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immortal. Do you honestly believe that a man who lived as carelessly as Aubrey could outlive Ruth and Louise?
    I had to admit that Aunt Dimity had a point. Men who drank, gambled, fought, slept around, and took things that didn’t belong to them stood a better than average chance of dying young. Nevertheless, I didn’t think the Pyms would have asked me to achieve the impossible. I drummed my fingers on the arm of the chair while I turned the matter over in my mind.
    “Maybe they want me to find Aubrey’s grave,” I said finally. “It might give them some peace of mind to know where he’s buried. Scoundrel or not, he was their big brother.”
    He was an unrepentant villain, but I know what you mean. Time has a way of softening harsh memories. If you’ve interpreted the Pyms’ wishes correctly, how do you propose to find Aubrey’s grave?
    “I’ll start by speaking with their family solicitor,” I replied. “I intend to meet with him tomorrow. His name is Fortescue Makepeace, his office is in Upper Deeping, and Ruth and Louise promised that he would explain everything.”
    I hope he will.
    “ I hope he has a map with a big red X on it,” I said, “marking the spot where Aubrey is buried.”
    I wouldn’t be quite that hopeful. But I’m sure that Mr. Makepeace will be as helpful as he can be. Have Bill and William voiced their opinions on your latest venture?
    “They’re behind me one hundred percent,” I said.
    As am I, my dear.
    “I never doubted it.” I smiled briefly, then gazed pensively into the fire. “The Pyms have entrusted me with what feels like a huge responsibility, Dimity. Why do you suppose they picked me? ”
    I can think of several reasons, but you cited the most important one. The Pyms trust you, Lori. They know that you won’t rest until you’ve carried out their wishes. They selected you because you’re demanding, tenacious, and inquisitive.
    “In other words,” I said dryly, “I’m bossy, bullheaded, and nosy.”
    You have a host of qualities the Pyms admire, my dear. They are depending on you to use those qualities to fulfill their last request.
    “I’ll give it my best shot,” I said. “But will it be good enough? What if they die before I find Aubrey’s grave?”
    You mustn’t allow “what-ifs” to discourage you, Lori. Where there’s life, there’s hope, and the Pyms are—for the moment, at least—still very much alive. Cast aside your doubts and fears and get on with the task at hand.
    “Easier said than done,” I murmured.
    Most things are. I have faith in you, Lori. I’m certain that you will be able to locate Aubrey’s grave. I would suggest, however, that you get some sleep before you start looking for it. Old graves aren’t as easy to find as you might think. You’ll need to be well rested if you’re to contend with brambles, wasps’ nests, and mud.
    “I’ll let you know what I find out from Mr. Makepeace,” I said.
    I look forward to hearing each and every detail. Good night, my dear.
    “Good night, Dimity,” I said.
    I waited until the curving lines of royal-blue ink had faded from the page, then closed the journal and returned it to its spot on the bookshelves. Reginald beamed down at me encouragingly as I knelt to bank the fire.
    “Brambles, wasps’ nests, and mud won’t slow me down,” I told him, with more confidence than I felt. “If I have to, I’ll go to the ends of the earth to keep my promise to the Pyms.”
    Had I known what the future held in store for me, I might have chosen my words more carefully. Instead, I patted Reginald’s powder-pink snout, turned out the lights, and made my way quietly to bed, where I lay awake for a long time, contemplating life and death and the love of two frail sisters for a banished scoundrel.

Five
    B ill was gone before dawn the following morning. I rose early enough to see him off, but I didn’t linger on the doorstep because the weather had taken a decided turn for the worse. The wind had