Finally the need for air became necessary and Richard ended the kiss but he stayed close, his forehead resting on Audrey's, both of the chests heaving as they took in much needed gulps of air.

"I love you too by the way," Richard smiled

"That's good," Audrey chuckled

A seriousness came over Richard's face, "We'll have to go to London next week," he said determinately.

Audrey lent back, "What! why?"

"So you can choose your engagement ring of course,"

"Richard, I don't want to be picky or anything but you haven't even asked me to marry you," she said amused.

Richard looked surprised for a second, "Haven't I? God I'm sorry. Let's put that right."

With that he stepped back from her and took both her hands in his.

"Audrey, I've never felt about anyone the way I feel about you. I love the way you take on a project with such caring and strength. I love how passionate you are about the things that are important to you. I love you with all my heart."

"Richard," she whispered blushing at his words.

"Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"

Audrey nodded enthusiastically, "Yes of course I'll marry you," she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.

Then all of a sudden Audrey remembered Uncle Greville and Richard's mother were there. Her head whipped round to the settee expecting to see them but there was no one there.

Realising what she was thinking Richard smiled, "My mother and your Uncle left a while ago, they are probably at the Manor right now going through my best brandy,"

"That does sound like Uncle Greville," Audrey chuckled

"Do you think they'd be worried if we stayed here for a little while longer?" He asked as she played with the lapels of his jacket.

"I shouldn't think so, why?"

"Because, I'd like to take you upstairs and make love to you,"

Audrey grinned, dropping her hands from his jacket she extricated herself from his embrace and took his hand, leading him out of the sitting room and up the stairs.

"What about Brabinger?" Richard asked worriedly.

"It's his day off, he won't be back for hours," Audrey grinned

An hour later they were laying in bed after a very satisfying hour of love making. After an initial shyness and anxiousness they had found themselves become attuned to the other.

So much so that when Richard had finally eased inside her, she didn't have to tell him what she liked instead he seemed to know exactly when she needed him to increase his pace and where to touch her to give her the most pleasure.

When nearing his release he had began to pull out of her, she told him to stay, that she wanted to have his children. Richard's hips had involuntary thrusted harder against her, aroused by her words. She had wrapped her legs around his waist and held him inside as he reached his peak.

"We had better get up, we have to see your mother and Uncle Greville," Audrey sighed.

"Not even married yet and your telling me what to do," Richard said with mock indignation.

Audrey laughed, "Darling, I've been telling you what to do for three years,"

When they walked into the sitting room of the Manor they found Uncle Greville, glass in hand laughing with Mrs Poo. Both of them seemed to have consumed a considerable amount of Richard's finest brandy.

Picking up the nearly empty bottle Richard looked at his mother, "I think you've been to generous with the brandy mother,"

"Nonsense Bedrich, I am being a good hostess," she hiccuped.

"A very good hostess, besides at our age a little tipple in the afternoon is essential," Greville defended.

"However time is getting on and I should book into a hotel for the night," Greville said getting to his feet unsteadily.

"You're very welcome to stay here Sir," Richard said taking the older mans arm to steady him.

"That's very kind of you, and Richard please don't call me Sir. Makes me feel like I'm back in the RAF. I think it's about time you called me Greville, you are after all soon to be my nephew in law."

"You have asked her haven't you Bedrich?" Mrs Poo asked concerned.

Before Richard could open his mouth Audrey had answered for him, "He has and I said yes,"

"Didn't I always say Audrey was the girl for you, you should listen to your mother," Mrs Poo said wagging her finger at her son.

"Yes Mother you did and you were right,"