The duchess went straight to her bed, parting a spot opposite the space she had sat in, urging Penelope to take up that space.
“Is it all right to eat in the bed?” Penelope asked, settling down gingerly.
“It is my house and I do not mind, as long as we don’t spill anything on the covers.” Nora assured, smearing jam on a piece of toast before offering it to Penelope. “Are you all right? Did you get any sleep at all?”
“Some,” Penelope said quietly, accepting the offering slowly. “I am sorry. I did not mean to ruin your party —”
“You did no such thing, Penelope. In any case, the party was already over. I believe it was just surprising to have found out that way, rather than from the lips of my own dear friend. Why did you not tell us?”
Penelope shook her head, trying to swallow the bite she had taken, hoping she would be able to have some idea of what to say in time.
“I do not know. It felt as though I had taken on a big burden and I was the one responsible for it. Just me. The idea of making anyone else carry the weight of my secret just felt unfair.”
That was partially the truth. Honestly, she was unsure what her friends would think, because Cecil had been right.
She was in no place to judge others and had no right to dictate what was wrong or right by her own standards. If she had merely approached them with concern, without the need to make herself seem important, she would not be in this situation.
“We would not have minded, you know. Isn’t that what friends are for? If we do not offer you support, even in your trying times, can we really be called friends?” Nora questioned softly, holding out the cup of tea to her.
“It is not that easy —”
“Why not? Must things be complicated because you have deemed it so? You are just like Cecil — so stubborn and determined to handle matters your own way. Usually, I do not mind it, but you have been hurting for a long time, Penelope. And you do not have to, nor will you, if only you simply rely on us. I swear — between you and Cecil, I really can’t tell who is worse at that they were loved.” Nora huffed, looking as though she was fighting immense irritation.
Her expression brought a watery chuckle from Penelope, which softened Nora’s features and made her smile.
“Thank you, Nora. For everything.” Penelope said gently.
Nora reached over to pat her shoulder gently.
“What other purpose could I serve as your friend? I simply hope this serves as a reminder that you can always rely on me.” Nora stated with a smile.
“I do not believe I can forget it. Nor do I plan to.” Penelope assured her.
Nora nodded and rose to her feet, pointing at the tray.
“Ensure that there is nothing but crumbs left on that before you leave.”
Penelope grinned, nodding curtly. “Understood, Your Grace.”
Nora made a face and turned to leave, faltering moments later. She slowly turned back to Penelope and said,
“It is likely not in my place to say this, but I do hope that you and Cecil can reestablish your friendship one day. The brief time of your relationship seemed to be the happiest I’ve ever seen him — although his smiles were tinged with mischief. And you looked rather radiant during that time. I would’ve dragged him by the ear to apologize to you because I am sure that whatever happens was his fault, but he has gotten particularly good at evading me.”
Penelope frowned, sitting up straighter, her heart feeling stiff, and she prepared herself for what she knew might be difficult news to hear.
“What do you mean?”
Nora sighed, deep and long suffering.
“That ridiculous brother of mine slipped away before half of the estate had woken up. He is gone.”
“Thank you again for coming,” Nora sighed as she embraced Penelope, smiling up at Lionel after she pulled away.
She held Penelope’s hands gently, looking as though she was a little sad to see her go.
“Wild horses could not have kept me away. It was a pleasure to have spent some time with you. Thank you for inviting us.” Penelope said, squeezing Nora’s hands slightly.
Penelope turned to Godric, who had been speaking to Lionel, curtseying slightly to the duke.
