On the other side of Lockwood, Penelope entered the mansion she would now refer to as her home. It was a gift from her father..
"Are you certain it cannot be called an estate?" Penelope asked as she looked around.
It was quite large for only Tyrion and Penelope.
"It can be called whatever you want," Alessandra replied.
Alessandra walked behind Penelope as they toured the home. It was also Alessandra’s first time here since Edgar had been buying many homes before they were married, and she was yet to keep up with all.
Penelope walked ahead, taking in the beauty of her new home. This was her place to care for and be the lady of it.
"I am a little bit nervous," Penelope confessed. "I have always looked to you for answers, but now I am to have my answers and run this home."
There were servants, but still, Penelope had to ensure everything was in order. It was strange to go from following her mother’s orders to now being the one to give them.
"Who says you cannot turn to me for answers? I will always come to you, and you are still welcome to the estate. That is also your home. It is scary at first to settle into being a wife, but it will come naturally as time goes on," Alessandra said.
"I was nervous when I first went to your father’s estate. His teasing did not help, but he did what he could to help me settle in. I wasn’t perfect at first. I’ve learned from mistakes, and I continue to learn even more. It is okay to make mistakes," Alessandra said, hoping Penelope would be at ease.
"I shall try my best. I will need to address the servants when Tyrion comes home. I have noticed that they seem confused by this home belonging to Tyrion and me," Penelope said, thinking of when the news would reach the town. "I am not planning to leave home for a while."
"Is it to avoid all that chatter? It is a good idea, but you shouldn’t stay inside too long. A ride around the town in your carriage would be good. In time, the town will move on. There is always something else to speak on," said Alessandra.
"Is there? They spoke about you for years and only came to their senses because of my father. Now they are digging up old gossip about you. It feels like gossip goes in a circle. One moment it is focused on you, leaves, and then returns," Penelope said, doubtful the town would move on.
"It can be like that. The people here will always speak, but you can ignore them. Holding onto what they say will keep you in a dark place, and trying to match those people will not satisfy you," Alessandra said.
Alessandra once tried to get revenge on the people who made her life miserable, but it didn’t feel good. Rather than try to get even, it felt better to let go and move on.
"I truly thought you would move out of Lockwood when you found a husband," Alessandra said, ecstatic that Penelope was still near, but she didn’t think Lockwood was where Penelope belonged.
"It is what I thought as well, but Tyrion must help his brother, and I am not ready to part from all of you. Then there are the terrible things happening these days. I would like to find out who is after our family," said Penelope.
Penelope was determined to get to the bottom of what Sarah mentioned. Who had something to settle with her family?
"Penelope," Alessandra said, holding Penelope’s hand. "Your father and I will take care of that. Do not go searching for answers, as you might find yourself in danger. There is already so much you must face. Promise me that you will leave it to your father."
Penelope bit her lip. She wanted to get to the bottom of why Sarah targeted her and lost her life, but she didn’t want to worry her mother.
"I promise," Penelope replied.
"Good," Alessandra sighed in relief. "There have always been many dangers here, unlike anything you have ever seen. I wish for you to be happy and live in bliss."
"I do not think that is possible," Penelope replied.
There was always something to worry about each day, and at the moment, she was the woman who stole the crown prince.
"Milady, Prince Tyrion and his entourage have returned," a maid informed Penelope.
"We should go to him," Penelope said, walking alongside her mother toward the front door.
Penelope anticipated seeing Tyrion and his knights he spoke of, but she was met by more than that. More servants were present. Servants who were not from the Collins estate or newly hired from around the town.
"You have found servants on your way from the palace," Penelope said, puzzled as to when he had time. "Or, were they loyal to you, so you brought them along?"
"They are not staying. My mother sent them to help place my belongings inside. Once the work is done, they will return to the palace. I am kind to even let them enter our home," said Tyrion.
Tyrion knew the maids sent were his mother’s spies. While he trusted his mother wouldn’t send anyone who would bring harm to Penelope, he didn’t need any spies in his home. He did not trust that what they witnessed would only be told to his mother.
Penelope should be free to do as she wanted without worrying about someone reporting back to the queen.
"My mother sent them under the guise that they would act as her hands, helping me to move. She wishes to have them stay here to spy on us, and I will not allow it," Tyrion informed Penelope. "It is not a kind gesture."
Penelope looked at the maids helping to remove what was placed on carts. "You know your mother better than I do, so I will not question it. Next time, do what you must to not let them follow you."
Penelope already had the task of getting the maids present to follow her commands. She could not add having maids loyal to the queen in her presence, though she respected Hazel.
"I’m surprised you allowed them to come so far when you didn’t want them here," said Penelope.
"My mother started to cry. Just this once, I will let her tears get what she wants. Duchess," Tyrion greeted Alessandra. "Is Duke Collins present?"
"No, he is coming soon with Penelope’s siblings," Alessandra answered.
"Then I should prepare myself," Tyrion said, knowing there was much the duke would want to say.