Lady Sophia's gaze shifted briefly toward Simon.
There was a quiet understanding in the look she gave her daughter, though Penelope could not quite tell whether her mother was asking her to wait or simply acknowledging her request.
Lord Simon, however, seemed to notice the exchange. "If it is something concerning the family, you may speak freely," he said calmly. "There is little here that I have not already heard."
Penelope looked at him. That was precisely the problem. She had not come to speak freely in front of him.
Still, she said nothing.
Lady Sophia gave her a small, almost imperceptible look. It was the sort of look that meant she should go ahead.
Penelope inhaled slowly. Very well.
For the first time since she invited herself in, she stepped farther into the room and closed the door behind her. "I have been thinking."
Lord Simon's brows lifted slightly and Lady Sophia gestured toward the empty chair beside her. "Sit."
