Page 10 of Positively, Penelope

The only redeeming quality of Matt Gray is his daughter! I don’t know what the man was doing outside my cottage when I showed up, but he seemed annoyed that I had kindly left the bicycle behind. I think he actually expects me to ride it to work on pretty days. His first response was, “It’s barely a fifteen-minute ride along the countryside. An excellent way to start and end the day.” I’m sure he’s joking, although he doesn’t seem the joking sort. In fact, the only time he smiled the whole drive from theairport to my cottage yesterday was when he spoke to Iris. It was a nice smile but completely disappeared when he looked at me. I can’t understand why. I’d worn my beret. Who frowns at a lovely lavender beret? Maybe he doesn’t like the French or lavender.

He seemed utterly surprised that I’d gone into Mountcaster when I was “supposed” to be recovering from jet lag. THEN he didn’t believe me when I said I didn’t have jet lag, or at least I interpreted his wrinkle-lipped scowl to mean the same thing. The only saving grace was that Iris was there, so as Grumpy Gray took a phone call, Iris and I made crowns out of the lovely pink flowers in the garden near the cottage. The pink crown looked perfect among her soft, golden curls, and even her grouchy father seemed to soften for a split second of admiration before encouraging Iris to move toward her bicycle so they could ride home. Who knows where they live if he’s encouraging a complete stranger to ride fifteen minutes into town every day! Just for spite, I almost told him about my job offer but decided he didn’t deserve to know.

At any rate, I was in Emblem’s lobby looking at their framed production posters on the walls (they’ve done a lot in their four years as a studio), and a woman in a perfect pinstripe pantsuit came up to me and asked whether she could help me. She was nice in a reserved sort of way. And I’d wager she has an important position because of the size of her heels. Anyway, she seemed very interested in why I was in Skymar and then returned to her desk to answer her phone. A few minutes later a man named Niles, or something like that, approached me in the lobby, asked a few questions, and then made some comments like, “The Darling House has a much too old-fashioned mindset to really take your ideas into account. We appreciate innovation and insight here at Emblem and are always lookingfor individuals with creativity, spunk, and ingenuity.” Then he proceeded to outright ask me if I’d be interested in transferring my internship to Emblem . . . with a sizable increase in salary.

Well, I smiled, declined his offer, and left the building. As you all well know, I’m loyal to a fault, even if it means I’ll have to wait a little longer before I completely update my wardrobe to match everything to Audrey Hepburn. I rushed out of Emblem so fast I ran headfirst into a street mime, or at least that’s what I thought he was because he was dressed in all black and held a sign that read “Will You Marry Me?” He didn’t say a thing, just stared at me, so I sweetly declined. He grinned—you know, that tight smile like he wanted to say something but clearly couldn’t—then he ran up the street to catch a crowd of people all dressed as if they were going to a party. They must have been glad to see him, because there was a great shout of happiness when he reached them and some woman flung herself into his arms. I’m so glad he’s not alone.

A very adorable dog followed me to the restaurant and then to my taxi. He’s a lovely mix of some sort of shepherd and I’m already calling him Jack. Maybe I’ll see him again tomorrow and discover whether he has an owner. The sweet thing seemed to be wandering aimlessly so, of course, I gave him my leftover chicken parmesan before getting into my taxi.

BTW, I’m going to do a bit of research tonight on Emblem Studios. Mr.Gray said he’d provide me a packet on The Darling House’s history tomorrow during my orientation, so I have high hopes the information will spur my creativity. I didn’t have time to visit the inside of The Darling House before returning to the cottage—not with the job offer, dog, and delicious Italian dinner. So I will tomorrow, and to quoteAnnie, “it’s only a day away.”

Penelope

PS: I quietly taught Iris the song “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” while we were braiding flower crowns. She has a lovely voice, even with that tiny lisp. I also told her the story of Rapunzel. She particularly liked the idea of a horse with an extreme personality.

From: mgraydarlinghouse

To: Penelope Edgewood

Date: August30

Subject: Tomorrow

MissEdgewood,

I will come around with my car to collect you at the cottage at half past seven in the morning. We will take Iris to school first and then continue to the theater. After work on Thursday, please reserve some time for us at your cottage. Iris is adamant about teaching you to ride your bicycle and, as she is rarely adamant about things, I am inclined to allow her this opportunity if you are amenable to it.

In response to your earlier question, which I feel I did not answer to your satisfaction, and after a brief online search, I have discovered our usual style of dress at The Darling House is business casual, unless there is some sort of special occasion or workday, at which time we would adjust accordingly. Hats are not frowned upon but are not commonly worn by most of the staff except in winter or at the seaside. I have no opinion on shoes but trust you to wear what will be most comfortable for your occupations of the day.

Some people bring their lunches, some order in, and others visit nearby bistros, cafés, or restaurants during their lunchtimes.Mrs. Lennox, our administrative assistant, will be happy to provide you with recommendations during your orientation tomorrow; however, tomorrow you will have lunch with me and my grandfather, Lewis Gray, who retains ownership and oversight of the theater.

You will also have the opportunity to meet my sister, Gwynn, on Friday, and my brother, Alec, in a few days once he returns from a business trip.

Your essay regarding marketing and theater, along with your sterling references, secured your position here, and we look forward to seeing how your brand of vitality will bring life back into the dusty corners of our beloved theater.

Sincerely,

M. Gray

Chapter3

Skymarian Theater Troupe

From: FA

To: Skymarian Theater Troupe

Hi, all! It’s time for the monthly Fiacla group meetup. As usual, we will offer a somewhat central location so that no one has a terribly long drive from across the island. I know some of you wish to remain anonymous and that is fine, but for those who are interested in some in-person time with other theater lads and lasses, we’ll be meeting at Orkney’s in Mountcaster Friday next at eight in the evening.

If you’re involved in a fall production or are teaching any courses, please feel free to share your information in the loop or bring it with you on Friday. And welcome to any newbies. I think JA is our only one, so welcome, JA.

From: JA

To: GK

I adored Mountcaster! Thank you for recommending it. I went yesterday for a very quick visit but hope to have more time outside of work this upcoming weekend to explore a little more. Everything holds an old-world charm. It’s like I’ve truly stepped intoThe Sound of Musicwith these beautiful buildings and occasional spires shooting into the sky, a church bell ringing in the distance, a few cobbled streets, and all of it surrounded by rugged mountains along one side. It’s very difficult not to stop and stare on a regular basis. Do you ever feel like you want to get a Vespa scooter and drive throughthe streets like Audrey Hepburn inRoman Holiday? Oh, I wish I’d packed my outfit that matches hers in the movie!

I feel certain I frightened a few people with my amount of staring... and perhaps with an excited squeal or two. The fountain in the center of town is magical. It reminds me of one of my favorite parks back home in a town near where I grew up. The town’s called Ransom and it has a fountain in the middle of the square too. Not as grand as the one in Mountcaster, nor as old, but wonderfully quaint.

---