Chapter 34

"We're here, Grandfather," James announced the moment the carriage came to a halt at the edge of the gravel path leading to the nunnery entrance. He felt as if they had been traveling for ages, and finally, they had arrived.

James glanced over at his grandfather, who had insisted on accompanying him. Now, he was grateful for having someone by his side.

"Are you certain you don't want me to come with you?" the man asked, understanding the delicate nature of the situation.

"No, Grandfather," James shook his head, his eyes meeting his grandfather's with a steady gaze. "This is something I must do alone."

The truth was he was ready to do anything to bring Penelope back. He would not refrain from using any means to obtain that goal. However, he was hoping that this was a place of holiness and that they would realize that Penelope had been brought there by accident, and they would allow him to bring her back.

"That is wise," Grandfather nodded. "But remember, I am here for you if you need me."

James nodded, appreciating his grandfather's understanding. "Thank you… for everything."

His grandfather reached out and took James' hand firmly into his own. "Go and find her, James. When you do, you'll bring her home. Just trust your instincts, as you've done so far, and stay calm. You might come across obstacles, and only a calm and collected head will overcome them."

With a final nod, James stepped out of the carriage and made his way towards the convent's entrance. Each step felt heavy, his heart pounding in his chest. He had to find Penelope, to bring her back, to make things right. As he approached the massive wooden doors, he steeled himself for the confrontation ahead.

He knocked on the heavy door, and a young novice greeted him with a curious yet wary expression. "May I help you, sir?"

James cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice steady and prevent himself from barging in, demanding that they give him back his wife. Instead, he spoke calmly, just as his grandfather instructed him.

"I need to speak with the Mother Superior," he said. "It is a matter of the utmost urgency."

The novice thought about it for a moment, as if she wasn't certain what she should do. Finally, she opened the door, allowing him in. She led him through the dimly lit hallways of the nunnery, the echoes of their footsteps bouncing off the stone walls. They were adorned with religious paintings and tapestries. His mind raced with thoughts of Penelope, imagining what she must be going through and hoping he wasn't too late.

They stopped in front of a door where the novice turned to him. "Please, wait out here. I shall tell Mother Superior you are here."

He nodded silently, watching the girl knock on the door then be called in. She disappeared inside like a little mouse, almost invisible and obedient. He neared the door in an effort to try and overhear some bits of the conversation from inside, but he dared not stand by the door. A minute later, the door opened, and the novice stepped to the side.

"Mother Superior will see you now," she told him, allowing him entrance.

"Thank you," he replied, walking in then listening to the sound of closing doors behind him.

Mother Superior's study was a small, austere room that reflected the solemnity and devotion of its occupant. The walls were lined with dark wooden shelves filled with leather-bound volumes of theological texts and worn prayer books. A large crucifix hung on one wall, and a single stained-glass window cast colorful patterns of light onto the stone floor.

The Mother Superior herself sat behind a sturdy wooden desk, her posture straight and composed. She was an elderly woman, her face etched with the lines of a life devoted to service and contemplation. Her habit was immaculate, and a simple silver cross hung from a chain around her neck. Her eyes, a penetrating blue, were both kind and commanding, conveying wisdom and authority.

As James entered the room, she looked up from the papers on her writing table and fixed him with a serene yet scrutinizing gaze. She didn't get up.

"You have come to speak to me," she announced as if it were something he didn't know. "Please, take a seat. Now, how may I help you, young man?"

James sat, his back straight, feeling both relieved and anxious. Mother Superior folded her hands in front of her and regarded him with a cool, measured expression.

"I have come here for my wife," he said, equally calmly still although beneath the surface, he was burning with rage that everyone here was so calm, and a kidnapping had taken place. He tried to remind himself that perhaps they had no idea that Penelope had been brought to them under those dire circumstances. Hopefully, they would react immediately and rectify this dreadful mistake.

She raised an eyebrow. "We do not have wives here," she told him. "This is a nunnery."

Immediately, he could sense antagonism in her words. James' jaw tightened. "Mother Superior, I know for a fact that my wife, Penelope Chapman is here. She was brought against her will. I demand to see her this instant."

Mother Superior's eyes narrowed slightly. "You are mistaken, young man. The woman you seek is not here. I suggest you look elsewhere."

James leaned forward, his voice low and intense. "I know she was brought here."

"Did you see her within these walls with your own eyes?" she demanded to know.

He gritted his teeth. "No."

Mother Superior's expression remained unchanged, her voice dreadfully calm. "You are mistaken. We do not harbor anyone here against their will. And I do not appreciate these accusations."

James felt his frustration mounting. "This is not a mistake. If you won't let me see her, I will have no choice but to involve the authorities."

Mother Superior's eyes flashed with irritation at him. "I assure you, young man, you will find no evidence of your wife here. And involving the authorities will only bring unnecessary trouble upon yourself and this holy place." She got up, signaling that their conversation was over. "I suggest you leave now. There is nothing more for you here."

James stood up as well. "This is not over. I will find her, and I will bring her home."

He turned on his heel and left her study, his mind racing. As soon as he opened the door, he realized that a young woman around the age of eighteen, one of the few was not dressed in nun's robes—another oblate, he assumed— was standing in front of the door, most probably waiting to escort him out. She waited until he closed the door. She locked gazes with him, her eyes wide with urgency as she silently gestured at him to follow her. He hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to trust her, but something in her demeanor suggested she was an ally.

"Your Grace, please… we have to hurry," she whispered, glancing nervously down the corridor.

James nodded and followed her, his heart pounding in his chest. They wound through a maze of narrow, dimly lit hallways, the oblate leading him deeper into the convent. He could hear the distant murmurs of prayer and the soft rustling of habits, but the corridors they traversed were eerily empty.

"Where are you taking me?" he asked in a low voice, suspicion mingling with hope.

The young woman glanced back at him, her face pale but determined. "To your wife. But we must be careful. If Mother Superior discovers this, there will be severe consequences."

James' heart leapt at her words, but he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Was this a trap? He had no choice but to trust her for now. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

They continued down the labyrinthine corridors, turning corner after corner, descending narrow staircases, and passing through doors that seemed to blend seamlessly with the walls. James tried to keep track of their route but soon lost his bearings entirely. As they walked, the girl's pace quickened, and James' unease grew. The silence of the convent felt oppressive, the only sounds their soft footsteps and the occasional creak of ancient wood. The air was cool and musty, filled with the faint scent of incense and old stone.

"Please," James whispered urgently, "tell me we're getting close."

The young woman nodded, her expression resolute. "We are. Just a little further."

For a moment, he thought that this was truly a trap. She obviously knew who he was as she was addressing him as Your Grace. She had to know that he was Penelope's husband. At the same time, that also meant that Mother Superior was lying. He had proof of it now. This oblate knew him, and that had to mean that Penelope was there. James fought through his fear, realizing that he couldn't turn back now. He had to rely on his guide, wherever she was leading him.

As they continued through the labyrinthine corridors, the oblate abruptly halted and motioned for James to do the same. She pressed herself against the cold stone wall, and James followed suit, his heart pounding. Footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing louder with each passing second.

The oblate gestured for James to stay silent and still. They were concealed in a narrow alcove, shrouded in shadows. James held his breath, his pulse racing, as two nuns appeared at the far end of the corridor, deep in conversation.

"…Mother Superior has been quite strict about the new arrivals," one of the nuns was saying, her voice carrying through the silent hall. "I heard she doesn't want anyone wandering these parts without explicit permission."

The other nun nodded, her face etched with concern. "It's best we stay vigilant, especially with the recent… incidents."

As the nuns approached, James could see the worry in the young oblate's eyes. She pressed a finger to her lips, silently imploring him to remain hidden. He nodded slightly, his body tensed. The two nuns came closer, their footsteps echoing ominously in the confined space. James could feel the young woman trembling beside him. He prayed they wouldn't be discovered.

Just as the two nuns were about to pass their hiding spot, one of them paused, glancing around suspiciously. "Did you hear something?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

James held his breath, his heart thundering in his chest.

The second nun shook her head. "Probably just the wind. These old halls are full of strange noises."

The first nun hesitated for a moment longer before nodding. "You're right. Let's move on. We don't want to be late for the evening prayers."

With that, the two nuns continued down the corridor, their voices fading as they turned a corner. James exhaled slowly, relief washing over him.

The young woman opened her eyes and looked at James, her expression a mix of fear and determination. "We must hurry, Your Grace. We're almost there."

After what seemed to be a small eternity, they reached a wooden door at the end of a dimly lit corridor.

"Here," she said.

James' heart thundered inside his chest as he neared the door. "Penelope?" he called out softly, his heart about to explode with fear.