A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 20

"True." The Earl conceded and withdrew a pocket watch. "By Gads! I must be off to collect Bertha if we are to arrive in Millcote in time for the soiree."

"What soiree?"

Henry grimaced and replaced the watch in his pocket. "It is Mother's birthday today, and she's insisted on throwing a private party. Ah yes, that reminds me..." He reached into the pocket of his jacket and withdrew a slim, gold-embossed envelope. "You should come too, old chap. Miss Rosebury will be in attendance, and so will the Misses Inglewoods."

Phillip had been about to toss the card into the fireplace, but he paused on hearing Westbrooke mention Penny's name. Would she be there? He studied the card intently, a million thoughts coursing through his mind. Finally, he looked up at Henry.

"When do you leave for Millcote?"

***

Shades of purple and red tinted the sky by the time the Inglewoods arrived at Falcon Hall in the carriage Lord Westbrooke had sent to fetch them. A long line of carriages already lined the extensive brightly lit driveway, so they decided to dismount and walk the short distance to the front door.

Penny bit her lip as she adjusted the neckline of her green gown, already regretting allowing Lucy to convince her to wear the dress. The neck line was cut daringly low, and the corset underneath pushed up her breasts, and she was certain they would spill if she were not careful. Fiona had styled her hair, piling the thick curls on top of her head, with strands gracefully sweeping down past her bare shoulders. She blushed as she remembered the reason she had allowed herself to be dressed thus...How shameful of her indeed.

A footman showed them to the magnificent gardens, lovingly designed in the most beautiful manner with an artificial stream flowing at one end and a huge maze in the other. The musical entertainment for the evening was stationed in a small pavilion right in the centre of the stream itself.

The minute they entered, Henry hurried up to them, taking Lucy's hand and placing an adoring kiss upon it, before turning to welcome Penny, his eyes widening slightly at how different she looked.

"Miss Inglewood! May I say you look particularly stunning this evening? I almost did not recognize you."

Penny blushed and opened the matching embroidered fan, wielding it energetically. "Thank you, my lord. Your garden is lovely."

"Oh! Mother takes care of it, with the help of the garden staff, of course." He nodded to Edward, who had stood silent, scanning the crowd of guests intently. "Good to finally make your acquaintance, Mr. Inglewood. You were not present when I called to visit the other day."

"I was engaged elsewhere, my lord," Edward replied, executing a bow. "Thank you for inviting us."

"It is a pleasure to have you. Come, I will show you to your seats, then, Miss Lucy, you simply must meet Mother."

"Your Grace," Penny replied equally stiffly, uncomfortable under his scrutiny.

"May I join you?" he asked quietly.

She frowned at him. "I do not think that is a good idea, Your Grace. People might get the wrong impression,"

Just then Lucy hurried over, looking excited. She noticed the Duke and curtsied before turning to Penny once more. "Penny, you must come at once. The Dowager Countess wishes to meet you...Where's Eddie?"

"He has gone into the maze," she replied, rising.

To her astonishment, Philip uttered a curse and grasped her arm painfully. His now cold eyes bore down on her. "What?" she began, but he cut her off.

"An interesting coincidence. You see, as soon as she arrived, Miss Rosebury declared she would go exploring in the maze also."