Running Carriage: The Moment that Slipped Through the Hands

Facing Reality

Lord Debling, Alfred, was on an expedition in Antarctica when he received a letter from Penelope. He sat in his tent, contemplating the events of the past week. His mind was filled with thoughts of Penelope. He understood that their relationship was on the brink, and he needed to do something to restore harmony in their marriage. Suddenly, his attention was drawn to a letter neatly folded on his table. It looked official and gave him a sense of foreboding. With trembling hands, he opened the envelope and found inside a clipping from Lady Whistledown, announcing his wife's pregnancy.

At first, Debling felt joy. He had never thought about an heir, but this news suddenly became a reason for happiness. But then doubts flooded his mind. He remembered the looks exchanged between Colin and Penelope at the ball. He recalled how Colin looked at Penelope when they danced. He remembered how Colin reacted when he saw them kiss in the garden.

Could it be true? Could the child be not his?

Debling left the tent and began pacing back and forth, trying to calm himself. He felt anger, jealousy, and fear. He cherished Penelope and wanted to believe she had been faithful to him. But what if she hadn't? What if his suspicions were true?

He decided that he needed to talk to Penelope. He had to know the truth, no matter what it was.

He resolved to return home immediately. However, during the long journey back, his thoughts were clouded with doubts and anxiety. He couldn't shake the images of Penelope and Colin together, causing him unbearable pain. He knew he had to be strong for Penelope, but feelings of jealousy and insecurity haunted him like shadows.

Months passed, and one morning, as Penelope was walking in the garden, a servant approached her.

"Lady Penelope, we have news. Lord Debling is returning home. He is already on his way and should arrive in a few days," the servant said respectfully.

Penelope felt her heart stop. She didn't know what to expect from this meeting. Her feelings were mixed: fear, hope, love, and guilt. But she knew one thing—they had to face each other and discuss everything that had happened.

In the evening, she prepared the house for his return, trying to make it as cozy and warm as possible. She remembered how he loved cozy evenings by the fireplace with a cup of hot tea. She wanted him to feel at home despite the difficulties that lay ahead.

When the day of his return finally came, Penelope stood at the entrance, gazing down the road. In the distance, a carriage appeared, and her heart began to beat faster. The carriage stopped at the gate, and Debling stepped out. He looked tired.

Penelope approached him, not knowing what to say. Alfred looked at her, and in his gaze was everything—pain, disappointment, but also love. He extended his hand, and she took it, feeling tears welling up in her eyes.

He hugged her tightly, feeling her warmth and closeness. But in his mind, thoughts of the child and her possible infidelity still swirled.

She smiled through her tears and hugged him back.

Penelope was already in labor, and her contractions began almost immediately after his arrival. He tried to be by her side and support her, despite the storm of emotions inside.

While Penelope battled pain and fear, Debling retreated to his study to collect his thoughts. He tried to focus on his love for her and their future child, but shadows of doubt continued to haunt him.

On the table, he found a letter that Penelope had apparently intended to send but hadn't. He unfolded it and read the confession of her affair with Colin. His hands trembled as he realized that the letter was written with pain and honesty that he couldn't ignore.

Just then, he heard the first cry of the newborn. Holding the letter, he went to the room where Penelope was holding their child. Her face paled when she saw the letter in his hands. Her body tensed, and her heart filled with fear and shame.

Alfred looked at her without saying a word. His eyes were full of pain and disappointment. He slowly turned and left the room, leaving her alone with the newborn.

Days passed, and the tension in the house became unbearable. Alfred avoided Penelope, spending much of his time in his study or the garden. Penelope felt empty and guilty. She knew her confession had destroyed their relationship, but she didn't know how to fix it.

One evening, Lord Debling stood at the bedroom door, his heart pounding. He knew he could no longer postpone this conversation. Penelope had given birth, and now he had to know the truth. In his hands was the letter she had intended to send but hadn't. He entered the room where Penelope sat on the bed, holding the newborn.

Penelope looked up and saw Alfred. His face was serious, but his eyes showed deep concern.

"Alfred," she whispered, feeling the tension fill the room.

He came closer, his gaze never leaving her face.

"Penelope, we need to talk," he said quietly but firmly. "I can't stand this tension any longer."

She nodded, her eyes filling with tears.

"I know," she replied. "I can't hide it any longer either."

He sat next to her on the bed, trying to remain calm. He looked at the baby, who was quietly sleeping in Penelope's arms.

"Whose child is this, Penelope?" he asked, his voice filled with pain and anxiety.

Penelope closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her courage. Then she looked at Alfred, her eyes full of sincerity and fear.

"Alfred, I didn't know..." she began, her voice trembling. "I didn't know until I held him and looked into his eyes."

He frowned, his heart stopping.

"What do you mean?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Penelope sighed, trying to find the right words.

"When I saw his eyes, I realized..." she paused, her voice barely audible. "I realized they are Colin's eyes."

Penelope's words hung in the air like a lightning strike. Alfred felt his world collapsing.

He turned away, trying to cope with the overwhelming emotions. He felt his heart breaking into pieces.

"You had an affair with Colin?" he asked, struggling to keep his voice from trembling.

Penelope nodded, her face contorted with pain.

"It was only once. I don't know how it happened. I cherish you, but then... then I felt so lonely."

Alfred turned to her, his eyes filled with anger and disappointment.

"Once? Once, and now you're saying this is his child?" he spoke quietly, but each word was like a knife to her heart.

Penelope couldn't bear his gaze. She knew his words were justified.

"I can't understand this, Penelope. How could you?" his voice shook with emotion.

He stood silently, his gaze fixed on the baby. He couldn't understand how to live with this truth. He couldn't just forgive her and pretend nothing had happened.

"I have to leave," he finally said, his voice full of pain. "I need time to figure out what to do next."

Penelope looked at him with despair.

"Alfred, please don't go. We can get through this, together."

But he had already turned and headed for the door. Stopping at the threshold, he said without turning:

"I don't know if I can ever forgive you, Penelope. But right now, I have to leave."

With those words, he left the room, leaving Penelope in tears and despair. The sudden cry of the baby filled the room, but Penelope felt more alone than ever.