“No,” Penelope laughed, cutting her off. “Not like that. I mean… how do youfeel? Inside. Do you feel like someone else?”
Odette turned toward the mirror. She stared at herself for a long moment. “I suppose.. I still feel like myself.”
Penelope grinned , having felt that she proved her point. “Then that settles it, we are getting it.”
“I would say that this was a successful trip,” Penelope said to Odette. They had just wrapped up the final selection of the dress, and Odette was all smiles.
She had shown hesitance at first, but Penelope could tell that she enjoyed it.
“I think this has been my favorite trip to the town so far,” Odette nodded, surprising Penelope with the high praise. “I suppose I have you to thank for that.”
“One of many,” Penelope replied. “I have an inkling that we will be making a repeat visit here very soon.”
“Only if you come along with me.”
“Always,” Penelope promised. She loved the little bond that was forming with Odette. It was slow blooming, but that made it all the more worthwhile in her eyes.
As they stepped out into the street, Penelope noticed Odette looking over at the park across the shop. Children close to Odette’s age were playing there.
“Do you wish to go?” Penelope asked, reading Odette’s mind.
“Oh, no,” Odette shrugged. “It’s not important.”
“Nonsense,” Penelope said, looping her arm through hers. “We’ve earned a bit of a walk. Come on, let’s take the long way home.”
She’d only taken one step forward when Lewis cleared his throat behind them.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible, Your Grace.”
“And why not?” Penelope turned to face him, her brow rising.
“The Duke gave instructions. Any change in plans has to be cleared with him first,” Lewis cleared his throat, averting his gaze.
“We’re not changing plans,” Penelope said, confused. “It’s a walk in a public park.”
Fergus, standing beside him, offered an apologetic shrug. “We just follow what we’re told. His Grace was very clear.”
Penelope glanced at Odette, expecting her to share in her surprise, but the girl didn’t look bothered. If anything, she looked resigned.
“This is normal?” Penelope asked.
“He’s always like this. Doesn’t want me going anywhere without telling him first,” Odette shrugged.
“But you are with me now,” Penelope tried to argue but Fergus stepped in again.
“His Grace’s orders were clear, Your Grace,” Fergus stepped in again, “It would be in your best interest to move back now.”
Penelope fell silent, biting back her irritation. She didn’t want to make a scene in front of Odette.
“Fine,” she said tightly. “Let’s go.”
CHAPTER 9
“And then he stood up in the middle of the session and accused the entire committee of corruption,” Oliver said, shaking his head with a short laugh. “Quite the sight, really. Papers flying everywhere. You’d have enjoyed it.”
Alexander was listening to his friend go on about some new gossip. Over the years that Alexander had known him, he had grown used to him rambling whenever he got the chance .
“I disagree,” Alexander replied. “I would much rather be uninvolved with such frivolous drama.”
