by Oliver Queen
He rose, and began pacing the length of the room deep in thought. He wondered what she must be doing right this moment, perhaps denouncing him as the vilest creature to walk the earth for trying to defend his honor.
Ah yes, the duel. Phillip grimaced, tugging off his cravat and tossing to the floor. Ordinarily, he would be filled with something akin to excitement and anticipation at the thought of an impending duel, but oddly enough this duel seemed to leave a bitter taste in his mouth, remembering it only stirred up memories of the shocked look on Penny's face when he'd issued the challenge. Dammit! Why did she affect him so much? He murmured a curse, raking a hand through his hair in exasperation. All she had to do was give him a look with those eyes of hers and he was haunted for the entire day.
Perhaps what he needed was to make love to her and get this wretched desire out of his system. That had been his intention the night before, thank heavens that plan had not worked or he would have had no choice but to propose marriage to her. The thought made him shudder. He cast a disdainful look at the rather cramped quarters, tomorrow he would set off for London and put all this nastiness behind him.
He pulled out his pocket watch and consulted the gold lined face. It was almost midnight, and for the first time he realized it had grown completely dark outside save for weak moonlight spilling through the open windows. Thankfully, he had only a few hours before he could leave. Despite the late hour, his mind was still on alert, sleep was far from his thoughts.
The stillness of the inn was shattered by the sounds of scuffling feet moving past his doors, accompanied by hushed whispers. He halted his pacing to listen, a scowl forming when he recognised one of the voices.
"What the hell?" he strode to the door and yanked it open. Edward and his father were huddled in deep conversation with the innkeeper. "What is going on here?"
The men looked towards him, their demeanor turning cold and distant as they realized Phillip stood there. Sir Inglewood cleared his throat and replied. "It is a private matter Your grace."
Phillip narrowed his eyes at the man in suspicion. He looked troubled and impatient and Phillip wondered what could be the cause of his unease. Hurried footsteps came down the stairs and Jane appeared looking slightly alarmed.
Jane grasped Edward by the arm."Have you found a physician yet? She is getting worse by the minute."
Who was getting worse? Phillip wondered, his eyes sweeping the scene before him. Something was wrong and he realized Penny was missing from the group. Had she been injured in some way? What had happened to her?
"Where is she?" His tone was sharp with anxiety. "Where is Miss Inglewood?"
Edward's lips set in thin line. "Why? Have you not insulted her enough?"
Fury rose in him and Phillip clenched his fists in an effort to rein in his temper. "Do not trifle with me unless you wish yourself harm. Where is Penny?"
Edward opened his mouth to retort but Sir Inglewood laid a restraining hand on his arm. "No son, let me deal with this." he looked up at Phillip who stood glaring at them impatiently. "My daughter has suddenly taken ill with a fever, we are trying to get hold of a physician."
Phillip felt alarm rise in him. Penny was ill? He turned to the innkeeper who had stood silent, watching the proceedings, "Is there a doctor nearby?"
The man nodded eagerly. "Yes, Your grace, just o'er the hill. I can send a servant to fetch him."
"See to it he is summoned at once." Phillip barked.
The man bowed and hastily withdrew to do his bidding. The others stood stunned at the way he had taken charge. "Is there anyone with her at the moment?"
Jane shook her head, releasing her husband's arm to return back to Penny. "I am."
Edward chose to accompany her, casting one last scowl at Phillip before retreating up the stairs. Sir Inglewood murmured something about seeing to the inn keeper and sidled past him to the main room of the inn leaving Phillip standing alone, torn between damning convention and mounting those stairs to demand to see Penny. He felt a stab of guilt as he recalled the harsh words he had hurled at her just a few hours ago. Finally, with a defeated sigh, he turned to join Sir Inglewood and await the physician.
He found the older gentleman seated by the fire gazing into the flames. Sir Inglewood looked up briefly when Phillip entered but went back to contemplating the fire without a word. Phillip crossed to the window and gazed outside at the deserted yard, his mind filled with concern for the slight woman who lay upstairs consumed with fever.
A half hour passed before the sounds of hoof beats disturbed the stillness of the night. From his post by the window, Phillip could just make out two figures on horses pulling into the yard and dismounting.
"Is that the doctor?" Sir Inglewood rose to stand next to Phillip at the window. The latter nodded, moving away quickly and striding towards the closed entrance. A moment later, the door was pulled open and a tall man bundled up against the cold hurried in carrying a large leather case. The man nodded to Phillip, setting down the case to unravel the thick scarf covering his neck and chin, as well as his coat and hat revealing a full head of red hair and a strong, competent face.
The innkeeper hurried in after the man, shutting the door to keep out the cold air. "The doctor is here Your grace." he announced unnecessarily.
The doctor straightened from searching in his bag and held out his hand towards Phillip, his eyes crinkling with good humor. "Alasdair Lachlan at your service. Where is the young lady?"
Sir Edward spoke up in reply. "She is upstairs, come I will show you the way."
Alasdair nodded and picked up his bag, following him up the stairs. Phillip followed them, stopping only when they reached the entrance to Penny's room. Through the open door, he caught a glimpse of her curled up on the bed, shadows from the candles playing across her face, forehead gleaming with perspiration, just before the door was shut firmly. He swore softly to himself and settled down on an armchair to wait, ignoring the icy glares Edward and his father kept sending his way.
A few moments passed before the door opened and Alasdair returned to the living room. The men shot to their feet anxious to hear the doctor's findings.
"Well?" Phillip demanded, his mouth set in a straight line. "How is she?"
The doctor smiled at him reassuring. "She has got a fever, but it is nothing to worry about unduly. I have given her some of my special herbs, so the fever should break by morning. I will remain here in the inn and check on her when it is daylight."
Sir Inglewood heaved a sign and sunk back in his chair, exhaustion and relief clearly visible on his face. "Thank the lord it is not something more serious, are you certain she will all right by morning Mr. Lachlan?"
"Aye. My herbs have yet to fail me, she will be all right. Excuse me gentlemen?" The doctor bowed and eased out the room. Phillip finally tore his gaze away from Penny's closed door.
"I will return in the morning as well." he murmured, striding after the man.
Penny opened her eyes to find herself staring into a pair of kind gray eyes. Her gaze traveled down to take in the rest of the face that hovered above her own, taking in features that were somehow not strange to her.
"Hello again!" the stranger's lips curved in a pleased smile and he gently brushed a strand of damp hair from her forehead. Penny stared at the man, trying hard to recall where she had met him. She opened her mouth to reply, but found her throat painfully parched and devoid of words. All that came out was a low groan.
"Here, drink this." he held a cup of water to her lips, raising her slightly so she could drink her fill. When she was satisfied, he set her back down gently, rearranging the covers over her, his motions tender and careful.
"I...I know you." she whispered, finding her voice at last though it came out hoarse.
He rewarded her with a smile. "Aye, but you should not exert yourself my lady."
Jane came in carrying a stack of clean sheets and beamed in delight when she saw Penny awake. "You're awake! Oh how marvelous, indeed Mr. Lachla
n, those herbs are a miracle."
Mr. Lachlan? Was that his name? Penny wondered, watching as he straightened from the bed, bestowing a smile at Jane. "Aye they are, been handed down the family for generations."
Jane perched on the edge of the bed and took Penny's hand between hers. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired, have I been ill?"
"Yes, you took ill quite suddenly last night, but Mr. Lachlan has been a most wonderful physician. I am so glad to see you awake again. I must inform Edward and your father, they have been most anxious for news." she rose and hurried out, leaving Penny once more in the company of Mr. Lachlan.
Penny watched her hurry away then turned to the stranger Jane had introduced as Mr. Lachlan. "I remember. We met yesterday...under the tree?"
He looked up from gathering his instruments back in the black bag. "Aye. Aladair Lachlan at your service Miss Inglewood."
The door opened once more admitting her family who hurried to her side with exclamations of pleasure. She noticed Alasdair slip away and idly wondered if she would meet him again.
CHAPTER 22 ROMANCE
"You are looking well Miss Inglewood." Startled, Penny's head jerked up. Lord Farnsworth stood at the doorway, his intense gaze leveled at her. His lips twisted in a smile as he stepped into the parlor, 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 laps, feeling her face heat under his scrutiny. She wondered that he had not yet returned to London, surely there was nothing keeping him here. "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 here 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 lending him an air of a 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 eager 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 gray eyes twinkling in good humor. "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 descend 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 smoldering 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 dam...I never called you a whore!"
"Oh you merely implied it, in front of my family no less. Step aside Phillip, Alasdair 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.
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 honor 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."