, of course. As you know, I shall soon be assuming a new position at Illingshire, and it would be splendid if you will go with me as my wife."