A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 62

"You must be mistaken, Lucy," Penny cut in hurriedly. "I do not like the man much. Certainly not after that wretched proposal."

"But surely you must feel something for him. I know you liked him before you both went to Scotland. After all, you kissed him in the maze that night, and I have seen the way he looks at you when he thinks no one notices."

"I do not...Wait a moment, how does he look at me?" Penny set the dress aside to lean forward, a flare of hope sparked in her heart. Could Lucy be right? Could Phillip really harbour some sort of affection for her?

Lucy shrugged and rose, strolling to the window to stare outside once more. "I cannot be certain. I mean one never knows what a gentleman is actually thinking at any point in time, but there is a softening in his gaze whenever he looks at you."

Penny swallowed her disappointment and picked up the dress once more. "I assure you, Newbridge sees me as nothing but a nuisance and a deceiver."

"But Henry says-"

"I do not wish to discuss this matter any longer." Penny cut in firmly, rising and picking up the gown. "Come and try on the gown. I need to see the design."

The door opened suddenly, and the dowager countess swept into the room in a rustle of fabric, a flurry of servants behind her. Penny and Lucy made to curtsy, but Lady Westbrooke waved aside the gesture. "Now, now, how many times must I ask you two to stop all this polite nonsense?" She beamed at Lucy, taking the girl's hands in hers. "It is time to get you dressed, dearest. Is the gown ready?"

"Yes, it is." Penny held up the gown, delight coursing through her when the countess gasped in amazement. "She will look wonderful tonight."

"Oh, my dear, I am certain she will. I almost feel sorry for my poor son's heart." A mischievous glint entered Lady Westbrooke's eyes, and she laughed aloud in delight. "The poor man will have palpitations when he lays eyes on you."

Lucy blushed and let out a shy giggle. "I do not wish to kill him though."

"Of course, you won't." Lady Westbrooke winked conspiratorially, taking Lucy's arm and guiding her to sit in front of the large oval mirror at the corner of the room. "Come, dear, Gertie will do your hair now. She is quite astounding at her job. When she is finished, a warm scented bath and some honey on to smooth your skin."

"But I don't need..." Penny protested, but the words were ignored.

"You are far too thin!" Lady Westbrooke declared, pausing at the door to Lucy's room to cast a critical eye over Penny, her lips a moue of disapproval. "Too pale as though you have not been feeding properly. And why in God's name do you always wear these horrible black clothes?"

Penny glanced down at the gown she was wearing. It was one of her newer gowns, and she found it perfectly suitable. "There is nothing wrong with my gown. I made it myself."

"Bah! This thing should be thrown away." Bridget opened the door and all but shoved Penny through it. "For someone who makes the most delightful gowns for Lucy, you are quite an idiot when it comes to your own sense of style. A splash of colour will certainly not go amiss, like that lovely green gown you wore to my soiree for instance."

Lucy giggled, and Penny shifted her gaze to her. The maid had done an excellent job with Lucy's hair, she noted in approval, dimly aware of being ushered into a chair in front of the mirror. The style would go well with the gown, setting off Lucy's elegant shoulders and neck to full advantage. Perhaps it was time for her to change her own appearance. Penny conceded with a sigh of defeat as the maid began to unpin her hair.