Page 64 of The Clockwork Ledger

“He hasn’t asked me properly yet, Alastair. I might say no...” She laughed at Lucas. “We’ll have to negotiate terms, I suppose...”

He seized her and promptly kissed her thoroughly and passionately, in front of the small crowd that had gathered, the officers of the law, and a statue of Lancelot Bramble, reputed father of Red Rivet ale.

When Lucas let Verity up for air, she wobbled a bit, then caught her balance and looked at Alastair.

“Um...That charity? Please note that it’ll be chaired by Lady VerityAshcombe.”

And yes, the small crowd cheered energetically, even though they had absolutely no idea whatsoever about what washappening in front of them. After all, it was a lovely day, apparently some bad people had been arrested, and a handsome man had asked a beautiful woman to marry him. She’d said yes.

They couldn’t really ask for more...

Epilogue

Lady Verity Ashcombe had decided she quite liked her new name, since it had come with the most wonderful husband anyone could have wished for. Of course they had somewhat loud discussions when disagreements arose, but since they usually settled their differences in the bedroom, neither minded.

The Turner-Yardley charities were stronger than ever, the Ledger Wardens vigilant—and quite jubilant to have the help of a mirror engine of their own, thanks to Lucas’s generous donation.

As far as Lady Beatrice and Sir Henry Lockwood were concerned, the future did not look quite so bright. Their trial, held in the ages old Arcvale Courthouse, revealed the depth of their deception. A PBIC report, now designed to trace the glitches, produced evidence that was quite damning. They’d been doing the same thing for years. Protesting their innocence failed completely.

Alastair, who knew the judge, was allowed to ask a question during the trial. He wanted to know where the Lockwoods had discovered the method they’d used.

Beatrice had shrugged and responded that it had been in an old book that had belonged to a long-dead Lockwood. They’d only found it a few years before in an antiques emporium. When asked if they still possessed the book, Sir Henry shook his head, announcing that they’d thrown it away, once they’d learned what to do.

Alastair had to make do with that unsatisfactory answer and sighed.

But there were many unanswered questions in Arcvale. This was just another mystery that might be solved someday.

The Forge continued to thrive, and Silas brought his wife up to the Ashcombe residence quite often, to enjoy a family meal, or simply to continue repairing the fraternal links that had been so badly shattered. Verity’s heart warmed to see the brothers together, and Thea shared that emotion. Over tea, the wives observed their husbands as they re-discovered the pleasure of family, Thea joyfully announcing that it would be expanding within a few months.

Both Sir Lucas and Lady Verity agreed that Arcvale had never looked more beautiful. And they also agreed that the few tweaks they’d designed and implemented to secure the PBIC had helped them sleep a lot easier.

But Alistair was left with one unanswered question...who had attempted to pillage the Air Brigade’s bank all those years ago?