At the end, Penelope looked away. Whispers of admiration filled the air at once, gentlemen approaching the lady.
However, Lord Gilbert was nowhere in sight.
She was not disappointed. If anything, she felt relieved. "You know, he taught me something," She said after a moment.
Lady Agnes looked at her.
"That attention is not always flattering," She stated.
Lady Agnes's expression softened. "No," She agreed. "Sometimes it is simply attention."
Penelope nodded. "And sometimes," she added, her gaze drifting across the garden, "it is merely a gentleman discovering that a woman is easier to amuse than to respect."
She said, those words coming like almost a natural thing to say.
Lady Agnes was quiet for a moment. Then she smiled faintly. "You have certainly changed."
Penelope glanced at her. "Have I?"
"You do speak differently," She said. "The Penelope I know used to explain herself."
Penelope's brows drew together. "I did?"
"Constantly."
