Episode 16

The sun shone through the tall windows of Lady Penelope’s sitting room, bathing the space in a soft light that highlighted the details of the elegant furnishings. Two days had passed since Lilian arrived in London, yet the anxiety she had felt upon her arrival had not faded. Time seemed to drag on, each hour marked by the growing pressure of the approaching ball.

Lilian sat on one of the blue velvet sofas, her hands resting in her lap, holding a book that, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t bring herself to read.

Her thoughts were racing.

"You are very quiet this morning, my dear," observed Lady Penelope, placing her teacup on the marble table. She watched Lilian with keen eyes, always perceptive to every small gesture or expression. "That is not like you."

Lilian forced a smile, but it was strained. "I apologize, godmother. I think I am still getting used to being in London again."

"I do not believe that is all," said Lady Penelope, leaning slightly forward. "I know you too well, Lilian. Something is bothering you, and I think you are afraid to talk about it."

Lilian hesitated, biting her lower lip before closing the book with more force than necessary. Finally, she sighed and placed it on the sofa. "It is the ball, godmother. Or rather, what it represents. Being there... beside Whitaker, under the watchful eyes of all of society... I feel as if I am being pushed into something I do not want, but also cannot avoid."

Lady Penelope straightened, her face serious. "I knew this engagement was a burden for you, but I did not realize how much it was affecting you." She paused, studying Lilian before continuing. "Tell me, my dear, what do you truly want?"

The question caught Lilian off guard. She lifted her gaze to her godmother, the words tumbling in her mind before they could come out. "I... I do not know. I only know what I do not want. I do not want to live under my father's or Whitaker's control. I do not want to be a piece in a game I did not choose to play."

Lady Penelope slowly nodded in understanding. "Then why are you still playing this game, Lilian? You have more strength than you realize. What is stopping you from challenging your father?"

Lilian averted her gaze, her voice faltering slightly. "Because... because that would mean facing everything alone. And I do not know if I am capable."

Her godmother stood up, approaching Lilian and placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "My dear, facing your father will not be easy, and I cannot promise there will be no consequences. But you will not face this alone. You have allies, and you have me. If you ever have nowhere to go, remember this: as long as I am here, you will have a safe roof over your head."

Lilian lifted her gaze, her heart beating faster. Her godmother’s words offered a glimpse of something she had not considered—a safety net, even if temporary. "But what about my father? He will not accept me defying his plans."

Lady Penelope sighed, a flicker of pain passing through her eyes. "Your father is stubborn, Lilian. He always has been. But he respects strength, even when he resents it. If you are forced to make difficult choices, do so with determination. And remember, as long as you are under my roof, he cannot force you into anything."

Lilian felt a wave of emotion rising within her. It was not a permanent solution, but it was a small light in a dark tunnel. "And what if I do not know what I want? What if I make the wrong decision?"

Lady Penelope smiled, the gesture full of warmth and confidence. "Making mistakes is part of life, my dear. But do you know what is worse than making a mistake? Not choosing. Because by not choosing, you let others decide for you. And I know that is not what you want."

Lilian remained silent, processing her godmother's words. She felt hope, and that was enough to give her the courage to face the coming days.