Chapter 18

July 7th, 1876

London, England

11:41 A.M.

BANG!

The church doors burst open, spilling people out onto the street like excited puppies from a kennel. The air was alive with applause and cheers as bridesmaids in their delicate cream dresses and groomsmen in their best morning suits lined up on either side of the steps, forming an honor guard for the couple making their way through the crowd. The bride, resplendent in a flowing white gown and long veil crowned with orange blossoms, waved enthusiastically at her well-wishers before turning to her new husband with a warm smile. The groom, as well turned-out as his new wife in a fine black suit and matching top hat, returned it, taking her hand in his. The connection between them was palpable, practically as visible as a tight red string tied around their wrists. Anyone who saw them together, even in passing, couldn't help but think, Surely these two will be in love forever.

"Oh, I'm sorry – did you want to get through?"

"I can wait," Victor assured the bridesmaid, watching as the groom helped his bride into the marital carriage. "It's nice to see a couple so happy together."

The bridesmaid grinned. "They're just darling. We've been waiting for this moment for months now," she confided. "Took them forever to choose a date!"

"Oh, we know that feeling," Dr. Wilson remarked, giving Victor a significant smile. Victor deliberately ignored him. "I'm glad it all turned out so well."

"Me too," Victor nodded. "Our best wishes to you all."

The bridesmaid nodded, then busied herself with throwing birdseed after the departing newlyweds. Victor gave the carriage a congratulatory wave as it passed him. May your lives be long and free from trouble, and may you always be as in love as you are right now, he thought, watching it disappear around the corner. There's not enough couples like you in the Land of the Living.

With its focus gone, the party quickly broke up, couples and families grouping together to chat while opportunistic pigeons descended on the seed. "They certainly spared no expense," Dr. Wilson said as he and Victor eased their way through the celebrants. He glanced over with a slight frown. "You're sure you don't miss any of this? All the hustle and bustle of a full ceremony?"

"No, because I've already had it," Victor reminded him, stepping carefully over a pigeon. "Mother was downright terrifying when planning my wedding to Victoria. And the party the Land of the Dead threw for me and Emily was enough for five weddings." He stopped and knocked a bit of stuck seed from his shoes. "Besides, Alice was the one to suggest getting married at the registrar's office. As long as she doesn't feel like she's missing out on anything, I'm content."

"Fair enough," Dr. Wilson allowed. "I'm still impressed that you were somehow able to keep your mother from turning this event into a full Whitechapel carnival."

"So am I," Victor said, rolling his eyes. "All that talk about a fourteen-course wedding breakfast, and a thousand-pound wedding gown, and inviting every noble she's ever made eye contact with. . .I'm so glad we had Victoria on our side to help us get what we really wanted. Her offer to pay for half the wedding dress was easily one of the nicest things she's ever done for us."

"Mmmm." Dr. Wilson tilted his head. "Everything's all right between you two? I confess, I worried sometimes that. . .well, if anything might bring up old bad blood between you. . . ."

"Oh, no – we've already had all our major fights," Victor said, waving a hand. "At least, I hope so. And Victoria. . .well, she's been there for both of us when we needed it most. I don't like to think what might have happened if Alice had run into anyone else while leaving Bow Street. And she's the only one who really understands what I went through with Emily and the Land of the Dead. She fought hard to preserve Emily's memory too." He gave Dr. Wilson a little smile. "Our relationship may be a bit of an oddity, but – I'm glad we're still friends. I feel my life would be poorer without her there."

"That's good to hear," Dr. Wilson said, relaxing. "I wish more people who'd broken an engagement could get along so well with their former other half."

"To be fair, she didn't break it because she decided she didn't love me – she broke it because she thought I was dead."

"True. . .you don't do things in the usual matter, do you, Victor?"

"Not since the beginning of last year," Victor deadpanned back at him. "I mean, I certainly can't think of anyone else who brings their psychiatrist as a witness to their wedding ceremony."

Dr. Wilson chuckled. "It's my pleasure, Victor. I consider it an honor, and a monument to the hardiness of the human spirit." He shook his head. "Two of my patients getting married to each other, with one of them being Alice Liddell – I never thought I'd see the day. You've woven quite the spell over her."

"She's done the same to me," Victor said with a dreamy sigh. "I don't think I'll ever get over just how lucky I was to meet her. To fall in love with her, and have her love me in return."

"Most people wouldn't call being declared mad and having to deal with Dr. Bumby 'luck,'" Dr. Wilson pointed out.

"Oh, don't get me wrong – I would have much preferred it if we'd met under nicer circumstances. As far away from that waste of space masquerading as a doctor as possible." He sighed again, then smiled. "But trust me – being here today makes all the dark times worth it."

Down a few more blocks and around a corner, they finally reached the registrar's office, hiding in a squat building nestled between a clothing shop and a coffee place. A familiar figure leaned against the banister at the foot of the stairs – Victor lifted a hand in greeting. "Good morning, Jeremiah!"

"Good morning, Victor!" Dr. Fixxler clapped his hands together, treating them to one of his incredibly bright grins. "Ready to leave bachelorhood behind?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Victor told him, smiling back. "Which, with Alice waiting for me, is very ready indeed."

"He's probably mostly ready to have the rest of us stop fussing over him about the wedding," Dr. Wilson commented with a sly look.

Victor chuckled. "That's a bonus, yes."

"Well, in just–" Fixxler checked his watch "–ten minutes, nobody can do so ever again." He glanced over at Dr. Wilson. "Here to certify they're both sane enough to get married?"

"If necessary," Dr. Wilson shrugged.

"It might be," Victor admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "Some people still give me and Alice funny looks on the street."

"I doubt it'll come up," Dr. Wilson assured him. "And even if it does, you have my full support. You've come a long way from the beginning of the year."

"I know," Victor murmured, thinking about the nightmares and guilt that had plagued his mind, his strained relationship with Alice, his fights with Barkis and Nell and the Conglomeration, and the terrible sight of poor corrupted Thirteen. "I was a mess, wasn't I?"

"It was only to be expected," Dr. Wilson said magnanimously. "You'd suffered some very severe traumas. But you've been handling them admirably for months."

"Yes, well – Alice teaching me how to slice them all to ribbons helped rather a lot there."

Fixxler laughed softly. "One way to handle a mental breakdown. . .she's been a terrible influence on you, hasn't she?"

"The best influence," Victor corrected. "And it's your fault that we know the spell that allows her to do that, remember."

"Yes – that's why I was invited to be a witness today, wasn't it?"

"It didn't hurt your case." Victor smiled at him, dropping the teasing. "Thank you for saying yes."

"Oh, my pleasure," Fixxler assured him. "You two have been welcome company in the shop over the past months. Been a delight to talk magic with two such eager learners. And you let me meet one of my magical idols, so honestly? I owed you."

Victor laughed. "I rather think we owe you for teaching us magic in the first place."

"Debt settled, whichever way it runs," Fixxler said with a little wave of his hand. He straightened his hat and checked his watch again. "Eight to noon – we'd better get inside. Alice and the Whites already here?"

"They should be. . . ."

Sure enough, Victoria and Christopher were sitting in the reception area when they entered. "Victor!" Victoria rose to greet him with a hug. "I was getting worried you'd been delayed. . .hello Dr. Wilson, Dr. Fixxler," she added, nodding at the two other men in turn.

"Mrs. White," Fixxler said with a polite incline of his head. He glanced around the room. "I think you should be more worried about the bride turning up late – where's Alice?"

"Victoria's got her stored in the washroom," Christopher said, eyes twinkling. "She's absolutely determined Victor not see the dress until the actual moment of signing the papers."

Victor shook his head fondly. "You are aware that I'd happily marry her if she was in a burlap sack?"

"Of course, but we may as well observe some of the niceties," Victoria replied, brushing off his lapels. "You look very smart yourself. I thought so when it was us getting married."

"It's the nicest suit I own – and Emily's spider friends spent a lot of time fixing it," Victor added, giggling at the memory of all those little legs scrambling over him. "I didn't want it to go to waste."

"Fair enough." Victoria squeezed her hands together. "Oh, I'm so glad this is finally happening."

"Me too," Victor nodded. "I wanted to thank you again for all your help in planning this. I know it's not much compared to – well, every other wedding either of us has been a part of. . . ."

"It's fine, Victor – I didn't want you to go through what I went through with my own mother," Victoria replied, making a face. "Twice over, no less."

"Mmmm – at least the second time you got to choose your own groom," Victor said, looking over at Christopher.

"About the only thing we got to choose," Christopher said, sighing. "The Everglots were very insistent everything be up to their standards. I'm glad you two put your foot down about what you wanted."

"Definitely," Victor said. "A bit of dressing up, some vows, and some of June's cooking is celebration enough for me."

"Very intimate," Victoria nodded. She glanced left and right, then leaned in, dropping her voice. "I assume the 'evening reception' is still on?"

"Yes," Victor replied in a whisper. "Alice's family assured us they'd be at Houndsditch the moment Alice wrote and informed them of the date. I'm looking forward to seeing them again." He paused, then added, "You know. . .Slip Through The Veil can take up to four people at once. You and Christopher could join us, if you wanted. I don't mind, and I don't think Alice would either."

Victoria pursed her lips, making faces as she fixed a loose lock of hair. "I – I don't know," she said eventually. "I would like to see the Land of the Dead in person, after all you told me about it, but – it's your wedding day. I don't want to intrude."

"It's hardly an intrusion. It's meant to be a fun little get together between friends and family. And you've done so much for us. . .I want to show you that world. I think you'll enjoy it."

Victoria shrugged. "I'll think about it. Right now, I'm mainly concerned with seeing you get to the altar. Such as it is."

"That makes two of us," Victor replied, smiling.

"Excuse me?"

A clerk appeared beside them, suit so crisp he appeared to have just stepped out of an ironing machine. "Mr. Adams's noon appointment?" he asked, consulting a little leather notebook. "The Van Dort-Liddell marriage?"

"That's us," Victor confirmed, turning to face him.

The man ticked something off with his pencil. "Congratulations, sir and madam. Could you follow me, please?"

"Oh, I'm not the bride," Victoria corrected him, turning pink. "I'm one of the witnesses – let me go get her. Just down the hall, correct?" The clerk nodded. "We'll be there in a moment."

"Very good," the clerk said, apparently too starched to be ruffled by anything. "The rest of you, could you come this way, please?"

"See you shortly," Victor called after Victoria as they headed off.

As Victoria had guessed, their destination was just down the hall – a few short steps to a door labeled "Mr. Terrence Adams, Registrar." The clerk rapped smartly on the window with his knuckles. "Mr. Adams? Your noon appointment, sir."

"Thank you, Jenkins," a deep voice rolled out. "Please send them in."

Jenkins obligingly opened the door, and they all filed into the little office. Mr. Adams was seated at his desk, signing his name on something. He laid it on one of the many stacks of paperwork surrounding him as they gathered before him. "Good afternoon," he said with a nod. "Victor Van Dort and Alice Liddell?"

"I'm Victor," Victor said, holding up a hand. "Alice will be in momentarily."

"Ah." Mr. Adams picked another paper off the left-most stack. "And your witnesses are – Mr. and Mrs. Christopher White, Dr. Jeremiah Fixxler, and Dr. – Her-non–"

"Harry," Dr. Wilson cut in, shaking his head. "Dr. Harry Wilson. It's what everyone else calls me."

"So long as you put your full correct name on the license itself." Mr. Adams drew a few more papers from the pile and shuffled them. "Within the filing period. . .of legal age. . .no evidence of coercion. . .no other legal objections – ah, yes, this." He extracted a sheet and pushed it toward Dr. Wilson. "Please sign here. Statement attesting that the bride and groom are of sound enough mental health to wed."

Fixxler raised an eyebrow at Dr. Wilson. "You doubt it'll come up, huh?"

"I truly didn't expect it to," Dr. Wilson said, accepting a pen from Jenkins.

"I've followed all of the stories in the Illustrated, Dr. Wilson," Mr. Adams explained. "As has my direct supervisor. He insisted, under the circumstances, we have something in writing."

"I suppose that is fair," Dr. Wilson allowed, signing the paper. He returned the pen to Jenkins and the paper to Mr. Adams. "I assure you, they're both productive members of society now."

"I will defer to your more learned judgment." Mr. Adams flipped through all the papers again. "Everything else appears to be in order. I assume that since the bride is currently in hiding, you intend to conduct a short ceremony before signing the papers."

"Just exchanging vows," Victor said, clasping his hands behind his back to stop a nervous fidget. "Will that be a problem?"

"Only if we don't complete our business by twelve-thirty," Mr. Adams replied, consulting his pocket watch. "I have lunch, and then my next appointment at one."

"Oh, it shouldn't take anywhere near that long," Victor assured him, relaxing. Especially since I don't have to bother with any props this time around.

"Then if the bride could please make her appearance?"

"We're here!" Victoria called from the other side of the door. "We're all set then?"

"Bring her in, dear!" Christopher confirmed.

Victor turned around with an eager grin as Victoria led in his bride. At last! I was starting to think I was never going – to. . .oh.

Alice smiled at him as she stepped over the threshold. "Worth the wait?"

Victor nodded, not quite trusting his voice. He thought he'd been charmed by Emily's dramatic decaying beauty under the moonlight, and Victoria's elegant calm simplicity against the stars. But Alice – oh, Alice blew them both away, a true vision in white and blue. She looked like she'd stepped right out of a wedding-themed portion of Wonderland. Trim white boots with blue laces; blue-and-white-striped stockings; a full white skirt embroidered with blue cats and rabbits chasing each other around the hem, and a kaleidoscope of blue butterflies soaring up her left side; a bright blue sash tied with a wide bow in the back; and a puffy-sleeved white bodice, with blue flowers and vines (rather like the design on her Vorpal Blade, actually) stretching from her right shoulder to her left hip. She even had a bouquet of dried blue –

Wait a moment. Victor blinked, leaning forward. He recognized those flowers. "Are those – Emily's?"

"Half her original bundle," Alice confirmed, looking down at the fragile blooms. "Victoria gave them to me while we were in Sanford. Since I was your next bride."

"She insisted I keep the other half, since Emily intended them to go to me," Victoria nodded. "We didn't think you'd mind."

"Not at all." Victor stepped closer, drinking Alice in with his eyes. "You look absolutely amazing."

"Thank you – I had an inkling, given the way your jaw almost hit the floor," Alice teased. She reached up to adjust her wreath – orange blossoms intertwined with winter jasmine, Victor noted with a little grin. "I'm glad I clean up so nicely."

Victor took her hand. "To be fair, you look beautiful no matter what you're in."

"Victoria mentioned you saying something about how you would have married me in burlap," Alice nodded. "Would have been much cheaper, but much itchier, so I'm glad I didn't take that option." She squeezed his fingers, her engagement ring sparkling rainbow in the light from the window. "While we're exchanging compliments, I should say that suit really suits you."

Victor laughed. "And you make fun of me for my puns?"

"Yours tend to be worse, darling."

"Ahem." They looked over to see Mr. Adams sitting with his hands folded on his desk, face full of strained patience. "If you wouldn't mind proceeding with your intended vows?"

"Oh, of course. . . ." Victor took Alice's arm, leading her the three steps up to the desk. "With this hand," he began, raising his right hand in the oath-taker's position, "I will lift your sorrows." He mimed raising a goblet to the ceiling. "Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine." Next, he pretended to wave about a candle (quietly glad that they had chosen not to bring open flame into the ceremony). "With this candle, I will light your way in darkness." He reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out the ring. Alice presented her left hand with a smile. "With this ring, I–"

The smooth metal slipped out of his fingers – by some miracle, he managed to grab it before it could hit the ground. He sighed heavily. Damn it. I guess the universe can't resist a joke. "Sorry – I ask you to be mine," he finished, sliding it onto Alice's finger before it could escape again.

Alice chuckled, then set down her flowers and raised her right hand. "With this hand, I will lift your sorrows," she declared, matching him note for note. "Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way in darkness." She touched his cheek, gold and silver rings gleaming. "With this ring, I'll always be thine."

Damn it, he didn't want to cry at his own wedding. . .Victor blinked back the tears as he beamed into Alice's face. Beside them, Victoria sniffled, hiding her own smile behind her hand. "How beautiful. I wish I'd thought to say something like that at our wedding," she whispered to Christopher.

"Lady Everglot probably wouldn't have let you," Christopher said, wrapping his arm around her. "Propriety and tradition. . .speaking of which, I'm surprised you didn't let the ring drop just then, Victor," he added. "It's good luck, after all!"

The surge of emotion screeched to an abrupt halt. Victor gawked at him. "It's – what?!"

"Er – well, I always heard it was," Christopher said, now a touch uncertain. He glanced at his equally-confused wife. "Shakes the bad spirits out?"

"Seriously?" Victor slapped a hand over his face. "Pastor Galswells nearly took my head off when I dropped it at the rehearsal! It was the final straw that sent me fleeing into the woods!" He shook his head. "Burtonsville has no interest in mysticism, women are discouraged from learning music, and now this. Victoria, did we grow up in England or on another planet?"

Victoria giggled. "To be fair, Victor, the scandal didn't really start until you had to retrieve it from under Mother's skirt."

Victor colored as Alice snickered. "True."

"Is that all?" Mr. Adams asked, looking increasingly unimpressed with the various interruptions. "If so, I have the marriage license here."

"Ah – yes, thank you." Victor took the offered pen and signed neatly on the indicated line, before dipping it in the inkwell and passing it over to Alice. Watching her write, he was abruptly struck by the enormity of what they'd just done. No more Alice Liddell after this moment. No more Oxford Liddells in general, at least in the Land of the Living. The family line's been officially cut off. He bit his lip, looking at their names side by side. She just gave up one of the last links she has to her family in exchange for my name. The name of a nouveau riche whose parents will probably never truly think she's quite good enough for me, important students in her past or no. And who smell of fish besides.

Alice looked up at him with a curious frown. "Something wrong?" she asked, passing the pen over to Victoria. "You look as if you're waiting for the ceiling to fall down upon you."

"No, I was just thinking. . . ." Victor picked at his tie. "I-is it too late for me to start calling myself 'Victor Liddell' instead?"

Alice chuckled. "Well, you could if you like – I have no objections." She gently pulled his hand away from the abused fabric. "But really, Victor – it's just a last name. I would have had to give it up even if there was no fire. Either that or become a spinster with a dozen cats."

Victor smirked. "You sound like you don't consider that a bad fate."

"Well, I like cats," Alice replied, smirking back. She gave his hand a squeeze. "But I like you too. And I don't feel like you've taken anything away from me. You've only given. Spending the rest of my life as lonely Miss Liddell is not preferable to spending it as loved Mrs. Van Dort."

She had a talent for turning his heart into a warm soppy mess. "I'm glad to trade 'Master' for 'Mister' myself – for a few reasons," he added, shoving a few probing Puppet-Hand Spiders to the back of his brain. "If I did have the option, though, I'd happily take your last name. I certainly get along better with your parents than mine."

"I think we're causing enough scandal with my wedding dress," Alice said, glancing over at Mr. Adams as he frowned at her bare arms. "And possibly by having a black man as a witness."

"If he does mind that, he'd best keep his mouth shut," Victor muttered, frowning back at Adams.

Fortunately, if Mr. Adams did have opinions about such things, he kept them to himself, barely glancing at Dr. Fixxler as he signed. Once everyone's names were on the license, he blotted it dry and skimmed it over with a practiced eye. "Everything is in order," he declared. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Van Dort. You are officially and legally married."

Victor shared a grin with Alice. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Mr. Adams passed the license to Jenkins. "Please mimeograph this for our records." Jenkins nodded once and pattered away. "Once he returns, you can be on your way."

"Perfect – we should get back just as June is finishing up the breakfast," Alice said. She sighed, picking up her flowers and twirling them. "I feel a little bad that she didn't get to come."

"She's the one who insisted on staying behind and cooking everything," Victor reminded her. "Besides, she'll still get to see us all dressed up."

"True. . . ." Alice rocked on her heels, eyes on the ceiling. "And then tomorrow, off to Brighton. Goodness, it'll feel strange to finally get there after all this time. Papa always wanted to take us on a proper holiday to the shore, but – well, things were cut short."

"Well, we can certainly make up for what they missed." Leaning in and dropping his voice, he added, "And perhaps remind them that there's no reason they can't take a holiday of their own to the Land of the Dead's version? The sea air is supposed to be healthy for you."

Alice snorted. "How healthy can it be for corpses? Though I suppose the salt might help preserve one. . . ." Her expression turned thoughtful. "Is there even an ocean Below?"

"I don't know. . .another reason to ask them to go," Victor admitted. "Now I want to find out."

"Me too. We'll have to suggest it tonight."

The tapping of expertly-polished shoes on wood signaled the return of Jenkins, certificate and copy in hand. The latter was handed to Mr. Adams, the former to Victor. "Congratulations again, Mr. Van Dort," he said with a stiff but genuine smile. "And Mrs. Van Dort."

"Thank you," Victor said, examining the certificate. There it was – official, black-and-white proof that he could get to the end of a wedding ceremony without everything going wrong. And I didn't even need you glaring at me, he informed the Galswells in his head as he folded it up for safe storage inside his jacket. Take that, you old sourpuss. "We'll be off then. He offered his hand to Mr. Adams. "Thank you for fitting us in."

"Better a wedding than some of my other appointments," Mr. Adams replied, shaking. "Have a good day."

"You as well." Victor clapped his hands together, looking around the group. "So – cake?"

Of all the things Victor had expected to see when they returned to Houndsditch, a big banner over the door reading "ConGRADuLASHon VicTor n ALicE" in blue and red crayon hadn't even crossed his mind. He blinked as he got out of the carriage. "What – Alice, did you know anything about this?"

"No," Alice replied, sounding as surprised as he felt. "I mean – the children seemed excited about the meal, but I didn't think they cared all that much about the wedding itself."

"There you all are!"

Abigail appeared in the doorway, folding her arms. "June won't let anybody eat until you come inside and be all smoochy in front of her," she announced. "So hurry up, we're hungry!"

Victor laughed. "I guess they don't, really," he said, hooking arms with Alice. "We're on our way in, don't worry – we're as eager to have lunch as you."

"Breakfast, you mean," Fixxler reminded them, smiling.

"Right – I've never understood that," Alice confessed, straightening her skirt. "There's nothing like breakfast food in it. Just because it's served in the morning – and ours isn't! It's almost one!"

"Traditions aren't supposed to make sense," Victor said, before looking back at Abigail. "Thank you for the banner, by the way."

Abigail ducked her head. "Weeeell, we had to do something," she said, twisting a braid around her hand. "Since, you know, you finally got married and all."

"It was very nice of you," Alice said tenderly. "We appreciate it."

Abigail nodded, then ducked back inside. "HEY EVERYONE! THEY'RE BACK! WE CAN EAT NOW!"

Victor snorted. "I swear, sometimes I think the only thing they care about is food."

"I can't blame them – I was the same way at their age," Alice said as they proceeded through the gate. "And it's June's cooking that's tempting them, so it's even more understandable. I bet that woman could cook so the dead would enjoy it – without things like spider eggs and arsenic."

"I would not be surprised," Victor agreed. "Let's get our fair share before the vultures descend."

June was waiting for them in the foyer, grinning so wide she looked ready to split her face. "Oh, look at you two," she said, tears glistening in her eyes as she clasped her hands together. "I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks, June," Alice said, releasing Victor's arm to give her a hug. "You were all right here?"

"Yes – the children kept busy with the banner while I finished up in the kitchen," June assured her. "Oh, and you know who came by while we were tacking it up? Mr. Tailor! He gives you his best wishes, and says he looks forward to putting the announcement in the evening edition."

"Our wedding in the London Illustrated," Victor commented. "Mother's going to be appalled."

"Any more than she was by my designing and ordering my own dress, rather than going with that French monstrosity?" Alice asked. "Or by our refusing a church wedding with five million guests, each with five titles attached to their names? Or declining her cook in favor of June? The one thing we're doing right is honeymooning in Brighton, and even then we're not using her to-do list. I can already hear her moaning to your father about what a rebellious creature I am and how I'm a horrible match for you and why couldn't you have just gone with the Kingsleigh girl?"

"Good, then she'll be very happy back in Burtonsville," Victor deadpanned.

"I still think it was rather low of her and your father not to come," Victoria said, shaking her head. "They could have at least sent a card."

"We told them, if you're that opposed to the way we're doing things, you needn't come," Victor replied. "Frankly, I'm glad they took us at our word." He looked off into the middle distance, remembering the horrific visage of the Colossal Nell. "After all that's happened. . .I'm not sure I would have wanted to share today with them."

"I certainly wasn't keen on the idea," Alice nodded. "Let them grouse far away from us – we needn't see them in person again until Christmas." She turned toward the heavily-laden table with an eager gleam in her eyes. "I'm much more interested in making the acquaintance of these dishes."

"I thought introductions meant you couldn't eat them," June laughed, joining her. "But if you insist – over here we have chicken salad sandwiches, made from last night's leftovers. Next to them are some cucumber sandwiches, and next to that we have a nice bit of Welsh rabbit, which I know is the only kind you'll eat. And I made another batch of plain rolls if anyone just wants bread and butter. We also have pickles, and some fresh fruit, and your choice of water, milk, or lemonade to wash it all down. And, of course, as our centerpiece. . . ." She directed a proud wave at the cake, sitting regally on its stand above the common food. "Came out perfectly, if I do say so."

"She wouldn't let us taste it to test, though," Reggie told Alice. "So maybe it's horrible. You should let us have it all to be sure."

"Nice try," Alice replied, smirking at him. "We'll risk being ill."

"I don't think I've seen a pink cake at a wedding before," Fixxler commented. "Strawberry?"

"Sort of – chocolate cake with strawberry frosting and filling," Victor told him. "Alice's favorite flavor and mine."

"Sounds delicious," Victoria said, admiring the confection. "Mother insisted Christopher and I have fruitcake. Which was fine – Hildegarde did an excellent job – but it's never been my favorite."

"And then, the moment we cut the first piece, she whisked it away from us," Christopher added, eliciting a few shocked gasps from the children. "Another tradition – boxing it up for the 25th anniversary."

Alice raised an eyebrow. "I am reasonably certain fruitcake doesn't keep for that long."

"Ours didn't – we ate it once we got back from our honeymoon," Christopher confessed. "Fortunately it kept well enough in the cold room – only slightly stale."

"Glad to hear it." Victor looked back at Victoria. "Speaking of Hildegarde, have you heard from her recently?"

"Just yesterday, in fact," Victoria said brightly. "She says she's wrapping up her tour and is on her way back to Sandford. She was delighted to catch up with all her various family, but she's quite eager to see me again. She also also wishes you and Alice all the best – as does Alan."

"How kind of him," Alice said, fiddling with her omega necklace. "Especially after I gave him the fright of his life climbing my way up to Cardbridge."

"Oh, he doesn't hold it against you," Christopher assured her. "He's just happy that you're doing better. And not making terrifying leaps over rooftops anymore."

"Come to think of it, so am I." Alice picked up a plate and snagged herself a chicken salad sandwich. "Now who wants what?"

Conversation paused for a bit as the children were coaxed into a line, dishes passed out, and sandwiches and other sundries served. Victor eagerly devoured a cucumber sandwich, a chicken salad sandwich, and two pieces of delightfully cheesy Welsh rabbit, as well as a pile of pickles. "This is wonderful, June," he said, washing it all down with a glass of lemonade. "One of your greatest triumphs yet."

"Indeed," Fixxler agreed, on his second chicken salad sandwich. "I don't suppose we could start some sort of time share arrangement between my shop and Houndsditch?"

June giggled. "I don't mind packing up leftovers and running them over to you," she said, crouching to wipe crumbs from Charlie's face. "Though I'm surprised you don't know a spell to just summon food magically."

"Oh, I do – Eden's Blessing," Fixxler replied. "The thing is, you need seeds from something edible to get it going, and the resulting meal always tends to taste just a bit of that something. Which, if you're using apple seeds to make an apple pie, is just fine. If you're in the mood for a roast beef sandwich?" He waggled a hand. "If I'm in a hurry, I'll just use Nile's Blessing to pop some broth into a glass. Works just as well."

June made a face. "That's still – just a little too gross for me. I'll take the time to make a proper stock, thank you."

"It honestly is very convenient once you get past the saliva part," Alice said, finishing off her pickles. "Though, yes, most of the time I would prefer to take the time to fetch actual food and drink." She sipped her lemonade, then nodded significantly at the cake. "For example. . . ."

June laughed and offered her the cake knife. "I shan't make you wait. This may not be as sharp as your Vorpal Blade, but it should get the job done."

"Probably more hygienic, too," Alice said, accepting it. "Victor, could you get some fresh plates?"

"Already on it," Victor replied, discarding his old dishes and picking up two dessert plates from the pile. He stood at Alice's elbow as she carved out two slices. "Oh, it does look good. . . ."

"You sure you don't want us to taste it for you?" Abigail asked, face all innocence.

"Sorry – that's the groom's job," Alice said, taking a forkful from her slice and holding it out to Victor.

Victor eagerly swallowed the bite. "Mmmmmmm. . .as amazing as it looks," he assured June, who beamed. He took a chunk from his own piece, making sure to get plenty of strawberry filling, and offered it to Alice. "Don't you think so, dear?"

The cake disappeared into her mouth. "Perfect," she nodded, licking her lips. "June, I'm going to have to insist on the recipe."

"Oh, I'd be happy to write it down for you! It's just two and a quarter cups of flour, a cup of sugar, three eggs–"

"Cake! Cake! Cake!" the children crowed, crowding around her with plates held high.

"And I'll tell you the rest later," June said, grabbing the cake knife. "All right, you lot, form a line! No shoving – and no pulling anyone's braids either, Dennis!"

In a rare display of perfect obedience, the children lined up military-straight, cheeping out, "Thank you!" as June served. Before getting his share, however, Charlie broke away from the others, coming straight up to Victor and Alice. "We're gonna miss you," he declared, lip wobbling.

"Really?" Alice replied, tone light. "You're going to miss the lady who makes you pick up your rooms and put your crayons away and told you to wear bloomers when Ollie pinched your smalls?"

Charlie nodded – then flung himself around her legs, squeezing tight. "You were the first lady who ever treated me nice," he whispered. "Mum was garbage, and Mrs. Markle and all the others on our street didn't give tuppence 'bout me. You were the only one who cared. And I'm real glad you get to marry Victor and move away and all, but. . . ." His voice quavered. "Y-you will come back sometimes, won't you?"

Alice blinked rapidly – then smiled as her surprise melted into affection. "Of course we will," she assured him, balancing her plate and fork on one hand while ruffling his hair with the other. "Neither of us are just going to forget you once we go. We'll be back to say hello."

"We'd never just leave you all," Victor agreed, patting his back. "In fact, once our new house is all set up, perhaps you could come and visit us! I'm sure a little time in the country would do all of you good."

"Oh, undoubtedly," Christopher nodded. "Children need fresh air and trees, and none of you are getting any here. Victoria and I would be glad to help shelter you for a while if you want to take a trip out to Sandford."

"We'll certainly consider it, now that we have the funds," Dr. Wilson said, halfway through his cake. "Really, Victor, that donation was entirely too generous."

"It's my trust fund to do with as I like," Victor told him, sucking some frosting off his fork. "And there's no way I'm ever going to spend all the money in it. I'm quite content helping turn Houndsditch into the orphanage it was meant to be."

"Well, it's very much appreciated."

"Yeah – nice not to have the rain pissing down through the ceiling into my chamberpot," Dennis nodded.

"Dennis," June scolded lightly. "But yes, it is good to have a dry roof – and all new kitchen appliances," she added with a grin and a wink. "And just think, children – soon we'll have our own little school in here too!"

The children let out a collective groan. "We know how to read and write!" Abigail protested. "What else is there?"

"History, geography, arithmetic, etiquette, French, music – and washing," Alice provided with a chuckle. "And, frankly, after much observation, your reading and writing could use some work too." She reached out to pat Abigail's head. "Don't look so sour – it's not all busywork. And won't it be nice to show off all your new skills to anyone who might want you?"

"How's knowing where Australia is supposed to get me a new dad?" Reggie asked, folding his arms.

"What if he comes from Australia?" Victor responded. "He might be impressed if you knew more about it."

"I won't lock you indoors all day, I promise," June said, crossing her heart. "Come on – you've liked all the new books we've gotten, haven't you?"

"Yeah. . .though they're not as good as Alice's stories," Charlie said loyally, looking up at her.

"One day we'll convince her to write them all down," Victor said, grinning at his new wife.

Alice smirked back at him through another mouthful of cake. "How about you instead help me convince a publisher that me stabbing Card Guards to death is child-friendly?"

"We'll tell him that was always the best part," Dennis said, the others nodding.

"To actual children, maybe. I think adults will be a harder sell."

The rest of the afternoon passed fairly quickly after that – the meal was finished, and the leftovers packed into the icebox for later nibbling. Victor indulged everyone with a turn at the piano ("It's the happiest day of my life so far," he explained in response to the surprised looks. "Why wouldn't I want to share what I love with everyone around me?"), leading the children in a rousing rendition of "Remains of the Day" before moving on to more conventional fare. Dr. Fixxler took over entertainment duties after that, performing tricks of both the "sleight of hand" variety and "actual magic" type, to enthusiastic applause. "What a shame that we can't all be so talented," Christopher remarked. "Some of the things you can pull off. . . ."

"All I can say is the world isn't fair," Fixxler shrugged. "I'm willing to share what I can."

"And we're all very grateful," June said, glancing at the clock. "Goodness, six o'clock already! Here, let me make everyone some tea. . .and then, children, I think it's time you all headed upstairs."

"Awww, come on! It's not bedtime yet!" Abigail protested.

"Yeah, sun's still up!" Elsie agreed, as Reggie, Dennis, and Charlie nodded behind her.

"I didn't say you had to go to bed," June pointed out. "Just upstairs. I've got dishes to do, and Victor and Alice probably have some packing yet."

"Mostly just handing over whatever's not coming to Brighton with us to Christopher and Victoria so they can take it to the new house," Alice replied. "Which isn't more than a couple of boxes, don't worry. Though we do still have to take the pictures off my wall."

"Oh, yes. . . ." Victor rubbed the back of his head, chewing his lip. "Alice, could you. . .I h-hate to leave it all on you, b-but. . . ."

Alice nodded. "It's fine, Victor. I don't mind at all."

Victor sighed, letting his hand drop. "Thank you. I simply – it's too – too close."

Abigail looked between them. "Uh – Alice, we could help if you want," she said, twisting a braid around her hand.

Alice blinked down at her. "Really?"

"Yeah." Abigail put her hands on her hips, sneaking little glances at Victor. "Just to, you know, get you out of here faster."

Alice laughed softly. "So that's how it is, hmm? Well, you're certainly welcome to assist. Just be careful not to crumple or tear them, all right?"

"Yeah, yeah," Abigail said, rolling her eyes. "We're not dumb."

"No, but you can be impatient, and I won't have you taking it out on my art." Alice clapped twice and jerked her head toward the hall. "All right, anyone who wants to help, come along."

Dr. Wilson touched Victor's shoulder as Alice and the children headed off to their task. "It just takes time," he reminded him quietly.

"I know," Victor replied with a short nod. "I couldn't – I didn't want to risk ruining the day. Not after coming this far."

"I wouldn't either, in your place," Fixxler said. "I think I speak for everyone here when I say we're all very proud of you."

"Extremely," Victoria agreed. "And I'm looking forward to being your neighbor again – well, sort of."

Victor chuckled. "Why do I think we're going to see more of each other with you living three roads away than we ever did when you lived across the square from me?"

"It helps that Mother can no longer lock me away from the 'commoners' of the world," Victoria said, rolling her eyes. "Along with everyone else she didn't like."

"Not quite true – she let you see your father," Christopher reminded her.

"Only out of familial obligation – and it's not like he ever sought out my company. I think he lost interest in me the moment he realized I couldn't be his heir."

"I'm pretty sure my mother has never quite forgiven me for not being a girl," Victor admitted. "Perhaps we were born to the wrong families, Victoria."

Victoria wrinkled her nose. "I'm not sure you being an Everglot and me being a Van Dort would have been much of an improvement in our lives."

Victor snorted. "Yes, that's true enough." He walked over to the wall, tracing the curly design printed into the paper. "Of course, being just Victor Van Dort, the fish merchant's son, feels like a lifetime ago. . .just over a year, and so much has changed." He let his arm flop back to his side. "I'll be happy to leave all the worst memories behind, but – I am going to miss this place."

"You know what? So am I."

Victor started. "Alice! You're done already?"

"Lots of little fingers make short work," Alice replied, as the children preened behind her. "But I was thinking much the same as we finished up." She glanced around the room. "This place has held some of the most awful moments of my life – the near-destruction of Wonderland, and the truth behind my family's demise and Bumby's treachery. But it's also where I met you, so – I can't hate it entirely." She took his hands, swinging them gently. "Remember when you got me that cake for my birthday? And then told the Boojum bothering me to shove off?"

Victor laughed, nodding. "That was interesting. . .I still remember stumbling out of that utterly terrifying session with Bumby, only to find your arms wrapped around me," he said, pulling her into an embrace. "And dancing to the music box Charlie and the others rescued from the garbage."

"Yeah, too bad Bumby smashed it again," Elsie grumbled.

"Mmmm. . .and, of course, there was our first kiss in the hallway, after you got your memories back," Alice said, smiling. "We've made quite a few happy memories here."

"Yes. . .hopefully we'll make just as many in Sandford," Victor murmured, going in for the kiss.

"Tea's ready!"

And hitting Alice's nose with his lips instead. He huffed as Alice giggled. "One of these days I'm going to learn not to jump a mile when people surprise me."

"Of course you are, darling," Alice said, tapping his nose. "Perhaps we can talk June into giving us a bit more cake as an apology?"

June, happily, was amenable to this idea, and tea passed in a delicious haze of oolong-scented steam. "I am going to miss you in Brighton," Alice declared as she cleared the plates. "And Sandford too."

"I'm sure there's plenty of good cooks in both places," June replied, chuckling. "But I'll be sure to send you care packages from time to time." She stacked the dishes on the side table for later washing. "All right, children – time to say goodnight."

"Do we really have to?" Dennis asked. "Last I saw, it was still sunny out."

"It is seven-forty-five," Dr. Fixxler reported, checking his pocket watch. "So it's at least 'good evening.' Sunset's coming slowly but surely."

"Fine, fine – good evening," Dennis said with exaggerated manners, bowing.

"Good evening," Alice replied, matching him with a curtsy. "You all sleep well, whenever that may be. We'll see you at breakfast."

"Sleep tight," Victor called, waving after the children as June herded them out of the room. "Though I hardly blame them for not wanting to go upstairs just yet. It is still very bright outside." He glanced at Alice. "Seems strange to think that when we visited Burtonsville in January, it was practically night right after we had our tea."

"One of the downsides of a summer wedding," Alice shrugged. "But we should still get a few good hours with Mama, Papa, Lizzie, and Bonejangles before we have to come back and get some sleep." She directed a grin at Dr. Fixxler. "Thank you again for this."

"Oh, it's my pleasure," Fixxler said with a carefully-careless wave. "After seeing how much fun you two had the last time, I couldn't think of a better wedding present."

"I can't either, if I'm honest." Victor looked over at Victoria. "And I'm still up for making it a foursome, like we discussed earlier."

"The more the merrier," Alice agreed. "It's our wedding, but it wouldn't have happened the way we wanted without you."

Victoria twisted her hands in her lap. "I – oh, I do want to see Downstairs," she confessed, glancing between them and Christopher. "You made it sound so lovely, Victor. So – fun."

"I wouldn't mind a look at what's waiting for us," Christopher agreed. "And to meet the Liddells and Bonejangles. They sound like excellent people."

"They are – though, ah, Bonejangles probably would like the opportunity to apologize to your wife," Victor admitted. "He told me before that he's felt guilty for quite a while now for leading the charge of the dead into interrupting your wedding breakfast to Barkis, Victoria."

"Why should he feel guilty about that? If he and his friends hadn't shown up when they did, Barkis might have succeeded in spiriting me away and having me join them," Victoria pointed out.

"Perhaps, but he still feels bad. And it is sort of his fault that your parents decided they never wanted to see me again."

"That's fair, but that also led to me meeting Christopher, so. . . ." Victoria put her hand over Christopher's, interlacing their fingers. "And Hildegarde told me afterwards he was a perfect gentleman to her when he escorted her to the church, so I find it hard to hold any true ill will toward him. I'll happily go down if it means clearing the air between us."

"Well, that settles that, then!" Alice said, clapping her hands. "Unless anyone else wants to make the trip."

"Um. . . ."

Everyone turned to see June back in the doorway, fiddling with her skirt. "You – you said Bonejangles was going to be there?" she said, ducking her head with uncharacteristic shyness.

Victor slapped his face. "Of course. . .I'm sorry, June – we should have thought you'd want to actually meet your brother."

"It's fine – we were so busy with the wedding planning, I never knew how to bring it up," June assured him, waving a hand. "I wouldn't have asked now except you were just talking about bringing the Whites down. . . ."

"We can fit you in – somehow," Alice said, turning back to Fixxler. "Do you need someone to run back to the shop?"

"Never fear – with this spell, I always bring extra eggs in case of emergency," Fixxler said, wagging a finger. "How about the happy couple goes down first, then June and the Whites straight afterward?"

"Sounds like a plan to me." Alice grinned. "And avoids the possible problem of Victor showing up Downstairs with three women in tow."

"Oh, everyone in the Land of the Dead knows about my troubles with getting married by now," Victor joked, leaning on his hand. "They'll just think I've somehow managed to propose to all three of you by accident and haven't straightened it out yet."

June giggled. "Terribly sorry, Victor, but you're not exactly my type. If you want an orgy, you'll have to stick with the Whites."

"Hey, that's my line!" Alice protested, laughing through a heavy blush. "I'm never going to live down those jokes, am I? Don't any of you say a word about that in front of my parents."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Christopher assured her, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

"Christopher, no," Victoria said, hiding her face in her hands. "I'd never be able to look them in the eye again."

"You wouldn't?" Victor asked, turning pink at the very thought. He put his arm around Alice. "I'm perfectly happy with just the one wife, thank you."

"And I'm happy with one husband," Alice nodded, kissing his cheek. "So, how long until you think it's finally dark enough, Jeremiah?"

"I hate to say this, but – probably another hour at least," Fixxler admitted, with a weak, awkward smile.

". . .Victoria, Christopher, please tell me something particularly interesting happened in Sandford recently."

Victoria and Christopher shared a chuckle. "Well, Mrs. Vimes and the Winks pass on their love, if that helps. . . ."

"Is it really ten after nine?!"

"Yes, and the bloody sun has finally gone away," Fixxler said, glaring out the window. "Nothing against your stories, mind, Mr. White. Just I think we were all getting a little antsy."

"No offense taken," Christopher assured him, rising from his seat. They'd returned to the foyer, chatting about this and that while sneaking glances at the dimming light outside. "I was starting to wonder if we'd ever see night."

"So you think we're finally good to go?" Alice asked, fixing her veil.

"I'm at least willing to attempt it. We've probably kept your poor family waiting long enough." Fixxler opened the bag he'd stashed nearby and pulled out an egg. "'Hopscotch' suit you as the return word again?"

"Fine by me," Victor said. "Though, ah, I guess my opinion doesn't really matter much, does it?"

"I'm fine with 'hopscotch,'" Victoria agreed, giving Victor a funny look. "Why shouldn't your opinion matter?"

"Because it won't work on him – thanks to Emily, he fits into both the Living and Dead worlds," Alice explained, gripping Victor's arm tightly. "So if he travels from one to the other, he just stays there unless you actually physically drag him back. Gave us a bit of a fright at the end of our last visit."

"It shouldn't cause any of you any trouble – I'm just special," Victor said, shaking his head. "As always."

"We'll make sure you don't get stuck," June promised, standing on tiptoe to ruffle his hair.

"You can all hold onto each other if it makes you feel better emotionally," Fixxler told Victoria and Christopher. "In the meantime, if the newlyweds could step forward?"

Victor and Alice moved in front of him. "See you in a few hours," Victor said with a nod.

"Have fun!" Fixxler replied, grinning. "And give everyone my best."

Crack! The eggshell broke apart, spewing dark gray smoke that enveloped them like the typical London pea-souper. Victor leaned up against Alice as it lightened to a friendly yellow, then flowed down their bodies and into the floor, revealing –

"CONGRATULATIONS!"

Victor just about jumped out of his skin – only Alice hastily grabbing a nearby chair stopped them ending up on the floor. "What the–"

Bonejangles laughed. "Told ya they'd be surprised, Ms. Plum!"

"Well, they shouldn't be," Ms. Plum declared, scurrying up to Victor and Alice as fast as her plump little body would allow. "Did you really think we wouldn't want to come and see you two married? When Lorina let us know you were finally tying the knot, we dropped everything and came right over!"

"Only ze best for our living groom!" Paul agreed from atop his usual plate, carried by the taller of Plum's assistants. "You are looking quite healthy, Victor! And you as well, Mademoiselle Alice!"

"Thank – thank you," Victor managed, gaping at the crowd of corpses before them. "D-did you bring the entire Ball & Socket with you?"

"As many as wanted to come, anyway," Ms. Plum said, smiling. "Which was a good lot."

"You don't mind, do you?" Lorina asked, with a touch of motherly concern.

"Oh, no!" Victor assured her, waving a hand. "I'm thrilled to see everyone – I'm just surprised, that's all! I thought this was going to be a more private affair!"

"Well, that was a rather odd – oh! Uh, um, hello."

Now it was Ms. Plum's turn to start. "Hello there!" she said, peering around Victor at the Whites and June. "We thought it was just the happy couple coming down!"

"Our own surprise for you – they wanted to see the Land of the Dead," Alice said, laughing. "Which means this affair was never going to be that private to begin with. . .everyone, this is Mr. Christopher and Mrs. Victoria White," she added, gently tugging their friends forward. "And Miss June Thatcher."

"Hullo," June squeaked with a wide, nervous grin.

"June?"

Mrs. Thatcher pushed her way through the crowd, eyes huge in her face. Bonejangles craned his neck, looking similarly stunned. "Junebug, is – is that you?"

June pressed her hand against her mouth. "Mama?"

"Oh, Junie!" Mrs. Thatcher surged forward, grabbing June in a bone-crushing hug. "Oh, darling, I didn't think I'd see you until – well. How are you?"

"I'm fine, Mama," June said, laughing through a gush of tears. "I landed right on my feet in London, thank God. . . ." She returned the hug, pressing her cheek against her mother's. "You're so cold! I don't think you were this chill when we buried you."

"Sorry, Junebug – I can't really help it," Mrs. Thatcher said, patting her back. "The body fails, but the spirit remains." She pulled back, holding her daughter at arm's length. "It's still me inside, June. I promise you that."

"I know, Mama." June turned toward the gobsmacked Bonejangles, giving him a tiny wave. "Um. . .good evening?"

"Hey." Bonejangles took off his hat, turning it round and round in his hands. "Man, look at you. Last time I saw you as a breather, you were still in your crib."

"So they tell me," June nodded. "And they did tell me a lot about you, Jer – Sam." She shook her head with a huff. "Sorry, I have been working on it, I didn't mean – it's all Mama's fault anyway!"

"I simply didn't want to deal with you throwing a fit every time we called him by the 'wrong' name," Mrs. Thatcher replied, smiling. "I didn't realize at the time it would get on his – well, whatever passes for nerves in a skeleton."

"He's just entirely too sensitive," Lizzie declared with a giggle.

"I am not – Jeremy, okay?" Bonejangles added toward the curious glances of the dead around him. "Now go on and forget it again – you know what I like to be called!" He plopped his hat back on his head. "Shoulda gone and got the paperwork to make Sam the first ages ago. . . ."

"If it makes you feel at all better, you've inspired me to make sure my will includes 'my middle name is not to be put on my gravestone under any circumstances,'" Victor told him.

"Smart." Bonejangles looked around at the Whites. "Now over there is somebody I do recognize – you're Miss Everglot, ain't ya?"

"I was," Victoria confirmed. "Mrs. White now, and much happier for it."

"Oh, I'm sure," Ms. Plum nodded. "After being married off to that scoundrel Bittern – we took very good care of him, you needn't worry about that."

"So I've heard." Victoria looked around the room. "Goodness me – it's quite the experience, seeing all this up close. . .it's even more colorful than you said, Victor!"

"Well, some of that is just the decorations," Victor said, casting an amused eye at the rainbow of paper ribbons and streamers dangling from the ceiling, surrounding a sign bearing his and Alice's names and the date in corpse-blue ink. It was touching, really, to realize again just how liked they were down here. "Though yes, that wallpaper is a brighter green than we have Upstairs."

"And the wood is definitely not purple," Alice agreed, glancing at the floor. "Doesn't look half bad, though, does it? What do you think, June? Should we give the Upstairs version a paint job?"

"Well, the children would probably like it," June said, giving the boards a critical once-over. "The trouble would be convincing Dr. Wilson."

"Tell him it would be therapeutic," Arthur suggested. "From what I've heard, the living Houndsditch looks rather dull. . .it's a pleasure to meet you all," he added, looking from her to the Whites and back. "We've heard quite a bit about you."

"Good things, I hope," Christopher said, standing straight and tall in what Victor recognized as his "I'm pretending to be more okay with this than I really am because everyone else seems to be taking it well" stance.

"Very," Lorina confirmed. "Thank you so much for taking care of my daughter when she – wasn't herself. Even if it was only for a little while."

That got him to relax a smidgen. "You're welcome. It's only what a decent person would do."

"Perhaps, but from we've heard, there's very few of those in Whitechapel." Lorina walked up to Alice, tears brimming in her eyes. "Oh, look at you, Alice. My little girl, all grown up and married. . .I wish we could have been there for the ceremony. I expect it was beautiful."

"It was," Victoria said, with a warm smile for the couple. "Very simple, but full of love."

"I do hope the pastor didn't give you any trouble with your having your skirt up by your knees," Arthur asked, eyeing the hem with a frown. "I mean, I know it's July up there and all, and you look lovely, my dear, just – it's not exactly proper to show that much stocking, is it?"

"Since when have I cared what's proper?" Alice retorted. "And no, we didn't have an issue. Mostly because we didn't have a pastor. We got married at a registrar's office."

"What?!" Ms. Plum's hat wobbled indignantly as she whipped around to glare at Victor, hands on hips. "Victor Van Dort!"

"It was her idea!" Victor defended himself, pointing at Alice. "No fuss! Besides, she doesn't have a parish, and – what was I supposed to do, ask Pastor Galswells?"

"I know Emily wanted the big to-do, but I'm not her," Alice agreed, frowning back at Ms. Plum with arms crossed. "I just wanted to be married, with minimal fuss."

". . .Oh. Well, I – that's fair," Ms. Plum allowed, the fire going out of her. "I'm sorry, both of you. We just want the best for you two. Especially after seeing our groom cheated out of a wedding twice and all! No offense to you, Mrs. White, we know it wasn't your doing."

"None taken – he really was," Victoria said.

"We didn't lack for any of the essentials, I assure you," Alice said, softening. "Obviously we've got the clothes, and June made a delicious meal. That and some well-wishing was all we needed."

"So long as you're both happy," Lorina said, wrapping first her, then Victor in a tight embrace. "And trust me, Ms. Plum, I never expected Alice to make a fuss about her eventual wedding. She never had any patience for playing Bride or House as a girl."

"Except for the two months I had a crush on Reginald Hargreaves from school," Alice said, with a nostalgic giggle. "And that ended when he made fun of me for trying to give him some flowers and I ended up popping him in the mouth instead. . . ." She bit her lip. "Speaking of childhood – there should be some children down here too, shouldn't there?"

"They're out playing in the yard," Arthur confirmed. "With Scraps – yes, he's here too," he added as Victor's eyes lit up. "Did you think we'd come all this way with all these people and not your dog?"

"Elder Gutknecht declined to make the trip – worried about fragile bones – but he says he wishes you both every happiness," Lizzie said with a little nod.

"We'll have to send our best wishes back," Victor replied, smiling. "How is everything in Downstairs Burtonsville these days?"

"Oh, the usual," General Wellington reported. "No new arrivals yet, but I suppose that's a good thing. We just march on day by day, rallying the troops, going through the paces, that sort of thing." He directed a skeletal smile Christopher's way. "Looking forward to hearing a few new war stories while we're here!"

Victor blinked and scratched his head "We – didn't tell you he was a solider."

"That stance is unmistakable," General Bonesaparte declared. "As are the eyes. You don't get a stare like that unless you've been on the front lines."

"I've visited a few," Christopher said, finally relaxing fully as he found his people. "India, mostly. . .I take it from the costumes you two were part of the dust-ups with Napoleon."

"Opposite sides," Bonesaparte confirmed. "He put a saber through me same moment he got shot by one of our cannon. Rather embarrassing way to end up Downstairs."

"Took us a good couple months to let go of the old grudges," Wellington nodded.

"And now you share drinks and muster the troops together," Victor said, smiling.

Wellington patted Bonesaparte's head. "Have to do something with the afterlife!"

"How about Oxford?" Alice asked her family. "Anything of interest there?"

"Funnily enough, David Hargreaves arrived a little while ago," Arthur told her. "Says Reginald's now a cricket player – and married to your old playmate Edith!"

"Really! I hope they're doing well."

"David didn't see any signs of anything other than domestic bliss before he passed." Arthur grinned. "And our own Sam now has a regular spot at the Hip Joint, with his Boys."

"Yeah – been workin' on a bunch of new songs," Bonejangles confirmed, tipping his hat back. "Includin' one about you and Victor, in fact. Figured I ought to run it by you before tossin' it into the wild, though."

"That would be nice," Victor nodded, before smiling. "'Our own Sam,' hmmm? You and Lizzie didn't leave something out of any of your recent letters?"

"No no – I'm perfectly happy with just being a girlfriend still," Lizzie said, holding up a hand. Her other sought out Bonejangles's. "But he is part of the family."

"That's right," Lorina nodded, making a minor adjustment to Victor's tie. "Just like you are, Victor. I know Alice is carrying your name, but we're very proud to have you as part of our Liddell clan."

Victor swallowed back a lump in his throat. "I'm very proud to be one of yours."

"Ruff! Ruff!"

Scraps suddenly came tearing into the room, bones clattering as his tiny paws skid across the floor. He launched himself at Victor, wagging his tail so hard it snapped off halfway up. "Ooops! Oh dear. . . ." Victor crouched down and swept it up with a hand, pressing the other against Scraps's head with a laugh. "Easy, boy, easy!"

Scraps barked again and put his front paws against Victor's knee, nosing his face and making noises that suggested he'd be licking him all over if he had a tongue. "Yes, yes, I'm happy to see you too," Victor assured him, rubbing his skull. "Now sit, boy! Sit!"

Scraps sat, tilting his head with doggy adoration. Victor carefully reattached his tail, then ran his fingers up and down his ribs. "Who's my good boy? Who's my good boy?"

"He's the best boy," a voice said behind him.

"Isn't he just?" Victor said, glancing over at the owner. "I'm so glad–"

He stopped dead, eyes wide. Oh – oh no. . . . "C-Caroline?"

It was indeed Caroline, blue-faced and worm-eaten, standing at the head of a group of otherwise unfamiliar children. She gave him a little wave. "Hi, Victor. So you and Alice got married, huh?"

"Yes. . .oh, Caroline." Victor put his hand over his mouth, struggling to contain the swell of emotion. "I'm so sorry."

Caroline shrugged and poked at a moth hole in her skirt. "It's okay. Better than what almost happened." The children behind her nodded vigorously, making faces at each other.

"It was you that day we passed through Limehouse," Alice murmured, crouching beside Victor. "I – I couldn't make myself believe it then. . .what happened?"

Caroline curled what was left of her lip. "Bloke who bought me was in a hurry – shoved me into the street right in front of a cab. And, well. . . ." She turned, revealing a frighteningly deep oval dent in her skull. "Horse didn't stop in time."

Victor winced. "How terrible."

"It only hurt for a minute," Caroline assured him. "Then I was down here with all my brains back." She smirked. "Bet that arse was mad he'd wasted all his money on me!"

Alice shook her head, lower lip caught between her teeth. "He shouldn't have been able to touch you in the first place. I'm sorry – for all of you," she added, looking at the others. "I so wish I'd figured Bumby out sooner. Managed to save more of you."

"Aw – don't be sad, Alice," a little boy spoke up. "Not your fault. Doctor was mucking up your head just the same, wasn't he?"

"And it's great down here!" a girl added, eyes bright. "Grown-ups hardly ever tell you what to do! You can eat sweets whenever you like, and stay up late, and leave your toys lying all over the floor!"

"Mr. Liddell even teaches us stuff whenever he comes by!" another girl said, pointing at Arthur. "Like how octopuses can change color to hide places!"

"Octopi, technically," Arthur corrected with a chuckle.

"Yeah, them."

June laughed. "And the children Upstairs complain constantly about our plans to set up a little schoolhouse in Houndsditch! Perhaps if we could have you come up and teach, Mr. Liddell, they'd be more enthusiastic."

"I'd be delighted, but my own lack of magical ability forbids," Arthur said, smiling. "Though perhaps I could plan a special syllabus for Halloween?"

"We'll talk it over with Dr. Wilson," Alice said, some of the tension leaving her body. "I'm glad you all are happy down here."

"Yeah – and we're glad that old bastard didn't get you to forget everything either," the boy from before said with feeling.

"You should have seen it when he came down here!" Caroline cried, bouncing up and down with vicious excitement. "Miss Lizzie and Bonejangles almost made him poo himself!"

"And then Miss Lizzie took his tonker right off!" the octopus girl said, grinning.

"All he deserved," Lizzie said, folding her arms.

"As if you'd hear any arguments from us," Victor told her. "I wish I had gotten to see it."

"Hearing the story second-hand will have to do," Alice said, smiling as cruelly as the girls. "I'm extremely glad he will trouble you no more."

"We are too," the sweets-loving girl said, making a face. "Old crow. Like to do the same to the ratfink who got me when he shows up."

"I'm always available to lend a hand," Lizzie assured her.

"And you can be certain we'll be doing all we can to make sure nobody else ends up in your position," Alice added with a nod. "Harry, Fred, and Daniel are most diligent officers – they've tracked down quite a few of Bumby's most loyal 'customers.' And with the evidence against them in that dreadful ledger, I imagine most of them will swing before the year's out."

"Good," Caroline declared, sporting a serious frown. The other children around her nodded. "Though, honestly? I'd rather mine get kicked in the head by a horse."

Victor chuckled coldly. "Well – maybe you can arrange something once he's Downstairs."

The boy suddenly snapped his fingers. "Hey! Almost forgot!" He pushed his way through the crowd, racing into the hallway. A few minutes later, he was back, carrying a sheaf of crinkly papers tied with a dusty old bow. "Here you go, Alice! Your pop said you were getting married, so we got you a wedding present!"

"Did you!" Alice accepted the stack with a smile, undoing the ribbon as she did. "How thoughtful. Thank you – very. . . ."

Her voice faded as she looked at the first sheet. Victor watched, puzzled, as she shuffled rapidly through the papers, eyes growing wider by the moment. "Alice?" he asked, a touch concerned. "What is it?"

She looked at him, opened her mouth, then shook her head and offered him the sheaf. Victor accepted it, frowning. What on earth had gotten into her? Surely the children hadn't drawn them any disturbing to commemorate their nuptials, had they? Cautiously, unsure what awaited him, he looked down at the top page.

A familiar sketch of a Papilio machaon stared back at him.

Victor gasped, sheer shock knocking him off his heels and onto his backside. The crowd drew in, Victoria putting a steadying hand on his back while Scraps nudged his side with a curious whine. "Victor?" June asked, tugging her braid. "Are you all right?"

Victor couldn't answer, too busy flicking through the papers. Here was the Dingy Skipper on its rose. . .and now the Common Brimstone with wings spread perfectly flat. . .the Wood White clinging to a stick. . .the Old World Swallowtail dancing across a cloud. . .and the one he would always think of as Emily's butterfly, fluttering around its glass bell, capturing a fateful morning in ink. . . . "They're – they're mine!" he finally got out, unable to tear his eyes away.

"See! I told you, Farley!" Caroline crowed, hands on her hips. "Victor was the one with all the butterflies! Alice did other stuff!"

"I never met Victor!" Farley protested. "How was I supposed to know?"

"There is one from me in there," Alice said, peeling back a corner to show a coffin piano in the Ball & Socket. "Though given it was my birthday present to you, I guess that still means it's yours."

Victor extracted it with the greatest care, staring at the faded pencil lines through watery eyes. "I – I never thought I'd see this again," he whispered, voice cracking. "I n-never thought I'd s-see any of them again. . .n-not after he. . .I thought f-for sure t-they were gone for g-good. . . ." He looked up at the children. "H-how?"

"They – just sort of showed up one day in his office," the sweets-loving girl explained, anxiously digging a toe into the floorboards. "We thought they were pretty, so we kept 'em."

"Seems like however Bumby disposed of them was enough to make them count as 'dead,'" Arthur said, looking from the pictures to Victor and back. "Like Elder Gutknecht's books." He bit his lip – what was left of it. "I take it they mean rather a lot to you."

"The world," Victor choked out. "They. . .I. . . ."

Victoria bent over him and gently tugged the papers from his grasp – which was good, as the tears were just beginning to drip down his chin. "They're safe and sound now," she said softly, touching his shoulder. "Just leave them with Christopher and me – we'll get them framed and have them ready for you to hang in your house once you get back from Brighton. How's that?"

Victor nodded, not trusting his voice. "We'd appreciate it, thank you," Alice confirmed, then pulled him into a tight hug. "Shhh. It's all right, darling. It's okay."

"We didn't mean to make you cry!" the octopus girl said, hands over her mouth.

"No, it's – it's fine," Victor said, finally mastering his emotions enough to smile. "They're happy tears, I promise." He looked over the little faces, heart just about ready to swell right out of his chest. "Thank you – thank you so much. It's the best present I could have ever gotten."

"Uh. . .you're welcome. . . ." Farley shared a baffled stare with the other children. "People cry when they're happy?"

"Grown-ups are weird," the sweets-loving girl said, crossing her arms and rolling her eyes.

Alice snorted. "You won't hear any argument from us." She accepted a handkerchief from June and passed it on to Victor. "You're sure you're all right?"

Victor nodded, taking the hanky and drying his eyes. "I'm fine," he whispered, giving her his brightest smile. "I'm fine."

Alice smiled back at him, rubbing his cheek with a thumb. "You know what? I think, this time, I believe you." She pulled him into a kiss, ignoring the various "ew!" "yucky!" "bleh!" noises behind them. "I love you."

Victor tangled his hand into her hair. "I love you too."

"Not to ruin the moment, but perhaps you ought to get off the floor now," Arthur said with a little grin. "I think Lorina and Ms. Plum will have your head if you ruin that dress, Alice."

"They'll have to wait for me to have a word or two with the dressmaker if that's the case," Alice said, standing up and brushing off her hem. "I specifically asked this be tough enough for me to wear again."

"And this suit's survived much worse than a little dust," Victor nodded, joining her on his feet. He tugged at the shoulder. "Pass my compliments along to Black Widow when you see her next – a year and a half, and the stitches are still holding!"

"Nothing like spider silk for mending, I've found," Ms. Plum said. "She'll be pleased as punch, I'm sure of it."

Caroline tugged on Alice's skirt. "Alice? Since you're here – would you mind telling us another story? I've missed them."

"Me too," Farley agreed. "Miss Lizzie has some good ones, but she can't tell 'em as good as you."

"Oh, thank you, not all of us can be gifted," Lizzie said with a mock-frown.

"It's okay – we know you try your best," Farley replied with a grin.

"I'm not opposed, but – well, what is it you want to hear?" Alice asked, looking around the eager faces. "You all must know my Wonderland exploits by heart."

"How about how you and Victor met?" the octopus girl asked. "We weren't there when that happened."

"Yeah – Caroline said he kinda married a dead lady and that's how he ended up in Houndsditch?" the sweets-loving girl added, tilting her head.

"It's more complicated than that. . .Bonejangles, I may need your help for this one," Victor said, glancing at his friend.

"Fine and dandy by me," Bonejangles replied, tipping his hat. "How about you start, and I'll jump in when I feel I ought to."

"I'll help where I can," Victoria added. "Fill in some of the gaps you didn't see."

"We can all add to it," Alice said, taking Victor's hand as the children plopped down in front of them. "We've all led fascinating lives. And deaths, come to think of it." She grinned at him as a chuckle swept the room. "Seems like we can never quite shake off children wanting to know our business, hmm?"

"I don't mind," Victor said, laughing quietly. "And today of all days seems like an excellent time to recount our history. It's been a very wild ride to this point."

"Indeed," Alice agreed. She stretched herself onto tiptoe to peck his cheek. "But I think it's been worth the admission price."

"Me too." Victor turned to the waiting eyes and ears. "All right – it all really started when a young man was arranged to be married – and could not, for the life of him, remember his wedding vows. . . ."

The End