“Isn’t it though?” Lucy asked with a sigh. “That particular bit was my doing. Mrs. Bunbury’s sister took horribly ill and she was needed to take care of the children immediately. I doubt we’ll hear from her for quite some time.”

“Or until someone else needs a nonexistent chaperone,” Julian added.

“Why, Julian, I believe you’re finally learning how our minds work,” Lucy said with a laugh.

“That is a terrifying thought,” Derek interjected.

“You never know when we’ll need to be up to our schemes,” Lucy said.

“No more schemes for me,” Jane replied. “I intend to settle down into married life and use my influence to promote the cause of the rights of ladies.”

“You do, do you? Who do you intend to influence?” Garrett asked.

“Why, you, of course. You’re going to have to battle that horrid Lord Bartholomew one day.”

Garrett leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Lord Bartholomew doesn’t frighten me, my love. And now that I’m sleeping through the night, no longer waking up with nightmares, I daresay I’ll be even more prepared to take him on.”

“I only hope things settle down for a bit,” Cass said. “All those plots made me so nervous.”

“Don’t worry, dear,” Lucy replied. “Now that you, and I, and Jane, and Garrett are all happily settled, there should be no more cause for intrigue. In fact, I only hope things won’t become dull around here.”

“I doubt that’s possible, my love,” Derek said. “Which reminds me. Swifdon, congratulations are in order on the bill being passed. I know how hard you worked on it.”

Julian inclined his head. “Thank you, Your Grace. Of course Upton here had a great deal to do with it as well.”

Garrett nodded. “The families of the soldiers deserve it.”

Lucy’s eyes lit up. “Speaking of families of the soldiers, did you hear Mrs. Langford ran off to Gretna Green and married last week?”

“No!” Jane gasped.

“Yes.” Lucy’s nod was so vigorous one of her curls bounced out of her coiffure.

Garrett groaned. “Whom did she marry? I pity the chap.”

“No one I’ve ever heard of,” Lucy replied.

Jane leaned her head on her husband’s shoulder. “At least she’ll no longer be reliant on you for money, Garrett.”

“There is that to consider,” Garrett replied. “Though if the children ever need anything, I’ll certainly provide it.”

Jane lifted her head and kissed his lips. “That’s why I love you so. You’re generous and kind.”

“That’s why you love me. I’m pleased to hear it. I wasn’t certain whether you married me for me, or for my libraries.”

Jane shrugged. “Both, Garrett, I married you for both. I’m awfully fond of the dogs as well.”

Garrett sighed. “Now that Mrs. Cat and her kittens are ensconced in our house, we’ve got a practical menagerie.”