"I--er," Penelope tried to respond to his invitation, but the first emotion that came to her was the self-consciousness she would feel when having to write with others around. Or even the thought or idea of request for use of a dictaquill to get it done properly. It won't do to have him see her like that.
"It's probably better that I get back and get it done there," she said, rather quickly, feeling flushed around her cheeks. She didn't notice or realize that he was holding her for the whole time. It was as if it were all natural, as if they were together.
"Thank you very much though, Percy," she added, hastily getting up from where she sat. "I'm sorry I can't stay. I--" She stopped herself there, since she still had trouble admitting it to herself, but she did miss him--oddly enough. "I'm sorry that we didn't get to discuss the contents of you letter, but maybe we can sometime soon."