A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 58

"Give him time, Jane. It is a scandal of the most grievous. He is angry now, but hopefully, with time, he will learn to forgive you and accept Edward."

"Y–you think so?" Jane's face brightened with hope, and Penny fervently hoped Lord Rosebury would indeed forgive his daughter.

She nodded, smoothing a soothing hand over Jane's blonde curls. "I do think so. Just give it time, and you must not cease to write him letters of apology."

Jane rose and wiped her cheeks in determination. "I shall write him a letter every day until he changes his mind. Thank you, Penny. I appreciate the advice." She turned and marched upstairs, possibly to compose a letter to Lord Rosebury.

Penny sighed, eyeing her sewing in distaste. After the excitement of the past week, sitting quietly and sewing seemed hopelessly mundane. She felt restless, itching to go out and do something exciting, something that would divert her thoughts from a certain gentleman. Instantly, she pushed him out of her thoughts and paced the room, a thoughtful frown on her face. It had been three days since they had returned, and everyone had been tense, waiting for Phillip's summons, praying that he had somehow changed his mind.

She sighed once more, resting her head against the cool glass of the window. She shut her eyes and conjured up an image of the rolling fields of Scotland. Those few hours roaming the field in Alasdair's company were the happiest moments, and she had learned to escape into that fantasy more often of late.

She heard the thud of boots coming up the front steps and turned towards the front door in anticipation. It was probably Edward in a bad mood, and she braced herself for the onslaught of complaints that was soon to come. To her surprise, the footsteps paused at the closed door, and her frown deepened when a knock sounded at the door. She crossed the room, pulling the door open.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded the minute her shock wore off to be replaced by a cold fury. "I assumed you would send a footman. Must you come to rub it in yourself?"

Phillip raised an eyebrow at her vehemence. "Good afternoon, Miss Inglewood. I have not come for the purpose of the duel. I simply wish to have a word with you."

Was he not here for the duel? She gaped at him puzzled, trying to make sense of his words. Why would he wish to see her? His actions had made it explicitly clear that he did not care for her. So why did he wish to speak to her?

She swept her gaze over him, noting the immaculate, well-tailored morning coat and tan breeches tucked into black hessian boots, the snowy white cravat and shirt that peeked out for the top of his jacket. Those ice blue eyes that made her insides melt when he levelled it at her the way he was doing now and the well-cut, jet-black hair that her fingers itched to run through, feel its silky-smooth texture and...

She pulled herself from her fantasies with a shake of the head. It would not do to lust after a man who considered her a mere toy to be trifled with. She steeled her heart and stared at him impassively. "I have nothing personal to say to you, Your Grace. If you wish to convey the date of the duel, please do so and leave."

"Why are you here?" She cut in, setting aside the cloth to lean forward, clasping her hands together as she gazed earnestly at him. "What do you want if not to make good on your threat?"

He sighed and raked a hand through his hair, leaning forward also. Penny was stunned to see the uncertain look in his eyes, and she wondered what he had to say that made him so nervous. "I have a proposition for you, Miss Inglewood, a way of saving your brother and halting the scandal that is surely spreading like wildfire even as we speak."

Penny frowned at him in puzzlement. What on earth was he on about now? What proposition? She narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion. "What proposition, Your Grace?"

He leaned back, his gaze unfathomable once more. "I wish you to become my wife."

Penny gaped at him in shock, certain she had misheard him. "I beg your pardon?"

"It is only temporary, of course, just long enough to dispel some of the more-shall we say-unsavoury rumours, something that will benefit the both of us immensely should you agree to my proposal-"