Epilogue #1

A letter from Holbrook's mother

Lucas,

I was very pleased to receive your letter informing us of your upcoming nuptials at the end of the season… Which, good heavens, is almost upon us!

You might have prepared me sooner. I had no notion you were looking for a bride this year. I would have happily joined you in London to offer my assistance. You know how much I prefer the country, but for my beloved firstborn, I would have made the sacrifice.

I will be departing as soon as possible. And since your brothers are newly arrived home from Eton, they'll be joining me. Pray that I survive the trip down. You cannot imagine what a trial it is sharing a carriage with those three boys.

The house is in an uproar as we make the preparations. You should know that your brothers are already making plans to turn London upside down. I will have to rely on you to help me with them.

With much love and kisses from your devoted mother.

XXXXX

Postscript—If I make the trip all the way to London only to learn you've already married by special license, I will be most aggrieved.