Epilogue

Ironically, Reinhardt could simply have stolen the locket had he known what it contained. All his efforts to force Mercy into wedlock had been entirely unnecessary.

How Flossy had known where Reinhardt's cabin onboard the ship was - or indeed found the key - was a mystery they would never solve. According to the Reverend, the little dog clearly had a nose for rot.

By the time the Duke and Duchess of Blackmore arrived in London, the whole havey cavey business had been put to bed.

After listening incredulously to the whole story, Nicholas had professed his disappointment at missing all the excitement, before declaring that of course had he been with them, it would not have taken nearly as long to find the correct lodging house, since the shed storing cloves at the top of the jetty actually belonged to him...

On meeting Nate, both the Duke and Duchess proclaimed the Viscount a more than acceptable addition to the family – even more so after overhearing him declare to Mercy that if she thought he was going to wear a mustard waistcoat decorated with large purple roses to their wedding, she was entirely mistaken - only for them to enter the church on the day of the ceremony to see him uncomfortably attired not only the suggested mustard and purple waistcoat but a rather striking violet jacket to match. Ruby naturally sported an identical mustard and purple vest which she'd already managed to cover in something noxious.

Clearly, Mercedes had chosen very well indeed.

THE END