Penelope set down her cup. "Francesca?"
Her sister looked up. "Yes?"
She regarded her carefully for a moment before speaking in a gentle voice. "Are you all right?"
The question drew Lady Sophia's attention back towards them.
Francesca blinked, apparently surprised that Penelope asked. "Of course I am."
Penelope studied her. "Are you certain?"
"Yes, Penelope."
The answer came quickly enough, but there was little conviction behind it.
Penelope, she thought. Not Pen.
Francesca lowered her gaze and began adjusting the cuff of her glove, though it did not appear to require any attention.
Penelope frowned. "You have hardly spoken this morning."
"I did not realise I was obliged to entertain everyone at breakfast."
Under other circumstances, the remark might have sounded like Francesca's usual playful teasing. Today, however, it lacked the lightness that would have made it amusing.
