I spent the rest of the evening trying to find an excuse to return to the part of the house where I'd left Jack, but found myself confounded at every attempt. While I was fairly certain Kate had nothing to do with the conspiracy, she was so wrapped up in what we had done she wouldn't leave me alone for an instant.

"Oh Burdie," she said, smiling like she really meant it as we toured the edge of the ball room yet again, "this is the very best night of my life."

And while ...