A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 63

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"You are late," Henry said, an eyebrow raised as Phillip strode past the receiving line, ignoring the murmurs of protest from the other guests waiting to be received by the Earl and his bride-to-be.

"Why am I here?" Phillip scowled at Lady Brucknell with murderous intent until the woman shrank back and then inserted himself at the head of the line. He glared at Henry for a moment then switched his attention to Lucy, his brusqueness dissolving into a charming smile.

He grinned disarmingly at Lucy, lifting her hand to his lips. "Miss Inglewood, you look stunning tonight."

Lucy giggled, thoroughly amused at the Duke's antics. "Thank you, Your Grace. I am honoured you decided to come after all."

"I was blackmailed into coming." Phillip shot a dirty look in Henry's direction, while the latter grinned in malicious delight. "Your fiancé is quite the nasty schemer. I would be wary of him if I were you."

Henry chuckled, giving Phillip a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Relax, old chap. You need to learn to enjoy yourself at these things, mingle for a while before you retreat to your lair."

"I am perfectly capable of enjoying myself without needing to dress like a fop and parade around aimlessly in the name of mingling." Phillip spat the last words in disdain, aiming a freezing glare at an approaching baroness, effectively discouraging any attempt at conversation. "Besides, you know they are only here due to morbid curiosity. After all, it is not every day an earl marries a woman whose family is mired in scandal."

"You are holding up the line, Newbridge. Do move away?" Phillip nodded and moved into the ballroom, his mood darkening even further as he realized the event must have drawn the entire ton. He turned away and made his way upstairs.

***

Penny rested her head against the cool marble wall of the veranda and took a deep breath, resisting the urge to wipe her sweaty palms on skirts of the delicate ivory gown. The merry sounds of the ballroom filtered through, making her even more nervous; the urge to retreat to her room threatened.

She shut her eyes, forcing herself to calm down. She would have to face the condemnation of the ton sooner or later, and better it be done now where they could hardly raise open condemnation. She took another deep breath then returned to the room, her resolve hardened. She slowly made her way along the main hallway, towards the stairs, careful to avoid getting the heel of her silver shoes caught against the lacy hem of her gown.

"Penny!"

She froze at the sound of her name on his lips, her pulse speeding up once again. She turned to see him looking at her with an unreadable expression, his eyes dark with something she could not identify. "Yes?"

"You look beautiful tonight."

"Oh!" she muttered, shocked beyond any coherent thought. Then she gathered her wits about her and walked into the ballroom.

It seemed the ton was more than willing to forgive the Inglewoods; after all, they would soon be linked with one of the most prestigious and noble families by marriage. Nevertheless, there had been a few people who had still received Penny with cold indifference, not that she cared. She was more than content to sit quietly in a corner and observe the festivities, watching Lucy with Henry, smiling at the tenderness and affection that was oh so plain to see between them. She suddenly spotted a familiar figure making his way toward where she sat and gasped in surprise.