NOVEL NEXT Chapter 402: Under attack (1)
"Ladies around the town must know he isn't at my side and think this would slip by me. I truly believe they have a talent to sense when to trouble me," Penelope said, unable to ignore the letter.
"I think there is a possibility. Come with me," Alessandra said, offering her hand to Penelope. "Rue and Julie will be joining us, as well as Ally. They will take your mind off what has occurred. Do not think of it."
"I don't understand how you could be so calm," said Penelope.
"There was a time when I hated it, but I have been married to your father for a long time to not notice it. He speaks of being annoyed that men try to get close to me despite knowing I am a married woman. I do not see it," Alessandra said, but she didn't doubt it happened.
"Tyrion might experience seeing other men try to get close to you. You've already been courted by someone while you are married. You cannot expect that everyone around you will respect your marriage as you respect it."
"I know. I won't think of it any longer," Penelope said, trying her best to move on. "I need to worry about their safe return. I also need to comfort Rue, as she has faced a great loss. Do you know if Julie is well? She is not used to seeing so much loss."
"I wrote to Eleanor, and she said Julie is putting on an act like she is well, but she is disturbed. Eleanor is also a little shaken up, so she will be with us today. I have offered for them both to stay the night," Alessandra said.
"It is best that we all be together. That way Reed would be at ease and we would know each other is safe. If only the queen could join us, but she must help prepare Teo's bride-to-be. I will write to her," Penelope decided. "Can I have flowers from the garden?'
"You may. It is a thoughtful gesture. Lady Heather wishes to come to town, but I advised her that now might not be the best time, and Dominic agrees. We will see them when we leave Lockwood," Alessandra said, looking forward to the time.
"We all need a time when we can just be amongst people we care for. We should stay for Teo's coronation and then leave. I cannot believe that after we depart, the estate will be Elijah's," Penelope said, looking around the home.
"Your father and I don't have any use for such a big home. Soon, it will only be Isabelle with us, so we don't require so many rooms. This estate was given to your father when he wanted to be alone. It is Elijah's turn to do what he wants with it," said Alessandra.
Alessandra noticed Penelope's sadness and said, "It will forever be all our homes. Your brother would never send you away if you want to visit, and if we return for any events of another season, we will stay here."
"I already missed my time here. There are days when I cannot believe that I have left here and made myself another home. My wish now is to fill Tyrion and my home with memories just as I did here," Penelope planned.
"I must admit that I do not miss father telling us that we cannot have any more pets. Tyrion doesn't like having too many, but he gifted me another. I hope they are well," Penelope said, thinking of her pets.
Penelope would bring them back to the estate, but she knew her father would grumble at the sight of them.
"I will save him from having too many pets in our home. Rather than animals, the next gift I will ask for will be a child. I can see his eyes sparkle already," Penelope chuckled.
"It would be quite a shock for him. Hazel and I believe that Tyrion looks forward to expanding your family more than you do. I am happy you found someone who loves you so dearly. I was worried," Alessandra confessed.
"Worried about what I had to choose from?" Penelope questioned, understanding the concern.
"No. Worried that it would take some time for you to find the one meant for you. It took your father and me some time to find our way to each other. I worried you would be disappointed by how long it can sometimes take to find love."
Penelope placed her hand to her mouth, trying to hide her smile. "Mother, it took father and you so long because one of you hates to be around others and the other was forced to be alone. I am lucky to have the chance to look around when I come of age."
"You are right," Alessandra realised her mistake.
Penelope inched closer to her mother. "If not for Tyrion, I would not have minded waiting for my future husband. I have witnessed what blossoms from having a little patience. You mustn't worry about us, mother."
"I cannot help it," Alessandra admitted. "One day you will understand."
A few hours later, Rue arrived at the Collins estate with new guards at her side. It was a mixture of border and palace guards.
Rue was familiar with the border guards, but it did not feel the same as having Gideon at her side.
"Rue!" Penelope came running to greet Rue.
Penelope embraced Rue in a hug and patted her back. "I am sorry for your loss. I know how much you adored each one of your guards. If you need to speak about what you feel at any time, I am here for you. Even if it is just to sit in silence."
"I am well," Rue assured Penelope.
"No, you are not. You might fool others, but you cannot fool me. Gideon was always there, no matter where you went. It is an awful loss, and I know you need a friend at your side," Penelope said, seeing through Rue's lies.
"If it is hard to speak of, then I can be at your side in silence. I do my best to make you feel like yourself again. It doesn't matter how silly it might be. I promise you," Penelope said, offering her hand for Rue to make the deal.
A small smile reached Rue's lips for the first time since the incident. "What if I ask to place a snake on you?" She jokingly asked.
"Then it will happen right before I faint," Penelope answered.
"I will take it. Thank you," Rue said, grateful for Penelope at this time. "You are in luck that I don't have any snakes, but thank you. I do need to be with my friends."