Page 59 of Positively, Penelope

You’re an “encourager with an innate herding impulse”? I actually laughed out loud when I read that. The Darling House is a lovely theater with so much character and, I hope, many years still left in its bones. And getting a youth theater intern involved is a splendid idea. You’re just overflowing with ideas, aren’t you? I’m sure the people at Darling are pleased to have you on their team.

Well, sea monsters and a shoe fetish? I have to say I’ve neverread those words in the same sentence before. I understand the shoe fetish, though. A great pair of shoes can change the trajectory of your day.

I hear the two brothers who are running The Darling House can be a little frustrating at times. Have you found that to be true? Is the grandfather really a recluse? What about the little sister? I hear she’s barmy.

***

Text from Alec to Penelope:Are we still on for Friday, princess?

Penelope:I hope so. I bought a special dress for the occasion.

Alec:Excellent. I should be there around seven. Give or take.

Penelope:Are you not going to be at the office this week?

Alec:I have a few meetings, so hopefully my absence will make your heart grow fonder.

From: Izzy Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: September26

Subject: Re: The good, the unexpected, and the unexpectedly weird

A ball? Dinner in a castle? Good grief, Penelope, it’s like God just looked right into your head and made all your fairy-tale dreams come true. How crazy is that? And you’re going to be so busy! What part do you play in getting the performance ready? What do Alec and Matt do? Does Gwynn get involved with performances too?

Okay, I’m glad you got away from Mr. Westing. He gave me the creeps just hearing you describe him, but what great news forthe theater. Donors and all your team’s hard work!! It’s all about the team. I can’t wait to be at Sutherland’s in person again. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful I can pick up the phone and see Brodie on video chat, but working with the whole team at Sutherland’s was fantastic. I’m sure you feel that way, kind of like when you did summer theater camp at Ashby.

BTW, I’m sending photos from last week’s Mayberry Days. Luke and I helped with the library booth and, as per usual, Luke dressed up as Tom Sawyer, sort of, though I seriously doubt Tom Sawyer wore tennis shoes and flannel. Before Josephine emails you, I thought I ought to warn you that we saw Jacqueline Morrow Crenshaw (can we please refer to her as JMC?) and she asked if we had any idea of your interest in her offer. Evidently, she looked up The Darling House online and saw all your work. She’s even more interested in having you as the director and, Penelope, it’s quite an amazing offer. At your age, to be an executive director of such a historic theater! And with your work in Skymar, you’ll have so much more experience. Had she mentioned anything to you about wanting an answer by December? It seems that if you don’t join her, she’s considering selling the place. (No pressure, BTW, I just thought that was an interesting bit of info.)

Gotta run. I’m babysitting the twins so Josephine and Patrick can have a date night. You’d love it, Penelope. The twins have just started laughing!

Izzy

From: Luke Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood

Date: September26

Subject: Re: The good, the unexpected, and the unexpectedly weird

The same man won the pie eating contest as last year. No news there.

But you missed the dog parade and the whistling competition. I remember that you almost won that competition when you were thirteen. One of the proudest brother moments of my life.

Luke

PS: I ate a pork chop sandwich in your honor.

PPS: Both of them were equally delicious.

Text from Penelope to Luke:“Both of them were equally delicious”? I hate you.

Penelope:And I miss home. And you, surprisingly. And lots of other things, but mostly just knowing my family is around the corner. I never thought I’d feel that way. I’m supposed to be the adventurous one.

Luke:Penny-girl, you ARE the adventurous one! In your head, you’ve always had a tendency to “boldly go where no man has gone before.” And usually where no man really WANTS to go: romance.

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