Chapter 76: First night (1)
Before night set upon Lockwood, Penelope’s family departed for their estate, leaving Penelope alone with Tyrion.
Thanks to the duchess and Penelope’s siblings, the mansion was in good order for Penelope and Tyrion to settle in.
The knights who pledged their loyalty to Tyrion positioned themselves by the gates and around the mansion to defend the home.
Inside, Penelope sat before a mirror as a maid brushed her hair.
It was nearing the hour for dinner, so Penelope parted from Tyrion to wash up and get dressed so she would retire to bed when dinner was over.
Penelope stared at her reflection in the mirror and then at the maid standing behind her. "Have the palace maids left yet?" She asked.
Matilda Barnes, a maid from the duke’s estate, replied, "They are giving excuses for why they must stay, but Prince Tyrion is still preparing to send them off. He threatened to kill anyone who wouldn’t move."
"If I may speak freely," Matilda requested.
"You may," Penelope allowed it.
"They were trying to find answers from the servants, both recently employed by the duchess and those who worked for your family before. I heard whispers of how long you had a courtship with the prince," Matilda shared.
Matilda had been employed at the Collins estate for many years, with her duties being to serve Penelope. She had been a young girl when she was brought in, and as Penelope grew, she was right there by her side.