"I don’t think I have done much for you to thank me," said Penelope.
"You have done plenty for me. It is unfortunate that such a joyous occasion is met by so much gossip, lies, and even hatred. This is a moment you would want to remember for years to come. Don’t let the town ruin it," Hazel advised Penelope.
"I will not. I have been enjoying my time with Tyrion, and nothing will stop that. I only worry that he does not get to be around his family as much as I see my family. The court is an issue," Penelope said, hoping there was a plan to remove them.
"They are a problem. They’ve been a problem from the time I first entered the palace. My husband got rid of many of them, but more terrible men continue to show up. There is hope for the court no longer troubling you, but I cannot share it yet," Hazel said.
Tobias’s current plans had to remain a secret for now to be successful.
It was time that the court ceased to exist, and only a few advisors handpicked by the king were to remain. It was going to be a messy plan met by complaints, but it was what needed to be done to make life easier for future kings and queens.
Penelope wasn’t upset that she wasn’t told what the plan was. Truthfully, Penelope didn’t want to hear anything about the court unless it was news that they were all gone or dead.
"Walking with you takes me down memory lane," Hazel said, smiling as she remembered a shy young lady.
"How so?" Penelope asked.
"It reminds me of when I first met your mother. I took a liking to her right away. She looked so nervous at your father’s side since it was her first ball in years. You remind me of her in some ways," Hazel said, finding the reason she adored Penelope.
Hazel continued to say, "Your mother didn’t have a wonderful start as well. Not that she was a bad duchess, but the town was so used to being afraid of her because of a made-up curse. Your mother managed to ignore them, focus on her marriage, and make many friends."
"She is extraordinary," Penelope said, looking at where her parents stood.
"She is. Not only with getting Edgar to marry, but also how she helps anyone around her. It has always amazed me that she remained so positive after the abuse she endured in the Barrett home. She truly is a woman to learn from and admire," said Hazel.
"The town doesn’t think that way now. It is foolish how they are turning against her because she is living better than my aunt. Why must Lockwood be ?" Penelope asked.
Hazel wished she had the answer. "I do not know."
Hazel had her fair share of foolish rumours since someone mentioned that Teo might not be Tobias’s son. She was trying to track down the one behind such a terrible lie. She had always been faithful to her husband and would continue to be.
"It is why many move out of Lockwood after they have gotten married. I suspect that you and Tyrion might do the same. Your mother and I write to each other almost every day. I know that Tabitha is set out to bother you," Hazel revealed.
"I will do my best not to let Lady Tabitha get the best of me. I am turning to my grandmother, Priscilla, for help, but I have also thought of the best way to put up with her," Penelope said, prepared for the fight ahead.
"It is good that you are in good spirits concerning Lady Tabitha, but there will come a point when you will want to snap. I have been there many times. Unfortunately, she has not grown from my time with her," said Hazel.
Hazel had hoped that she had gotten the worst of Tabitha, so Penelope wouldn’t need to put up with it. There was plenty of time for Tabitha to have reflected on her actions and changed, but Tabitha decided to be stubborn.
Tabitha’s troubling Penelope would upset Tyrion and push him away from Tabitha. Once that happened, Hazel was going to pick her son, and Tobias would surely follow.
If Tabitha wasn’t careful, she would create an enemy out of Edgar, which would have a terrible result if he were able to get close to her.
"Do what you must to protect yourself and your peace from her. Staying away from her is a good start, but Tabitha always finds a way to come around. She might not carelessly approach you when Priscilla is near," said Hazel.
"Is my grandmother that scary?" Penelope asked.
Hazel nodded her head. "Priscilla has her ways. Many of your peers’ mothers and grandmothers turned to Priscilla for guidance. Divorce is something many women wish to avoid, even if they are in an unhappy marriage, but when Priscilla left the infamous Edmund Collins, she changed a few ladies’ opinions."
Now, it was Edmund who was shamed for leaving such a remarkable woman for his mistress, Cassidy Collins.
"I know it is wrong to say, but sometimes it is fine to fight fire with fire. If Tabitha goes low, I would go even lower with my attacks. As for your peers, ignoring them is sometimes the best response. They cannot fathom the idea that their words do not affect you."
"I have already declined seating with them. I have not been fond of the sit-downs filled with gossip, and I don’t want to start now. I do want to get to end the talk of a curse, but I do not know how," Penelope stated, hoping the queen had an idea.
"Your mother did nothing, and talk of a curse went away. It has come back now over silly talk. I do not know if it will ever go away. There isn’t anything the town can say about your mother, so they hold onto a curse. If your mother is not troubled by it, do not dig around for the source," Hazel advised Penelope.
Alessandra was stronger than she looked. If anything, Alessandra wasn’t concerned about what was said, but rather, concerned for her children.
Hazel noticed Tyrion’s burning gaze on the two of them and led Penelope back to where the group stood. "I have stolen you away for too long. I enjoyed my talk with you. I hope we will get the chance to talk again soon."
"I would like that as well," Penelope said, looking forward to the next time.
The queen had given her plenty to think about.