Penelope allowed herself to be led up the stairs. For now, it was enough to be here. The rest she would explain later.
It had been exactly three days since Penelope had been at Isadora’s estate. To her credit, her sister had been a wonderful host. She had never once made Penelope feel unwelcome. She even made her feel safe enough to finally admit what had happened between her and Alexander.
“He is overreacting,”Isadora had said once Penelope had finally told her the reason.“It was only the park, and that is no reason to send your wife away.”
Penelope had no response to that. If only she understood what went on in Alexander’s mind, she would not have been in this situation to begin with.
But on the third day, Isadora announced that she was beginning to grow sick of how miserable Penelope was. As a solution, she had taken her for a walk into town with her and her husband, Evan.
“Do keep up, Penelope,” Isadora called cheerfully over her shoulder as she and Evan strolled ahead, their arms linked. “It’s such a fine afternoon. Surely, even you cannot mope in weather like this.”
Oh, I can.Ever since Penelope had left the estate, it felt like all she ever did was mope. Still, she did not want to be too much of a downer, so she forced a smile.
“I’m coming.”
Isadora glanced back, worry flickering in her eyes despite the smile she tried to maintain.
“You’ve hardly spoken all morning. But I am certain that a change of scenery will do wonders for your mood,” Isadora went on, as optimistic as ever.
“It’s true, Penelope,” Evan turned as well, his brow raised. “You look like you’ve been awake all night.”
“I have been,” Penelope admitted quietly, feeling suddenly self-concious. “I have not been able to get much sleep these past few nights.”
That would be putting it lightly. In reality, she was wracked with worry every time night came and she was left alone in her chambers. She thought about what Odette might be doing, or how Alexander must be feeling. But she had no way of knowing these things for certain, and that was driving her mad.
How was she expected to stay away from them forever when she could barely make it past a few days?
Isadora slowed, letting Evan’s arm slip from hers so she could walk beside her sister.
“You barely touch your food. You barely leave your room unless I drag you out.” She linked her arm with Penelope’s, giving it agentle squeeze. “I do not wish to be strict with you, but you are really breaking my heart here. I am concerned for you.”
Penelope sighed, gazing distantly into the path in front of them.
“I’m sorry, Isadora. I don’t mean to be a burden,” she admitted. “I shall only bother you for some more days until I figure out where next to go.”
“Oh, hush,” Isadora said immediately. “You are not a burden in the slightest, and we would be happy to host you indefinitely. It’s only your happiness that I am worried about.”
“I was happy back at the estate,” Penelope muttered under her breath, “only that the duke no longer wishes for me to be there.”
“See, I know that you say that. But I have a hard time believing it,” Isadora said. “I am sure that he must be regretting his decision.”
“I am sure that he isn’t even thinking about me,” Penelope replied, feeling her heart sink as she said the words out loud.
“You do not know that.”
“I do,” Penelope insisted with a sigh, “But I do not wish to wallow more. The least I can do is be a bearable guest for you, since you were so kind to take me in.”
Isadora pressed her lips together, clearly wanting to push for more, but holding back. Instead, she looped her arm more firmly through Penelope’s.
“Well. We’ll walk until you’re too tired to brood any longer. Does that work for you?”
Penelope smiled faintly but said nothing.
They continued down the path. As they reached the more crowded portion of the street, a prickling sensation crawled across the back of her neck. She glanced behind her.
“What is the matter?” Isadora asked immediately. “You look quite startled.”
“Oh, nothing,” Penelope shook her head, and turned forward again.You’re imagining things,she told herself.Stop being foolish.“I thought I saw something.”
