ignite ➝ Doctor Who¹

XII

"And there are stories of wolves in these parts. Fanciful tales intended to scare the children. But good for the blood, I think."
— Queen Victoria, Tooth and Claw

Penelope was almost knocked back at her amazement at the telescope in the centre of the room. The wall was also lined with different markings that extended into the lining of the ceiling. The Doctor was rambling on and she was barely listening as he rattled on, admiring the quality of the telescope, until she heard him start to be rude. So she decided to impart some wifely repercussions.

"James, sweetheart? You're being rude again." It definitely felt weird calling him James, but from the smile threatening to pull apart his face, it didn't bother him. He bounded over to her, wrapping his arms around her, just along her collarbone, and kissing the top of her head lightly.

"Thank you Mare." It was Penelope's turn to blush brightly, ears burning, smiling nearly as wide as he was. He was able to marvel at the way the blush moves across her face a different way this time, and was determined to find every different way it would happen. Rose sighed, turning to the Master of the house.

"They're newlyweds so they're still in the honeymoon phase. A bit lovesick." She then turned to the Queen, a smile just behind the eyes. "Thought you might disapprove, Your Majesty. Stargazing. Isn't that a bit fanciful? You could easily not be amused, or something? No?" Penelope laughed suddenly, catching everyone off guard. The Queen immediately turned to her, unamused.

"What is so funny, Mrs McCrimmon." She blushes embarrassedly this time, still in the Doctor's arms, holding onto the arm right resting across her shoulders.

"Nothing, ma'am. It's just that Rose doesn't understand that stargazing, and this device, essentially surveys the infinite work of God." The woman nods and Penelope lets out a sigh of relief, the Doctor infinitely impressed with her.

"What could be finer? Sir Robert's father was an example to us all. A polymath, steeped in astronomy and sciences, yet equally well versed in folklore and fairytales." The Doctor hummed in agreement, mumbling idley.

"Stars and magic. I like him more and more." Penelope tried very hard to ignore the way his chest reverberated against her back - and how much she liked it - and wondered if it was the same for him when she was talking.

The Queen was oblivious to Penelope's internal monologues and continued, "oh, my late husband enjoyed his company. Prince Albert himself was acquainted with many rural superstitions, coming as he did from Saxe Coburg." The Doctor leaned down a little to tell the woman in his arms that she meant Bavaria, Penelope already knew that, but she wasn't going to stop the Doctor from having a reason to talk to her. "When Albert was told about your local wolf, he was transported."

"So, what's this wolf, then?" Trust that to get the Doctor's attention. He unwrapped his arms from around her, moving to just one around her shoulder, Penelope's hand falling from his arm and clasping them together in front of her. Robert coughed.

"It's just a story." She knew the Doctor wouldn't take that for an answer and she was right, of course.

"Then tell it." Neither one of the 'McCrimmons' missed the nervous look that was directed towards the servant behind him.

"It's said that-" He was interrupted by Father Angelo, who had stepped forward, followed by an unexplainable cloud of malice. Penelope immediately didn't like him and backed up into the Doctor's arms, confusing him but accepting it anyway, his hand resting on her right upper arm. The source of her discomfort started talking and Penelope decided that she didn't trust him even more.

"Excuse me, sir. Perhaps her Majesty's party could repair to their rooms. It's almost dark."

"Of course. Yes, of course." Robert nodded, as eager to leave the room as Penelope it seemed, but the Queen turned to glance at Rose again.

"And then supper. And could we find some clothes for Miss Tyler? I'm tired of nakedness."

"It's not amusing, is it?" Rose took her chance again, trying hard to win the bet, but the Queen continued to ignore her.

"Sir Robert, your wife must have left some clothes. See to it. We shall dine at seven, and talk some more of this wolf. After all, there is a full moon tonight." Penelope didn't miss the stiffening of Father Angelo or how many nervous glances were sent his way. The Doctor was too focused on the unease that she was displaying.

"So there is, Ma'am." Robert then turned to the ginger girl, catching her off guard, which caused the Doctor to tighten his grip around her shoulders, unsure as to why she was so jumpy. "And will you be helping Miss Tyler with her clothes, Mrs McCrimmon."

"No thank you, I'm sure she's perfectly capable of clothing herself. I'd rather stay with my husband, if you don't mind." He seemed to panic a little, and resisted an urge to glance back at Father Angelo.

"Are you sure? I mean she-" The Doctor gave a forcibly happy smile at the man, leaning forward on his toes a little.

"She stays with me." Despite the lighthearted smile on his face, you could hear the bubbling of a threat against anyone who chose to argue against them again. Penelope couldn't help the blush that ran free across her face, cursing internally at how often he's able to cause this. The man nods, a little pale, learning that you don't take wife from husband.

"A-Alright." He coughs to compose himself, not liking how inferior he felt to the Doctor, before continuing. "If you would follow me to the dining room, and Miss Tyler we will direct you to the bedroom on our way."

They left the room and the Doctor moved to hold her hand and it calmed her down to feel the similar silver ring on his left hand. She smiled at him in thanks and it was finally his turn to turn a little red, thankfully unseen in the low light. So they walked hand in hand to the dining room, knowing something was off in this house but choosing to ignore it and be husband and wife for a little while.