A Penny’s Worth Of Affection: A Novel (12 page)

Henry scowled at the paper before him and cast it aside impatiently, rising to his feet and striding through the doors of his study to the main hall. His scowl deepened on discovering his butler was nowhere to be found. He leaned over the marble balustrade and hollered for the man.

A minute later, Georges appeared on the landing and raised an eyebrow in surprise at the look of impatience on his master's usually cheerful face. "You called My lord?"

"Where the devil did you disappear to?" Henry asked, returning to the study to assume his position behind the gleaming, massive desk. "I asked you to hang around."

Georges bowed, "My apologies my lord, Mrs. Middleton was having some trouble with the door to the larder. I went to offer assistance."

The scowl lifted from Henry's face and he nodded and retrieved the paper he had cast aside previously "When was this delivered? And by whom?"

"Early this morn My lord. I received the letter from a young lad, but he merely said it came in from the mail coach this morning."

"I see." Henry thought for a moment, a frown marring his features once more. "This is rather unexpected, but I cannot say I am surprised at all."

"Indeed My lord?" Georges asked curiously, though his expression was carefully blank as was expected in all competent butlers. He spared the letter a glance then returned his gaze to his employer.

Henry did not respond, merely forming a steeple with his long lean fingertips and thought deeply for a few moments. His mind was working furiously on the matter at hand, and he knew what must be done to prevent the scandal that was already threatening to blow out of proportion. Damn Phillip and his blasted stubbornness. If only he had listened to his advice...

He rose and reached for his morning coat and hat. "Saddle my horse at once Georges, I must be off as soon as possible."

"Very well My lord."

"And ask Peter to pack a bag for a few days journey, he is to bring it to the Inglewood farm as soon as possible."

"Of course. Will you be gone for a long time My lord?"

"I imagine not." Henry took the stairs two at a time, shrugging on his coat as he moved quickly. "It should be three days or four at the most, I hope it is not too late."

The butler nodded and slipped away in the direction of the stables leaving Henry pacing the elaborate entrance hall impatient to be off at once. To say he had been most surprised to
receive a letter from Lady Jane Rosebury asking for his help would be an understatement, more so since the lady in question had apparently admitted to willingly eloping with none other than Edward Inglewood. Of all the wonders on earth, that bit of information had been the most surprising.

He wondered what Phillip would have to say about the matter. No doubt, this was the reason for the duke's recent absence , Henry reasoned, fishing in the pockets of his coat for his leather riding gloves. Instead, his hand closed over the crumpled letter which he must have slipped into his pockets and pulled it out, smoothing it out so he could read it again. There were dried spots on the writing paper which hinted at tears...why would she be in tears? He scanned the contents quickly.

Dear Lord Hensley

I am certain this letter will come as a shock to you, but I have no one else to turn to. As you may probably have heard, either from Lord Farnsworth or perhaps through rumors which I am sure will have circulated by now, Edward Inglewood and I have decided to go to Gretna Green and tie our vows as man and wife.

I know it is a scandal, but what else could I do? I love Edward as much as he loves me and I could not bear the thought of being married to Lord Farnsworth, someone who does not care for me. Please don't judge me on the basis of this scandal.

Please, we find ourselves in need of help. We are certain Lord Farnsworth will come after us and heaven only knows what he will do when he does. His temper is quite awful, and he will find some way to punish us for what we have done. I appeal to you Lord Hensley as you are the only one who can prevail upon Lord Farnsworth, to come to our aid in some way. I am terribly sorry for the inconvenience this is bound to cost you, but we really do not know who else to turn to for protection for Papa will not be able to do so.

We are still on our way to Scotland, we have only stopped at an inn, a place called The Wayside due to the storm, but we will be on our way. I do not have any regrets about my decision to marry Edward, I only fear the consequences of our action. Thank you for being so understanding Lord Hensley, I remain..

Jane Rosebury.

Henry read the letter once more. Jane was right in assuming that Phillip would go after them, possibly to seek some form of revenge, possibly a duel that would most certainly take Edward's life, for Phillip was more than skilled in wielding a sword and Henry only hoped he would be able to get to Gretna Green in time to prevent any unnecessary bloodshed.

The sound of footsteps drew him from his thoughts and he looked to see his valet standing a distance away. Henry folded up the letter carefully and replaced it in his pocket, eyes holding a troubled expression. He found his leather gloves in the left pocket, pulled them out, then addressed Peter.

"Did you receive my instructions?" He asked, tugging a glove over his left hand.

Peter nodded. "Yes Your lordship, I merely wish to inquire as to your destination so I may know the appropriate clothing to pack."

"Scotland." Henry replied, turning back towards the huge doors that served as the entrance to the house. He could hear hoof beats and a moment later the door opened and Georges announced his mount was ready for him.

Issuing further instructions, Henry mounted the horse smoothly and set off towards Inglewood farm.

A few minutes of hard riding brought him to Inglewood farm, looking rather deserted as there was no smoke rising from the chimney and the house in general had an unoccupied look to it. He brought the horse to a stop close to the little stone path that led to the front door and dismounted.

"Any one here?" Henry called out, sweeping off his hat and applying his knuckles to the solid oak door in a few sharp raps. As he had expected, there was no response or movement from within, but he could hear the sounds of animals coming from somewhere behind the house.

He turned to take the path that led round the house to the farmyard, following the sounds of the animals. As he rounded the path, he almost collided with a young lad coming the other way, a pitchfork in hand. The boy mumbled an apology, studying the earl from beneath his lashes which Henry noted were impossibly long for a boy, and gave him a sort of feminine look.

"Be begging ye pardon ye Lordship," the boy apologized, reaching up to snatch away the cap from his head, revealing a tumble of unruly red curls. "I 'eard ye call out, but didna know ye would come this way."

Henry studied the boy for a moment, taking in the slender frame and almost feminine look the lad had about him, even his voice was a tad too soft for a growing boy...he dismissed the thought, focusing back on the reason for his visit.

"Who are you? and where are the occupants of the house?" He demanded, his gaze sweeping through the yard, but finding no one else present.

The boy shrugged his thin shoulders, his eyes fixed on the ground as though there was something that held his interest there. "I don't know yer lordship, Sir Inglewood has gone in search of them."

Henry started at this bit of information. When had the father returned? And was he aware of what had happened with his son? "Sir Inglewood? The father, is he here?"

The boy looked up briefly then resumed his communion with the dirt, but not before Henry caught a flash of something in his strange violet eyes. "He has gone in search of his family...yer lordship."

"I see, and when did he arrive?"

"Just this morning sir. We found the house deserted"

"And are you are?"

The lad shifted uncomfortably, moving from one foot to the other, the pitchfork still resting on his left shoulder. "Jack, yer lordship."

Henry studied the boy for a few more minutes then nodded and turned to walk back towards the front of the house. He worried about Lucy and hoped she was alright. The sound of hoof beats filled the still morning air and a lone horse and rider appeared over the slope, coming to a halt close to Henry. He could see the rider was an elderly gentleman with a full head of snowy white hair dressed in rather eccentric clothes. The man dismounted and approached, his expression curious yet wary. As he drew closer, Henry could see he bore a rather close resemblance to the younger Edward Inglewood, and surmised that this would be Sir Inglewood.

He bowed, feeling the man's eyes on him. "Good day sir, I assume you must be the master of the house?"

Sir Inglewood nodded slowly, his gaze taking in every inch of Henry. "Indeed I am, and who might you be young man?"

"I am Lord Hensley, Earl of Tulley, I have the pleasure of being acquainted with your family sir, and I just learned you have recently returned?"

"You know Penelope?" Sir Inglewood edged closer, his face anxious for information. "Do you know where she has gone?"

At that moment, Henry realized it was possible Penny had gone after her brother, perhaps taking Lucy with her or leaving her in the care of someone. He seemed to recall the first time he had been introduced to Penelope, she had been in the company of another woman who appeared to be a close friend. What was the woman's name?

"Have you heard the news Sir?" he asked Sir Edward.

"What news? What has happened?" The man's face turned ashen with worry and he came even closer. "Has some tragedy befallen them that I do not know?"

Henry decided to come right out with it. "Your son eloped with a lady, a few days ago. I assume your eldest daughter has gone in search of him, but I am not certain."

Sir Inglewood shut his eyes and sighed, running a hand through his soft white mane. "Ah...I should have known he would...I should have gotten here sooner..."

Henry silently agreed with the man. It was in very bad form to leave the responsibilities of raising such a spirited young man to an equally young lady and go traipsing off to parts unknown without a thought to the consequences. However, he carefully cleared his expression of any traces of disapproval and simply watched as Sir Edward berated himself. Standing around would not help. And Henry was eager to be off to Scotland before Phillip did some damage, but he needed to ensure that Lucy was safe.

"Do you if Miss Inglewood has any friends she may have entrusted with the Lucy's care?" he asked quietly.

Sir Edward thought for a moment then his face lit up. "I believe I know where she is." Without waiting for a reply, he turned and hurried back to his mount, only casting a glance to check if Henry was following, and seeing the earl already mounted, he urged his horse forward.

The minute they arrived at Mrs. Ingram's cottage, the front door opened and Lucy came flying out in a blur of skirts and petticoats towards them. She launched herself at her papa the minute he alighted and burst into sobs.

"Papa! Thank heavens you are here at last." she sobbed, clinging to her father desperately, not even acknowledging Henry who stood beside them watching her with a fond smile "It's terrible, Edward has run away with Jane, Penny went after them and there has been no word at all. I am so frightened papa"

Sir Inglewood held his daughter soothingly, whispering words of assurance. Henry looked on then moved his gaze to the plump woman who had just exited the cottage in the company of two other young ladies. The minute they noticed him, they bobbed a curtsy, which he returned with a bow.

"H..henry?" Lucy finally noticed him and blushed to the roots of her fair hair, pulling away from her father. "What are you doing here?"

He smiled at her, reaching for her hand and lifting it to his lips. "I was worried about you Miss Lucy. I am glad to find you in excellent health."

"Oh!" she murmured, blushing even more if that was possible, "Thank you..but how did you know about..."

"Perhaps we had better retire indoors where we can discuss this matter away from prying ears?" Mrs. Ingram suggested lightly. They all agreed and moved indoors.

Once they were seated in the tiny living room, Lucy choosing a seat next to Henry, which earned her a fond smile from the latter, Sir Inglewood leaned forward. "What really happened?" he asked.

Henry cleared his throat and narrated what he knew, with Lucy supplying details every now and then. At some point, he surreptitiously reached for her hand, giving it a quick squeeze, letting her tiny hand rest in his warm, large own. When he wound to a stop, the entire room was silent, each one lost in thought.

Finally, Sir Inglewood rose. "I must go after them.. something has to be done at once. I am apprehensive about this Lord Farnsworth."

Henry released Lucy's hand and rose, straightening his jacket. "I will accompany you. It will be best if we set off at once."

An hour later, Henry set off for Gretna Green in the company of Sir Inglewood. He sincerely hoped Phillip and Penny had not caught up with the eloped couple yet.

The carriage ride seemed endless and it seemed the wheels found every single rut on the road, the result being a constant jarring that set her teeth on edge and caused a headache of the most agonizing proportions. She envied Phillip for being on horseback, at least he would not have to put up with this agony like she was forced to. They had left the inn just as the sun was beginning to rise higher in the sky and Phillip had set a grueling pace, and they had not stopped since setting off. She sighed and shut her eyes, but the action only seemed to make matters worse, for the rolling motion set off flutters in her belly, threatening to expel the morning meal in a most unladylike fashion, so she snapped them open and leaned over to jerk back the lace curtains, permitting the sunlight to stream into the otherwise dim vehicle. Looking out, she could see the terrain had changed subtly, from lush fields filled with daises and had become a breathtaking sight of rolling green hills and the occasional sparkling stream that called out to her.

She sighed and leaned back against the soft cushions, praying the journey would soon come to an end. She wondered what was going through Phillip's mind at the moment. Was he plotting some way to gain retribution against Edward? His ominous words back at the inn a few hours ago still disturbed her greatly and not for the first time, she wondered what he had in mind...nothing that bode well for the lovers, if the fierce expression on his face was anything to go by. Well, whatever he planned, she would not let him harm a hair on Edward's head. She would fight him with whatever strength she had in her body, she vowed silently, balling her hands into fists.

The carriage suddenly lurched sideways, taking her unawares and she was thrown, gasping as her shoulder came in contact with the hard edge of the seat. She could hear the horses whining loudly and Colin's softer tones trying to calm them even as the contraption drew to a halt.

"What on earth is going on?" she muttered to herself, rubbing at the stinging in her upper arm. She heard voices outside, strange voices and her alarm increased. Had they been beset by highwaymen? She could hear the voices coming closer, and realized they were speaking a language that was quite foreign to her ears, the sound of boots crushing stones and sand causing her to shrink back against the seat. A minute later the door was flung open and a florid faced man peered in, squinting in her direction. Penny suddenly realized he was momentarily blinded by the dim light and quickly chose that moment to strike. Quickly lifting her skirts, she struck out at the man with the tips of her boots, hitting him square on the nose. She heard the sickening crunch of bone breaking and her would be assailant let out a blood curdling howl and disappeared through the door.

She did not wait another second, lurching out after the man hastily, tumbling through the doors to crash rather unceremoniously on the mercifully soft earth. Dazed from the fall, it took her a moment to realize she was hearing something strange...the sound of hearty laughter. What on earth...?

She shook her head to clear her befuddlement and looked around her. There were several men- she counted five- gathered around staring down at her with varying expressions of amusement. Her eyes narrowed when she spotted Phillip a little way off leaning against a beech tree, watching her in equal amusement. She hastily got to her feet and ignoring the men, started towards him, her fists clenched in fury.

"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded angrily the minute she reached him. "Why did you allow those men to come into the carriage? Who are they?"

He raised an eyebrow in that annoyingly familiar way of his and chuckled. "I warned them you would not take kindly to being disturbed. They would not listen... I am quite proud of you."

She gaped at him in astonishment. This was so unlike Phillip, and who were they? She stole a quick glance back at the men who were still clustered around their injured comrade. As she watched, a buggy rolled up the steep hill slowing to a stop when it came alongside the men. They began issuing orders and commenced a search of the vehicle. She noted for the first time that they seemed to be clad in the same sort of attire, apparently a uniform. Were they guards of some sort? She wondered.

Turning back to Phillip she frowned at him crossly. "Who are they?"

"Border guards," he replied with a grin she wanted to slap away. "We are on the stretch of land that divides England from Scotland. These men have orders to search every vehicle that attempts a crossing."

"Well, they were very rude about it," she muttered, guilt filling her as she recalled the man she had unwittingly attacked. "They should have announced their intentions before barging in that way. He gave me quite a fright."

Phillip pushed off from the tree and came to stand close. Instantly, her senses went on full alert and she caught her breath at his nearness. "Yes, of course." he replied softly, his eyes darkening with some emotion she could not put a name to, but it only served to heighten her awareness of him. "I offered to inform you, but they were insistent..probably thought I had some guilty secret to conceal within the carriage. Fools."

Phillip lifted his hand to her face and her heart slammed against her ribcage. What was he going to do to her. "You look so enchanting when you are furious."

She gaped at him in wonder, even as she felt her cheeks heat up from his proximity. Was he actually...flirting with her? Had his fever returned due to the hard ride? "W-what?"

He touched her cheek, the contact kindling a burning desire, eliciting a gasp from her lips. "Has anyone ever told you how expressive your face is? It is like watching a play enact itself on your features...thus enchanting.."

Her face was expressive? That information did not settle well with Penny as she wondered in mortification if he could also detect the effect he had on her? She shook her head and took a step back, suddenly unwilling to have him so close to her. "Please don't.." she whispered softly, clenching her hands into fists as she struggled to gain control of her emotions. "Do not say such things to mock me Your grace."

Phillip's eyes flashed angrily and he dropped his hand to his side. When he spoke, his voice was cold and detached. "My apologies, I stepped out of line."

She lowered her gaze and nodded. Just then, someone cleared his throat and they both turned to see two of the guards approaching. Penny flushed as she saw the swollen and disjointed nose of the guard she had assaulted. She owed him an apology.

"'Cuse us yer lawdship," The other soldier, a freckled faced fellow with carrot colored hair bowed and spoke in barely recognizable English. "but yer best be movin along, apologies fer the delay, we jus be doing whas asked of us."

Penny stared at the man and wondered if Phillip had understood a word he had spoken. Her question was soon answered when beside her Phillip nodded brusquely and slipped a hand under her elbow intending to lead her back into the carriage. Penny hesitated and turned to the swollen nosed guard.

She smiled charmingly, hoping to soften her apology. "I am truly sorry for assaulting you," she said contritely, "I thought you were a highwayman come to rob us."

The man gingerly raised a finger to touch his nose, wincing as he did so, which earned him a grin from his companion. He turned to glare at him briefly before turning back to Penny. "Aye, tis nae trouble a awl, tis me own fawlt, shoulda called outta warning..didnae know yer were alarmed."

"I'm sorry," Penny said again feeling rather wretched for over reacting.

In truth, she had acted out of a mere sense of self preservation, justifiable after listening to so many dreadful tales of the atrocities committed by highwaymen, most of which had left her shuddering in revulsion. She stole a glance towards Phillip to find him paying close attention to the line of vehicles waiting to receive permission to pass into Scotland, a thoughtful frown on his dark features. As though he felt her scrutiny, his eyes moved to stare at her, his frown deepening.

He appeared struck by a realization and he turned to the guards. "You do inspect every one who passes through this border, don't you?" he asked, his tone sharp and direct.

Swollen nose nodded assent. "Aye, mi lawd." the other guard was also nodding curiously.

Penny immediately understood the reason for his enquiry and felt a wave of excitement sweep through her. Please God, she prayed silently, please let these guards remember them.

"Do you happen to recall, by any chance if a young fair haired lad and lady went by here on horseback?" Phillip asked, "Maybe not today, but yesterday and the day before?

The two men exchanged thoughtful glances then shook their heads in unison, "Nae yer lawdship," the red haired guard replied. "in troth, we get a lotta people seeking entry. I will ask the lads if any cannae recall such." He turned and walked back towards the other guards, swollen nose in tow. Returning a moment later, he reported that no, no one remembered seeing a couple fitting their description.

Penny felt the excitement die within her. The man was right, they must see a dozen faces each passing day and to hope someone would remember a couple traveling alone was folly. Her shoulders drooped in defeat.

"We will find them," Phillip murmured reassuringly, his mouth mere inches from her ear as her steered her towards the carriage. "Gretna Green is a small village, there can't be many places for them to stay without notice."

Penny allowed herself to be led and nodded at his words. "I certainly hope so, I worry they may have run out of funds or perhaps something has happened and they..." her voice choked off, and he stopped to place his hands on her shoulders and turn her to face him.

"Edward will be foolish indeed to have embarked on a journey without ensuring his companion will be well provided for." he said, his tone gentle and soothing. He brushed a tendril of loose hair from her face and when she flinched, he offered up a wry smile and dropped his hands.

"We should be on our way," he informed her, helping her into the carriage. "It will be dusk soon and we must seek shelter for the night."

Penny suddenly found herself loath to sit alone in the carriage, before she could think about it she turned to him. "Please stay with me.." she blushed crimson when his eyebrows rose in surprise, suddenly wishing she had never uttered those needy words. "Never mind, I do not know what came over me."

She cursed herself for her foolishness, and busied herself with arranging her skirts so as to avoid looking at him for fear of what expression he would have on his face. Mockery perhaps? She heard him leave and choked back tears. What sort of a fool had she become? She cringed in distaste, begging a man she disliked for company?

Outside, she could hear the shouts of the guards and other wayfarers going about their business, oblivious to the way she had shamed herself before the duke. She heard the crunch of boots approaching and looked up, curiosity turning to astonishment as Phillip climbed into the carriage and settled down in the seat opposite hers. Penny was certain her mouth was hanging open but somehow could not muster the will to close it.

He looked thoroughly amused at her surprise and reached over, thrusting a hand beneath her chin to shut her mouth. "Why so surprised Miss Inglewood? I happen to find the carriage quite comfortable. Thank you for the offer."

Penny stared at the man before her, but he simply grinned at her and stretched out his long legs, settling more comfortably on the seat and shut his eyes. "Wake me up when we arrive at Gretna Green, will you?"

"Why you..." Penny muttered crossly, but Colin had already set the horses in motion and she was thrown back against the seat, the words she had been about to utter stolen in a rush of breath. She contented herself with glaring at his sleeping form, planning all sorts of evil things she could do to him if she had the means to do so.

The carriage came to a halt, jolting her awake with a start. The interior of the carriage was dark, but there was a soft glow trying to penetrate the curtain. She rubbed her eyes tiredly and leaned over to peer out the window. Dusk had fallen while she slept but the glow of lanterns showed some sort of coaching inn yard, and a small, but well kept building which she surmised must be the inn itself.

"Have we arrived?" Phillip's voice floated out and she recalled he was inside with her.

"Yes, I think so." she replied, still peering out. He leaned forward and opened the door, admitting the cool evening air into the carriage.

"Wait here a moment," He instructed and alighted. She sat patiently, watching him walk up to Colin and after conferring with the young lad, he strode into the inn. Suddenly restless, Penny stepped down from the carriage and stood taking in the refreshing air. There were a few passengers milling about the yard, stable boys leading tired horses to the stables, but the atmosphere was quiet. Colin had busied himself with unfastening the horses from the carriage, and even in the dim light Penny could see how tired the boy was. He lifted his gaze and saw her looking at him, offering up an uncertain smile that transformed his face, and Penny understood why the girls of Millcote fawned over him.

Phillip returned, looking extremely pleased with himself. "I have secured us three rooms and a private parlour." He announced. "We will dine as soon as possible and I will begin the search for the two of them."

"Do you think they might be here in this very inn?" Penny asked, as they started towards the inn.

Phillip shook his head. "I have made the necessary inquiry, the owner swears he has no guests matching their descriptions, but he supplied me with a list of possible places to begin our search. I will commence tonight. However, it is imperative you rest from the journey, you must be hungry?"