Page 29 of Positively, Penelope

Date: September11

Subject: Re: Brodie, Alec, and Grumpy Gray

Izzy!! But Kathleen Kelly DOESN’T save her bookshop!!

I’m going back to my Maria von Trapp reference. There is no bookshop or theater, but there is Julie Andrews and therefore everything will turn out all right in the end, even if I have to scale the mountains wearing three layers of clothing to make it happen.

Brodie is a doll!!! He’s just so sweet and perfect for you! Perfect!! I think I need a man with more passion to really make me happy. And I don’t meanpassionin an R-rated sense of the word, but I mean it like emotion, even if I have to go in search of the passion at first. I like mysteries, so that could be fun too.

Alec has SO much personality! I think we’re alike in that way. He’s very gregarious and talkative. In fact, he talked most of the walk, sharing about his travels and his love for the perfect-fitting suit. And I must say, those suits look rather perfect on him. In fact, he’s so put together that I don’t even think he has a hair out of place. I might need to up my vintage-wearing game. Perfect is a little unnerving. I suppose that’s why Mary Poppins is only “practically” perfect. More approachable for kids.

When I asked Alec more about The Darling House’s finances and ideas on how to save it, he smiled and said that I didn’t need to bother with things like that. I’m not really sure what he means. I can’t be expected to come up with ALL the ideas myself, though I feel I am capable if I think about it a little longer, but beingaware of the business helps me with my planning AND my idea making.

Anyway, I am working hard adding more history and photos to our new website, sifting through the storage rooms some more, and I think I’m going to investigate the stage that is being used for storage. There might be some things we can use for the float in there. Time to find my 1930s felt-tip hat and resurrect my glamorous red lipstick. Did you know red lipstick helps you at sleuthing?

Penelope

PS: I know that red lipstick doesn’t really help at sleuthing, but I always seem to discover more treasures when I wear it.

From: Luke Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood

Date: September11

Subject: Re: Brodie, Alec, and Grumpy Gray

I skip sentences about lipstick too.

Luke

PS: Two months ago you called off dating. Have you matured since then?

Text from Penelope to Luke:I can change my mind. I’m a grown-up.

Luke:You still wear a princess crown, break out in song without warning, and think Santa Claus is real.

Penelope:Your go-to clothing is flannel and you pick food out of your teeth with a knife. You can’t judge me.

Luke:“Can’t” is a strong word.

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Luke Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood, Josephine Martin

Date: September12

Subject: Grandpa Gray and mysterious meetings

So Matt had to stay late for a meeting at work with some business associates and he asked me if I’d make sure Iris made it home to Grandpa Gray. We had the car drop us off at my house first, so we could make some chocolate éclairs (with sprinkles added by Iris) before taking them up the walking path (through a lovely little wood) to the big house. It will be a nice surprise for Matt when he gets home, AND I was a little in hope of seeing Alec. Iris and I had an in-depth discussion about excellent princess names, should we ever be asked the question, of course. I’ve had my answer for years, but I loved hearing her thoughts on the subject. Cordelia was one of her favorites and I immediately thought you’d like that, Izzy, because it reminded me ofAnne of Green Gables. One of my favorite childhood memories was when you read that book to me while I was in bed recovering from the flu.

Grandpa Gray is a darling man. He has salt-and-pepper hair and grayish-blue eyes. Alec says he’s a grumpy old sort, but I’ve not noticed much of his grumpiness. Of course, I brought baked goods and . . . well, you all know that they tend to soften people. Anyway, in a rather casual way I asked whether it was against decorum to date one of his grandsons, if one had happened toask me on a date-ish activity. To which Grandpa Gray said that I could date either one of his “useless” grandsons since he’s the one who holds the “purse straps.” Anyway, we had a lovely talk about his wife and daughter. Oh, how he misses them, but he seemed to enjoy talking about them so much that he even brought out the picture book.

Alec was a bit ravenous when it came to the éclairs, but I ended up saving two of them so that Matt could at least try them. Iris placed them in his room to keep them safe. For a man who is built kind of like Chris Evans, Alec sure does eat a lot. Of course, he says he works out every day, so that’s probably why. I’ve decided my favorite types of “working out” are long walks and bicycling.

BTW, have I mentioned my progress? I made it up the long drive and back yesterday without one mishap. If my next two days prove as successful, I’m hoping to bicycle to work this week. I’ve chosen the perfect skirt to celebrate the occasion.

I waited around for a little while to see if I could watch Matt try one of the éclairs, but when he didn’t return by eight, I said my goodbyes. Alec didn’t offer to walk me home, but it’s still light here at eight. He did thank me for the éclairs and Iris gave me the best hug on the planet. She smells like flowers.

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