Page 50 of Positively, Penelope

Date: September22

Subject: Re: The Sound of Music

There are times when I’m not my seven-year-old self?

And why would I EVER watch the stage production ofCharlie and the Chocolate Factory? There’s singing involved.

Luke

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: September22

Subject: Re: The Sound of Music

As soon as I got back to my office, I started sending out loads of emails to folks to see what I could discover! I already know of one touring group who are performingThe Sound of Musicthrough Europe, but I’m not sure if we can snag them. Oh, I hope! They have one of my favorite actresses playing Maria! She’s no Julie Andrews, but who is? However, she breathes sunshine and joy and all things lovely. And her voice is sublime!

As far as the dancing incident: I am fond of dancing, but I’m not sure he is anymore, though he’s very good at it. Graceful, elegant, strong. Oh, my face is getting warm at the very thought. I ADORE watching men dance!! Well, classic dancing, anyway. I don’t think Matthias has done a lot of dancing since his wife left him (long, sad, horrible story that makes me think very bad thoughtsabout his wife and her agent), but he danced an excellent waltz. And taught me some tap moves. Nothing big like Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly but basic technique that truly helped. However, none of this has anything to do with romance. And especially not with Matthias. Besides, I’m going on a date, sort of, with Alec on Friday night and it would be very weird to like two brothers in a romantic sort of way at the same time. Very Sabrina-ish. And no one wants that sort of drama! Not even a thespian like me!

Besides, Matthias is the oldest brother. He’s almost thirty. Or at least close to thirty. I’m not sure how I feel about dating a man who is almost thirty and has a daughter. Though I adore his daughter, but that’s beside the point. Anyone would adore his daughter! I would make a wonderful mother to a daughter.

But Matthias is almost thirty.

And there is no war.

Penelope

From: Izzy Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: September22

Subject: Re: The Sound of Music

Penelope,

So let’s say Matt’s twenty-nine. That’s a grand total of six years. That type of age difference is not what we’re talking about when war is involved. Think of Jane Austen’sEmma! We’re talking aboutthattype of age difference. Double digits!

Izzy

PS: Captain von Trapp and Maria had a considerable age gap, I bet.

From: Luke Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood

Date: September22

Subject: Re: The Sound of Music

Remind me of the war reference and thirty-year-olds again? I feel like I’m missing something. You’re closing in on my age with your references, and the only war I want to see is the one Rambo starts.

Luke

From: Penelope Edgewood

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