Penelope studied her closely, considering the proposition in her head.
“If I speak to him,” Penelope said carefully, “and if I convince him, then you must promise not to stray. Not even a step.”
“I promise,” Odette nodded at once.
“And if he says no?—”
“Then I shall be properly heartbroken and write a very dramatic letter to myself about how no one understands me,” Odette said, sarcasm leaking into her voice.
Penelope bit back a laugh.
“Very well. I shall try for you.”
Odette launched forward and wrapped her arms around Penelope with surprising force.
“You are the very best person in this entire household. Even better than Apollo.”
A blush formed on Penelope’s cheeks at the admission. For a moment, she could almost not find the words to speak. But then steeled herself.
“That is a high honor indeed.”
After the piano lesson was concluded, Penelope was still mulling over what Odette had requested from her. She found Nancy tidying up a vase of fresh-cut flowers in her chambers.
“Nancy,” Penelope called softly.
The young woman turned at once, setting the flowers down.
“Your Grace.”
“I need your opinion on something,” Penelope bit down on her lower lip.
Nancy straightened slightly, sensing her tone. “Of course, Your Grace. What is it?”
Penelope felt as though she could trust Nancy, and confide in her as a listening ear. If anything, it would give her a different perspective.
“Odette has asked me to take her to the park. Just the two of us. No Fergus or Lewis,” Penelope explained.
“Just the two of you, Your Grace?” Nancy blinked.
Penelope nodded.
“Oh dear.”
“My thoughts precisely.”
“You know how the Duke is, Your Grace,” Nancy folded her hands at her waist. “He doesn’t even let the little lady ride down the lane without someone in view.”
“Yes, I know,” Penelope exhaled. “But she asked so sweetly, and truly, just this once. I do not have it in me to deny her.”
“I don’t doubt her sincerity,” Nancy nodded. “But, Your Grace, sincerity is not what the Duke weighs these decisions upon.”
“You sound just like him.”
“I serve this household, Your Grace. And I’ve seen how tightly he holds onto that child,” Nancy continued. “It would be a difficultthing for him to agree on. He is particular about his rules, and rarely ever breaks them.”
“I know,” Penelope said softly. “But Odette is growing. She’s already more mature than most girls her age. One day would not be so terrible.”
Nancy looked dubious.
