“You are looking well, Miss Inglewood.”
Startled, Penny’s head jerked up. Newbridge stood at the doorway, his intense gaze levelled at her. His lips twisted into a smile as he stepped into the parlour, the room immediately shrinking under his impressive build. “It is almost hard to believe you were ill, but you should be resting.”
Penny dropped her gaze to her folded hands resting on her lap, feeling her face heat under his scrutiny. She wondered that he had not yet returned to London; surely there was nothing keeping him there. “Thank you, Your Grace. Mr. Lachlan has worked a miracle indeed,” she replied, careful to keep her tone quiet and demure.
He paused before the tiny window next to her chair, looking out at the lush green field beyond. “I can see that. Quite a miracle indeed.” His gaze shifted from the window, and he studied the top of her dark head thoughtfully. “You still look a little pale though.”
She shrugged. “It is nothing. I’m quite all right.”
“Good, good,” he murmured and fell silent, leaving Penny fidgeting uneasily, wondering why he was even there in the first place when he had apparently declared his contempt for her. She studied her
hands intently, wishing she had something to do that would distract her from his uncomfortable presence. She stole a glance at him to discover he had resumed his contemplation of the outdoors with a wistful look.
She used that opportunity to study him. Even in profile, his face was arresting. The strong jaw and patrician nose lent him an air of danger, yet he remained utterly handsome. Her gaze strayed to his mouth, and her heart quickened as she recalled the feel of those lips on hers, how easy it was to give in to the passion he once offered. That mouth promised ecstasy, but not for her. No, he thought her a light skirt.
“Miss Inglewood,” Phillip began, turning from the window to face her once more. “There is something I…”
He trailed off abruptly, and his gaze shifted to the doorway. Penny, who had leaned forward eagerly to hear what he had to say, frowned at him when he broke off, then she followed his gaze to the doorway. Alasdair Lachlan stood there, hat in hand, grinning at the both of them.
“Mr. Lachlan!” Penny exclaimed, breaking into a welcoming smile. “What brings you here?”
Alasdair executed a gallant bow, his grey eyes twinkling in good humour. “Good morning, Miss Inglewood, Your Grace. I wish to check on my patient’s well-being today. I must say you are looking splendid.”
Penny felt a blush spread across her cheeks at the compliment. Beside her, she heard Phillip utter a low growl, and a frown descended on his face. She wondered why he appeared so disgruntled; nevertheless, she returned her attention to Mr. Lachlan.
“Thank you, Mr. Lachlan, though I owe my speedy recovery to you. Please do come in properly and have a seat.”
Alasdair moved into the room and took the offered seat, his eyes straying to Phillip who stood there shooting him a glare then back to Penny. “It was a pleasure to be of help, Miss Inglewood. Where are your family?”
“Oh, Father has gone for a walk. Edward and Jane have gone to get their things from the other inn. We’ll be leaving tomorrow morn.”
“Are you sure your health will allow you to make the journey?” Phillip cut in, his voice cold despite his words which gave guise to some care.
Penny nodded and opened her mouth to reply, but Alasdair cut in. “Oh, I can vouch for her safety, Your grace. My remedies have never failed.”
Phillip sneered, clasping his hands behind his back, his eyes mocking. “How fascinating.”
Penny could feel the tension emanating from Phillip and sighed. What was the matter with him, and why on earth was he so ill-mannered towards Mr. Lachlan? She suddenly felt stifled and in need of air. Her mind made up, she pulled her shawl closer around her shoulder and rose. Alasdair shot to his feet and looked at her askance.
She smiled at him reassuringly. “I wish to take a walk. It is lovely outside, and I have been indoors for the last two days. I need some fresh air.”
“Ah, yes, that is a splendid idea, Miss Inglewood.” Alasdair nodded in approval. “May I have the pleasure of accompanying you perhaps?”
“Of course, Sir. I would be most delighted.”
Alasdair nodded. “I will go and fetch my coat and meet you below stairs in a few minutes.” He spun about smartly and was gone, leaving Penny alone with a scowling Phillip. She could feel tension emanating from him in waves but chose to ignore him, making a move towards her room, but his hand shot out and detained her.
“I do not think it is wise to go out.” Phillip scowled down at her, his eyes smouldering with disapproval. “It has been a mere two days since your recovery, and you might catch a chill. There is a snap to the air, and besides, his ‘herbs’ may not cure you quite as effectively this time.”
Penny shot him a warning glare. “I will be quite all right. I’m sure Mr. Lachlan will not let me catch a chill in any case.”
“You do not have a chaperone,” Phillip retorted with a self-satisfied smile. “Surely you do not wish to further tarnish your reputation by going out unaccompanied?”
Penny stared at him in astonishment. Now he dared care about her reputation? Good God! The man was impossible to fathom, but she would not allow him to deter her. She managed a frosty smile and raised her chin. “I have no doubt I am already irrevocably ruined, Your Grace. There is precious little that can be done about it now.”
His eyes darkened, and he took a step closer, causing her to scuttle backwards till she came up against the cold stone of the mantel piece. “Are you accusing me of ruining your reputation?”
She straightened her shoulders and glared back at him in defiance. “Why, of course not, my lord duke. I wouldn’t dare accuse you of anything. Now, step aside. I wish to be gone and back before dark.”
He shook his head and planted both arms on the wall on either side of her head, effectively rendering her prisoner. “You foolish, little girl. I am merely trying to keep you from harm. If your father were here, he would not approve of you going out with a man without a chaperone,”
Her eyes shot green fire. “Foolish? You call me foolish in addition to seductress and whore?”
“What in damnation? I never called you a whore!”
“Oh, you merely implied it, in front of my family no less. Step aside, Phillip. Mr. Lachlan will be wondering where I am.”
“No.” He scoffed and moved even closer, his eyes glittering dangerously. “And that is why I sought you out. I wish to offer an apology. I was unnecessarily rude to you, and I am sorry.”
Her mouth slid open, and she forgot how to breathe, only able to stare at him in shock. Had she heard correctly? He was actually apologizing for being beastly to her, or was this a ploy to stop her from going out with Mr. Lachlan? She narrowed her eyes at him, her suspicion flaring when he raised a rakish eyebrow, a grin playing at the corners of his mouth.
“I never thought I’d see the day you were rendered speechless.” He chuckled, his breath fanning over her, her traitorous body responding instantly, even as a small shiver ran through her.
He must have noticed her reaction, for his gaze dropped to her mouth, a speculative gleam in their depths. Another shiver ran through her, and she could feel goose bumps creep over her skin. Angry with herself for being so susceptible to his wiles, she steeled herself and crossed her arms over her bosom, instantly realizing her mistake when his gaze dropped lower. Damn the man for doing this to her.
She cleared her throat to be sure her voice came out strong and steady. “Step aside, Your Grace.”
He chuckled but complied, dropping his arms and taking several steps back, much to her relief. “Very well, Miss Inglewood, but you have not accepted my apology yet.”
“Ha!” She snorted in a most unladylike manner and stalked past him. “I know what you are up to, Your Grace. That apology meant nothing to you. You simply wished to deter me from my intent.” She paused by the door to her room, sparing him a quick glance. “I have not changed my mind, my lord duke. So you can keep your apology to yourself.”
He let out a hearty laugh and raked a hand through his hair, shaking his head at her in dissent. “I meant every word, my dear lady.” His laughter subsided, and he became serious once more. “I am truly sorry for every word I uttered against you. They were said in anger.”
She shot him a puzzled look, and a ray of hope rose within her. “Does that mean you will call off the duel?”
His eyes darkened, and he clenched his fists, jaw set stubbornly. “No. Why would I want to call it off?”
“But…I thought…” Penny’s heart plummeted once more. She took a deep breath to ease the ache in her chest and continued more calmly. “I suppose it was too much to hope for. But I do owe you an apology in return, on behalf of my family.”
“You should not make excuses for them.”
“Not excuses, an apology. We have trodden down your honour by stealing your intended from you. It is only right you seek some way to restore your pride. I realize that now.”
Phillip slowly unclenched his hands, broad shoulders losing some of their tension. “You should not apologize for your brother’s mistakes. It was his poor judgment after all.”
She nodded and dropped her gaze to her hands and sighed. “I should be going, Your Grace. Mr. Lachlan will be wondering where I am.”
“You still won’t change your mind?” “No, of course not.”
He shrugged and turned away, making his way to the door. “Whatever you wish then. I bid you farewell.”
When the door shut behind her, Penny let out the breath she had not realized she was holding. “Such a strange man,” she muttered to herself, hurrying to fetch her coat and hat.
Upon entering the inn’s main parlour, Penny immediately spotted Mr. Lachlan seated at a private table close to the window which provided a splendid view of the Scottish countryside. He had a cup clasped between his hands, the china appearing tiny and fragile within his large hands. He saw her the minute she entered, and a smile spread across his face as he rose.
Penny returned the smile, having to admit to herself that Mr. Lachlan was quite a good-looking man. She wove her way to his table, slipping between tightly packed tables. “I am so sorry for the delay, Mr. Lachlan,” she said, taking the seat he had offered.
His grey eyes twinkled merrily as he took his seat once more. “Not at all. It is no matter. I quite understand. My sisters always take their time getting ready for a simple walk too. May I offer you a beverage? The tea here is quite good.”
She recalled the real reason for her delay and blushed. She pushed all thoughts of Phillip from her mind, determined to focus only on the present. “Thank you, but I must decline. I had a cup a little while ago. You have sisters?”
He nodded and raised his cup to take a sip of whatever liquid was in it. “Aye, I have seven of them.”
Her eyes widened. “Seven sisters?”
“Is that so astonishing?” He chuckled, highly amused at her surprise. “I suppose to you English folk, seven is quite a daunting number. But here it is quite commonplace.”
Penny reddened in mortification. Dear God, did he think she was mocking him? She looked at him, but he was still grinning, showing no signs of having taken offense. “I did not mean to mock you, Mr. Lachlan. Forgive me.”
“I took no offense. I assure you.” He smiled at her, drained his cup, and rose, offering her his hand. “Shall we be off?”
She gave him her hand and rose, smoothing skirts into place. “Of course.”
***
The walk was quite pleasant, and Penny found Alasdair’s company highly entertaining. He seemed to have endless anecdotes to share, and she found herself laughing heartily at his jokes. Dusk had just settled over the countryside by the time they entered the inn, her good humour vanishing when she saw Phillip standing at the front doors, glowering at Alasdair as though wishing to take a swing at him. His cold gaze settled on them, then he turned and strode indoors, completely ignoring them. Penny sighed and turned to find Alasdair studying her with a puzzled expression.
“Is something the matter?” she asked.
He shook his head and grinned at her. “Not at all. I simply had a splendid time today. Thank you for walking with me.”
“No, I should be thanking you, Mr. Lachlan. I had a most pleasant
time.”
He reached for her hand and raised it to his lips, pressing a chaste kiss on it before releasing it to take a step back. “You return to Millcote tomorrow?”
“Yes, we leave early.”
He nodded and shoved his hands in his pockets, studying the door through which Phillip had disappeared. “The Duke seems concerned about your whereabouts. I hope I have not encroached…”
Penny’s eyes widened, and she hastened to utter a denial. “Oh no, no, no. I assure you, there is nothing between us. He does not even like me.”
Alasdair chuckled, shaking his head. “I would not say that exactly. He appears to be a stubborn man. Still, I will be visiting England in a week or two. May I call on you then?”
Her heart soared, and she nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
“Fare well, my lady fair,” he murmured, bowing to her once more. “I look forward to seeing you soon.” He turned and walked away, leaving Penny staring at him in wonder. Finally, she entered the inn, making her way to her room. As she passed Phillip’s door, she noticed it was slightly ajar, and curiosity got the better of her. She paused and gripped the handle, pushing it open to peer into the dim interior.
She gasped in shock as a hand clamped on her arm and tugged her
in.
Penny lost her balance and toppled into a rock-solid chest, getting the wind knocked out of her. An arm wrapped around her waist, setting her back on her feet. Her eyes finally adapted to the dim light, and she found herself staring up at Newbridge. His eyes glittered dangerously, though he did not release her.
“How pleasant that you seek my company, Miss Inglewood.” He chuckled, tightening his hold on her when she began to struggle against him. “Did your dear doctor fail to provide the passion you desire?”
“Let me go this instant!” She glared at him. “Let me go!”
He loosened his hold and took a step back, watching her impassively. “Why are you here?”
“I saw your door open…I should not have come in.”
“Your father has been searching for you. You should go to him immediately.”
She nodded. “Good night, Your Grace.” When he did not reply, she turned to leave and then paused to steal another glance at him.
He moved swiftly, closing the space between them in a heartbeat to capture her mouth with his. She all but melted in his arms, kissing him back just as fiercely as he, her hands cupping his face to draw him even closer. He moaned and slipped an arm around her waist, deepening the kiss till they were both gasping for breath and drew apart.
“I’ve missed you,” he murmured, resting his forehead against hers, stroking her face tenderly, and Penny’s heart soared in happiness. He missed her! Phillip missed her!
“I’ve missed you too,” she whispered, shutting her eyes in bliss.
He chuckled and kissed her once more then let her go.
“You should go to your father before he comes searching for you. We will talk more in the morning. Good night, Penny.”
Dazed, she stumbled away; her thoughts still focused on the man who watched her mount the stairs.