"There is a ball coming up soon at Lady Spencer’s home. Will you be joining us?" Alessandra asked.
"I will. She has been so kind to invite us every year, and I have always enjoyed it. It is the perfect time for us to face the town. I must find a dress," Penelope said, only now remembering she was meant to send for Erin.
"Erin was already preparing dresses for all of us, but you might want to match with Tyrion. She would be happy to prepare a dress for your introduction as Penelope Castro. You must write to her soon since she is busy," said Alessandra.
Erin Scott was a long-time friend of the duchess. Thanks to Alessandra investing money and showcasing Erin’s dressmaking skills, Erin was able to become one of Lockwood’s most sought-after dressmakers.
"I will inform Tyrion to prepare for it. He has asked that I accompany Rue during her time here, so I will have her come with us. She is curious about the ways of Lockwood. I only hope they do not trouble her," said Penelope.
"Rue is used to a different kind of town. What she likes isn’t common here, so they will question what they see. Still, you can do your best to make it comfortable for her," Alessandra advised Penelope.
"I will. It is also time for Rue to consider finding a husband. I do not think she would consider marrying any gentleman in Lockwood to end up living here, but I think she would have fun. I should ask if she would want a dress as well," Penelope said, hoping she could spend a day shopping with Rue.
"That would be lovely. I have worried for nothing. You are in such good spirits," said Alessandra.
Alessandra feared Penelope would be worried about Tabitha being at odds with her, but Penelope was determined to stand up to anyone who came before her.
"Why are you smiling, mother?" Penelope asked, touching her face. "Have I said something wrong, or is there something on my face?"
"No," Alessandra shook her head. "Your home seems to be in good order. I will try not to intrude so often."
Penelope didn’t . "You are always welcome here, mother."
"For now, but in time, you won’t like my surprise visits. I will send you a notice when I want to visit."
"You don’t need to. Since we are done here, should we take a walk to join Tyrion and Isabelle?" Penelope asked, looking out at Tyrion standing with Isabelle.
Alessandra picked up the glass of water to have a sip. "There seems to be something troubling you when you walk. We should sit a little longer."
Penelope’s cheeks were flushed when she heard her mother’s words, and seeing her mother look away confirmed that they thought of the same thing. "Mother!" Penelope whined.
Penelope said nothing more since it would be embarrassing to speak of her time with Tyrion to her mother.
Alessandra chuckled. She remembered the days when she was so quick to get so flushed.
Alessandra’s laughter soon turned into a coughing fit. She drank more water to try to help.
"I’m sorry," Alessandra apologised.
"Are you unwell?" Penelope asked.
"No. I wasn’t careful," Alessandra said, placing her right hand on her chest.
"You scared me. I hope you aren’t catching what Lily has at the moment. So you do not get sick, you should stay away from her," Penelope joked.
Alessandra smiled, but she couldn’t possibly do that. Just as she hoped Lily would feel better soon, Alessandra hoped she wasn’t falling sick.
"I must thank Eleanor and Sally for the gifts they sent. I have enjoyed all of them," Penelope said, eager to show what her mother got.
Penelope enjoyed every bit of her mother’s visit, and once their talk was done, they joined Tyrion and Isabelle near the garden.
Penelope wished her mother and sister did not need to leave, but it wasn’t long before she would get to see her family again.
Two days later, Penelope sat in her carriage alongside Tyrion as they rode to the ball their families would attend, as well as many other notable families around the town.
Penelope tried her best to keep her gaze on the scenery outside instead of her husband, who had been staring at her from the time she stood before him.
Penelope soon sighed, deciding to question him.
"Why must you state so intently?" Penelope asked.
"Because my wife is dressed up beautifully. I want to enjoy having this sight all to myself now," Tyrion replied, eyeing her from head to toe.
"Don’t worry about sharing. Many will avoid looking at my face so they won’t be cursed," said Penelope.
"Wonderful. We have a way to keep them from us."
Tyrion normally used his words and swords to keep others away from him, but now he had Penelope.
"Your dress is lovely," Tyrion said, admiring the dress Penelope wore. "Erin’s hands are skilled."
"This is not Erin’s work," Penelope said, peering down at the dress she chose for the ball. "It is one I had prepared for the season and have not worn yet. I had sent a servant to inform Erin to come to our home, but she did not have time. I arranged to visit her shop, but got no response."
Penelope found it to be odd since Erin had always made her family a priority for years.
"Something is wrong. I hope she is in attendance so I can ask her," said Penelope.
Tyrion had a thought as to why Erin wasn’t so eager to make Penelope’s dress, but he would also wait for Penelope to have a chance to speak with Erin first.
"You are quite eager to attend this ball. I imagined you would have been nervous," Tyrion said, trying to read her body language.
"I am nervous, but I don’t want to let it show. Everyone attending will try to read our body language. Try to guess if we are happy with the way we got married. It is good that you have not noticed I am nervous since they won’t. They will thrive on it if they notice," Penelope said, turning her attention back to the window.
"I will be at your side tonight, and when I am not, Elijah or Duke Collins will be there. We will enjoy this night," Tyrion promised.
Tyrion would make certain Penelope enjoyed her first night out by sending away or getting rid of anyone who tried to bother them.
Tyrion’s patience for foolishness did not exist tonight. Now that Penelope was his wife, he had every right to go to any length to protect her, and he would gladly do so even if death was the answer.