‘What do you mean?’ She looked up at him, fairly certain she knew but not quite sure enough to reply without clarification.
‘I’m asking you to marry me.’ He gazed down at her, a sense of wonder in his expression. ‘I’d decided I wasn’t going to try the whole marriage thing again. It was such a disaster before. But you’re different.’
A thousand thoughts and questions floated through Helena’s mind like motes of dust. Could she trust him? And did he love her as much as she loved him?
Her silence made him talk more. ‘I’ve never met a girl like you, Helena, so sweet and kind and yet so maddeningly attractive! I didn’t realise girls came in that model. I thought they were all selfish and narcissistic. But, to be honest, I think I’d have fallen in love with you even if you hadn’t rescued the kitten or done anything kind. I know it hasn’t been long but it feels right. I feel I’ve met my other half.’
‘But how do you know it’s real? You thought you were in love before.’
‘Because it’s happened without me realising it. I love you, Helena, for better, for worse. And if you leave me, you should know I’ll go on loving you for the rest of my life. I realise it’s not easy for you because you don’t know who is declaring their love to you. Is it Jonathan? Or is it Jago? Well, I’ll tell you, it’s Jago. Jonathan was the boy who was made a man by bad things happening to him. But can you believe me? Can you trust me?’
Helena’s uncertainty left her as surely as if had never been there. Of course she could trust him – and he had told her he loved her pretty clearly. ‘Oh, Jago! Of course. And yes, I’d love to marry you.’
He gave a deep sigh of relief before his hold on her tightened and he kissed her.
Chapter Thirty-three
Gilly had put on a brave mother’s smile while she waved off her daughter into the rainstorm but she was very worried. Watching your child get over heartbreak was, she knew, one of the hardest parts of being a parent, and she really hoped she didn’t have to do it for Helena and Jago. They were such a good couple, so well suited, and whatever his past, she was certain Jago was a good man.
She was delighted when William called. ‘Gilly? Are you very busy? Could you tunnel out for a visit somewhere?’
It was lovely to hear his voice and she particularly loved hearing him say her name. ‘I’m not that busy, as it happens, being midweek. What did you have in mind?’
‘I want you to come and see my house.’
Just for a moment Gilly had a nasty flashback of when Leo took her to see his house – the beautiful house he didn’t own. ‘Oh,’ she said.
William seemed to know she was having a wobble. ‘I just thought you ought to know where I lived. After all, we are a couple now, aren’t we?’
‘We definitely are.’ Gilly gave a little sigh of happiness. ‘When will we go?’
‘Tomorrow. I’d like to take you out to lunch first, nearby, and then show it to you. I’m planning to take the afternoon off.’
‘I do love an outing when a bit of bunking-off is involved,’ said Gilly. ‘Will you pick me up? Or shall I meet you somewhere. I’ve got to do some shopping so it would be no trouble.’
‘I’d prefer to pick you up, if you don’t mind, then it’s more like a date and less like an estate agent’s appointment.’
Gilly laughed and shortly afterwards they disconnected.
William lived in a nearby town that was famous for its antique shops. Fortunately it also had a fair number of very nice places to eat. He took her to a Italian wine bar that was also a delicatessen where he was greeted like an old friend.
‘William! Your table is free. I’ll bring the board over when you’re settled.’ The proprietor gave Gilly a bow that was respectful and curious at the same time.
‘Hello, Franco. This is my good friend Gilly.’
Gilly dipped her head nervously and smiled back; then she followed them to the table.
‘I’m not going to bother to ask if you come here often,’ she said when they were both seated.
He laughed. ‘It is my regular. I live very nearby.’
‘A town house?’
‘Yes.’
‘I can’t wait to see it.’
‘Could you imagine yourself living in a town, Gilly?’
