The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride - Chapter 453

Chapter 453: Make amends (1)
Tabitha’s funeral was quickly and privately arranged by Sofia and Hazel. Only those closest to the royal family were invited to attend the small ceremony.

Penelope stood close to Tyrion, holding his hand throughout the ceremony.

In one day, Tabitha had passed and was laid to rest.

Penelope felt a weight lifted off her shoulders, and in time, the others would feel it as well. She curtsied when Teo and Juliette passed by her and Tyrion. They were invited to stay in the palace, and this time, Penelope convinced Tyrion to accept the invitation.

From where she stood, Penelope overlooked all the guests. The Collinses and Callahans were present along with Odessa and her family, since Odessa was once close to the Castros. The Hensons were also present.

“Penelope.”

“Princess Sofia,” Penelope curtsied.

“You’ve grown so much since I last saw you. Time flies by when you are away from everyone. I hope my nephew is treating you well,” Sofia said, glancing at Tyrion.

Sofia knew Tyrion was walking on eggshells around her because of what he did, but she hoped he wouldn’t be this way for much longer. Now that she returned, Sofia heard of the trouble her mother caused.

“He is. I am most happy with the prince,” Penelope answered.

“Wonderful. My husband and I are going to speak with the priest, but when we are done, I hope we can all have a talk for you to get to know my husband. We are all family now,” Sofia said, yearning for a peaceful sit-down.

“I look forward to speaking with Lord Vincent,” Penelope said, glancing at the man Sofia married.

Since the Lord resided outside Lockwood, Penelope wasn’t too well acquainted with him.

“Take care of my nephew for me. They all act like nothing troubles them, but inside, they are still little boys at heart. I mustn’t keep my husband waiting,” Sofia said, touching Tyrion’s arm as a parting.

Penelope curtsied as Sofia walked away to join her husband. “It is good to have your aunt in Lockwood. Will she be staying long?”

“I hear she has convinced her husband to let my cousins enjoy the season here and enjoy being in the palace. She’s been away for a long time, so it’s good that she decided to return. Prepare yourself for a dinner filled with many stories,” said Tyrion.

“I do not mind it if I hear stories I did not know about you. Oh, Julie!” Penelope called, pulling Tyrion along with her to see her friend. “I have been meaning to speak with you.”

“I didn’t send them to you,” Julie quickly spoke.

Penelope frowned, her brows knitted. “Send what?”

“N-Nothing,” Julie answered.

Penelope took a guess and assumed it was books. “Do not send anymore. I heard from your brother that you are thinking of going to the border. It is surprising.”

“Do not worry, since my parents wouldn’t allow it. I would be safe with Rue and her mother, but I cannot go. It is set that I won’t be leaving since Rue is leaving with her mother today, and I am not packed,” Julie said with a pout.

“Why did you want to go to the border? Is it to get away from the attack?” Penelope asked, worried Julie might be silently enduring something.

“I was hoping a change in scenery would do well for me, but I suppose it was a rather dramatic thought. I don’t think I’ll go through with my plans to find a husband this season. Trying to prove my grandmother wrong is tiring,” Julie sighed.

“You could have asked for my help. Noblemen from all over the town are in the palace and won’t leave for a few days. I can introduce you to a friend who might suit you. Do not blame me if it doesn’t go well,” said Tyrion.

“You would do this?” Julie said, suddenly having hope again.

“As long as you keep sending what Penelope doesn’t want you to send, yes. Don’t spread the word that I am a matchmaker because I am not. Consider it my thank you for all the times you visited to keep her company. Excuse me for a moment,” Tyrion said, kissing Penelope’s cheek. “I need to speak with my sister.”

Penelope smiled as she sent Tyrion off.

“I am quite happy that you married the prince in the end. It is quite useful for me. His offer just made this sad day better. Oh! That reminds me,” Julie said, excited to share news. “Have you heard what happened to Amelia?”

“No. I know that she attended the coronation, but I didn’t speak to her. Has she troubled someone?” Penelope asked, expecting nothing less from Amelia.

“It is worse. A maid grew concerned about the state of Amelia’s father. They weren’t seeing him around the home, and only his wife was allowed to enter the room. The maid went to the town guards, who passed it on to the court, and they visited the home. He was found terribly ill,” Julie revealed.

“So, she is worried about her father? It is rather tragic than exciting news to share,” Penelope said, puzzled by why Julie was so excited.

“Because it was revealed despite his state, his wife was not letting him be seen by doctors and then by relatives who grew concerned. They both attended the coronation whilst knowing the court suspected something was off. Amelia’s mother is to be questioned while her husband is seen by a doctor, and Amelia is to live with her aunt.”

“Then, her mother was trying to kill her father? It is unexpected news. They both attended the coronation as though nothing was amiss with their lives. To think she troubled other ladies, and this was occurring in her home. I wish her the best,” Penelope said, having nothing more to say about Amelia.

The other ladies were going to talk when this news spread, and then Amelia would face the treatment she had given to other ladies.

“Maybe this will humble her a little and have her realise just how cruel she was to others,” Julie said, linking arms with Penelope as they walked.

“I think her stubbornness might keep her from seeing this as a learning moment. Your grandmother is coming toward us,” Penelope informed Julie.

“Is it too late for me to run?” Julie whispered.

“Excuse me for interrupting your talk. It has been so long since I last spoke to Penelope, and now, you are a princess. I am sorry for the loss,” Odessa said, bowing her head slightly. “Tabitha Castro was a wonderful woman. I was honoured to be in her children’s lives. May she rest in peace.”

“Thank you for coming on such short notice. The Castros are pleased to have you here,” said Penelope.

“Thank you. If you don’t mind, I would like to have a word with my granddaughter before she runs off,” Odessa requested, knowing Julie wished to be elsewhere.