Jasmine was able to make her escape from Richard’s attention when the babies needed to be fed. Richard had no interest in this and told her to fulfill her duties, then return to him so they could discuss plans. Apparently, Richard was considering staying in Vingery with Jasmine until Wind’s Grove had fallen to the rebels. Jasmine silently prayed that she could convince him not to do so. She needed no more reminder of her new betrothal than the ring she now wore.
With the babies, Jasmine ducked into a private side room where they could be fed without eyes upon them. She had only just gotten Pyotr and Brook to latch when the door opened. She looked up. Her eyes widened. It was the late Duke’s 14-year-old daughter, Lady Penelope.
“My lady,” Jasmine began. Penelope shook her head.
“No, do not call me that,” she said firmly. “I am but a girl.”
“I have worried for your safety,” Jasmine said. She yearned to tell Penelope who she truly was. But to do so would not be safe. And the enchantment may not even allow her to do so anyways.
“I appreciate the concern. Luckily, I have escaped being wed. I am not considered comely enough. My sister, however…” Penelope sighed and shook her head. “I come to you seeking a boon.”
“A boon? I am but a peasant wet nurse, indebted to my current employers. I have no boon to grant you.”
“But you do!” Penelope said urgently. “I have not been deemed worthy of marriage and as such, have been put to work for the noble folk I used to rub elbows with.” Indeed, Penelope was wearing the dark brown gown of a maid. “Please, ask Richard to allow me to be one of your servants.”
“Why?”
“I heard what you said out there,” Penelope said, her voice soft. “You are a royalist, are you not?” After a moment, Jasmine nodded. Penelope’s shoulders slumped in relief. “Then I know I will be safe with you. In addition, even should the Eastern Hills fall, they will still be the most welcoming to one such as myself.”
“…I understand.”
“You will ask Richard if I can be your servant?” Penelope asked. Jasmine nodded. Penelope beamed. “Were you not nursing, I would hug you! Thank you, Jasmine. Thank you!” Penelope left the room. Pyotr finished feeding, so Jasmine set him down and let Bry suckle in his place. She had to do whatever she could to help the poor girl. But she had to come up with something that would convince Richard to allow Penelope as her servant.