Penny paced the length of the parlour nervously, pausing every now and then before the stairs leading up to her father’s study where he, Edward, and Phillip had been shut in for over an hour. What was taking so long? she wondered, nervously wringing her hands. Did her father have any objections to Phillip’s proposal? She sighed and pushed tendrils of her dishevelled hair away from her face, a wistful smile crossing her lips as she remembered the exact circumstances that had brought about her dishevelment. Who knew such bliss existed from intimacy between a man and a woman? Making love with Phillip was the most wonderful thing she had ever done. Being in love with him and knowing that he returned her love once more caused her spirits to soar in ecstasy.
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.”
“Indeed,” Phillip said, his tone dry.
Curious, Penny looked at Phillip askance, and he gave her a wry grin and replied, “Your father wants us to have a slightly long courtship before we wed. He suggests we wait for five months.”
“Five months!” Penny gaped at Phillip then at her father in astonishment. “But why on earth, Papa?”
“I feel it will be best if the both of you got properly acquainted before making such a tremendous commitment. Marriage is a life time affair, and it would do well to be completely comfortable with each other first.”
Phillip shot Penny an amused look, a wicked light dancing in his eyes. Penny stifled the giggle that threatened to spill out of her. What would her father do should he know how “properly” acquainted they had already become? No doubt he would threaten to throw Phillip out through the window or something equally vicious. Then her face heated as she recalled some of the things Phillip had done to her only this morning…Good heavens! She shook her head to clear her mind of sinful thoughts and forced her mind back to the present.
“Papa, I can assure you, Phillip and I are sure this is what we want. It is what I want. I love him, and I would love nothing more in this world than to be married to him as soon as possible.”
Phillip leaned toward her and shook his head softly. “I don’t mind waiting for you, my love. It will be damned difficult, but if it will prove just how true my love for you is, I will wait…not for five months though.
I am patient…but not that patient.” His last words were directed at Sir Inglewood, and Penny saw a flash of steely determination in his eyes.
Sir Inglewood stared at Phillip thoughtfully for a while then finally nodded. “Very well, four months is appropriate.”
“Two months,” Phillip said. This time his voice brooked no arguments. “That is more than enough time to get acquainted and discover if we wish to go through with the wedding or not, though I do not believe there will be a change of mind.”
Penny nodded in affirmation and looked earnestly at her father. “I love him, Papa.”
“You young lovers these days…always in a terrible rush. Two months it is then.”
Outside her father’s study, Phillip drew her close and pressed a quick kiss on her mouth. “Two months is a dreadfully long time to be without you, and I am not a patient man.”
Penny stood on tiptoe to slip her arms around his neck and gave him a deep kiss, all too aware of the danger of being caught. “I know, darling, but we don’t have to stay away…after all we have already…”
He chuckled and gently removed her arms from his neck, pressing a kiss on her knuckles before releasing her and taking a modest step back, regret and longing in his blue eyes. “Your father is right. It will be appropriate of me to court you properly. You deserve as much, my love.” Penny stared at him in wonder, taking in the beloved angles on his face. “Oh, Phillip!” she whispered, barely restraining herself from jumping
into his arms. “I really do love you.”
“And I love you too, Penelope.” He took her arm and led her down the stairs. At the front door, he paused and kissed her knuckle once more, his lips lingering on her skin, eliciting shivers of desire down her spine. “May I call on you tomorrow?”
“Need you even ask? I cannot wait to be with you!” Penny exclaimed and was rewarded with a broad smile and another kiss on her cheek.
“Till tomorrow, my love.” Phillip gave a courteous bow and turned to jump into his carriage.
***
Penny stared at herself in the looking glass, disbelieving her reflection. The maid had done an excellent job in piling her hair into a loose knot at the top of her head, artfully letting a few tendrils loose to curl around her face and neck, softening her face. Her brows had been given a delicate arch that emphasized the green eyes. Her cheeks and her lips were stained with just a hint of rouge that emphasized the glow of happiness seeming to emanate from every pore of her skin.
“You look wonderful,” Lucy whispered beside her, reaching out to squeeze her fingers. “Newbridge will be blown away when he sees you.”
Penny dragged her eyes away from the mirror and looked at her sister, a nervous smile playing across her lips. “I look different.” She cast another glance at the mirror and rose, the wide, graceful skirt of the ivory gown falling gracefully in a shimmer of silk with gold lace and blue trimming just under fitted bodice. It was the most exquisite dress she had ever worn, and she loved the feel of the silk against her skin.
Lucy lifted the sheer lace veil from the bed and draped it over Penny’s hair then stepped back to admire the result. “Oh, Penny!” She sighed dreamily. “You look like a fairy princess.”
Penny glanced once more at the mirror and had to agree with Lucy. She looked ethereal. “I never thought myself beautiful before,” she murmured. “It feels like a dream, a wonderful dream!”
She felt a sudden attack of nerves at the realization that today, she would not only become Phillip’s wife but a duchess. Penny Inglewood would become Her Grace, The Duchess of Newbridge, and the weight of this responsibility weighed down on her. She could only pray and hope she would not prove a disappointment to Phillip.
Penny took a deep breath, hoping to calm her nerves. In less than an hour, she would be marrying the man she loved, the culmination of a two-month courtship that had been nothing but pure bliss. Phillip had spent
every moment showering her with love and affection, so utterly different from the man he’d once been, showering her with gifts and love till she had protested. The days had been long, but each day had been made bearable by her beloved Phillip. He had more than kept up with his promise to court her properly and had never once acted improperly with her. Rather, Phillip had been the perfect gentleman, delivering her safely home each day with a chaste kiss on her cheek, though his gaze had revealed a burning desire that matched her own, much to her increasing frustration. Thank heaven the long wait would be over soon.
The door to her bedchamber opened, admitting Jane and her dear friend Fiona. The two women took one look at Penny and dissolved into raptures of delight over her dress. Penny took the compliments with a smile, though her very focus was on the effect it would have on the man she was to marry. She listened with half an ear to the lively chatter, laughing at their subtle teasing about the wedding night, though she couldn’t help a small smile of mischief at the thought that she already knew exactly what awaited her. A shiver of anticipation raced down her spine.
Finally, it was time to leave for the chapel at Newbridge. An elegant carriage emblazoned with the duke’s coat of arms waited by the front door, and Penny climbed in, carefully arranging her gown around her when her eyes caught the single white rose on the seat opposite, a plain white envelope under it. A wide smile curved her rouged lips as she reached for it, bringing it to her nose to catch the fragrance, eyes closed in bliss. Phillip had given her a rose every single day for the past month, but this was the first time a note had accompanied the flower. She opened the envelope and read the content.
Always and Forever Yours, P.
Lucy climbed in and settled in next to her, her pink bridesmaid dress setting off her skin to perfection. She saw the note and squealed in delight, snatching it from Penny’s fingers.
She sighed dreamily when she read the contents. “How romantic of Phillip. Isn’t it amazing how silly he gets with you?”
Penny plucked the note from her sister’s fingers as the carriage set off. “You’re one to talk. Henry gets much the same way with you.” She studied the words once more, her heart filled with joy. Indeed, it was amazing how romantic Phillip could be, so different from the cold, dangerous man he had been. How she looked forward to spending the rest of her life with him.
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.”
“Thank you, Papa.” Penny slipped her hand through her father’s, the bouquet clutched in the other. “I love you.”
Sir Inglewood smiled and steered his eldest daughter towards the
chapel.
There was a small gathering of the couple’s closest relatives and a few friends seated in the chapel. They all turned and rose as the bride entered. The room had been beautifully decorated with bunches of white and red roses, the fragrance permeating the air. Penny spotted Phillip waiting for her at the altar with Henry next to him and took a deep breath.
He looks so tall…so tall, so dark, and so handsome! Penny thought. The dark formal jacket emphasized the impossible breadth of his shoulders. The tight fit of his breeches showed off his lean waist, and his powerful thighs were tucked into highly polished black boots. As she drew nearer, his intense blue eyes met hers behind the flimsy veil, and Penny felt warmth bloom in her cheeks at the love and desire for her that glowed in their depths, and suddenly, every trace of nervousness fled to be replaced by joy so intense Penny felt she might float away.
Phillip held out his hand for her, and Penny let go of her father, lifting her veil and placing her small hand in his large ones. He squeezed
her fingers quickly and leaned down to murmur for her ears only. “You are absolutely beautiful, my love.”
Together, they faced the priest and made their solemn vows, each one of them uttering the words that would bind them together with hearts bursting with love. Then they were declared man and wife.
Phillip turned to face his wife, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Finally,” he murmured, catching his wife’s chin in one hand and lifting her face up to his. “You are finally mine, darling.”
“As you are mine,” Penny whispered. A moment later, his lips captured hers in a searing kiss filled with love and passion. She surrendered herself to her husband, revelling in the feel of his kiss. It was over much too soon, the enthusiastic applause from the guests breaking the intimate moment.
Phillip drummed his fingers impatiently on the tablecloth, silently cursing every minute that kept him from consummating his marriage. The wedding breakfast was well under way, the main course already served and consumed, and now desert was being served. He looked at Penny seated at the other end of the table, laughing at a joke her brother had made, and his heart swelled with affection. She was his duchess! His to love and cherish for a long time, and once more, he sent up a silent prayer of thanks to heaven for answers to his prayers two months ago when he had sat in his study and vowed that if given another chance, he would not lose it.
And Penny had come to him, offering her heart and body, even when he had done nothing to deserve it. Now she was his wife, his duchess, the would-be mother of his children. That last thought caused a stirring in his groin, and he wondered if enough time had elapsed for him to sweep his bride away without appearing rude.
Henry was seated to his right and leaned forward with a knowing glint in his eyes. “Planning how to abduct your wife? I know how you feel because I thought the exact same thing at my wedding.”
“Who was the dimwit that decided celebratory breakfasts were in order immediately after a wedding? The fool should be castrated then shot,” Phillip growled low in his throat, casting another lustful glance at
his wife. This time she met his gaze, and he saw the exact same desire mirrored in her eyes.
“Blast it all!” he muttered, rising to his feet and striding across the table. Penny hastened to her feet as he got near, her eyes shiny with need, and Phillip paused only to sweep her into his arms and bid his guests a curt farewell. Penny’s flustered giggle rang in his ears on the way up.
Alone at last with his wife in the brightly lit bedchamber, Phillip set his wife down gently and captured her mouth in a soft kiss, then pulled away to gaze into her eyes.
“I love you, Penelope,” he said and kissed her again, her mouth like a potent wine of which he could never get enough of, his loins igniting as she pressed up against him, her lips searching, tasting, demanding in return.
He lifted her once more and lay her down on the bed; the delicate rose petals crushed and filled the air with their sweet fragrance. Penny gazed up at him, one hand tracing over his face, a dreamy look in her eyes. She looked wanton and beautiful lying there, and Phillip fought for control, resisting the urge to bury himself inside her as soon as possible. Rather, he took his sweet time rediscovering every inch of her delectable, little body, bringing her to the brink of passion over and over again but not quite letting her achieve fulfilment until he was throbbing so hard and joined them in one swift thrust. The bedchamber resounded with their moans and groans as the couple writhed together in ecstasy.
Much, much later, a thoroughly sated Penny curled up within her husband’s arms and traced idle lines on his chest. “How many children do you think we should have?” she asked, looking up at him.
Phillip thought for a moment and chuckled. “As many as we possibly can! Newbridge is large enough to support an entire battalion of them.”
***
One year later
“She’s not having any more after this!” Phillip declared, pacing the corridor in front of his room, the sound of his wife’s agonized screams
tearing holes in his heart. “Bloody hell, it has been almost two days, and she is in agony. No more, I tell you, Westbrooke.”
Henry glanced at his friend in sympathy, knowing just how worried Phillip was. “I hear the woman completely forgets the pain once the child is born. Come, Newbridge, let us wait in your study. It will ease your torture if you stay out of earshot.”
Phillip raked a hand through his hair and glared at his friend. “There is no way she will ever forget that,” he raged, pointing toward the door which had been firmly shut against him from the moment Penny had gone into confinement for the birth of their first child. “I vowed to protect her from pain, but there she is, labouring to bring forth the child I cursed upon her.” A particularly bloodcurdling scream came from within, and Phillip barely restrained himself from breaking down the door. Most likely, Penny would chew his head off for destroying yet another door, even while battling the pain that racked her body. No, he would stay here.
He groaned, feeling so helpless and hating the feeling. “Was it this way with Lucy? I don’t recall sitting with you for two days before your son was born. Why is it taking so long?”
Before Henry could reply, the door swung open, and Jane came out, looking as worn out as Phillip felt. He caught a brief glimpse of Penny on the huge bed, propped up on several pillows with her hair plastered to her damp forehead before it was shut, and Phillip longed to go to her, soothe away the pain somehow.
“How is she?” He turned to Jane, his eyes filled with worry. “How much longer will this take?”
Jane, already heavy with her second child, placed a hand on his arm and smiled reassuringly. “The mid-wife says it will be over soon. Penny will be alright. Excuse me. We need more hot water.” She smiled once more and moved away, a flurry of maids trailing after her, bobbing curtsies as they passed Phillip, who barely noticed them.
“Bloody hell!” Phillip muttered, resuming his worried pacing. “I am so sorry, my love.”
Another hour passed thus when suddenly, a different cry filled the air. Phillip froze at the sound, his entire body rigid at the cry of what had to be an infant. Minutes later, Lucy came out, tenderly carrying a tiny, writhing bundle with a huge smile on her face.
“It’s a girl!” she announced to the two men, her eyes sparkling with joy. “She’s perfect.”
Phillip managed to put one foot in front of the other and move towards the bundle. His daughter’s cries still rent the air as he stared at the little creature in Lucy’s arms, the tiny red face scrunched up in displeasure at the foreign world. He was afraid to hold her for fear of crushing or dropping her accidentally. “How is Penny? Is she alright?” he asked, looking towards the door.
Lucy nodded. “Penny is fine. You can go in and see her now.” The blazing fire cast soft shadows over Penny’s face as she looked
up at Phillip, giving him a tired smile before her gaze shifted past him and towards her little daughter nestled in Lucy’s arms. “Give her to me please,” she said, holding out her arms for the baby. She sighed in satisfaction as her daughter quietened the moment the girl was in her arms, and she began to nurse the baby. She looked up at Phillip, pride and love displayed on her face.
“We have a daughter, Phillip,” Penny whispered as Phillip placed a tender kiss on her sweaty brow. “Isn’t she beautiful?”
“Yes, she is, my love,” Phillip replied, reaching out to stroke the baby’s downy tuft of dark hair, overwhelmed with love for the new life he had helped make. “She is utterly beautiful, just like her mother. Are we still using the name we decided on?”
Penny placed a kiss on the tiny one’s head and looked back up at Phillip. “Yes. Her name is Katherine Elise.
Little Katherine gurgled as though acknowledging the name and her parents laughed.
“I do believe she likes it,” Phillip said, capturing his wife’s mouth in a soft kiss. “I love you, Penelope.”
“I love you too Phillip.”
The silence of the cosy scene was only broken by the cheerful crackling of wood in the fireplace.
The End