Chapter One Penelope the pug--clever, resilient, and happy, with a wonderful home and a kind heart--never wanted to go on an adventure again. I'm not one of those pugs who takes risks purely for pleasure, she thought as she awoke one fine morning, for I believe pleasure can just as easily be found in a soft bed next to a warm fire. Ever so contented, she stretched and yawned until her belly popped out and her pink tongue curled. She did not have anything to do that day except to eat, play with Lady Diggleton, and nap, which meant it was to be a glorious day indeed. Wait a moment, she thought, sitting up. I do believe I had a most frightening dream. She tried to remember before the memory flew away like a butterfly, as dreams often do. Oh, yes! She'd dreamed that she was lost again in Puggleton Park, and it was all the fault of a most dreadful squirrel. If you have not met Dreadful Squirrel, then you should know that he has shifty eyes, buckteeth, and a sparse tail, and that he is more vexing than any other squirrel alive. In the dream, Penelope was chasing Dreadful Squirrel, but he got away, as he always did, and Penelope realized she was very lost indeed. Without her owner, the only friend she had was Moon, whom you must know as well, since Moon shines in the sky for us all. It wasn't until Penelope met Lady Diggleton that her luck began to change. But that is another story altogether. In this story, Penelope was relieved to realize that her dream was just that. She still lived with her dear Lady Diggleton in a brick house in Mayfair, London. Abby was still the lady's maid, Miss Bakerbeans was still the cook (and made the most delicious dog biscuits), and Lady Picklebottom, Lady Diggleton's dearest friend, found dogs a bit more tolerable than she once did. On her way downstairs, Penelope passed Abby, who was carrying a basket of laundry that smelled of lavender and soap. Abby smiled. "Good morning, Penelope. I hope you're having a fine day," she said. "I'd stop to pet you, but I simply have too much work to do!" Abby was always bustling about, so Penelope made her way down another flight of stairs to reach the first floor, where she let herself out of her own doggy door. This rather clever addition was recently installed by a talented carpenter, and it allowed Penelope to go do her business in a most private manner. (And she often had quite a lot of business to do!) Once she was finished, Penelope entered the large pale green dining room where the sunlight streamed through the crystals in the chandelier and made rainbows dance on the walls. This was her favorite room in the house, for it is where she often found her dear Lady Diggleton. "Good morning, Penelope," Lady Diggleton said with a smile. She was seated at the enormous dining room table, eating her breakfast. In response, Penelope wagged her tail and let out a small yelp, which meant, "And a very good morning to you." She allowed Lady Diggleton to give her a scratch behind her left ear--this was her favorite spot, after all--then attacked the food in her silver dog bowl and licked it clean until it shone like new. "It is time to go out, Penelope," Lady Diggleton said, standing and heading into the hall as the little pug followed. "We are due at the offices of the Morning Post , where we shall buy an advertisement for the Ladies' Society for the Relief of Lost Dogs. Then I shall take you for a walk through Puggleton Park, and after that we shall return home in time for tea." Penelope waited patiently as Lady Diggleton attached her leash, which was made of pale green leather to match her Lady's coat. She had not been expecting such a busy day, to be sure, but she did not find it disagreeable--as long as she was not going on an adventure, you see, for Penelope was quite through with those. Chapter Two The offices of the Morning Post in Covent Garden were filled with people hurrying about in a self-important way. Penelope tried not to get trampled by the boots of reporters while Lady Diggleton met with Mr. Tippletattle, an editor who sounded most competent indeed. "And what would you like your advertisement to say, Lady Diggleton?" he asked, his pencil perched between his teeth just so. "I should like it to say, 'Lady Diggleton and Lady Picklebottom are honored to announce that they shall be holding a ladies' sale of delightful, interesting, and rare things such as bangles, ribbons, and tea cozies,'" she said. "'The sale will benefit their charity, the Ladies' Society for the Relief of Lost Dogs, which places unhoused dogs with families of good character.'" Few were surprised to hear that Lady Diggleton had started a charity for lost dogs--she had rescued Penelope, after all. But the fact that her friend Lady Picklebottom was participating came as more of a shock. Lady Picklebottom used to say quite frequently that she believed all dogs belonged on a farm. However, she had grown rather fond of Penelope--even going so far as to give her a new toy. This did not mean, however, that Lady Picklebottom had a dog of her own. "That," she said when asked, "would be going one paw too far." "I daresay, Lady Diggleton, I've heard that your society has become quite popular," Mr. Tippletattle said. He leaned forward and lowered his voice. "One of our reporters heard that your charity has caught the attention of the Queen, if you know what I'm saying." Lady Diggleton gasped. "Whatever do you mean?" "Mark my words," he said. "You are very much on Her Majesty's mind." Eyes wide, Lady Diggleton paid for her advertisement, while Penelope wondered why Mr. Tippletattle couldn't just tell Lady Diggleton everything he knew. This is the difference between people and pugs, she thought. People often prefer not to say what they are thinking, while pugs prefer to say exactly what they think--and mean it, too. Lady Diggleton was about to leave when the editor leaned in once more. "One more thing, Lady Diggleton. Tomorrow's paper will reveal that there is a thief in Mayfair, so do be careful." "A thief?" Lady Diggleton said. "How awful." "Indeed, and whoever it is has very particular taste, especially in jewelry, so keep your windows and doors locked tight." "I most assuredly will, Mr. Tippletattle. Thank you for your kind assistance." "Anytime, Lady Diggleton!" A thief? Penelope thought as they left the building and turned toward Puggleton Park. That sounds most unpleasant! She would have to make sure their home was safe each night before she went to bed. This was just as well, as Penelope already checked the kitchen each night for Dreadful Squirrel. One never knew when he might attempt to steal his favorite dessert. I do hope nobody tries to steal anything from us, she thought. For although I'm just a pug, my bark can be quite loud indeed! Excerpted from Penelope and the Curse of the Canis Diamond #2 by Deanna Kizis All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
