Would You Be Mine?

7. Penelope's Secret

Surprise and relief flooded Harry's features as he let out the breath he was holding.

"Really? Are you sure?" he said, "are you absolutely sure?"

Rosalie held his hand tightly in her grip as her other hand caressed his cheek.

"If you think I can help you in some way Harry, I will," she looked at their entwined hands before looking back at his gaze, "I'm bound to you now Harry. I do not think I could leave you now even if I wished to."

Harry smiled and turned to Penelope.

"You see? You see? I told you dear sister, I knew Rosalie was the one!" he was positively beaming as he turned back to Rosalie, "and now she's staying."

"Yes...how wonderful," Penelope said, smiling through gritted teeth.

Rosalie frowned slightly at Penelope's tone of voice, confused that she was not happier at the changing circumstances.

Changes that were hopefully going to help Harry find his freedom from the dreadful curse that had enslaved him.

"Penelope..." Rosalie began.

"Well we must celebrate!" Penelope cut her off, a bright smile plastered on her face as she clapped her hands together, "and I know the perfect opportunity!"

She pulled out the small envelope from her dress pocked as Rosalie and Harry both watched her.

"We received this today," she began, "an invitation to a small party at Lord Armitage's manor this very evening!"

"But Penelope..." Harry began.

"Ah ah ah," Penelope cut him off, "I know what you're thinking brother dear, but I think, no, I know this is an opportune time to get out of this house and enjoy a moment to ourselves," she stopped suddenly, "I mean, you and Rosalie. Would you not like to attend a lovely party and just enjoy each other's company?" Penelope asked coyly.

Harry and Rosalie looked at each other.

"Whatever you wish to do Harry is acceptable with me," Rosalie said, "perhaps though, it might do you some good to forget about the current circumstances for one night?"

"But we should be preparing you," Harry said, "attending a party seems so...so...frivolous, foolish even," he said.

Rosalie's fingers moved to touch his lips gently.

"But it may also be just what you need, just for one night my love," Rosalie countered.

"You are all I need my darling," he said, oblivious to Penelope rolling her eyes behind his back, "would you wish to attend though?" he asked Rosalie.

Rosalie thought it over for a few moments.

"I think you should most definitely consider it," she said, "it will not do you any harm."

He smiled at her before leaning forward and placing a kiss on her forehead.

"It is settled then!" Penelope said, before pushing herself out of the chair.

She was unable to stomach any more of their sickening display of affections.

"I shall advise Lord Armitage immediately that we will accept his most kind invitation," she said.

"Penelope," Harry called to her, "if it is not too much trouble, would you be so kind as to allow Rosalie to borrow one of your gowns for tonight's event?" he asked.

"Of course, Harry," she said, forcing a tight smile onto her face, "why Rosalie's practically family now," she said.

"Quite right," Harry agreed, "the three of us."