Chapter 23

"I'm pregnant. I'm going to have a baby" she broke out huskily and added before Audrey could speak "I saw a doctor. She confirmed it"

"My dear poor Penny" Audrey said, her voice a mixture of sympathy and disbelief. "My poor darling. But surely, Jeremy...."

"I haven't told him yet" Penny broke in. "I'm afraid Audrey. I'm afraid he will... Well, he will be awfully upset and then he will feel like he has to marry me"

"I should hope so" was Audrey's brisk comment. "Good heavens, Penny, you keep that man wrapped in cotton wool. Let him do some of the worrying. He should be upset, and he will most certainly have to marry you"

"I wouldn't let him" Penny said immediately. "I couldn't bear him to marry me under protest. It isn't enough. I only want him to want marriage if he wants it. Too... Unconditionally... I don't want him to marry me now because he feels obligated to"

Audrey looked at Penny's bent head, her eyes at once compassionate and incredulous. She ro