Page 27

“ T hat was nearly perfect. Very well done, Odette.”

Penelope sat beside Odette on the bench. It was time for another one of their piano lessons. Odette was proving to be a fast learner. And she had even stopped her grumbling to a considerable degree.

If Penelope was to take a guess, she would almost claim that Odette had begun to enjoy the lessons. It was a little routine they had now, and if anything, it gave them the chance to spend some more time together.

Odette’s eyes lit up at the acknowledgement. “Was it truly? Or are you only saying that to make me feel better?”

“I would never do such a thing,” Penelope giggled. “Your tone was clear, and your posture—much improved.”

“I thought my wrist was about to give way,” Odette gave a dramatic sigh of relief. “I must have been holding my breath for half the piece.”

“Well, the effort is paying off well, and I can see it.”

Odette smiled ear to ear. The sight was a pleasure to witness. The transformation in the girl over the past weeks had been slow, but beautiful.

“You know, he’s been different lately,” Odette said after a moment, turning to Penelope. “Father, I mean. Nicer. Or perhaps not nicer, but… I don’t know. He listens more to me.”

“I’ve noticed it, too,” Penelope nodded in agreement.

“Do you think it’s because of you?” Odette’s voice dropped to a whisper, even though there was no one else in the room to overhear them.

“Because of me?” Penelope raised an eyebrow. “Why do you say that?”

“Well, you talk to him differently. You don’t just let him grumble and bark orders. You argue with him. No one argues with him.”

“Perhaps it has something to do with it,” Penelope said in a coy tone. “But I think it’s also because he’s trying. In his own way.”

“I feel that. Do you know he even told me I was brave after I got back on the horse the other day? He never says things like that.”

Penelope’s eyes widened in surprise. She did not know this.

“He was proud.” It seemed that her little lecture on the importance of encouragement had paid off.

“I think so,” Odette whispered, as if afraid to acknowledge it aloud.

They sat quietly for a moment, Penelope’s hand gently resting over Odette’s.

Then, with a sudden burst of energy, Odette straightened. “Can I ask you something? And will you promise not to say no at once?”

“That depends entirely on what you’re about to ask.”

Odette clasped her hands together.

“I want to go to the park. Just us. You and me. Without Fergus. Or Lewis. Or anyone else trailing behind us like we might faint at the first sign of sunlight.”

“Just us?” Penelope’s brows lifted.

“Just this once! I swear I won’t ask again. I want to walk, and talk, and maybe feed the ducks, and not have Fergus lurking ten paces behind, pretending to look at trees. Please.”

Penelope hesitated. It was a big ask, even though Penelope knew that Odette wanted it badly.

“Odette, your father is very particular about safety,” she trailed.

“I know,” the little girl said quickly. “But I’ll stay close. I’ll do everything properly. And I’ll be with you, won’t I? Isn’t that protection enough?”

Penelope studied her closely, considering the proposition in her head.

“If I speak to him,” Penelope said carefully, “and if I convince him, then you must promise not to stray. Not even a step.”

“I promise,” Odette nodded at once.

“And if he says no?—”

“Then I shall be properly heartbroken and write a very dramatic letter to myself about how no one understands me,” Odette said, sarcasm leaking into her voice.

Penelope bit back a laugh.

“Very well. I shall try for you.”

Odette launched forward and wrapped her arms around Penelope with surprising force.

“You are the very best person in this entire household. Even better than Apollo.”

A blush formed on Penelope’s cheeks at the admission. For a moment, she could almost not find the words to speak. But then steeled herself.

“That is a high honor indeed.”

After the piano lesson was concluded, Penelope was still mulling over what Odette had requested from her. She found Nancy tidying up a vase of fresh-cut flowers in her chambers.

“Nancy,” Penelope called softly.

The young woman turned at once, setting the flowers down.

“Your Grace.”

“I need your opinion on something,” Penelope bit down on her lower lip.

Nancy straightened slightly, sensing her tone. “Of course, Your Grace. What is it?”

Penelope felt as though she could trust Nancy, and confide in her as a listening ear. If anything, it would give her a different perspective.

“Odette has asked me to take her to the park. Just the two of us. No Fergus or Lewis,” Penelope explained.

“Just the two of you, Your Grace?” Nancy blinked.

Penelope nodded.

“Oh dear.”

“My thoughts precisely.”

“You know how the Duke is, Your Grace,” Nancy folded her hands at her waist. “He doesn’t even let the little lady ride down the lane without someone in view.”

“Yes, I know,” Penelope exhaled. “But she asked so sweetly, and truly, just this once. I do not have it in me to deny her.”

“I don’t doubt her sincerity,” Nancy nodded. “But, Your Grace, sincerity is not what the Duke weighs these decisions upon.”

“You sound just like him.”

“I serve this household, Your Grace. And I’ve seen how tightly he holds onto that child,” Nancy continued. “It would be a difficult thing for him to agree on. He is particular about his rules, and rarely ever breaks them.”

“I know,” Penelope said softly. “But Odette is growing. She’s already more mature than most girls her age. One day would not be so terrible.”

Nancy looked dubious.

“Well, do you have a plan on how you will convince him?”

“Well, I was thinking,” she took a step closer, tapping a finger against her lips in thought. “That if my sister Isadora came along with us, then, it wouldn’t be just the two of us.”

“That would be a clever way to frame the request,” Nancy raised a brow.

“I thought so,” Penelope smirked. “He likes Isadora and it wouldn’t feel reckless.”

“And you think he’ll agree?”

“I think he’s changed more than he realizes,” Penelope said slowly. “He’s softened. Maybe not entirely, but enough to listen.”

Nancy gave her a long look, then nodded once.

“Then I shall ready a light walking basket, just in case. But don’t you tell Lady Odette a thing until he’s said yes.”

“Oh, I will not dare to get her hopes up,” Penelope nodded. The thought of breaking her heart was unbearable.

“But please do not be disappointed if things do not turn out the way you have planned, Your Grace,” Nancy sighed.

“Well, we shall see about that.”

Nancy only nodded. “Good luck, Your Grace. Truly.”