Though This Be Madness

  “What is it?” Cade asked, seeing the shock on her face.

  “It seems I won’t be needing a divorce after all.”

  “Really? Why?” He held out his hand for the letter.

  “Just read the last paragraph.”

  He did. Out loud.

  “ ‘So you see, Miss Long, you were never married to the man at all. He has a history of setting up fake marriage ceremonies, using his friends as preachers, priests, or whatever. When you next come in, I’ll be happy to show you everything I found and point out the discrepancies in the certificate itself. I’m so sorry to be the bearer of such bad news, and wish you all the best in the future. Respectfully, Simon Linedecker.’”

  Cade folded the letter and handed it back to her. Then he whistled for a cab.

  “That’s it?” she said. “You have nothing to say?”

  “What can I say, Lilly?”

  “Well, say something!”

  He shrugged. “Fine. I think you should be celebrating with a nice glass of wine. He’s a sorry excuse for a human being and you’re better off without him.”

  Lilly looked into his blue eyes for long seconds. Then she nodded. “For once, McShane, I think you’re right.” She looped her hand through his arm. “I’ll buy.”

  Don’t miss the next Lilly Long Mystery

  by Penny Richards

  coming to you in the Spring of 2018

  from your favorites booksellers and e-tailers.

  Photo © Paige Richards

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Penny Richards sold her first book in 1983 and wrote mostly contemporary romances through the years. During a long break from writing, she and her husband owned and operated a bed-and-breakfast and catering business in their renovated 1902 Queen Anne home. Feeling she still had stories to tell, she decided it was time to try a different time period and different genres. She now writes historical mysteries and inspirational historical romances. She loves research, learning how to do new things, cooking, yard sales and flea markets, turning someone else’s trash into one-of-a-kind treasures, and working in her yard.