were a bit too large for her face.

The round eyes gave her the appearance of a doll,

as did her pink-hued cheeks and upturned nose. Penel-

ope knew little about fashion, but even she could see

that Lady Constance’s tiered silk gown was of the most

extravagant style. It called to her mind the words of

Agatha Swanburne: “That which can be purchased at a

shop is easily left in a taxi; that which you carry inside

you is difficult, though not impossible, to misplace.”

Lady Constance smiled charmingly. “Well! I have

never interviewed a possible governess before! I feel

somewhat nervous; you must forgive me.”

“It is my first interview as well,” Penelope offered,

“so perhaps between the two of us we will muddle

through.”

Lady Constance smiled again and stirred her tea.

An awkward moment passed, until the two young

ladies spoke at once.

“Where are the—”

“What do you—”

“Pardon me!”

“No, you must go first, of course,” Lady Constance

declared. Penelope briefly imagined those round, doll

eyes were taking in her plain dress and sensible foot-

wear, but shooed away the thought as fast as it came.

“I have you at a terrible disadvantage, I realize,”

Lady Constance went on. “I have seen your résumé

and letter of recommendation from Miss Mortimer, so

I feel I know a great deal about you. Your headmistress

has described you in the most glowing terms. But you

must have many questions about life here at Ashton

Place. Please ask; I will do my best to answer, and we

will let the conversation proceed in that way.”

She sat back pertly in her chair and folded her

hands, as if she were the one in need of a job.

“If you insist.” Penelope felt suddenly cautious

at the notion of having to interview her prospective

employer. “I understand that you are seeking a govern-

ess for three children. Perhaps you might tell me their

ages and a bit about them.”

“Oh!” Lady Constance trilled a strange, forced

laugh. “Let us not talk about the children just yet.”

Penelope thought this an odd response, frankly.

“Forgive me,” she said after a moment. “I don’t mean

to pry. But a governess for the children is the available

position, is it not?” She smiled what she hoped was a

warm and friendly smile. “I hope there has not been a

mistake?”

“Oh no, heavens, no!” Lady Constance stirred her

tea again with vigor, although the sugar had long since