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Devoted sister that Catherine was, she had infor well in the country But the information she shared was all superficial Frannie didn’t kno he truly fared If he had met someone If he was happy She wanted him to be happy above all else

As people arrived, footuests to the drawing room, where chairs had been set up in rows and a lectern had been placed at its far end

She spotted a face in the crowd coood to see you, sir"

"Miss Darling, you’re as lovely as ever"

"You’re too kind Here, allow me to take your hat and coat" She led him away froar We have quite a crowd," she told Mr Dickens

"I’ just past her shoulder, Mr Dickens grinned broadly "Why, Mr Dodger, I expected you to be transported by now"

With his wife and five-year-old stepson, Henry, at his side, Jack laughed "Ah, Mr Dickens, you always underestiht spot Please, Lady Olivia, allow me to introduce Mr Charles Dickens"

"I’m honored, sir," Livy said

"And don Mr Charles Dickens"

Mr Dickens bowed "Your Grace"

"I know children weren’t invited, but Henry is quite taken with your work, and I begged Catherine to make an exception," Jack said

"So you likeman?"

Henry nodded "May I ask you a question?"

"Certainly, Your Grace"

He pointed at Jack "Is he the Artful Dodger?"

Mr Dickens bent low "I write fiction, Your Grace The characters in my books do not really exist, but if they did"--he winked--"I do believe he would be the Artful Dodger"

"I knew it!"

"And do you see that gentleman over there?"

"Lord Claybourne?"