On New Years Eve everyone gathered at the manor ready to celebrate the new year, Mrs Poo, Henry and Brabinger even Marjory had made it.

They had decided to have their own little new year celebration separate from the staff this year who were all at the village hall enjoying themselves.

As the clock struck midnight Richard and Audrey shared a tender kiss. Unaware of anyone else around them Richard deepened it wrapping his arms around her as Audrey rested her palms on his chest.

Ending the kiss Richard pulled back enough to look into her eyes "Should we tell them now darling?" he asked

She nodded her fingers running over the lapel of his suit jacket "It will be published in a few hours anyway."

With one arm still around her Richard turned to the rest of the room "Excuse me everyone, if I could have your attention for a moment...thank you"

Taking a breath he paused before he began "As you know the New Years honours list will be published in a few hours. Well you see I...I"

Seeing her husband was struggling to find the words Audrey decided to help "Richard has been awarded a knighthood in the New Years Honours List"

Mrs Poo threw her arms out towards Richard "Bedrich is it true...oh my little boy...a night of the realm" she flung her arms around his waist hugging him.

Henry was smiling and reached to shake Richard's hand when Mrs Poo had eventually let go of him. "I say Richard what an honour, congratulations my boy"

"Thank you Henry"

Marjory clapped her hands "I knew it, Oh how thrilling,"

Richard turned his head to look at Audrey thinking she would be smiling but grew concerned when he saw that she had tears in her eyes, he put his arm around her.

"It's alright darling, I'm just so very proud of you" she said dabbing at her eyes.

In the early hours of the new year the lord and lady of Grantleigh were in the great hall, it was bathed in candlelight and the couple were dancing.

There was no music, the only sound in the hall was Richard as he hummed their tune in Audrey's ear.

"What a lovely way to start the new year" Audrey sighed

"I could think of an even better way darling" Richard teased

"Richard!...Maybe later darling, I'm much to tired now...you'll probably have to carry me to bed"

Before she knew what was happening he'd lifted her into his arms and began walking towards the staircase.

"I'll carry you anywhere Audrey but right now bed sounds perfect" he said kissing her forehead.

Audrey tightened her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder.

As he walked to their bedroom with Audrey in his arms Richard thought of how lucky he was to have her. Just a few months ago he thought he would never have a chance with her and now they were in love and married.

"What are you thinking about"

"Just you my darling and how lucky I am that you're mine"

"I'm the lucky one darling" she said as she kissed his neck.

He put her down when they reached the bedroom door, opening it he ushered her inside.

"Tonight has been perfect Richard. Did you see how big the smile on your mothers face was when we told her"

"Yes I did" he chuckled

"Actually Audrey I was wondering when we go to the palace as well as you and mother I was thinking about asking Henry if he would like to go"

"Oh Richard that's a lovely idea, you really are a very sweet man" she wrapped her arms around his neck pressing him closer to her. Richard ran his hands down her back coming to rest on her waist.

"Thank you"

"Brabinger is already calling you Sir Richard, I think he knew all along"

"Probably, I'll have to get used to the title"

"Sir Richard DeVere does have a nice ring to it"

"Lady Audrey DeVere sounds even better"