The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride-Chapter 144: Lady Priscilla (3)

"I understand why you are angry, but I will not pick a fight with Erin. I am also not going to try to ruin her business. She has been like an aunt to me for many years, so keeping those memories in mind, I want to move on," Penelope said.

Erin’s actions hurt Penelope, but it wasn’t a betrayal where she was out to ruin Erin.

Erin forgetting how close they were did not mean that Penelope would forget. Penelope was hurt, but at the same time, she still cared for Erin. She would take her business elsewhere and leave Erin alone as she wanted.

"This is very unlike Erin. Perhaps she faces something behind closed doors that we are not aware of. Once their emotions have settled down, I am certain my mother and Erin will speak again, so we should stay out of it," Penelope suggested.

As long as nothing bad was said on either side, there was hope for moving forward.

"You have inherited your mother’s kindness. It is good because that kindness is how I managed to get back into Edgar’s good graces, but you must be careful with it. I don’t like that she stood by your mother when it was going well, and abandoned her so fast," said Priscilla.

Priscilla wouldn’t be surprised or angry if it were a simple dressmaker Alessandra used from time to time, but Erin was a family friend and the main dressmaker Alessandra used. She had received plenty of help from Alessandra.

"Did you know Erin had the opportunity to dress the queen because of your mother? When someone is so loyal to you and speaks of you to their esteemed friends, you do not turn on them so easily. She will suffer even if I don’t interfere," Priscilla said.

Priscilla was certain Penelope and Alessandra were going to recover from the rumours. Alessandra was able to do it once, and the gossip concerning Penelope was silly.

Alessandra and Penelope would both return to be respected ladies, but should there be gossip about Erin, she would not survive it.

"The town has turned to blaming this made-up curse surrounding you as the reason for Tyrion leaving the palace. You will not be the first to be blamed for what a man did. Tyrion can swear he never wanted to be king, but you will hold fault," said Priscilla.

"I do not understand it. I have always known Tyrion did not enjoy being in the palace. Surely others have noticed it," Penelope said.

"It’s easier to blame the nearest woman. I have been through it as well. With Edmund, I was blamed for his stepping away from the court, and it was somehow my fault he turned to a lover. Even now with David, I am blamed for the little things which do not matter," Priscilla said, understanding Penelope’s position.

Priscilla continued to say, "The difference for me now is having a husband who speaks out to let it be known I am not to be blamed for anything he does. If Tyrion did nothing and allowed you to be blamed, I would be concerned."

"He has always stuck up for me, and now it is to the point that he fights with the court. I know my father is not friendless, but had I wanted to be queen, it would have brought the palace a big ally. I was a worthy candidate," said Penelope.

"You were, but your father would uncover their evil deeds, which could have them placed in the palace dungeon. Edgar can be cruel," Priscilla admitted. "But there should never be any doubt that he cares for the safety of this town. The court doesn’t like that."

"The court sounds like it should be destroyed," said Rue.

Rue thought the ways of this town were strange. If it were her mother, the men in the court would have been long imprisoned or killed.

"It just might be. The court has lost its use, and with the men there always being against the royals, it might be no more soon. Perhaps it will be gone by the time Teo takes the throne. Just wait a little longer," Priscilla said, giving Penelope assurance.

Priscilla was confident that with the court speaking about Penelope instead of only Edgar, Edgar would not leave them be. Either Edgar would work with the king to remove them, or do what always worked, which was to kill them.

"I will find you a new dressmaker and send her to your home tomorrow. This is the time when you will want to look your best. Don’t you dare wear anything Erin made until the matter is resolved. Leave your dresses to me. Consider it a wedding gift from me," Priscilla offered.

Priscilla then turned to Rue, inspected the dress she wore. "That style isn’t suited for Lockwood. I know you aren’t one to dress up, but you must remember who you are. You are the daughter of Rafael and Annalise Callahans. A princess."

"I am not seen as a princess by the townspeople here," said Rue.

Rue wanted to retaliate when the people forgot who she was, but she promised her mother that she would be on her best behaviour. Rue was doing her best not to act as the people here imagined her, and the cost of it was that Rue felt like she was being stabbed repeatedly.

One more insult and Rue wouldn’t be able to keep her promise.

Priscilla sighed, not liking the attitude displayed to her. "Then show them who you are. No matter what they say, they cannot change that your mother leads the border. I’m sure I can find someone who can make dresses to match the style at the border and here."

Rue was horrified by the thought of having to wear more dresses.

"You are also of age to marry. Will you find a husband and settle down here? A lady like you needs to be careful," Priscilla warned Rue.

Rue might have stumbled upon a man only seeking to gain power from the Callahan name.

"I have not come here to find a husband. I am only here to be with my father," Rue replied.

"You are not enjoying the season?"

"She is. She danced with Elijah at the ball yesterday," Penelope shared.

"I am not thinking of marrying Elijah," Rue quickly spoke.

Priscilla laughed. "I don’t mind if that was your intention. Even if I wanted to object, Elijah is stubborn like his father. I will say that if you are lying to me, remember the position he is in. He will be the future duke."

"That does for you as well," Priscilla said, facing Penelope. "You are married to a prince, so you must be careful. Be careful with what you say and do, but that doesn’t mean you must become a shadow to them. Don’t let your existence be centred around your husbands."

"This has taken a serious turn. Let us go back to helping you with your peers. I’ll be with you at the next gathering, and Rue, you must join us. Even if you don’t want to find a husband, there are things you should learn. Will you join us?" Priscilla asked.

Rue nodded her head and replied, "Yes. I would like to understand this town better. Penelope said there is some beauty to it, so I want to experience it."

"Good. If your grandmother asks about me, tell her that I am not heartless like she claimed," said Priscilla.

Rue smiled in response. When could she mention that Beatrice never spoke about Priscilla?

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