What Would Jane Austen Do? (37 page)

   Eleanor jumped up, dumping the jewelry on the floor, and stepped forward. "Wait! Will we ever see you again?"

   "No. You have mended the mistakes of the past and set yourself on the right path for the future. We are released and can move on to other activities." Deirdre said. "This is good-bye."

   The gentlemen bowed, and Mina, with a sad smile and a tear in her eye, waved. They all faded into mist.

   James stepped to Eleanor's side and slipped his arm around her waist.

   Suddenly Mina reappeared. "Of course, we will watch over all your children. But it would be sweet if you named at least two girls Mina and Deirdre. Oh, and invite your friend Kristen back soon. She and James's architect friend are perfect—"

   "Mina!" Deirdre's disembodied voice crackled with electricity.

   "Oops!" With a snap, Mina disappeared.

   Eleanor turned into James's embrace, her gentle tears falling unchecked.

   "What did she mean by all your children and at least two girls?" he said.

   "I'm sure it's nothing," Eleanor said with a sniff. "There's no way they can see into the future." She smiled into his chest, hugging her secret to her heart just a little longer.

Thank you—

   To my family, your unfailing faith always conquers my self-doubts. You guys are the best.

   To Lucienne Diver, Agent Extraordinaire. Need more be said?

   To my editor Deb Werksman, for being right, even if it did mean more work. You made this a better book with your wisdom.

   To my talented critique partner Mary Micheff, for everything from brainstorming to proofreading, but most of all, for your friendship.

   To my great boss Darly Doyle, for your understanding and encouragement.

   —I could not have done it without you all.

   And last, but not least, to Jane Austen for providing so many hours of reading pleasure and such wonderful characters. I didn't want her stories to end.

Laurie Brown loves sharing stories that follow alpha heroes and spunky heroines on madcap adven tures to a happy ending. Plus writing gets her out of housework.

   She lives in a Chicago suburb and works at a library, a dream job for a confirmed bookaholic. She loves to hear from readers, especially that they laughed out loud while reading her books.