She shook her head with a sigh. “We’ve time enough for that, I suppose. And if nothing else, I’ve discovered who wrote the Bad Letter.”
“Lysette.”
“You knew?”
“Lawrence told me. We might have guessed. Conley has her in custody—she has much to answer for. She and Sir Ronald will be transferred to jail cells in London soon.” He paused. “You may be called upon to testify.”
Her lips firmed. “I will do it gladly. Oliver, the things they have done . . .”
He nodded. “They will pay.”
She wrinkled her brow. “Have you heard from Madeline?”
He shook his head, and she bit her lip.
A trio of teenaged boys scrambled past, bumping into them, and Emme sucked in her breath. “Stupid foot,” she muttered. She lifted her hem and showed him her bare feet.
He pulled her shoe from his coat pocket. “I found this one.”
She laughed softly and took it from him. “It may be some time before it fits. I am afraid I will require new bandaging. The manacle ruined my cast.”
“Manacle?” He closed his eyes and cupped her head, kissing her forehead. “I really am going to kill her.”
She pulled back and scowled. “I am going to become equally violent if you persist on kissing my forehead. Or pat my hand.”
“It is because I am feeling tender,” he said, surprised.
“That is all well and good, but a kiss on the forehead falls short of the mark. Or, rather, misses the mark.”
The corner of his mouth ticked upward. “I thought we had determined you are not an exhibitionist.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’ve already kissed you several times in the last few minutes. I suppose one of us must be the forward-thinker. We are at the dawn of a new age, after all, and—”
He cupped her head again, this time bringing her lips to his in a kiss that lasted long enough to draw the attention of the crowd, who again applauded and laughed. They broke contact, and Emme pulled back, smiling and laughing, her cheeks red.
“Never call my bluff, Miss O’Shea.” He smiled, smug.
“Oh, I fear I must. If I don’t, you might become complacent. Bored with me.”
He chuckled and shook his head, arms tightening around her. “If I knew nothing else from the first moment we met, it was that life with you would never, ever, be dull.”
“And you love me for it,” she murmured in his ear, her tone almost a question.
He took her hand again and pressed it against the glass heart she had given him. “I love you for it. I love you for you. Forever, Emmeline.”
She sighed. “Forever.”
This book was so much fun to write, and while I am usually relieved at the end of the process, I was reluctant to let Emme and Oliver go. While they were keeping me company, though, my family held down the fort and, as always, my love and thanks to them: Mark, Nina, Anna, Gunder, Shayla, Thor, and Snooki. Our little home is a castle for me because they are in it.
Many thanks to the Shadow Mountain team: Lisa Mangum, Heidi Taylor Gordon, Callie Hansen, Troy Butcher, and Chris Schoebinger for sharing these stories with the world. I am forever grateful. A bonus thank-you to Parrish Gordon and Spencer Hyde for their creative suggestions for this book’s title. I’m certain they would have helped the book sell like hotcakes, but many thanks to Callie for coming up with final version, which is truly lovely.
To Bob Diforio and Pam Howell, you are both so supportive and helpful, and I am so grateful for the two of you. Thank you, as always.
A bajillion thank-yous to my writer friends. The Bear Lake Monsters (Cory Anderson, Marion Jensen, Suzy G, Krista Jensen, Becki Clayson, Annette Lyon, Sarah Eden, Margot Hovley, Chris Todd Miller, Evelyn Hornbarger, Robison Wells, Josi Kilpack, and Jennifer Moore) have and continue to be not only writing support but friends. And to new friends from the Hidden Springs Writers Retreat, what a joy it is to become acquainted with you all.
To Josi Kilpack and Jennifer Moore, I could not do this without you (or if I tried, it would take a million years and would be lonely and sad). You are sisters of my heart, and I love you.
To my readers, you are the most wonderful support. I cannot tell you sincerely enough how much it means to me when I get alerts that someone has tagged me on Instagram and has wonderful things to say about my books. This is a subjective business, and sometimes book reviews really sting. That you take the time to tell me when you like my stuff is a gift for which I am constantly grateful.
1. Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts is a steampunk retelling of “Cinderella.” What elements of the fairy tale are present in both stories? Where do the two stories diverge?
2. Emme is passionate about speaking out about rights for the shifter community. What issues are you passionate about? What are some ways you are helping your community be more united?
3. Emme’s stubbornness often gets her into trouble—but it also means she never gives up, even when things are hard. What are some qualities others may view as negative that might also have a positive application?
4. Oliver was a captain in the military, and later, a well-respected police detective who reveres law and order. Emme is his opposite in many ways. Do those opposite qualities help or hinder their developing relationship?
5. Gus is a nonviolent vampire who simply wishes to live in peace. He and others like him wear a glass heart to symbolize their unity. If you could design a badge or a pin to symbolize what matters most to you, what would it look like?
6. Both Oliver and Emme are stubborn when it comes to recognizing their feelings for each other. What kinds of things are you stubborn about that have made seeing the truth difficult?
7. The world of Victorian steampunk is all about
