Epilogue
Daisy decided to forgo a hot bath in favour of a hot cup of tea. She met Captain Norville on the landing.
“My mother’s already gone down,” he said. “I expect you’re good and ready for your tea.”
“More than ready,” Daisy agreed.
He followed her down the stairs to the hall. As he stepped ahead to open the library door for her, Belinda and Derek burst through the door from the passage to the dining-room and the old house.
“Is it tea-time, Aunt Daisy? I’m starving!”
“We’ve found something, Mummy.”
“Not a treasure map,” Derek sighed.
“We were searching for secret drawers in the old desk and we found this.” Belinda held out a folded piece of yellowing paper. “Derek was going to put it back, because it’s not a treasure map, but I thought it might be important.”
Daisy opened the paper. It was headed “Certificate of Marriage,” and below, amidst the official wording, were the names of the Honourable Albert Norville and Susannah Prasad, followed by Calloway’s signature.
“Yes, darling, it’s important!” Daisy handed the certificate to the captain. “I believe this belongs to your mother, Captain. You’re the best person to give it to her.”
The captain took one look and turned white beneath his tan. Then his face bloomed ruddily and tears started to his eyes. “Thank you,” he choked out, and rushed into the library.
“Is he happy, Mummy?” Belinda asked anxiously.
“Very happy, darling,” said Daisy, hugging her. So much for Mother’s grousing, she thought. My child is altogether satisfactory.