A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 82

Lucy giggled. "Even more so now..." She let her voice trail off and cast Penny a coy look from beneath her lashes.

"Whatever are you...Oh my Lord!" Realization dawned, and Penny could only stare at her little sister in astonishment. "You are pregnant?" she said in a dazed whisper, her eyes unwittingly straying to Lucy's still flat stomach. "Oh! This is so wonderful, Lucy! When did you find out?"

"I suspected about a fortnight ago, but I am more certain now." Lucy placed a maternal hand over her stomach with a wistful smile. "I am so nervous, Penny. What if I fail to be a good mother?"

Penny took her free hand and squeezed it gently. "You will be a wonderful mother, Lucy. You have a wonderful heart, and I am more than certain you will be more than up to the task."

Lucy threw her arms about Penny. "Everything is so wonderful! You are getting married. I am having a baby, and Edward is happily married."

The carriage drew to a halt, and Penny's nerves returned sevenfold as a footman hurried to open the door. Lucy grinned at her and slid out, clutching the bridal bouquet while Penny carefully alighted and allowed herself to be fussed over once more. They walked into the mansion and into the small anteroom where her father waited to escort her in. Penny stole a glance at the open door of the chapel itself, aware that Phillip waited for her at the altar.

Aunt Elise hurried in and came to kiss Penny on the cheek before beaming at her. "You look marvellous! Simply breath-taking," she declared. "I am so glad my nephew chose well. Take care of him and don't let him get his way all the time. He becomes unbearable when he is too successful, but he is a dear boy all the same."

Penny managed a small smile, though her stomach fluttered. "I will look after him, Aunt Elise, I promise."

Elise nodded and returned to the chapel. Lucy handed Penny the bridal bouquet and hugged her sister once more. "Good luck, Penny," she whispered fondly. "I wish you every happiness. I love you, dearest sister." Penny felt her eyes fill, and she choked back a sob. "I love you too, Lucy." Lucy squeezed her arm then dropped the veil into place, obscuring Penny's face and turned to enter the chapel.

Her father came beside Penny and offered the crook of his arm. "Your mother would have been so proud," he said, kissing his daughter's cheeks. "As much as I am proud of you for following your heart."

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