A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 18

The Earl was no fool. He recognized her need to change the topic of conversation and nodded. "Yes, of course, I would love a cup if it's not any trouble."

"I will make it," Lucy announced, rising and bestowing Lord Westbrooke a shy smile then hurried into the kitchen.

Taking advantage of the private moment, Westbrooke leaned forward. "Forgive my forwardness Miss Inglewood. Normally, I would press my suit on the head of the household, but I understand your father is away on the continent." At her nod, he took a deep breath and rose to his feet, hands clasped behind his back and he regarded her solemnly. "I will confess that from the moment I laid eyes on Miss Lucy, I knew without a shred of doubt that she was the woman I would have by my side as a companion and wife. By your leave, I would like to ask for your permission to court your sister, and eventually ask for her hand, if she will have me."

Penny smiled at him reassuringly. "Oh, that is simply delightful, my lord. Of course, I have no objections whatsoever. I am equally sure Lucy will be happy to have you pay court to her."

He leaned back and raked a hand through his hair. "You have no idea how relieved I am to hear those words, Miss Inglewood. Lucy is the most delightful woman, and it is a splendid honour to be able to ask for her hand."

Penny's heart blossomed on hearing those words. Lucy would be happy with Westbrooke; of that, she was certain even if she knew so little of the Earl. His reputation had preceded him as an honourable man.

Lucy returned with the tea tray, and Penny watched with a satisfied smile as the young man jumped to help with the laden tray, murmuring something that caused Lucy to blush and giggle shyly. Yes indeed, he would make her happy.

She rose and murmured an excuse, going into the kitchen to put away the eggs, careful to leave the door to the parlour slightly ajar open for propriety's sake. Unbidden, an image of Phillip, complete with his mocking, supercilious smile, rose in her mind's eye. She sighed and leaned against the wall. How would it have felt if he had kissed her? Would it be soft and sweet or hard and demanding? She shut her eyes, a wave of longing sweeping through her entire being. It had been so long since she had felt the touch of a man's lips. Her responsibilities in looking after Edward and Lucy had so overshadowed everything else. She had hardly given thought to any form of romance whatsoever.

The door to the parlour opened, and Lucy rushed in excitedly. "Oh goodness, Penny. I believe I shall faint from so much happiness," she gushed, hurrying over to grab hold of her sister's arm. "Lord Westbrooke has invited us to a private party he intends to hold at his country home. According to him, there will be only twenty guests, but he seeks your approval first. Oh, please do say we can attend? Please?"

"What sort of private party, Lucy? Will there be other ladies present?"

"Of course. He says his sister will be in attendance as well as a few ladies of the ton. Oh, can you imagine how wonderful that is going to be? I shall mingle with society's finest. Oh, I do believe I'm dreaming!"

"I assure you, you are not dreaming. Otherwise, we will be having the exact same dream which will be most unusual," Penny replied with an indulgent smile, "Now, go tell Lord Westbrooke we are honoured to accept his invitation."

Lucy squealed in delight, throwing her arms about her sister then hurried away to deliver the good news. Penny chuckled to herself and set about fixing lunch. Idly, she wondered where Eddie had gotten to. Perhaps she would pay her good friend Fiona a visit and invite Kate Ingram to Sunday tea. That would be the first step of her plan.

"I think not. I will be going up to London tomorrow," he replied. Finished with his attire, he rose and finally turned to face the pretty widow. She dimpled up at him and then sashayed closer to wind her arms around him.

"Ah. What shall I do whilst you are away then? I shall be immeasurably bored," she murmured seductively, bringing her rouged lips to his. "Will you come visit when you return?"

He extricated himself from her embrace and turned to leave. "I think it would be best if you forget this ever happened. The house is yours if you want it. Other than that, I believe I owe you nothing else?" He did not wait for a reply and strode out briskly, his mind still unsatisfied.

*********

Soiree

Phillip downed the brandy in one gulp and grimaced as it burned down unsatisfactorily. Bloody thing wasn't doing much to lighten his mood as he had hoped. He summoned the waiter hovering at a respectful distance and settled deeply into the padded seats with a scowl. Nothing was working so far, not whoring, drowning himself in spirits, or even a visit to several gaming hells could purge him of the thought of a certain pair of bewitching green eyes. He cursed under his breath, calling himself all kinds of a fool for allowing the tiny woman to invade his peace in such an annoying manner. He had even removed himself back to London and still...