A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 42

Outside, she could hear the shouts of the guards and other wayfarers going about their business, oblivious to the way she had shamed herself before the Duke. She heard the crunch of boots approaching and looked up, curiosity turning to astonishment as Phillip climbed into the carriage and settled down in the seat opposite hers. Penny was certain her mouth was hanging open but somehow could not muster the will to close it.

He looked thoroughly amused at her surprise and reached over, thrusting a hand beneath her chin to shut her mouth. "Why so surprised, Miss Inglewood? I happen to find the carriage quite comfortable. Thank you for the offer."

Penny stared at the man before her, but he simply grinned at her and stretched out his long legs, settling more comfortably into the seat and shut his eyes. "Wake me up when we arrive at Gretna Green, will you?"

"Why you..." Penny muttered crossly, but Colin had already set the horses in motion, and she was thrown back against the seat, the words she had been about to utter stolen in a rush of breath. She contented herself with glaring at his sleeping form, planning all sorts of evil things she could do to him if she had the means to do so.

***

The carriage came to a halt, jolting her awake with a start. The interior of the carriage was dark, but there was a soft glow trying to penetrate the curtain. She rubbed her eyes tiredly and leaned over to peer out the window. Dusk had fallen while she slept, but the glow of lanterns showed some sort of coaching inn yard and a small but well-kept building, which she surmised must be the inn itself.

"Have we arrived?" Phillip's voice startled her after the long silence.

"Yes, I think so," she replied, still peering out. He leaned forward and opened the door, admitting the cool evening air into the carriage.

"Wait here a moment," he instructed and alighted. She sat patiently, watching him walk up to Colin, and after conferring with the young lad, he strode into the inn. Suddenly restless, Penny stepped down from the carriage and stood to take in the refreshing air. There were a few passengers milling about the yard, stable boys leading tired horses to the stables, but the atmosphere was quiet. Colin had busied himself with unfastening the horses from the carriage, and even in the dim light, Penny could see how tired the boy was. He lifted his gaze and saw her looking at him, offering up an uncertain smile that transformed his face, and Penny understood why the girls of Millcote fawned over him.

Phillip returned, looking extremely pleased with himself. "I have secured us three rooms and a private parlour," he announced. "We will dine as soon as possible, and I will begin the search for the two of them." "Do you think they might be here in this very inn?" Penny asked as they started towards the inn.

Phillip shook his head. "I have made the necessary inquiry. The owner swears he has no guests matching their descriptions, but he supplied me with a list of possible places to begin our search. I will commence tonight. However, it is imperative you rest from the journey. You must be hungry?"

He studied her for a moment. "You are worried then. That is why you will not eat. Do not worry, Penny. We will find them."

She smiled at him tentatively, setting down her plate. "I know. It's just..."

He set his wine glass down and rose, crossing to her in quick strides. Penny looked up at him in surprise, wondering what he was up to. His eyes had darkened, and there was a determined glint in his them, something that excited her. "Penny," he murmured, reaching out to pull her up, and they stood so close there was not a hair's breadth between them.

He cupped her face in his hands, thumbs tracing over her smooth cheeks, even as her eyes drifted shut as she waited for what she yearned to come.

"Look at me," he ordered, and she obeyed, immediately losing her senses in the pools of desire that were his eyes. His lips met hers, taking her mouth in the sweetest of kisses, the fires of their mutual desire rising into an all-consuming flame that devoured them both. This kiss was gentle and exploratory, seeking to discover every hidden place in her mouth, taking and giving. As one, they both moaned and pressed even closer, sweetness turning into passion, a need for fulfilment.