Penelope’s heart seemed to have stopped in that moment. She stared at her friend, waiting for the world to end like she believed it would if she accidentally let her real feelings slip.
But the sun was still shining, and the birds were still singing cherry tunes. And before her stood one of her dear friends, her expression open and carefree.
And suddenly, there was no need to hide it anymore.
Penelope swallowed, her breathing shaky and weak as she nodded.
“I do. I admit that I fancy him.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Glee filled Jane’s face, and Penelope had to remind herself and inform her friend that there was nothing to smile about.
“I do have feelings for him. I fell for him during the party, none of that matters anymore. We never stood a chance to begin with.”
Jane visibly deflated, her expression dimming as she shook her head and said,
“You do not know that –”
“I do,” Penelope said, feeling with every passing moment. “I do not want a marriage of convenience, and I have already chosen to be a spinster. Even if I were to join the marriage mart again, I would not be who he would choose to spend the rest of his life with. He wants someone gentle and agreeable. He prefers someone who won’t challenge him stubbornly, someone whowill understand and excuse him. I cannot be what he wants, Jane. I will never be enough.”
Jane sighed, looking annoyed, and for a moment, Penelope feared she would scold her, but her friend stated,
“Men are such disappointing creatures, are they not? I think it is unfair how much of our lives depend on them. Utterly useless creatures.”
Penelope stared at her for a moment, then a shocked laugh burst out of her. She could not stop once it had begun, especially when Jane joined in, and their giggles filled the room.
Jane took her hand and dragged her to a settee where they both collapsed onto, their bodies still shaking with mirth.
“Do not be cross with me any longer, Jane,” Penelope muttered breathlessly, reaching forward to gently wipe the tears off her friend’s face. “I fear my heart might not be able to handle it.”
Jane chuckled, placing her hand over Penelope’s, holding it against her cheek for a moment as she smiled.
“Only if you promise to no longer keep any secrets from me.”
Penelope held her pinkie up, and Jane wrapped hers around it, her cheeks flushed with satisfaction as she said, “You are forgiven.”
Squealing happily, Penelope pulled her friend into her arms, thankful to have resolved the issue and saved her friendship.
Her heart felt lighter now that she had made up with Jane, and she hoped it would remain that way, praying that negative thoughts would be held at bay.
Jane grunted when she pulled away and gestured around them.
“I have been moping indoors ever since I returned from Nora’s estate. It is good to be in high spirits once more.”
Penelope nodded in agreement.
“As have I. My brother was convinced that I was trying to become a part of the garden. He practically tossed me out of the house.” She teased with a grin.
Jane seemed to perk up at the mention of Lionel, and her eyebrows drew together in concern.
“How is he? Was he upset with you when he found out that you were Athena?”
“No, he was not,” Penelope shook her head. “Like you, he wondered why I had not told him and why I had decided to be Athena. He was quite understanding and he assured me to live my life, regardless of what people think or say about me.”
Jane sighed, a dreamy look taking over her face for a moment, much to Penelope’s amusement.
“He is quite smart. A-And quite right! People have no right to tell you that your opinions on the relationships of others do not matter because you have decided to be a spinster. If anything, that shows how magnanimous and kind you are. Most people would not care if someone they knew was being fooled into a sham marriage by someone else. They might take that information and use it as gossip fodder. But not you. You chose to help people. You saved those women, Penelope. you saved me. Do not spend a second of your time caring about what the people who do not recognize that think about you. They clearly do not possess an ounce of intelligence.”
