As the sun set upon the kingdom, Penelope looked over the maids’ work. She sent off the maids who resided outside the mansion so there would still be light around the town, so they could make it home safely.
"Until the culprit is found, I want all the servants who have homes to leave in the evening. Their pay will not be affected, so tell them not to worry. Their hours will go back to normal once the murders are over," said Penelope.
"Yes, Milady. I shall arrange it tonight and make a report of the changes to you. For the matter of the extension of the mansion, I have found good workers to get started," Winston reported.
"Have you tasked someone to look into them, and then someone to oversee their work? Nothing they see or hear here must be repeated to anyone outside our home," said Penelope.
"I have looked into all of them myself, and I have arranged with your guard to place knights to watch over the work. During my spare time, I will sit to watch the workers as well," Winston offered.
Penelope shook her head, "When you have time to spare, you must sit and rest. You are another pair of my eyes. If you were to fall sick, what am I to do?"
It filled Winston with great joy to hear his lady needed him.
"I will not become sick, Lady Penelope. It has been so long since I caught a cold," said Winston.
Penelope stopped walking to look at Winston. "Do not say that or you will make it happen. I mean it when I say that I need you, Winston. There is much I have to learn from you while my mother is away. You must take care of yourself."
"Understood. You are far too kind with your words, Lady Penelope," Winston said.
"Should I be rude to you?" Penelope replied, continuing on her way. "I gain nothing from being rude to anyone. As you know, my father once had a butler who was like a father to him. I never met him, but I heard Alfred helped my father quite a lot."
Penelope didn’t think she would have such a relationship with Winston, but she would lean on him during this time to understand how to run her home.
"I will be here for anything you need. Onto the next matter, you’ve received quite a few letters. One is from Brendon Chambers, Melanie Harris, and Melody Harris," Winston read off the names.
"You may read the one from Brendon Chambers. He is Julie’s brother, and he will seek employment here. Damien," Penelope said, looking to her right. "When Brendon comes, he will join you as my guard. He has learned from his father and many of my father’s guards."
Damien wasn’t pleased to have an outsider beside him, but he kept quiet to follow Penelope’s wishes.
"I will take the ones from my aunt and grandmother," Penelope said, only having an interest in what her aunt Melody wrote.
’Does she know?’ Penelope wondered, staring at the letter her aunt had sent.
Penelope’s aunt, Melody Harris, was a governess for young ladies around the town. Melody would be helpful to fix the problems Penelope had with Melanie, but she didn’t want to trouble her aunt.
"You are dismissed, Winston. You may oversee dinner and then have your supper. It seems rain might fall," Penelope said after passing a window.
Penelope was surprised Tyrion was so late when he spoke of having to train with his guards.
The sky was starting to get dark, which concerned Penelope, but she had to remind herself that Tyrion could take care of himself, and he had his guards.
’It is time to prepare,’ Penelope thought, the nightgown she wore before Julie on her mind. ’Would he forget?’
Special plans were made for the night. Penelope hoped Tyrion would not forget.
Behind Penelope, Matilda walked with Damien.
"I have informed her about the maids who were whispering in the library. They are still present, but to be careful, you should deal with them soon. I’ve also informed Winston to warn the maids about speaking carelessly about her," Matilda said, her gaze fixed on Penelope.
"See, this look in your eye now is why they call you the demon maid," Damien whispered.
"I know it is you who started that name, and I do not mind. I only care what she thinks of me. I suspect there might be a few more maids searching for news to share. You must remain vigilant," Matilda said.
Damien laughed. "Why does it sound like you were trying to give me an order?"
"I was giving you a suggestion. Do you disagree that you should be vigilant? You wouldn’t be a good guard if you think so," Matilda replied.
If she could, Matilda would ask the prince to assign Penelope another guard. The current one was useless.
"I will do as you say, so I am not scolded. I think it would be best for you to learn how to defend your lady since you are always so ready to kill someone for her. Would you like me to teach you?" Damien offered.
With this, he might be able to get to know Matilda a little better.
"I know how to use a gun. I learned at the same time as Lady Penelope, and I know how to use a dagger. If we are ever alone, she will be safe in my hands," Matilda said, promising the same as she told the duchess.
"You know, there are rumours that you might be in love-"
"You show great loyalty to the prince, but I would never assume you love him. Penelope has always treated me well, and I was placed at her side since I was a little girl. When someone has been kind to you, you give your all to serve them," Matilda replied.
"I like men. Sensible men," Matilda said and then caught up to Penelope.
Damien laughed since Matilda was calling him a fool. In time, she would see that he was a very sensible man.
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