The Sign of Death (Victorian Book Club Mystery 2)

“Yes?”

“On one condition.”

He raised his brows. “Only one? I am getting off easy.”

* * *

William and Amy returned to the drawing room to the expectant looks on most of the guests’ faces. He held up her left hand to show off the beautiful diamond-and-ruby ring he’d slipped on her finger. “She said yes.”

They were immediately surrounded by family and friends, all offering congratulations and well wishes.

“We must plan the wedding,” Aunt Margaret said. “How soon do you want it?” She turned to William. Apparently it was assumed that he didn’t want to wait too long to experience all that marriage had to offer.

“I leave that up to my betrothed.” There. That should give him a few points with his bride-to-be.

Lord Winchester wandered in William’s direction and slapped him on the back. “Welcome to the family, son. You are marrying the finest woman in Bath.”

William smiled at Amy. “I know.”

“I might dispute that, but I remember what a powerful punch my sister can throw.” Michael kissed Amy on the cheek and shook William’s hand. “Best wishes to both of you.”

After a few minutes, dinner was announced, and they all proceeded into the dining room. William strolled along with Amy on his arm, feeling quite proud of himself. He had felt no panic at all when he arrived at the jewelry store to purchase Amy’s ring two days earlier. Mother had reminded him that he’d inherited jewelry from both his grandmothers, but he’d wanted something new for Amy.

She could wear the other jewelry if she wished, but he wanted his ring to be for her and only her.

Mother had done an excellent job in planning the dinner. Although he had promised he would look over her menu choices, with all that had happened since, he’d never had a chance—or truth be known, the desire—to peruse the paper she kept handing him.

They dined on a clear-gravy soup, stewed eels, fricandeau of veal with spinach, roast capon, mashed potatoes with broccoli, Nesselrode pudding, fruit, nuts, and cheese.

The conversation was lively, and he was glad to see how happy Amy appeared to be, speaking of the upcoming wedding. Once in a while she would glance down at her hand, then look over at him and smile.

Yes. This felt right.

As soon as the dishes had been removed and only the tray of fruit, cheese, and nuts remained along with brandy for the men and tea for the ladies, Mr. Colbert stood and cleared his throat, reminiscent of the book club meetings. “May I have your attention, please?” He smiled down at Mother and took her hand.

What the devil?

“I would like to make another happy announcement. Lady Wethington has granted me the pleasure and honor of accepting my offer of marriage.”

William almost swallowed his tongue. Marriage? He swung his attention to his mother, who was blushing. Blushing! Sitting next to him, Amy grabbed his hand. “Please don’t spoil this moment for them.”

William took a deep breath. She was right. Mother was not only blushing but looking at Mr. Colbert as if he had hung the moon, and the man was looking at her the same way.

William wiped his mouth with his napkin, stood, and held up his wineglass. “Although I wish I had known about this before an announcement was made—”

“William,” Amy whispered.

“—I would like to offer my congratulations and best wishes to my mother and Mr. Colbert.” He managed to eke out a smile. “Welcome to the family.”

Mr. Colbert beamed, and William looked over at his mother, who mouthed thank you before showing everyone the beautiful diamond ring on her finger.

“It appears we have two weddings to plan,” Aunt Margaret said as she joined in the toast.

Amy looked at her aunt and then her brother. “With two more to go.” She dipped her head and lifted her glass, then linked her fingers with William’s under the table.

EPILOGUE

The crowds had already gathered at the Atkinson & Tucker bookstore for the much-awaited book fair. Two local authors had taken their seats at tables awaiting customers who had purchased their books for signing.