Reggie, the only one close enough to have heard Edward’s quiet remarks to his daughter, said with a grin, “Don’t count yourself short, Uncle Edward. It still takes a certain genius to build the financial empire that you have. Being able to accurately judge the people you invest with helps, certainly, but you still did the picking and choosing. Now, look at me. Like Amy, I took after her in looks, yet I didn’t inherit any of these other gifts.”

Edward chuckled at her. “I don’t mind sharing the credit, puss. And don’t be too sure you didn’t inherit any gifts. Gypsy charm works its own magic. And have you yet to be wrong in any of your matchmaking endeavors?”

Reggie blinked. “Well, no, come to think of it, I haven’t.” And then she beamed. “Oh, just wait till I tell Nicholas that he never stood a chance, once I decided to matchmake myself to him.”

Reggie’s husband had gone to bed several hours ago, simply too tired to stay up to hear the “ending.” But the others in the room heard her delighted remark and started commenting, some with humor, some quite appalled . . .

Like Travis, who quickly said, “Just keep those matchmaking tendencies of yours away from me, cousin. I’m not ready to wear the shackles just yet.”

“I am,” Marshall said, smiling at her. “So do feel quite free to make me your next project.”

“Never really thought of it before, but the dear puss really has had quite a hand in matchmaking a lot of us, myself included,” Anthony put in. “She did fill my Roslynn’s pretty head with nothing but good things about me, expounding on all my good qualities.”

“That must have been bloody hard to do,” James remarked dryly. “Considering how few good qualities you possess, old man.”

“Look who’s talking.” Anthony snorted. “Can’t imagine what George ever saw in you. But then she has come to her senses, hasn’t she?”

That was hitting rather low, considering it was quite a raw spot for James at the moment, that Georgina still wouldn’t talk to him about what was really bothering her, and their bedroom door was still being locked tight against him—especially since Anthony was having no such extended difficulties with his own wife.

So it wasn’t the least bit surprising that James replied, albeit with his usual lack of expression, “That black eye of yours is starting to fade, brother. Remind me to rectify that in the morning.”

“Not bloody likely. I’ll be catching up on quite a bit of lost sleep tomorrow, if it’s all the same to you,” Anthony retorted.

James merely smiled. “It’s not. And do be assured that I can wait until you’ve caught up. Wouldn’t want you in less than top form.”

Chagrined, Anthony mumbled, “You’re all heart, you bloody ass.”