Chapter 338

Penelope looked over and saw that Mrs. Stapleton had arrived. She moved through the crowd like a queen, surrounded by an entourage, her chin held high with an air of regal disdain. But when Penelope saw that she was also wearing a black evening gown, one strikingly similar to the one she had originally planned to wear, her brow furrowed.
It couldn’t be a coincidence.
Sure enough, Yvonne was right by Mrs. Stapleton’s side, sharing the spotlight as they accepted the fawning attention of the other guests. For all intents and purposes, Yvonne looked like the true young mistress of the Stapleton family.
“It seems Mrs. Stapleton isn’t very fond of Penelope,” one woman whispered nearby. “Otherwise, why would she arrive with the Bishop girl instead of her own daughter-in-law?”
“Well, the Bishop family has status. What does this Penelope have? If I were Mrs. Stapleton, I’d want Yvonne as my daughter-in-law too. It’s a shame her son had other ideas.”
“That Penelope girl is pretty, I’ll give her that, but looks alone won’t get you far in high society. This is a public slap in the face from her mother-in-law.”
The women hadn’t noticed Penelope standing in the shadows.
“Thank you for the compliment,” Penelope said, her voice cool and clear. “I am quite pretty. I also have enough decency not to gossip about people behind their backs.” The women turned, mortified to see her there, and quickly scurried away.
Natalie frowned. “Yvonne must have known what you were planning to wear tonight and convinced Mrs. Stapleton to wear something almost identical.”
Penelope arched a brow. “You know about her thing for Theodore?”
Natalie clicked her tongue. “Darling, that’s hardly a secret.”
Penelope sighed. “I really have Theodore to thank for this wonderful new rival.”
“You only have one? I’ve lost count of mine.”
“Yes, but mine is Yvonne Bishop.” Cunning, calculating, wealthy, and genuinely in love with Theodore.
Natalie glanced at Penelope’s figure. “There’s only one thing to do. We’re swapping dresses.”
When no one was looking, they slipped into the restroom. Their sizes were close enough that the swap worked perfectly. Penelope looked at her reflection in the white, gossamer gown. Her low chignon no longer suited the dress, so she let her hair down, tucking the sides behind
Cears toeveal a pair of
rose-shaped earrings. She handed the rose brooch back to Natalie. The look was simple, elegant, and
striking. Where Natalie had looked ethereal in the dress, Penelope looked radiant and proud. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ.net
Natalie gave her an approving nod. “Alright. Let’s go face the enemy.”
When they returned to the ballroom, Mrs. Stapleton was seated at the main table, with Yvonne on one side and Mrs. Higgins on the other. Across from them sat Mrs. Bishop, and next to her, to Penelope’s surprise, was Mrs. Sullivan.
Pnet
Mrs. Sullivan was holding court, regaling the table with some story, covering her mouth to laugh periodically. Mrs. Bishop made. showOf telling her to stop, Yvonne looked on with contempt, and Mrs. Stapleton’s face was like stone. A crowd of women had gather around, their expressions a mixture of shock and glee.
red.
Penelope’s eyes narrowed. Mrs. Sullivan was undoubtedly talking about her, and it couldn’t be
anything good if she approached the table now and Mrs. Stapleton
didn’t back her up, she would become the laughingstock of the entire party.
She thought for a moment, then pulled out her phone and dialed Theodore.
…