Free Fenella J Miller by A House Party

now. We realized tonight our feelings
are engaged and he proposed. We’re to be married in September.’
    Her aunt’s
expression could only be called smug. ‘As I thought, my dear. It is no surprise to me, I can tell you. You are made for each other.’ The old
lady beamed and stared pointedly at the hidden hand. ‘Well, my dear, are you
intending to show me your betrothal ring?’
    Impulsively, Penny leant down and
kissed her aunt’s papery cheek. ‘So your sudden interest in balloons was a ruse
to get us together again? If I’d known I would have refused to come here.’ She
smiled affectionately. ‘However, I shall insist that you ascend when the time
comes. It shall be your punishment for deviousness.’
    ‘I shall do no such thing, my
girl. I have no need to dissemble about my dislike of such things. If anyone
steps into the basket from this family it will have to be you. Now, the ring, if you please.’

 
    Ned had been watching Penny
closely, waiting for a sign that Lady Dalrymple knew the truth. He smiled as he
saw his darling girl discreetly hold out her left hand with the ring. He smiled
politely at Hastings, the recently acquired bride of his friend, Sir Richard
Hastings.
    ‘Pray excuse me, Lady Hastings, I
wish to speak to Miss Coombs.’
    He nodded to Foster, who was
hovering by the concealed entrance at the far side of the room, before
strolling casually towards the girl who made his life complete. He didn’t
consider himself a sentimental fellow, had never understood the posturing and
soul-searching that appeared to afflict some gentlemen when they viewed the
lady of their choice.
      From tonight this was clear to him. A veil had
been drawn aside to reveal Penny as she really was. How could he not have
realized she was perfect in every way? To think, if it hadn’t been for
Wellington he might never have renewed their acquaintance, might never have
discovered that he loved her. Shocked to the core by this revelation he almost
fell over his feet, much to amusement of Lady Dalrymple and his beloved.
    ‘My lord, surely you have not
imbibed too much so early in the evening?’
    He grinned as he bowed low. ‘No,
Lady Dalrymple, I have not. I am merely drunk with happiness.’
    Penny’s smile sent coils of heat
into his groin. He was going to insist that their nuptials took place at the
earliest possible opportunity. He couldn’t wait until September.
    ‘Weston, you look a trifle
flushed. Would you care to borrow my fan? I believe I have one somewhere in my
reticule.’
    He stepped closer in order to
whisper in her ear. ‘You’re impertinent, my darling. I shall expect you to pay
penance when we’re alone again.’ He watched with satisfaction as her face
suffused. ‘Good, I see we understand each other perfectly.’
    ‘Weston, I think now would be a
good time to make your announcement,’ Lady Dalrymple commented dryly.

 
    Penny felt an inappropriate giggle
escape. ‘Oh dear, is everybody staring at us? It’s your fault, Ned. You’ve no
sense of propriety.’
    ‘None at all,
where you’re concerned, my love.’ He placed a possessive arm around her
waist and they turned to face their audience.
    She kept her eyes lowered, not
wishing to see the knowing looks, the nods and winks, or the lascivious leers
from the older gentlemen.
    ‘Lords, ladies and gentlemen it
is with great pleasure that I announce my engagement to Miss Coombs.’ He waited
for the footmen to offer the champagne before continuing. ‘I ask you to raise
your glasses to the most beautiful lady in England. Miss Penelope Coombs.’
    Penny heard her name repeated and
nervously raised her head to receive the congratulations. The stem of a crystal
glass was being pressed into her hand. Instinctively her fingers closed. By the
time to Foster announced dinner her mouth was stiff from smiling as she
received the felicitations of each member of the house party. If Ned had not
kept close by her side she would have fled the room