I should have known you would have found a very imaginative way to put Sir Swine in his place, but what actually happened... I still can't stop laughing
You mentioned a few characters whose story I'd like to read someday. I know, I know, you're writing countless stories already, but surely Madelaine Vardy deserves a HEA after the breach of contract suit, doesn't she? And what about Emily and Peter? Let's not forget the good vicar, who should have kept his mouth tightly shut (but we'll forgive him, this time, since in the end it caused no harm) and Aunt Letty, who -I hope - already has at least a plot. As always, in the meantime (that is, while I wait for you to write and post your wonders) I'll make do with my own imagination.
Ehm, there's one thing I didn't get. Why is it necessary for Val to bring three ladies with him when he goes to France? Wouldn't it be less suspicious -and quicker- if he went alone?