Archibald Craven knew they loved each other. He was even waiting anxiously to give his approval for their engagement. He was excited that the question would be asked today. Dickon had requested an audience with him.

"Dickon." Mary giggled, while he pulled her in to a passionate kiss. She loved him. She couldn't wait for the day he proposed. She knew her uncle would agree to it. Dickon was also acting very suspicious today.

"Mary?"

"Yes."

"I love you, you know that right?"

"Of course, what is this all about?"

"Nothing." Dickon got up quickly from their spot on the grass. He turned so he was facing the wall. Mary couldn't believe how much he had grown. When she first met Dickon he was a scrawny 13-year-old boy with dirt on his face, and patched up trousers. Now he was a man, over six feet tall, with muscles. Mary fell in love with that man. She had changed a lot too, now she was sixteen years old, and instead of that scowl on her face all the time she now had a permanent smile which occasionally resulted in dimples.

Dickon finally turned around.

"You ready to leave?" They were eating lunch in the garden. It had become tradition since Colin went away to school. Somehow being in that garden connected them to Colin.

Dickon and Mary walked up the garden path to Misselthwaite Manor, on the steps usually Dickon would kiss Mary, and go on his way to work on the gardens, or one of the other jobs he did at the manor. But today he walked with Mary to her uncle's study.

He knocked when he came to the door. A voice inside said enter, and Dickon held his shoulders back, and walked in.

"Dickon!" Archibald greeted the young man as he would a son. In fact, he often considered Dickon a son. He had known the boy since he was 8-years-old, and had grown to love him.

Dickon shook Archibald's hand. He sat down opposite Archibald and started talking.

"Master Craven, I wish to ask you something. I also wish that you hear my reasoning before you object."

"Of course Dickon."

"Thank you. As you've probably noticed, I have grown up. I am no longer a young boy who can spend all of his time on the moors. I need to do something with my life. The last time I was in the city men were signing up to join the war effort. I wish for you to give me permission to leave Misselthwaite and join the war." Dickon finished his sentence and finally took his eyes off of the floor. Archibald was speechless.

"Well, if you wish to do that I can not object you are a brave young man to put the lives of your countries people before your own. If that is all you may leave, and good luck to you."

Dickon stood and shook Archibald hand once again. He opened the door and found himself face to face with a crying Mary. She looked at him, then ran out of the manor.

"Mary." He yelled after her. He sighed and headed for the garden, that's where she would be.