Epilogue
Cecilia watched James snake a ribbon out to Randy for the cat to attack. The cat didn’t disappoint. He reared up, tossing his head from side to side before leaping on the moving ribbon. James laughed, pulled the ribbon out from under the cat and snaked it out again.
“I thought you didn’t like cats, that you tolerated Randy for my sake,” she said in a teasing tone.
“I don’t, on the whole. I prefer dogs., This cat is different. This cat has a personality.”
“You don’t think other cats do?”
“Not that I’ve seen, no,” he said, snaking out the ribbon again. This time Randy was expecting his action and attacked his hand before he pulled it back. “Ouch! He got me!” James said half annoyed, half amused.
“Part of his personality,” Cecilia said drily as she leaned back into her nest of pillows on the blue sofa. She rested a hand on her growing stomach where sometimes she felt a fluttering kick.
“Excuse me, Sir James, Lady Branstoke, correspondence has arrived for you,” their butler Cranston said from the morning room doorway.
James straightened. “I’ll take it,” he said, extending his arm over the back of the sofa to take it from the butler. “Ah, it’s from Soothcoor with an update on Camden House,” he said. He settled into his corner of the sofa, crossing one leg over the other.
My dear James and Cecilia,
As you know from my last correspondence, following my marriage to Lilias, knowledge of Mr. Ratcliffe’s attempt to frame me for Malcolm’s murder resulted in a sentence to a prison hulk ship for five years.
Since then, there was a run on his bank which subsequently collapsed. I arranged to purchase his estate, and his shares in Camden House, at a deep discount, on the condition the funds were given to his wife, Mr. Montgomery’s mother. She has retired to Bath.
Mr. Turnbull-Minchin could not be tried for murder as there was no proof he did more than throw a rock at him; however, for his role in the evening’s events and the embezzling of Camden House monies, he was sent to a penal colony.
Dr. Worcham was absolved of his role in attempting to frame me as he was judged intimidated and threatened by Mr. Ratcliffe.
I am typically a forgiving man. I do not forgive him for the pain and anguish he caused my darling wife Lilias in agreeing to fake Mr. Montgomery’s death two years ago. I purchased his shares in Camden House. He and Mrs. Worcham have gone to Scotland to live.
Squire Eccleston has resigned his magistrate position. Dr. Denning, my old friend, has agreed to take over Camden House as a sanatorium and to become the coroner for the area. Mr. Quetal—upon Lady Branstoke’s suggestion—I have made steward.
Mrs. Vance approached me and requested to be named the housekeeper, a role I understand, they had not had. I agreed with great alacrity. She is a sharp woman. I think she and Mr. Quetal will do well together.
Lastly, Lydia is enjoying herself while numerous family members are debating who shall have the pleasure of her company on a permanent basis. She is a delight. I wish I could keep her.
My best to you and Cecilia. I hope to see you in the new year after we both have expanded our families.
Yours,
Soothcoor
Cecilia smiledand sighed contentedly when James finished reading. “Finally, Soothcoor has the happily ever after he deserves.”
“Yes. And so do we,” James said.
Cecilia slid her eyes toward him. “Until our next mystery.”
THE END