31. Penelope
Penelope
Strength never came from facing a challenge you were prepared for. It came from the uncomfortable time between the start and finish. Between the highs and lows of each day.
I stayed in a constant state of discomfort.
It didn’t matter that I was in one of the most lavish buildings in London.
It didn’t matter that I’d been handed to a woman who had a reputation as a shark, or that Marian LaRoe was even sweet and considerate when no one was looking.
I wanted to go home—to Vaughn.
I couldn’t. I had to face what that meant.
The more days that went by, the more I realized that it wasn’t about what I could control, but what I could do with what I was given.
I’d never reach queen status if I didn’t have this time to myself.
Most importantly, I’d never discover the secrets I knew were out there.
Vaughn may never find out the truth… but maybe I could.
And I was determined more now than ever to try.
It wouldn’t be easy. Hell, it was going to put me to the test on every level, but I could do it.
I didn’t have a choice if I wanted to do right by those who looked up to me—loved me.
“Penelope?” The footsteps grew closer as I wiped the tears that refused to stay inside. I put down the newspaper, letting the headlining article on me solidify what I knew I needed to do. “Penny?”
“In here.”
I sniffled, using tissue to wipe my face as the door opened and Marian eased inside.
“I hate to bother you. I know today couldn’t have been easy.”
Waving her in, I eased back, putting distance between us.
“Oh, no. Please, come in. I’m fine, really.
” I tossed the tissue in a wastebasket, grabbing another.
“Today was great. This,” I gestured to my face.
“This is four months catching up with me. I love that you gave me a job. I had a wonderful time meeting everyone. Cassandra, your receptionist, was delightful.”
Blonde hair with red highlights was twisted to the back of her head and random pieces framed her face.
Green eyes were full of concern yet patience.
For her upper-twenties, Marian felt so much more grown up than me.
She was an American elite but had lived in London for the last decade.
Or so the story went. She was engaged to Bastian Allard, a French nobleman who had quite the reputation for being a ladies’ man.
“I’m glad you liked her. Cassandra is a blessing.” She paused, her eyes stopping the briefest moment on the newspaper I’d been reading. “I hate to invade on your privacy. I am sorry. I just… I heard you crying, and with the news, and last night… the nightmares.”
“You heard that?” My head lowered, and tears slipped free, falling to the floor. Vaughn. I couldn’t find my way back to him. There was a man in a mask. First, just one, and then two. It was the rapist guards, and they were after me, trying to make sure I never found my way back. “I’m so sorry.”
“Please, no, don’t apologize. Never be sorry for something you can’t control.
I just wanted you to know that I’m here for you.
I know you don’t know Katia—Agent Marchase, but she’s my best friend.
When she came to me to see if I’d be willing to let you stay here, I jumped at the opportunity.
You’re safe now, Penny. No one can get in this building unless permitted.
He’ll never find you here, and even if he does, he’ll never get in. I promise you that.”
My heart sank.
“Thank you. That makes me feel better.”
She gestured to the door.
“I’m headed to dinner. Would you like to join me? It’s not often I have company.”
“Dinner? In the city?”
A spark of excitement flared.
“We have our own restaurant here. I’ve got it delivered the last few days so you could adjust, but if you’d like to get out of this apartment for a while, we can go sit at an actual table and look at the city lights.”
I smiled, feeling a small weight lift at the thought of new scenery. “I think I’d like to see that.”
“Perfect. I’ll let you get ready. I’ll be in the library reading. Just come get me when you’re done.”
“Thank you.”
The door shut behind her, and I let out a deep breath.
Exploring the building was good. I couldn’t leave yet without ruining my cover, but maybe being out would give me ideas on what I should do next.
Agent Marchase forbade me to leave, but maybe I wouldn’t have to make ground.
Of course… it was a bit too early to do that.
Time would be my biggest battle, but after a few weeks, it would be appropriate to start reaching out to possible connections. And I did have this new outlet.
I picked back up the newspaper, taking in the new headline as of this morning.
PUBLIC FASCINATION GROWS AS SEARCH FOR PENELOPE TAYLOR INTENSIFIES.
Public interest surrounding heiress Penelope Taylor has only continued to grow following reports confirming she is alive after months of being reportedly held captive.
Despite authorities verifying her survival, officials have refused to disclose her location or release any public images, fueling widespread speculation across London and beyond.
Social media campaigns demanding answers have surged in recent days, with supporters referring to Taylor as “London's Lost Heiress”. Crowds are reportedly gathering outside multiple government buildings at the end of this week to demand increased transparency regarding the investigation.
King Lawrence has remained one of the most vocal figures pushing for answers. During a recent public appearance, the king briefly addressed the matter stating:
“Ms. Taylor has endured unimaginable circumstances. Every available resource should be used to ensure her safety and proper recovery.”
Palace insiders claim the Crown has privately urged authorities to bring Taylor into their own protective custody until the investigation concludes, though officials have neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
Meanwhile, public sympathy for the young heiress continues to rise as questions surrounding the deaths of Allen and Henrietta Taylor remain unanswered.
For now, the woman at the center of Britain's most discussed mystery remains unseen.
Unseen, but not unaware.
Putting down the paper, I walked over, opening the closet.
I took out a black, long sleeve, oversized dress, sliding it on as my mind still raced over the article.
Months ago, I would have hated the dress.
Now, I liked the way I felt hidden inside the material—hidden, just like my thoughts.
Like me. I didn’t want to be seen. Not yet.
I headed to the vanity, grabbing the brush to run down my long hair.
My eyes were swollen, but I didn’t care as I placed the brush down and headed for the library.
Marian was sitting in a chair, reading a book with an entwined couple on the cover.
She smiled, placing in the bookmark and putting the book down as I headed in.
“Perfect timing. I just finished the chapter.”
She headed my way, but I couldn’t help but really look around the large library we stood in. I’d seen it on her tour, but I’d been so exhausted that all I cared about was going to my room. Now, I couldn’t help the interest that had me zeroing in on the titles.
“Are these all yours?”
Marian beamed a smile.
“They are. Do you read?”
“I love to read.”
“Really?” Her lips parted. “What sort of books do you like?”
“A little of everything. I love history. I hope to start reading that again. And adventure books… though. I…” Words got caught in my throat. “I’m sorry. I finished, The Thirty Adventures of Poppy Marlow before I was taken. I wasn’t impressed.”
Marian laughed. “I haven’t read that one. I’m in my Jen era.”
“Jen era?”
“It’s dark romance, but probably nothing you want to read.
You can feel free to look around any time you want.
I do believe I have some history books over there, and some touristy ones I got when I first moved to London.
I’m sure it’s full of facts and history, although maybe you already know all of it.
If there’s something you want that I don’t have, just write it down and give it to Cassandra. She’ll order it online for you.”
“Order. Oh… yes. That’s how I used to receive my books when the bookstore down the road didn’t have them.”
Order…
An idea sparked. Could an order be more than a purchase? Could it be a message?
Marian’s voice drew me from racing thoughts.
“You’re probably starving. Let’s talk about it over dinner.”
“I’d like that.”
I followed Marian out, leaving the apartment and getting on the elevator.
Instead of going down, we headed up higher into the building.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what we walked into wasn’t it.
It wasn’t a restaurant, but more, a large room with a handful of tables.
Candles and flowered centerpieces covered them, but I barely noticed as I headed forward to the floor-length windows.
We were so high, and the sun was setting in the distance.
It was beautiful. Somewhere out there Vaughn was waiting, maybe even looking for me.
“This is spectacular.”
Marian took her place at the table, letting me have my space as she ordered a drink. I gave mine, losing myself in the bright colors casted over the buildings and traffic in the distance.
“It’s one of my favorite views.”
“I can see why. It’s truly breathtaking.”
I headed to the table. I looked for a menu but there wasn’t any. Marian seemed to notice, throwing me a smile.
“They’ll make anything you want.”
“Anything?”
She laughed. “I haven’t found anything they can’t make. Trust me, I’ve tested them. Michelle’s a great cook.”
“Oh. Maybe something small. I’m not too hungry.”
“I’m getting mac and cheese. Michelle makes the best. You can always try that.”
“Mac and cheese? For dinner?”
Marian’s confusion only lasted a moment before she laughed.
“Sometimes, you just need comfort food. If it’s not mac and cheese, for me, it’s mashed potatoes and gravy.
And yes, as a meal. You should see how fast I can wipe out a bowl.
That’s the beauty of being an adult and alone.
There’s no one telling you what to do anymore. ”
“As a meal,” I repeated. “Okay. I’ll have some mac and cheese, too.”
“Excellent.”
Marian smiled and waved towards a waiter in the distance. As she talked with them, I got lost in my thoughts—my schemes.
Orders…
How could I get a message to Vaughn? How could I bypass Marian and the SLB without getting caught? What would I even say—You pissed me off, so I ran away. Sorry, I won’t break my vows to you or your guards. See you in the future—take care—I’m on a mission? That wouldn’t work.
A groan almost left me, but Marian’s stare snapped me back to reality.
“I’m sorry? Did you say something?”
A soft smile appeared.
“Nothing important. I’m glad you came up here with me.”
“Me too.” I took a drink of my water, frowning. “I’m sorry. I’m a little all over the place in my head. I must be horrible company.”
“You’re fine, really. Penny, I just want you to know I’m here for you.
No matter what. I haven’t faced what you have, but I do have experience with bad people.
Just take your time healing. There’s no rush.
I know you asked to work to stay busy, and I get it, but you are free to leave the office at any point if things become too much for you.
You are not obligated to keep a job. Truthfully, I don’t even know how you’re doing it. You’re so much stronger than you know.”
Tears blinded me, but I kept them in.
“I’ve always wanted to have a job. My parents wouldn’t let me work or intern anywhere.
My degree path wasn’t even my choice; it was my father’s.
Art History, hence, my reading selection.
” I rolled my eyes. “It was fitting for a titled wife. I didn’t even get to finish before I ruined that.
” Seconds passed, and I gasped, covering my mouth.
“That must have sounded so horrible. They’re dead and I’m…
complaining. That’s so ungrateful of me. ”
“Don’t cry.” Marian’s hand came out to try to comfort me. “It’s okay to be upset about that. You wanted other things. It’s completely understandable.”
I wiped the tear that escaped. “Is it? I have so much guilt. I can’t even think straight. Everything feels wrong.”
“It’s going to take time. You have that with me, Penny. You can stay here as long as you’d like. I mean that.”
“You’re too kind. Thank you.” I searched her beautiful features.
“…Marian, I’ve lived a very sheltered life.
I find that I’m a little lost and behind compared to people my age.
My parents controlled my life. Cassandra asked if I had an email today.
I don’t. I felt like a child. And then our talk about ordering books.
It was always through my mother’s account.
I’ve never had accounts online. I’m so far behind.
I want a life. I want an identity. Does that sound selfish? ”
A genuine smile appeared. “Not at all. If you ask me, I think little things like that may actually help you move forward with your healing. How about we leave here and look into a few things.”
“Really? You’d help me make accounts and emails?”
“I would love to.”
“And I can get whatever I order delivered here? Is that safe? Can I do that?”
“If anything, you can put it under my name and get it delivered here.”
“Perfect. That’s just… perfect.”