by Oliver Queen
"How have you been?" He asked quietly, though there was something in his tone that caused her to look up sharply.
"I am well, thank you." she replied, letting her fingers weave the needle in and out of the cloth automatically. "And may I inquire as to your well-being?"
He shrugged, the moment drawing her gaze to his broad shoulders. "I am well, thank you Miss Inglewood. And your family?"
"Why are you here?" she cut in, setting aside the cloth to lean forward, clasping her hands together as she gazed earnestly at him. "What do you want if not to make good on your threat?"
He sighed and raked a hand through his hair, leaning forward also. Penny was stunned to see the uncertain look in his eyes and she wondered what he had to say that made him so nervous. "I have a proposition for you Miss Inglewood, a way of saving your brother and halting the scandal that is surely spreading like wildfire even as we speak."
Penny frowned at him in puzzlement. What on earth was he on about now? What proposition? She narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion. "What proposition Your grace?"
He leaned back, steepling his fingers, his gaze unfathomable once more. "I wish you to become my wife."
Penny gaped at him in shock, certain she had misheard him. "I beg your pardon?"
"It is only temporary of course, just long enough to dispel some of the more...shall I say..unsavory..rumors, something that will benefit the both of us immensely should you agree to my proposal..."
"NO!" she shot to her feet, glaring daggers at him. "No!"
"Such a hasty denial." He chuckled drily, "You have not even heard the rest of my terms."
"I said no! I would rather walk through the depths of hell than agree to a marriage with you."
Phillip grinned. "Not even to save your precious little brother?" he rose and came to stand so close to her, there was not a hair's breath between them. His grin faded to be replaced by a predatory look. "I would advice you to consider the matter carefully Penny. For you must be assured that I will carry on with the duel if you refuse my suit. Agree to my terms and I will spare his life."
"You are a coward Phillip." she spat at him, fists clenched tightly by her sides. "You always resort to threats and blackmail to have your way. Well let me tell you this...I will never agree to your evil proposal. Damn the consequences."
He smiled and stepped away, turning towards the front door. "You obviously need some time to consider this properly. You have till dawn tomorrow. If you wish to see me, I will be at my house her in Millcote. Consider carefully Miss Inglewood."
He left, barely missing the heavy glass vase Penny hurled in his direction. She watched it shatter into tiny little pieces, the same way her heart had shattered.
CHAPTER 24 SURPRISE
"You look like hell." Lord Henry observed, raising an eyebrow as he watched Phillip stalk into his study. His friend indeed looked disheveled, cravat loosened, hair awry and his expression dark and stormy. Henry leaned back the high backed leather seat and waited, though he was filled with curiosity.
Phillip growled, the sound emanating low in his throat and shot Henry a dirty look. "Shut up Hensley."
The eyebrow rose higher. "That's impossible I am afraid, considering you are in my house, in my study and your boots are wearing a hole in my carpet...an expensive carpet, I feel obligated to point out." He rose and crossed to the side table stacked with spirits and poured two drinks. "What's eating you?"
Phillip snorted, raking a hand through his hair in frustration before snatching a glass of brandy from Henry, downing the amber liquid in one gulp. "Bloody women." he muttered, grimacing at his empty glass.
Henry grinned in understanding. "Ah! I should have guessed. There's nothing that riles a man's spirit like a good stubborn woman."
"Pour me another." Phillip held out his glass. The earl obliged, pouring him another generous helping which was drained in one gulp. "Damned women. I swear they have been placed on this earth for the sole purpose of destroying a man's peace of mind."
Henry threw back his head and let loose a shout of laughter, earning him a malevolent glare. He quietened down into amused chuckles, even as he lifted his glass to his mouth.
"I m glad I have managed to provide amusement for you." Phillip snapped, his temper worsening. He snatched the bottle and poured himself yet another helping.
"Sorry old chap, but I never thought I'd see the day you would lose your cool over a woman. I take it this has to do with our dear Miss Inglewood?"
"The devil take that woman." Phillip swore, downing his third glass and helping himself to his fourth. "The woman is a bloody menace, a stubborn wretched menace."
This elicited another laugh from Henry, who had settled back down on his seat, prepared to hear the tale. "Oh come now Phillip, the girl is a saint compared to some of the women you have surrounded yourself with since leaving Eton."
"A saint?" Phillip scoffed, "more like a Delilah."
"All this because she turned down your proposal? That is rather uncalled for, isn't it?"
Phillip narrowed his eyes at Henry in suspicion. "How did you know about the proposal? I only spoke to her yesterday."
"Lucy took the utmost delight informing me of your actions when I called round this morning, including the fact that her sister turned you down by means of a letter delivered to your home at dawn. May I say, I am quite surprised at you Phillip, offering her a temporary union in return for her brother's safety. Whatever possessed you?"
He did not respond immediately, instead crossing to the window to stare out in deep contemplation. "I do not wish to duel with her brother."
Henry paused in the process of taking a sip and stared at his friend incredulously. "And for that you were willing to marry her? That does not make the least bit of sense. A business trip or something else would serve as an equally appropriate excuse rather than the ridiculous notion of a temporary union. What is this really about Newbridge?"
Phillip merely shrugged, not breaking his study of the sprawling garden two stories below. "A business trip would only postpone the inevitable. Any other solution would have shown weakness...a hesitation. I cannot afford to be thought of as weak minded." he turned from the window, his expression grave. "One would think that a girl who up till now has had virtually no marriage offers would jump at the idea of being married to a duke."
"In the few weeks I have come to know Penelope Inglewood, she has never struck me as particularly covetous. And I do know she has a stubborn streak in her, though I have only seen displays of that trait when she is in your company." He leaned forward, his gaze intense on his friend. "Why did you really propose to her Phillip? I know you too well to simply believe you are willing to throw away your freedom- albeit temporarily- just for the sake of calling off a duel without seeming weak."
Phillip downed another drink, his mind dwelling on the past few hours. He still could not tell exactly what had possessed him to offer for her, his intentions had been to simply offer up an explanation and an apology for not keeping up with his promise to speak to her. Seeing her standing at the door glaring daggers at him, had unexpectedly ruffled him...a situation he still found most unpleasant and he had almost made a fool out of himself. Fortunately, his quick thinking had proffered up the excuse he had drummed up at the spur of the moment.
"Phillip?" Henry's voice penetrated his thoughts and Phillip glanced at him to find Henry studying him in puzzlement. "Why did you propose to her?"
"Do you have any inkling of the scandal this has caused? I can wager you a hundred pounds that right this moment, every household is talking about the elopement. I do not need to exact revenge on Edward and Jane Inglewood, the ton will see to it that the both of them are completely cut off, given the cold shoulder so to speak. That is enough punishment."
Henry studied his friend thoughtfully, tapping his empty glass against the arm of his chair. "That still does not resolve the mystery of your rather obnoxious offer. However, I agree with you on the matter of the ton. They can
be quite vicious and unforgiving, yes, that will be punishment enough."
"You are like a dog with a bone Hensley." Phillip groused, going to sit on an armchair close to the fireplace. He tugged off his cravat with a grimace and leaned his head back against the headrest.
"Perhaps, but I feel like there is something you are not telling me Phillip. I was under the assumption you did not wish to be trapped into marriage. You have been particularly adverse to marriage."
"I did mention it was going to be temporary." Phillip pointed out, "a mere business arrangement that would serve our mutual purpose."
"Which is?"
"An honorable way out of the duel. Besides, a union would ensure the scandal does not linger, something I assumed Penny would find reasonable."
Henry's look of confusion lifted to be replaced by incredulity as Phillip's words sank in. "By Gad! I never thought I'd see the day the notorious Lord Farnsworth care for a woman. You did it to protect her, didn't you? To protect her from scandal, you offered marriage knowing that by becoming your duchess, every scandal would be instantly forgotten."
"What nonsense are you sprouting Hensley? Has the brandy addled your brain?"
"You care for her Phillip, admit it at least. You would not have offered for her if you did not care for her in some way."
Phillip leveled a cold look at Lord Henry. "Have you been reading those silly romance stories your sister favors so much? I told you my reason for proposing, and she declined my offer."
"That is because you went about it the damned wrong way. You tried to blackmail Penelope into marrying you, more so after you accused the poor girl of trying to trick you into marriage. Of course she turned you down, you idiot."
"Yes well, there will be no repeats of such foolishness on my part. I have no intentions of asking her again."
"You turned him down?" Fiona Ingram stared at Penelope in disbelief, "You turned Lord Farnsworth's proposal down. Are you mad?"
Penny grimaced, intensely regretting telling her friend about Phillip's utterly ridiculous proposal. The only reason she had confided in Fiona was because she'd been hoping her friend would support her decision, especially since the rest of her family all thought she was insane to turn down Phillip.
"Why does everyone seem to think he is the answer to all our prayers?" she said aloud, rubbing her temple wearily. "The man is a despicable fiend."
"Fiend or no, he offered to marry you, in return for sparing your brother's life and it is not as though you will be tied to him forever, he only wants a temporary marriage. Maybe he wants an heir...one never knows with rich men like him."
"I have a feeling that all Edward needs to do is to offer the man a heartfelt apology." Penny pointed out. "The duke does not strike me as willing to carry on with the duel anyway. Edward is a married man now, and much as I love him, he brought this on himself. Let him get himself out of it. I do not want to marry Lord Farnsworth."
Fiona looked thoughtful for a moment. "And what does your father say about it?"
Penny sighed again, lowering her gaze to study the grass she trampled underfoot, mentally comparing it to the lush greenery of Scotland and finding it wanting. "Papa feels I should have at least waited to hear more of the duke's reasons before turning it down."
"Penny, you do realize that the entire town is aware of what happened? There have been many an unpleasant word uttered against you...by marrying Lord Farnsworth, you will silence those tongues."
"I am well aware of the scandal Fiona." Penny laughed, though pain stabbed through her heart, "I knew it would amount to this."
Fiona paused in her walking and reached for her friend's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You have my support Penny, always. And while I do not completely understand your reasons for turning the duke down, I support your decision. Edward should seek ways to make amends for his wrong deeds. It is extremely selfish of him to even hope you would trade your happiness for his."
A tear slid down Penny's cheek. The past weeks had been particularly difficult and emotional. Her heart still ached in pain each time she remembered Phillip, and with her family disapproving of her actions, it felt good to have someone offer support. "Thank you, that means so much to me."
Fiona smiled, patting the hand clasped in hers. "Not to worry my dear, like my dear mother-in-law always says, it is always darkest before dawn. Soon all this will be just a distant memory." Her eyes focused on a spot beyond Penny's shoulder and she leaned forward. "Mr Barstow..." she murmured softly.
Penny turned to look in the direction her friend was looking. Sure enough, she could just make out the reed thin form of Victor Barstow , his attention focused on the book he carried. Apparently, he had not yet noticed them, though he would in a few moments.
"Good afternoon Mr. Barstow!" Fiona called out to get his attention. Victor looked up, slightly confused for a moment, fumbling with the book, then shutting it with a snap.
Victor approached them, his gaze shifting slightly to Penny before hastily returning to Fiona. "G-good a-fternoon Mrs. Ingram...Miss Inglewood." His tone was a tad colder when her addressed Penny and she felt her heart sink. His manner was aloof as well and she suspected he also regarded her as a fallen woman.
"Good afternoon Mr. Barstow, it is good to see you today." She carefully kept her voice neutral, waiting for his response.
He looked uncomfortable , his eyes darting everywhere except at her. "Yes, yes..quite good indeed."
The next few moments were spent in an uncomfortable silence, then Victor muttered an excuse and beat a hasty retreat. Penny watched him go sadly. So this was the fate that awaited her now?
"Are you all right dearest?" Fiona's kind voice broke into the haze of her thoughts and Penny merely nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Wordlessly, she resumed the walk home.
Penny stared at the magnificent carriage idling near the house, noting the elaborate coat of arms carved on its doors, as well as the footmen and driver, all dressed in green and gold livery. She wondered who had come to visit...the coat of arms was not at all familiar. Lifting her skirts, she hurried into the house, following the sound of voices to the main living room. She caught her breath in surprise when her eyes fell on the red haired man deep in conversation with her father.
"Mr. Lachlan?" she gasped, wondering what he could be doing in her living room. He turned towards her, his handsome face breaking into a grin as his gaze fell on her. He crossed the room in three strides, coming to a halt before her.
"My lady," Alasdair bowed deeply, reaching for her hand to press a kiss upon. Penny could only stare at him in shock, dimly aware that he had spoken at all. "You are looking well, if I must say so."
"What are you doing here? I thought...when did you arrive?"
"I came to pay a visit as promised." His eyes twinkled merrily, and he gently led her to a nearby chair. "And I have been here for about an hour. Your father informed me that you had gone for a walk. I am glad I waited though, it is such a pleasure to see you again."
CHAPTER 25 FRIVOLITIES
"I love London!" Lucy executed a twirl around the room, arms outstretched in delight. "It is so wonderful...so different from Millcote. Did you notice how many people we passed on the way here?"
Penny looked up from the gown she was embroidering to cast an indulgent smile towards Lucy. "Indeed I noticed."
"Lucy stopped twirling and hurried to gaze out the windows in dreamy wonder. "Henry's home is so beautiful Penny, I can hardly believe I am soon to be mistress of this place. I shall go mad with amazement."
"You should wait until after the wedding to exhibit any madness. Lord Hensley may not take too well to marrying a mad woman after all." Penny teased, returning her attention to the intricate needlework. She eyed the pale blue silk gown with satisfaction. The dress would be perfect for the engagement ball tonight, and she was certain Henry would be awed at the sight of his bride to be wearing it.
Lucy giggled, turning from the window to face Penny. "This is so exciting
! I am getting married in a week to the most wonderful man God ever made. Not to mention an entire week of shopping in the most splendid city in the world!" She clasped her hands together and affected a haughty manner. "Her Ladyship, the Countess of Margrove, Lady Lucille Hensley!"
Penny laughed aloud as Lucy executed an extravagant curtsy, nearly toppling over in the process as her slipper caught against the hem of her gown. "Oh Lucy do be careful." she cautioned in between chuckles, "it will be dreadful should you break a leg."
Lucy grinned and flopped down beside Penny. "It is good to hear you laugh Penny, you have been most solemn since Edward eloped." She idly reached out and fingered the delicate fabric of the gown, her expression becoming serious. "You miss him, don't you?"
"Who? Mr. Lachlan? I hardly know him very well Lucy and have not seen him since he paid us a visit two weeks ago...too bad his sister took ill so sudden..."
"I was not talking about Mr. Lachlan, though I will admit he is quite dashing...those eyes will make a woman melt into pools of desire and..."
"Lucille Inglewood!"
"Oh for heaven's sake Penny, no need to be scandalized. But Mr. Lachlan aside, I was not referring to the luscious Laird, rather to the devilish duke."
Penny gaped at Lucy, then narrowed her in suspicion. "What are you up to?"
Her sister's eyed widened, taking on an innocent look. "Nothing. I am just curious is all. You never talk about him, but whenever his name comes up, you blush like a bride at her wedding n..."
"You must be mistaken Lucy," Penny cut in hurriedly, "I do not like the man much. Certainly not after that wretched proposal."
"But surely you must feel something for him. I know you liked him before you both went to Scotland, after all you kissed him in the maze that night and I have seen the way he looks at you when he thinks no one notices."