A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 55

She cleared her throat to be sure her voice came out strong and steady. "Step aside, Your Grace."

He chuckled but complied, dropping his arms and taking several steps back, much to her relief. "Very well, Miss Inglewood, but you have not accepted my apology yet."

"Ha!" She snorted in a most unladylike manner and stalked past him. "I know what you are up to, Your Grace. That apology meant nothing to you. You simply wished to deter me from my intent." She paused by the door to her room, sparing him a quick glance. "I have not changed my mind, my lord duke. So you can keep your apology to yourself."

He let out a hearty laugh and raked a hand through his hair, shaking his head at her in dissent. "I meant every word, my dear lady." His laughter subsided, and he became serious once more. "I am truly sorry for every word I uttered against you. They were said in anger."

She shot him a puzzled look, and a ray of hope rose within her. "Does that mean you will call off the duel?"

His eyes darkened, and he clenched his fists, jaw set stubbornly. "No. Why would I want to call it off?"

"But...I thought..." Penny's heart plummeted once more. She took a deep breath to ease the ache in her chest and continued more calmly. "I suppose it was too much to hope for. But I do owe you an apology in return, on behalf of my family."

"You should not make excuses for them."

"Not excuses, an apology. We have trodden down your honour by stealing your intended from you. It is only right you seek some way to restore your pride. I realize that now."

Phillip slowly unclenched his hands, broad shoulders losing some of their tension. "You should not apologize for your brother's mistakes. It was his poor judgment after all."

She nodded and dropped her gaze to her hands and sighed. "I should be going, Your Grace. Mr. Lachlan will be wondering where I am."

"You still won't change your mind?" "No, of course not."

He shrugged and turned away, making his way to the door. "Whatever you wish then. I bid you farewell."

When the door shut behind her, Penny let out the breath she had not realized she was holding. "Such a strange man," she muttered to herself, hurrying to fetch her coat and hat.

Upon entering the inn's main parlour, Penny immediately spotted Mr. Lachlan seated at a private table close to the window which provided a splendid view of the Scottish countryside. He had a cup clasped between his hands, the china appearing tiny and fragile within his large hands. He saw her the minute she entered, and a smile spread across his face as he rose.

Penny returned the smile, having to admit to herself that Mr. Lachlan was quite a good-looking man. She wove her way to his table, slipping between tightly packed tables. "I am so sorry for the delay, Mr. Lachlan," she said, taking the seat he had offered.

His grey eyes twinkled merrily as he took his seat once more. "Not at all. It is no matter. I quite understand. My sisters always take their time getting ready for a simple walk too. May I offer you a beverage? The tea here is quite good."

"Is something the matter?" she asked.

He shook his head and grinned at her. "Not at all. I simply had a splendid time today. Thank you for walking with me."

"No, I should be thanking you, Mr. Lachlan. I had a most pleasant time."

He reached for her hand and raised it to his lips, pressing a chaste kiss on it before releasing it to take a step back. "You return to Millcote tomorrow?"

"Yes, we leave early."

He nodded and shoved his hands in his pockets, studying the door through which Phillip had disappeared. "The Duke seems concerned about your whereabouts. I hope I have not encroached..."

Penny's eyes widened, and she hastened to utter a denial. "Oh no, no, no. I assure you, there is nothing between us. He does not even like me."

Alasdair chuckled, shaking his head. "I would not say that exactly. He appears to be a stubborn man. Still, I will be visiting England in a week or two. May I call on you then?"