A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 19

"Shall I fetch more brandy, Your Grace?" The waiter's voice broke into his musings. Phillip shook his head.

"Bring the whole damn bottle," he replied. "Be quick about it." The waiter bowed and went to do his bidding, leaving Phillip once more to brood. He uttered an expletive, drawing the attention of some gentlemen seated nearby, but he paid them no heed. He was in no mood to socialize. What he needed above all else was the oblivion he was sure to find in downing as much brandy as he could stomach. Perhaps then his thoughts would turn to something else other than her. Where was the damned waiter and his brandy?

"I say, Newbridge!" A florid-faced, beefy fellow plunked down on the seat opposite and laid a hand on his shoulder. "I heard you were back from the boorish countryside."

Phillip turned and levelled a withering stare at the lad who was beaming at him, oblivious to the murderous intent in his mind. "Unless you have a fond wish to lose your limb, I suggest you remove your hand at once, Bascombe," he said coldly.

A look of utter confusion crossed Lord Bascombe's florid face as he beheld the withering look on the Duke's face. He dropped his hand and settled back into the seat. He was well aware of how dangerous and evil-minded the Duke could be when crossed.

"Apologies, I admit I got ahead of myself," Lord Bascombe replied quietly. "When did you return?"

Phillip gritted his teeth in barely suppressed fury. The idiot apparently could not take the hint and leave him alone. "Go away, Bascombe," he forced out between his clenched teeth.

The heavy-set viscount rose and hurried away, quite unwilling to put himself in danger of getting a fistful in the face.

"Where the bloody hell is that damned waiter?" Phillip exploded, pushing to his feet and glancing about. He spotted the idiot hurrying towards him with his order and sank back into the chair.

"I apologize for the delay, Your Grace," the waiter murmured as he set down the tray bearing the brandy.

"Oh, do shut up and get away, you bumbling fool."

The man hurried away. Phillip poured himself a large helping and was just about to drink when another hand clapped on his shoulder. He snarled. Why the bloody hell couldn't he be left alone?

"Drowning your sorrows, I see," Henry, Lord Westbrooke, observed dryly, moving to take the seat Bascombe had vacated a few minutes ago. He grinned at the surly look on Phillip's face and proceeded to help himself to the drink.

"Go away, Westbrooke," Phillip growled, snatching back his bottle. "Find yourself another seat and get your own damned drink."

Phillip refilled his glass, well aware that the Earl was studying him quite intently. He raised an eyebrow at the curious look on Henry's face and took a deep sip from his glass.

Suddenly, Henry guffawed and slapped his thigh in amusement. "By heavens! I believe I have got it. You sly devil...That warning you sounded back there...Christ Lord almighty, why did I not see it before?"

Phillip stared at him in astonishment. "Have you gone mad?" "You fancy her-Miss Inglewood." Henry burst into laughter, cutting off quickly when Phillip lunged for his throat.

Phillip's fingers curled around Henry's cravat, and he tugged viciously, bringing his face close to the Earl's. Around them, the patrons of the exclusive club watched in varying stages of interest. Fighting within these walls was strictly forbidden, a feat that would get both gentlemen permanently banned from White's. At the moment, Phillip could care less, although deep down, he knew it would take more than a few words before he hit his childhood friend.

"If you value your life, you will cease that ridiculous notion." He let go, sending Henry crashing back into the seat.

Henry straightened his cravat, a thoughtful gleam in his eye. He was not in the least bit intimidated by Phillip's antics; if anything, the reaction had confirmed his suspicions. "The violence was quite unnecessary. You forget that I gave you a sound thrashing the last time we were in the boxing ring together."

"That was a fortunate encounter on your part," Phillip replied coolly. "I have beaten you soundly as well."