A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 68

Penny's nostrils were hit with the pleasant aroma of pastries and tea, causing her mouth to water. She glanced around the room, taking in the elegant décor. There were a few customers having tea, as elegant as the establishment itself. Her eyes fell on a table at the far end of the room with only one occupant, a middle-aged woman dressed in black who was smiling in their direction, and Penny assumed her to be the aunt Phillip mentioned.

Her assumption was confirmed as Phillip gently steered her towards the table and made the introductions. "Miss Inglewood, may I present my dear aunt, Lady Elise Farnsworth. Aunt Elise, meet Miss Penelope Inglewood. She is the one you will be chaperoning today."

Aunt Elise beamed up at them, blue eyes so like Phillip's twinkling merrily. "Phillip never mentioned how lovely you are, my dear. Now I understand why he has been so bad-tempered of late."

Penny smiled in genuine delight and curtsied, already warming to her. "He is always bad-tempered. It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady. Thank you for being here."

"I am not bad-tempered," Phillip said, pulling out a chair for Penny to sit, then taking his own, opening the monogrammed menu to study it. A waitress already hovered near, waiting to take their orders. "I merely choose to be blunt and speak my mind. What will you have, Miss Inglewood?"

Penny picked up her own menu and studied it. Her eyes nearly popped as she noted the extravagant prices listed alongside the menu options. Who in their right mind paid fifteen shillings for a mere pot of tea? She glanced at Phillip then shrugged. Obviously, he was mad.

Aunt Elise placed a wrinkled hand on her arm. Penny looked up from studying the menu and looked at her askance. "You should try the buttered roll, dear. They are simply marvellous."

"Oh. Then I'll have that and some tea," Penny said to the waitress. "Thank you."

Phillip placed his order and leaned back against his seat, studying Penny intently for a moment. "Did you get the flowers?" he asked, idly drumming his fingers on the lace tablecloth.

"Yes, I did. They are very lovely."

"I asked him to send them," Lady Farnsworth pointed out. "A proper gentleman should be thoughtful enough to send a lady some flowers. Especially when he seeks to court her, isn't that so?"

He bought her flavoured ice after lunch, a treat Penny savoured in pure delight, never having had such before. By the time the carriage pulled up in front of the Westbrooke residence, the sun had begun to set, and Penny felt a pang of regret that the outing was over. He remained courteous, helping her down from the carriage and walking with her to the front door.

"Thank you for a delightful day, Your Grace." She smiled up at him, her eyes glowing with pleasure. "I had a marvellous time, and please extend my gratitude to Lady Elise?"

He reached for her hand and placed a soft kiss on it, sending tingles running down her spine. "It is my pleasure, Miss Inglewood."

Without thinking, she reached up to caress his chin, feeling the rough texture of his jaw beneath her fingers. She heard him catch his breath in surprise, eyes darkening at the pleasure of her touch a moment before he abruptly took a step back. "Good night, Penny. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

She watched him go, a part of her longing to call him back, jump into his arms and let him kiss her senseless, but the more reasonable part of her held back. At the door to the carriage, he paused and turned around, flashing her a grin and a salute before jumping into the vehicle.