From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: October28

Subject: The royals

I met the royals of Skymar!!! You guys!!! And let me just say, all the curtsy practice for playing Cinderella came in so handy. Because not only did the king and queen come to see the museum, but they brought their two eldest daughters. So I curtsied four times. Once when they showed up and once when they left. I may have a few other times in between, but I’m not sure because nerves took over.

They stayed for an hour, asking questions about the theater’s history and about certain items in the museum. I’m so glad Grandpa Gray and Matthias were there, because they knew details and personal stories I didn’t learn about in the archives. But everyone seemed impressed with the exhibits—special props, a few full costumes (and I even have the Peter Pan costume likely worn by the king’s mother on display).

As tempted as I was, I did not ask the queen if she’d ever mattress surfed. Though, Izzy, I agree with your assessment. She DOES look like Julie Andrews. And she took my hand when she left and told me how “lovely” it was to meet me and that she “loved the shade of my hair.” BTW, Izzy, she said she remembered meeting you. I think it was a good memory because her smile twitched asif she were trying not to laugh. Her daughters were as elegant as she was. The younger of the two, probably in her midtwenties, had a quieter but pleasant personality. The elder sister engaged in lots of questions and peppered in a few jokes too. She’s the princess I’ve seen featured most in television interviews and things.

I think Matthias probably read my mind because he asked if the royals would mind posing for a photo. So I’m attaching a copy of the photo with me, Matthias, Grandpa Gray, and the king and queen. It’s going to hang in the museum!!

Grandpa Gray had made a copy of the king’s mother’s photo and presented it to the king as a gift at the end of the museum tour. But you can imagine that from the time the royals entered the theater to the time they left, news had spread like theater gossip always does. I thought poor Alec was going to pass out from the surprise. He’d shown up when he saw a report on the news. Evelyn nearly did pass out, especially when the king approached her to thank her for providing refreshments for them. (They didn’t realize that I’d baked the scones, but that’s fine. It made Evelyn’s day that the king spoke to her.)

But now the news about the museum is out. And I am so proud of it. I’m also attaching a video I made of it so you guys can see what the royals saw today. It officially opens next week, in time for the ball, or in this case, the Darling House Masquerade.

Grandpa Gray’s house staff are already busy getting the unused ballroom ready! ACK!!

I still need to find a dress! Iris and I made our masks this past weekend. Needless to say, we’re matching.

Penelope

PS: Matthias is handsome in a subtle way. I mean, it’s not like he’s trying or anything. He just is. I think it’s because his eyes are so kind. That makes him extra handsome, I think.

PPS: And his smile. He has a great smile.

PPPS: And he has great hair. You know what I mean? Great guy hair.

From: Luke Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood

Date: October28

Subject: Re: The royals

I’m glad all your hard work is paying off, Penny-girl, but I just don’t get the fascination with royals. I mean, they’re people. Rich and popular, maybe, but folks who have to eat and breathe to survive like the rest of us. Though I’ll admit that anyone who can keep their posture that straight for so long has to have a solid grasp on perseverance.

“Great guy hair”? I’m going to leave that alone.

Luke

From: Izzy Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: October28

Subject: Re: The royals

Can you feel my blush from here? Oh my goodness, every time Irelive that moment of criticizing her library, I feel my face burn to volcanic temperatures. Of course she remembers! She’s a queen. I’m sure they remember all sorts of things from weird people they meet.

But the museum looks amazing, and to have a copy of that photo, Penn! What a treasure! Hearing Grandpa Gray speaking in the background with that amazing Skymarian accent! Oh heavens! Isn’t it delicious? Was that deeper voice Matt’s? PENELOPE!! His voice sounded like... what? Melted chocolate?

Izzy