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soul. I mean it, the old fellow is quite dear. I’m certain we’ll get along swimmingly.”
    â€œHe’s really not bad at all, for a man as old as Moses,” Mireau offered cheerfully.
    Justin groaned again.
    â€œLook, there’s the point,” Maggie insisted. “He’s far too elderly to . . . well, to expect the usual things from marriage.” She flushed despite herself. This was not a topic she cared to discuss with either her brother or Mireau. But she was practical as well, and hardly a blushing innocent. She had been passionately in love with Nathan.
    â€œDoes a man ever get that old?” Mireau asked Justin.
    â€œI rather think not,” Justin said. He rose impatiently, coming to his sister. “Maggie, you must feel free to back out of this at any time. I am the one who got into the debt.”
    â€œTrue,” Mireau reflected. “Jamie is the one who should get to marry the walking corpse.”
    â€œJacques!” They both exclaimed.
    â€œDo excuse me, I’m only saying what we all know!”
    â€œOnce more, I’m telling you both that it will be quite fine. Lord Charles is not a ridiculous, stinking old lecher. He is a man of dignity. I’m quite convinced that he is seeking companionship, and I will be happy to be his friend, his very good friend, until the end. And I will pray that he has a long and happy life,” Maggie informed them.
    Mireau and her brother exchanged looks.
    She sighed deeply. “Honestly! He barely walks, barely moves.”
    â€œIt looked as if he walked quite fine to me,” Mireau commented.
    She shook her head impatiently. Justin stared at her. “I repeat.You are free to back out of this, Maggie, until the very last moment, do you understand? I don’t give a whit for what scandal we may create.” He almost smiled. “Might as well go to Newgate with a reputation!”
    She stared back at her brother. No, she was not going to back out! Because she would never see her uncle with Justin’s title, the family title! Never!
    â€œI know, Justin. I am decided. The marriage will take place.”
    â€œShe has a point,” Mireau said. “Imagine the woman Angus might find if he felt obliged to see that you were married off, Justin!”
    â€œI shudder to think of it,” Maggie murmured dryly.
    â€œHow much worse could it be?”
    â€œLet’s just be glad that we will not have to find out. Now, listen to me, Justin, because you will be handling the arrangements, of course. I must have my own allowance. I intend to be a good wife, and I believe that he’s a charitable and good man. But if I’m going through with this, I want to pursue some of my own interests,” Maggie said.
    â€œBest not let Sir Jamie hear such sentiments,” Mireau said softly.
    â€œSir Jamie may fall in a lake and rot,” Maggie said sweetly.
    â€œI’m aware that you merely wish to feed every wretched little street urchin in London,” Mireau said. “But come, Maggie, you must look at this from the eyes of the Viscount’s family!”
    â€œI did not seek out Lord Charles; Lord Charles came here. Justin, I intend to be kind to the man, loyal, and trustworthy in every fashion. But . . .” She hesitated. “Oh, good God, let’s face it. I have just sold myself—you didn’t do it, Justin, I did. But the point is that, ugly as it may be, this is a financial arrangement. And I expect you to see to my part of it.”
    She wasn’t sure what he said then. But he was very unhappy, and she knew it. He started to depart the room, but paused, slamming his hand flat against the wall.
    For a moment he looked like a very old man himself.
    Maggie rushed to her brother and turned him around to face her. “Justin, stop. Listen, this isn’t a tragedy, and it isn’t so horrible. I loved Nathan. I will never, ever love again. This will not be a bad life for