Fitz snorted in response. It was not dignified, but it was apt. The thought that Desdemona Pettigrew might let her husband leave the country was laughable, for the woman's desire to suck all adventure from Art's life had only intensified since the Quidditch World Cup.

"Art couldn't escape the quidditch season even if he were inclined to," Fitz pointed out. "Worry not, this is my own little adventure before the season begins and you have me strutting about like a peacock." Never mind that he had no intention to actually strut about looking for a wife. His brother and sisters had given their mother plenty of grandchildren, and Faustus had ensured the continuation of the Prewett family name. Besides, he had two other brothers who had never married!