"You will find a husband," Ally repeated, laughing since it had to be a joke. ’We have only stopped speaking for one day, Julie. It isn’t like you to want to find a husband on the spur of the moment. We must make up since I missed you dearly."
"It is true that I will search for a husband. I was wrong to waste the start of my season, but there is still time for me to make the most of it. I shouldn’t worry my parents," said Julie.
Ally’s laughter ceased. "You are serious?"
"I have never joked about this. I will get rid of my feelings about you attending the palace with me, and we can move forward to enjoy the season together. It would be fun if we both got to plan weddings together," Julie said.
Ally was yet to believe that Julie was going to partake in finding a husband. This couldn’t be the same Julie who always spoke of not being ready for the chores of a wife.
"You have spoken so often about not being ready to be married to anyone. How has that changed?" Ally asked.
"No one is ready for marriage. Even Penelope will admit to it. You have always said that I shouldn’t let the season pass without enjoying myself. If I am to find a good match, then I must start now," Julie said, her mind made up.
While Julie was still uncertain about marriage, she realised how she caused trouble for her parents, mostly with her grandmother.
Many saw her as a young lady who would end up a spinster. Whilst Julie didn’t mind such a future awaiting her, she didn’t like that others blamed it on her mother’s upbringing.
Julie wanted to show that she could find an eligible match as her husband. That her mother raised a young lady who could do well.
"This doesn’t make the faintest bit of sense. I know you, Julie. I spent the months before our season began trying to convince you to take part in it alongside me. It must be that you are still angry with me. I didn’t think you would be so petty to compete with me," Ally concluded.
Julie laughed at the accusation. "It is not all about you, Ally. I meant it when I said I would get rid of my feelings and move forward. Therefore, you don’t need to apologise. We should enjoy the season together."
Ally stared at Julie.
No matter what Julie said, it didn’t make any sense.
Julie was the first one to notice her mother returning. "I urge you not to ask to stay for dinner since I will not allow it. I am going to be selfish just this once and not go along with your demands."
Ally didn’t know how to respond. It was so much to take in that Julie would take part in the season.
While Ally was happy for Julie, it didn’t feel real. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Julie was still angry with her and wanted to take part in the season as revenge.
"I have informed the king’s guards," Eleanor said as she sat back down. "Has something happened?" She asked, picking up on the tension at the table.
"No, Aunt Eleanor. I think with Penelope’s arrival, it is time that I find my way home. I did not know you and Julie wouldn’t be joining me at home. I wished to visit your home," Ally said, looking Julie’s way as she spoke. "I will go home once I have the chance to give the queen a proper goodbye."
"I see. The queen will arrange for guards and a royal carriage to escort you home. I will take the ride with you and return to the palace after," said Eleanor.
"Thank you, Aunt Eleanor. You are most kind," Ally replied.
Eleanor couldn’t place what was off about the two young ladies. Since they had always been close, Eleanor hoped that neither she nor Sally would need to intervene.
In another room in the palace, Penelope got changed into more comfortable attire after taking the medicine Hazel had prepared for her.
"Do you feel better now?" Hazel asked, watching Penelope from where she was seated on the bed.
Hazel sent out the servants so she could speak to Penelope in private.
"I do. Thank you for the medicine," Penelope replied. "I suppose this means my secret is out that I have bled."
"I wasn’t trying to pry. Do you think I would pressure you to have a child with my son? I will admit that should you have been the crown prince’s wife, there would have been a bit of pressure, but there is more freedom for you and Tyrion," said Hazel.
Tyrion was no longer the one meant to take part in giving the kingdom heirs.
"There will be others awaiting news that Tyrion and I are having our first child. I know that many wish for Tyrion to take back the seat of the crown prince. News of a child will have to wait," Penelope said, walking toward the bed to sit down.
Hazel wished she could find the right words to convince Penelope not to worry about a baby, but every new wife would think of this.
"You two have not been married for long. Your newlywed days have been disturbed by what is happening around the town. Perhaps you should have done like other couples and left Lockwood for a moment. Return once you have enjoyed yourself," Hazel said, wishing she had the chance.
"Despite the baseless rumours and all the drama, I quite like my time in Lockwood. Both our families and our friends are here as well. I know of the land the king gifted Tyrion. It is a little out of Lockwood," said Penelope.
Penelope wanted to enjoy Lockwood now before they moved.
"There is far more meaning to the land my husband gifted our son. Tobias has provided Tyrion with land that is far away, so you won’t be bothered by what is left of the court, yet close enough that you are not far from your families," Hazel explained.
"I must thank the king for his kindness. I will make sure that Tyrion thanks him as well," Penelope promised.
"Tyrion has thanked him already, but my husband would be pleased to see you go to him. It would give him something to boast to your father about, and then I will have to hear that Edgar hit him," Hazel sighed.
Penelope laughed, certain her father would hit the king. "Does it not upset you when my father punishes the king?"
"No," Hazel shook her head. "Tobias deserves it sometimes."