Page 72

As the nuns approached, James could see the worry in the young oblate’s eyes. She pressed a finger to her lips, silently imploring him to remain hidden. He nodded slightly, his body tensed. The two nuns came closer, their footsteps echoing ominously in the confined space. James could feel the young woman trembling beside him. He prayed they wouldn’t be discovered.

Just as the two nuns were about to pass their hiding spot, one of them paused, glancing around suspiciously. “Did you hear something?” she asked, her brow furrowed.

James held his breath, his heart thundering in his chest.

The second nun shook her head. “Probably just the wind. These old halls are full of strange noises.”

The first nun hesitated for a moment longer before nodding. “You’re right. Let’s move on. We don’t want to be late for the evening prayers.”

With that, the two nuns continued down the corridor, their voices fading as they turned a corner. James exhaled slowly, relief washing over him.

The young woman opened her eyes and looked at James, her expression a mix of fear and determination. “We must hurry, Your Grace. We’re almost there.”

After what seemed to be a small eternity, they reached a wooden door at the end of a dimly lit corridor.

“Here,” she said.

James’ heart thundered inside his chest as he neared the door. “Penelope?” he called out softly, his heart about to explode with fear.

CHAPTER35

“J-James?” A soft sound came from her mouth. Weak. Worn out. Penelope couldn’t believe her ears.

“It’s me…” he whispered.

She was so desperate for his voice, wanting him to shout, to reassure her, but she knew that they couldn’t risk being overheard. They were deep in the belly of the beast, and they had to be cautious. They still had a long way to go if they were to reach the safety of his carriage together.

She heard him speak to someone. “Please… we need to open this door.”

“This will do the trick,” a familiar voice told him.

Penelope stood on the other side of the door, her heart pounding with anticipation as she heard James fumbling with the lock. When the door finally swung open, revealing James’ familiar figure, she couldn’t contain the flood of relief that washed over her.

“James!” she exclaimed loudly. “I knew you would come for me; I knew it!”

Without a moment’s hesitation, she rushed into his arms, her eyes brimming with tears. “I am so sorry for everything I said, James,” she whispered, nestling into his arms, her voice choking with profound emotion.

James held her tightly, his embrace a comforting anchor in the middle of all this chaos they were surrounded by. He hastily kissed her forehead. “There will be time for apologies later because I have some of my own,” he said gently, his voice filled with reassurance. “Right now, we need to get you out of here.”

Penelope nodded, her gratitude mingling with fear as she thought of the danger they still faced. She pulled back slightly, meeting James’ gaze with a determined expression. “Grandfather and his carriage are waiting by the gate,” he said, his voice steady. “We should go before anyone notices.”

As he led her out of the cell, Penelope noticed Ciara standing close by, looking to see if anyone was approaching.

“Ciara,” Penelope approached her and wrapped her arms around her, “I don’t know how I could ever repay you.”

Ciara smiled. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” she reminded her. “I’ll go first, so if we do stumble onto one of the other sisters, I can distract them.”

Penelope suddenly remembered. “But… how will you be able to distract Mother Superior? She will know it was you who did this.”

Penelope’s heart ached at the thought of leaving Ciara behind. She had risked everything to help them, and Penelope couldn’t bear the idea of leaving her to face the wrath of Mother Superior, knowing the dire repercussions that woman could come up with. She turned to James.

“We can’t just leave her here,” Penelope said, her voice tinged with urgency. “She helped us. We have to take her with us.”

James looked back at Penelope, understanding dawning in his eyes. “You’re right,” he said softly. “We can’t abandon those who helped us.”

Turning to Ciara, he spoke with unwavering resolve. “Ciara, would you come with us? We can’t guarantee your safety here, and we can’t leave you to face the consequences alone.”

Ciara’s eyes widened in surprise, her hands trembling slightly. “I… I’m not allowed to leave. My parents sent me here. They are the only ones who can allow me to leave.”