She shook her head. “No. We have a task to accomplish.” Turning to Finn, she met his gaze with determination. “There’s a serious wrong that only we can right. I know this course of ours is what we need to pursue, Finn. All my instincts, all my senses are saying yes. We have to show the world what Faversill is, and fix what he has done to the Marchville family.”
“If you’re sure,” murmured Finn.
“I’m sure,” she affirmed, leaning her head on his shoulder. “I am now beginning to wonder what Richard will say when he hears our news.”
“Uh…” Finn gulped. He had no idea either.
*~~*~~*
“You’rewhat?”
The squawk of surprise seemed to shock everyone, including the one who had uttered it, just moments after seating his guests in the parlour and offering them tea.
“They said they were engaged to wed, Richard. Did you hear them incorrectly?” Mrs. Cressida Ridlington carefully maneuvered her overlarge belly onto an upholstered chair and stared at her husband.
“But…but…” Richard stuttered.
Hecate couldn’t help a giggle, and Cressida shook her head on a sigh.
“Forgive my husband. He’s usually the most articulate of men. But recently his conversation seems to have descended to much simpler levels.”
“Don’t give me that look, Richard, youbas… devil.” Finn hastily amended his language. “I am tail over teakettle in love with your sister.” He glared across the table. “So there it is. I’ll make her the best husband you can imagine, so don’t go acting like an outraged father on me.”
“Don’t worry, Finn dear.” Hecate soothed him. “Richard is onlypracticinghis parental outrage.” She glanced at Cressida. “He’s only a few weeks away from being a father. Of two babies.” She lifted her chin. “Which, brother mine, I believe I tried to tell you about eight months ago. But would you believe me? Of course not.” She smirked.
Richard dropped into a chair. “Well…this has just taken me completely by surprise. First twins. Then Finn…Finn Caseyof all people, arrives at my front door with my baby sister and announces he’s going to marry her. And the twins…” He ran his hand through his hair. “I’m not sure I’ll survive all this.”
A small furry bundle rushed into the room, sniffed its way around everyone’s feet and ended up sitting on Hecate’s lap. “Hello Zizi, sweetheart.” A few scratches in the right place from clever fingers, and Zizi panted happily as she stretched out over Hecate’s knees.
“And where’s Dal, I’d like to know?” Richard found his second wind. “Shouldn’t he be here looking after you? And where’s your cane…and…oh God, Hecate.Married? You? You’re tooyoung…” He all but moaned as his shoulders sagged.
Cressida rolled her eyes. “He’ll be done in a minute.”
Finn took a tart and munched appreciatively. “We can wait. We may need more tarts…”
Hecate sipped her tea.
“I’m trying to be the voice of reason here, you know.” Richard frowned. “And yet what do I get? Mocked. You mock my attempts to guide you along the proper path.” He tried to summon up a glare for Hecate, but failed. “Then again, you always did, so I suppose nothing’s really changed. Except now you’re going to marry a damned fine fellow.”
He stood, crossed the room and shook hands with Finn, then returned to his seat. “Take care of her or I will personally eviscerate you and wear your guts for garters.”
“Is that a blessing?” Finn quirked an eyebrow at Hecate.
“It’s as close as we’re going to get, I think,” she grinned back. Then turned to Richard and Cressida. “Now. Can we tell you why we’re travelling? Why we need to get to London?”
“Please do,” said Cressida. “I cannot wait to hear this tale. It must be something quite important to drag you both halfway across England at this time of year.”
Finn sobered. “It is. And what I’m about to tell you must remain confidential, if you please. At least until we’ve accomplished our goal.”
An hour later, both Richard and Cressida were aghast at the tale Finn had related.
“I’d heard something about that Prussian mess. I’d love to know which idiot was to blame for that,” growled Richard. “I’ll wager heads rolled in the aftermath. Thank God you weren’t involved, Finn.”
“I was involved in too much of it, my friend. Colour Sergeant or not, I fought alongside so many brave lads that day. Only the Lord knows why I was spared when so many others fell.”
Hecate touched his arm in sympathy. “We cannot continue to re-fight the battle, Finn. Our job now is to bring a criminal to justice.”
“She’s right,” sighed Cressida. “But all the same…”
