Page 26 of A Wallflower's Convenient Duke
Penelope squeezed Blanche's arm in a reassuring gesture. "People will always talk, my dear. But your strength lies in your authenticity. Their opinions are fleeting. What matters is how you and your husband move forward. Shape your story, Blanche, before someone else writes it for you."
A soft smile curved Blanche’s lips, a fragile hope blooming. "Despite everything, I do think we are beginning to find something like understanding. We visited the Egyptian Hall recently. It wasn’t just a social obligation—we actually spoke, connected. It felt like something more than mere civility."
Penelope’s smile widened, her voice brimming with encouragement. "That is a promising start. Sometimes, the strongest bonds form in the most unlikely circumstances. Let this be the beginning—not just of your role as a duchess, but of a deeper journey. And the ball—why, it might very well be the first step in turning the tide. The duchess who has taken her rightful spot at Brooksdale Manor. Everyone will see that you are exactly where you need to be, and they will take their vicious tongues elsewhere."
"You will be there?"
Penelope chuckled. "Not only will I be there, I will be heralding how amazing the ball is, even if there are failings. I will ensure that everyone only focuses on what is good."
Blanche laughed. "I’m afraid the ton is not so easily misled.”
"I know." Penelope nodded. "But if anyone can do this, it is me."
Gratefully, Blanche linked her arm through Penelope's finally feeling a lot better. Her mother might not have been able to lift her spirits with words of wisdom, but her best friend certainly had. Perhaps it really was best for Blanche to stop tip-toeing around her marriage and finally throw herself into it. At least in the form of making this the best, the grandest ball anyone had ever attended.
If she got it right, then Blanche would be able to turn the gossip on its head. She would be able to get the ton talking about the success of the ball rather than the silly little moment in the blue parlour. The sooner Blanche and Philip overcame all of that, the quicker they could get on with their lives. Whatever that was going to look like.
