“Ooww!” Lucy shrieked in pain, rubbing furiously at the spot on her hips where the pin had pierced her flesh. She glared down at her sister’s dark head bent over the gown she was pinning in place. “You pricked me again. This is the fifth time you have done this. Whatever is the matter with you today?”
Penny flushed and looked up, her mouth stuffed full of pins that she could only mutter something intelligible. She reached for the gown once more, but Lucy pulled away, pouting.
“No, no more. Especially if you intend to keep using those horrible pins,” she muttered crossly, stepping down from the small stool on which she had been standing, moving closer to the looking glass to admire her dress once more.
“I honestly do not know why you are so distracted, Penny. You have been so moody all morning, not that you are cheerful at any time, but you hardly noticed when I dipped my bread into my tea at breakfast, and you always notice that.”
Penny carefully took the pins out of her mouth and tried to rise, grimacing at the stab of pain in her right knee from staying in a kneeling position for far too long. The cold weather always awakened the old injury, and she had come to dread the coming winter months for this very reason. Glancing at her slipshod attempt at pinning the gown, she sighed. She would have to do it all over, something she most certainly did not relish.
“I’m sorry, Lucy,” she replied. “I’m just a tad worried about Eddie is all. Have you seen him since breakfast?”
Lucy stared at her reflection, smoothing down the elegant skirt of the white gown. She smiles in utter satisfaction at the way the gown accentuated her ivory skin, the soft cloth gathers beneath the bust, setting off her bosom to full advantage.
“Eddie? He mentioned something about seeing to his traps. So perhaps he has gone there. I say, Penny, do you think you can finish making this gown by evening? I want to look splendid for the ball.”
Penny sighed again, feeling her head throb with a headache that had lingered on since her flight from the Roseburys’ yesterday. She felt goosebumps creep up her skin at the memory of those cold, dead eyes boring down into her, the sardonic evil twist of his lips as he had calmly threatened her and her family. His words had been like a knife piercing her guts, each syllable like a malicious twist driving the knife even deeper. She’d barely managed to keep calm upon reaching home, not wanting to alarm her siblings. But sleep had eluded her. Instead, she had spent the night tossing and turning, trying to think of a way to save her family from the clutches of the devilish duke.
Penny shivered again, wrapping her arms protectively around herself. Lucy prattled on about the dress and the ball, completely oblivious to the real danger that lurked in the form of Newbridge. They would be defenceless indeed if he chose to carry out his threats, for she knew that no one would be willing to cross paths with that monster on their behalf. The only solution lay in her plan: persuade Jane to shun Edward’s affections.
“Are you even listening to a word I’ve been saying?” Lucy whirled around, hands on hips as she glared at her elder sister.
Oh, to be so young and carefree once more, Penny thought, raising a questioning eyebrow at Lucy. “Of course, I have. You have been saying the exact same thing since you were invited to the ball.”
Lucy’s green eyes narrowed as she debated whether to take Penny’s words as a veiled insult or otherwise. “You are being mean today. You know how important this ball is in securing good prospects, Penny. Mary told me she heard from Lady Margrove herself that her nephew will be in attendance. Hence, I must look well turned out if I have hopes of catching his eye.”
Penny felt contrite at once. That night was Lucy’s debut, and she would not cast a dull cloud over it. “Forgive my moodiness, Lucy. Never fear, I shall finish the dress on time. All that remains is the ribbon at the waist. Come, I need to take out the pins on the left side and do them up again.”
Lucy’s face broke into a delighted smile, and she clapped her hands in delight, her eyes sparkling at the thought of the evening’s delights. She remounted the fitting stool, barely managing to keep still while Penny took out the pins.
“I am so excited! This ball will be talked about for ages, and I certainly cannot wait to meet Lady Margrove’s nephew. I hear he is an earl and quite rich. I say, Penny, do you suppose the Duke will be present? I certainly hope not. Mary says she has met the man, and he is absolutely unlikable, the sort to cast a dreadful pall should he put in an appearance. I hear he is quite handsome though…”
Handsome he certainly is, Penny mused as she carried on with the fitting. But he has such a cold, cold heart, probably as black as the hair on his head. An unbidden image of the man swam before her mind’s eye, and she remembered marvelling at those wide shoulders that seemed as though they would rip the seams of his elegantly tailored coat. And he had nice hands too, even though she had only noticed them when he had grabbed her arm painfully.
The two women heard the front door open and shut, and footsteps echoed on the polished wooden floor. Edward was home.
“Lucy? Penny? Is anyone there?” they heard him call out.
“We’re in father’s study, Eddie,” Lucy called out in response.
They heard him mount the stairs, two at a time as usual; then his tawny head peeked in the door.
“Hullo. What’s this then?” he queried, taking in the scene at a glance, his lips parting in an indulgent smile when Lucy twirled about for his benefit.
“Well?” she demanded, eyeballing him expectantly.
He grinned and entered the room to flop down on a nearby chair, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You look absolutely horrid.”
“Edward!” Lucy cried, stamping her foot petulantly. “Stop being so evil.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, he is only joking,” Penny snapped as Lucy’s movements caused her to prick a thumb. “Stay still, or you will ruin the gown. Where have you been since breakfast, Eddie?”
“Out checking traps with the lads. We had a jolly good catch today. Three huge rabbits. I put our share in the sink downstairs by the by.”
Penny looked at him for a while, trying to discover if he was telling the truth. She had held off telling him about Newbridge’s threats, knowing he might go off and do something stupid like confronting the Duke…or worse. No, better to let him be for now.
“I say, what time’s the ball starting?” he asked suddenly, nonchalantly examining his fingernails, but Penny knew he was up to something, for he had never indicated any interest in public gatherings of the sort.
She rose and stared him squarely in the eye. “What are you up to, Eddie? Why does the ball interest you of a sudden?”
His eyes widened briefly before they were quickly masked by studied indifference. “I’m merely curious as to the time, Penny.”
“Pssh, I know you too well, Eddie. You cannot lie to me. All I ask is that you conduct yourself properly. There will be no secret meetings, do you get it?”
He rose, towering over her, an angry glint in his eye. “I do not like what you are implying. I have given you my word already.” He turned on his heel and stomped out of the room. Penny sighed once more. It was going to be difficult.
***
Penny glanced around Lady Margrave’s crowded ballroom, relieved that neither Miss Rosebury nor the devilish duke seemed to be present. For the first time since entering the ball, she forced herself to relax, content to sit in the chaperone’s corner and watch as Lucy dazzled every single male within smiling distance. The gown overshadowed most of the gowns worn by the other ladies, and Penny felt her heart burst with pride in her handiwork. The material had cost a small fortune and had eaten into their housekeeping money, but it had been well worth it, especially as it seemed that the Earl of Westbrooke and their hostess’s nephew was quite smitten.
“Lucy looks lovely tonight,” Fiona Ingram, her closest friend and current seating partner, remarked, fanning herself with a blue fan. “I imagine you will be seeing much more of Lord Westbrooke after tonight. The poor man looks like he wishes to kiss her feet.”
Penny smiled at the plump, pretty widow in agreement. “She is lovely, and his lordship has hardly looked at the other girls. I almost feel sorry for them, though. Brings to mind many an unfortunate night in time blessedly past.”
Fiona chuckled and leaned towards Penny. “It would seem our little shire has been abuzz. I hear the Duke of Newbridge has arrived in Millcote.”
Penny’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of the one man she certainly did not wish to hear about. She hesitated, wondering if it would be prudent to tell Fiona about the business with Edward then decided against it. The fewer people who knew of the scandal, the better.
“I heard something of the sort too. I wonder what he is doing
here.”
“Why, of course, he is visiting his betrothed. Though, I hear it is something of an arranged marriage that was contracted right from the time Miss Rosebury was six years old. Something to do with settling a debt, but I’m not quite sure of the exact details. Have you ever met him? After all, you lived in London for quite a time.”
“No, I’ve never had the opportunity, neither would I wish to meet him. He is quite rude and evil…at least that is what I have heard.”
Fiona shot her a questioning look but mercifully was cut off by the sounds of the song coming to an end. There was a polite applause as the dancers made their way to the refreshment stands. There was a brief lull in the level of noise as two late comers arrived, but from her position in the far corner, she could not see who they were. Then she spotted Lucy hurrying towards her, Lord Westbrooke in tow.
“The Duke and Miss Rosebury are here!” she exclaimed in hushed tones, looking particularly delighted at the thought.
Colour drained from Penny’s face on hearing Lucy’s announcement. Oh dear God! Edward was there too, and if the two rivals should meet, there was no telling what might happen. Fiona noticed her pale complexion and placed a worried hand on her arm.
“Are you alright, dear? You have gone quite pale,” she asked
gently.
“Shall I get you something to drink, M.s Inglewood?” the Earl offered, exchanging a puzzled look with Lucy.
Penny shook her head and gathered her wits about her. With any luck, the evening would pass without the two meeting or her even having to meet him again. “I’m quite all right. Thank you, my lord, but I would appreciate a glass of lemonade.”
He nodded and hurried off to fetch the beverage, Lucy trailing after him. Penny took a deep breath and summoned a reassuring smile at Fiona.
“I must have eaten something that does not agree with me. But it is no matter.” She looked towards the door. The crowd had thinned a bit as people streamed into the lit garden. To her horror, she saw him looking in her direction too, and a wicked smile curved his lips when their eyes met. She blushed and looked away quickly, suddenly struck with the need to go home.
“Oh my, he is quite handsome,” Fiona murmured, stealing covert looks whilst hiding behind her fan. “That hair! Why it is as black as midnight.”
“As black as his heart more like,” Penny muttered under her breath, wondering where Lucy and Lord Westbrooke had disappeared to. She looked around but could not spot them at any of the refreshment tables. Rising, she adjusted her green shawl over her shoulders, smoothed out the creases in her simple evening dress, and went in search of her sister.
She was detained by Miss Rosebury just as she reached the door leading to the gardens. Jane Rosebury was pretty, tall with dark blue eyes that shone with innocence and worry, with the sort of pale, flawless skin and fragile disposition that seemed to attract men of the ton. Of course, any man foolish enough to try to woo her would find himself at the mercy of the Duke of Newbridge.
“Miss Inglewood, I must have a word with you.” Jane pleaded softly, “That is if you are not busy now?”
Penny looked about for the Duke warily. It would not do for him to see her speaking with his betrothed. “I was just about to go in search of my sister. Perhaps…”
“Oh, I don’t mind coming with you. Philip has gone into Lord Margrove’s library so we can have a moment’s privacy.”
Penny sighed. She had been about to suggest putting off the discussion till tomorrow, but the girl was determined. “Very well, shall we?”
Jane waited till they were out of earshot. “I saw you leaving the drawing room yesterday, obviously distressed.” She fiddled with a ribbon on her gown nervously before continuing. “I can only guess what might
have upset you so, but I know Newbridge may have done or said something upsetting? I also presume that you k–know about Edward and I?”
“What occurred yesterday hardly matters now, Miss Rosebury…I came to see you because I wished to ask you for a favour.” Penny stopped to look the girl squarely in the eye. “Edward swears he will stand by you unless you reject him. I implore you to do so if only to save the man you claim to love. We both know the Duke is ruthless and will stop at nothing to destroy my family. I ask that you discourage Edward in his intentions for the good of us all.”
“But—but I love Edward! He is the man my heart belongs to. I cannot…deny him…I cannot,” Jane protested desperately.
“Then you will doom him,” she replied, furious at the girl’s foolishness. “But I will not let that happen. Unlike you, I will do anything to keep the ones I love from harm. Good evening.” She hurried away angrily. Selfish girl. Utterly foolish. Spotting Lucy and Lord Westbrooke just returning to the ballroom, she changed directions in relief. She would get Lucy and leave at once.
“Good evening, Miss Inglewood. So I was right in assuming you have been conniving with my betrothed in all this?”
She gasped. She had not heard him come up behind her. “Your Grace! I did not…I am not conniving with anyone, least of all your intended.” She spun around to see him standing behind her, an angry glint in his eye, even though he looked calm and composed in the well-fitting black coat over black pantaloons. His cravat was pure white and immaculately tied.
“I see,” Philip said quietly, a sneer pulling at his mouth. “Imagine my surprise when I come in search of my companion to see her deep in conversation with the sister of the man I intend to kill. Tell me, what exactly do you stand to gain in all this? Money? Influence?”
Penny saw red. How dare he? “I beg your pardon,” she said icily, taking a step towards him and jabbing a finger at his chest to punctuate her words. “I want nothing that belongs to you. And be warned, Your Grace,
I will not sit idly by and watch you harm my brother. If you so much as touch a hair on his head, I will kill you with my bare hands.”
She did not wait for his reaction but simply gathered up her skirts and stormed back into the ballroom.