“Odette,” she warned.
The girl looked at her, but did not apologize. Instead, she shrugged, already moving on from the topic.
“I know you’re not fond of being told what to do and I know you dislike new things,” Penelope said firmly. “But speaking to Nancy like that is unbecoming.”
Odette said nothing once again.
“If anything, she is trying to make this easier for you. You could be a little kinder,” Penelope said. “I will not have you speaking to her like this again.”
There was a lot of work to be done on Odette. It seemed that she lived her life with little regard for anyone else, and that was something that needed to be changed.
“I am perfectly polite,” Odette argued. “Besides, I do not need convincing. This is a futile effort.”
Stubborn, as always. Penelope pretended as though she had not heard her.
“The picnic is set to happen this afternoon. I had intended it to be a pleasant afternoon for all of us. I even asked your father to come.”
“Father is coming, too?” That caught her attention.
“Yes, he promised that he will be there,” Penelope nodded. “It is an opportunity for the three of us to spend some time together.”
The girl’s shoulders tensed, but she didn’t respond immediately with a no. That was promising, at least.
But Penelope had one ace still left up her sleeve.
“Besides… I thought you might want another book.”
“Another one?” Odette said, instantly. “I am only halfway through the one you gave me earlier.”
Penelope smiled, having discovered the secret to her acquiescence.
“I found one just yesterday. It involves a governess and a lord who doesn’t realize he’s in love with her until he’s utterly ruined.”
“Can I have it?”
“Of course you can. I’ll be handing it over,” Penelope went on, “after a successful picnic.”
“That’s blackmail,” Odette’s brows drew together.
“Bribery,” Penelope corrected. “A classic act. It is a theme in the book I have for you, as well. You’ll love it.”
Odette rolled her eyes, but her arms dropped from their folded position.
“Fine, I will come, then. But you cannot always get me to do things I do not wish to in promise for a book.”
“Why not?” Penelope smiled. “It seems to work better than anything else.”
Odette narrowed her eyes at her, but did not argue further. “I will be in my room till then.”
Without another word, she dramatically stormed out of the room. Nancy clapped her hands together slowly as she did.
“Bravo, Your Grace,” she smiled. “I have never seen her agree so easily to anything.”
“I have my methods,” Penelope nodded, and then her mind drifted to the duke. “Or miracles, as some might say.”
“It is nothing short of one,” Nancy nodded.
“That was only one part of it,” Penelope said. “Now to get her to actually enjoy herself while she is there.”
