A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 80

Penny had been more than ready to spend the rest of the day and night cuddled up with Phillip, listening to the sweet, tender words he whispered in the aftermath of their lovemaking, but he had been insistent on seeing her safely home and seeking permission for her hand before the day ended.

Oddly enough, Sir Inglewood had not shown the least bit of surprise when the carriage bearing the duke's coat of arms rolled to a halt before the farmhouse. He rather had merely raised an eyebrow when Phillip had asked to have a word with him and led the way to his study. Now the men had been in there for over an hour. She paused once more by the stairs and looked up, expecting the door to open at any moment.

Finally, she whirled around to face Jane, who sat by the fireplace calmly reading a book. "Do you think my father will grant us permission?" Penny asked, barely restraining herself from biting her fingers to the quick. "They have been in there for a dreadfully long time."

Jane smiled and set aside the book. "I don't see why not. Perhaps they are simply discussing other matters?"

"What on earth is there to discuss?" Penny cried, throwing up her hands in despair. "It has been an hour!"

Jane rose and gently took Penny's arm, guiding her to a nearby chair. Penny allowed herself to be led and sank on the chair with a sigh. "I am sure everything is going well," Jane said reassuringly.

Penny sighed and buried her face in her hands. "I certainly hope so."

The two women heard the study door opening, and Penny shot to her feet, hurrying up the stairs. She encountered Edward first, and he returned her anxious look with a reassuring smile and a nod towards the open study. She paused at the entrance and took a deep breath then walked in.

Sir Inglewood stood by the window overlooking the barn, but he turned and motioned for her to sit down.

Phillip was seated in front of her father's desk, his very presence seeming to shrink the entire room. He met her gaze and smiled, his eyes filled with love and affection. Penny returned his smile, her heart near to bursting as she took the seat next to him. He reached for her hand, giving it a quick squeeze, the contact igniting fires of desire within her, and Penny could hardly believe this man seated next to her loved her. It felt like a fairy tale, one she didn't want to wake up from.

Sir Inglewood cleared his throat and moved away from the window to take his seat behind the desk. "I must say, I quite expected this."

He grinned at Penny who blushed and lowered her head, then turned to Phillip. "And I am more than pleased my daughter has finally found happiness, though I had my doubts, but it has all worked out fine."

Penny felt relief flow through her at her father's words, and she exchanged a glance with her beloved. "Thank you, Papa," she replied softly.

He nodded and leaned back against his seat. "I, however, have one request, and after a long deliberation, His Grace has finally agreed with me."

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