“But do we need to sacrifice this particular dress?” Penelope smiled. “This one’s quite nice.”
Odette shrugged, and did not stop playing. Penelope could not blame her. It was enough that she was trying to get into the habit of wearing a dress to begin with. That alone should be enough for Penelope, for now, at least.
“Do you really feel free in it?” she asked Odette, who nodded. Apollo followed her around, sticking out his tongue.
“I always thought dresses were stuffy,” she laughed. “But actually, this one feels quite airy.”
“Then we shall get more for you,” Penelope nodded, already making a mental list. It had been a few days since she had properly returned. “But I wonder if you’ll be begging to change back into your nightdress by supper.”
Odette grinned mischievously and plopped down beside Apollo, scratching behind his ears.
“Let us not try and read too much into the future.”
Penelope sat beside her again, smoothing Odette’s skirts over her legs.
“I’m proud of you, you know. You’ve been so brave through everything.”
“It’s easier with you here,” Odette’s expression softened, her gaze dropping shyly to her lap.
“What is easier?”
“Just being myself,” Odette shrugged. “Being a girl. You have such great taste in everything, and you always give me the right advice.”
The words made Penelope’s heart warm instantly.
“I missed you while you were gone,” Odette said.
Never did Penelope expect to hear the words from Odette. She looked at her, grinning ear to ear.
“Is that so? Has someone gone and replaced the old Odette?” Penelope teased. “Since when did you become so agreeable ?”
“I am not!” Odette’s head snapped up indignantly as she blushed wildly.
“Oh, I think you are,” Penelope laughed, delighted. “Deep down, beneath all that stubbornness. I am the same way.”
“I’m not!” Odette insisted, crossing her arms. “I just… missed you, is all. That doesn’t make me agreeable.”
“It makes you human.” Penelope smiled warmly, brushing her thumb over Odette’s cheek. “And it makes me very glad that you trust me enough to tell me that. Thank you.”
It was small gestures like this, but Penelope knew just how important they were.
“Well, I only wished to be honest with you.”
Apollo barked suddenly, leaping up from his place and running over to the spot in front of him. Both Penelope and Odette turned in surprise.
“Who…” Odette began, but Penelope was already rising.
“It’s your father,” Penelope murmured, watching as her husband approached the path, dressed in his riding coat.
He slowed as he caught sight of them, his gaze falling immediately on Odette. His footsteps faltered. Penelope watched as his eyes widened, taking in the sight of his daughter.
“Am I in the right place?” he looked between Odette and Penelope. Odette blushed, looking away. But Penelope could not help but laugh loudly.
“Doesn’t she look lovely?” Penelope asked. “I think she looks beautiful, and the dress really suits her.”
Alexander nodded, and kneeled at where Odette was sitting.
“You look beautiful,” he complimented before hugging his daughter. He wrapped her tightly against him, pressing a kiss to her temple.
