Odette looked at her in the mirror. For a moment, it seemed like she might reject the idea again. But then, with a dramatic sigh, she rolled her eyes.
“Fine. But only because I’m curious.”
“Of course,” Penelope grinned, “And because I agreed to skip ribbons.”
“And only if I get to pick the dress.”
“Deal,” Penelope said, sealing it with a nod. “But I have one condition of my own.”
“What now?”
“You must agree to a piano lesson with me,” Penelope said hesitantly. Alexander had told her that Odette was not fond of those.
“Nooo. That’s so boring!” The young girl scrunched up her nose in disgust.
“You haven’t even tried it yet.”
“I don’t have to try it. I already know it’s boring. It sounds boring. Just… clink-clonk, clink-clonk, forever.”
Penelope laughed under her breath. “That’s an absolutely dreadful impersonation of a piano. It deserves better.”
“Maybe. But it doesn’t deserve me.”
“Well, too bad,” Penelope said, “It’s part of the bargain. No piano, no lessons on dressing up.”
“Fine,” Odette said through gritted teeth.
“Accepted.”
As the hour grew late, Penelope tucked a final pin into the young girl’s hair and stood. “Time for bed.”
Penelope gathered her shawl and stepped quietly into the corridor, the soft click of the door closing behind her. She moved down the hallway, and just as she rounded the corner near the main staircase, she nearly collided into a broad chest.
“Your Grace,” she gasped, startled. “I didn’t see you there.”
“Clearly,” Alexander looked at her, just as surprised. “You’re just now leaving her room?”
Penelope nodded.
“You’re aware it’s nearly midnight?” he said.
“She will be asleep,” Penelope said, lifting her chin slightly. “Eventually.”
“She has lessons in the morning,” Alexander argued.
“Your Grace, I doubt one extra hour will ruin her academic prospects,” she defended herself. “It’s important for her to have these moments.”
“These moments can be had at a better hour,” he rolled his eyes.
“And for what it’s worth,” she added casually, “I got her to agree to pianoforte lessons.”
That got his attention.
“Impossible. She hates the pianoforte.”
“Shesaidshe hated it,” Penelope corrected. “But tonight, she agreed to try. All it took was a little compromise.”
“She’s never compromised with anyone before,” he said slowly.
