“You chose to come away with me,” Ned reminded her.

“So this is merely a romance?” She frowned disapprovingly. “I was hoping for an epic adventure, or a Gothic mystery at the very least.”

Ned laughed. “Darling, don’t worry. The story has just begun.”

Cecilia grinned and took his hand, and if Pleasance was watching, or was discreetly slipping away, she did not notice. She leaned forward to kiss him.

The building rose, or perhaps it was just her heart.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“Of course you do,” he replied wickedly.

And together they walked into the library.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

One quiet, sunlit afternoon, I was minding my own business when suddenly two elegant ladies holding teacups and pistols appeared in my consciousness. From that moment on, everything else came to a halt as I worked to find out who they might be. Thus Cecilia and Miss Darlington literally kidnapped my imagination in true piratic fashion. They then went on to change my life, as pirates are wont to do. I give them not only their due but my endless gratitude.

Hugs and wholehearted thanks to Taylor Haggerty, dream-maker extraordinaire. Your kindness, steadiness, and good cheer have uplifted my anxious heart more often than you know. Cheers also to the ladies of Root Literary, who have created an agency full of sparkle and loveliness. I still pinch myself with amazement that I’m part of the Root Lit family.

Getting to work with Kristine Swartz has been a real honor. Thank you so much, Kristine, for your graciousness, patience, and humor, and for helping me take my lady scoundrels further than I ever dreamed they could go. Thanks also to the entire fabulous Berkley team, including Bridget O’Toole, Jessica Brock, Stephanie Felty, Lindsey Tulloch, and Eileen Chetti. You’ve all contributed toward making this experience a delight. Swooning gratitude to Katie Anderson and Dawn Cooper for the truly gorgeous cover, and Laura K. Corless for the book design of my dreams.

Thanks and blessings to Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, Renee April, Kate Gillard, and all my online chums, for your support, friendship, and general egging-on. May your tea always be the perfect temperature when you go to drink it. Special love to my first teachers, Mrs. Milne and Mr. Robson. You were so kind, and so bolstering of the little girl who spent her days half-lost in stories. This book wouldn’t have existed without you. Thanks also to the west wind and old hills that godmothered my imagination throughout childhood. Wherever I am, I carry you with me.

I raise a teacup to the Brontë family and Charles Darwin, whose works provided the misquotes at each chapter beginning. No offense intended!

My deepest gratitude goes to my family, Amaya, Julie, Dale, Steph, Simon, Anya, and Myla. Without the solid foundation you gave me, I couldn’t have gone flying with mad pirates. Dad, you nurtured my love of stories. Mum, you’ve bravely read everything, from badly spelled epics about pink horses right through to kissing scenes, and deserve a medal for it. Amaya, without your insistence I might never have written this book, so with all my heart I thank you for that, and for the joy you bring me always.