Everything Has Changed Now

Chapter 7 - A fresh start

Chapter Summary: 

Colin mourns the departure of his wife a second time and attempts to find her again while Pen on the other hand finally meets with the individual who shall help her settle down.

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Notes: 

Like I said Colin will need to suffer and become worthy of Penelope's forgiveness. Let's see if he works on it.

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After trying to take a different route in order to keep Colin from finding her, Penelope finally met Geneviene's acquaintance. The lady would supply Genevieve with fine fabrics from Scotland and was someone trustworthy. Genevieve had suggested to Pen to reward her as a gratitude for her service.

Thanks to her help, Pen was able to rent a modest small house, the woman had already secured the accommodation for Penelope whose surroundings will be favourable for her and her child with various facilities.

Penelope was grateful to the woman, she thanked and rewarded her richly.

The house was composed of one storey and Pen occupied the first floor while the maid resided the lower level. There was a baker and a library in the vicinity of the residence. The sea wasn't distant either, she was glad she could go to take a stroll whenever she felt bored at home and it did not even require a carriage.

She would also take the opportunity to visit the neighbourhood to get more acquainted and meet the people in the area.

Even though the comfort of her house had changed and she no longer had servants and the numbered staff, she was nonetheless content. The maid who travelled with her was assisting her and Pen was already someone strong and responsible. Perhaps she might relocate later when her child is older but for the time being she was satisfied.

The atmosphere of her current house was distinct from her previous ones. It felt warm because there were no mother or sisters who despised her or there was no husband who would give her a cold stare as soon as their gaze would cross. She felt really cosy, even if sometimes lonely.

Occasionally, she would visit the local library to buy or rent books in order to keep herself occupied.

Not many days upon her arrival in the neighbourhood, there was a woman, Mary, whom Penelope had befriended. She resided in the house opposite to hers. Mary worked in a bakery and lived alone with her ten-year-old son, John. Her husband passed away one year after their son's birth and she was by herself with him. They were not of noble families hence she had to work.

Upon meeting her, Penelope had not informed Mary of the reason she travelled to Scotland. No one knew she was with child nor the events that followed and she did not want to inform anyone of her condition nor did she feel she could trust anyone, yet. Perhaps later on when she would start showing she might think of what to tell people.

Thankfully her stomach was not showing yet and the people over there were not like those of the ton, they didn't meddle in each others' personal affairs much.

Mary would sometimes check in on Penelope since she was alone. She did try to inquire about Pen's settlement there but Pen mentioned that she was not ready to share about it and would when the time was right. Mary was someone understanding and mature in addition to being friendly and caring, she understood immediately.

Fortunately Mary's brother-in-law, William, lived near in the neighbourhood and was a big tall strong man who also happened to be kind. They felt safe having him nearby. He was not married nor was he looking forward to it. He was just content in his own food supply business.