Chapter 1: Which takes place immediately after the end of the novel
"I'm so glad you're back!" Sophie exclaimed, feeling genuinely glad that Calcifer had returned. Since she had discovered that she could touch Calcifer without getting burned, she reached down and picked him up out of the grate. Then she promptly kissed him on an enflamed cheek. Howl, Sophie, and Michael laughed as his face changed from blue to red in embarrassment. It was odd to find the usually quick-witted fire demon rather tongue-tied at Sophie's expression of affection.
"Sophie, dear," Fanny said, interrupting the mirthful group, "you mustn't stay here any longer."
That especially caught Howl and Sophie's attention.
"Why not?" Sophie asked with surprise.
"It isn't at all proper for a very beautiful young woman to be living in a house with an unmarried man, especially one with Howl's reputation."
"If you're suggesting that we get married, I am in complete agreement," Howl stated confidently.
"That I am," Fanny said. "But as it is you haven't asked her yet, and I do believe that she deserves to be courted…just to make sure that you are truly in love with her." Mrs. Fairfax, Lettie, and Martha all saw this was a good idea and nodded in agreement. Lettie still did not quite trust Howl and felt protective of her older sister.
Michael objected. "But I know that Howl's in love with Sophie. He didn't even bother to shave or comb his hair today!" Sophie laughed at this, thinking about how it had led her to draw the wrong conclusion that Howl was in love with Miss Angorian.
"There isn't a doubt in my mind," Howl said gazing at her adoringly. Sophie felt enormously pleased. "But if you insist on a proper courtship and engagement, I will comply. I don't want to have any doubts on her part either."
"What? You don't believe that I love you?" Sophie asked, and then turned pink realizing that it was the first time that she had spoken her feelings aloud.
"What kind of coward do you take me for?" Howl asked incredulously. "I know very well that there are other men more deserving of your affections than me. I would much rather that we get married right away so that there would be no possible way any other such man could come after you and steal you away. But since your mother insists, I will do my duty as a gentleman."
"Why, Howl, that's very brave of you."
"It's settled then!" Fanny exclaimed grasping Sophie's arm. "You'll come live with me and my new husband—just for a little while, until you and Howl work things out. I can't wait for you to meet Mr. Smith! He's so kind and wonderful, I'm sure you'll adore him."
Fanny couldn't help but feel satisfied. She didn't really doubt Howl's feelings for her stepdaughter, reputation aside, but she couldn't help but think that maybe there was something out there better for Sophie. She still felt guilty for the way she had boxed her into taking over the hat shop, and so she wanted to give Sophie the chance to explore her options just a bit before committing herself to marriage. And she also couldn't help but notice the way Prince Justin stared admiringly at Sophie. It would be nice to have a powerful wizard as a son-in-law, but perhaps it would be nicer to have a Prince.