Epilogue
London took the news of the Fogg wedding smugly. Everyone had laid bets on how long it would take Phileas Fogg to regain his betrothed from St. Pierre. It had been a plot of Rebecca's, some said, to force her reluctant cousin into enough jealousy to declare himself. Others believed that she had given up on him completely, and Phileas had had to beg her to honor their betrothal. There had even been a rumor of a fight between the two suitors.
Nathaniel let the rumors grow without comment, allowing himself the position of reluctant cupid. It suited him and had gained a great deal of sympathy from some of his female friends to boot.
The Foggs were paying no attention. They were back in the country making wedding plans. The only thing they took notice of was a wedding announcement on the paper near theirs. It announced the parlor wedding of Sir Jonathan Chatsworth to Mrs. Katrina Marie McTavish, which had taken place four weeks before. The couple was presently enjoying their wedding trip to Italy and would be returning for a reception in December.
Isaac Jordan was a ruined man. His business had been turned over to his partner, who advanced a senior clerk of good standing to partner. The firm's name changed to Howell and Smith Inc.
The trial, when it came, was kept quiet, as Chatsworth had predicted. There were too many high-ranking people and sensitive information involved to allow a public circus. The villainy of it all had turned the stomachs of the jury and scandalized the court. Isaac Jordan was unanimously sentenced to hang for the multitude of his outrageous crimes. His properties were confiscated as some crimes included treason. His net worth was also confiscated. Hidden assets were issued as compensation for his known victims.
Isaac Jordan died on the gallows, a pauper, and buried accordingly.
May God have mercy on his soul.
The End