Page 37 of Positively, Penelope

“He just stopped altogether?” Matthias Gray loved dance so much, he even taught it? And he stopped dancing because of... a broken heart? Penelope’s breath squeezed in her chest. How on earth had he managed such pain? The death of his mother, then his dear grandmother, and then... the loss of his wife? A wife who, by all accounts, from what Penelope had learned so far, didn’t know how to love her family very well.

“When Deirdre left with her agent—with whom she’d beenhaving an affair for almost a year—something inside Matt broke. He’d been through so much already and, well, I’d never seen him close himself off to the world before, but he did. He gave up dancing and even teaching it and pulled away from everyone except Iris. She became his whole focus for a while.” Gwynn sighed. “He’d taken some accounting and business classes in college so resorted to hiding in his office and burying himself in the books. It’s only been within the last year that he’s started really showing signs of some healing. Attending counseling has helped, and joining a small group of men from church has given him better perspective, but he’s still so . . . cautious.”

Penelope stepped off the porch and looked up the road toward the Gray House as if she could see through the forest to where Matt was. Perhaps there was much more to his grumpiness than just a surly disposition. “Cautious?”

“To trust new people, especially women. It’s a miracle he even agreed to go on the few dates I suggested.”

“And have any of them worked?”

“No.” She laughed. “I think he just went on those dates to get me to stop annoying him. Both ladies said he was very polite but rather dull.”

“Dull?” The word popped out so loudly that a little squirrel scurried up a tree as if his life depended on it. “He’s not dull. He’s actually very funny in a sarcastic sort of way. And he’s been so kind to help teach me how to ride a bicycle. And he has such thoughtful comments about things.” She looked around to make sure no one was listening and then lowered her voice into the phone. “I even got him to watch a little bit of a princess movie when he came to pick up Iris from the cottage. I think that’s definite healing progress, don’t you?”

“He watched a princess movie?”

“Well, part of one. Oh, and... we twirled.”

“You what?” A cough erupted from the other side of the phone.

“Iris and I were having a very unbirthday tea party and happenedto be dancing in the kitchen when Matthias came to collect her, and after a rather disgruntled entry, when he saw how happy Iris was, he joined the dance. He gave her a few sweet twirls and then, well, he twirled me too.” A little flutter erupted in her stomach at the memory. “No wonder he’s such a good twirler! He’s a dancer.”

“Yes...” Her response sounded strange and slow. “He is... or was.”

“Oh, I think the dancer is still in him. In fact, I’ve witnessed it. That’s a sure sign his heart is healing, don’t you think? And someone who loves his daughter so beautifully certainly has the potential to love romantically again.”

“Family has always been his heart, which is why Deirdre’s betrayal wounded all the more.” Gwynn slowly measured her words, like she was... thinking? Perhaps it was just hard to talk about the whole thing. “He would have given up the theater without a second thought if he believed Deirdre would have stayed. He used to be quite the romantic.”

“But see, that’s what I mean! The romantic in a person may be wounded, but it won’t die. Take it from a true romantic!” Penelope nodded to herself. Yes, she may not understand a great deal about the world, but she understood that. “He just needs to find the right person to prove to him that there are still faithful, loyal women out in the world looking for a smart, talented man just like him. We just need to nudge him in the right direction.”

“We do?”

“Of course we do! He needs to know real love is still out there, Gwynn. We can’t allow him to let it pass him by.”

“You know, Penelope”—something in Gwynn’s voice caused the flutter in Penelope’s stomach to move into hyper speed—“I think you are exactly right.”

***

Skymarian Theater Troupe

From: GK

To: JA

I’m so glad you enjoyed the group. They are, mostly, a good lot. I’m glad they’re going to help you with your secret project, but I’m curious as to what it is. Since I missed the meeting, I also missed the news and am desperately interested.

You’re having lunch with a few of the best from the team. Dani, the self-declared team leader, is stellar. He and his wife are both involved in community theater as often as possible and he gives all of his free time to a local theater, from what I understand. He’s played about every bombastic male role (and a few female ones) that our local theaters have offered. He’s also a wealth of knowledge with a wide range of connections.

And the idea of Kinleigh as a mentor for children? That’s a remarkable idea. Her friend Lucas would be another one I’d suggest. He comes to the group meetings sometimes, but mostly to see Kinleigh. However, he’s an excellent kid and a stellar young thespian. If there were a way to pay them or provide some sort of stipend, it would also encourage other youth to become involved as interns.

And yes, Liam often wears a kilt. He grew up in the northern mountains of Ansling. There is a strong Scottish heritage in that part of Skymar. You should visit sometime, only be prepared for a much thicker accent than you might find in other parts of Skymar. In fact, some still speak Scottish Gaelic, which is delightful to hear but nearly impossible to learn. Well, at least it’s been impossible for me.

Would you happen to be working in Mountcaster?

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: September17

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