A Penny’s Worth of Affection by Rosemary Ani

Author:Rosemary Ani
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 2017-09-05T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Shock

Phillip paced the length of the tiny room deep in thought. He ignored the throbbing of the gash in his cheeks as he pondered the situation. On the one hand, he was furious at being tricked into a forceful union, but then, as his anger subsided, he had to admit he may have acted rashly in hurling accusations at Penelope Inglewood. Once more, he was inundated with the memory of how shocked and surprised she had looked when he’d hurled those words at her.

Reluctantly, he had to admit admiration for the lady. Not once had she turned hysterical or even had a fit of the vapours—she had faced him down and given as good as she got. Unbidden, a smile lit up his face as he thought of the way those green eyes of hers had stared at him defiantly. If they did marry, he would certainly have no cause for boredom.

He growled and shook away the thought. There would be no such union. Miss Inglewood would not make a suitable duchess—he needed someone who had been bred in the ways of society—someone like Jane Rosebury. No there was no way he would be prevailed upon to marry Penelope.

“The very idea is preposterous,” he muttered, staring into the fire.

The door opened, but Phillip did not take his eyes from the fire. “Perhaps I should call you out after all.” Henry had entered the room. He moved to stand beside his friend and regarded the tense set of Phillip’s shoulders.

Henry sighed, raking back still damp hair that clung to his forehead. “For heaven’s sakes, Phillip, you owe Penny an apology. You were most ungentlemanly in speaking to her earlier.”

Phillip shrugged. “I do not owe anyone an apology, Westbrooke. I refuse to allow her trap me this way.”

“Oh for God’s sake! You are quick to accuse the lady of deceit. You are hardly blameless in this. Surely you must have known that spending any amount of time with a lady will result in this. You cannot plead ignorance. You wounded the lady’s pride, and you should do the responsible thing and make amends.”

“If I want your opinion, Henry, rest assured I will not hesitate to ask for it. But I certainly do not recall asking.”

“Very well. But know this, Duke. If you cause Penelope any more distress, I will not hesitate to put a bullet through your thick skull.”

Phillip’s mouth lifted in a sardonic smile. “My! How touching. Tell me, since when did you become an advocate for lady’s rights?”

Henry frowned and placed a firm hand on Phillip’s shoulder, shrugging when Phillip stared at the hand in disdain. “Your antics do not scare me, dear friend. I care about Penny’s happiness because when she is happy, then my beloved is equally happy. Now, tell me, why are you so against this marriage? It is obvious that had we not interrupted your little love scene, you were well on your way to seducing the lovely Miss Inglewood. And she appeared to be a most willing participant.

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