Epilogue

EPILOGUE

T hat evening Mrs. Pettigrew sat in her favorite chair in the library as Mr. Tugs served her an evening cup of tea. "Did you put the advertisement for a new maid in the paper, Tugs?"

"Several days ago, madame, just as you instructed." He smiled. "What a fine Christmas match you made. Bravo."

She smiled. "Thank you. It's nice to be working again, even if this is just a warm up."

"With any luck, another young lady will be on your doorstep. Who will you match her with?"

Mrs. Pettigrew tapped her chin with a finger. "Perhaps the Ferguson boy or the Johnson's son. But there are others too." She smiled. "If I'm really up for a challenge, I might try my hand at young Mr. Bradshaw."

Tugs gasped. "Oh, no, madame, not him. Why, he's caused nothing but trouble for Dalton and Chastity."

"Yes, he has," she agreed. "But there's a man in that boy, waiting for the right woman to bring out the best in him." She smiled at Mr. Tugs. "Who knows, perhaps my new maid will be she?"

"Or perhaps you should start advertising your services again?"

"Oh, no, it's much more fun to match the rich with the poor. Balances things you know." She examined a fingernail. "By the way, have the Harringtons been about town since my ball?"

Mr. Tugs bit his lower lip, an obvious attempt not to smile. "I can't say as they have, madame. Word has it no one's seen them for days. I'm sure they're enjoying a quiet Christmas at home."

She smiled. "You're probably right. Now, I must have everyone help me plan Chastity's wedding. They'll want to marry in early spring, I'm sure, if not sooner."

"I have no doubt, madame," Mr. Tugs said as he handed her a teacup and saucer.

She took them and smiled. "You know what a real challenge would be?"

"I couldn't say, madame." He poured himself a cup of tea and sat in a nearby chair.

Mrs. Pettigrew grinned ear to ear. "To make a match during each of the next six holidays."

Mr. Tugs almost spewed his tea. "What?"

She turned in her chair to face him. "Oh, yes. I've covered Christmas, now there's New Year's, and of course Valentine's Day…"

"But Mrs. Pettigrew, New Year's Day is but a week away!"

Her face lit up. "Yes! Isn't it exciting?" She stood, grinning like a loon. "Fetch everyone! We've got some planning to do!"

Mr. Tugs, gaped at her a moment, sighed, then set down his cup and saucer.

Mrs. Pettigrew regally sat. "After we have our tea, Tugs."

He smiled in relief. "Of course, madame."

She winked at him, sat back, and took a sip. He was right, she had made a good Christmas match. She could hardly wait to see who she could match for New Year's.

THE END