A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 60

Phillip downed another drink, his mind dwelling on the past few hours.

He still could not tell exactly what had possessed him to give her the offer; his intentions had been to simply offer up an explanation and an apology for not keeping up with his promise to speak to her. Seeing her standing at the door glaring daggers at him, had unexpectedly ruffled him-a situation he still found most unpleasant-and he had almost made a fool out of himself. Fortunately, his quick thinking had proffered up the excuse he had drummed up at the spur of the moment.

"Newbridge?" Henry's voice penetrated his thoughts, and Phillip glanced at him to find Henry studying him in puzzlement. "Why did you propose to her?"

"Do you have any inkling of the scandal this has caused? I can wager you a hundred pounds that right this moment, every household is talking about the elopement. I do not need to exact revenge on Edward and Jane Inglewood. The ton will see to it that the both of them are completely cut off, given the cold shoulder, so to speak. That is enough punishment."

Henry studied his friend thoughtfully, tapping his empty glass against the arm of his chair.

"That still does not resolve the mystery of your rather obnoxious offer. However, I agree with you on the matter of the ton. They can be quite vicious and unforgiving. Yes, that will be punishment enough."

"You are like a dog with a bone, Westbrooke." Phillip groused, going to sit in an armchair close to the fireplace. He tugged off his cravat with a grimace and leaned his head back against the headrest.

"Perhaps, but I feel like there is something you are not telling me, Phillip. I was under the assumption you did not wish to be trapped into marriage. You have been particularly averse to marriage."

"I did mention it was going to be temporary," Phillip pointed out, "a mere business arrangement that would serve our mutual purpose."

"Which is?"

"An honourable way out of the duel. Besides, a union would ensure the scandal does not linger, something I assumed Penny would find reasonable."

Henry's look of confusion lifted to be replaced by incredulity as Phillip's words sank in. "By Gad! I never thought I'd see the day the notorious Newbridge care for a woman. You did it to protect her, didn't you? To protect her from scandal, you offered marriage knowing that by becoming your duchess, every scandal would be instantly forgotten."

"What nonsense are you sprouting, Westbrooke? Has the brandy addled your brain?"

"You care for her, admit it at least. You would not have offered to her if you did not care for her in some way."

Fiona looked thoughtful for a moment. "And what does your father say about it?"

Penny sighed again, lowering her gaze to study the grass she trampled underfoot, mentally comparing it to the lush greenery of Scotland and finding it wanting. "Papa feels I should have at least waited to hear more of the Duke's reasons before turning it down."

"Penny, you do realize that the entire town is aware of what happened? There have been many an unpleasant word uttered against you. By marrying Newbridge, you will silence those tongues."

"I am well aware of the scandal, Fiona." Penny laughed, though pain stabbed through her heart. "I knew it would amount to this."

Fiona paused in her walking and reached for her friend's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You have my support, Penny, always. And while I do not completely understand your reasons for turning the Duke down, I support your decision. Edward should seek ways to make amends for his wrong deeds. It is extremely selfish of him to even hope you would trade your happiness for his."

A tear slid down Penny's cheek. The past weeks had been particularly difficult and emotional. Her heart still ached in pain each time she remembered Phillip, and with her family disapproving of her actions, it felt good to have someone offer support. "Thank you. That means so much to me."