"And no less than we deserve with our record," says Aramis, moved to a laugh that pushes his head against Porthos' shoulder. "I was a torment to my own parents. She will be a terror, but all the best people are, I feel. Good that we will have our farmhouse and all that countryside to wear her out in."

He grins at Porthos. "And with our tutelage, she may even insinuate herself into Athos' affections."