A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 56

Her heart soared, and she nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

"Fare well, my lady fair," he murmured, bowing to her once more. "I look forward to seeing you soon." He turned and walked away, leaving Penny staring at him in wonder. Finally, she entered the inn, making her way to her room. As she passed Phillip's door, she noticed it was slightly ajar, and curiosity got the better of her. She paused and gripped the handle, pushing it open to peer into the dim interior.

She gasped in shock as a hand clamped on her arm and tugged her in.

Penny lost her balance and toppled into a rock-solid chest, getting the wind knocked out of her. An arm wrapped around her waist, setting her back on her feet. Her eyes finally adapted to the dim light, and she found herself staring up at Newbridge. His eyes glittered dangerously, though he did not release her.

"How pleasant that you seek my company, Miss Inglewood." He chuckled, tightening his hold on her when she began to struggle against him. "Did your dear doctor fail to provide the passion you desire?"

"Let me go this instant!" She glared at him. "Let me go!"

He loosened his hold and took a step back, watching her impassively. "Why are you here?"

"I saw your door open...I should not have come in."

"Your father has been searching for you. You should go to him immediately."

She nodded. "Good night, Your Grace." When he did not reply, she turned to leave and then paused to steal another glance at him.

He moved swiftly, closing the space between them in a heartbeat to capture her mouth with his. She all but melted in his arms, kissing him back just as fiercely as he, her hands cupping his face to draw him even closer. He moaned and slipped an arm around her waist, deepening the kiss till they were both gasping for breath and drew apart.

"I've missed you," he murmured, resting his forehead against hers, stroking her face tenderly, and Penny's heart soared in happiness. He missed her! Phillip missed her!

"I've missed you too," she whispered, shutting her eyes in bliss.

He chuckled and kissed her once more then let her go.

She climbed into the carriage, settled in next to Sir Inglewood, and shut her eyes, fighting the pain and disappointment that threatened to spill out in the form of tears. She would not cry-even if he could not see her; she would not give him the satisfaction of her tears. He was a beast, a terrible beast, not worth her precious tears.

The carriage rocked, and she opened her eyes again. Jane had climbed on, taking the seat opposite. Jane smoothed her skirts and glanced up to smile at Penny. "It is good to be on our way back home. Scotland is beautiful, but I miss Papa."

"You do realize your father may not be so welcoming?" Sir Inglewood turned from his contemplation of the yard to point out drily. "And have you even considered how much of a scandal the two of you have brought about? You will be scorned and cut off from even those you previously thought friends, exiled from polite society and church. I would advise you to release yourself from those romantic notions and be prepared to face reality, my dear. What you have done has brought shame to your father, and he may not receive you with open arms."

Jane's smile fell, and she cast an uncertain look at Penny for reassurance. "Is this true?" she whispered, her voice choked with fear.

Penny gaped at her in surprise. Was the girl jesting? How could she not know the consequences of breaking her engagement with one of the most esteemed members of the peerage to elope with another man? "Yes, Father is right. How could you not know this?"

Jane raised a trembling hand to her lips, and a tear spilled down a flawless porcelain cheek. "I...I never thought...I was only..."

Edward peered into the carriage. "Everything is set, Father. I will follow behind on Bessie. With any luck..." His voice trailed off as he noticed his wife's tear stained cheeks. He frowned in puzzlement and took her hands in his own. "What is the matter, my love? Why are you crying?" He cast a questioning look at Penny, but she simply shrugged, unwilling to offer up any explanation.