Penelope's heart sank.
Celia glanced toward Francesca, inspecting the young lady from afar with keen interest. "Tonight, everyone is looking at her," She noted, then looked back at Penelope. "Perhaps that is why you look so distressed."
Penelope said nothing, though the words were beginning to settle beneath her composure.
She kept her expression carefully neutral, but the slight tension in her jaw and the tightening of her fingers betrayed the effect they were having on her.
Still, she refused to give Celia the satisfaction of seeing her falter.
"You must be wondering whether she will succeed where you failed."
The words landed with precision causing Penelope's composure to visibly falter.
Celia smiled at the reaction. "Oh, don't look at me like that. You know it is true," She opened her fan. "Francesca is everything society desires in a young lady. Pretty. Accomplished. Untarnished."
