Page 11 of Positively, Penelope

I think I’ll attend the theater troupe’s get-together in two Fridays. Have you ever been? I would love to make new friends, especially of the “dramatic” variety. I start my job this morning and am sure I’ll make some new friends there as well, but I would love some outside of work, you know? It’s much safer to bemoan the ills of a job to outsiders than, very unwisely, share those misgivings within the ranks. Especially since I will be a new hire and have no allegiances yet.

Curiously, do you think hats are out of fashion in Mountcaster, or Fiacla in general?

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood, Josephine Martin

Date: August31

Subject: The Darling House

Izzy,

You know that movie you showed me about a creepy manor house? I can’t remember what it was called, but there was something important about a key and Colin Firth. Anyway, The Darling House gives off a little of the creepy-manor-house vibe just because it has so many unused spaces. And a lot of oldlighting. But there are SUCH good bones there. Vintage style with an almost Victorian look. Lots of embossed fixtures and an ornate ceiling in the lobby. I’m sending a photo.

Okay, I’m going to try to give a FULL story while I’m on my break. I have lunch with Mr.Gray and his grandfather in ten minutes, so I’ll make it snappy. From what I understand, The Darling House is the oldest existing theater on Fiacla and one of the three oldest in Skymar. Isn’t that wonderful? You all know how much I love old things. However, this type of old thing is more “sad and desolate” than “classy and square-toed shoes.” There are lots of dark hallways that lead to rooms “we haven’t used in over five years” or storage closets that “haven’t been opened in a long time.” Evidently, the owner of the theater, Mr.Lewis Clarkson Gray, lost his beloved wife almost five years ago after having lost his only daughter the year before. His wife had inherited the theater from her grandfather, the original owner and builder of the place. The reason he built it is wonderful and I will share more later when I have a chance. As soon as I learned about it, I knew I belonged here for this very moment.

The theater used to have four performances a season, performed mostly by a mixture of community-theater actors, children’s theater, and touring companies (which came twice a year), but their pattern over the past few years has been fewer productions that are more sporadic. They don’t even have a solid performance schedule, which doesn’t help with advertising or ticket sales. Also, The Darling House performsPeter Panevery November. It’s a tradition that goes back to the very foundations of the place, and despite my love for the reason, the marketing side of me has seen the numbers. Tradition is not in Peter’s favor.

BTW, for those who are not familiar with theater business, eventwo shows a season for such a theater is not viable long-term. It’s a miracle they’ve kept things working as long as they have. I got the hint from overhearing a few conversations that there is family money keeping things afloat . . . but that’s running out quickly.

Oh, Mr.Gray just texted me to meet him in the lobby, so I’ve gotta run. I’ll let you know more later.

Love,

Penelope

PS: I’m already dying to give the secretary a makeover. She’d look fantastic with a little eyebrow pruning and some work with her hair. Curls like those really deserve some direction. From the way she wields a pen, though, I’m a little nervous to make any suggestions. I guess I’ll have to soften her up with baked goods first before I broach the subject.

From: mgraydarlinghouse

To: Penelope Edgewood

Date: September1

Subject: Singing

MissEdgewood,

It has come to my attention that there is a sudden increase in singing within the theater. I understand that singing is quite typical during showtimes and rehearsals, but since rehearsals will not be starting until next week, I believe the singing may be coming from your general direction. I’m not certain where you are accustomed to working, but during business hours, we try to refrain from such musical enthusiasm outside of rehearsals. And yes, I am aware that you closed the door to your temporaryoffice in order to subdue the sound. Since my office is down the hallway from yours, I can assure you that closing the door didn’t work.

On another note, Grandfather sends his apologies once again for missing our lunch appointment. I should make you aware that Grandfather often hopes to fulfill such commitments and then finds the idea of socializing too much for him. He’s struggled since my grandmother passed and some days are more difficult than others. I appreciate your ready understanding in this matter.

See you at five for the drive home.

M. Gray

Text from Luke to Penelope:Do you even watch your videos before you send them? There’s a full minute of the phone pointed at your shoes while you talk to a man about a bridge.

Penelope:Really? Well, it was a very interesting bridge. And at least I wore great shoes. Much better than what you see all day long as a carpenter, anyway.

Luke:I’m currently building a stone patio off a cliffside house with the Blue Ridge Mountains on the horizon. My view is better than your shoes.

Penelope:I love those mountains. And my shoes.

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood, Josephine Martin

---