Richard finished putting his dinner jacket on just as Audrey came out from the bathroom and asked him if he was ready.
"Yes darling"
Audrey stood in front of him adjusting his tie as his hands rested on her hips, his thumbs caressing her through the silky material of her dress.
"Now remember darling you promised to be nice this evening"
Richard sighed "I'll try, I just don't want mother hurt"
She patted his tie that she had just finished adjusting "I know you don't, let's just give the man a chance shall we, you never know he might be very nice"
She ran her hands up his chest to his shoulders "You look very handsome darling"
Richard wrapped his arms around her waist holding her tighter to him "And you look beautiful but then you always do"
She gave him a gentle kiss before she pulled out of his embrace and took his hand leading him to the door "Come on let's go and see what this Henry is like"
"Bedrich, Audrey, this is Mr. Reed" Mrs. Poo smiled as she introduced him.
Henry reached out to shake their hands "It's very nice to meet you Mr. DeVere, Mrs. DeVere, Maria has told me so much about you"
Audrey smiled "Oh please call us Richard and Audrey"
"And you must call me Henry"
They had drinks in the drawing-room and engaged in polite conversation, everything was going well until Richard started grilling Henry.
"Are you retired Henry?" Richard asked taking a sip of his whiskey.
Henry nodded "Yes, but I used to be in insurance"
Richard continued his probing "Do you have any children Henry?"
Henry shook his head "No I never married"
"Isn't that unusual for a man of your age?" Richard asked
"Richard!" Audrey exclaimed, nudging him with her elbow.
"No it's alright, yes I suppose it is a little unusual but I never met the right woman and probably spent to much time at work to meet anyone" Henry replied smoothly
Just as Richard was about to ask Henry another question Brabinger entered the drawing-room, "Dinner is ready madam"
"Thank you Brabinger, shall we go through" Audrey gestured for them to move to the dining room grateful that Brabinger had impeccable timing.
As Mrs. Poo and Henry went through Audrey tugged Richard back "Darling I know this is difficult for you but if you do not make an effort with Henry then there will be no adventurous activities for a month"
Richard looked horrified "You don't mean that you love our adventurous activities as much as I do"
Audrey brought her face close to his "I do mean it darling and remember, I am a very determined woman"
Richard sighed "Alright I'll make an effort"
She leaned in and kissed his lips gently, "Thank you darling, now go and be your usual suave and charming self and I may reward you later"
Richard smiled at her as he took her hand and walked into the dining room.
The rest of the evening was spent pleasantly with Richard keeping quiet and being nice to Henry, he knew he had been rude to him but he wanted to protect his mother. She hadn't been out with a man since his father had died.
They exchange goodbyes in the hallway and then Richard walked Henry to his car.
Richard stopped him by the front door "Henry, I'd like to apologize for my behavior at dinner, it was rude and uncalled for and I'm sorry"
Henry shook his head "There is nothing to apologize for, you were looking out for your mother. Look Richard, I don't want to replace your father but I do care for your mother very much and I think it would make her happy if you and I got on."
Richard nodded "Yes that would make her happy"
Henry had an idea that might help them get to know each other better and he hoped Richard would agree "Do you know how to fish?"
"Ah no I don't, silly really we have some very large lakes on the estate and I've never made use of them."
"Why don't you and I find one of these lakes and I'll teach you how to fish" Henry asked
Richard smiled "Alright, Yes I'd like that"
They began walking towards Henry's car again "Best do it soon before the weather turns, I think we'll be having a white Christmas this year"
"How about this weekend? Audrey and I are going to London tomorrow but I'll be back by Friday."
Henry got in his car "The weekend it is then, I'll call and confirm a time. Goodnight Richard and thank your lovely wife again for a very nice evening"
"I will, goodnight Henry, drive carefully"
Richard watched him drive away before turning to walk back inside the manor, looking up he saw Audrey standing in the doorway smiling at him.
He walked up to her as she spoke "So you are going fishing with Henry, that will be nice"
"Yes, well I am trying to make an effort darling"
Audrey grasped the lapels of his jacket "I know you are darling, thank you for trying"
Richard smiled "Does that mean I get my reward now" he asked hopefully
Audrey wrapped her arms around his neck "Mmm, yes it does darling" she said as she kissed him.