Page 40 of Positively, Penelope

“Humbug.” But she heard the humor in his voice. Knew how to recognize it, and the knowledge spread her grin even wider.

“I suppose you’ll receive plenty of warmth and attention from the Sutherlands this weekend.” He cleared his throat. “And, I thought, if you needed it, you could borrow my car.”

“Your car?”

“I can drive Grandfather’s if I need one, unless your stunt today at getting him out of the house has awakened a sense of social prowess he’s never had before.”

She nearly spit out the tea she’d just sipped. “I’m notthatmagical.”

“Ah, I’m not too certain about limiting your powers after today.”

She stood and walked to the window, staring out at the forest in the direction of the big house. The faintest hint of light shone through the trees. “I don’t want to impose, Matt.” She caught herself before saying his full name, but it tingled the end of her tongue. A fabulous name like that ought to be said. Often. And rather sweetly, if she thought about it.

“No imposition at all.” He sounded almost... chipper. “I’ll drive it down in the morning.”

“Thank you, Matthi—Matt. I’ll see you in the morning.”

A pause broke into the conversation. “Good night, Penelope.”

Chapter9

Skymarian Theater Troupe

From: JA

To: GK

I’m going to speak to one of my supervisors about Kinleigh next week to see if we can get something in place very soon. The more we can do for the place I work to get the word out, the better!

And in answer to your question: I’m an intern at a lovely old theater called The Darling House. Its history is long and filled with all the ups and downs of most histories worth telling. I have a passion for vintage things and especially places like this, which have such love wrapped up in them. So I’m trying my very best to do all I can to make a difference.

I think of The Darling House kind of like Sleeping Beauty, slumbering beneath a curse of grief and uncertainty for so long that it’s going to take a lot of fighting (hard work) and magic (imagination) to rescue it. I feel certain we have a good but small team for the challenge. I wouldn’t mind a few millionaire fairies who might pop up to provide a little extra courage in the funding department, but at least there are the makings of a plan! Sort of. I have a lot of plans, but I’m not sure everyone else will want to jump on board.

And... I have some wonderful surprises.

I hope the team likes surprises. Only two of them know about some of the things I’m doing to help bring more visibility and clientele to The Darling House, but only ONE knows of my most delicious surprise. AND I have a whole bunch of other ideas that I plan to share with the team to see whether we can save this theater.

After meeting with the theater troupe in person, I’ve realized what a deep love the community actors have for the place, which is perfect for spreading the word. I know they’ve been trying as they can, but there’s not been anyone to really pull them together for a unified purpose. Don’t get me wrong. I’m NOT a leader.

But I am a... what’s a good description? An encourager with an innate herding impulse? LOL.

Which doesn’t mean I’m perfect by any stretch. If you met me, you would figure that out fairly quickly. I talk too much, come on too strong, give and expect honesty (and that honesty may come out with less finesse than it ought, usually because I’m talking faster than I’m thinking and, well, I think that’s a part of my personality God is trying to work on), and have an unhealthy shoe fetish and a ridiculous fear of sea monsters. (Don’t ask. The reason is equally ridiculous.)

I know the online group has sworn anonymity for all its members. And I totally get it! It’s a very “theater kids” thing to do, so I won’t share my name unless you want to know. But I would hope that if we figure out who each other are, we’d meet up for coffee and end up being long-lost forever friends.

Anyway, what would you do if you were tasked to save a historic landmark?

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: September20

Subject: A lovely turn of events

What a weekend! I love Brodie and his family. I can see why you adore the bookshop so much, Izzy. And the people at Sutherland’s just love you. You’re like some kind of legend.Anyway, Brodie and his mom took me to tour one of the royal family’s houses. I think the eldest prince lives there. He’s the only one of the king and queen’s five children who is married, so that means there are two princes around here somewhere still looking for their perfect princess. Brodie says the youngest prince and princess tend to stay out of the spotlight much more than the oldest three, so they’re usually harder to find. How exciting, right? A prince could walk right into a restaurant at any time and, well, wow! Wouldn’t that be amazing?

Oh, speaking of amazing... Alec texted me to apologize about the interview. He seemed genuinely upset about all I had to do and super surprised at me getting Grandpa Gray on the screen. So to “make up” for his “blunder,” he invited me to dinner. Some restaurant that is in an old castle near here. Told me to dress up. DRESS UP! How am I supposed to say no to something like that? A dress-up dinner with a handsome man in a castle? It’s like he reached inside my daydream and pulled out an invitation. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t bring any of my evening gowns from home (not like I have a ton, of course, but that one pale-blue one? The one that makes me feel just a teensy bit like Cinderella? Well, I wish I’d brought it. I’m consoling myself with the fact that I’ll have to go shopping.)

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