Chapter 10

Can I trust my husband again?

Following their meeting on the beach, Penelope wonders whether she can trust Colin again and spends some time pondering on it while Colin is so enthusiastic for their second encounter.

Notes: This chapter explores Penelope's thoughts for Colin and the current circumstances.

Enjoy :)

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Pen is uncertain how to put in words that she does not wish for Colin to come inside her house, at least not today. She wonders how to tell him that it could be possible another time.

"There is no need, Colin. I will manage on my own. I will." she quickly managed to say.

Colin was about to disagree and she insisted again.

"Please Colin. I can go. Don't worry, I will manage. I am certain. Thank you for accompanying me so far, I appreciate it." Her tone and facial expression conveyed a serious and intense demeanour suggesting that she did not want Colin inside, as she avoided his gaze, seeming embarrassed to point out her statements.

Colin nodded, not arguing more and respecting her privacy despite his heart in disagreement.

"Very well." He gestured to her right hand that he was still holding. "May I?" he asked, looking intently at her and she nodded. He kisses her hand gently and smiles at her.

"I shall see you soon. Take care, Pen." She nodded. Just as she was leaving, Colin added.

"Umm…for the play, it is a high society play, don't worry. Also, no need to rent one, I will come pick you in my carriage and then drop you back. You'll be safer with me instead of riding alone. Get ready by six." Colin reassured her in case she might worry of being seen with him in a play in town while additionally ensuring she was secure under his care.

"Goodbye." he said, offering her a faint smile.

Without further ado, she walked away and got in her house.

Seeing her walk into the home alone and knowing that he won't be there to console her and check on her stings Colin's heart. Despite her stubbornness, he really wanted to go along with her but she had just warmed up to him and he did not want to cause her any frustration to the point that would make her distance herself from him again or leave or worse, feel hurt by his actions.

That night, Colin was unable to sleep so peacefully, even if he is elated after meeting Pen but he is worried sick about her health. The image of her state before she entered her house was stuck in his mind. Though it was not feasible, he longed to go see her in the middle of the night.

Colin dreamed of Pen in the night, not a nightmare but one in which he was close beside her. Pen and him were sitting by the seaside watching the sunset together, holding hands while she was leaning on his shoulder.

He was sorely missing being at her side again.

Penelope did not linger much before retreating to bed. After getting home, she went on her bed to rest until dinner then went to sleep very early. Despite being quite appreciative of her pleasant day with Colin and continued to ruminate about the good moments but she needed effective relaxation. It was crucial that she rested so that when she woke up she could rationally consider the current circumstances and the appropriate course of action of whether she could start to trust Colin or she should hold off on trusting him unlike she did previously.

As soon as he had his breakfast, Colin heads up to Pen's house. He had intended to send a note but he was too anxious about her. As he arrives at her residence, he stays by the door outside out of respect for her privacy.

He swings the door knocker and the maid comes for him and he asks for her.

Thankfully Pen was not someone too demanding and her maid did not have much work to do on her own, Pen was also quite manageable. Another maid would come weekly to clean her house so that her personal maid would assist her with other chores.

Due to her relapsing sickness, Penelope had called the Physician on the eve to consult her early in the morning and the maid hence informs Colin that Pen is busy as she had strictly mentioned no visitors to come.

Colin tries to insist. "I just want to see her to know if she is feeling well. Please If you'll just let me see her for five minutes. I will not be long."He sounded desperate in his request. Stating that Pen should not be disturbed, the maid refuses to let him in.

As much as Colin wanted to barge in for being tremendously anxious, he honours his wife's wish of being left alone. He nods dejectedly and departs broken -hearted, after requesting the maid to notify Pen of informing him about her health condition.

Not satisfied that he couldn't visit Pen, Colin returns to his hotel, worrying for her well-being. His worries consume his day. In an attempt to pass the time, he writes her a letter in which he expresses his enjoyment for every moment of their eve meeting, his excitement for their upcoming meeting and his anxiety over not seeing her this morning.

Being pretty worried the previous day, he was unable to write her any letter.

In the afternoon, he receives a note at his hotel chamber.

He quickly opens the note, already guessing who it must be from.

Dear Colin.

Thank you for dropping by this morning. My maid informed me of your visit.

I apologise for not letting you in. I was resting and needed some time alone.

I am doing well and much better than yesterday.

I hope you are doing fine on your end.

See you tomorrow.

Yours truly,

Penelope.

Hearing about Penelope's improved health made him relieved although he wished he was with her, by her side to assist her. He was feeling annoyed and helpless by the state of affairs and hoped that the situation would soon progress.

That evening, Mary comes to visit Pen.

Mary was a very simple lady, just living for herself and her son and did not expect much of life nor was she ambitious. Being in her mid thirties, she was calm of character. She had never wanted to remarry in case her son's life might be affected by a second marriage and never found someone yet who would care for him as she did. Mary was glad to not form part of a noble family where she had to only count on the support of a husband to survive. Fortunately, even as a single mother she could work and support her small family.

Their motherhood had attached her even more with Penelope ever since Pen had informed her about it. Pen had sacrificed everything including her family, her hometown, her friend and most importantly her husband and her love for him, all for her unborn child and Mary esteemed her for that selflessness. She had revealed that she would have done the same in Pen's place even if the latter was already somewhat already doing that.

The maid let Mary in and she was waiting for Penelope in her drawing room upstairs.

"Mary!" Pen was happy to finally see her, she brought such positivity to the air. "How are you? How is John doing now?" She approaches and takes a seat beside her friend. "I apologise for not coming to visit him, but I was a bit sick yesterday and I was also out."

Mary nodded. "He is much better, thankfully, his fever is gone and he's resting right now. I am also doing well, dear." She smiles lightly.

Placing her hand on Penelope, she asks her "What about you, how is everything going on? Did you experience morning sickness again?" Penelope had shared about her morning sickness with Mary including its different phases.

"Umm yes…morning sickness and dizziness as well." She then recalls her being with Colin when that happened the day before. "I called the physician today and he stated that there is nothing alarming, thankfully. It's normal at this stage."

Mary nods and smiles at Pen. "Don't worry, it will be like that and you will eventually get used to it." She presses a hand on Penelope's and offers her a reassuring grin. Pen returns her a smile.

"Mary. There is something I need to tell you…discuss with you actually." Pen sounded worried and serious. Mary was concerned for her friend. "What is it dear? Is something wrong with the baby?"

"No. It's not about the baby…." Penelope pauses before resuming in telling her friend about her husband's return.

Penelope tells her how she went out with Colin the day before and how had met him formerly. Narrating mostly about it, she left out only some personal details about their lusty glances and his gift, etc. She had just told Mary how she felt Colin's behaviour had altered from before and was looking for another chance for her forgiveness.

"What do you think I should do, Mary? Should I give him a chance or not? I do want to trust him again but after how he behaved previously, I fear he might break my trust and hurt me again, and this time I will not be able to bear it." Her voice was breaking as she finishes her sentence and tears started forming in her eyes.

Mary smiled at her. "Penelope, you have the chance to be with the man you love and the father of your child. Do not let go of it. Embrace your chance." Mary places her hand on Penelope's arm gently, offering solace. "Perhaps this is your time to be happy? A chance for happiness…" She gestures a nod at Penelope.

"Try to give him a chance and see where it goes." Mary pauses and carries on, thinking of how to encourage her friend to seize her opportunity for happiness.

"Not many husbands will follow their wives across the world to seek their forgiveness nor will they do it twice after experiencing rejection more than once. Society is full of cruel husbands and yours is not one. Of course he was not that gentle with you and had hurt you a lot but he's trying and he is not the worst." She licks her lips and pursues. "Moreover, you also mentioned that you made a mistake in hiding your secret from him. You both erred, even if he was the one who acted horribly towards you." She sends a reassuring smile at her. "You will give him a chance, yes?"

Pen is looking at her intently, listening attentively to every single word she is uttering, pondering on it, processing. She then nods and smiles lightly at Mary whose voice was calm and reassuring.

"Also, it will depend on you. There may be more to your story but based on what you told me I sincerely believe he deserves a chance. Like you described his recent demeanour he seems a changed man. That must imply he really and truly loves you. Not everyone is willing to transform who they are to become a better version for someone else, Penelope." Mary gives Pen a heartening smile.

Pen smiles broadly at her friend and is so grateful for her advice. "Thank you very much, Mary." She places her palm back on Mary's where it was placed on her arm. "I am so grateful and lucky to have you. Thank you for your counsel, it really means a lot. I am so very thankful."

Mary grins at her, happy for her friend, then adds "But if he goes back to his previous state then I believe you know what to do. I am in favour of a marital relationship to work but never for a child to have a bad father." Pen nods, hoping in her mind Colin will not turn out to be as such and will prove to be a good father. Innerly, she was confident Colin would be a wonderful father.

"If he proves to be otherwise, then you call for me, we'll go and give him a good beating. I'll bring my rolling pin along." She then gestures a rolling pen in her hand, raising it in the air. Pen laughs heartily at that. Mary knew how to lift her spirits. She changed her mood.

They then sat for a drink and discussed other stuff such as how Pen was uncertain of the number of dresses to order for her new mama size and how John was so fussy about his appetite because of his recent health issues, etc.

Both had a good time and spoke until very late that night, not wanting to retreat to bed early and enjoying each other's company. Pen had also slept a lot during the day ever since coming back home from the day before and was experiencing any sleepiness.

After Mary's departure, Pen was left alone in her drawing room as she reflected on her current situation.

She reflected of her being Lady Whistledown and how she had also hurt Colin by hiding the truth from him. Mary was not aware about that fact and Pen did not wish to tell her either. She had just mentioned about hiding something from Colin after which he became enraged and left her alone and said harsh words to her that really hurt her. Pen did mention what she had done was dreadful and how she had wished she had told Colin instead of him finding out otherwise.

Pen understood from Mary's statements that she would undoubtedly mention Colin's deservingness of a second opportunity if she revealed to her that she was Lady Whistledown, even without telling her the harsh words Colin used against her like the entrapment comment.

Mary was someone mature and would not offer her wrong advice. She was on the side of truth and fairness and had Penelope been wrong, Mary would not have hesitated to tell her the same. Mary was a straightforward, honest person.

Pen sat in her drawing room as she reflected on the possibilities of a new future that she had not planned two days ago, nor anticipated having to sit down two days afterwards to reflect on.

She had a flashback of how she escaped because she did not want Colin to blame their child for what he told her of the entrapment part, since their child was the result of intimacy he was blaming her for having trapped him after all. Additionally remembering how he had left her by herself and ignored her presence in their house and she dreads if he would do so once again.

Penelope is sceptical that he will turn into a bad man once more and become enraged with her about something.

Penelope imagined the depressing life she would be living with Colin had she not been with child. She wonders if he would still stare at her with a look of betrayal and still resent her, whether she would still be begging for his love and Colin would still be sleeping on the settee while she would be alone in their bedchamber. After all, Colin had come after her because she had escaped for being with child in the first place. She would not have run away had it not been for the sake of her unborn innocent child. She would have still perhaps remained in a bitter marriage to Colin. In a marriage that was never even consummated. Could she call it a marriage?

Penelope remembers the years she was treated as a laughing stock of the ton among the eligible women of society, how she was all alone, yearning for some love and even when she found it, it was so short term and she had to afterwards beg to be loved. Tears pooled her eyes as the notion.

'Perhaps if she gave Colin another chance, the sorely awaited love for her and her child could be back in their life', she imagined. Even if she did not feel she required Colin back to love her child and that she alone could provide so much love but if Colin had changed, this could be a new meaning to their lives.

If a child could obtain both of its parents' love, it was so meaningful and throughout her life she knew its importance.

She still feared his anger and whether after winning her forgiveness, once he would discover she is with his child and she concealed him that, whether he would become resentful again. Pen feared if Colin might then want to take her child away from her. Being a man in the society, the society granted him more rights than a woman even if she would carry the child for months in her womb.

Penelope decided that she would first attempt to ascertain his intentions and his behaviour first. Risking everything right now was not a clever move.

She was still open to the idea of not informing him about her being with child, at least not now, she was in favour of the possibility of never disclosing it because he had hurt her too much, she had let him take over her feelings too much, she had given herself to him entirely in the past has been hurt in return. She was not ready to pine for him and his love again while remaining alone in their home or alone in their bedchamber at night.

Pen ended her analysis of the situation with a sigh and opened her book on motherhood and started to read it while thinking of her encounter with Colin the following day.

In his hotel chamber, Colin considers confessing his undeniable and unconditional love to Penelope and letting her know that he understands why she was LW and that he supports her as such and that it was not solely his family name he was worried about but equally her well-being even if he somewhat showed the contrary. He was indeed anxious for his family but he was also perturbed for Pen which he failed to exhibit. He had been a fool to not show her how much he loved her.

He had the chance to do so now but fears that if he pushes it and his wife is not persuaded of his true love she may leave him again or in the event that she fears he'll act like he did in the past.

Upon feeling this dilemma, Colin realises the predicament Pen was feeling at the time and why she was reluctant to tell him about her being Lady Whistledown, perhaps in the fear of losing him. He sighed at the realisation of what she must have been through and made no attempt to understand her situation, he did not even allow her to explain herself.

He had been such a fool. Thankfully this time he has matured and has learned from his past mistakes, this thus opened the possibility of him winning his wife back this time.

As Penelope heads to the kitchen to help the maid for breakfast, while thinking of her rendezvous with Colin that evening, the maid informs her of a letter that she received in the morning.

She opens the letter that lay on her drawing room table.

Dear Pen,

I have been anxious regarding your health.

I received your note yesterday but I wish I could come to see you instead. I do hope your health is better and you are taking proper rest.

I look forward to meeting you tonight.

Take care, Pen.

Yours Truly,

Colin

Pen was content that Colin had asked how he was feeling, even though she didn't need to respond because they were already planning to meet that night.

While writing the letter Colin had desired to include an 'I love you' but then preferred to keep it formal. Even though he yearned to visit and perceived it unbearable to remain idle in his hotel, he chose to respect her privacy.

During the day, Colin went for a stroll on the beach to decompress, feeling incredibly positive and hopeful for his relationship with Pen, despite his distress for her health.

Pen, on the other hand visits the modiste to order a new dress since she hoped to own one that would be more comfortable and that she could wear without relying much on her coat. However, she did not place a large order for gowns in case she and Colin might return to their home.

The night came early and both of them were getting ready for their encounter. Colin had started getting ready quite early and was already in front of Penelope's door much before schedule, obviously. Penelope was a little eager but not as much as Colin but she ensured to be ready on time, preparing just after dinner. She felt like going to the society balls again as a debutante, only this time she wouldn't be alone but accompanied.

Pen wondered what someone in her current town would comment about her being with a stranger man if they noticed her. If someone asked, she wouldn't dare to reveal his identity.

Pen finally came down the stairs. The maid had informed her fifteen minutes earlier of Colin's arrival and she does not wish to keep him waiting longer since she knows how exhilarated he was by their meeting.

As she arrives, Colin is already outside. He had stepped out of the carriage five minutes ago in anticipation, unable to wait inside, eagerly awaiting her arrival.

As soon as Penelope appears before him, Colin's gaze changes from impatience to amazement.

She looked beautiful.

Even if she had her coat on, she had applied makeup and styled her hair so gorgeously, leaving her curls the same as the day she wore the dress she had on. Underneath, Penelope was wearing one of her previous dresses; the cyan and turquoise one she wore at her last library exhibition back in Mayfair. The dress was of fine fabric but was not so fancy and would not attract much attention since she desired to remain discreet. All that mattered was the fact that she was meeting Colin and also going out a bit. She missed going out. Pen was also glad for the opportunity of wearing one of her former dresses.

Besides, since it was a high society play they probably wouldn't notice much where she or even Colin came from or their identity. Penelope rarely ventured out in the society without her coat and the public might not recognise her. Furthermore, she would be with Colin. The thought of being accompanied with him somewhat gave her a sense of comfort.

Upon taking the dress out of her wardrobe she recalled that day when she glanced at Colin and was feeling heartbroken for knowing she would lose him upon accepting Lord Debling's proposal. What a long way they've reached since then.

Colin offered her a warm smile and extended his right hand out. His eyes, full of passion, locked on her.

"Good evening." His tone is slow.

"Good evening." she replied, a tingling sensation as usual emerging in them as their hands made contact.

"How are you doing now, Pen?" his voice and gaze were concerned.

"I am doing well Colin, I am feeling much better." She gave him a reassuring smile.

'How are you?" her voice soft.

"I am fine. Much better now that I've seen you." He smiled at her tenderly.

"You look beautiful, Pen." taking her hand and kissing it, she smiled back affectionately, her cheeks a little pink as she was blushing.

"I thought it more reasonable for us to ride in one carriage instead of you having to rent one separately, and it would be safer for you as well." He glanced at the carriage then back at her.

Despite her reluctance to travel in the same carriage to avoid any titillating feelings, she concedes that Colin was right and nods in agreement.

Colin helped her in and took a seat opposite of her. Though he wished to sit beside her, he didn't want to make her uncomfortable. He would approach her when she decided to, regardless how much he was currently craving to do so.

"I had been worried for you Pen." Colin said, gazing at her sadly.

"I'm sorry Colin, I was resting and had instructed the maid to not let any visitors in." she lied, remembering the physician's visit.

Colin nodded. "Of course. Are you sure your health has improved now?" He gave her a worried look, not convinced she was healthy.

"Yes." She smiled. "I am. I am feeling as fit as a fiddle. I slept practically the whole day yesterday and…even today I rested a bit thus I am in a healthier condition now." Pen was hopeful she would not faint or feel dizzy etc. tonight.

"That's good to hear." Colin's gaze seemed reassured. Pen nodded and they both remained silent for a while.

Colin was offering her occasional glances.

Pen was remembering his carriage confession when he had knelt before her to confess his feelings. Then later, created such distance between them. She hoped that their newfound encounters would shorten this gap, allowing her to announce to him that they were soon-to-be parents.

Colin looked dashing in his dark blue coat and shirt, his curls were as radiant as they always were, glowing in the road flames as they were riding but then again when was he not looking distinguished. Pen swiftly averted her gaze as Colin's shifted towards hers, so he wouldn't catch her staring at him

After a few minutes they had reached their destination.

As the carriage halted, Colin snapped out of his trance as he was reflecting on manners to earn Pen's forgiveness or more likely, to confess his love for her.

After exiting the carriage, Colin leads her outside.

"We are here." he said in a deep exciting voice, a broad deep smile on his face as he glanced at the throng and back to Pen.

Pen glanced around as well, her eyes beaming. Happy to finally be enjoying some entertainment.

She missed having fun. Penelope grins at Colin who appears pleased to see her feeling thrilled. The crowd were mostly the high class society of Scotland and most of them would probably not recognise them and they would get to spend a night away from judgemental stares and gossip.

Colin gallantly extended his arm and she gladly slipped hers around his with a smile.

The theatre was crowded as they walked in.

After Colin provided their tickets, Pen removed her coat at the entrance.

Colin gawked in amazement at her outfit. She resembled a princess.

She looked stunning in the blue robe, which accentuated the brightness of her honey-coloured complexion. Colin could not stop staring at her, as his jaw fell open.

He scanned her from bottom to top with his gaze and Penelope blushed at the way his eyes examined her. Her captivating blue eyes matched the colour of her dress. Her appearance was breathtaking. Colin's mouth was left agape as he stood still and admired her. "You look…so beautiful, Pen." He smiled at her and inhaled deeply and added "Absolutely elegant." He sighed. deeply "Truly." With a swallow, Colin cleared his head of any lustful ideas. He gazed at her with ardour. Pen let out a smirk at the corner of her lips at him and smiled shyly, unable to articulate any words.

"Shall we go?" Colin gestures her to the seats and Pen nods with a smile.

They took seats in the middle of the theatre and half of them were already occupied. Both glanced around, taking in the audience and the theatre. Penelope had been to one before as it was somewhere men would mostly go and the women would go only when accompanied with their intended or their spouse.

Penelope looks around excitingly, happy to finally experience what it was like to watch a play. She then glances back at Colin, beaming at him, grateful for bringing her there and granting her that opportunity. Colin smiles at her, bending and says "Are you happy to be here?"

"Yes…Yes, I have never watched a play before." She grins at him. Colin was overjoyed to know she was happy and also at the sight of her face. She looked so peaceful. Seeing her excited and happy made him ecstatic.

As Penelope is setting herself comfortably to await the start of the play, Colin notices that she is wearing the bracelet he had given her on their previous encounter and smiles at that. The knowledge that she was donning his gift pleased him. It was hidden before, and he was too preoccupied ogling her attire when she took off her coat.

They were both feeling more comfortable with each other, like friends again, though not that close as lovers or spouses. The awkwardness that loomed above them had finally disappeared and both innerly wished it would never return.

The curtains were drawn and the play started. It was a melodrama that portrayed a couple met on a trip and whose worlds were apart. It was quite funny at the beginning and became more dramatic as it progressed with both of the protagonists' family relationships that came in between the couple as both families did not agree to their union. Both Colin and Penelope got immersed in the story of the drama, laughing and feeling the emotions.

The scene suddenly became very emotional as the mother of the actor left him alone. He then tries to hurt the actress instead of letting her know of the truth of his family being against their union. They both then separated and the actor kneeled onstage as he was shattered when the actress left, a sad music playing in the background. Penelope gasped at the scene and momentarily touched Colin's right arm as she got emotionally immersed in the act and so did he, placing his palm on hers as they both concentrated on what was happening.

Neither realised what they were doing, they were only finding solace in one another.

Eventually, the family accepted their union and the man went to seek forgiveness from the woman. As they are watching this, Colin and Penelope both remember their own predicament and situation.

The protagonists were united as the man proposed kneeling after which they both shared a hug. The scene was quite romantic and emotional as the couple shared a moment. Watching the scene and feeling happy upon the couple's union, Pen leans on Colin, smiling broadly as she slides and entwines her arm in his.

Colin is then cognizant of her movement towards him and turns to look at her. He stares at her, observing her smile. Seeing his wife happy and smiling made his heart warm and there is nothing else in the world that could emerge this feeling within him, now he was undoubtedly certain. Colin smiles tenderly down at her, completely ignoring the scene while Pen is relishing it, grinning at the happy ending.

She then turns to look at Colin to share her joy and catches him staring at her. Their eyes locked for a moment as Colin smiled at her and Penelope returned it with a grin. Colin kept staring at her and his eyes fell upon her lips with the temptation to kiss them. Penelope then remarks the same when she follows his gaze, however, Colin quickly avoids making Pen feel uncomfortable and instead capitalises on her happy expression by looking back at her.

Both were so close to each other as they contemplated each other's gaze until the music in the theatre came at a loud pitch and their concentration was broken.

They both looked back at the play.

Then, when both the families were united together, it was such a touching scene with the emotional music and the audience cheering, a tear dropped on Pen's cheek as she sniffled, smiled and leaned her head back against Colin's shoulder, her arm still slid in his. The idea of a happy ending brought so much soothe to her, mostly after the painful condition she had been in lately.

Having Colin by her side felt like having a friend, a good friend with whom she could share the emotions of this show. Colin was smiling broadly knowing how Penelope was leaning onto him and how she felt comfort in his arms.

Colin's eyes also got a bit teary even if he did not cry. His heart felt fulfilled with the happy ending as well as Pen's solace in his arms.

The show was then over and everyone applauded, including Pen who removed her arms from Colin. Colin was sad the show was over, how he wished Pen would clung to him a little longer.

Being also satisfied with the actors and the show, he also clapped, looking back at Pen and staring at her smiley face. Seeing her so close to him Colin feels as though he can finally confess his love to her now that she is more at ease with him.

As everyone is heading out, Pen looks at Colin as he's staring at her and thanks him for the incredible time she enjoyed.

"Thank you, Colin. I had fun." beaming at him. "No need to thank me Pen, it was my pleasure to bring you here." Pen grins at him, her eyes glowing. "Shall we go?" as much as Colin did not want to go back as this meant they had to part ways he perceived it was late and she was probably weary.

Pen nods and they leave for their carriage.

After getting back in their carriage they both discuss the play. Colin is still sitting opposite her, as usual. Since he wouldn't be with her later on, he tries to strike up a conversation while they're travelling.

"It was fun. I loved the story. It had so many emotions." He says, looking at Pen. At this time it was no more awkward like the previous day, they had opened up and both were feeling comfortable with each other, the atmosphere returned back to when they were previously friends. Colin was innerly smiling at the improvement he had accomplished with his wife. 'Even if she was not yet in his company as his wife, but perhaps soon, his best friend,' he thought.

"It was." Pen was smiling at him. "Do you remember the part where he fell over?" Pen giggled as she recalled the funny scene.

"Yes!" Colin laughed. "He was like falling down in love," Colin joked.

They both shared a laugh together. Colin was back telling his jokes again, knowing Pen would always laugh at them.

Pen then added with a smile, "I also loved the part where they reunited, it was heart wrenching to watch them part ways after such a long journey." Her smile dimmed a little after realising what she had just mentioned.

"Yes, indeed. It was satisfying watching them reconciliate." Colin's voice was low and convincing, yet painful. He then added, making a passing reference to their situation "Had she never forgiven him they would never have reunited but would have remained separated."

Penelope looked at him without responding, sensing he was making a point. Just as she was about to add something, Colin picked up.

"When shall we meet again…Pen?" A sweet smile on his face, asking in a friendly manner.

"We can…" Pen was unable to finish her sentence as the carriage stopped and they were at her house.

Colin's heart began to ache again, realising that he would soon be away from his wife and was unaware until when, since she had not responded yet on their next meeting. This time as well he hopes for a miracle to occur so they would not be apart, so he could remain with her. It was time for him to leave and be by himself once more.

He steps out the carriage and assists her out. As Penelope is getting down, she seems to be pondering on something. Colin looks at her intently and proceeds with his question before she goes. "When can we meet again?" His voice is soft.

She looks up to Colin as she removes her hand from his and says: "How about we discuss it? Would…would you like to come in?" her voice gentle, studying his eyes to assess his reaction.

Not predicting this, Colin was gobsmacked. He had truly accepted leaving to go home alone. Colin grins and muses that perhaps miracles do really happen.

While returning, Penelope couldn't stop wondering if she could ever trust Colin again, the man who was still her husband and the father of their child. She decided to give him a chance, a chance for an opportunity to be trusted again.

Also, she did not want to appear cruel after leaving him by the door the two previous times.

He would not find out about her condition at that time of the night, and he would eventually leave after a while. It was not like she was inviting him to spend the night.

As she decides to ultimately trust him, the first step was to invite him to her abode.