Snowflakes and Scandals

Epilogue

Epilogue

Minnie heard family footsteps but did not turn around. “Humphrey, what are you doing here?”

There was a long pause. “Can I not visit my sister and former friend’s home?”

She finished with arranging her flowers and looked at her brother over her shoulder. “He’s still your friend.”

“Brother-in-law now. Not at all the same. He won’t come drinking and won’t go whoring with me anymore. He’s no fun.”

Minerva’s lips twitched. “That has not been my experience at all.”

“Well, I should hope not,” Humphrey protested, shuffling his feet. “He’d better do all he can to make you happy.”

She turned around fully and leaned back against the desk behind her. She studied her brother, glad she no longer lived with him. He looked like he needed a shave, and a decent meal, too. He’d lost weight…and servants, or so she’d heard. But she would not feel sorry for him. He’d not appreciated her. “Why the sudden concern about my happiness?”

“You’re still my sister. You’ll always be m’sister. Can I not know what you’ve been up to?”

He was her only brother, and so she had grudging allowed him to remain part of her life. But now she was married, she did not have to tell him anything she didn’t want to. “My husband is out at present.”

“I know. But it’s you I’ve come to see,” he promised.

“Really? What for? Do you want to cry on my shoulder over the betrayal?”

His gaze darkened. “No. Waste of time.”

Mrs. Franks had taken up residence with Mr. Moore, and without the benefit of a marriage, straight after Christmas. Humphrey had been greatly disappointed in her character and, according to Frederick, had sworn off all widows.

“Well, what is left to talk about?”

“Do you remember that punch you made for my house party last year?”

“The one you spiked with gin, so I almost ruined myself with Frederick?”

“Yes, that’s the one,” he said, slumping his shoulders a little, because he now knew full well how close to ruin his actions had brought her that night. Frederick had told him off, berated him for forgetting about her. He winced. “You see, I’ve lost the recipe.”

“And?”

“I’d like you to make it again.”

“I’ll write out the recipe for you and send it to your town house.”

“No.” He shook his head. “I’d like you to make it at the house party I’m throwing this summer.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Your housekeeper is more than capable of making punch for you and your scandalous friends.”

“It never tastes the same,” he claimed.

Minerva moved to sit, and her brother followed. “What did you really come here to ask for, brother?”

“I’m throwing another party, and I cannot possibly do it without you. You’re so good at that sort of thing.”

She did enjoy entertaining, especially now she was married and had a free hand with the guest list. “Perhaps you should have thought of that before you tried to exile me to Cornwall.”

“Yes, well, I admit that was a stupid idea of mine. I’m sorry. I never should have said the things I did, either. But you’re m’sister. I just don’t see you the way Frederick does.”

She inhaled. “I understand, but you hurt my feelings. It will take me a long time to forget it all.”

“That’s what Stonebeck said, too.” He edged closer. “Look, I apologized numerous times, and I offered you and Stonebeck the Cornwall estate for your honeymoon,” he protested.

“Yes, you did. We had a lovely holiday,” she conceded.

“What more can I do or say to make things right? You got what you wanted in the end. A ring on your finger and a season in London.”

“Only once I was a married woman.”

He winced again. “I hear you and Stonebeck scandalize everyone by dancing together far too often.”

She grinned. “I love to dance with Frederick.”

“So, you’ll come back home this summer? Stonebeck says it’s up to you to decide.”

She tapped her lip with her finger. She had enjoyed watching her brother squirm over the months since she’d wed. But she did miss the estate. And she loved summers there. “There would have to be conditions.”

Humphrey gulped. “Such as?”

She held up her fingers and ticked off each demand. “No wagers on women, and no spiking the punch bowl again.”

He nodded quickly. “I can live with that.”

“And…I get to invite my friends this time.”

Humphrey smiled suddenly. “I was just about to propose that very same thing. Just make sure to invite as many spinsters as possible. I’m done with widows and wagers forever.”