CHAPTER 182: DOWNFALL (1)

In the Castro home, Penelope sat with Julie, who was her only visitor for the day.

"I am glad the prince sent for me, or I would have nothing to do all day. I thought I would be meeting with my grandmother, but it turns out it was only for Ally," said Julie.

"Why? Is there an important matter to speak about with Ally alone?" Penelope asked.

"Not that I know, but Ally is the one who wishes to get married soon. Though she doesn’t say it, Ally is her favourite. It helps that Aunt Sally at least came from a fallen home and was the maid of a duchess. I have always known it," Julie said, no longer affected by it.

"It isn’t right. Your mother is wonderful. She has become a good businesswoman with her books. Many ladies look up to her and realise that they too can provide for themselves," Penelope said, amazed by Eleanor’s achievements.

"But my mother was born to a couple who own a brothel. That will always linger in my grandmother’s mind. I’m sure that since I don’t act as a proper lady, she blames my mother’s upbringing for it. Perhaps it is time that I change," Julie considered.

Penelope held Julie’s hand and said, "I like you as you are now. So what if marriage isn’t on your mind? You have always spoken of wanting to follow in your mother’s footsteps to make something of yourself. Don’t change for anyone."

"I don’t want to, but I want to make life easier for my mother. I know it does hurt her to learn that Sally and Ally have been invited for a sit-down. Only my brother is treated well. Why must our grandparents be this way?" Julie sighed.

"I do not know. I have not spoken to Melanie in a while. I’m sure she is angry that she was not around for the wedding. I am not ready to speak to her," Penelope said, knowing Melanie would try to argue instead of understand.

Penelope already had one challenge with Tabitha, so she wasn’t ready to have another with Melanie.

"I come bearing good news for you about the dressmaker," Julie said, her mood brightening up. "Her business has taken a hit with all the news about the murders."

"Erin? Why would her business be affected when she doesn’t have anything to do with the murders? She couldn’t hurt a fly," Penelope said, confused by this news.

"It is not Erin they suspect. The town hasn’t seen anything like this since Simon Farley. Some people think it is his ghost, while others believe someone close to him is continuing what he started," Julie explained.

"Someone close to him?" Penelope muttered. "Dale? It was his brother who was close to Simon, unless I am mistaken."

"It was, but they were still all friends. They are wary of both brothers and your Aunt Kate’s family. Because of this, the ladies have decided not to go to Erin. I think she turned her back on the one family who would get her out of this," Julie said, pleased there was a consequence.

Since the duke was the one to figure out that Simon was the one killing ladies, if he spoke on behalf of Erin and Dale to clear their names, it would be taken seriously by the townspeople.

"Many are scared, so they will point fingers at anyone. There are many assumptions about who could be behind the deaths, and most of it is likely wrong, but the town will avoid those they accuse," said Julie.

"There is even better news. This is overshadowing all that was said about you."

Penelope was surprised to hear this. "They are not accusing my curse of what is behind the deaths?"

"No," Julie shook her head. "It is like they have moved on from the curse. Now everyone is speaking about the murders. It is good for you."

"But terrible for the families who have lost a loved one," said Penelope.

"Of course, I haven’t forgotten the families, but you needed a break from all the rumours. I hope it can all go back to normal for you."

"I hope so, too. It is unfortunate to hear about Erin. She is a talented woman, and she has worked hard on her business over the years. I would hate to see it crumble," Penelope said, worried for Erin’s sake.

Julie frowned. "Then, you will speak up for her?"

Penelope reached for her tea. "No. She is my mother’s friend. I will leave it to my mother to decide if she wants to help Erin, but I will not. I still have love for her, but I cannot ignore her betrayal. Perhaps one day I will speak to her."

"It might be cruel, but I think you should let her sit on the consequences of her actions. Her husband must be fuming that his name has been pulled into this. Now, he will feel how it is to have others turn their backs on you," Julie said, looking forward to the show.

"Is your mother still friends with Erin?" Penelope asked.

"She is," Julie nodded. "They have been close, so she wants to give Erin a chance to fix what she started. I had new dresses made by Erin. There is hope for Erin, but she will learn a hard lesson before she gets close to your mother again."

Penelope noticed Julie’s smile. "It sounds like you know something else."

"I know many things, Penelope. You must be careful with what you say around your maids. There are rumours that there is tension between Erin’s mother and the Scotts," Julie shared.

Penelope wasn’t stunned by this. "I had always heard there were issues, but most of them were settled when Erin and Dale got married. So, there was plenty she faced in secret. She tends to crack under pressure sometimes."

"Maybe her dresses are so good that all her customers will not leave her. My mother will not abandon her, but the queen is closer to the duchess. If Erin loses the queen, which also means the princess, it will not be good for her," Julie concluded.

"I think she will go back to your mother to apologise. She would be better off leaving her husband," said Julie.

Penelope didn’t have the answer to Erin’s problems. She could be petty and avoid Erin now that the shoe was on the other foot, but Penelope didn’t hate Erin. Still, she wouldn’t be Erin’s way of getting out of this.

"I don’t think her husband has paid back my father. My father’s money isn’t something to toy with. It will be interesting how this plays out," Penelope agreed with Julie.