A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 57

Sir Inglewood harrumphed and tapped the floor of the carriage with his cane. "This is not the time to discuss this. We must be on our way at once."

Edward's jaw tightened in anger, and he levelled a stern look at Jane. "Tell me," he commanded curtly.

Jane managed a tremulous smile and shook her head, freeing one of her hands to caress his cheeks fondly. "Your father is right. Now is not the time. I am quite all right, I promise you."

Turning his head to place a fond kiss on her palm, he sighed and stepped back. "If you are sure. I really do love you, know that I do."

"Oh, Eddie, I love you too!" was the soft reply. Edward kissed her palm once more and withdrew, shutting the door of the carriage. A moment later, they felt the carriage move away.

Penny watched the young woman's eyes light up with happiness, and a pang ran through her. She looked down at her clasped hands, angry with herself for deceiving herself into believing the words of a lying, ruthless bastard. She leaned forward to peer out the window one last time, watching the buildings roll by slowly; there was still no sign of the Duke. She shut her eyes and steeled her heart against the pain. She would not allow herself to think of him or feel anything. He could rot in hell for all she cared.

***

Phillip jerked awake and turned swiftly, his senses alert. He grabbed the hand that lay on his shoulder, giving it a brutal twist. He sprung up and glared at his friend. "What the hell do you want, Westbrooke?"

Henry scowled at him and withdrew his hand, settling into the armchair beside the bed. "You have been asleep for a long while, Newbridge. I simply wished to ensure you were still alive."

Phillip raked a hand through his hair, reaching for his shirt. "What time is it?"

Henry consulted his pocket watch for a moment. "Almost eleven. I thought you wished to have an early start?"

"Bloody hell!" Phillip shot from the bed, pulling on his clothes, movements jerky and furious. Eleven? How had he managed to sleep for so bloody long? He turned to glare at Henry, who was looking at him with a curious expression. "Why didn't you wake me earlier goddammit."

Henry raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Why? You did not ask me to wake you. That's why." He studied the tips of his boots for a moment. "The Inglewoods left before dawn though."

Phillip froze, save for a muscle working in his jaw. Was Penny gone? He turned slowly towards Henry, hoping he had heard wrong. "The Inglewoods?"

"Aye, they set off before dawn according to the innkeeper. We should take our leave as well. I wish to be in Millcote by tomorrow even." "Penny is gone?" Phillip asked slowly, his mind working furiously. She must have waited for him, and when he did not show...God only knew what she could be thinking right at this moment. He sank on the bed, ignoring Henry who was staring at him curiously.

"Why does this bother you?" Henry leaned forward, lacing his fingers together. "I thought you despised her for deceiving you?"

"Very well." Henry stepped back, his expression still intense. "I consider you sufficiently warned."

"How charming." Phillip sneered, straightening his jacket. "Now, can we be on our way?"

***

Penny looked up from her sewing as Jane stalked into the room in tears. She watched the girl throw herself on the couch and let loose a fit of tears. Alarmed, Penny set aside the cloth and rose to crouch before the weeping girl.

"Jane! What has happened?"

Jane turned to face her, eyes red and puffy from crying hard, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Y–y–ou w–were right..." She choked. "F– father has refused to see me. He e–even or–dered that I not be allowed into the house."

Penny's heart sank, and she felt a wave of pity for her sister-in-law. "Oh, Jane, I am so sorry to hear that. Does Edward know?"

Jane sniffed and nodded, wiping her face with the sleeve of her gown. "We went together. Edward hoped to offer an apology, but Father would not even come out to speak to us. Oh, Penny! What am I going to do? I knew Father would be angry...but I'd hoped...thought he would forgive me...I don't know what to do!"