Paul held Isobel's hand tightly and their arms swung gently as they made their way back to the party.

"Anyway, you told me you were busy tonight," he said, teasingly.

"I was. Making you realise you can't live without me. It was very hard work," she replied.

"But I really wanted you to me getting inaugurated," he told her, slightly more seriously.

She stopped and wrapped her arms round him again, "I did."

"Yeah," he asked, holding her close, "How come?"

"I was watching from the trees. Do you really think I'd miss you becoming Laird? It's one of the most important days of your life."

"For more than one reason," he leaned down and kissed her gently, "Thank you."

"Hey!" shouted a voice from the party, "Stop canoodling and come and greet your public, your Laridship."

Paul released Isobel and turned to face the intruder, "Thank you, Chester."

"Come on Paul," Golly added, arriving behind Chester, "The Laird must have his first dance with his first lady."

"Is that traditional?" Paul asked, suspiciously.

"We're testing it out," Golly replied, smiling.

Paul turned back to Isobel, "Are you up for it?"

"Wow, that's such a romantic way to ask for a dance," Isobel replied, clearly not impressed.

"Sorry," Paul retracted, then in his poshest voice, "Isobel, my love, light of my life, my darling flower, would you care to take a turn about the floor with me?"

She laughed, "No."

"No?" he repeated.

"No," she reiterated, "Not dressed like this. Give me ten minutes and I'll be back."

As Isobel retreated out of sight, Paul turned to Golly, who said, "Giving you the run around already, is she? Good."

Ten minutes passed. Then twenty. And after thirty, Paul was about to send out a search party, when Isobel appeared at the top of the beach. Paul gasped and she grinned, slinging her black strappy shoes over her shoulder. He reached out for her hands as she approached him, but kept her at arms length, allowing him a full view.

"I love that dress. Is it new?" he asked.

"New? Up here? You must be joking! I've had it for years," she replied, then leaned in closer, "So I wont be wanting to keep it on too long."

Paul smiled at her, and dropped one of her hands, using the other to lead her into the tent, where she slipped on her shoes.

"There, now I can actually see you," she told him, feeling better for the height her heels provided.

"Good. Now, would you like to dance with me?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied.