The Sign of Death by Callie Hutton (children's books read aloud .TXT) 📗

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.

A third table piled high with stacks of books sat in the very center of the store with the sign E. D. BURTON.

No one sat there.

Amy and William strolled up to the store, hand in hand, and stopped to chat with the two local authors. They also greeted the O’Neill sisters, Lady Wethington and Mr. Colbert, and Mr. Davidson with his ever-present friend, Mr. Rawlings, along with others from the book club.

Mr. Rawlings winked at her.

William nodded to Miss Sterling and Lord Temple and his daughter, Lady Abigail. The store manager, Mr. Dobish, stood in the middle of the chaos and frantically looked around.

The crowd behind them was growing restless, several of them asking about E. D. Burton.

Mr. Dobish cleared his throat and raised his hands to gain the crowd’s attention. “Have no fear, ladies and gentlemen; I was assured by a representative of the publisher that Mr. E. D. Burton will definitely appear this evening.” He checked his timepiece. “We just need to give him a bit more time.”

Amy and William grinned at each other. He bowed to her, took her arm, and walked her to the table with the E. D. Burton sign on it. “My lady.” He pulled out the chair and she sat, placing her folded hands on the table.

William cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you my lovely fiancée, Lady Amy Lovell, also known as Mr. E. D. Burton, murder mystery author extraordinaire.”

The crowd erupted, everyone speaking at once.

Mr. Rawlings sauntered up to them and extended his hand. “Lady Amy, I am the representative of Chatto and Windus for all of Somerset County. It is a pleasure to meet you on a professional basis.”

Amy grinned. “It is nice to meet you in a professional capacity also, Mr. Rawlings.” She took his hand and gave it a sharp squeeze. No one would accuse her of being a mousy woman.

William bent to speak in Amy’s ear. “I have met your one condition, my lady. Plan the wedding.” He winked. “I will plan the honeymoon.”

ALSO AVAILABLE BY CALLIE HUTTON

Victorian Book Club Mysteries

A Study in Murder

Scottish Heart Series

His Rebellious Lass

A Scot to Wed

Noble Heart Series

For the Love of the Viscount

For the Love of the Marquess

For the Love of the Baron

For the Love of the Lady

For the Love of the Duke

For the Love of the Gentleman

Prisoners of Love Series

Adelaide

Cinnamon

Becky

Miranda

Lords and Ladies in Love Series

Seducing the Marquess

Marrying the Wrong Earl

Denying the Duke

Wagering for Miss Blake

Captivating the Earl

American Mail-Order Brides

Julie: Bride of New York

Surprise Brides

Caleb

McCoy Brothers Series

Daniel’s Desire

Stephen’s Bride

Oklahoma Lovers Series

A Run for Love

A Prescription for Love

A Chance to Love Again

A Wife for Christmas

Anyplace but Here

A Dogtown Christmas

Marriage Mart Mayhem Series

The Elusive Wife

The Duke’s Quandary

The Lady’s Disgrace

The Baron’s Betrayal

The Highlander’s Choice

The Highlander’s Accidental Marriage

The Earl’s Return

Merry Misfits of Bath Series

The Doctor and the