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“ C areful, Odette!”

“I am being plenty careful,” came the response from the free-spirited girl. Penelope laughed, admiring how radiant the young girl looked.

It was the first time she’d worn a proper gown for the entire day.

“You’ll tear your hem if you keep dashing about like that,” Penelope continued.

“I don’t care!” Odette laughed breathlessly. “Then the dress will have to be a sacrifice that we made.”

“But do we need to sacrifice this particular dress?” Penelope smiled. “This one’s quite nice.”

Odette shrugged, and did not stop playing. Penelope could not blame her. It was enough that she was trying to get into the habit of wearing a dress to begin with. That alone should be enough for Penelope, for now, at least.

“Do you really feel free in it?” she asked Odette, who nodded. Apollo followed her around, sticking out his tongue.

“I always thought dresses were stuffy,” she laughed. “But actually, this one feels quite airy.”

“Then we shall get more for you,” Penelope nodded, already making a mental list. It had been a few days since she had properly returned. “But I wonder if you’ll be begging to change back into your nightdress by supper.”

Odette grinned mischievously and plopped down beside Apollo, scratching behind his ears.

“Let us not try and read too much into the future.”

Penelope sat beside her again, smoothing Odette’s skirts over her legs.

“I’m proud of you, you know. You’ve been so brave through everything.”

“It’s easier with you here,” Odette’s expression softened, her gaze dropping shyly to her lap.

“What is easier?”

“Just being myself,” Odette shrugged. “Being a girl. You have such great taste in everything, and you always give me the right advice.”

The words made Penelope’s heart warm instantly.

“I missed you while you were gone,” Odette said.

Never did Penelope expect to hear the words from Odette. She looked at her, grinning ear to ear.

“Is that so? Has someone gone and replaced the old Odette?” Penelope teased. “Since when did you become so agreeable ?”

“I am not!” Odette’s head snapped up indignantly as she blushed wildly.

“Oh, I think you are,” Penelope laughed, delighted. “Deep down, beneath all that stubbornness. I am the same way.”

“I’m not!” Odette insisted, crossing her arms. “I just… missed you, is all. That doesn’t make me agreeable.”

“It makes you human.” Penelope smiled warmly, brushing her thumb over Odette’s cheek. “And it makes me very glad that you trust me enough to tell me that. Thank you.”

It was small gestures like this, but Penelope knew just how important they were.

“Well, I only wished to be honest with you.”

Apollo barked suddenly, leaping up from his place and running over to the spot in front of him. Both Penelope and Odette turned in surprise.

“Who…” Odette began, but Penelope was already rising.

“It’s your father,” Penelope murmured, watching as her husband approached the path, dressed in his riding coat.

He slowed as he caught sight of them, his gaze falling immediately on Odette. His footsteps faltered. Penelope watched as his eyes widened, taking in the sight of his daughter.

“Am I in the right place?” he looked between Odette and Penelope. Odette blushed, looking away. But Penelope could not help but laugh loudly.

“Doesn’t she look lovely?” Penelope asked. “I think she looks beautiful, and the dress really suits her.”

Alexander nodded, and kneeled at where Odette was sitting.

“You look beautiful,” he complimented before hugging his daughter. He wrapped her tightly against him, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Penelope’s heart swelled as she watched them, her chest tightening at the sight.

“But I am happy that the both of you are together,” Alexander said, clearing his throat . “Because I have something important to announce.”

Penelope raised an eyebrow. What was so important that even she didn't know? Usually, Alexander told her everything.

“Well, will you tell us?” Odette said, equally curious.

“Let me just say that everything is handled now,” he nodded.

“What do you mean?” Odette asked.

“Yes, darling. You are being rather vague,” Penelope agreed.

Alexander’s gaze flicked between them. “I’ve made arrangements,” he said. Penelope wondered if he was being deliberately coy.

“Alexander,” Penelope laughed. “Tell us in simple terms.”

“I’ve sold the club,” Alexander said finally. Both Penelope and Odette gasped.

It was a huge thing, coming from Alexander, considering how he had spent so much effort sustaining it.

“The gentleman’s club. It’s in new hands now. A trusted friend. I have no further ties to it,” he explained.

“But when did you…” Penelope’s mouth parted in surprise. “When did you decide to do this?”

“I do not want to lower the quality of your lives just so I can run an inherited club,” Alexander nodded. “It is no longer worthwhile for me. I’ve decided it’s time to close that chapter of my life.”

Penelope felt a mix of emotions. She reached forward and grabbed Alexander’s hand.

“But that place meant something to you as well.”

“It did not mean more to me than you and Odette,” he replied. “Besides, I can busy myself with other ventures now that the club is no longer in my possession.” ”

Odette took this moment to cut in.

“Does this mean no more bodyguards following me everywhere?”

“Perhaps not,” Alexander chuckled. “But starting tomorrow, we’ll be beginning some lessons, just as a precaution.”

“Lessons?” Penelope arched a brow.

“Yes, what kind of lessons?” Odette asked suspiciously.

“Boxing,” Alexander grinned, looking all too pleased with himself.

Both Penelope and Odette stared at him.

“Boxing?” Penelope repeated slowly. She could not imagine herself in the ring, let alone Alexander teaching her.

“Yes,” he said cheerfully. “I’ve already arranged for an instructor to come to the estate. It’s high time the women of this household knew how to defend themselves properly.”

“You want me to learn how to box?” Odette’s mouth fell open. “But you always asked me to keep away from violent sports.”

“I insist upon it,” Alexander shrugged. “And do not think of it as violent. It is more of self-defense.”

“You are too much,” Penelope laughed.

“Practical,” Alexander corrected smoothly. “And you’ll both thank me for it.”

Penelope exchanged a glance with Odette, who still looked half-horrified but Penelope could see a part of her growing excited.

“I’ll box if you do,” Odette challenged Penelope.

“Oh, I’ll do it,” Penelope replied archly. “Though don’t expect me to be any good at it.”

“I suspect you’ll surprise us all,” Alexander laughed, his arm tightening around her waist.

A few months later, everything had changed.

“You’re not going easy on me today, are you?” Penelope said as she circled the ring with her husband. They were having another one of their sparring sessions, which they tried to do a few times a week.

At first, it had been extremely intimidating for Penelope. But with the help of the instructor, and her husband, she had made remarkable progress in a short time.

It turned out that her small frame was ideal for agility, and she could dodge a punch like it was nothing.

“Easy? After last time? Never again.” Alexander said to her. “You won by several points, and I did not even know what to expect.”

“I’d hate to think you were underestimating me,” Penelope smirked, sending a cross-hook to his side. “So I suppose I am happy that you are trying to go harder on me.”

“You’ve come a long way, Penelope,” He circled her slowly.

Something told her he was not only talking about the sport.

“Only because I have an excellent opponent,” she replied sweetly, before launching forward with a quick jab.

“Flattery won’t make me drop my guard,” He deflected easily, laughing under his breath.

“Wasn’t trying to,” she quipped, feinting left and then spinning to his right to land another jab.

“Impressive,” Alexander barely dodged it, his brows lifting in surprise.

“Can you tell that I have been practicing more?”

They moved around each other, exchanging blows. For several minutes, neither yielded an inch until Penelope saw her opening.

With a quick step forward, she hooked her foot behind his ankle and swept his leg out from under him. Alexander stumbled backward and she tackled him squarely in the chest.

“I win,” Penelope announced in triumph.

Alexander stared up at her, seeming so proud that it almost did not matter to him that he had just lost.

“So, it would seem, darling. You have shaped up to be quite the professional in almost no time.”

“Do not worry though,” she winked at him. “I still think you’re much stronger than me.”

“But this means that you can defend yourself now,” Alexander straightened, and moved over to kiss the top of her head. “If you hand a punch like this always, then there will be no one who can take you down in a fight.”

Alexander’s hand slid gently up the back of her neck and he pulled her down into a kiss. The kiss was soft. By the time she pulled away, her victory had been entirely forgotten.

“Unfair,” she murmured, her lips brushing against his as she spoke. “I don’t remember anything when you kiss me like this.”

“Necessary,” he whispered back, smirking. “I thought I should brag about what I’m good at.”

“We’re going to be late if you keep distracting me,” She narrowed her eyes at him, but couldn’t suppress her grin.

“True enough.” He glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed.

They had a ball to attend.

“It boggles my mind, really,” Alexander stated as they entered the ballroom, “that just a few moments ago, you were this little ferocious thing. And now you are dressed so prettily, so much so that you might just be the prettiest girl in the room.”

Penelope laughed out loudly at that.

“Well, a woman is allowed to be many things at once,” she remarked. “This is what I keep trying to explain to you. Why is it that we must only be dainty, or that we must only know how to fight?”

“Yes, yes,” Alexander grinned. “You have driven home the point that you can be both.”

As they approached, they noticed Isadora waiting for them, along with her two friends Daphne and Violet.

“My, my, my,” Isadora’s eyes brightened at once. “My sister looks so beautiful this evening. Truly, you’ve outshone every lady here.”

“I believe you exaggerate, dear sister,” Penelope laughed softly.

“Nonsense,” Isadora replied with a wink. “I am sure that the duke must agree.”

Alexander nodded. “I have been saying this to her since we entered the ballroom.”

“Well, Your Grace, it is good to see you,” Daphne chimed in. “I must say that London is not quite used to seeing you at these balls. Have you finally given up your reclusive ways?”

Alexander’s lips curved wryly, and he looked at Penelope, who was blushing now.

“I suppose I have been tamed by the Duchess’ charms.”

“Oh, that’s quite the statement,” Violet added. “Because I believe that the exact opposite has happened, actually. It is Penelope who has been tamed by this union.”

Alexander looked at Penelope, amused. Before Penelope could reply, Isadora took her sister’s arm and drew her aside.

“By the way, I must tell you something impotant. Father sent a letter this morning,” she said in an urgent whisper.

“He wishes to meet with us soon, because there’s an announcement he must make. ”

“An announcement?” Penelope’s brow furrowed. “Did he say what it concerned?”

Isadora shook her head. “Only that it’s a matter of family importance.”

“Ah,” Penelope frowned. “Well, I shall think of it later. Tonight, I wish to enjoy the evening with my husband.”

When she returned to the group of friends, Alexander seemed to be seeking her out as well.

“May I have this dance, duchess,” he asked in front of everyone, drawing a few delighted chuckles from the group.

“You may, Your Grace,” She placed her hand in his, “In fact, I thought you were never going to ask me.”

They stepped onto the dance floor. She rememebered the first time they had danced together. It felt like a lifetime ago now, as so much had changed between them since. Their connection had grown closer, and their love had grown.

“You know, I used to find all of this so frivolous,” Alexander admitted.

“What? Dancing?”

Alexander nodded. “I thought it was boring, and it served no purpose.”

“And have you changed your mind since?” Penelope asked in a teasing tone.

“Considering I pulled you over to the dance floor,” he laughed, “I would say that my mind has now changed. I do not understand why but everything is just so different with you.”

Penelope could only nod. She felt the same way. Normal things that felt ordinary felt special when she did them with Alexander.

“I suppose we are both blinded by the spell of love,” she said.

“Then I hope we remain blinded forever,” Alexander grinned.

“What happened to you being a man of practicality?” Penelope challenged. “Never would I have imagined that you should wish to be blinded by anything.”

“Darling, it feels good to be with you,” he said, bringing her closer to kiss the top of her head. “If this is some delusion, then let it be. I would happily partake in the delusion for as long as I live.”

Penelope almost stopped her waltzing for a moment.

“That might be the most romantic thing you have ever said to me.”

“I am getting better, aren’t I?” he grinned, gripping her waist closer. “I should like to be a poet for you.”

“Stop,” she giggled. Sometimes she could not recognize Alexander as the same man she had met in that Gentleman’s Club. One that had all his rules, and distances, and did not know how to express himself.

Compared to that, Alexander had come a really long way.

“I love you,” she said to him, abruptly. “I love you so much.”

He kissed the top of her head again. “I love you more.”

They had found their happily ever after together with each other. And they had made a small family of their own.

Life, for Penelope, could not be better than this. There was no future she could imagine for herself that would be better than the one she had with Alexander.

The End?