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“Of course it is. She is awful.”

Rebecca chuckled, “you shouldn’t say such things.”

“Why not? It’s true, isn’t it? Everyone say so.”

“Still, I suppose it is rather cruel to stoop to their level.”

“If they don’t want us to be cruel to them, then they shouldn’t be cruel to others.”

“What about my father? How has he been?”

“Even worse if you can believe it. Everyone who was invested in his businesses has pulled out their funding. No matter where he goes, there isn’t a friendly face to be seen.”

Rebecca gasped. “I must admit, that is far more extreme than I would have expected.”

“It’s no less than they deserve, you must admit.”

She hummed, biting back a smile.

“You shouldn’t feel bad. After everything they put you thought it’s no less than they deserved. You know it’s true.”

Before Rebecca could find her words, a voice called from the doorway, “know what is true?”

The pair turned to see William step inside, still in his riding clothes.

“You’re back!” Rebecca exclaimed. “I wasn’t expecting you until later tonight at the earliest.”

“I wanted to see you, so I road a bit faster than usual,” he said moving to sit beside his wife. “It’s good to see you too, Penelope. I hope you don’t mind me interrupting. I can always go if the two of you would rather talk alone.”

“That isn’t necessary, and I’m afraid I can’ stay much longer anyways,” she replied.

“That’s a shame. We would be more than happy to have you for dinner.”

“I might take you up on that next time I stop by, but today I only popped in to give Rebecca an update on how her family is doing.”

“They aren’t my family anymore,” Rebecca said with conviction. “William is my family.”

“That’s very sweet. I will be sure to remember that in the future.” Penelope glance at the clock. “Goodness! I really must be going before my mother sends a search party after me.”

They all said their good byes and Rebecca walked Penelope to the door. Just before her friend left, she turned to Rebecca once more.

“You should think about what I said. I think you would host an amazing ball.”

Rebecca couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s kind of you to say, Penelope, but I think we are more than content on our own.”

“Whatever suits you I suppose,” she laughed as she made her way out the door.

When Rebecca got back to the sitting room, William was still waiting for her.

“You dind’ need to hurry back so fast,” she smiled, coming to sit besides him.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to him. “Of course I had to. I missed you,” William insisted.

“I missed you too, but we don’t need to worry about that anymore.”

“Because I came back early?”

“Because we have our whole lives to be together.”