Page 21 of Positively, Penelope

Matt:You deem heart-print plasters, shoelaces, and red ribbons necessities?

Penelope:Clearly, you’ve never directedAnnie.

Matt:I cannot say that I have. But I would like to thank you for taking such good care of Iris. When I tucked her in bed, she spoke of how you hoped to teach her to bake cookies that take a “spoonful of sugar.” She insists tomorrow, but I feel you may be quite finished spending time with an energetic little girl for the weekend.

Penelope:I loved getting to spend time with her. She’s such a sweetheart. You must have loved her so well for her to hug so sweetly and smile so readily. I’d happily volunteer to watch her anytime, and yes, I’d love to teach her to make those very delicious Mary Poppins cookies! And tomorrow—tomorrow is “only a day away.”

Matt:I’ll text you “tomorrow,” then. Sleep well, Penelope.

Text from Penelope to Matt:BTW, I brought home a box I found in the storage room. It has playbills in it and this amazing photo of a woman wearing a magnificent dress and crown while riding a float in a parade. The float has “The Darling House” and “Community Theater” on the side. I feel this is important. What is it?

Matt:Do you realize what time it is?

Penelope:It’s not even eleven yet! You really aren’t old enough to go to bed this early, are you?

Matt:I’m a father. I feel much older than I look. But I also happen to be watching telly.

Penelope:Ooh, what are you watching? I found a classic-television channel and I have it on in the background while I do research on The Darling House. There’s something so lovely and fun about tap dancing. And fake marriages.

Matt:Fred Astaire certainly has an elegant style.

Penelope:You’re watchingShall We Dancetoo?

Matt:The photo is of my grandmother. She adored decorating a float every year for the Failte Feis and celebrating theater. The parade and festival happen in October to welcome autumn.

Penelope:What a wonderful idea! Are we decorating one this year?

Matt:We haven’t since the year before she died. She was too sick to make it happen that year.

Penelope:Oh, I’m sorry. What a great way to celebrate small towns and theater, though. She sounds like the type of person who would like making Glinda hats too. Maybe even princess ones.

Penelope:And... there’s nothing at all wrong with watchingShall We Dance, just in case you ARE watching it.

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood, Josephine Martin

Date: September8

Subject: Babies and secret plans

Josephine!! Thank you so much for the video call last night. Oh, it just made me miss those tiny babies all the more. I’m pretty sure they smiled at me, though, so I feel I’m still very much in their memories. I can’t wait to dress them in vintage-style clothing. Can’t you just see Noah in a derby and bow tie? Oh! Be still, my heart! Josephine!! Noah would be an amazing newsie! I can tell already. It’s the crooked smile.

I’m up early this morning because I just couldn’t get an idea out of my mind. A surprise for The Darling House.Iam going to create a float for Failte Feis. I’ve got time as the festival isn’tuntil the third week of October. Failte Feis means “Welcome Festival” and it is a festival to welcome in the autumn. I’ve been watching a copious amount of YouTube videos about it and it’s absolutely darling. People from all over come to Mountcaster dressed in COSTUME and listen to street music, buy tasty handmade treats, enjoy local arts and crafts, and celebrate theater. It’s the perfect thing for me. I haven’t decided what costume I’m wearing yet, but I do have ideas about the float. I just need to find some folks who will help me build it without giving away the surprise to the Grays (I have goose bumps of nostalgia). There is a long tradition of this float and it seems to be the main one that features performing arts in Mountcaster. I didn’t see any floats by Emblem over the past few years, so no one has filled that particular marketing role yet. YAY!

BTW, did I tell you I get to keep Iris again tonight? We’re going to make Mary Poppins cookies. Gwynn told me that Matt is going on a blind date that she’s set up for him, and it’s the first one he’s been on since whatever happened with Iris’s mom. That was THREE years ago! No dates in THREE years!

So Iris and I are going to read stories and bake cookies. We’ll likely pull out the tiaras too. It’s important for princesses to support one another.

Love,

Penelope

PS: I’m leaving for a walk to explore the lake nearby. Adventures await.

PPS: I’ve convinced Matt to let me show Iris the live-action version ofCinderella. Sort of. I told him it was about a young girlwho works her way out of poverty by showing kindness to mean people, befriending animals, and showcasing excellent dance moves. I didn’t mention magic . . . or shiny shoes.

PPPS: Mrs.Jacqueline Morrow Crenshaw responded to my email and said she planned to send me a proposal within the next few weeks, once her lawyer has a look at it. At some point, I will work up the courage to tell her I’m not interested, but for now... I’m just curious to see what’s in that proposal.

---