Running Carriage: The Moment that Slipped Through the Hands

Letters of Confession

On the day Colin left after their passionate night, Penelope was left alone, engulfed in a storm of emotions. Her heart was torn apart by guilt and shame for betraying Alfred. He didn't deserve this. Penelope wandered around the house, unable to find peace, her mind swirling with countless thoughts and doubts. It was hard for her to accept that she had succumbed to her feelings and allowed herself to be with Colin despite being engaged to Alfred.

At first, she wanted to expose herself in a new Lady Whistledown column, laying out all her experiences and confessions. But then she realized that it would be reckless and would only worsen the situation. Penelope decided that she needed to act more sensibly and honestly.

She sat at her writing desk and began to write a letter to Alfred. Her hand trembled, but she knew it had to be done. She couldn't bear to keep him in the dark.

"Dear Alfred,

With a heavy heart, I write this letter. I must confess what happened because I cannot keep you in the dark and continue to deceive you.

Recently, Colin came to see me, and I allowed myself to succumb to old feelings. We spent the night together, and I realize it was wrong. I cannot justify my actions, and I deeply regret what happened.

You deserve to know the truth because I cannot live with this burden of lies. I understand if you decide to leave me and no longer trust me. You deserve better, and I deeply regret my weakness and selfishness.

With love, Penelope"

After writing the letter, Penelope felt some relief, but her heart was still heavy. She knew she now had to send the letter and face the consequences of her actions. Penelope firmly sealed the envelope and, with a heavy heart, took it to the post office. However, as she was about to send the letter, she stopped. Penelope left it in her desk drawer, unable to bring herself to send it. She was tormented by doubts and fear of what would follow after her confession.

Trying to distract herself from her worries, Penelope looked for ways to fill her time. She walked through the city streets, lost in her thoughts, trying to find inner peace. One day, while walking in the park, she suddenly saw Benedict sitting on a bench, lost in his thoughts.

Penelope approached him and gently asked, "How are you, Benedict?" Her voice was full of care and concern. "At the last ball, I noticed you were searching for someone."

Benedict looked at her with a hesitant smile and vaguely replied, "I'm fine, Penelope. Just had my mind occupied."

Penelope remembered how at the masquerade ball in honor of her engagement, Benedict danced with a beautiful stranger. She voiced this memory and noticed the pain and sadness on Benedict's face.

"Are you looking for that girl from the ball?" she said, watching him closely.

Benedict sighed and nodded, his gaze dropping to the ground. "Yes, I searched for her everywhere but couldn't find her. I don't even know her name."

Penelope felt she had to help him. "Let's try to find her together. I'll help you, Benedict."

Benedict shook his head, hesitation in his eyes. "No, Penelope, I don't want to involve you in my problems. This is my task, and I have to handle it myself."

Penelope, determined not to give up, insisted, "Benedict, you're my friend, almost like a brother, and I can't just watch you suffer. Let's bring Eloise into this. She'll definitely help us."

Benedict sighed, realizing resistance was futile. He knew Penelope wouldn't back down. "Alright," he reluctantly agreed. "But only if Eloise wants to help."

Penelope smiled, feeling she had made progress. "Thank you, Benedict. Eloise will be happy to help. We'll figure this out together."

Eloise and Penelope had recently reconciled after a long quarrel. After Penelope's engagement, they sat down and had a heartfelt talk, realizing how much they missed each other. Since then, Eloise often visited Penelope, easing her loneliness and helping with Lady Whistledown's notes. Eloise had learned to be more attentive to what was happening and soon realized that Penelope had been in love with Colin all this time. But not wanting to stir up the past, she didn't mention it.