“Bad news?”
“I’m afraid so. A violent storm struck Fife, and Kirkcaldy was hard hit: strong winds, high seas, widespread flooding. Much of the town is flooded and some of our estate as well. The storm damaged sections of the roof, and water is getting into the oldest part of the house. He is doing what he can, but I need to go home as soon as may be to help with the cleanup and repair efforts.”
“Oh no. I am so sorry.”
He nodded. “As I mentioned, Effie’s aunt Isla has left. Despite her flaws, she had directed the household staff, and in her absence, there is a lack of leadership about how best to manage the extra work.”
“Sounds like you shall need help.”
Again he nodded, expression troubled as he gazed into his own thoughts.
Sarah tapped her chin. “If only you knew someone who was good at managing staff, and organizing, and getting things done....”
“True.” For a moment he continued to stare into the vague distance, his mind clearly elsewhere. Then his gaze snapped to hers, pleasure brightening his face.
A second later, his expression sobered. “I don’t want a housekeeper, Sarah. I want a wife. A helpmeet, yes, but more than that. A cherished partner, true love, and lover.”
At his words, her heart seemed to swell almost painfully in her chest. She nodded. “I want that too.”
He stepped forward, bracketed her shoulders in both hands, and gave her a swift, hard kiss.
“Does that mean you’ll marry me?”
“It does.”
He kissed her again.
Then aloud, Sarah realized, “You will need to leave straightaway.”
“I can remain one, maybe two days at most. He has engaged a few local men to do a makeshift patch job of the roof, which should hold until I can assess the damage and decide how best to proceed. Besides, Effie would hate to miss the Twelfth Night party.”
“What will we do? You and I, I mean. I can’t travel with you. Even if Effie might suffice as a chaperone for the journey itself, to live in your house as an unmarried woman ...?”
“I know.”
“Calling the banns will take more time than you have.”
“Were you hoping for a long engagement?”
“No.”
“Good.” He raised her chin with his fingers. “Because now you’ve finally agreed to marry me, I’ll not risk leavin’ without ye again.”
“But...”
He softly stroked his thumb over her lower lip, and she instantly stilled.
“Will ye trust me, lass?”
“I will.”
“Then get ready to say those same two little words again soon. Give me an hour or so, and I’ll see what I can do. All right? Do not worry. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Are you going to Exeter again?”
“No. Although I’m glad I already did.”
He gave her a final sweet kiss and left on his errand.
