A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 7

The two women heard the front door open and shut, and footsteps echoed on the polished wooden floor. Edward was home.

"Lucy? Penny? Is anyone there?" they heard him call out.

"We're in father's study, Eddie," Lucy called out in response.

They heard him mount the stairs, two at a time as usual; then his tawny head peeked in the door.

"Hullo. What's this then?" he queried, taking in the scene at a glance, his lips parting in an indulgent smile when Lucy twirled about for his benefit.

"Well?" she demanded, eyeballing him expectantly.

He grinned and entered the room to flop down on a nearby chair, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You look absolutely horrid."

"Edward!" Lucy cried, stamping her foot petulantly. "Stop being so evil."

"Oh, for heaven's sake, he is only joking," Penny snapped as Lucy's movements caused her to prick a thumb. "Stay still, or you will ruin the gown. Where have you been since breakfast, Eddie?"

"Out checking traps with the lads. We had a jolly good catch today. Three huge rabbits. I put our share in the sink downstairs by the by."

Penny looked at him for a while, trying to discover if he was telling the truth. She had held off telling him about Newbridge's threats, knowing he might go off and do something stupid like confronting the Duke...or worse. No, better to let him be for now.

"I say, what time's the ball starting?" he asked suddenly, nonchalantly examining his fingernails, but Penny knew he was up to something, for he had never indicated any interest in public gatherings of the sort.

She rose and stared him squarely in the eye. "What are you up to, Eddie? Why does the ball interest you of a sudden?"

His eyes widened briefly before they were quickly masked by studied indifference. "I'm merely curious as to the time, Penny."

"Pssh, I know you too well, Eddie. You cannot lie to me. All I ask is that you conduct yourself properly. There will be no secret meetings, do you get it?"

"No, I've never had the opportunity, neither would I wish to meet him. He is quite rude and evil...at least that is what I have heard."

Fiona shot her a questioning look but mercifully was cut off by the sounds of the song coming to an end. There was a polite applause as the dancers made their way to the refreshment stands. There was a brief lull in the level of noise as two late comers arrived, but from her position in the far corner, she could not see who they were. Then she spotted Lucy hurrying towards her, Lord Westbrooke in tow.

"The Duke and Miss Rosebury are here!" she exclaimed in hushed tones, looking particularly delighted at the thought.

Colour drained from Penny's face on hearing Lucy's announcement. Oh dear God! Edward was there too, and if the two rivals should meet, there was no telling what might happen. Fiona noticed her pale complexion and placed a worried hand on her arm.

"Are you alright, dear? You have gone quite pale," she asked gently.

"Shall I get you something to drink, M.s Inglewood?" the Earl offered, exchanging a puzzled look with Lucy.

Penny shook her head and gathered her wits about her. With any luck, the evening would pass without the two meeting or her even having to meet him again. "I'm quite all right. Thank you, my lord, but I would appreciate a glass of lemonade."