The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride - Chapter 466

Chapter 466: Goodbyes (2)
In the morning, the family gathered to see the Callahans off. Tobias could no longer convince the Callahans to prolong their return back to the palace. They needed to leave to oversee important matters and once they were settled, the Callahans would return.

“Mother,” Elijah leaned forward to be closer to Alessandra. “I want to point out that Penelope and Tyrion are late. We all knew what time we needed to be present.”

“They will be here, Elijah. Must you all tattle on each other?” Alessandra asked, shaking her head. “Have you said your goodbyes to Sir Rafael and the others?”

“I have,” Elijah said, eyeing the departing family. “No need to overdo it with the goodbyes. The Callahans will be back soon once they speak to the families. What did she do to him?”

Elijah couldn’t help looking at Quinn who appeared almost lifeless in the cart he was placed on. His hands and feet were tied up while his face looked as though he had taken a good beating.

Elijah knew that Annalise was one of the few guests Quinn had during his time in the palace. With how Quinn looked now, Elijah wasn’t certain Quinn would make it to the palace.

“He killed her people therefore, she is punishing him. We mustn’t get involved in it,” said Alessandra.

“You must get involved in Lily and Kael. He doesn’t leave her side. You are fortunate that your first child was well behaved and never once caused you to worry.”

Alessandra slowly turned to Elijah. “Is there another first child I do not know of? Must I remind you of the tales I heard of you and ladies? I am thankful that no one showed up at my door claiming you need to take responsibility.”

Elijah coughed. “There goes Tyrion and Penelope. I will scold them for being late. Excuse me,” he said, getting away from Alessandra before she could scold him.

Elijah walked over to where Tyrion walked with Penelope. It still upset him to see the pair be so in love with each other in the open.

“It is early in the morning. The food I ate this morning has not settled as yet so please spare me from the sight of you two acting so in love,” Elijah pleaded.

“You must get used to my marriage to your sister. I will not stop showering her with public affection,” Tyrion said, lifting Penelope’s hand he was holding to kiss it. “You are jealous that you cannot enjoy such affection at the moment.”

“Tyrion, you must stop. Again, why won’t you go to the border to be with Rue a little more? Your time with each other was interrupted by the attack on her guards. Don’t tell me that you intend to make a grand arrival at the border days after she arrives,” said Penelope.

Penelope wasn’t certain such an entrance would sway Rue.

“I am not going to the border. She misses her family and wants to enjoy her time there. She already spoke of returning with her father to oversee the efforts to strengthen the ties of the two kingdoms. I will let her have her time with her people,” said Elijah.

“And in doing so, you will be sad around the estate. I hope this is not your revenge for me marrying your friend. I also hope you won’t do anything foolish concerning my friend. I will hit you if you ruin what has blossomed between you and Rue,” Penelope warned Elijah.

“Why would you assume me to be the one to ruin it?” Elijah inquired.

“Because I know you. Also, men tend to not know what to do when it comes to romance. I am going to say goodbye to Rue. Excuse me,” Penelope said, tiptoeing to leave a short kiss on Tyrion’s cheek.

“Didn’t she just insult you as well?” Elijah questioned Tyrion.

“No, I am quite romantic so I know she did not speak of me,” Tyrion answered.

“Or, you are a fool who doesn’t get upset with my sister. I should give you something for taking her out of my sight. I have dealt with my sister for too long. It seems like it won’t be long before Lily will marry. Did you know about those two?” Elijah asked, eyeing Lily from a distance.

“How could I not know? They always found their way to each other whenever he visited with Rafael and Penelope informed me that Lily had been awaiting his arrival. Only you were the one who failed to notice it. He is a good man,” Tyrion said, glancing at the soon-to-be couple.

“I know that he is,” Elijah said, but he couldn’t move his eyes away from where Lily stood. “Until they are married, those two should not be alone with each other. Is he going to follow her out of town?”

“If he wishes to court her, I would assume so. Don’t be so overprotective, Elijah. Your sisters are good at picking spouses. Which reminds me, I’ve spoken of Julie to our dear lonely friend. I hope her energetic nature can help him,” Tyrion said, hopeful.

“Since I will be away, I will need you to watch over them both. Penelope would be upset if something goes wrong with the courtship. They are to meet at a gathering the queen is hosting in three days, so be there,” Tyrion asked of Elijah.

“You’ve convinced him to stay longer?”

“I convinced him that he might have an exciting season if he would stay in Lockwood a little longer,” said Tyrion.

“If they suit each other, will you be the one to tell Reed his daughter will marry a man who resides in the countryside? I don’t want to do it,” Elijah said, not wanting to be in the path of Reed’s anger.

“Of course not. I will be out of town when it happens. Rather than be angry, he should be happy to know his daughter captured the heart of a nobleman. I’m sure it will go well,” Tyrion said, hoping so for Julie’s sake.

“You are hoping it will go well because you made yourself the matchmaker. They are getting on their horses,” Elijah spoke softly.

Tyrion patted Elijah’s back and said, “I admire your strength. You came to realise you have feelings for her only for your time with her to be cut short. Had it been Penelope, I would have long packed my bags to go with her.”

Elijah glared at Tyrion. “You annoy me,” he said.

Tyrion snickered as Elijah walked away, looking like a pitiful man. He followed Elijah to give his goodbyes to the Callahans and to see that Quinn was secured where he was kept.

In the coming days, there were going to be a lot of goodbyes said amongst the group, but Tyrion knew it wouldn’t be long before they would all gather here again.