Documents, she thought, the word suddenly sounding like a trial. Not flowers or gifts like the occasional sight, but documents… and Penelope's stomach tightened sharply.
The last time he handed a document to her was to announce their engagement. What else could this be?
Lady Sophia finally crossed the room toward her, moving almost unsteadily. "Darling," she whispered, voice fragile with contained panic, "tell me truthfully… has something occurred between you and Lord Ashbourne?"
Penelope stared at her mother in confusion. "N-No." Her pulse raced violently against her ribs, threatening to burst open and flee on its own accord. "You're scaring me, mama. What's happening? Did anything bad happen?"
Lady Sophia and Francesca exchanged quiet looks.
"Francesca," Penelope urged, but the young woman simply looked concerned, clearly hesitating.
