It was as though she was seeing Penelope in a brand new light, for the first time.
Penelope took a tentative step forward. For the first time, she had her right where she wanted.
“I have a collection of my own, you know,” she started, trying not to sound too eager. “Dozens. If you liked this one, I think you’d enjoy some of my favorites.”
Odette gave her a sideways glance, eyes narrowed with suspicion.
“Why are you being nice to me?”
“Because I like you,” Penelope answered simply. It was not the full truth, yet. But she would will it into existence, if anything.
“You don’t know me.”
“Not yet,” she agreed. “But I’d very much like to.”
Odette said nothing, but she didn’t turn away either. Penelope took that as a sign of encouragement.
“So,” Penelope said brightly, “what if we strike a bargain?”
“What sort of bargain are you talking about?”
“I lend you a new book tomorrow morning. But only if you join me for breakfast.”
The girl frowned.
“I do not like to have company while having my breakfast,” she frowned.
“Too bad. Those are my terms,” Penelope asserted herself gently. “Besides, you don’t even have to talk much. You can sulk and scowl all you like. I’m quite used to it by now.”
“I don’t sulk,” Odette muttered.
Penelope laughed out loud at that, not even bothering to correct her.
“If the book is terrible, I’m leaving halfway through breakfast,” Odette finally agreed, albeit begrudgingly.
“Deal.”
That was all that she needed. A start.
“Sleep well now,” Penelope grinned. “I will see you tomorrow.”
Penelope was the first one at the table the next morning. She was unusually chirpy this morning. In front of her, there was a book she had carefully selected.
Now all she had to do was wait for Odette to hold her side of the bargain.
She turned to the butler, who stood at attention near the door.
“Please ensure a place is set for Lady Odette as well.”
The butler cleared his throat, “Begging Your Grace’s pardon, but the young lady prefers to take her breakfast in her chambers.”
“Yes, I am aware. But today, she is expected,” Penelope smirked.
The butler hesitated at her confidence. But just as he opened his mouth to gently object, the sound of footsteps interrupted him. Both Penelope and the butler turned.
Odette appeared in the doorway, attempting very hard to appear as though she hadn’t spent the last half hour debating whether to come . Without a word, she took a seat directly across from Penelope.
Penelope shot the butler , who looked on with great surprise, a satisfied smirk.
