The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride-Chapter 31: Plotting (4)

Tyrion walked as far away from the court as he could get before they pulled him back into another useless meeting to speak of balls and Penelope.

It had taken every bit of restraint he had not to grab a weapon to cut out their tongues.

Penelope’s name, coming from the mouths of men from the court, did not sit well with him since they were a big part of the reason she could not come to the palace. They were the ones who would plot against her life when something wasn’t going their way.

"Where is the crown prince going in such a hurry?" Elijah asked, getting Tyrion’s attention. "Is there a fire or a fight I must know about?"

"Why is it that you get to frequent the palace as you like, but your sisters have such a hard time coming here?" Tyrion inquired.

"You already know the answer to that, and please, don’t ask me about my sisters. I am already having a hard time getting used to the idea of you courting Penelope. What trouble have you gotten into? You look like you would murder someone," said Elijah.

Tyrion looked around for any spies. "That might be what I do shortly. The court has a way of getting me in the mood to cut off someone’s head. What are you here for?"

"The Callahans will be coming to Lockwood for some time to discuss the growing tensions. My family will be present since we are close to both sides. Your court continues to degrade anyone who comes from the border," said Elijah.

"They did it not long ago. I would not mind if someone were to wipe out the palace court. I would gladly join them. I heard about what happened with Penelope. Is she fine?" Tyrion asked, seeking his answers from Elijah.

"She was sad since it reminded her of a late friend, but Penelope is stronger than she looks. This will not break her. My sister is quite distracted by finding out who has been trying to get our family’s attention," Elijah replied.

"Would you pass on a letter to her for me?" Tyrion asked.

"Do I look like a carrier pigeon to you? Why would I be delivering your letters?" Elijah asked, declining to do what Tyrion wanted.

Elijah never tried to stop Tyrion from courting Penelope, but he drew the line at passing around love letters for the pair.

"Never forget that I am her older brother, so there are some things I will never do for you regarding romance. Besides, I am too busy moving to pass around letters," said Elijah.

Tyrion was amazed. "You’ve finally learned how to live without your mother?"

"I have the freedom to move," Elijah said, taking a jab at Tyrion. "Do not look so sullen. If you cannot take my jabs, then you should be careful with what you say."

"You’ll see Penelope in a few days, since we won’t miss Lady Linda’s gathering. Until then," Elijah said, walking ahead to leave the palace.

There was only so much of the palace Elijah could put up with for one day.

On the other hand, Tyrion looked forward to the gathering which would be hosted by his mother’s oldest friend. He couldn’t miss his chance to speak to Penelope then.

***

Two days later, Penelope sat with her family in a carriage on the way to yet another gathering, which she hoped would be better than the last.

Penelope sat in a carriage with her mother and father, while her siblings rode in a carriage which her father and brother would have to take to welcome the Callahans to Lockwood.

"Penelope," Alessandra said, getting her daughter’s attention. "We do not have to attend if you don’t want to go. Linda will understand."

Penelope smiled because of her mother’s concern. "Mother, this is the fifth time you have asked, and again, I am fine. I have been inside for quite some time now, so I need a little bit of time outside."

Penelope continued, "I would only be concerned if I thought I was going to make the mistake again. I will not, so please, don’t worry about me."

"I fear it is impossible for me not to worry about you. All of you," Alessandra added, since all her children had so much attention on them. "I will always be at your side today. Unless, of course, there is someone you wish to speak to, then I will be three steps behind you."

"Someone like who?" Edgar asked.

Alessandra shared a look with Penelope. "A friend or a suitor. The season continues. If Penelope wants to be courted by anyone, then we cannot get in her way."

Edgar had not yet seen the bachelors who would be present, but he already assumed they would not be worthy of Penelope or Lily’s hand.

"I am leaving wealth to your name that no husband will be able to offer you. You do not need to push yourself to find a husband. I have worked hard to give you the choice. Anyone who will judge you for being provided for by your father rather than a husband would be a fool," said Edgar.

Edgar didn’t need his daughters to depend on anyone else to survive, since that was how many of the men around the town controlled their wives. You could not leave when you wanted, when your life was dependent on someone else, and they made sure to remind you.

"I am aware of your wealth, as is everyone around the town, which is why so many are eager to claim my hand. If I marry, it will be for love, not because it is expected of me at this age. Are you like this concerning the women courting Elijah?" Penelope asked.

"Yes," Alessandra and Edgar answered in unison.

Edgar saw it all the same concerning his son and daughters. He wanted Elijah to also make a smart decision regarding the woman he would wed, since many of the ladies around the town were eyeing his wealth and future title.

"Elijah seems to be picking carefully since he did not get married when it was his first season. Now that he has moved, he will have more women pushing toward him. I hope it will be someone that I can get along with," Penelope said, wishing the best for her brother.

She did not want Elijah to end up with any of the two-faced women who only cared about his looks and wealth. Penelope could think of a few women she wanted to keep away from her brother.