Papa’s got a sec-ret, Oakshaft chanted incessantly, already maddening his elder sister. Maddy doubted the boy actually knew what it was, of course, for he was only eight and, thus, stupid. Still, it was obnoxious, and without Papa home to weigh in (or Nanny watching to stop her), she stunned the youngster before departing from the parlour, intending to take a walk in the garden.

It was there that her Papa found her, a smile on his face and seeming rather out of breath. A grin rose to meet his own, for Maddy always loved seeing her father. She also worried about him, when she was off at school. After all, he had always been a bit silly (Oakshaft came by it honestly), and needed a woman to keep him in line. Maddy wasn’t quite a woman, at least not yet, but she would do in this regard.

Something about his eyes was off—Maddy’s brows knitted together in confusion. She was about to open her mouth, to probe at what might be the matter, when he beat her to the punch.

“My darling Madeline, I’m getting married!”