"No prettier than you are," Penny replied. "And I told you, they want to dance with me because I enjoy dancing. That and the whole dowry, marriageable thing. You know." It was strange for Penny to think that Gen thought her the prettier one, that Gen had any reason to think that at all.
When the conversation shifted to her own exploits, Penny had to fight not to turn the conversation back away again, even though she'd been the one to bring it up. She felt as though she owed her sister as much after all they'd been through, that she should at least answer her questions.
"It didn't matter, I didn't want anyone to notice," Penny admitted. "It's been... I don't know, not too long now I suppose. I've been a few times. The first time was by accident and then, well, it just was interesting. I was just so afraid of what everyone would think or say and I knew Mother wouldn't approve so I just kept it to myself..."