“You’re assuming the only way to attract a man is something you do with your body.”Virginia cocked her head.“What if he likes your brain?”
“No man has ever liked a woman’s brain.They’re not even convinced we possess them,” Penelope said dryly.
Virginia appeared to think this over.“He saidDukedoesn’t work?”
“He said it does work,” Penelope clarified.“That’s what he hates about it.”
“Then he knows you have a brain.”Virginia leaned back against the wainscoting and closed her eyes.“You should get a pet.”
Penelope gazed up at the heavens for strength.“What would be the point of a pet?”
Virginia sighed happily.“Something to love.”
“I told you,” Penelope said.“I don’t believe in love.”
“Something to loveyou.”Virginia opened her eyes and clapped her hands with excitement.“I have an extra bird.”
“I do not want a bird,” Penelope said quickly.“Do not give me a bird.”
Virginia narrowed her eyes.“Are you afraid the bird won’t like you?”
“I don’t care if birds like me.”
“Are you afraid the bird won’tchooseyou?”Virginia insisted.
“I do not want any bird to choose me.”
“Everyone cares when they’re not chosen.”
“I don’t,” Penelope said firmly.“If interest in another person is driven by chemistry rather than personal connection, the lack of it in one’s life cannot reflect negatively on oneself.”
“Ohh.”Virginia nodded sagely.“You don’t want to prove there’s a lack in yourself.”
“Are you trying to make me feel worse or better?”Penelope burst out.“You’re doing a terrible job.If I tallied every single time you—”
“Put your plumage away,” Virginia hissed.“Here comes your peacock.”
Penelope jerked her spine up straight before she remembered she was trying to be slumpy and frumpy on purpose.
Too late.Saint Nick had seen her.
He and his brother were heading directly their way.
“Miss Mitchell.”He sketched an elegant bow.“Allow me to present my brother, Mr.Christopher Pringle.”
His brother bowed.“Do call me Christopher.Two Mr.Pringles are too many.”
Saint Nick’s smile widened.“I, of course, am Nicholas.Who is this lovely lady at your side?”
Penelope swallowed.Was she supposed to curtsy?She definitely wasn’t going to curtsy.She was being dowdy and unattractive.“Virginia, meet… Nick and Christopher.Gentlemen, this is Miss Virginia Underwood.”
Virginia clasped her hands to her chest.“I am glad the winds blew you this way.”
Christopher frowned, then laughed in appreciation.“You mean to the refreshment table?All winds blow Nicholas toward biscuits.But when he saw you and Miss Mitchell, we had to ensure you ladies were enjoying your evening.”
Virginia elbowed Penelope in the ribs.“Happy?He chose the burnt biscuit.”
Penelope nudged her boot and hissed back, “Not now, Virginia.”
