A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 69

Seduction

Penny studied the program intently, wondering what on earth she was doing here. Beside her, Lucy, Lady Westbrooke, and Jane chattered about the other patrons, comparing gowns and jewels in an endless titter of excitement while Henry, her father, Edward, and Alasdair listened with indulgent smiles. Fortunately, no one asked for her opinion, so she allowed her attention to wander, sweeping over the empty stage, her vantage point at the Westbrooke private box giving her an unrestricted view of everything. Finally, she allowed her eyes to stray towards the box Henry had pointed out as the Duke's private box, relief filling her to find it unoccupied.

A part of her was relieved he would not be present, and another part was slightly disappointed. She had not heard from Phillip or laid eyes on him since that afternoon three days ago, and she caught herself wondering as she had over the past days if he was deliberately doing so to avoid her. The thought was unpleasant and caused a twinge of pain each time she thought about it.

Penny sighed and returned her attention to the chattering going on beside her. She had to put Phillip out of her mind. The man was an enigma, so difficult to understand and aggravating to the point of annoyance. Her eyes fell on Alasdair, and she returned the smile he gave her when their gaze met. Alasdair was a perfect gentleman, always considerate of her, thoughtful and sweet.

The warning bell sounded, signalling the start of the act, and a hush fell over the audience as the lights on stage dimmed. Penny sighed once more and resigned herself to an hour of watching a play she did not understand. However, as the actors began performing, she found herself drawn in, her attention completely absorbed by the enchanting performance until the first act ended.

As soon as the lights became bright, Jane leaned over and nudged Penny. "Phillip is here," she whispered.

Penny felt her spine stiffen, and she forced herself to remain calm, even though her pulse raced. "Is he?"

Jane handed her a pair of flimsy ridiculous looking glasses. "He came in when the play had already begun. Look towards his box. I assume the lady he's with is his aunt?"

Penny peered through the binoculars, and there he was, the glasses magnifying every inch of his features as though he was right next to her. The familiar angles of his face set her heart racing frantically. He was engaged in conversation with his aunt, an indulgent smile softening his face as he listened to something the elderly woman had said. Then he suddenly turned and stared straight in Penny's direction, his eyes seeming to bore into hers across the distance.

"Oh!" Penny gasped and lowered the glasses, feeling her face heat up in embarrassment. Good Lord, he had caught her watching him like a love-struck debutante; whatever must he think of her.

Alasdair noticed her heightened colour and leaned over in concern. "Are you all right Miss Inglewood?"

She nodded and gave him a reassuring smile even though she earnestly wished the ground would open up and swallow her into oblivion.

Penny gasped at the stabbing pain emanating from her ankle. "A lot. Is it broken?"

Phillip's fingers tenderly probed the spot, eliciting a gasp of pain despite his gentleness. He looked at her face, white with pain, and smiled reassuringly. "I don't think so. I cannot feel any broken bones." He gently set her foot down and rose. "I will fetch Mr. Lachlan to have a look at your leg."

"No!" Penny reached out and grasped his arm. He stopped and looked at her askance. "I do not want to trouble anyone. I can wait here till the play is over."

"Your ankle will have swollen impossibly by the time the play is over if something is not done."

"It will not be fair to cause undue worry and ruin his evening. I will be fine if I can get a cold cloth to put on the ankle while I wait." Penny certainly did not relish the thought of the scene that would surely ensure if her family was alerted. There would too much fussing, and she did not want that.

His forehead furrowed in displeasure. "You are being stubborn, Miss Inglewood. You would bear the pain just to avoid your family worrying about you?"