A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 47

"Of course, I am concerned about your brother. What he has done is enough to bring irreparable ruin to this family. I merely seek to prevent yet another scandal from arising."

"May I suggest we get some rest and continue this discussion tomorrow?" Henry's voice broke into their argument. He placed a comforting hand on Penny's shoulder and smiled. "You must be fatigued, Miss Inglewood. Sleep. I assure you things will start to look brighter in the morn."

She sighed and nodded. "Perhaps you are right. But where will Papa sleep?"

"I will go and make arrangements for that. Luckily, the inn is not so crowded. Perhaps a private room all to yourself? I, however, will sleep here." Henry patted her shoulders once more and left the room.

Penny wondered how she would ever be able to go to sleep knowing that tomorrow, her fate could be decided. She sighed and uttered a quick prayer for strength. She would never marry Phillip if he had to be forced into making an offer, she vowed to herself. She would live with being dubbed a light skirt, but she would not be married to a man who hated her.

***

The glare of the morning sun streaming through the window roused Penny from sleep. She sat up and shook her head to clear out the last vestiges of sleep, then slid out of bed, gasping as her bare feet came in contact with the cold floor. For a moment, she was tempted to return to the warmth of the bed, but she dismissed it. She would not lie about when Edward and Jane were still missing, and heaven knew in what mood she would find Phillip in today.

Through the open window, she could see the brilliant blue of the sky and the gentle slope of the surrounding hillside. The beauty before her lifted her spirits a little, and she dressed hurriedly, grateful for the private room Henry had been fortunate to procure for her use. Her stomach rumbled loudly, reminding her that she had not had a full meal since the previous morning.

She left the room and made her way to the little parlour where the entire event of last night had unfolded. It had been agreed that her papa take the room she had vacated, while Henry had opted to sleep in the parlour itself. As she neared it, she realized the door was slightly ajar, and she could hear excited voices emerging from within. Her heart skipped a beat when she identified a voice that was oh so familiar, and she all but ran into the room.

"Eddie!" she gasped in pleased surprise, her eyes roving over him in delight. "Oh, thank God you are safe...We have been so worried."

Edward had the good grace to appear guilt ridden, and he cast her an apologetic glance. Beside him, Lady Jane stood tucked into his side, her arm through his, her face a mix of joy and fear.

"I do beg your forgiveness, Penny," Edward replied, looking contrite. "It was cruel of us to leave like that without warning, how we must have worried you. We apologize."

"Yes indeed, Miss Inglewood," Jane put in quietly. "Please do forgive us for being so selfish."

Penny smiled and moved to envelop the both of them in a hug. She noticed her father sitting on the very same chair as yesterday, his expression impassive. Henry looked immensely pleased with himself and shot her a grin when her eyes met his. Phillip was conspicuously absent from the little gathering. She wondered where he could be.

"I am just relieved to find you safe," she said, pulling away to gaze on their faces. They seemed healthy and none the worse for their long journey; in fact, Jane appeared to be glowing with happiness. Her gaze then made its way to Jane's fingers, her heart racing at what she would find there. Her heart sank when she saw the plain silver band on Jane's wedding finger.

Penny shook her head, her mind still on Phillip. "Lord Westbrooke, I do not think that is wise. We should hold off celebrating until certain things are sorted out."

Sir Inglewood nodded. "I agree with Penelope. This is most certainly a blow to Newbridge. We must know what he intends to do before celebrating."

"Oh, I know what I am going to do," Phillip announced. As one, they all turned to stare at him with varying expressions ranging from fear to surprise and apprehension. He grinned and strolled into the room, stopping before the newlyweds. His eyes glinted dangerously, and he sneered at them.

"Please, Your Grace," Jane pleaded in a whisper, her eyes wide in fright. "Please."

"Why are you pleading, Miss Rosebury-ah, pardon my mistake-Mrs. Inglewood? You have not heard what I want to do yet."

"Newbridge..." Henry cut in.

"Do shut up, Westbrooke. I grow weary of your constant rambling," Phillip snapped. He turned back to Edward and raising a gloved hand, slowly, deliberately pulled the garment off. With a sneer, he tossed the black leather at his opponent's feet, the gesture an unmistakable challenge. "You will name a second and weapon of choice."