"Maggie!" Ysabella greeted her, "I miss you! We all do!"

She gave her sister an amused frown. "You know I'm merely a few blocks away, yes?"

Ysabella shrugged. "Well, yes. But we still miss you."

She chuckled. "Where is Mother? I was hoping to spend tea with her," she said.

"She's out. Lady Lettice is in town. But you can join us for tea. Aurora is here."

"Aurora?"

"My friend I met at Sheills."

"Ah, yes, of course," she said, following Ysabella into the parlor.

Emma was sitting in one of the chairs talking to a dark-haired lady. "Look who came calling!" Ysabella cheerfully said. "Aurora, you've met our sister in Sheills. But back then she was not yet Lady Margaret Devitt."

The woman, although terribly beautiful, was obviously a little older than the twins. She stood and gave Margaret a small curtsy. "It is my pleasure to meet you, Lady Devitt."

"Aurora is here to find a match," said Ysabella. "Need not be shy, Aurora. We are all looking for a match this Wickhurst Season."

"Not me," Emma objected, picking up her tea.

"You are almost the same age as Maggie. You should find a husband this season," Ysabella told her friend, ignoring Emma.

"Don't mind Ysabella," Margaret said, sitting down. "There should be no rush in finding a match. Age is but a number."

"That's what I've been telling them," Emma droned. "Look at Maggie. She was on the shelf last year and look at her now. She was not hunting as much as she is not desperate to have a child at her age. Right, Maggie?"

Margaret laughed. "Quite true. I enjoy every moment." Eyeing Aurora, who was smiling at her with a mixture of awe and curiosity, Margaret asked, "But have you any eye on someone?"

The woman blinked a few times. "I have not yet met enough gentlemen, I'm afraid."

"Yesterday, she danced with Wakefield's brother," said Ysabella.

"Wakefield?"

"Yes. His brother was in town and attended the same ball last night. Imagine if he proposes, Aurora. We would be sisters."

"Oh, Lord," Emma groaned. "You and your fantasies."

Aurora merely laughed. "I do not think Lord Bertram enjoyed our dance enough. I've stepped on his foot more frequently than I talked."

"But he's been eyeing you the entire evening," said Ysabella. "No matter. If he's not for you, we can always find someone else at Theobald. Wakefield will also be there."

"Should you have Wakefield in your thoughts every single moment?" Emma asked. "We have him for every meal as well," she said to Margaret. "If she mentions Wakefield another time, I will start to forget what my meals actually taste like!"

"But I have to agree that Lord Wakefield and Ysabella can be truly a good pair," Aurora loyally said. "He flushes whenever she comes near."

"That's because he's flustered, really," Emma murmured.

"Very well, I will no longer mention Wakefield," said Ysabella. "What about our brothers, Aurora? I'm certain one of them will be good enough." When she said it, both Margaret and Emma grimaced. Ysabella considered what she just said and her face crumpled. "Well, we can forget about them. Nick is too dramatic, Max too dry, and Ralph too young and immature."

Margaret sighed, shaking her head, giving Aurora a look of warning. "Do be careful with these two, Aurora. They do try so hard with their matchmaking."

Aurora chuckled. "I shall keep that in mind."

They talked more about the season, and how the ladies were surviving it. She listened to Ysabella and Emma complain about their brothers who would always arrive in the same ball they were in just to see, perhaps, that they were in the ballroom and not somewhere else. "And they would scrutinize our dance cards at every turn!" Ysabella whined.

Their conversation came to a halt when Lady Alice arrived with her friends, who then engaged the much younger ladies to stories of old days.

When she got home, Margaret was exhausted.

She found Cole in his study. "What time did you arrive?" she asked, walking over to stand by his chair. He tilted his head back and received her kiss.

"Two hours ago, I believe," he said with a sigh. He sounded tired but he smiled when she slid over his lap. "How was tea?"

"I met the twins' new friend. The one Ysabella befriended in Sheills last year."

His eyes narrowed down at her. "And why do you look bothered?"

"She's a little old for them."

"They're friends, Meg."

"I mean she does not seem like someone who would be friends with the twins. I can't explain it."

"It's in your nature to not trust everyone." He wrapped his arms around her and adjusted her on his lap. "It's like a double-edged sword, this trait of yours."

"I'd love their friendship to be completely innocent in nature, Cole. Truly, I do. But there's something about this woman that makes me wary."

Cole smiled. "Well, then, what do you intend to do about it?"

"Nothing," she said, kissing his mouth. "For now."

"You're being a bloody Leaguer again. Stop it. These are your sisters. I'm quite certain they know what they're doing."

"You think Ysabella knows what she's doing? Obsessing over Wakefield?"

"She has Emma. And you know Emma."

"That's the only thing that assures me," Margaret said. "Well, you are right. They're old enough to know what they're doing. And I have other important things to work on."

For a year now, they had been reevaluating evidence with the League, with Meg serving as Cole's liaison. It had not been easy as they first thought. The League had collected a lot over the years, and so did Cole. Everything had to be validated by the other before it could be collated. Worse, it bore Margaret. There was nothing but papers, following a system of protocols, and guessing which person was which. Not only that, there were more things coming in from all sides—new evidence that would most often fall into the category of gossip rather than a reliable source.

It had become a routine. The only consolation for them was that everything was slowly becoming clearer. They could see a picture emerging as they worked.

But it was not enough. They needed more.

Osmond Trilby's death had long been forgotten by many. The cryptic thing, however, was that the next Prime Minister was someone they did not expect.

It was Alan Osegod. His name suddenly became popular, when just a few years ago, he was but a stranger to everyone. He had made open remarks on subjects that concerned many of the townspeople, touching the right topics just enough to garner attention. And he surprisingly had a lot of support from both Houses.

The League, and even Cole, had expected another Trilby to take the seat, but such was not the case. Alan Osegod managed to rise in popularity amongst both Houses, and had gained the majority of the votes last year.

Margaret knew that the League was keeping a close eye on the man. They had heard that the Blower did not trust him. But that was all she could get from Calan Haverston.

As her husband showered kisses on her neck, she said, "With the contributions we have on this case, I think we have a high chance of meeting the Blower."

"Hm," was all he said, his lips tracing her jaw.

"We'll have to work on this case as long as we can, Cole," she said. "We shall be involved until we meet her."

His lips stretched in the corner of her mouth. "You're so certain it's a woman."

"I'm sure she's a woman. How else do you think she gathers information? Men don't trust their women to understand their conversations. Sometimes, they barely know we're there. Or they get too distracted like you are now."

He stopped and gathered her in his arms. Standing, he said, "I think you're quite right. Let's continue this in our bedchamber."

Hours later, as they dressed for supper, Margaret asked, "How was your night with my brothers?"

"You should have come to Grey's after all," he said with a groan.

"It couldn't be that bad."

"Well, Ben was there to control the others."

"Good."

"And they're in our drawing room."

Margaret whirled around in shock. "What?!"

Cole laughed. "Asleep. They were too foxed. Ben said we should leave them at Grey's and left without much of a word."

"Well, you should have! They practically live there!"

"Have a heart, darling. The manager was too flustered. I took pity."

"Goodness," she said, shaking her head. Not a moment too soon, she was storming toward the drawing room to wake her brothers. And not long after, much to her chagrin, she was dining with them.

"I think this wine doesn't taste like anything," Nicholas said, frowning at his glass.

"You get what you give," Cole said with a smile.

Whatever Nicholas had to say was interrupted by the arrival of a breathless footman from the Everard House. His eyes were wide as he said, "Lord Devonshire demands that everyone come to the Everard House at once. He says that Lord Standbury is going insane and needs your help."

"Levi? But he is not due to arrive with Tori until tomorrow," said Margaret.

"Lady Standbury started to go on labor on their way here, my lady," the footman said. "Thus the rush. The doctor just arrived."

Without a word, they shot to their feet.

Not half an hour later, they all burst into the Everard House as a group. The twins were ready to block their path and direct them to the parlor.

"Mother's orders. No one comes upstairs."

"But she's my best friend!" Margaret cried out.

"Mother's orders," Emma sternly said. "She says there are already too many people in the room. Agatha is with them and she knows more about this than anyone."

Margaret turned on her heels and stalked to the parlor where she found Levi rubbing his face with his hands. In one corner, Benedict was sitting down calmly. Her brothers, on the other hand, started to attack the liquor cabinet.

"We had started to offer you our best brandies, Devitt," Nicholas said, continuing their conversation at supper. "You ought to at least pay us with a new nephew."

"Yes, nephew. We have enough Everard women running around," Ralph added, forcing a glass of brandy in Levi's hand. "Drink, brother, before you lose your mind."

"I wonder why they do not berate me for still not having sired an heir," Benedict said to Cole.

Margaret smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. She was aware that Agatha and Benedict had been trying.

"I think I should be there with her. She needs me," Margaret said, swallowing the drink Maxwell gave her.

"Can everyone shut up?" Levi asked, glaring at them.

"I'm out of here," Margaret announced, handing her empty glass to Cole before giving him a chaste kiss.

But it was Cole who stopped her, catching her hand. "You have to stay here."

"He's right," said Benedict. "Even the husband cannot enter that room. Mother has locked us all out."

Margaret groaned and dropped beside her husband.

"I heard it's quite painful," said Ralph. "How long has she been in labor, Levi?"

"Shut up, Ralph," Levi bit out.

"But I'm just asking—"

A pillow flew across the room and landed on Ralph. "Shut up," Maxwell said.

"You threw a pillow at me!" Ralph growled.

"Stop it or you're all out of here," Benedict ordered.

Margaret jumped to her feet. "I'm not going upstairs, but I'm out of here. You men are making it worse. I'll be outside with the twins."

Ysabella and Emma were talking when she slipped out of the room. They fell silent as she approached. "Distract me. What are you talking about?" she asked.

"Bandits," Emma nonchalantly said, wincing when Ysabella's elbow poked her side.

Margaret had to admit it was a good distraction because she was suddenly curious. "Bandits?"

Ysabella gave a nervous laugh. "Have we not told you? We are friends with some."

Margaret faced them fully. "How?"

The pair looked too innocent to be believed. "We met them on our journey to Standbury with Tori and Levi."

Margaret's eyes widened. "Is one of these bandits named Alex?"

"How do you know of her?" Emma asked, face filled with wonder. "Oh, Lord, did you meet her? You saw Ned and Barto, yes? Did they hurt you? You ought to have told them you're an Everard!"

Margaret's mouth dropped open. For a moment she was speechless. "I did!"

The twins relaxed. "Oh, well. Good," Ysabella murmured.

"I cannot believe—"

"Do not tell Levi, please," Emma interjected. "He would kill us if he learns we told you. He would rather forget that incident. And don't tell Ralph. He's a Town Guard now. It's not very safe for Alex and her family."

Margaret groaned. "Oh dear Lord. Friends with bandits... When will you both grow up?" she groaned.

"We are growing up, Maggie," Ysabella said. "And bandits are not all that bad! They are quite fun people. If you simply hide your purse, of course."

"Fiona and Faye seem to grow old faster than you two," Margaret said to them. "And now I'm afraid to let them stay with us next season."

"It doesn't matter. We can just spend next season there," said Emma. "I've rather grown fond of Devonshire since the school was established."

Margaret sighed, shaking her head. "I think I need more drink." As she walked back into the parlor, she muttered, "Bandits!" in utter disbelief.

***

The baby arrived in the wee hours, making everyone in the parlor jump to their feet to race up the staircase to Tori's chambers. Levi was already at the door before everyone else reached the landing.

They crowded around Levi who took the child from the nursemaid. Benedict wrapped an arm around his wife, who looked just as exhausted as Tori and kissed her temple.

"Are you quite sure it's a she?" Ralph asked, doubt in his voice.

"Are you quite certain about the name Lindsay?" Maxwell asked Levi with a frown on his face.

"She is Lindsay," Levi growled at his brother. He snapped his eyes at Ralph and added, "And yes, she is a she."

Margaret chuckled, stepped back, and went to her friend on the bed. "You did great, Tori," she said. "Now you must tell me if it bloody hurt like hell."

Tori groaned. "I don't recommend it, Maggie. It hurt so much."

"Oh, Lord," Margaret said.

Tori broke into a smile. "But it's worth it."

***

Margaret and Cole went home after Levi ordered everyone to leave him alone with his wife and daughter. Their mother seconded, telling everyone it was time to rest and that they could all have their time with the babe on the morrow.

"I have something to confess," Cole said, rousing Margaret from sleep in the carriage way home.

"What is it?" she sleepily asked.

He gave her a sideway glance. "You do not sound so interested."

"Why should I be?"

"I might confess to having a mistress, or that I did something terrible," he nonchalantly said.

Margaret scoffed. "And I ought to worry because?"

"Then you are not worried if I do indeed have a mistress?"

"Why would I be? She must be the one who must worry, not I," she countered. "She might disappear from the Town and no one would ever know it."

Cole laughed out loud.

"What is it?" Margaret asked.

"Do you remember I told you I do still have the special license years ago?"

"Yes, of course. You have kept it to this day."

"Well," he said, clearing his throat, "I must confess I acquired two. I had the first one before I asked your father and Benedict for your hand."

Margaret frowned. "But how did you acquire their—"

"I forged their signatures," he said in haste, stealing a glance at her. "I'm not proud of it now, of course."

"You did what?" she asked, fully awake now and strangely horrified and amused all the same.

Her husband let out a sigh of relief. "It feels quite good to finally let it out. But they did give their signature for the second one."

Margaret slapped his arm. "That was foolish of you!"

"I know, but I was anxious they would not approve. I should have known they would because your mother had already expressed her approval."

She let out an incredulous laugh.

"I do have it still if you wish to see it." When she simply shook her head in disbelief, he added, "Should I confess to Benedict?"

"No!" Margaret immediately said. "They will surely kill you this time, darling, trust me. Burn the bloody license after you show it to me. I want to see your forgery skills. You may come in handy in the future."

"I'm afraid that as a member of the Men of Courts, I cannot assist you on such endeavors should you require it," he said.

"Now that we have come to confessing our little crimes, I have one as well," Margaret said after a while when they reached home.

"What is it?"

"I stole one of your brooches during the Theobald party."

She laughed at his horrified look and pushed the door open.

"Now, my love, you must tell me every detail. How, when, and where?" Cole said as he followed her up the stairs to their bedchamber.

Moments later, Margaret's muffled laughter echoed down the corridor, followed by her husband's scandalized cry of disbelief.