Page 83 of Mr. Eastwood’s Match

She was loved.

And she had found her home.

Roman stepped out into the crisp September air far more briskly than the dogs, though Athena and Apollo trotted at his heels eagerly enough. The street was quiet, with sunlight flickering through the branches of the lindens lining the walk.

He inhaled slowly.

It should not have caught him off guard, the sight of his younger brother alight with happiness, that soft, private smile Lyness wore now in Lady Emily’s presence. Roman had always known Lyness capable of great feeling, if given room to express it.

But knowing and witnessing were not the same.

A few weeks ago, he’d thought Lady Emily’s gentle kindness might be something he could grow into. Something steady, sensible, and that an affection would blossom between Roman and Emily in time. He had admired her. He had respected her. He had even wondered, once or twice, whether a future with her might hold more comfort than duty.

But now? He saw the truth plainly. She and Lyness fit together.

“I am glad for them,” he murmured under his breath. And he meant it.

Apollo nudged his hand in his insistent, hopeful way. Roman scratched behind the dog’s ears.

But he wondered when he would find his own contentment. Lyness had earned every ounce of his happiness. And Lady Emily deserved a man who would walk through fire for her without hesitation. Roman’s affections had always been careful and measured.

Athena pressed her large head against his knee, sensing some shift in his mood. Roman exhaled, long and slow.

He had responsibilities. Duties. Enemies still to contend with and political battles to wage. There was more than enough in his life to keep him busy in the city that he loved.

Still. He wondered what it might feel like to be looked at the way Emily now looked at Lyness. The tenderness and affection she held for Lyness had done wonders for his brother’s confidence.

Continuing toward St. Helen’s Square, he said to the dogs, “Someday.”

Athena barked once, sharply, as if in agreement. Roman smiled despite himself.

Today belonged to his brother. And Roman, for all his quiet yearning, found himself rather proud of the man Lyness had become.