Although if they’d had the good sense to just stay home and, ahem, fully enjoy one another’s company, that would make for the kind of novel that the boys in the audience might decidedly prefer and are undoubtedly really hoping this is going to turn into.

I would note that despite Dame Agatha’s extremely prudish appearance and manner, she really was both a very sound sleeper and a lousy chaperone. And I suspect she might have had a few adventures in her own youth and been secretly winking at those of her young charges, don’t you think? I submit as evidence her response to learning of Polly and Eustacia’s visit to a rather risque theatrical performance, “Well, that might not have been MY choice, but I’m glad you enjoyed yourselves.” I would note that P & E’s night of decadence occurred, as did so many wonderful adventures, when they were visiting the Great City at the height of the season, chaperoned only by their delightfully amusing uncle Lord Eugenio, who was always by 3 p.m. far too deeply into his cups to have a thought for his young charges, although in the mornings he would make up for it by insisting that they all attend some very educational lectures and exhibitions.

Ah, I do miss those lovely representatives of the elder generation–you shall have to give them some more appearances. And do start showing us some of these young scoundrels and rapscallions who tempt our young heroines. John the footman sounds like quite a charmer.

Once an editor, always an editor. And a very pushy and demanding one.