It had been a long while since Penny had managed to make it into town. Since she had been snowed in at Gen and Julius's house, her mother had been particularly watchful of her remaining daughter, frequently taking the time to moan at how she had already lost one daughter and she couldn't bear to lose another.
While Penny had felt guilt enough at first to play into her mother's whims, she was beginning to grate on even patient Penny after awhile. Given half an opportunity to escape, she took it, riding her mare swiftly into town.
Of course, she wanted to Matt but she was confused about him. They had acted foolishly at the Yule party and she was afraid of what he might think of her. Still, she hitched the mare by the Magic Shoppe and was about to walk in when she lost her nerve, turning back and walking into the street, thinking, perhaps that she'd go visit Gabby instead.