Her Devious Scoundrel

Chapter 7

Penelope searched through her wardrobe, wondering what would be useful when traveling across the countryside without her usual entourage of maids and men to carry her trunks. She needed to hurry, but when she looked at all her dresses, not of them seemed well suited for traveling. She had only ever been outside of London three times in her life, so only one of her dresses would be what one would consider a traveling gown.

“Milady?” a quiet voice whispered at the door.

“Gilda!” What are you doing back so early?” Penelope rushed to the door, pulling Gilda in the room and shutting it behind her.

“I just got here Miss, and Lydia told me you were upstairs unwell. I came to check on you.” Gilda eyed her with curiosity. Penelope felt her face redden under the maids solid gaze.

“Oh yes, um, well, I had a slight bit of a headache, so I left the ball early.” Penelope lied, “but I- I am feeling much better now.”

“Why are you looking through your dresses my lady?” Gilda peered at her, and Penelope could see the real questions in her eyes. She knew Penelope was planning something, and she was concerned for her. Gilda had practically been Penelope's best friend since birth. Gilda's mother had been Penelope's mother's maid and Gilda had trained along side her to become maid to Penelope. Now that they were both adults, the two girls had grown as thick as thieves and it was hard sometimes for Penelope to remember her station because she felt as though Gilda was akin to a sister of sorts.

“Gilda, if I tell you of my plans, Father will surely sack you. So I must tell you that I will be safe, but I cannot marry this foul man my father is forcing on me.” Penelope grasped Gilda's hands in her own, her eyes pleading for her to understand and not raise alarm until Penelope had gone.

“Milady, have you thought this through? I know you wish to avoid this marriage but surely running off alone isn't the answer.”

“Gilda, I do not travel alone, I have found a benefactor who is willing to give me passage until I am a safe enough distance that I can find a life to live on my own.”

“A benefactor?” Gilda's voice sounded alarmed, her eyes widened in shock, “surely you aren't naive enough to think a person would help you without motive.”

“Oh Gilda, I am not so featherbrained as to think a person would not attempt to take advantage, however, I have a plan.” from her pocket Penelope pulled a small parring knife, the sharpened blade glinting in the firelight. With a gasp Gilda jumped to her feet and paced away, burying her face in her hands. She stood with her back to Penelope for several moments before her shoulders started shaking with silent sobs.

“Oh Gilda, please don't cry! Don't be afraid, for once I am safely away I shall write to tell you I am safe and all about my travels.” Penelope embraced the crying girl, smoothing her hands along her back in an attempt to comfort her fears. Though in normal circumstances this sort of embrace would have been improper by society's standards, Penelope felt the need to drop social norms and say a proper goodbye to her close friend.

I took Penelope quite awhile to calm and reassure Gilda, then say her lengthy goodbye. After all was said and done, Gild assisted her in packing and Penelope saw the maid to her rooms, with one last hug as farewell. Penelope then crept down the hall, sneaking was a little difficult with her two heavy bags weighing her down. As she opened the front door, she turned to quickly survey her childhood home, she closed her eyes as a single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. She swept it away and turned straightening her back, and walked swiftly out the door.

It was far too late to call a hack, so Penelope was forced to walk to her meeting point with Johnathan. She pulled her cloak tightly over her head, hiding her face in the shadows of the hood. Her eyes dart to every shadow she passed on the darkened street, jumping at every sound. By the time she reached the square she was jumpier that a rabbit. She didn't even realize she had been holding her breath until she at last saw Johnathan standing in wait and she let out a long sigh of relief.

She hurried towards him, struggling as her arms started to give way under the weight of her bags. The long walk finally beginning to take it's toll. Johnathan spotted her in the distance and hurried forward to relieve her of the weight, taking the bags from her hands.

“Are you ready then?” Johnathan questioned, his eyes searching hers, clearly asking if she was going to change her mind. Penelope nodded, even though she had been having second thoughts the entire walk to the square. She had come to the resolution that despite her misgivings, if there was ever a time for her to escape, it was now or never. She would be married in short time should she change her mind at this point. So she pushed all negative thoughts and fears out of her head, and decided that this was her path and that she was going to go through with it.

Johnathan handed her up into the carriage before tossing her bags up to the driver and stepping in himself. He pulled a soft driving blanket from under the cushioned seat and handed it to her and setting back against the wall of the carriage. Penelope set the blanket about her lap and copied his motions of leaning back. She closed her eyes and in moments she had drifted of into fitful sleep.