Page 75 of Positively, Penelope

My Fair Ladyopens on Friday night and the set is stunning. I’ve already enlisted Mark, with Grandpa Gray’s approval, to start making repairs (and updates) to the smaller theater. (I’m sending a pic, Luke, because I think you’d appreciate the craftsmanship of the proscenium arch). But I’ve made a list of a few other things throughout the theater that could use some extra love too. The foyer is the most extravagant two-story entrance of loveliness, but it’s showing its age. Updated carpet would be wonderful, but since that’s not in the budget just yet, Evelyn has arranged for a deep clean of the entire front area. Ihavegotten approval for the bathrooms and the concessions updates. Did you know they haven’t been running concessions at all? You make loads of money on concessions, and if they put some of the local drinks on the list for purchase, they’d do even better (I learned that from you at Sutherland’s, Izzy). Mountcaster has a fun specialty snack called aKaas Spiral(cheese twist) and a little dessert calledchocotuit(chocolate drops) that would make great additions to the concessions.

Evelyn said the renovation guys think they can have the bathrooms completed by the time we open forPeter Panin November!! YAY!!! Which means they’ll be ready if we getThe Sound of Musicso that the changes can be on display for any new guests.

All right, gotta go. Love you!

Penelope

PS: Matthias likes strawberry tarts almost as much as chocolate éclairs.

From: Luke Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood, Josephine Martin

Date: October2

Subject: Re: Parades and plays and stuff

I’m exhausted just reading your emails. It’s like someone took my head and squeezed it between both of their hands. Which means you must be happy.

I have to say, I do miss your baking. Do you realize how long it’s been since I’ve had a strawberry tart worth eating?

The craftsmanship in that theater is great. You just don’t see woodwork like that anymore. Looks like the stage floor could do with a good polish, though. Did they use ash wood on the floor?

Luke

PS: Make sure you wear the right T-shirt to meet the queen.

Text from Matt to Gwynn:Grandfather is coming to the parade! He also texted me using his phone.

Matt:I feel as though the world may be coming to an end very shortly, so you’d better purchase that dress from Danique’s you’ve been eyeing for four months.

Gwynn:Grandfather texted you??!! I’m more jealous than surprised.

Gwynn:Okay, I’m surprised too.

Text from Alec to Matt and Gwynn:Grandfather just texted me and asked if I was coming to the parade.

Alec:Which one of you is using his phone? I already told you I’d be there this time.

***

Matt settled into his camping chair by the large cherry tree on the green in downtown Mountcaster, right beside Grandfather. He had attended the parade the last few years only for Iris’s sake, but life had changed rather dramatically in the past couple of months, which brought a whole new anticipation to Failte Feis. Iris had been whisked away by Gwynn early that morning so the “girls” could prepare for the parade, but whatever that meant, Matt had no idea.

The glint in Grandfather’s eye suggested he may know, though.

How he’d missed his grandfather’s subtle humor! He grinned. They both seemed to be finding their paths again after a long time of wandering. The process may have begun a bit before Penelope arrived, but there was no doubt she’d helped speed the progress.

And Matt couldn’t get her out of his mind no matter how much he tried. A part of him liked her there.

“An excellent turnout.”

Grandfather’s comment pulled Matt’s attention toward Main Street Mountcaster. People crowded down each side of the street, many arrayed in festive hats decorated with autumn finery. Music sounded from a band near the city fountain, waiting to begin the parade. This was the starting point—Main Square—and from here the parade took a long trek down Main Street and circled back around. People from all over Skymar came to enjoy street vendors, live music, handmade crafts, and every apple or cherry dessert that could possibly be designed by human hands. An apple or cherryzakwas possibly his favorite. Soft, sugary pastry surrounding a wealth of fruit and topped with a special cream that blended it all together rather perfectly.

“Were you speaking with Jansen earlier?” Matt asked as he tooka drink of theseidearheet, the warm apple flavor ushering in everything autumn.

Grandfather turned his pale gaze from the band, a smile creasing his face.

“I’d forgotten how much I appreciate the people in this city, lad.” He looked back toward the street. “How much your grandmother and mother would have wanted me to keep on appreciating them.”

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