A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 79

As if in a dream, she took one step after the other until she stood in front of the man. "Is-is Newbridge here?" she asked, resisting the urge to wipe her clammy hands on the skirt of her travelling cloak.

The butler regarded her curiously for a moment before he nodded and stepped aside. "His Grace is in his private study. Shall I inform him of your presence?"

One hurdle crossed, she thought, stepping into the tastefully furnished hallway. He was there. "I know this may sound unusual, but could you direct me to the study? I would prefer to meet him without any formal announcement."

Like all good butlers, this one merely raised an eyebrow then nodded, motioning for her to follow him. He had seen the lady before, of course, and had heard the rumours of a love affair between them, so her presence came as no surprise.

The drapes were drawn in the study, and a sluggish fire burned in the fireplace, doing little to ease the gloom and shadows. Penny's eyes strained to see, searching for Phillip before she finally spotted him seated behind his desk, his head down on his arms.

"I thought I left instructions not to be disturbed, Graves?" His voice was muffled, but she could detect it lacked its usual authority. He did not raise his head, however, so she quietly dismissed the servant, waiting until the door shut behind him before she spoke.

"Phillip?" she whispered shakily. His head shot up, and he stared at her in stupefaction, disbelieving his vision.

"What the hell..." In a flash, he was off his seat and before Penny, grasping her arms to ensure he was not dreaming. His bleak eyes filled with hope. "Penny, what are you doing here?"

She drew in a deep, shaky breath. If he turned her away now, her life would be over, and she would simply waste away from grief. "I want to ask you a question. Please be truthful, Phillip. Don't lie to me."

"Ask me anything."

"Do you love me?"

He looked deep into her eyes, and she could see his soul bared to her as he replied, "I love you, Penelope Inglewood. More than I have ever allowed myself to feel. You have captured my soul, taken my heart prisoner. I love you, and I will go to the ends of the earth if only to prove my love for you."

"Oh, Phillip!" Penny cried, moving into his arms. He caught her and pressed her to him. "I love you too. I love you so much!"

The kiss they shared was filled with love and passion, amidst little cries of love and laughter. Finally, Phillip drew away and took her hand, leading her to sit on the window seat, and promptly pulled her on his lap.

"I thought I had truly lost you, my love," he murmured, trailing soft kisses over her lips and her neck. "I was such a fool. Will you ever forgive me?" "There is nothing to forgive, darling. It was meant to be. You and I were meant to be."

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