“I am glad you see things the same way,” Isadora lightened up at the admission. “I have to say that my sister leaves quite a mark, wherever she is.”
“I am sure that you must miss her terribly,” Alexander replied, “She does speak quite fondly of you, and I think we can arrange to host you properly at the estate soon.”
“Oh, lovely,” Isadora perked up. “I think that would be well- suited, and I do wish to see Penelope more.”
“That is a good idea,” Penelope said, looking at Alexander as though the statement had surprised her.
“Whenever it is convenient for you,” Alexander insisted. “You tell us, and we shall spare no expense in hosting the eldest of the Morton household.”
“I will write to you very soon,” Isadora nodded eagerly. “Thank you for the kind invite.”
“It is nothing,” Alexander said.
“Well, I shall leave you both now,” Isadora said, looking over at some of the guests who were waiting for her.
Alexander finally turned fully to Penelope, who was watching her sister leave.
“I think we should use this moment,” he said, bringing his hand to rest on the lower half of her back. “to dance. What do you think?”
“A dance?”
“Are you having some trouble hearing?” Alexander laughed, and then lowered his head to whisper in her ear, “Would you like to dance with me?”
Penelope’s blush returned, and she could only nod. Feeling triumphant, he led her out to the dance floor.
“You seem to be in better spirits now,” he commented. “Is it because you met your dear sister, or have you finally decided to take my advice?”
“I am only doing what is expected of me,” Penelope replied. “And if that means that I smile and be pleasant, then so be it.”
“A noble effort,” he said. “Perhaps a dance will help you commit to the role.”
Penelope shot him a tired look. “Somehow, I did not take you to be the dancing sort. Color me surprised.”
Alexander laughed loudly again at that.
“And what other strange notions do you hold about me?” he challenged.
“None that I can admit out loud in public like this,” Penelope said, though he could tell that she was bluffing only to keep the banter going. He realized that he liked her much better when she was like this, not brooding or upset.
“Well then, let me make one thing clear to you,” he said. “It would be criminal for me to not dance with my wife, on our first public appearance together.”
“You know, I much prefer it when you are not in a bad mood,” the musicians began to play the first song of the night, “Which you have been for the entirety for the evening.”
“Have I?” Penelope didn’t look at him right away.
“Don’t play coy,” he said, a touch amused. “You didn’t say a single pleasant thing in the carriage. And it was only when you met Isadora that your mood seemed to improve, in the least.”
“Can you blame me for being happy to see my sister?”
“You’re deflecting.”
She let out a long breath and turned slightly toward him.
“Maybe I was just having a day. It happens, even to Duchesses.”
Alexander was not convinced. He moved closer to her, so that she could hear him properly.
“I do not think so. Rather, I believe that something occurred that bothered you greatly, and spoiled your mood . But instead of saying it, you decided to act out like this.”
