Odette shrugged, but she couldn’t quite keep the smile off her face.
“It was all right, I suppose.”
Penelope stood, smoothing her skirts. “Tomorrow, we’ll add the left hand.”
“Tomorrow?” Odette groaned dramatically. “You didn’t say anything about a second lesson.”
“That’s how it works, dear heart,” Penelope said with a grin. “You’re far too promising to quit after just one.”
“But…”
“No buts,” Penelope shushed her.
“Fine,” Odette huffed. “But you need to give me a book as a reward.”
“I think that is a fair trade.”
But before she could say anything else, Odette walked over to the window and leaned on the sill, looking out over the sweeping green of the estate.
“I haven’t been outside in days,” she muttered.
Penelope glanced up. “You went riding the other morning, didn’t you?”
“Yes, and I was accompanied by Lewis the entire time,” Odette groaned. “That’s not the same thing. I mean properly outside. Like walking for no reason.”
Penelope felt her heart break for the little girl.
“Well, then since you have been so good with your pianoforte practice,” Penelope started, “Perhaps you deserve a little reward.”
Odette’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
“Yes, we can go now.”
Odette glanced sideways, then added with a little reluctance, “I might have lessons in the afternoon.”
“Then we’ll be back for them,” Penelope replied easily. “A short walk won’t hurt.”
Odette gave a dramatic sigh, but her smile betrayed her. “All right. But if I get in trouble…”
“You’ll blame me,” Penelope finished for her.
They made their way outside. The furthest part of the estate looked almost forgotten, tucked behind a low stone wall and shaded by tall, whispering trees. Penelope followed Odette through the narrow path until they reached a clearing. At its center stood an old well, surrounded by patches of wildflowers and tall grass swaying in the breeze.
Odette stopped and sat on the edge of the stone well, brushing off a bit of moss with her palm.
“I come here sometimes,” she said quietly.
“It’s lovely,” Penelope glanced around.
“It’s the farthest I’m allowed to go without someone following me,” Odette muttered. “So I guess it’s sort of… mine.”
Penelope sat down beside her, careful not to wrinkle her skirts. “It feels special, when you put it like that.”
Odette gave a little shrug.
“It’s not like I hate the estate. It’s just, sometimes I want to be somewhere without someone watching every move I make.”
“I think everyone feels that way, especially at your age,” Penelope nodded slowly.
