Four days later, the steamship that Poul and Penelope used to get to the United States docked in the Port of New York. They walked down the gangway, leading them to the busy and bustling streets of the city that never sleeps.
As they made their way through the crowds, Penelope clutched onto Poul's arm tightly. She was still recovering from the stab wounds she incurred from Great Britain, which made the noise and commotion overwhelming and exhausting for her.
Poul, who sensed her discomfort, guided her towards a nearby park bench to rest for a moment. As they sat down, Poul took Penelope's hand in his, comforting her with a gentle squeeze.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his concern evident in his voice.
Penelope looked up at him with a small smile, grateful for his support. "Yes, I'm alright. It's just a bit overwhelming, that's all," she replied softly.
Poul nodded understandingly, his eyes scanning the bustling city around them. "I know it can be a lot to take in, but we'll take things slow and explore at our own pace. We have all the time in the world," he reassured her.
"Poul, if you don't mind me asking, I have been thinking of your plan to get me out of Great Britain. So you stabbed me, kidnapped me, which made the people of the British Empire believe that I was killed. But if they don't find my body, they won't stop investigating. I don't think burning the carriage we used is enough…"
"Oh? That's troubling you?" Poul tilted his head to the side. "In that case, burning the carriage wasn't the end of the plan. Of course, getting you out there was one thing, but making them believe that you were dead is another."
"So what was the end of your plan?" Penelope asked, her eyes gleaming curiously.
"In order to get you out of Great Britain, I have to get my hands dirty. Hence I hired people who can procure a body from the morgue that closely matches your appearance, and throw it in the River Thames where the authorities can find it. Of course, they'll investigate the body to make sure it was you. After we left the carriage, the coachman met up with the men I hired to get the dress you were wearing that day and donned it to the dead body that they bought. If things go according to plan, the British authorities will believe that you perished, and they'll eventually stop their investigation," Poul explained calmly.
Penelope's eyes widened in shock as she listened to Poul's plan. "That's quite an elaborate plan, Poul. I never would have thought of it myself," she admitted, her voice filled with both admiration and unease.
"Does that make you uncomfortable?" Poul paused, looking at her with concern.
Penelope hesitated for a moment before answering. "A little, yes. It's just that it's…I don't even know how to describe it."
Poul chuckled. "Well, the plan is to dump your fake body on the River Thames three days from now to make it more believable to the people and to the authorities. Let's not worry about it anymore and focus on our life here in Avalonia," he suggested, trying to lighten the mood.
"So what now, Poul? Now that we are here in Avalonia, should we go to Pittsburgh or do we have to go somewhere else first?"
Upon asking Poul, a man in a black suit approached the couple.
"Are you, Mr. Nielsen?"
Poul looked up to the man, he was an old man with gray hair and a stern expression.
"Yes, I am. And you are?"
The man in the black suit handed Poul a file.
"I am your contact, Mr. Nielsen. I have completed your order. It contains information about a woman you wanted to get in this country."
Poul took the file from Edward and opened it. Penelope leaned over to read the file as well. It contains personal information about Penelope's new identity.
"So your name will be Sara Olsen, age, 23 years old. A nurse immigrant from Great Britain who wanted to search for a new life here in Avalonia…" Poul nodded in satisfaction. "This is all good, my dollars are not wasted on you, sir."
"Well, if you require my services in the future, you know where to find me. Mr. Nielsen. But I have to remind you that the path you walk is dangerous and that it'll blow to your face sooner or later."
"I am aware of that, you may leave now."
The old man tipped his top hat and left, leaving Poul and Penelope alone again.
Penelope looked at Poul. "Sara Olsen? I never could have thought I would get to use that name again in this world."
"Do you like it?" Poul asked, smiling.
Penelope nodded. "Yes, it sounds like a fresh start."
Poul stood up from his seat and offered his hand to Penelope. "Then let's begin our new life, shall we?"
Penelope took his hand and stood up as well.
***
Three days later, in Great Britain.
The authorities of Great Britain were shocked when a body was found in the River Thames, which was later identified as Penelope's. The news spread like wildfire, causing sadness and confusion among the people. Her parents were devastated and couldn't stop crying.
The police continued investigating the case for weeks but they couldn't find any evidence or leads as to who was responsible for her death.
A month later after the body was discovered, the British Empire held a state funeral to pay respects for her deeds and achievements. The first woman doctor in the history of Great Britain, the one who has done a lot of miracles, and saved London from the threat of a Cholera outbreak. She is also the woman who reduced the mortality rate of the soldiers during the Crimean War, making her death even more heartbreaking for the nation.
She was later buried in the Kensal Green cemetery, where many other notable figures of the time were laid to rest. Her funeral was attended by dignitaries, government officials, and common people who were touched by her contributions to society. It was a solemn occasion, with many tears shed and heartfelt eulogies given.
After the funeral, Poul approached the tomb. In front of the tomb was Crown Prince Alexander.
"My condolences, Your Highness," Poul said somberly. "When I received the word from the States about her passing, I was devastated. She was a great woman who could have contributed a lot more to this nation or to the world."
"What are you doing here, Poul?" Alexander glared at him.
"I'm here to give my respect, Your Highness. Is that illegal?"
"No, it isn't," Alexander shook his head. "Do you mind if I ask you some questions?"
"What is it?" Poul asked.
"What are you doing a week before Penelope's disappearance?"
