Olivia looked up from her book. “No, not since breakfast.” Reflexively, Olivia looked out the window of the Blue Parlor as if she expected to see Penelope stroll by. “She was supposed to help me redress a bonnet today.” Cassandra sat her irritated self down in a huff. “I think she’s hiding from me.” Olivia laughed and placed a ribbon in her book as a marker. “I’ll help you with the bonnet.” Several hours later, Cassandra and Olivia had refitted the bonnet in question as well as several others and re-trimmed three reticules and a parasol. Wandering out to the family parlor for tea, they discovered Penelope was still nowhere to be found. “Has anyone asked her maid?” Olivia asked Lady Vivienne, who snapped her lap desk closed with a vicious thunk. “That girl can’t be found either,” Lady Vivienne said. “I hoped I’d find her with you two. We had an appointment today with the new Ladies Auxiliary Committee. I’ve told her again and again how I want her involved this year.”
