Chapter 17

Penelope texted Maureen. "Why did you leave, Aunt Maureen?" She didn't receive a reply. As she scrolled through her conversations, she realized Beatrice hadn't replied to her, either. The latter had told her 20 minutes ago that she'd arrived at the hotel, yet she was still nowhere in sight. Penelope had no idea the two strong backups she'd invited were both filled with fear at the moment. One had been scared away after running into Hannah, and the other was currently quaking in her boots. Beatrice had planned to meet with Penelope after entering the banquet hall before trying to speak to Joseph. Her only objective in attending the birthday celebration was to unravel whatever misunderstanding existed between her and Joseph. She skidded to a stop when she was almost at the spot where she and Penelope were supposed to meet, her gaze landing on the women chatting and laughing in the distance. She stiffened and broke out in a cold sweat. Was that Hannah? "I heard Mr. Quill brought his