“At least we accomplished what we came here to do! And clearly, she is none the wiser.” Myra touched her pearls again. This time in relief. “Will you look at those two?” She nudged Annie in Charlotte and Lincoln’s direction. “I think Charlotte has a new friend.”

“Sometimes the universe does wonderful and magical things. I’m not going to order the wedding invitations yet, though.” They laughed. “But it would be nice for Charlotte to have a friend when she visits her daughter.”

Another hour and a half passed before Annie went over to the doghouse to see how much money they had raised and took the microphone. “Dear friends. I am delighted you could turn out for this impromptu gathering. You know how near and dear animals are to me and Myra. Tonight we raised over nineteen thousand pounds!”

Cheers, hoots, and hollers filled the room.

“Do you think we can make it an even twenty?” Annie said.

Lincoln raised his hand. “I’m good for another five hundred.”

Annie stared straight at Norma.

“Oh, me! We’ll kick in another five, also!” Norma was waving her arms wildly, but Annie could see the color leave Julian’s face.

“And for you few Yanks, that’s twenty-four thousand US—at least last time I checked.” A rumble of chuckles came from the guests. “Again, thank you for coming. I hope to see you again soon!” Annie put down the mic.

The guests gave a huge round of applause and bellowed, “Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray!”

The crowd began to thin, with more alternating cheek kisses, hugs, and handshakes. Lincoln was the last guest to leave. Annie and Myra scooted to the other side of the room so Charlotte and Lincoln could say good night. Lincoln handed Charlotte his card and kissed the back of her hand. Charlotte was glowing. Most likely blushing.

Annie was quite pleased with the entire evening. It had been a bit dodgy, but it had all worked out, and then some. Time to head back to the brownstone and report in.

Myra and Annie purposely sat Charlotte between them in the limo. “So?” they demanded in unison. Charlotte was blushing.

“He is very nice. He told me he was familiar with my books. He read them to his grandchildren! Imagine that!” Charlotte had a dreamy look on her face.

“Okay, girlfriend. When are you seeing him again?” Annie pushed.

“I didn’t make any plans.” She qualified her answer. “Yet. Not until our mission is complete.”

“Spoken like a true sister.” Myra squeezed Charlotte’s arm affectionately. “So what did you tell him?”

“I said I would very much like to see him again and would be in touch once I got my bearings and checked with everyone else’s schedule.”

“You’re a quick study!” Annie remarked.

“I’ve been trained by the best!” Charlotte reminded them.