The group approached them as Simon let go of his grip on her... He stood in front of her, protectively.

"What is the meaning of all this, Mr. Bassett?" The Queen looked at him furiously.

"Penelope? " Portia cried, really overdoing it.

"What have you done my child? Alone in a garden.. What were you thinking!! " Portia grabbed Penelope from behind Simon pulling her to face everyone. Portia looked at the two of them.

"Portia... Let them at least explain.. I'm sure there is an explanation for all of this.. Penelope, child are you alright? " Violet Bridgerton looked at the poor girl who was pale as a ghost.

" What explanation can there be to this... my daughter in his embrace.. It's obvious he ruined her. " Portia looked at Simon and then glared at her daughter.

"And you? What were you thinking about going into a maze alone with a man with a chaperone? Have you no care for our family, for our family name.. "

"Mother, please... It's all a misunderstanding..."

Penelope's voice trembled, not looking directly at Portia.

"Misunderstanding??? No, Penelope, this is your ruination and that of our family... You stupid..." Portia was about to strike her.

"Lady Featherington... STOP!" Simon's voice thundered.

"Unhand Miss Penelope this instant." Simon instructed, standing between Portia and Penelope.

"You... You are responsible for this.. You lured my innocent child .. " Portia accused him pointing her finger at Simon.

Before she could finish the queen ordered all of them to stop the bickering.

"Duke Hastings, what explanation do you have to give... I'm sure this was some sort of planned.. " The queen looked at Penelope with distaste.

"Simon, say something, mate... what happened?" Anthony came to his rescue.

" Simon.. " Lady Danbury whispered squeezing his hand.. " You need to speak up my son.. Before. " She looked towards Penelope who was trembling with tears. Simon looked at her. She was in this terrible mess because of his stupidity.

Shit he had fucked up!! Not just for himself but for Penelope as well.. He looked at everyone.. He could either take responsibility or let Penelope fend for herself, leave her to the wolves.

" I.. I. " He fumbled realizing his next words could not be taken back.

"I was proposing to Miss Featherington for marriage Your majesty! " Simon almost stuttered looking at the Queen trying hard to maintain his composure.. he had no idea what was to happen later, right now he had to save her. He looked at her one more time.. She still had not registered the words said.

"What?" Someone gasped.

"Mr Bassett are you sure that is what was happening?That your not doing this understand some kind of pressure?You were courting Miss Bridgerton, My Diamond. Were you not? " The Queen questioned suspicious of his response.

'Shit,' he cursed himself.

"Yes, your Majesty! I was! but soon I realized that it was a mistake... Over the course of this few weeks I grew close to Miss Featherington, she has me completely enamoured. Miss Bridgerton and myself dissolved our courtship two days ago when I realized the error I had made."Simon said with such resolution even Simon was stunned by his own conviction.

"I got carried away trying to express myself ,clearly she had some some concerns which I was about to explain to Miss Featherington, when you found us! " He looked towards Penelope hoping that she would understand what he was trying to do.

Penelope, however, was not looking at anyone. She hoped against hope that she could dig a hole in the ground and hide for the next several years or vanish completely from the face of the Earth. What in the world was happening? Why was this happening? That too to her. Was she being punished? Her head was a complete mess with questions, her heart a cauldron of emotions being stirred together.

" Miss Featherington! " The Queen called out to her, getting her attention.

Penelope was shaken out of her stupor.

"Yes, your Majesty!" She bowed her head.

"Did Mr. Bassett propose?" The Queen asked carefully, watching her.

"Propose?" Penelope whispered, looking at the Queen and then at The Duke himself.

She licked her lips nervously. What should she do? Tell the truth and be banished from society, not only causing harm to herself but also to her family. If she lied... Any and all hopes for a life as... Well, you don't really have a chance there, Penelope. Be practical. You have no choice but to make the most of the situation. Forget dreams and love. Find comfort in security and maybe a civil relationship. The Duke Simon has thought this through, right?

Penelope debated with herself. She looked at Simon to find some clue. He didn't look directly at her, he was looking at her from the corner of his eye. He gave her the most subtle nod.

That was it! Either risk everyone for something or someone that may never be hers or she could take this chance and secure her future.. It's better than being a spinster. Right! Or so she thought.

She faced the queen, holding the most confident look she could muster.

" Yes your Majesty! His grace did propose. " She looked at Simon one last time checking if he would back out.

"Very well! Though it's not what I want! Clearly this is your lucky day, Miss Featherington... I expect to see the two of you at the altar by the end of the week." The queen made her ruling and left the group to take a breath.

"Before any of you ask Miss Featherington pr myself any questions.. I'd like a private moment with her to discuss... " Simon requested the there ladies in their presence.

"But!" Portia complained.

"I'm afraid that's not up for discussion... the Queen has left Miss Featherington is safe and so is her reputation... But I most urgently need to speak to her. " Simon stated firmly standing tall.. Putting all the emphasis of his position in the situation in his stance and voice.

" Portia the Duke's request is reasonable.. We won't stay far away... " Violent Bridgerton convinced Portia to leave them in privacy for a few minutes. Lady Danbury left with them glancing at her Godson concerned.

Anthony signalled to Simon that he would be staying guard a little distance away.

Again they stood in the middle of the maze. Standing a few feet away side by side facing the opposite direction.

"I'm sorry!" They both said at once.

Penelope looked at him confused. Why would he be apologizing? He was the one trapped. Trapped in a compromise of a marriage. Who was she? Chubby wallflower Penelope Featherington against Daphne Bridgerton the diamond of the season, the Queen's choice, Everyone's choice. Of course it was going to a step down. Yet here he was apologizing to her. Atleast she could expect kindness in this marriage.

"Miss Featherington... we will be leaving this garden, this maze that we both got lost into...though mostly it's my recklessness that we are forced to face society together. Before we make the announcement I want you to be aware of something. So that you know what the future would be. What it holds for you when married. What our marriage would be like. " Simon turned to face her.

He had to do this. He could not lie to her. She needed to choose this. Even if there wasn't much of a choice logically considering what just happened a few minutes ago... But he still wanted her to know the truth.. At least the important part.

"This marriage will never materialize to us having children in the future. From the time we are married it's just going to be us.. You will have all the comforts and luxuries as the Duchess.. Except motherhood.. Is that acceptable to you? " Simon asked her hoping she would say 'no'. He didn't want her to be relinquished from experience such a life changing event. Yet he feared her rejection as well. What would become of her? What would be of him??? Would he be able to handle it?? He was waiting for her answer holding on to his breath.

Simon's words hit Penelope like a ton of bricks. She felt her heart break into a million pieces. Even in her worst scenario of being in a marriage, her biggest hope was to become a mother and experience family life. Here she stood, being asked if this was acceptable? What did this mean? She could only think of one possible reason. He did not wish to consummate their marriage! Of course he wouldn't! Look at her... She should be grateful he was agreeing to marry her for her reputation, for her life, for her family. There could be worse things. So what if she would have to forego one of the biggest blessings of a woman.

'I accept! " Penelope answered his question, giving up all hope of any marital bliss. She was a spinster, Is a spinster and will be one even after marriage... That's just her fate. She needed to accept and move on.

Simon was stunned by her response.

They both were looking into each other's eyes. Both searching for some hope to find happiness in this marriage. Not for themselves but for the other. Because that's what they were going to do for the rest of their lives.

There were three women outside the garden, all having one question in their minds.

'What was to become of the two individuals bound together forever in holy matrimony?

No one had the slightest inclination that the two would one day be a fine example of...

LOVE IS BLIND! LOVE IS SELFLESS! LOVE IS FOREVER!