Penelope Chapter 4

"What are you doing here?" asked Lemon, eyes blazing.

"Didn't you hear? I've come to propose to Penelope."

Lemon laughed. "In case you haven't noticed, Penelope doesn't live at a newspaper printing press."

"Yes, I know that!" said Edward, flustered. "I wanted to find you actually."

"For what? How did you find me anyway?"

"Larry told me. He said that you had left your job and taken up post here."

Lemon and Edward both grimaced; neither of them had liked Larry much. Edward had to promise Larry the story of his wedding to Penelope to find Lemon.

Internally, Lemon ground his teeth. He had just left work and was on his way to find Penelope himself, but ran into Edward instead. The reporter thought a moment. Maybe I can find out straight from the horse's mouth. "And just why do you want to marry Penelope?" Lemon began, digging his hands into his pockets and speaking casually.

"My father's promised me a share of the company if I do," said Edward excitedly. Lemon waited. When Edward said nothing further: "That's it?"

Edward looked taken aback.

"What do you mean 'that's it'? Do you understand what this means? My father finally respects me! At long last, he's going to give me what I deserve and rightfully own. It's long overdue, if anything. Do you know how I've been treated all my life? Well…now that you mention it, I should have asked for more than just a share of the company. My own estate perhaps. Maybe a manor somewhere…" Edward's voice trailed off, the starry-eyed look sparkling in his eyes.
Lemon rolled his eyes. Edward thought that people were doing that a lot lately.

"I meant, is that the only reason you're marrying her?"

"Of course it is. Who would marry her otherwise? I mean, of course her family is rich and she's a blue-blood, but that hideous face." He shuddered. "I heard that she's broken the curse, however. You cannot imagine my relief when I heard that she was normal now. Otherwise, I don't know how I would ever be able to go through it a second time…Anyway, that's why I needed you. I can't find her, you see, and it's very important I marry her as soon as possible."

Lemon's eyes flashed. He was appalled! But then again…this IS Edward Vanderman we're talking about, he thought. An idea suddenly came to him. He beckoned Edward closer. "Okay, you wanna know where she lives?"

Edward nodded.

Lemon pretended to look around, as if to check to see if anyone was listening. He whispered an address to Edward.

"But keep it to yourself," Lemon said, winking. "Don't want anyone else getting to her before you do."

"Oh, I won't," said Edward, rushing away excitedly.

Lemon pretended to dust off his hands and smiled to himself. Then, turning, he took off in the other direction. A little misdirection should have him running in circles for a good long while…