Chapter 8: Lady Penelope (A)

True to Julien's words, we didn't have to walk so far to get into another town. I expected him to pay for a room in an inn, but he said something about having a friend who would shelter us.

I was surprised when we stopped in front of a really big house. He has a wealthy friend? I followed closely behind him as we walked into the house, a servant approached us and took us to the living area.

"Wait here." Julien instructed me and walked away with the servant. I was given cake and hot chocolate, it was so yummy that I didn't mind how long Julien spent. I was nearly falling asleep when he returned with a lady on his arm.

I was on my feet already; from her well made hair, her expensive gown to her leather shoes, I knew she was the lady of the house.

"Lady Penelope, this is my bride Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn, this is Lady Penelope, the viscountess." I didn't know if I should curtsey or kiss her cheek, I didn't know how I was supposed to behave in the presence of a viscountess. She was such a young woman, she didn't even look above three and twenty, yet she was a viscountess.

"Don't look so nervous, I'm no one special. Hello, cousin-in-law." She left Julien's side to hug me, kissing me on both cheeks. Me, a mere peasant.

"Cousin-in-law?" I asked when she pulled away.

"Yes. My mother was Julien's Aunt, I was only privileged to marry a Viscount. Think nothing of my title, I am your family now." She linked her arm with mine. "Julien told me about your encounter with the bandits, must have been traumatic for you, pretty thing." She began leading me towards the fancy stairs. "Bandits are a big issue for us here and we have tried everything to get rid of them but they just go outside the town and scare people away. You must be tired, I will show you to your room." I seized a look at Julien, his eyes were on me. I immediately worried if I shouldn't follow Lady Penelope and should stay at his side. I looked down at his wounded arm, it was neatly bandaged now.

"Don't worry about your husband now, he will keep company with the men." Lady Penelope said, pulling me with her. Julien gave a silent nod as if in agreement with what she said and looked away from me.

"The men?"

"Yes, my husband and his brothers are in the ranch right now. They will join us for dinner." We came to the first floor and she led me to one of the doors. "This will be the room you share with your husband." She said before opening the door to reveal a very fancy looking room with a big bed and curtains around the bed; it had a window sit too and beautiful lamps.

"Go in and get some rest dear, you need it, don't you?" I smiled my thanks to Lady Penelope and she returned it, leaving me alone in the room. I was asleep as soon as I fell on the bed.

"My lady? My lady?" I woke up to a servant girl peering over me. Rubbing my eyes, I sat up.

"I'm sorry, how long was I asleep for?"

"I don't know, my lady. Lady Penelope asked that I help you take a bath, she will join us shortly."

"Help me take a bath?!" I was fully awake now. "That really won't be necessary, I can manage on my own." She nodded and left.

I found a bath already made for me and the warm water felt so good on my hand, I wasted no time in getting in the bath. The warm water helped me relax more and the soap was so nice, I wanted to remain in the bath forever.

However, that was not to be the case as I heard a soft knock on the door followed by the opening of the door. I hurriedly picked my dress from the floor and shielded my body with it, thinking it was Julien.

"Oh my!" I heard Lady Penelope's laugh. "I see you and your husband hasn't been well acquainted yet." At the knowing look on her face, I felt myself blush. Of course Julien and I are yet to consummate our marriage, we aren't even properly married.

Lady Penelope went over to sit on the bed, not minding that I was naked in the bathtub.

"Uhm..." I tried saying something but nothing came to mind and I couldn't ask her to leave, it was her house.

"How long will you be in the bathtub? Hurry out, it's almost time for dinner."

"Oh, urh... Yes." How embarrassing! I forgot to find a towel before getting in the bathtub; now how do I dry myself?

"Gwen... Can I call you Gwen? You don't have to feel shy in front of me, I am a woman like you. If you stay in the bath longer, I'm afraid you might catch a cold."

"Y-yes, you're right. I... urh... forgot to bring a towel with me, now I have..."

"Why didn't you just say so?" She got off the bed and went over to the wardrobe, opening it and bringing out a towel. "Here you go." She brought it over and gave it to me, then she turned her back to me.

"Since you are so shy, I hope this makes you feel better. Julien would be upset with me if I let you catch a cold." I wasted no time in getting out of the bathtub and wrapping myself with the towel.

"Can I turn around now?" She asked, still facing away from me.

"Yes." She faced me now and smiled.

"Do forgive me if I'm being too forward. It's been so long since I've had another young woman to keep me company."

"But you have young servants."

"Yes, I do. But I really can't relate with them because of our differences in status. You, on the other hand, are the perfect lady."

"I'm no lady, I'm a peasant."

"Oh, but you are Julien's wife."

"He has no title." She stared at me for a moment, then her eyes shone.

"Yes, yes, you're right, he has no title."

"And, I'm not really his wife yet; we haven't exchanged vows."

"That won't be a problem, I am certain Julien will take care of that soon. Tell me, what will you wear to dinner?" I looked down at my gown I had dropped on the floor.

"I'm wearing that, Julien bought it for me." Lady Penelope took one look at it and snarled.

"That dress does not befit you." I giggled at how serious she sounded.

"It is worth more than what I usually wear. Of course you wouldn't like it, you're used to more fancy dresses with gems on them."

"Gems?" She laughed loudly. "You crack me up, Gwen. I am not a Queen, how can I possibly afford such a dress? I could sell all I own and it won't still be enough to buy one dress as such."