Hell, that's nothing unusual. Everyone is infatuated with Penelope Rutledge, including me. I've heard rumours that she is a real "looker" to use an old-fashioned word, and her high class attitude only adds to the allure. Those like Tweed, who pretend to detest her, and claim not to be interested in her at all have got it BAD! They are secretly consumed with lust, but they're afraid people might find out, so they try to cover up by insulting her. I seem to recall that same method being used by very young boys and girls who are suffering pre-adult hot flashes over the opposite sex, but would die if their friends ever found out. :-)

I don't have that problem. I freely admit that Penelope Rutledge causes my pulse to race and my palms to sweat. She is young, rich, beautiful, and feisty...and she's the reigning queen of Twillingsgate, probably the most classy and quaint small town in the entire Western World. What more could one ask for?

I'm glad to see this thread still has some controversy left in it...

- LH