A Pocket Full of Mischief by Alyssa Clarke

Author:Alyssa Clarke [Clarke, Alyssa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Darkan Press Inc.
Published: 2024-03-09T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8

Hugh had never been indecisive. He did not believe in regret or being anxious about matters that could not be controlled by him. Yet, there was a peculiar restlessness weighing on his heart. What if Penny changed her mind? That damn insidious thought entered his mind far too often. He recalled the anxiety in her eyes at his proposal, but also that spark of joy at the end.

Irritated, he tugged at the cravat that felt as if it choked the life from him. It was laughable. Hugh was not a man given to an uncertain disposition, and he had always mastered his emotions well. For this reason, he could not understand why he was worried Penny might not attend this ball. He decided right then if she did not show, he would sneak into her bedchamber again. Hugh chuckled as he warmed to the idea.

A rough sound drew his attention and he glanced to the left. “Are you still here, Anthony?”

“I was wondering when you would have realized shock had frozen me,” his brother snapped, scrubbing a hand over his face.

“What is there to be shocked about?” Hugh asked drily.

“I do not understand,” Anthony said faintly. “You cannot go to White’s with me because you are awaiting Miss Fairbanks? That is what you said, but it makes little sense to me, brother.”

Hugh smiled slightly. “She is the only reason I am here.”

Anthony’s eyes rounded almost comically. “I can see that you are not speaking in jest. You … you plan to court Miss Penelope Fairbanks?”

A flash of colour drew Hugh’s attention, and his heart stuttered inside his chest when Penelope strolled into the ballroom. Instantly, his restlessness eased, and a wave of tenderness washed over him when he saw the nervousness on her face. He blinked, for his lady seemed to have brought her entire family to Lady Patterson’s ball. Hugh realized they came out in support of her and would likely tear his limbs to pieces should he ever do anything to wound Penny. He admired their love and loyalty to each other.

“Why are you smiling?” his brother demanded, aghast.

“Am I smiling?” Hugh asked without removing his regard from her.

“Yes,” he snapped. “Are you going to answer me? Do you plan to court—”

“Miss Fairbanks is someone I want with everything inside of me. I am going to marry her.”

His brother made an inarticulate sound of shock. “Marry her?”

Hugh smiled and walked past him, making his way through the crowd over to Penny. Her slender yet sensual figure was sheathed in a dark golden ball gown that hugged sensually to her figure. Her raven black hair was piled high atop her head in an artful coif. A look of wonder suffused her lovely face when she saw him.

“Your Grace,” she murmured, her eyes sparkling. She lowered into a graceful curtsy, and Lady Celdon who hovered behind her beamed her approval.

He executed a bow, darkly amused by the whispers spreading amongst the onlookers who observed them. “Miss Fairbanks, it’s a delight to encounter you once more.

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