A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 36

Penny took the bottle, her heart sinking as she realized what Doctor Lakesham had said a day or two? Surely that would be too much time wasted; Edward and Jane might already be wed and well on their way back in two days. She stifled a cry of dismay, her gaze falling on Phillip who still looked so pale, with an occasional fit of shivering. She couldn't very well leave him here in this condition. Her heart torn with worry and concern, she nodded and thanked the doctor who was gathering his equipment back in the leather bag.

He finished packing and turned to her once more, the bag in his hand. "I will return to check on his improvement in the morning, but if he should suddenly turn worse, do not hesitate to send for me."

"Of course, thank you so much, doctor."

Alone with Phillip once more, Penny drew a chair closer to the bedside, sinking onto it in exhaustion and resumed her administrations on his forehead with the wet towel.

***

Phillip felt as though his entire body had been had at with a mallet. What the devil had happened to him during the night? He pried open one eye, squinting when the blasted sunlight almost seared his eyelids. Was he drunk? he wondered, and why was it so bloody warm? Where was that useless valet of his, and why had the fool opened the drapes this early in the morn? He made a mental note to relieve the man of his position. He opened his mouth to call out, but all that came out was a strangled moan, and his mouth felt as though it were stuffed with foul tasting wool. What the hell! Through the haze of his thoughts, he suddenly became aware of singing...A woman singing? Why would a woman be in his room in the first place? He never brought his paramours home.

"You're awake!" a soft feminine voice exclaimed in relief, and he felt a soft, cool hand on his brow. "Thank God you are all right. I have been so worried."

Huh? He turned his head towards the sound, and Penny's smiling face filled his vision. He opened his mouth again, but the same croak as before was all that came out.

"Oh! Let me get you some water to drink." She rose in a rustle of fabric, and moments later, a cup of cool water was pressed against his parched lips. "You will have to rise a little so the water does not spill."

He did as she asked, moving to prop himself up against the pillows, the small effort strangely draining him of energy. The water provided some measure of relief, and he finally was able to speak.

"What happened?" he rasped, feeling tired. "The last thing I remember is going to sleep on the floor. What time is it?"

Crossing the main room, she spotted her new friend, Charlotte Bingham, standing by the door, talking to the innkeeper. Penny noted the small bag by her feet and recalled her saying she would be leaving for London today as her stage coach was finally ready to depart. Charlotte spotted Penny and hurried over, her red hair catching in the sunlight streaming through the door.

"Your Grace! I'm so glad I saw you before my departure," the girl exclaimed, bobbing a curtsy even though Penny had tried to dissuade her from doing so several times. Pretending to be a duchess was one thing, but having people who under normal circumstances would treat her as a friend addressing her thus was quite the uncomfortable experience.

"I was reluctant to call on you in your room, for I did not wish to disturb His Grace. How is he?"

Penny smiled at the girl gratefully. "He has finally awakened. I'm just going to get some broth from Mrs. Potter. You are leaving now?"

Miss Bingham nodded towards the door where Penny could see other passengers milling about, getting ready to embark on the second half of their journey. "Yes, and I am so pleased to learn of his recovery. You look so worn out. Perhaps you should get some rest yourself."