Esme Sparrow polished the nameplate against her sleeve before she placed it inside her hope chest beside the shiny dueling pistol and the gleaming badge. For a short while, she had been afraid this match would not reach fruition, but Dimitri had made the right choice.
At his Christmas wedding to Cynda, he had looked more relaxed and far happier than the young man who had visited The Chesterfield in past years. Cynda had glowed with love, making the occasion even more bittersweet for Esme. They were so involved with each other, it would be some time before either of them realized the nameplate was missing from the portrait.
The grand duchess had beamed with pride, certain she had been the one to make the match. Esme would not disillusion her. Her assistance in uniting the couple had been invaluable.
A final touch to the wonderful day had been Chief Garrett’s update on Johnson and his friends. Johnson’s friend had confessed, revealing that only he and Johnson had plotted to kill Dimitri, and both men were safely locked away for many years to come. Dimitri would have nothing to fear from them.
Miss Sparrow closed the chest with trembling fingers. This had to work. Only two more couples remained. But the next match would be the most difficult yet.
Would young Emily know how to catch a thief?