A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 61

Fiona smiled, patting the hand clasped in hers. "Not to worry, my dear. Like my dear mother-in-law always says, it is always darkest before dawn. Soon, all this will be just a distant memory." Her eyes focused on a spot beyond Penny's shoulder, and she leaned forward. "Mr. Barstow..." she murmured softly.

Penny turned to look in the direction her friend was looking. Sure enough, she could just make out the reed-thin form of Victor Barstow; his attention focused on the book he carried. Apparently, he had not yet noticed them, though he would in a few moments.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Barstow!" Fiona called out to get his attention. Victor looked up, slightly confused for a moment, fumbling with the book, shutting it with a snap.

Victor approached them, his gaze shifting slightly to Penny before hastily returning to Fiona. "G–good af–ternoon, Mrs. Ingram...Miss Inglewood." His tone was a tad colder when her addressed Penny, and she felt her heart sink. His manner was aloof as well, and she suspected he also regarded her as a fallen woman.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Barstow. It is good to see you today." She carefully kept her voice neutral, waiting for his response.

He looked uncomfortable, his eyes darting everywhere except at her. "Yes, yes...quite good indeed."

The next few moments were spent in an uncomfortable silence, and then Victor muttered an excuse and beat a hasty retreat. Penny watched him go sadly. So this was the fate that awaited her now?

"Are you all right, dearest?" Fiona's kind voice broke through the haze of her thoughts, and Penny merely nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Wordlessly, she resumed the walk home.

***

Penny stared at the magnificent carriage idling near the house, noting the elaborate coat of arms carved on its doors, as well as the footmen and driver, all dressed in green and gold livery. She wondered who had come to visit, the coat of arms was not at all familiar. Lifting her skirts, she hurried into the house, following the sound of voices to the main living room. She caught her breath in surprise when her eyes fell on the red-haired man deep in conversation with her father.

"Mr. Lachlan?" she gasped, wondering what he could be doing in her living room. He turned towards her, his handsome face breaking into a grin as his gaze fell on her. He crossed the room in three strides, coming to a halt before her.

"My lady." Alasdair bowed deeply, reaching for her hand to press a kiss upon. Penny could only stare at him in shock, dimly aware that he had spoken at all. "You are looking well if I must say so."

"What are you doing here? I thought...When did you arrive?"

"I came to pay a visit as promised." His eyes twinkled merrily, and he gently led her to a nearby chair. "And I have been here for about an hour. Your father informed me that you had gone for a walk. I am glad I waited though. It is such a pleasure to see you again.

Lucy grinned and flopped down beside Penny. "It is good to hear you laugh, Penny. You have been most solemn since Edward eloped." She idly reached out and fingered the delicate fabric of the gown, her expression becoming serious. "You miss him, don't you?"

"Who? Mr. Lachlan? I hardly know him very well Lucy and have not seen him since he paid us a visit two weeks ago...Too bad his sister took ill so sudden..."

"I was not talking about Mr. Lachlan, though I will admit he is quite dashing. Those eyes will make a woman melt into pools of desire and-"

"Lucille Inglewood!"

"Oh, for heaven's sake, sister dear, no need to be scandalized. But Mr. Lachlan aside, I was not referring to the luscious Laird, rather to the devilish duke."

Penny gaped at Lucy; her eyes narrowed her in suspicion. "What are you up to?"

Her sister's eyed widened in fake innocence. "Nothing. I am just curious. That is all. You never talk about him, but whenever his name comes up, you blush like a bride at her wedding n-"