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In his room at the Mermaid’s Kiss, Alexander savored a sip of brandy and considered the success of the day. He glanced out the window at the lights of Castle Keyvnor and felt unusual impatience to reach London. He had to push aside the vine to make space on the table to write his letter. It had recovered from its state earlier in the day and was on the cusp of blooming again.

The wretched story was true, after all.

He hoped the plant would fit in his coach, though he might have to ride with the driver for that to be so.

There was no question of leaving it behind or letting it perish. Daphne adored it and he was rather fond of its role in ensuring her safety on this day.

He picked up his quill, summoned the familiar tone, and began to write.

My dear Aunt Penelope—

Such news I have to share with you on this merry Christmastide! You will be heartened to learn that Dr. MacEwan’s prescription worked admirably—I am fully restored to my former vigor, but it is not due to the sea air. I arrived in Cornwall to witness such excitement that it has driven all illness from me. Haskell chose the destination of Bocka Morrow when I told him to find accommodation in Cornwall, and for a reason of his own. It has been revealed that Haskell is a spy—yes, Haskell!—and he succeeded in unveiling a notorious jewel thief at Castle Keyvnor. The fiend stole a gift from one of the brides, but Haskell saw him apprehended. Even now, he journeys to London with the magistrate to see the villain brought to justice.

Of course, this put me in mind of Anthea’s perfectly dreadful experience. You will be delighted to know that this same man was responsible for that offense, so justice has been served. He used the most enchanting young lady here to aid in his scheme. Once all was revealed, I could only express my heartfelt sympathy to her for enduring even a short-lived shadow upon her good name. In the end, she proved to be such a delight that she and I are to wed. You might know her grandmother, the dowager Viscountess North Barrows? I remember my grandfather talking of the Lord North Barrows’ nuptials to that very lady...

And we shall soon have the pleasure of each other’s company! I have sent word with Haskell to open the house in Grosvenor Square and will escort my betrothed, Miss Goodenham there, along with her sister, Eurydice, and Lady North Barrows herself. I had thought to leave the house to the ladies until Daphne and I celebrate our nuptials, but with each passing day, I see greater appeal in a special license. I will invite you to dinner to meet my intended once we have arrived in Town. I do indeed hope that Anthea can be coaxed to join us shortly. Daphne has a great deal of shopping to be done before the season and we both know what excellent taste Anthea has...

EPILOGUE

Anthea Armstrong was notsurprised to receive a letter from her brother shortly after Christmas. She had been hoping to hear from him since his departure, and while Christmas had been festive, it had also been lonely. She missed Alexander’s laughter.

It was snowing lightly and she sat before the fire in the library to read his missive, daring to hope it held tidings of his return. It was a nice fat letter, and she looked forward to a goodly amount of news.

To her surprise, Alexander’s letter was folded around a plumper missive. His message was surprisingly short.

My dear Anthea—

The seed sprouted.

You lost the wager.

I look forward to seeing you at the London house so that you can meet my betrothed, Miss Daphne Goodenham.

I shall let Daphne recount the tale of our whirlwind courtship, in all the fulsome detail that ladies so adore.

Suffice it to say that I am well content and hope that you will ensure that Daphne’s first season is a triumphant one. I mean to stay in London long enough for Daphne to tire of its charms, then retreat to Airdfinnan. Please join us with all speed.

With greatest affection,

Your brother—

Alexander

It was marked with his seal.

Anthea was pleased by the news, though a little troubled by the notion of going to London.

Although she had made Alexander a wager.

She had to stand by her own terms.

She wondered, too, that Alexander had found a bride so quickly and feared the lady in question might not love him sufficiently well. The last thing he needed was a repeat of Miranda Delaney’s betrayal.

Anthea opened the other letter with curiosity. Daphne’s writing was graceful, the letters elegant and regular but not overly ornate. Even without reading a word, Anthea was half-convinced that Alexander had found an honest and beautiful girl to make his bride.

Dear Lady Anthea—

I am writing to introduce myself to you at Alexander’s suggestion, though I would much prefer to do so in person. He seems to think that you will be skeptical of my existence without a letter from me, though why you might doubt his word is a complete mystery. He is the most honorable and constant man I have ever known, and already I trust in his word implicitly.