“My biggest fear was that we would each marry and be split up, as Mr. Gowrey's sisters are, but we aren't," Charlotte said. "We will remain close, as our husbands are business partners, and more importantly, they are friends. I have wanted this for us, since our first season, and I never thought we’d have this wonderful—”
“—Blessing,” Isabel said. “It’s truly special. Think of it, just like our mothers have each other, so will we always have each other.”
Isabel reassured Penny as only Isabel could. "You'll see, Penny. All will work out."
She wished she could feel as optimistic about her future with Nathaniel, as Isabel did, and now Charlotte—who went about it in a more direct way as is typical for Charlotte, thus guaranteeing her father’s approval.
Penelope’s father, having spent most
