“It is here where I found happiness, discovered what I wanted…who I wanted and needed. It is not London, but you.”
He took her hands in his. “What of servants? I never was able to hire one.”
“Why are you making so many excuses? If you love me and I love you, yet you will not be my lover without marriage, why are you finding reasons not to marry?”
“Because I need for you to be certain and what you lose by becoming my wife.”
“I only gain you,” she insisted.
“I could not even manage to hire a maid of all work,” he reminded her.
“Perhaps you should not have let Max decide.” She laughed. “Besides, we have servants living right next door,” she reminded him. “Mr. and Mrs. Trenton have taken care of Sea View my entire life even though hardly anyone visits. Their daughters are still our maids. I am certain they would agree to take care of Hartshorn as well or recommend someone who would.”
“My sister enjoyed having someone to cook for again, besides us,” she heard Mrs. Trenton say behind her.
“Aye, it was nice to have people about and be a butler again,” Mr. Trenton said.
Lavinia glanced over her shoulder to find the two on the front stoop, in discussion with each other, but making certain their voices could be heard.
“I worry that I cannot financially support you,” he whispered.
“I have no such concerns. We will have a home and that is really all anyone needs.”
Demetrius reached up and cradled her cheek. “I do love you, Lavinia. With my whole heart I love you.”
“Then marry me you fool.”
“Only after I speak to His Grace.”
Lavinia rolled her eyes, likely for the first time in her life, because Demetrius was being far too cautious. “Then I suggest you go pack your belongings, gather Max and Cam so that we can be on our way.”
“Might I suggest you leave the cat and dog here, Mr. Valentine. We will be happy to see to their care until you return.”
This time Mr. Trenton spoke directly to them.
“They can be difficult. Max slobbers, needs to be brushed and Cal likes to catch and leave mice about, and starfish, and whatever else he can find.”
“He?” Mrs. Trenton asked. “Cal is not a he.”
Demetrius frowned. “I only assumed…though I did not check,” he mumbled quietly.
“Not only is Cal a she, but is also expecting a litter,” Mrs. Trenton laughed. “It would not be a good time for her to travel.”
“How would you know?”
Mr. and Mrs. Trenton laughed. “Because our daughters always had cats and birthed more kittens than any cat has a right to. It only came to an end when we forbade females, only males.”
“I suppose congratulations are in order,” Lavinia laughed. “You are going be a grandfather to kittens.”
“Yes, well the last thing we need is for Cal to be giving birth while we return to London.” He turned to the housekeeper and butler. “Thank you. I appreciate your offer.”
“Now go,” Lavinia insisted. “Pack your trunk, or whatever you need for a short trip. I am quite anxious to be on my way, have that audience with my brother that you insist upon, and return here so that we can begin our life.”
“But he will not return to London for days. He will not even leave Kent for at least another sennight.”
“Then I suppose we should go there instead of London for I do not intend to wait.”
Epilogue
