Page 26 of Positively, Penelope

Luke:No. She only gave me a Lord of the Rings–style nudge. I can be nice when I’m forced.

Penelope:I think I just rolled my eyes so far back in my head I saw my own brain matter!

Luke:Well, at least you saw something in there.

Penelope:I totally set myself up for that one. Dork.

Chapter6

Text from Matt to Penelope:Do you need a ride to church?

Penelope:Oh, how sweet of you! I thought Alec was going to pick me up, but he’s not answering his phone.

Matt:He’s still asleep. I’ll be there in ten.

Penelope:Thanks so much! I forgot to ask Alec last night—is your church okay with women wearing hats?

Matt:I’ve never heard of any excommunications due to hat wearing.

Penelope:Was that a sense of humor peeking out from beneath the grumpy brows? I see the Lord is already answering my prayers!

From: Brodie Sutherland

To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: September9

Subject: It’s a jolly holiday with Penelope?

I feel fairly certain that neither of you have any reason to fret over Penelope Edgewood’s welfare. In fact, she may be living out her best fairy-tale life now and not even realizing it. I ought to add that I’ve lived in Skymar my entire life, and I cannot boast the number of acquaintances Penelope has secured in her first couple of weeks. (Might I add, she even knew the names of people’s pets.) I find myself simultaneously awed and terrified by her, but that seems to be a typical response, judging from the cursory view of those around us.

We were to meet in Mountcaster’s Central Square. It’s a lovely spot, surrounded by ancient sandstone and gray stone buildings with a fountain at the center. This time of year the rose trees are still in bloom around the fountain, so it makes for a particularly picturesque place at the heart of an already charming city. At any rate, I didn’t immediately find Penelope, though it should have been easy enough with her unique hair color and proclivity for wearing brightly colored clothes. The town square was crowded because on Sunday afternoons people enjoy strolling the streets or picnicking in the park near the square. However, there was no need to fear, for Penelope found me as she rode up on a Vespa sporting a broad-brimmed hat, large sunshades, and a brilliant smile. She jumped from the scooter and embraced me, and though you warned me, Isabelle, I still wasn’t quite prepared for her overt displays of . . . well, everything. Every emotion came extra-large-sized and, I’m thankful to say, they were all happy ones . . . for the most part.

I might also add that she was somewhat dismayed that I could not readily pinpoint the movie reference from her arrival and costume. I promised to watchRoman Holidayat my first opportunity.

Since the oceanfront is only a short Vespa ride away from town, Penelope convinced me to take the scooter and so off we went. I’ve attached a few photos, but I feel certain Penelope will have many more to share. I inquired after her job and she expounded with great animation about how much she’s enjoying it, her adoration for the history of The Darling House, her certainty of some secrets hidden within the walls, her aspiration to discover true love, and her determination to find out what Matt Gray’s laugh sounds like. There, I believe I’ve sufficiently summarized your sister’s status.

I daresay she spoke about home enough to hint at missing it, so I take that as being very well aware of how much she’s loved. (And a healthy dose of jealousy at having the twins love one of you more than her.)

I’ve invited her to Skern next Saturday and she agreed. She insisted on hiring her own car. For some reason, I felt a little concerned about that prospect, but she would not be deterred.

So there you have it. My accounting. I look forward to your responses.

Brodie

PS: I was only able to convince her to wade in the sea up to her ankles. She seemed absolutely terrified to go any farther. I didn’t press the matter, but she did mention something about sea monsters.

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: September9

Subject: Brodie, Alec, and Grumpy Gray

First off, Izzy, you would have LOVED the church I attended this morning. The stone floors and the stained glass windows! I felt as if I’d stepped into a magical world, especially as the sunlight glowed through the windows and scattered rainbow-like colors across the room. I can see why you say that some places are more conducive to worship than others, even though I know we should be able to worship anywhere. I felt very much like this church would be a place Julie Andrews would have comeas Maria von Trapp to worship, you know? Elegant and, well, like her. Just lovely.

And it made me realize a touring company would be an excellent idea. Something grand and glorious to grab everyone’s attention. I just need to broach that subject with the men, who have NOT had a touring company perform at The Darling House in more than four years. But with my contacts, there may be a good chance of making it happen, even with such short notice!

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