The Queer Principles of Kit Webb

by Cat Sebastian

Epilogue One month later One morning in the middle of January, when it was early enough that the winter sun hadn’t quite risen and Kit had only just lit the fire, a knock sounded at the door. “Some of us can’t tell time,” announced Percy as he entered the shop, looking sleep rumpled and holding a furious baby. “So I see.” Kit ushered them in toward the hearth. “Are you going to burp that child or not?” “I beg your pardon. Talbots do not belch.” “Give her over,” Kit laughed, holding out his arms. “There now,” Kit said, firmly patting the child’s back. “I tried patting her. I’m not entirely incompetent with— Oh, that’s revolting. Eliza, I’m appalled. We need to discuss standards.” Kit laughed as the baby gave him an indignant look that closely resembled one of Percy’s. “Have either of you managed any sleep at all?” “Well, not recently. She seems to be getting a new tooth and is under the impression that it’s my fault.” “They often are,” Kit said, and saw a stricken look flicker over Percy’s face as he recalled how Kit came by his knowledge of babies. “This one, however, comes from a long line of complainers, so I daresay she came by it honestly.” The baby was getting to the age where she was a bit too heavy and wriggly to hold with one arm, so Kit sat before the fire and let her chew on the collar of his coat. “Put that kettle on, will you?” Kit asked, then watched as Percy glanced around, as if not entirely clear what a kettle was or where it was supposed to go. “On the hoo...