Alexander took a seat at the table moments later.
“Good morning, ladies,” he said, though even he seemed surprised that his daughter had shown up this morning.
“Your Grace.”
Odette, on the other hand, had gone completely still. “Good morning, Father.”
“I trust breakfast has been enjoyable?”
“Very,” Penelope replied with exaggerated brightness. “Odette and I were just having a conversation about…”
Another kick underneath the table.
Penelope’s mouth clamped shut mid-sentence. It dawned on her that Odette did not wish for her interests to be discussed in front of Alexander.
“About?” Alexander waited for Penelope to finish her sentence.
“Nothing of consequence,” Penelope covered quickly, “we were only discussing what she has been learning with her tutors.”
If Alexander was suspicious, he did not press further.
“I should go,” Odette announced suddenly, pushing back her chair with a soft scrape. “Thank you for breakfast.”
“But you haven’t finished your?—”
“I’m not very hungry.”
She stood, clutching the book tightly to her chest and scurried off without another word.
Penelope looked across the table at the empty seat, then up at Alexander, who was watching the door Odette had just exited through.
“She was in good spirits before you arrived,” Penelope murmured, unable to help herself.
“You’ve been talking with her,” he noted, turning his gaze to her now. “She doesn’t usually talk during breakfast. Or at all, really.”
“I suppose she finds my company tolerable,” Penelope answered, diplomatically. She did not wish to give too much away.
“You’ve made more progress than most,” he noted, “That was well done.”
Penelope blinked, taken entirely off-guard. It was not so much what he said that startled her, buthowhe said it. For the first time, there seemed to be no trace of sarcasm in his voice.
She could hardly remember the last time someone had acknowledged her efforts, least of all him.
“Thank you,” she muttered. It was the best she could do while she tried to keep the color from rising to her cheeks.
“No need to mention it,” he was watching her closely now. Penelope hated how transparent she was being at that moment.
His eyes hadn’t moved from her since the words had left his mouth. Was he…enjoyingher discomfort?
She reached for her teacup again, just to have something to do with her hands.
“I suppose progress should be acknowledged. Even if it is the bare minimum.”
He shook his head, “You are underestimating yourself there. It is a miracle that she even showed up to breakfast, let alone spoke with you.”
“Oh, I’m quite familiar with miracles,” she bluffed. “You have not seen anything yet.”
Alexander watched her, transfixed. She wondered if she had finally discovered the key to getting his approval. The thought alone sent a small shiver down her spine.
