A/N: Thanks to everyone for their feedback, support and kind words!
I own nothing.
I wanted to get this up over a week ago, but life intervened, as it is wont to. Sorry for the wait.
For the purposes of this fic, Leonard has a nice mom and Beverly is actually an obnoxious relation of Penny's who will show up later. I figured Leonard deserved a little bit of the good life for a change.
Last chapter of "My Fair Sheldon" should be up soon as well. I'm working on the ending, and I don't want to rush anything.
Chapter Two: You are so altered…
Thou gentle Look, that didst my soul beguile,
Why hast thou left me? Still in some fond dream
Revisit my sad heart, auspicious Smile!
As falls on closing flowers the lunar beam:
What time, in sickly mood, at parting day
I lay me down and think of happier years;
Of Joys, that glimmered in Hope's twilight ray,
Then left me darkling in a vale of tears.
O pleasant days of hope—for ever gone!—
Could I recall you!—But that thought is vain.
Availeth not Persuasion's sweetest tone
To lure the fleet-winged Travelers back again:
Yet fair, though faint, their images shall gleam
Like the bright Rainbow on a willowy stream.
-Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Sonnet
Penny put her volume of Coleridge's poetry down with a small huff. She was miserable.
This was to be her last day in Omaha Hall. Admiral and Mrs. Koothrapali would be arriving on the morrow, she would be going to visit Leslie at Jersey, and her father and Alicia were going to establish the new family home in…in…
In Bath.
Penny huffed again.
Of all the distasteful, ostentatious locales in Britain (thankfully there were but few), Bath was the worst.
Penny was not a very particular person, but Bath was just the sort of place she felt most uncomfortable in. It was the sort of place where gaudiness and pomp went to die, the sort of place that the rest of her family naturally loved.
It was to be her new home.
Sir Eric had purchased a house in the Royal Crescent, and was very eager to move in. Penny had wondered how on earth he meant to retrench by purchasing a house on that particular street, but she had held her tongue. It was not her place to contradict her father.
She was very grateful she would be staying several months with Leslie and Leonard at Jersey Cottage before she joined her father and Alicia. The thought of being so far from home—fifty miles was too far, in her opinion—in a place she held no particular love for was odious.
The room seemed to shrink in her mounting panic over her almost immediate future.
She threw on her pelisse and went outside to take one last walk about the grounds, for old times' sake.
She also desperately needed the fresh air.
. . .
Lady Ramona came upon her some time later, whilst she was resting on a stone bench in one of the gardens.
"Penny! There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!"
Penny smiled up at her godmother and slid down the bench, making room for her to sit.
"I just had to go about the grounds, one more time."
"I am surprised. You haven't walked much since-" Lady Ramona bit her lip and stopped herself from mentioning him.
Penny's cheeks were slightly pink.
"It is alright Lady Ramona. I must get used to at least hearing Captain Cooper's name again. After all, in a few days' time he may be sitting upon this very bench," she murmured.
Lady Ramona felt humbled by her goddaughter's fortitude.
"I must say, Penny, you have held up remarkably well in the wake of that news."
"Please, I'd rather not discuss it at length."
There was an uncomfortable silence.
Lady Ramona watched Penny's face as she looked out over the gardens. She was still very pretty, but her looks were drawn. She seemed to be always tired and listless. Lady Ramona mourned the girl she had known and pitied the woman she had come to know. She could not help but feel guilty over how things had gone for Penny.
"Penny, I hope you know that I just wanted you to be happy. I never meant-"
"Please, Lady Ramona!" Penny turned and looked into her eyes. "Please. Don't."
Lady Ramona swallowed thickly.
"Very well, dear. I am sorry."
Penny nodded and her look immediately softened.
"Why were you looking for me?"
"Dinner will very soon be ready. Everyone has come to wish all of you well."
"Even Leslie and Leonard?"
Penny was particularly fond of her brother-in-law and her two nephews.
"Yes, them too."
Penny stood and took one last look around her.
"Very well. Let's go in."
. . .
Penny would have enjoyed the meal but for the presence of one person: her elder sister's new companion, Mrs. Vartabedian.
She was a recent widow and Mr. Shepherd's eldest daughter. For reasons Penny did not think she'd ever be able to understand, Alicia had taken an interest in the young woman's situation. Not that Penny did not possess or understand compassion; she just could not conceive of its coming from her elder sister.
She could not say that she approved of their friendship. The difference in rank meant nothing to her. Something so inconsequential should never inhibit a true attachment between two people. It was Mrs. Vartabedian's character that she could not approve of.
The woman was vain and familiar, a most calculating, shrewish sort of person. She was too familiar with Alicia—they had scarcely known each other for half a year, and they were on a first name basis. Worse, she was just as familiar with Sir Eric.
Penny had not failed to notice the looks between them, the countless, affectedly casual caresses that Mrs. Vartabedian bestowed upon Sir Eric when she believed no one to be watching.
She clearly wanted to be the new Lady Elliot.
Penny had hoped that the move to Bath would hinder the vile woman's plans, but the upstart was to be accompanying Sir Eric and Alicia on their journey tomorrow.
The food in Penny's mouth tasted like ash when she thought of it. She was very grateful that the meal was winding down; she could lay down her fork and push her plate away without attracting undue attention.
Sir Eric and Alicia had to be off very early the next morning, so there were to be no after dinner festivities that night. Everyone bade Sir Eric and Alicia a pleasant trip and wished them well.
Leslie took Penny aside just before she and Leonard were to follow the others to the Musgrove's carriage.
"Make sure you don't forget to bring anything with you tomorrow," she fussed. "In my condition I shouldn't have to worry about you forgetting things."
"I know Leslie," Penny sighed.
"A house in Bath! Can you believe it? It's just the sort of thing we Elliots were made for."
Leonard put an arm around his wife.
"There she goes again, Penny, forgetting that she is a Musgrove now!"
Leslie nearly leveled her husband with a look.
"Who could ever forget?"
"Okay! Time to get you home and in bed, dear. It doesn't suit you to be cranky," he said, leading her away. "Until tomorrow, Penny!" he called back over his shoulder.
"Goodnight Leonard."
Poor man. He was doomed if after four years of marriage he still hadn't realized that his wife was perpetually cross.
Penny waited until the lanterns hanging from the carriage faded into the distance before retiring for the night.
She knew sleep would be impossible, so she had decided to spend the night in the conservatory. It had been her mother's favorite room, and Lady Elliot's old pianoforte was still kept in there.
Penny wrapped her shawl more firmly around her person and gently placed her fingers over the keys. She traced out the notes on the ivory before her hands began to play of their own accord.
It was the same soft, tinkling melody her mother had always played for them, even when she had eventually grown too ill to do anything else. Penny felt it was the only fitting thing to play at that moment.
She idly wondered how long it would be before she got to feel these keys at her fingertips again.
. . .
Sir Eric and Alicia set off on their journey just after dawn. Penny wished them well and then went to finish packing her valise.
She had a small breakfast before the coachman came to fetch her just before ten.
Penny had told herself that she would not look back under any circumstances, but she could not help herself as the coach began to pull away.
She put her head out the window to take one last look at Omaha and saw a handsome barouche pulling up to the front entrance.
The servants were already lined up and waiting as a handsome young man helped a woman down from her seat. They could only have been the Admiral and his wife.
She thought she saw the Admiral turn in her direction, but her eyes had become so clouded with tears that she was not very certain of this.
Penny sank back into her seat, heart heavy with feeling.
Her home wasn't hers anymore.
. . .
Admiral Rajesh Koothrapali was immediately smitten with Omaha Hall. As his barouche moved up the drive, he commented to his wife on the loveliness of the grounds and they both gasped aloud at the beauty of the hall itself.
He felt immensely proud to be able to give his wife such a home, even if it was only a temporary one. He had come from nothing and risen to the highest ranks of the English navy before he was thirty years old!
He had been orphaned at a very young age and had been forced to take up with the navy in order to provide himself with food and a place to stay. His diligence and valor had quickly moved him through the lower ranks, but his luck had only really begun to improve about a decade before, when he had struck up a friendship with Captain Cooper.
They had faced many perils together and had gotten through them all. When the war had ended the Captain had convinced him to settle with him in England. Not long after, he was married to Missy and was being considered for the Admiralty for his efforts in the war.
When Sheldon had declined to be knighted, he too had considered not taking his promotion. He had been the victim of several derisive persons in Parliament, who took offense at the idea of an Indian man being so elevated by the navy.
Sheldon had convinced him to take the position, despite the reactions of the nay sayers. It was the best decision he had ever made. It made him better able to provide a comfortable life for his beloved wife and it had garnered him a respectable position in Society. There were still those who took issue with the color of his skin, but those he had come to love did not, and this was the only thing that really mattered to him.
He was just glad that he was able to make his wife happy. Before her, he hadn't been able to talk to women, he had been so tongue-tied by shyness. When he had met Missy, that had changed. He felt very comfortable around her. She had opened up his personality and now he could talk to anyone he pleased.
Such a remarkable woman deserved a remarkable home.
As he helped his wife down from her seat, he caught sight of a coach heading away from the house. A pretty young woman was leaning out of the window and looking back at them. She seemed to become aware that he was looking and ducked her head back inside.
Mr. Shepherd came forward to welcome them to Omaha, but the Admiral was still intent on the coach.
"Who was that just now Mr. Shepherd?" he asked, as the agent led the way into the house.
"That was Sir Eric Elliot's second eldest, Miss Penelope."
"She seemed very pretty. She's not married?" inquired Missy.
Mr. Shepherd sighed.
"I'm afraid not. She's a most amiable, lovely girl, but she's never had a single suitor. At seven and twenty, I'm afraid she does not have much hope of ever marrying."
"What a shame," Missy shook her head in pity.
The Admiral was gobsmacked.
She had been so close, and he had just missed her. Apparently her relations with Sheldon had been kept under wraps. Raj had been most eager to meet the woman, if only to set Sheldon's mind at ease. His friend pretended at indifference, but Sheldon constantly worried over what Miss Elliot's life had become. Raj had never seen such a curious mix of spite and anxiety.
Sheldon was coming to them tomorrow.
"I say, Shepherd, is she staying anywhere nearby?"
"Oh yes! The young lady will be staying just a mile away with her sister's family at Jersey Cottage. She'll be there for the next several months."
Raj turned to his wife.
"My dear, I feel it is only right that we should invite her for supper. As soon as we can, if you are amenable."
Missy took her husband's arm.
"That is a wonderful idea. I shall write to her tomorrow."
Raj breathed a sigh of relief.
Good Sheldon could see her for himself. Raj was not about to break his friend's heart.
Sheldon may have insisted otherwise, and he pretended his curiosity was based in ascertaining that the woman who had spurned him was now miserable, but Raj felt that he must still be in love with her and was just trying to hide his injured feelings.
Raj only hoped he was right and that it was not too late for them to reconcile.
. . .
Several days later, Penny was sitting in the parlor at Jersey Cottage with Leslie, discussing the dinner that the Koothrapalis were holding later that day.
"It's shameful is what it is!" Leslie snapped from where she was lying upon the sofa. "To be invited as guests to our own home! I could just die of mortification."
"Pray see that you don't," Penny admonished softly from her perch on the window seat. "I think it is very kind of them to have us over."
"You would."
Penny flushed.
"Only…only think how awkward it must be for them Leslie! I am certain they are just making the best they can of an uncomfortable situation."
Leslie was quiet for a moment.
"You believe whatever you like Penny. I am too tired to argue."
Penny bit her lip and reverted to staring out of the window. It was not worth arguing a point with Leslie when she was in a foul mood.
What she saw through the glass nearly made her leap down from her seat and hide in the other room.
Leonard was returning from the morning's sport, and a very familiar figure was trailing along by his side: Captain Cooper.
Penny also spied the Musgrove girls, Stephanie and Bernadette, running along behind them. The two girls overtook Leonard and the Captain and ran ahead of them into the house.
Penny only had time to stand and murmur to Leslie that they had visitors before the two young women burst through the parlor door.
"Penny!" they cried, rushing past Leslie and throwing their arms around their old friend.
"Hello to you too," Leslie quipped angrily.
"Hello there Leslie," Stephanie sighed.
Bernadette took Penny's hand.
"Penny we have such exciting news! There is this new handsome officer in the neighborhood…"
There was the sound of the men coming in the house.
"Indeed?" Penny squeaked.
Just then the gentlemen came into the room.
"Good morning Penny!" Leonard said, saluting her playfully. "You are well, I trust?"
Leonard's little son, also named Leonard, ran up to Penny for a hug. She had not seen him through the window, but was delighted to have him there nonetheless.
"Very well, thank you Leonard!" she said, happily scooping her nephew up into her arms.
She set little Leonard down on the sofa next to his mother and straightened her skirts.
It was then that she locked eyes with Captain Cooper, who had been watching her the entire time.
The last eight years had been very good to him. He was still tall and lanky, but he had filled out some and his uniform now fit him very well indeed. He still wore his face clean-shaven, but his hair was slightly shaggier than she remembered it. He looked very handsome standing there, bathed in the glow of early afternoon.
Penny blushed, thinking of her own woebegone appearance.
"Do come in and make yourself at home, Captain Cooper," Leslie cooed.
Apparently her foul mood had been pushed aside for the sake of a handsome naval officer.
"Forgive me, but your husband and I met the other day, and he insisted that you would all like to meet me as well," he said, bowing gallantly.
"Not at all. It is a pleasure, sir."
"You are very kind."
Penny felt as if she were going slightly mad. Or that her heart would burst. Or both.
She was sure her face was redder than a ruby.
Leslie finally seemed to remember her manners.
"Oh! Captain Cooper, this is my elder sister, Penelope."
Sheldon's eyes met Penny's and he inclined his head stiffly.
Penny, feeling as if the intensity of his gaze was burning her flesh, curtsied and shifted her own eyes to a spot on the floor.
Sheldon gave no other response than "We are acquainted."
Leslie looked perplexed.
"Really? But Penny has never said a word about it!"
Penny finally found her voice.
"It was a long time ago. You were away at school," she said softly.
Leonard returned to Sheldon's side and clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"Come Cooper! My mother has been most anxious to meet you, ever since you entered the neighborhood."
"Of course," he smiled at Leonard. "Ladies," he said, bowing and following in Leonard's wake.
Penny closed her eyes and tried not to cry. Such coldness! She had not expected glowing cordiality, but his formal, stiff manner crushed her soul.
He had not forgiven her.
. . .
Penny did not attend the Koothrapalis' dinner that evening. She claimed she was ill with a headache and begged Leslie to make her excuses.
She retired to her room for the evening, hoping for some peace and quiet, but Leslie burst in when everyone had returned home in order to tell Penny of the wonderful evening she had missed.
All of Leslie's uproar over imagined indignities had been forgotten.
She told Penny of the excellent meal and how cordial everyone had been, especially Captain Cooper.
"Though he wasn't very gallant by you, Penny."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, when Bernadette asked him what he thought of you he replied that you were so altered, he should not have known you again."
Penny knew this was only slightly true. He had an eidetic memory, and would have recognized her anywhere. He had only said that to be deliberately cruel about the toil the last eight years had taken on her youthful bloom.
Leonard poked his head in the door, having overheard their conversation on the way to his chambers.
"I would not swear he used exactly those words, Leslie," he admonished, sending an apologetic look Penny's way.
"He was rather attentive to me though," Leslie mused.
Leonard came in and took Leslie's arm to lead her out.
"Yes dear. Now let poor Penny get some rest. She is unwell."
They left and shut the door behind them.
Penny cried herself to sleep that night.