The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride - Chapter 479

Chapter 479: Peaceful gathering (2)
“You two are a bit cute. What did your parents think of you two being together?” June asked, most curious about the duke’s reaction.

“My parents were delighted, and it seems her family felt the same way. No one is against our marriage,” Tyrion said, pulling Penelope close for a hug. “Well, no one that matters.”

“There was a bit of resistance from the court, but that was to be expected. It is all well if that is why you are asking. We didn’t leave Lockwood because we felt forced to leave, but rather, I enjoy this quiet town,” Penelope explained.

“It is good to hear. Do you mind not sharing your affection before me? I am not married yet, and seeing how you two are, it reminds me of this fact. My father’s family constantly speaks of it and gives me a headache,” June said, rubbing her temple.

“It is why my father doesn’t travel to see our relatives. Well, that and the fact that they are still fighting over his grandmother’s home. I’m sure there will be some complaints when they hear I did not have a wedding and Tyrion isn’t the king,” said Penelope.

Penelope wasn’t too close to many of the other Collinses since they always spoke of a home her father had rightfully inherited. There were some she saw in passing and enjoyed their company.

“I wouldn’t advise you to see anyone from either side so soon. That home is causing quite the stir since there are some Carsons who wish to have it. Why can’t we all get along?” June wondered.

“Because money is involved, and that home is quite grand. Besides, getting along would be too boring for this family. Unless my father decides to sell it, one day that home will be a headache for Elijah. I hope my father never lets it fall into anyone else’s hand,” Penelope said,

“Isn’t he allowing travellers to stay there?” Tyrion inquired, almost certain he heard Edgar speak of this.

“He is. My father isn’t going to go there to be bothered by relatives, and I do not blame him. I would not want to stay there since they would think they could use me to change his mind,” Penelope said, as she had once experienced it.

“We are the future of this family. I hope we may always be so good to each other and not argue about homes or wealth,” Penelope wished.

“I am quite content with what I will inherit from my parents, so I do not feel the need to long for what belongs to you. I cannot say the same for my uncle and cousins. My uncle has never gotten over that your father inherited the home. Avoid my uncle,” June advised Penelope.

“I will do so. My father already warned us about your uncle. I don’t think they will ever get along after the tales I have heard. Oh, there is another carriage arriving,” Penelope said, taking June’s hand to go down.

Tyrion remained by the door. His only duties for the moment were to smile and greet the friends of Penelope.

Isabelle and Lily were second to arrive.

“June!” Isabelle called to June and tried to exit the carriage before it stopped.

Thankfully, Lily kept hold of Isabelle’s hand.

Lily looked to Penelope for help. “This is why you mustn’t leave her with me. June, how are you?”

“I am well, but it seems you are not,” June said, moving to hold the door open. “I am happy you are excited to see me, but you must be careful, Isabelle.”

“Does it remind you of the times we would be scolded if she were to be hurt while in our care? What were we to do when she did dangerous things like trying to jump out of a moving carriage? It is good to see you,” Lily said, embracing June once she was out of the carriage.

“It has been too long, but you are back now. I must see your hand,” June said, lowering Lily’s hand to check for a ring.

“I am not yet engaged to anyone, but I can say it might not be this way for long. If it does happen and I marry, I will have to move far to a town near the border.”

June pouted. “Why are we moving so far away from each other? Believe me, I am happy for you, but I will miss you if you go far. Do you remember when we were younger, we used to say we would keep rooms in our homes for all of us to stay in when we get married.”

“We used to say the silliest things, but you are always welcome in my future home. All of you are. Has anyone else arrived yet?” Lily said, realising they had been outside too long. “Tyrion,” Lily greeted Tyrion.

“No, you are the first ones to arrive. Please, if you need to sit down, you should come inside. My butler and maids are setting up the food and drinks I selected. I urge you to take a bite of the pastries now,” Penelope said, guiding her guests to the front door as she spoke.

Hearing of pastries, Lily glanced at Tyrion.

“Pastries? Did you go to the bakery, or were they delivered to you? Has Tyrion seen the bakers?” Lily asked, curious if Tyrion noticed what she did.

“I know what you are doing, and I ask that you do not start him up again. He has already met Chris and troubled him. They are better now, so please, don’t say anything to put us back to the start. June and Isabelle, let me show you around,” Penelope said, trying to shift the conversation onto something else.

Lily lingered at the back since she wanted to speak to Tyrion. “I knew you would realise Chris’s feelings for her.”

“She didn’t realise his feelings, but you did,” said Tyrion.

“It was easy to guess when he would always place extra pastries in her order. I almost felt sorry for him because she wouldn’t notice his efforts. Tell me, how did you trouble him?” Lily said, looking forward to the tale.

“Well, it seems the people here do not know your sister has gotten married to a prince. I exposed his feelings and, in the end, revealed that I was the prince,” Tyrion said, keeping a close eye on Penelope.

If Penelope knew what they were speaking of in secret, then they both could be in trouble.

“How cruel of you, yet very entertaining. You mustn’t be that way with Chris, but there are a few annoying bastards who once liked her that you should humble. If I point them out, would you do it?” Lily asked, offering her pinky finger for a deal to be made.

Tyrion gladly welcomed the plan. “I most certainly will, but you must keep this between us. I am one mistake away from being thrown out of our bed.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” Lily promised.