Page 76 of Positively, Penelope

“They would.” Matt followed his gaze, the excitement as tangible as the laughter all around. “For all of us and for our Darling.”

Grandfather’s smile softened at the pet name Grandmother had always called the theater. “I’m keen to take back some of the work you’ve overseen as well. I fear you’ve gotten lost in balancing the books, the board, and the business for much too long.”

“I’ll gladly go over things with you first of next week and we can decide what would suit you to take in hand.” Matt drew in a deep breath, his smile spreading with the pride in his chest. “It will be good to have you full in, Grandfather.”

“Aye. ’Tis good and too long.” He nodded. “Jansen’s an artisan if ever there was one still left in the world, and I’m meeting with him next week to secure his services.”

“His services? For the house?”

“The house is well enough.” Grandfather huffed. “For the theater. If we’re to celebrate a centennial, we need to fix a few things about the place, and I’d trust no one to refurbish the historical moldings, window frames, and ceiling fixtures as I would him.” He dipped his chin to add confidence to his words. “One hundred years is a long time, and I’m determined to make up for what I’ve lost.”

Matt started to inquire further, but a burst of trumpet and a shout from the crowd alerted onlookers of the start of the parade. A lightness rested on Grandfather’s shoulders, as if, like Matt, he had unshackled some of the shadows of the past. A new start sounded like a wonderful way to celebrate a centennial.

Matt stood alongside his grandfather in preparation for the royal entourage, as their carriages led the way for the rest of the train, a festive collection of floats, bands, vintage automobiles, and a few surprises.

“I see you all found a good spot.” Alec pushed in between them, his hair giving off a styled look of disarray. “It looks like I just made it.”

“We’re all surprised, lad,” Grandfather said, his brows taking flight. “I hadn’t expected you for a half hour yet.”

“Yes, Grandfather.” Alec nudged Grandfather with his shoulder. “But I hear great surprises are in store for us today.”

Grandfather gave a grunt but slid a glance to Matt, showcasing a twinkle in his eyes.

Oh yes, his grandfather’s personality had come back in full mischief. Perfect. Matt paused on the thought. Well, he hoped. His grandfather’s mischief ran in the same direction as Gwynn’s.

“I’ve heard the same,” Matt said, keeping his attention fixed on the older man.

“With MissEdgewood at the helm, I had to pop in to show her my support.”

Matt looked over at his brother. “You see it, too, then? All she’s doing for the theater?”

“It’s difficult not to notice.” Alec waved a hand toward Matt. “Of course, you had started making some changes before she came, but she rushed in like a—”

“A pixie on a mission?”

Alec looked over at him with a grimace. “You say the strangest things. She’s certainly more princess than pixie, if we must use your analogy.” Alec patted his chest. “Just my style, though she’ll take a bit more time and attention to convince.”

Matt trained his expression, though he had the sudden urge to muss his brother’s perfect hair. “The usual dining at the castle didn’t work for you?”

“She only wants a bit more wooing.” Alec winked. Matt’s fist tightened just a bit. “The smart ones always do.”

Matt readied a response but Grandfather’s movements caught his attention. The man, who despised the idea of using his phone for anything other than voice calls, held the device up and proceeded to record the parade.

Matt looked over at Alec, who stared back wide-eyed.

“Just because I’m old doesn’t mean I can’t learn, lads,” Grandfather said without turning their way. “Iris is abrawteacher.”

Matt’s smile broke free and he looked ahead as the royal band led the procession wearing the patriotic colors of cobalt blue and white, with a small band of gold crossing their chests and a small rosette in the center of their hats. The triumphant opening of the Skymarian national anthem blasted through the air, prompting cheers from the throng.

The royal guard followed both before and behind the royal carriages. For a few years, the royal family had used automobiles in the parade, but after the current king took the throne, he brought back the horse-drawn open carriages.

King Aleksander and Queen Gabriella rode in the first carriage, both as poised and as elegant as ever. Crown Prince Stellan Caliean and his wife and eldest son were followed by the two princesses, with their two unmarried brothers riding their own steeds alongside the carriage. Several of the younger women called out the princes’ names as they passed, but the men merely waved their greeting and moved on, likely used to the attention from the royal-watching populace.

A few floats followed the royal entourage, one for Darrows, a large business in Fiacla known for its textile production, and another for Eller Keen, an energy company. Both boasted simple vehicles displaying heads of the company and their families. Then followed a float from one of the largest tourism companies, Avontur, complete with a miniature map of the islands and small representations of reasons to visit, such as the castles, mountains, cliffs, and ruins.

After such a coterie, a vintage black convertible came into view, two small red flags flying from its back, and on the side a simple sign that read “Emblem Studios.” For such a large company, the unpretentious and somewhat bland presentation seemed out of place among the pageantry. And why were they so near the front of the parade? Had they paid for the spot?

A woman and a man dressed in gothic attire sat on the back of the convertible, waving to the crowd, as Mr.Niles Westing rode up front with his chauffeur driving the car. The couple must have been the stars in Emblem’s new production of a dark comedy entitledThe Shadows.

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