by Oliver Queen
"Has the road been cleared yet?" She asked him, setting down her empty bowl. "What about Colin? Is he here?"
"The blasted rain is not helping at all." He replied, "They will have to wait till the rain subsides before any clearing can be done. Your coachman chose to stay with the carriage, he will be all right, as long as he stays inside."
"Oh dear...do you suppose Edward will have sought shelter?"
"He will be a fool not to. Unless he wishes to put Jane's health in jeopardy, he will seek an inn and wait till the storm passes."
She studied him covertly from beneath her lashes, a question tugging at her lips, but she was not certain he would appreciate her poking her nose into his affairs. "May I ask a question?"
He studied her for a moment then nodded. "You may, but I do not guarantee I will supply an answer."
She bit her lip and thought for a while. "Why do you...I mean it is obvious the two of you do not...why?"
He frowned at her and set down his bowl sharply. "That is none of your concern Miss Inglewood." he rose, retrieving his shirt from where he'd hung it to dry above the fireplace and shrugged into it. "Go to bed immediately, I will come up for you as soon as it is dawn. Be ready."
"Where are you going to sleep?"
"The stables of course."
She gaped at him in disbelief. "But you cannot...that will be uncomfortable."
"Well I do not see any other alternative..unless you are offering me a place on your bed? I warn you though, the only women I share a bed with are those I intend to make love to. Do you want that?"
She blushed. Damn the man for always making her blush...in one evening she had blushed more than her entire lifetime. "Don't be absurd. I simply wish to suggest you sleep here- not on my bed of course- but we can create a makeshift bed of sorts on the floor...besides, we-we are supposed to be married, don't you think it will raise questions if you sleep in the stables?"
He grinned devilishly. "My my...how ingenious of you. Are you sure you want me in the same room? Not afraid I will take advantage of you?"
She lifted her chin and stared at him defiantly. "Unless you wish mortal injury, I would suggest you do not attempt it. Now are you going to stay or not?"
He burst into loud laughter and nodded, "Very well. I accept your generous offer...much preferable than sleeping out in the blasted cold anyway. Thank you."
"I will need some time alone to...get ready for bed."
"Of course. I will retire to the main room downstairs, will come up in an hour." He opened the door and left.
The minute he was gone, Penny wondered if she had lost her mind. What on earth was she thinking having him sleep in the same room? But oh, she could hardly let him sleep in the stables..after all he had paid for the room..and she was simply a straggler. She sighed and began to undress again, removing only the corset and stays, leaving on her shift beneath the gown. She rang for some extra bed sheets and blankets and when it arrived, proceeded to make a bed for him on the floor, situating it as far away from her bed as possible. She had just slipped under the covers, pulling them securely up to her neck when a knock sounded on the door and she heard him call her name softly.
"Come in" She called out a response, sinking deeper under the covers, her face flaming. He walked in, taking in the scene with knowing eyes, but wisely said nothing, simply reaching for the candle and blowing it out, plunging the room in darkness. She could hear the rustling of clothes, and she shut her eyes tightly, though her mind kept imagining all sorts of wicked things.
"Good night Penelope" His voice floated out of the darkness, startling her. She turned her head in his direction, but could not make out anything in the dark. She licked her dry lips nervously. He had called her by her given name! She realized she quite liked the way it sounded from his lips...
"Good night...Your Grace.." she whispered...
"Phillip..." he responded. "Call me Phillip."
"Phillip...good night" She lay awake for over an hour before she finally heard soft snores coming from his bed. She sighed...in disappointment?...and finally let sleep claim her.
CHAPTER 14 FEVERISH ROMANCE
Penny woke with a start, bolting up from the bed, clutching the sheets tightly to her body, heart pounding though she did not know what had woken her. It took a minute to come fully to her senses and realize where she was. She blinked, but the darkness that surrounded her vision did not lift, and neither did the strange rasping sound that seemed to fill the entire room. It sounded as though someone was in the room with her and was struggling to take breath. She shook her head to clear her sleep dulled senses and groped about till her fingers brushed the little bedside table, hoping to find an unlit candle and a tinderbox. The sound turned into a rasping cough and Penny realized with a jolt that Phillip was in the room with her. Was he the one making those distressed noises? She wondered, even as her fingers thankfully felt the tinderbox.
She carefully struck the match, the brief flare of light illuminating the room and she reached for the candle and lit it, then pushed off from the bed, sucking a breath as her bare feet came in contact with the cold floor. Penny walked over to where Phillip lay and held the candle up to examine him.
He was still asleep, judging from his shut eyes, but even in the dim light, his face appeared blue and flushed, the covers had been flung aside in fitful tossing and he lay curled up tightly, shivers racking his body and she could make out the rapid rise and fall of his bare chest.
Setting the candle on the floor carefully on the floor, she knelt down and placed her hand on his forehead, gasping in dismay when she realized how feverish he was. The cold rain and exhaustion must have affected him terribly, Penny noted, rising hurriedly to retrieve the jug of icy washing water the maid had left the night before. She leaned down and with quick fingers, ripped off the hem of her shift, the delicate material easily giving way. She then hastened to apply the wet cloth to his forehead. He batted it away weakly and murmured something unintelligible.
"Phillip?" she called softly, gently shaking him, but he did not stir, so she applied a bit more pressure. He groaned and his eyes shot open, glazed with fever and unfocused. He squinted at her for a minute then relaxed and smiled.
"Penny.." his words came out in a whisper, slurred from sleep and fever. "beautiful..."
"You have taken ill your grace," Penny said gently, removing the now warm washcloth and dipping it fresh water. "You should not have stayed out in the rain too long." she wrung out the cloth and placed it on his head, gasping when his hand shot out to grip her own, his grip firm and strong despite his condition.
He tugged her towards him, the move bringing her a few inches from his face and his hot breath fanned over her face. She struggled, but he seemed to be possessed by some kind of demon for with another tug, she lost her balance and fell across his chest, his skin burning her through the thin fabric of her shift.
"Phillip!" Penny gasped, struggling against him vehemently, her mind in a panic. Dear god, his grip was so tight, she was certain it would leave bruises on her skin in the morning. "Let me go this instant..you are not yourself, release me at once!"
Instead of letting her go, he wrapped both arms around her, effectively rendering her a prisoner within his arms. Alarm shot through Penny and she struggled against him harder, her hands trapped under his steel like arm. She briefly considered screaming for help, but quickly discarded the thought. It would only make matters worse if the deception were to be discovered.
Suddenly she became aware of something hard brushing against her bare legs where the shift had risen up in her struggles, exposing her thighs. Horror, mortification and fascination swept through her as realization dawned.
"No! No! Let me go...wake up..please.." she cried out softly, even as she felt his hands move down to cup her bottom, bringing her even closer to the evidence of his desire.
"Ah Penelope, my sweet one" Phillip muttered, his mouth so close to her ears, sending involuntary shivers running down her spin
e. His mouth captured her earlobe, sucking it into its hot depths. "So sweet..." he murmured again, moving lower to gently kiss the base of her throat.
"Oh lord!" Penny caught herself moaning, his mouth doing the most deliciously sinful things to her body and she ceased her struggles, shutting her eyes at the flood of desire that flowed within. His mouth moved up again to her ear, then to her shoulder, trailing hot kisses along its length, while his hands squeezed her bottom, molding her to him in the most scandalous way. She raised her hands to bury her fingers in his thick luxurious hair, reveling in the silky feel of it as it slipped between her fingers. He moaned approval and his mouth sought hers, delving and consuming her, breaking the last vestiges of her resistance and she gave herself completely to his passion.
Suddenly he moved, and the next thing she knew, she was pinned under him, his legs between her spread legs, his hands roaming all over her body passionately, cupping her breasts, eliciting a loud moan that Penny scarcely recognized as her own voice, his hands caressing her bare thighs, sending her into a quivering mass of need, her own hands exploring every inch of him hungrily...
"Please..." she begged him in a whisper, needing an end to this torture, desiring something more than just this. He grunted in reply and reached between them to unfasten his trousers, taking her mouth again in an all consuming kiss that robbed her of breath and sense.
His mouth left hers, trailing soft kisses down her neck and shoulders, then suddenly, she felt him go limp and his breathing evened out. Penny opened her eyes in confusion, her eyes going to his face, widening the moment she realized he had fallen unconscious, no doubt overcome by the fever. Reality came crashing back down on her and she felt the waves of guilt, shame and horror wash over her. She choked back a sob, though tears of shame spilled down her cheeks, even as his weight pinned her to the floor. She placed her palms on his chest and shoved, but he didn't budge, his head lolling to the side as his breath quickened.
"Oh god...what have I done?" she whispered, amidst her tears, pushing against him with all her might and finally, he rolled off her. She sprang up and straightened her clothing, staring down at his sleeping form. He appeared to be in distress, so she picked up the discarded cloth and resumed her ministrations, letting the tears stream unchecked down her face as she soothed him with soft whispers, then rose again, picking up her gown and dressed hurriedly. She needed to inquire from the innkeeper if it was possible to summon a physician immediately.
She made her way downstairs, following the sounds of boisterous voices to the taproom, pushing the door open revealing a crowded room, hazy with the smoke from several tobacco pipes. She hesitated in the doorway, her eyes searching for Mr. Potter. Several pairs of eyes turned her in surprise, but she ignored the inquiry and stepped further into the room.
Fortunately, the innkeeper spotted her and bustled forward. "Lady Farnsworth!" he exclaimed pleasantly, even though there was a worried frown on his brow, "I hope there is no problem with your rooms my lady?"
She shook her head and leaned forward so he could hear her properly over the din. "My husband has taken ill, is there anyway we can get hold of a physician immediately?"
He thought for a moment then his face brightened. "You are more than fortunate tonight, Your grace. There is a most distinguished physician lodging here at the moment. Doctor Lakesham caters to the health of quite a number of prominent personages in Scotland on his way to London. If you will take a seat Your Grace, I will inform him that his services are needed at once."
"Thank you Mr. Potter, I prefer to stand."
He nodded and hurried away towards a table, bending to speak to a gentleman seating by himself nursing a tankard of beer. Penny felt the slightest bit of alarm. The last thing she wanted was a drunk man examining Phillip, but as she watched the man nodded and looked towards her, then rose and approached, his steps steady and quick.
He bowed smartly, his eyes sparkling with a reassuring intelligence. "Your grace, Mr. Potter informs me your husband is ill?"
"Yes, he is...and..and he is quite delirious too." she felt hot color suffuse her cheeks as she remembered just how he had been delirious, grateful for the dim lighting in the room. "Please help me."
"Allow me to fetch my bag and then I will join you in your chamber immediately. Have Mr. Potter send up some hot water and cloths."
She nodded gratefully, and he hurried off while she relayed his instructions to the inn keeper then returned to her room. Phillip still lay in troubled sleep, the covers she'd draped over him before leaving had been kicked off. The thought occurred to her that the doctor would find it extremely odd for her 'husband' to be on the floor. She studied Phillip for a moment, worrying her lower lip as she tried to device a way to move him to bed. He appeared to be twice her size and any solo attempt to move him would be futile.
Finally, she leaned down and whispered in his ear.. "Phillip...please wake up..you have to help me."
He muttered something in reply but did not pay her any heed. She sighed and slipped her arms under his shoulders, wincing at how hot his skin was and managed to get him in a sitting position, so heavy she was panting hard.
A knock sounded and she let go of him then hurried to the door. To her relief, Molly stood there, a stack of towels and a bowl in her arms.
Penny reached for the towels, then gestured the maid inside. "You must help me move my husband to the bed before the doctor arrives." She pleaded. Molly nodded without a word and the two women struggled to lift Phillip, not an easy task considering he could have easily carried each woman. With great effort, the exhausted women finally managed the task just as another knock sounded and the doctor announced his presence.
"Thank you." Penny said to the girl, who smiled shyly in return and went to open the door.
Penny hovered anxiously while the doctor examined Phillip. He finally straightened and turned to her. "It is just as I feared Your grace. He has got the fever, did he go out in the rainstorm last night?"
"Yes...we walked from the bridge and the rain caught up with us, then he went back out again. Is it serious?"
He shook his head and handed her a bottle filled with a murky brown liquid. "Fortunately, he should be all right in a day or two. You mush give him this medicine every four hours till the fever breaks, make sure he has enough liquids in him too."
Penny took the bottle, her heart sinking as she realized what Doctor Lakesham had said...a day or two? Surely that would be too much time wasted, Edward and Jane might already be wed and well on their way back in two days. She stifled a cry of dismay, her gaze falling on Phillip who still looked so pale, with an occasional fit of shivering. She couldn't very well leave him here in this condition. Her heart torn with worry and concern, she nodded and thanked the doctor who was gathering his equipment back in the leather bag.
He finished packing and turned to her once more, the bag in his hand."I will return to check on his improvement in the morning, but if he should suddenly turn worse, do not hesitate to send for me."
"Of course, thank you so much doctor."
Alone with Phillip once more, Penny drew a chair closer to the bedside, sinking onto it in exhaustion and resumed her administrations on his forehead with the wet towel.
Phillip felt as though his entire body had been had at with a mallet, what the devil had happened to him during the night? He pried open one eye, squinting when the blasted sunlight almost seared his eyelids. Was he drunk? He wondered, and why was it so bloody warm? Where was that useless valet of his and why had the fool opened the drapes this early in the morn? He made a mental note to relieve the man of his position. He opened his mouth to call out but all that came out was a strangled moan and his mouth felt as though it were stuffed with foul tasting wool. What the hell! Through the haze of his thoughts, he suddenly became aware of singing..a woman singing? Why would a woman be in his room in the first place? He never brought his paramours home..
"You're awake!" A soft feminine voice exclaimed in relief, and he
felt a soft, cool hand on his brow, "Thank god you are all right, I have been so worried."
Huh? He turned his head towards the sound, and Penny's smiling face filled his vision. He opened his mouth again but the same croak as before was all that came out.
"Oh! Let me get you some water to drink." She rose in a rustle of fabric and moments later, a cup of cool water was pressed against his parched lips. "You will have to rise a little so the water does not spill"
He did as she asked, moving to prop himself up against the pillows, the small effort strangely draining him of energy. The water provided some measure of relief and he finally was able to speak.
"What happened?" he rasped, feeling tired. "The last thing I remember is going to sleep on the floor, what time is it?"
"You fell ill, but you must not talk right now, I will have some soup brought up." she rose up to go, but his hand shot out and grasped her wrist.
"What time is it and why the bloody hell are you not on your way to find your brother?" he asked firmly. To his surprise, she jerked away from his touch as though she had been burned. Hmm...interesting.
"I could hardly leave you to your fate." she said quietly, her expression carefully shuttered as though she had something she wished to hide. "You were very ill."
"How long?"
"Three days." She turned away and left the room.
"Bloody hell!" he muttered, shoving aside the covers and swinging his legs over the side. The movement set his head spinning and he fell back onto the bed, shutting his eyes till he was certain the room had stopped spinning before opening them again. He found himself staring up at the window and even from this angle, it was obvious the sun was up and about. His mind wandered to Penny.. she had stayed behind, risking her brother's safety to help him out, when it would have been so easy to have paid a nurse to take care of him while she continued on her journey. She had looked so tired, yet..the circles under her eyes did nothing to detract from her beauty...and that voice...